There are certain journeys in life that are more than just a trip—they’re life-changing experiences. When it comes to adventure travel, few experiences match the thrill, freedom, and discovery of a road trip. With the engine humming and the open road ahead, you can witness landscapes transform in real time, discover hidden places, and connect with people and cultures along the way.
your ultimate guide to the road trips you must take before you die. From high-altitude mountain passes to coastal wonders and desert crossings, these epic road trips deserve a permanent spot on your bucket list. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking romance, or a family chasing adventure, these must-do road trips offer something for everyone.
In today’s fast-paced world, road trips offer something deeply human—a connection to nature, history, and the simple joy of movement. Unlike flights or train rides, driving routes let you pause, reflect, and explore off-the-beaten paths. The ability to control your journey, choose your stops, and travel at your pace is unmatched.
With global travel becoming more accessible, cross-country road trips are now considered an essential part of every traveler’s story. Whether you’re driving through foggy cliffs in Europe or deserts in South America, each route is packed with visual wonders and meaningful memories.
The world is filled with top road trip destinations—each offering a unique blend of nature, culture, adventure, and freedom. Whether you’re driving through the lush trails of Nova Scotia, winding Italian coasts, Icelandic lava fields, or the South African shoreline, the memories you’ll make are worth every mile.
These are not just trips; they’re stories. They’re the kind of experiences that stay with you forever.
So the next time you sit down to plan your travels, don’t book a flight just yet. Instead, map out your own road trips you must take before you die—because the open road is calling, and life is too short to ignore the adventure.
Location: California, USA
Distance: Approx. 655 miles (1055 km)
Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall
This scenic drive along California’s Highway 1 is iconic for a reason. Starting from San Francisco and ending in San Diego, it offers jaw-dropping coastal cliffs, sunny beaches, and charming seaside towns.
Highlights:
Big Sur and the Bixby Creek Bridge
Stop at Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Malibu
Endless landscape photography spots and sunsets
This is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world—ideal for couples, solo travelers, and surfers alike.
Location: Iceland
Distance: Approx. 828 miles (1332 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (May–August)
Circle the island of fire and ice on this surreal journey through volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and hot springs. If there’s one road trip you must take before you die, this is it.
Must-See Stops:
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Dettifoss waterfalls
Vatnajökull National Park
Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This road trip is a haven for nature lovers, adventure travel fans, and photographers.
Location: Southern Coast, South Africa
Distance: Approx. 190 miles (300 km)
Best Time to Go: September to April
This cultural road trip experience takes you through rainforests, beaches, and wildlife reserves. It’s a short but jam-packed drive from Mossel Bay to Storms River.
Must-Visit Spots:
Knysna and its forest canopy tours
Plettenberg Bay for whale watching
Tsitsikamma National Park
For nature and wildlife lovers, this route is a top travel destination by car.
Location: Victoria, Australia
Distance: Approx. 150 miles (240 km)
Best Time to Go: November to April
With dramatic cliffs, surfing beaches, and koalas in the wild, this coastal drive is an unforgettable road trip.
Don’t Miss:
The Twelve Apostles
Lorne and Apollo Bay
Bells Beach and Otway Rainforest
A favorite among international travelers, it’s one of the top road trip destinations in the southern hemisphere.
Location: Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, India
Distance: Approx. 295 miles (475 km)
Best Time to Go: June to September
For remote travel routes, this is a bold and breathtaking adventure. Drive through the Himalayas, with winding roads, high mountain passes, and views that defy imagination.
Top Sights:
Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La
Monasteries and Ladakhi culture
Stargazing in Nubra Valley
This once-in-a-lifetime road trip is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Distance: Approx. 185 miles (298 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer and Fall
Set against the Atlantic Ocean, this trail combines coastal beauty, Celtic culture, and hiking opportunities.
What to Do:
Drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Explore fishing villages like Ingonish
Try lobster rolls and local music
One of the most peaceful scenic drives around the world, perfect for family getaways.
Location: Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Distance: Approx. 5 miles (8.3 km)
Best Time to Go: May to September
Short but spectacular, this road connects several islands with beautifully engineered bridges over crashing waves.
Why Go:
Unique architectural marvel
Northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer
Ideal for landscape photography
A must for lovers of the sea and engineering alike.
Location: Southern Italy
Distance: Approx. 37 miles (60 km)
Best Time to Go: April to October
Perfect for a romantic road trip, this coastal route takes you through charming towns and vineyards.
Top Stops:
Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
Try local limoncello and pasta
Breathtaking Mediterranean views
This route blends elegance with natural beauty—a favorite among couples.
Location: Patagonia, Argentina
Distance: Over 3,100 miles (5,000 km)
Best Time to Go: November to March
As one of the longest driving routes in the world, Ruta 40 spans deserts, lakes, and the Andes mountains.
Highlights:
Wine country in Mendoza
Glacier trekking in El Calafate
Salt flats and red rock valleys in Salta
It’s one of the most epic road trips in South America, ideal for seasoned travelers.
Location: Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Distance: Approx. 56 miles (90 km)
Best Time to Go: July to October
Built by a dictator and dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, this road delivers thrills and chills.
Don’t Miss:
Poenari Castle (real Dracula’s castle)
Bâlea Lake at the summit
Sweeping switchback turns
One of the best iconic road trips worldwide for both speed and scenery.
Distance: 516 miles
Experience: Castles, cliffs, and rugged Highland beauty.
Distance: 1,600 miles
Experience: Ancient Gaelic culture, cliffs, and cozy villages.
Experience: Cultural road trip experiences, ancient markets, desert cities.
Use Google Maps or apps like Roadtrippers to outline your driving plan and scenic stops.
Bring travel essentials: snacks, maps, chargers, warm clothes, and emergency tools.
When exploring cultural road trip destinations, engage respectfully with local traditions.
Follow road rules, check vehicle condition, and avoid night driving in unfamiliar areas.
United Kingdom "Driving along the Amalfi Coast in Italy was a dream come true. The dramatic cliffs, Mediterranean breeze, and lemon-scented villages made it one of the most beautiful road trips of my life. I still remember every curve of that drive!"
Denmark "I did Iceland’s Ring Road solo in a camper van last summer. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes—every day felt like a documentary. It was more than just a trip; it was therapy through nature."
USA "Route 66 has always been on my bucket list. The diners, retro motels, and quirky roadside attractions made it feel like I stepped back in time. It’s a true American classic and a must-do road trip."
Italy "The Great Ocean Road in Australia was unlike anything I’ve seen. Koalas, endless ocean views, and the Twelve Apostles at sunset—truly unforgettable. I'd recommend it to every adventure lover."
Germany "The North Coast 500 in Scotland is a hidden gem. Remote beaches, Highland cows, and historic castles around every bend. It’s the perfect mix of culture, wilderness, and photography spots."
Canada "I took a road trip across the Canadian Rockies, from Banff to Jasper. The snowcapped peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife sightings made it feel like a magical journey. An epic drive for sure!"
France "New Zealand's South Island blew my mind. Every corner was postcard-perfect. We stopped at lakes, glaciers, and vineyards—it was the most scenic drive I’ve ever experienced."
Australia "I never expected Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road to be so thrilling. It’s short but intense—with wild waves, stormy skies, and bridges that seem to fly above the sea. It's a photographer’s paradise."
Ireland "My girlfriend and I took a romantic road trip through California’s Pacific Coast Highway. We stopped in Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Napa Valley. It’s the kind of trip you never forget."
Russia "We drove through Patagonia in Argentina last year. Vast landscapes, empty roads, and snow-covered mountains—it was raw and wild. Easily one of the best road trips you must take before you die."
Switzerland "Leh to Manali Highway in India was one of the most extreme and unforgettable road adventures I’ve ever taken. High altitude, hairpin turns, and breathtaking Himalayan views made it feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey."
Spain "Driving the Route des Grandes Alpes in France was incredible. From Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean, each day felt like a new world. It’s a road trip full of history, culture, and nature."
Top road trips include the Pacific Coast Highway (USA), Ring Road (Iceland), Great Ocean Road (Australia), Route 66 (USA), and the Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy).
Scenic views, cultural experiences, local food, unique stops, and a flexible travel plan make a road trip unforgettable.
Yes, with good planning, safety measures, and awareness of local driving laws, international road trips can be very safe.
Consider your interests (nature, culture, adventure), budget, time available, and driving comfort to choose a suitable route.
The Amalfi Coast, Trollstigen (Norway), Garden Route (South Africa), and Cabot Trail (Canada) are among the most scenic drives globally.
Pack maps, GPS, snacks, water, emergency kit, charger, travel documents, clothes for changing weather, and a camera.
Route 66 is the most iconic road trip in the USA, offering classic Americana and a nostalgic journey across multiple states.
It depends on the route, but typically 7–14 days is ideal for a meaningful and relaxed experience.
Yes, road trips like the Great Ocean Road, Wild Atlantic Way, and Garden Route are safe and engaging for families.
Countries like the USA, Australia, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa are known for excellent road trip infrastructure.
Yes, solo road trips can be empowering and safe with proper planning, especially in countries with good infrastructure and low crime rates.
Some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP), while others accept your local license—always check the destination rules.
The Leh-Manali Highway (India), Ruta 40 (Argentina), and Pamir Highway (Central Asia) are some of the most adventurous road trips globally.
Spring and autumn are best for most places, while summer is great for cold regions like Iceland, and winter is ideal for desert drives.
Yes, routes like Iceland’s Ring Road, the Atlantic Ocean Road, and Trollstigen in Norway are perfect for landscape photography lovers.
The Amalfi Coast (Italy), Transfagarasan Highway (Romania), and North Coast 500 (Scotland) are among Europe’s top road trip destinations.
Depending on location and duration, costs can range from $500 to $3,000+ including fuel, accommodation, car rental, and meals.
Yes, the Silk Road through Central Asia and Ruta 40 in Argentina are excellent for immersive cultural travel by road.
Useful apps include Google Maps, Roadtrippers, iOverlander, GasBuddy, and TripAdvisor for planning and navigation.
A scenic drive is usually short and focused on beauty, while a cross-country road trip spans long distances, often across borders or regions.
