The Best Road Trips in the World – 13 Inspirational Ideas
Road trips are an excellent way of discovering a new place or country. They are an exciting adventure that can make you feel alive. You do not have to rely on public transport, and therefore it is a flexible way to travel. You drive on your terms, not on timetables. We only have one life, so we should use it to enjoy ourselves and make memories. Get ready to discover the raw beauty and different cultures of the world. According to the New York Post, a study by OnePoll suggested that 73% of Americans prefer road trips to flying, so you are not alone if you fancy road tripping.
Turn your radio or Spotify playlist on, look out the window and reflect on life. Did you know road trips are one of the most cost-effective ways to travel? Get ready to explore the great outdoors and fully immerse yourself in the journey. You can wake up somewhere new each day. What is more exciting than that? This article is a list of some of the best road trips in the world. Remember, there are so many exciting road trips, even in your backyard. You do not have to go far to experience the freedom, spontaneity and adventure of a road trip.
13-Bucket List Road Trips
In no particular order, here are 13 of the best road trips in the world. All unique, all epic and all perfect for adventure seekers. Get ready to taste freedom. The adventure is out there, but are you ready for the ride?
1. Perth to Broome, Western Australia
There is no denying that Western Australia has it all. It is the perfect spot for road trippers who are searching for secluded isolation. The state is unique and is full of insane wildlife, iconic sunsets and some of the world’s best beaches, but it is often overshadowed in favour of Australia’s famous east coast. One of the best trips you can take is Perth to Broome drive. It has indescribable and unforgettable natural attractions, like the Pinnacles and Nature’s Window in Kalbarri. It also includes watching a sunset with camels on the beach. Yes, you read that correctly. If you want to continue your journey in Western Australia, there is Perth to Esperance road trip.
Best time to visit: for wildflowers late July/ August, for wales between June and November and May to October for the dry season.
Stops not to miss: Perth, Rottnest Island, Lancelin, The Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Horrocks, Hutt Lagoon, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Karijini National Park, Eighty Mile Beach, Broome.
Recommended duration: 14 days
2. South Island, New Zealand
A road trip in New Zealand is a road trip through the Lord of the Rings set, and what can be better than that? New Zealand has it all, beauty, culture and epic adventure activities. If you are a first-time road tripper in New Zealand and are short on time, the best bet is to road trip the more popular and epic South Island and save the North Island for later. You will not be disappointed.
Best time to visit: December to March for the best weather. April to September to see the Northern Lights.
Stops not to miss: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura
Recommended duration: 14 days
3. Sardinia Island Loop, Italy
Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy and is one of the most stunning destinations in the Mediterranean and the world. It is perfect for a road trip because it has unbelievable coastal drives, quaint villages, historical sites, and insanely beautiful mountains. Whilst you are in Sardinia, you may as well make the most out of your trip and complete the Cagliari to Cagliari return trip around the island. Sardinia is famous for its beaches, so if you are a beach lover on the hunt to find the best beaches in the world – you have arrived at the best destination. A Sardinia road trip is one of a kind.
Best time to visit: the shoulder season – May or September
Stops not to miss: Cagliari, Barumini, Villasimius, Cala Goloritze,Gorropu Gorge, Orgosolo, Mamoiada, Cala Luna, Cala Brandinchi, Olbia, La Maddalena Archipelago, Santa Teresa Di Gallura, Alghero, Castelsardo, Bosa, S’Archittu
Recommended duration: 14 days
4. West of Scotland, United Kingdom
Write your fairy tale on a West of Scotland road trip. Scotland’s beauty is one of a kind and is one of the best road trips in the world. You can expect to see historical castles, deep lochs and insane mountains. It is a road trip suitable for those seeking outdoor adventures and who are not afraid of rain. The best part is that it is legal to wild camp in Scotland, which means you can stay in breathtaking spots and be at one with nature.
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn (few tourists and fewer midges)
Stops not to miss: Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Oban, Glencoe, Fort William (Ben Nevis), Glenfinnan Viaduct, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Stirling
Recommended duration: 10-14 days
5. California, USA
Are you ready for a blissful and breathtaking West Coast road trip in California? It regularly makes the list of the best road trips in the world because of its great roads, and range of natural attractions and cosmopolitan cities. Deciding your route is part of the fun because there are many routes you can take. It is full of scenic and iconic drives and some of the best national parks in the US.
Best time to visit: Year-round destination. (Yosemite’s main road Tioga is closed in Winter).
Stops not to miss: San Francisco, LA, San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park
Recommended duration: 14 days
6. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
It is impossible to write a list of the best road trips in the world and not include the Great Ocean Road in south-eastern Australia. There are so many things to see and do, including the iconic Twelve Apostles, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and the Grampians National Park to hike and spot Koalas. The drive is 151 miles long from Melbourne to Allansford near Warrnambool.
Best time to visit: December to February for the best weather
Stops not to miss: Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Split Point Lighthouse, Lorne, Kennett River, Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell National Park (Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge) The Grampians National Park.
Recommended duration: 3 – 4 days
7. Chiang Mai to Pai, Thailand
In northern Thailand, the road trip from Chiang Mai to Pai is unforgettable because of the 762 corners in its 80km route. It is named route 1095, and a lot of people complete this route by motorbike because it is the quickest way to get to Pai. It is also the one where you best see the insane scenery and waterfalls. This trip is not for the faint-hearted, but it is epic. The mountain air is refreshing, and it is almost impossible to have a negative experience.
Best time to visit: November to February for cooler weather.
Stops not to miss: Chiang Mai, Lod Cave, Pai Canyon, Memorial Bridge, White Buddha, Pai Land Split, Pam Bok Waterfall, Pai Hot Springs,
Recommended duration: 1 day to arrive in Pai, 2 + days to explore and 1-day to return to Chiang Mai
8. National Parks Tour, Costa Rica
Did you know that 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected? It is because of Costa Rica’s desire to preserve the insanely beautiful national parks. Costa Rica is known for its rainforest, wildlife, ziplining, beaches, waterfalls and Volcanoes. To experience the best of Costa Rica, you should visit Tortuguero National Park, enjoy Arenal Volcano National Park’s hot springs, zipline in Monteverde Cloud Forest and discover Manuel Antonio National Park’s white-sand beaches. You should also go white water rafting on the Pacuare River for an unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit: Mid December to April (the dry season)
Stops not to miss: San Jose, Tortuguero National Park. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park.
Recommended duration: 14 days
9. Bratislava to Kosice, Slovakia
If there is one country that surprises people, it is Slovakia. It is underrated and full of charming villages, castles and superb hiking. It might be smaller and lesser-known than other places on this list, but that does not mean you should not add it to your road trip bucket list. Start in Bratislava and make your way to Kosice.
Best time to visit: Spring or Summer for warmer weather
Stops not to miss: Bratislava, Nitra, Banska Bystrica, Poprad, Presov, Kosice
Recommended duration: 7 days
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is one of the best road trips in the world because of its rugged and dramatic coastline and mythical stories. Begin in Belfast, and enjoy the raw beauty of the coast towards Derry-Londonderry (200 miles). Along the way, you will enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Sites, castles and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Best time to visit: Between May and September for the best weather
Stops not to miss: Belfast, Carrickfergus Castle, The Gobbins, Cushendun, the Dark Hedges, Rathlin Island, the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Derry-Londonderry
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
11. Havana to Havana, West Cuba
Do you long to discover the real Cuba? If you want a road trip full of fun, beaches and history, this is the one for you. Discover the colonial towns, the classic cars and see Cuba’s revolutionary past. The Caribbean island will entice you with its beauty and authentic experiences, making it one of the most memorable and best road trips in the world. You can hire a car, a Taxi Colectivo or catch the bus to see the highlights.
Best time to visit: March to April (dry season)
Stops not to miss: Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos, El Nicho, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Varadero
Recommended duration: 14 days
12. Vancouver Island Loop, BC, Canada
Vancouver Island is in British Columbia, Canada and is an island with 12,079 square miles to discover. It takes around 7 hours to drive from one end of the island to the other. It is a diverse road trip for those who love wild adventures, beaches, untouched forests, quaint towns, and snowy mountains. It is one of the best road trips in the world because there is something for everyone. Why not try kayaking on one of its beautiful lakes? Life is an adventure on Vancouver Island.
Best time to visit: It is a year-round destination. Lovely in spring because of the cherry blossoms in Victoria and the hiking opportunities.
Stops not to miss: Victoria, Sooke, Tofino, Campbell River, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan
Recommended duration: 5-7 days
13. Lisbon to Porto, Portugal
Despite being a small country, Portugal has a lot to offer and an exceptional place to go on a road trip. For an off-the-beaten-path road trip, you should head from Lisbon to Porto along the western coast. It is perfect for road trippers that love surfing, beaches, medieval towns and vibrant cities.
Best time to visit: April- June for good weather and fewer people
Stops not to miss: Lisbon, Sintra, Peniche, Obidos, Nazare, Coimbra, Porto
Recommended duration: 5- 7 days
Road Trip Checklist
- Chargers/ Power bank
- Water and food (+ snacks)
- Music (playlists and podcasts)
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Camera
- Camping Chairs
Road Trip Tips
- Allow more driving time than Google Maps suggests (traffic, windy roads and photo stops).
- Take some cash with you, as some places may not accept cards.
- Pack clothes for all weather conditions and layers for colder evenings.
- Go with the flow, be flexible and enjoy the journey.
Useful Road Trip Apps
- Wiki Camps
- CamperMate
- Roadtrippers
- Gaia GPS
- Spotify
- Night Sky (stargazing)
For more, read our post about our Top 10 Travel Apps.
There you have it, 13 of the best road trips in the world. Do you feel inspired? Are you ready to plan your next epic adventure? Freedom. Adventure.Spontaneity.
We would love to hear about your road trip plans or bucket-list road trips. Where do you love road tripping? Where will you go next? Where are your best road trips in the world? There are always more to discover, and we love to learn.
Photo Credit: averagelives.com
