Road trips are an excellent way to explore new places while enjoying the journey. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a change of scenery, there’s something about hitting the open road that is both thrilling and rejuvenating. Here are 15 road trips that everyone should take at least once in their lifetime.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California): This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the California coastline and takes you through charming coastal towns like Santa Barbara and Monterey.
2. Route 66 (USA): This iconic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and takes you on a journey through America’s heartland with plenty of quirky roadside attractions along the way.
3. Great Ocean Road (Australia): This stunning drive along Australia’s southern coast features rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque seaside towns.
4. Ring Road (Iceland): The Ring Road circles Iceland’s entire perimeter, taking drivers past glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, black sand beaches and geysers.
5. Garden Route (South Africa): The Garden Route runs along South Africa’s southern coast and showcases lush forests, beautiful lagoons & estuaries as well as majestic mountain ranges
6. Amalfi Coast (Italy): The narrow winding roads offer some of Europe’s most spectacular ocean vistas dotted with colorful houses perched on steep cliff sides
7. Icefields Parkway (Canada): Running through Banff National Park all the way up to Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada this trip is flanked by towering rocky peaks carved by glaciers that pepper these parks’ valleys with turquoise lakes
8. Ruta 40(Argentina) : Over 5000 kilometres long , this Patagonian highway spans across Argentina’s deserts mountains and has everything from vineyards to ancient ruins.
9.Trollstigen(Norway) : A series of hairpin bends carved into a steep mountainside which leads visitors over bridges suspended over waterfalls in one of the world’s most dramatic backdrops
10. Grand Canyon (USA): The drive to the Grand Canyon takes you through some of Arizona’s most scenic desert landscapes before arriving at one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
11. Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland): This coastal route runs along Ireland’s western coast and offers stunning ocean views, charming towns, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
12. Cabot Trail (Canada): Located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, this drive takes you through rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, and lush forests.
13. The Great Ocean Road (Australia) : The 243 km stretch between Torquay and Allansford is a paradise for beach lovers with numerous surf spots as well as cliffs plunging into turquoise waters
14. Highlands Circuit(Scotland) : Scotland’s Highlands region is known for its rugged beauty; fuel up your car and explore craggy mountains dotted with lochs where mythical monsters might live!
15. Route des Grandes Alpes(France) : This famous alpine road trip stretches from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton passing by 16 mountain passes that offer breathtaking panoramic views over snow-capped peaks & steep valleys.
No matter which road trip you choose to take, there are few things more liberating than hitting the open road with nothing but adventure ahead!