The best way to see a new place is by car. There’s something about driving through the countryside that makes you feel like you’re part of the landscape — and it’s especially true when you’re on one of the world’s most scenic drives.
A road trip can take many forms. Some are short and sweet, while others span weeks or even months. Some are more adventurous than others, but all are worth it if you want to experience a place in a unique way. Here are 8 of our favorite drives from around the world:
1. Australia’s Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives. It’s a winding coastal route that hugs the southern coast of Victoria and passes by some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
The drive is about 250 miles (400 km) long, starting in Torquay, near Melbourne, and ending in Allansford on the outskirts of Geelong. But if you don’t have time to complete the entire journey, there are plenty of options for day trips along the way.
The best way to see all of this natural beauty is by car or motorcycle, as there are many different roads that lead to different areas along the coast. You can also take a train from Melbourne to Warrnambool (one hour), then catch another train up to Apollo Bay (two hours). From there, you can rent a car or take a tour bus along the road.
2. South Africa’s Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The name refers to the many gardens, orchards and vineyards that line the route. It’s a great road trip for anyone who loves scenic beauty and adventure.
The Garden Route begins in Cape Town and ends at Port Elizabeth, which is on the Indian Ocean coast about 400 miles (644 km) away. It passes through several towns along its way, including Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Port Elisabeth.
Thanks to its beautiful coastal landscape and sunny weather year-round, this region attracts tourists from all over the world. The Garden Route has more than three million visitors each year!
3. Route 66 in the U.S. Southwest
If you’re looking for a road trip that will take you through some of the most scenic parts of America, then Route 66 is the way to go. This historic highway runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and was first opened in 1926.
The route takes you through the deserts of Arizona, where you can stop at the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. You’ll also pass through New Mexico and visit the Painted Desert before reaching California’s deserts and mountains. This trip is best done by car or motorcycle; however, if you want to make it more comfortable, there are plenty of buses that follow this route too.
4. Route 40 in Morocco
If you want to see the world, you need to start somewhere. For many travelers, that somewhere is Morocco. With its ancient cities and beautiful beaches, Morocco is one of the most popular countries in North Africa. Route 40 is a road trip that will take you through some of the most remote parts of the country, including the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains.
The route starts in Casablanca and ends in Marrakesh. It follows the coastline for much of its length, which means that it’s easy to get a good view of the ocean from nearly every point on the road. The route also passes through many different cities, including Rabat and Fes. The latter city has been called “the cultural capital” of Morocco because it has so many historical sites worth visiting — not to mention its famous souks (markets) where you can buy spices, leather goods and other traditional goods from around the world.
5. The Trans-Siberian Highway in Russia and Mongolia
The Trans-Siberian Highway is one of the world’s greatest road trips. The route stretches from St. Petersburg, Russia to Vladivostok, a distance of over 5,000 miles. Along the way, travelers will pass through some of the most remote regions on earth, including the vast Siberian wilderness and the Gobi Desert.
6. The Canadian Ice Road
Canada’s Northwest Territories are home to a unique highway that runs from Fort McPherson to Tuktoyaktuk along the frozen Mackenzie River Delta. The road is only open for about three months each year when it’s covered in ice, which makes it one of the most extreme winter driving experiences in the world. It’s a must for anyone who loves ice fishing!
7. The Ring Road of Iceland
The Ring Road of Iceland is a must-do for any trip to Iceland. The road takes you around the island and offers some of the most amazing sights in the world.
The Ring Road can be driven clockwise or counter-clockwise and it’s a great way to see all of Iceland’s most famous locations. You can also take day trips from this route if you’d like to get off the main highway.
The Ring Road has been paved so it’s usually drivable year-round, but it can get pretty icy during winter months and there are times when sections of the road are closed due to weather conditions (like snowstorms). If you’re planning on driving in winter, make sure to check road conditions before heading out! We don’t even need to mention how important it is to be confident while driving. The driving confidence you will gain at a reliable driving school in Sydney will help you enjoy every trip around the world.
8. Patagonia’s Carretera Austral in Chile and Argentina
The route begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, where it intersects with the Pan-American Highway. From there it continues south through Patagonia, passing by national parks like Torres del Paine and Lago Grey before reaching the southernmost tip of Argentina at Tierra del Fuego National Park.
The road is suitable for high-clearance vehicles but can be tricky to navigate because there are no shoulders or emergency pullouts along much of its length.
Travel is a human experience, because it introduces us to new people, places, and cultures. Whether you are traveling abroad or visiting a place in your own country, we hope that this list helps you plan the perfect road trip!
