17 Best Road Trip Destinations Around the World (Our Personal Favorites)

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Looking for travel inspiration and trying to decide where to go next? In this guide, we share our favorite road trips around the world. From Australia and New Zealand to Europe, Africa, and North America, these destinations truly stood out for their scenery, variety, wildlife, and overall experience. These are the kinds of trips that stay with you long after you’ve returned home and that we would happily do again.

This is not a random collection of the best road trip destinations worldwide, but a personal list based on many years of traveling on several continents, both before and after starting this blog. We did all of these road trips ourselves, and they left a particularly strong and lasting impression on us.

For each destination, you’ll find a short explanation of what makes it one of the best places for road trips in the world, along with practical tips on when to go, how much time you need, and how to plan your route. Where available, we also link to our detailed road trip itineraries and destination guides. We hope this roundup will inspire your next adventure and help you plan a truly memorable adventure.

1. Iceland

VOLCANOES, GLACIERS, WATERFALLS & GEOTHERMAL LANDSCAPES

Iceland is one of the most unique road trip destinations in the world, with landscapes that often feel like they belong on another planet. At the same time, it’s also one of the easiest places to visit on a self-drive trip, with direct flights from Western Europe and the East Coast of the U.S. Despite its wild and remote feel, the Ring Road is easy to navigate, making it possible to see Iceland’s most impressive scenery without complicated logistics.

We’ve traveled around Iceland many times over the years, in different seasons, and the full Ring Road remains one of those routes that never gets boring. Driving the loop takes you past an extraordinary concentration of volcanic landscapes, glaciers, black sand beaches, steaming geothermal areas, fjords, and countless waterfalls. You can spot puffins and reindeer, go whale watching, and soak in natural hot springs almost every day of your trip.

What makes the Iceland road trip especially memorable is the unique scenery and the constant contrast. You can walk on a glacier, soak in a hot pool, stand next to a thundering waterfall, and watch waves crash on a black sand beach, all in the same day. In summer, the weather is mild and the days are endless, giving you plenty of time to explore Iceland’s natural wonders at a relaxed pace.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a self-drive road trip: May to September
• Ideal length: 10–14 days
• Driving: The Ring Road is mostly paved and straightforward; secondary roads are often gravel
• Best for: Travelers who want for extreme landscapes with easy self-drive logistics

Good to know: Accommodation and rental cars should be booked well in advance, especially in the peak summer season. September is a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights. In winter, short daylight hours and changing road conditions make a full Ring Road trip more challenging, so it’s better to focus on the South Coast or join guided tours.

Related guides:
Iceland Ring Road itinerary
Iceland Itinerary Ideas
Iceland Winter Itinerary
Complete overview: Iceland Travel Guides

2. South Africa

THE WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY

South Africa is one of the most varied road trip destinations in the world, offering an exceptional mix of scenery, wildlife, cities, and culture. After almost three decades of traveling on all continents, it remains one of our absolute favorite destinations worldwide. It’s also one of the easiest places in Africa to explore by car, with good roads and a well-developed tourism infrastructure, which makes a self-drive trip very accessible, even for first-time visitors.

We’ve done several road trips in South Africa over the years, including a full itinerary that also covers Kruger National Park and another that focuses more on the south of the country, which is particularly well suited for families. Any approach is good, as long as you plan realistically and allow enough time, since distances can be big.

The highlights not to miss include Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, the famous Garden Route with its beaches and coastal towns, and a wildlife safari in a national park or private reserve. Add the Winelands, scenic mountain passes, and dramatic stretches of coastline, and you get a road trip with an impressive amount of variety, where almost every day brings a completely different experience.

Quick facts:

• Best time: Year-round; the dry season (May–September) is best for safari in Kruger National Park, while spring and fall are ideal for the Garden Route and the south
• Ideal length: 2–3 weeks
• Driving: The main roads are mostly paved and easy
• Best for: Travelers who want scenery, culture, food and wine, and wildlife in one trip

Good to know:
Distances can be long, so it’s important to keep daily driving times realistic. Popular areas such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, and safari lodges should be booked well in advance, especially in peak season.

Related guides:
2-week South Africa Road Trip Itinerary
South Africa with Kids (south coast itinerary)
Complete overview: South Africa travel guides

3. Southwest USA

DESERT LANDSCAPES, CANYONS & ICONIC AMERICAN SCENERY

The American Southwest is one of the best places in the world for a classic road trip. Distances are reasonable, roads are excellent, and the scenery is so varied that every driving day feels like a highlight. It’s also one of the easiest regions to plan a self-drive vacation, with well-marked routes, plenty of accommodations, and a huge choice of natural and man-made attractions.

We’ve done several road trips in this part of the U.S., combining various places in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, and it remains one of our favorite regions for road tripping. From deep canyons, vast desert landscapes, and high mountain ranges to some of the most famous national parks in the world, you could easily spend months exploring without running out of new places to see.

What makes a Southwest road trip so special is the incredible variety packed into a relatively compact area. One day you’re driving along historic Route 66 and standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, the next you’re walking between sandstone arches in Arches National Park, exploring slot canyons near Page, or catching a show in Las Vegas. It’s a region where it’s extremely easy to plan a road trip with something for everyone, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with a group of friends, or with the whole family.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: April–June and September–October (but many places are great year-round)
• Ideal length: 2-3 weeks, depending on how many parks you combine
• Driving: Easy on wide, well-maintained highways
• Best for: National park lovers, desert scenery, and classic American road trip vibes

Good to know: Many popular parks or even hikes are so busy in peak season that they require reservations, so planning well in advance is essential. Summer can be extremely hot in the desert parks; starting sightseeing early in the day makes a big difference.

Related guides:
Moab, Arches & Canyonlands
Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon Itinerary
Complete overview: USA travel guides

4. Norway

FJORDS, MOUNTAINS & CHARMING TOWNS

Norway is one of the most impressive road trip destinations in Europe for nature lovers, and it’s also surprisingly easy to explore by car. Roads are in excellent condition, ferry connections are well organized, and the country is perfectly set up for independent travel, even in more remote areas. Despite the dramatic scenery, driving is straightforward (if sometimes slow), and the infrastructure makes it possible to reach some truly spectacular places without complicated logistics.

We’ve done several road trips in Norway over the years, both in the fjord region in the southwest and in Northern Norway, including the Lofoten Islands. All of these trips had one thing in common: jaw-dropping scenery and a constant WOW factor, day after day.

From deep fjords and steep mountain passes to countless waterfalls, scenic coastal roads, and charming towns and fishing villages, what makes a Norway road trip so special is that you’re almost always driving through postcard-perfect landscapes. Add the long summer days and the midnight sun in the north, and you get endless time to explore some of the most scenic roads in the world.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 10–21 days, depending on how many regions you combine
• Driving: Mostly easy on well-maintained roads, with ferries and mountain passes
• Best for: Travelers who love dramatic scenery, coastal drives, and mountains

Good to know: Some mountain roads and scenic routes are seasonal, and ferries are often part of the route and should be included in your road trip planning. Accommodation in popular areas should be booked well ahead, especially in the peak summer months.

Related guides:
Norway Fjords Road Trip itinerary
Northern Norway & Lofoten Road Trip
Complete overview: Norway Travel Guides

5. Namibia

DESERT, DUNES, WILDLIFE & ENDLESS OPEN SPACES

Namibia is one of the most impressive self-drive destinations in Africa and, despite its remote feel, is surprisingly easy to explore by car. Roads are generally well marked, traffic is light, and with a rental car (ideally a 4WD) you can reach some of the most dramatic desert and wildlife areas in the world at your own pace.

We did a 4-week road trip, covering pretty much all the top places in Namibia. But if you want to focus on the main highlights, such as Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park, a week or two is enough. Expect long distances and wide-open desert scenery, with a real sense of space. Driving days can be long, but the landscapes keep changing, and you can often spot wildlife right from your car.

What makes a Namibia road trip so special is the combination of vast landscapes, indigenous culture, and excellent game viewing. You can climb some of the world’s highest sand dunes, drive along a rugged Atlantic coast with shipwrecks and seal colonies, and learn about the traditions of Namibia’s indigenous tribes, all within the same trip. Etosha National Park is also one of the best places in Africa to see large numbers of wildlife in a natural setting. It’s a destination that feels wild and remote, yet is still very doable for independent travelers.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a self-drive road trip: May to October (dry season, best for wildlife)
• Ideal length: 10–21 days
• Driving: Long distances, mostly gravel roads; 4WD recommended
• Best for: Travelers who want wide-open landscapes, wildlife, and a true sense of remoteness

Good to know: Distances are much bigger than they appear on the map, so it’s important to plan realistic driving days and fuel stops. Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially in the high season.

Related guides:
Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
Namibia Travel Tips
Complete overview: Namibia travel guides

6. Alaska

GLACIERS, WILDLIFE & PURE WILDERNESS

Alaska is one of those destinations that truly feels different from anywhere else in the world. At the same time, it’s surprisingly easy to explore by car, with well-maintained highways connecting Anchorage, Denali, the Kenai Peninsula, and several national parks. All you need is a sense of adventure.

My Alaska road trip covered Anchorage, Denali National Park, and the Kenai Peninsula (Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Homer), plus several amazing excursions like bear viewing at Lake Clark National Park and a Knik Glacier helicopter tour, to mention just a few. Hands down, it’s one of the most memorable journeys I’ve ever done.

You’re driving through vast landscapes with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise rivers, and endless forests, with wildlife often appearing right next to the road. What makes an Alaska road trip so special is the wide-open views and the feeling of raw, untouched nature. The scenery is truly jaw-dropping. It’s a unique destination that offers a genuine wilderness experience, yet is still perfectly accessible for independent travelers.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 2-3 weeks
• Driving: Mostly paved highways, long distances between destinations
• Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife watching, national parks, wide-open landscapes

Good to know: Accommodation, car rentals, and the most popular activities should be booked well in advance for summer. Distances between towns and services can be large, so it’s important to make a good plan.

Related guides:
Alaska Road Trip itinerary for 2 Weeks
Alaska Bucket List
Complete overview: Alaska Travel Guides

7. Dolomites, Italy

DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN SCENERY, ALPINE PASSES & HIKING PARADISE

The Dolomites in Italy are one of the most spectacular mountain regions in Europe and a fantastic destination for a road trip. Distances between the main sights are short, roads are generally in very good condition, and it’s easy to combine a lot of different landscapes in just a few days.

This is a region of dramatic limestone peaks, wide alpine meadows, and clear mountain lakes, connected by some of the most scenic roads in the Alps. You’ll also come across many World War I sites along the way, which add historical context to the landscape. From Val Gardena and Lago di Braies to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and countless mountain passes, the highlights are close enough to create a flexible itinerary. You can simply base yourself in one or two locations and use them for short drives and day trips to different parts of the region.

We’ve visited the Dolomites several times over the years and always explored the region by car, which is by far the most practical way to get around. It gives you easy access to trailheads, cable cars, viewpoints, and smaller villages that are harder to reach by public transport, and it allows you to set your own pace and focus on the places that interest you most.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 3–10 days
• Driving: Good roads, but often narrow and winding
• Best for: Mountain scenery, hiking, photography, WWI history, and scenic drives

Good to know: Some high mountain passes are seasonal and only open in summer. July and August are very busy, so accommodation should be booked well in advance. Starting your days very early is the best way to avoid the biggest crowds at popular places.

Related guides:
Dolomites Itinerary
Best Hikes in the Dolomites
Most Beautiful Lakes in the Dolomites
Complete overview: Dolomites Travel Guides

8. New Zealand

FJORDS, VOLCANOES, LAKES, GLACIERS & COASTLINES

New Zealand is one of those countries that seems almost made for a road trip. Distances are manageable, roads are in good condition, and the scenery changes constantly, making it easy to combine mountains, lakes, coastlines, rainforests, and fjords in a single journey. It’s also very easy to travel independently, with excellent infrastructure for self-drivers.

We explored New Zealand on a long road trip of about four weeks, covering the main highlights of both the North and South Islands. It was one of the most special nature-focused road trips we’ve ever done, with everything from volcanic landscapes and geothermal areas to alpine passes, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and dramatic fjords. Even after weeks on the road, it never felt repetitive.

That said, you don’t need a full month to experience New Zealand. If you’re short on time, you can easily plan a 10–14 day itinerary focusing on the main highlights, or concentrate just on the South Island, which has the most spectacular scenery and works very well for a 1–2 week road trip on its own.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: November to March (summer); spring and fall for fewer crowds
• Ideal length: 3–4 weeks for both islands; 10–14 days for highlights only; 7–10 days for the South Island
• Driving: Well-maintained roads, but often winding in mountainous areas
• Best for: Travelers who want maximum landscape variety in one country

Good to know: Driving times can be longer than they look on the map due to winding roads and frequent scenic stops. Booking accommodation in advance is important in peak summer, especially in popular areas like Queenstown or Milford Sound.

Related guides: We traveled in New Zealand before starting Full Suitcase, so detailed itineraries are not available on the site.

9. Switzerland

ALPINE PASSES, LAKES & CLASSIC MOUNTAIN SCENERY

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe for a scenic road trip. Roads are excellent, distances are short, and everything is extremely well organized. You can drive over high mountain passes, along crystal-clear lakes, and explore some of the most beautiful Alpine landscapes.

We’ve visited Switzerland many times over the years, in different seasons, and we usually explore by car (also because we drive there from Belgium). For first-time visitors who mainly want to see the big-name places like Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt, or Lucerne, traveling by train is often the easiest and most convenient option – and the views from the trains are fantastic. But if you want more flexibility and access to smaller valleys, mountain villages, and scenic passes, a self-drive trip gives you much more freedom.

What makes a Switzerland road trip so special is the picture-perfect scenery and how easy it is to combine very different landscapes in one itinerary. From turquoise lakes with charming towns and vineyards along the shore to high mountain passes with glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, the variety is incredible, and the mountain scenery is unparalleled.

TIP: Highways aren’t the most scenic and can be busy, but they are essential to reach the regions where the real beauty starts. Focus on smaller roads, mountain passes, and lesser-known villages, and Switzerland becomes a truly rewarding road trip destination – as long as you plan well and don’t try to rush it.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 1-2 weeks
• Driving: Excellent roads, some high mountain passes and tunnels
• Best for: Alpine scenery, lakes, and mountain villages

Good to know: Some high mountain passes are only open in summer, and accommodation in popular regions should be booked well in advance in peak season. Switzerland is also perfect for combining driving with some of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Related guides:
Switzerland Itinerary (by train or by car)
Complete overview: Switzerland Travel Guides

10. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, USA

GEYSERS, WILDLIFE & ICONIC SCENERY

Yellowstone and Grand Teton together form one of the most impressive and rewarding road trip destinations in the United States. The two parks are right next to each other and easy to visit, with well-maintained scenic roads, plenty of viewpoints, and a big concentration of natural highlights within relatively short driving distances.

What makes this road trip so special is the combination of completely different landscapes and experiences in such a compact area. In Yellowstone, you drive past steaming geysers, colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, waterfalls, and wide open valleys filled with bison, elk, and sometimes wolves or bears. Just a short drive south, Grand Teton offers a totally different kind of scenery, with sharp mountain peaks and classic alpine views (see the featured image at the top of this article).

We’ve explored this region as part of a longer road trip through the western U.S., including the Colorado Rockies and Utah national parks. But these two parks are also good as a stand-alone itinerary, either as a loop or a one-way trip between Jackson Hole and Bozeman. Depending on your interests, you can also plan a longer road trip, including Glacier National Park or the Mount Rushmore area and the Badlands. The possibilities are practically endless.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 5–7 days for Yellowstone & Grand Teton; 2–3 weeks with extensions
• Driving: Easy, well-maintained roads, but slow inside the parks due to traffic and wildlife
• Best for: Wildlife, geothermal features, mountain scenery, photography

Good to know: Accommodation inside and near the parks sells out long in advance in summer, so book early.

Related guides:
Yellowstone Itinerary
Best Things to Do in Yellowstone
Utah, Wyoming, Colorado Itinerary
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Complete overview: Yellowstone National Park

11. Faroe Islands

DRAMATIC CLIFFS & WILD NORTH ATLANTIC SCENERY

The Faroe Islands are one of the most unique island destinations in Europe for a road trip, especially if you love rugged coastal scenery and wide-open landscapes. Despite their remote location in the North Atlantic, the islands are surprisingly easy to explore by car, with excellent roads, tunnels, and bridges connecting most of the main islands.

We visited the Faroe Islands on a self-drive trip and were impressed by how much variety you can see in a relatively small area. Steep green cliffs rising straight from the ocean, powerful waterfalls, tiny villages, and constant coastal views make every drive interesting. In summer, you can also spot puffins, and sheep are everywhere, often right next to or on the road. Distances are short, but driving is slow and scenic, which makes it easy to combine many highlights in just a few days.

What really sets the Faroe Islands apart is the raw, untouched feel of the landscape. Dramatic sea cliffs, narrow fjords, remote villages, rapidly changing weather, and unique light conditions create a sense of being far away from it all, without the crowds you find in many other European destinations. It’s a place that feels wild and different, yet is still very manageable for an independent road trip.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 5–10 days
• Driving: Good roads, but narrow in places; many tunnels and single-lane sections
• Best for: Coastal scenery, hiking, photography, and quiet, off-the-beaten-path travel

Good to know: Weather changes quickly, and fog and wind can seriously affect visibility, so flexibility is essential. Accommodation outside the capital is quite limited, so it’s best to book well in advance or stay in Tórshavn and plan your day trips based on the weather forecast.

Related guides:
Faroe Islands Itinerary
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands
Complete overview: Faroe Islands Travel Guides

12. Western Canada

MOUNTAINS, LAKES, GLACIERS & COASTLINE

Western Canada (British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies) is another fantastic destination for a scenic road trip. With a mix of rugged coastline, rainforests, alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers. It’s also very easy to explore independently, with excellent infrastructure and well-maintained highways connecting all the main highlights.

We did a big loop starting in Vancouver, including Vancouver Island, the Inside Passage by ferry, and then continuing through the Canadian Rockies, with stops in places like Banff, Jasper, and along the Icefields Parkway. It’s one of those trips where the driving itself is a highlight, with nonstop views and countless opportunities for short walks, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife spotting. We saw dozens of bears right from our car.

What makes a Western Canada road trip so special is the contrast. In a short time, you go from ocean scenery and dense forests to snow-capped peaks, massive glaciers, and bright blue mountain lakes. Add the chance to see whales, bears, elk, and other wildlife, and you get a route that combines classic mountain landscapes with a real sense of wilderness, without being difficult to travel at all.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 2-3 weeks
• Driving: Easy on well-maintained highways, some mountain passes
• Best for: Mountain scenery, national parks, wildlife, and scenic drives

Good to know: Summer is peak season in the Rockies and along the coast, so accommodation and rental cars should be booked well in advance.

Related guides: We traveled in Canada before starting Full Suitcase, so detailed itineraries are not available on the site.

13. Portugal

HISTORIC TOWNS, COASTLINES, BEACHES & VINEYARDS

Portugal is a great road trip destination if you’re looking for a mix of cultural sights, coastlines, and beaches. The country is relatively compact, roads are in good condition, and it’s easy to put together a varied itinerary that includes historic cities, coastal scenery, wine regions, and small traditional towns. Distances are short, so you can travel at a relaxed pace and still see a lot in a short amount of time.

We visit Portugal several times a year and have done several road trips, both on the mainland as well as the islands of Azores and Madeira. For a first visit, I recommend an itinerary combining Lisbon, the monasteries of Central Portugal, Porto, and the Douro Valley. If you have more time, the Alentejo and the Algarve are both well worth adding, but they could easily be the focus of a separate road trip.

What makes a Portugal road trip so appealing is how much variety you get in such a small area. From dramatic cliffs along the Atlantic coast to the palaces and castles of Sintra and the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley, it’s easy to create a route where every day brings a different mix of scenery, culture, and great food and wine.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: April–June and September–October
• Ideal length: 10–14 days
• Driving: Easy on modern highways and well-maintained secondary roads
• Best for: Coastal scenery, historic towns, wine regions, and a relaxed pace

Good to know: Highways are fast but not very scenic, and toll roads can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s worth planning some slower drives on smaller coastal and countryside roads. In summer, it can get very hot, especially inland.

Related guides:
Portugal Itinerary from Lisbon to Porto
Algarve Itinerary
Algarve Travel Guides
Complete overview: Portugal Travel Guides

14. Costa Rica

RAINFORESTS, VOLCANOES, WILDLIFE & PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN COASTS

Costa Rica is a fantastic road trip destination if you want to combine lush nature, wildlife, beaches, and outdoor activities in one vacation. Distances are manageable, the main roads are in decent condition, and it’s easy to put together an itinerary that works well for all ages.

We’ve done a road trip through Costa Rica and found it very easy to explore independently, especially if you follow a logical route and don’t try to squeeze in too much. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to visit national parks, waterfalls, hot springs, and small towns, and to adjust your plans based on the weather, which can vary a lot from region to region.

What makes a Costa Rica road trip so special is the variety of scenery and activities within relatively short driving distances. You can visit several volcanoes, soak in the hot springs around La Fortuna, walk through the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, spot monkeys and sloths in the jungle, and relax on a tropical beach on the Pacific or Caribbean coast in the same trip. Add activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, rafting, and hiking, and you get a perfect road trip destination where it’s easy to combine nature, adventure, and beach time in one well-planned itinerary.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: December to April (dry season)
• Ideal length: 10–21 days
• Driving: Main roads are paved; some areas require slower driving or a 4WD
• Best for: Rainforests, wildlife, volcanoes, beaches, and outdoor activities

Good to know: Travel times can be longer than expected due to winding roads, traffic, and weather conditions. In the rainy season, some unpaved roads can become challenging, so route planning and choosing the right type of rental car are important.

Related guides:
Costa Rica Itinerary
Costa Rica Bucket List
Complete overview: Costa Rica Travel Guides

15. Bavaria & Austrian Alps

ALPINE SCENERY, MOUNTAIN PASSES & HISTORIC TOWNS

The Austrian Alps and the Bavarian region in Germany make a fantastic road trip destination for those looking for a classic European itinerary that combines mountain scenery, pretty towns, and scenic drives without long distances. Roads are in excellent condition, everything is very well organized, and it’s easy to travel independently. With so many highlights concentrated in a relatively small area, you can see a lot without constantly changing hotels or feeling rushed.

We’ve visited Austria and Germany many times over the years, often as part of longer trips. One route that works particularly well by car is a loop including Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal Worlds, several valleys and mountain villages in the Tyrol, and Salzburg. It’s a great mix of nature and culture, with mountain views, short hikes, lakeside stops, and city sightseeing.

What makes a road trip in this part of the Alps so appealing is the variety in such a compact area. You can drive through the valleys with traditional villages, cross mountain passes with panoramic views, visit famous castles and museums, and explore historic towns, all within the same itinerary. It’s an easy-going road trip with beautiful scenery throughout and plenty of flexibility to adapt your route based on the weather or your interests.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: June to September
• Ideal length: 1-2 weeks
• Driving: Excellent roads and highways
• Best for: Historic towns, Alpine scenery, and scenic drives

Good to know: Highways are fast but not very scenic, so it’s worth including some mountain roads and villages. If you are staying in the cities, be sure that your accommodation provides parking.

Related guides:
Top Places in Austrian Tyrol
Best Things to Do in Salzburg
Complete overview: Austria Travel Guides

16. Northern California, USA

PACIFIC COAST, REDWOOD FORESTS & ICONIC NATIONAL PARKS

Northern California is one of the most classic and varied road trip destinations in the U.S. Distances are manageable, roads are in good condition, and the route combines dramatic coastline with forests, mountains, and some of America’s most famous national parks. It’s easy to plan, easy to drive, and full of places that are truly worth stopping for.

We recently did a longer road trip through Northern California, starting and ending in San Francisco and combining the Pacific Coast, redwood forests, wine regions, and national parks. It’s an easy-going destination where you can mix scenic drives with city time, short hikes, viewpoints, and small towns, adjusting the pace to your interests and the season.

What makes a Northern California road trip so special is the diversity of landscapes and the more relaxed feel compared to the heavily visited areas in Southern California. From rugged ocean cliffs and towering redwood trees to alpine scenery in Yosemite or Lake Tahoe, the scenery changes constantly. Add wine country, charming coastal towns, and one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. as your starting point, and you get a road trip with a great mix of nature, culture, and classic American scenery.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: May to October (summer for the coast and mountains; fall for fewer crowds)
• Ideal length: 7–14 days
• Driving: Easy on well-maintained highways and scenic coastal roads
• Best for: Coastal scenery, redwood forests, and a quieter road trip

Good to know: Summer is wildfire season, so always check road and park conditions before setting off for the day. Yosemite and popular coastal towns can get very busy in peak season, so accommodation and any required park reservations should be booked well in advance.

Related guides:
Northern California Itinerary
2 Days in San Francisco

17. Australia

COASTLINES, WILDLIFE, RAINFORESTS & THE OUTBACK

Australia is a great destination for a road trip, especially if you have enough time and enjoy focusing on the journey as much as on the places themselves. Distances can be long, but the roads are generally excellent, and driving is easy. Depending on your interests, you can put together very different itineraries, from lively cities and long stretches of coastal roads to remote outback landscapes.

We’ve done several road trips in Australia and found that the most practical way to explore such a vast country is to combine flights with shorter road trips in different regions. Rather than trying to drive across the entire continent, it makes much more sense to pick a few key areas and explore each of them on a road trip of about 5–10 days. Our favorites include the Red Center of Australia, the south with Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road, and the Darwin area in the north.

That said, if you’re looking for one classic, continuous route and don’t mind long driving days, the East Coast between Cairns and Sydney is a very popular and scenic option. Ideally, you should plan at least three weeks for it. We did this route on our first visit to Australia, spent about three and a half weeks, and still found it rushed.

What really defines an Australian road trip is the mix of landscapes and wildlife, but good planning is essential. Without it, you might end up driving through similar empty scenery for days. A well-balanced itinerary combines different regions and gives you plenty of chances to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild. Australia truly rewards slow travel and makes the journey just as memorable as the places where you stop.

Quick facts:

• Best time for a road trip: Depends on the region
• Ideal length: 2–4 weeks, combining several shorter road trips in different regions
• Driving: Good highways and well-maintained roads; 4WD recommended in remote areas
• Best for: Slow travel, wildlife, and long scenic drives

Good to know: Distances are huge, so it’s important to plan realistic daily drives. In remote areas, fuel stations can be far apart, so planning is essential.

Related guides:
Australia Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
Tips for Planning a Trip to Australia
Australia Travel Guides

After many years of traveling on several continents, these are the road trips that truly stood out to us – not just because of famous sights, but because of how rewarding they are to experience by car, at your own pace.

Each of these destinations offers something different, from wildlife and national parks to mountain scenery, coastlines, and remote landscapes, but they all have one thing in common: they are places where the journey itself is just as memorable as the destinations along the way.

If you’re looking for ideas for your next self-drive adventure, we hope this list helps you narrow down your options and find a road trip that fits your travel style and interests.

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