There’s something undeniably exciting about hitting the open road, where the journey can be just as important as the destination. Road trips offer the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye and experience places that can be difficult to appreciate from a plane or train.
From spectacular coastal highways and dramatic mountain scenery to volcanic landscapes and historic towns, there are countless road trips around the world to suit almost every type of traveller.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable driving holiday or simply dreaming about your next adventure, TravelHype can help you find cheap flights, hotels and car hire for your trip. By comparing your travel options in one place, you can plan your road trip while looking for great-value flights, accommodation and the right hire car for your journey.
Here are some of the best road trips around the world to put on your list.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most famous coastal drives and a fantastic choice for anyone looking for memorable road trips around the world.
Stretching for around 150 miles along Victoria’s coastline, the route combines spectacular ocean views with beaches, rainforest and dramatic cliffs.
One of its biggest attractions is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. The route also passes through a number of coastal towns and scenic areas, making it easy to break the journey into several stops.
The Great Ocean Road is particularly rewarding when you take your time rather than treating it simply as a drive from one destination to another.
A hire car gives you the flexibility to explore the coastline at your own pace, stop at viewpoints and spend extra time in places that interest you.
Few road trips around the world are as closely associated with the idea of the open road as California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
California’s coastal highways provide spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, with some of the most famous sections running through areas such as Malibu, Monterey and Big Sur.
Big Sur is a particular highlight, with rugged cliffs, forests and sweeping ocean views creating some of the most memorable scenery on the route.
The journey can also be combined with visits to some of California’s major cities and attractions, allowing travellers to experience both the state’s famous coastline and its vibrant urban areas.
A road trip along California’s coast is best approached as a journey rather than a race to reach the next destination. There are plenty of places where stopping to enjoy the scenery is part of the experience.
For travellers comparing road trips around the world, the Pacific Coast Highway is an excellent option if coastal scenery and iconic driving routes are high on your list.
Iceland’s Ring Road, also known as Route 1, offers a very different type of road trip.
The route forms a loop around much of Iceland and connects many of the country’s most impressive natural attractions. Travellers can encounter volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains and geothermal areas during the journey.
Iceland’s scenery can change dramatically as you travel between different regions, making the Ring Road particularly appealing to anyone who enjoys photography and exploring the outdoors.
The journey can be completed relatively quickly, but allowing additional time is worthwhile. Weather and road conditions can change, and spending longer in each area gives you more opportunity to explore away from the main road.
Before travelling, it’s important to check current road and weather conditions and make sure your vehicle is suitable for the planned route.
Of all the road trips around the world, Iceland’s Ring Road stands out for the sheer variety of natural landscapes you can experience during one journey.
South Africa’s Garden Route combines coastal scenery, forests, beaches and wildlife across one of the country’s best-known driving routes.
The route generally runs between Mossel Bay and Storms River, although the exact itinerary can vary depending on where you start and finish.
Along the way, travellers can visit coastal towns, explore beaches and forests and discover wildlife reserves and other attractions.
The Garden Route is particularly appealing because it offers considerable variety. You can spend part of the journey beside the ocean before heading inland into greener, more mountainous landscapes.
For a longer South African adventure, the Garden Route can also be incorporated into a wider itinerary rather than treated as a standalone journey.
It is another strong choice for anyone looking at road trips around the world that combine driving with scenery, wildlife and outdoor activities.
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to experience some of the best road trips around the world.
Scotland’s North Coast 500 has become one of the UK’s best-known scenic driving routes. The approximately 500-mile loop begins and ends in Inverness and takes in some of the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
The route passes mountains, lochs, beaches, castles and remote coastal landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
The North Coast 500 can be enjoyed by car, motorcycle or campervan, although visitors should remember that some roads along the route are narrow and can become busy during peak periods.
The journey is best approached at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time allowed for stops and changing weather conditions.
If you’re planning a UK driving adventure, our comprehensive guide to summer driving includes useful advice on preparing your vehicle and staying safe on longer journeys.
For UK travellers who don’t want to travel abroad, the North Coast 500 demonstrates that spectacular road trips around the world can begin much closer to home.
Germany’s Romantic Road offers a different type of driving experience, focusing less on dramatic coastal scenery and more on history, architecture and traditional towns.
The route runs for around 460 kilometres between Würzburg and Füssen, passing through historic towns, medieval settlements and picturesque countryside.
One of the best-known attractions along the route is Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen, which attracts visitors from around the world.
The Romantic Road can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop in smaller towns and experience local food and culture.
For travellers who enjoy combining driving with history and sightseeing, it provides a fascinating alternative to some of the world’s more rugged road trips.
It also highlights the variety available when choosing road trips around the world, with historic routes offering a very different experience from coastal and mountain drives.
Choosing the right destination is only part of planning a successful road trip.
Before setting off, think about how long you have available and how much driving you actually want to do each day. Trying to cover too much distance can turn an enjoyable adventure into a tiring exercise.
This is particularly important when comparing road trips around the world because distances, road conditions and driving times can vary considerably between destinations.
It’s also worth researching the vehicle you’ll use. A comfortable car with enough luggage space can make a significant difference on a long journey, particularly if you’ll be spending several hours behind the wheel each day.
If you’re hiring a vehicle, consider factors such as luggage capacity, fuel economy, passenger space and the type of roads you’ll be travelling on.
You should also check the driving rules in your destination country. Speed limits, road signs, toll systems, insurance requirements and driving-side rules can all differ from those in the UK.
Weather is another important consideration. Some of the road trips around the world featured here can experience rapidly changing conditions, so checking forecasts and local travel information before setting off is essential.
The best road trips aren’t necessarily about reaching the destination as quickly as possible.
Build some flexibility into your itinerary so you can stop at viewpoints, explore interesting towns or spend longer somewhere you particularly enjoy.
It’s also worth taking regular breaks. Long periods behind the wheel can lead to fatigue, even when the scenery is spectacular. Swapping drivers where possible and taking proper breaks can make the journey safer and more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to allow time for unexpected discoveries, too. A small village, scenic viewpoint or roadside attraction that wasn’t in your original itinerary can sometimes become one of the highlights of the entire trip.
This sense of freedom is one of the reasons road trips around the world continue to appeal to so many travellers.
One of the biggest attractions of road trips around the world is the sense of freedom they provide.
Unlike a traditional holiday where transport between destinations is often arranged in advance, driving allows you to decide where to stop and how long to stay.
That freedom is particularly valuable on scenic routes. Instead of simply passing through a landscape, you can stop, explore and experience it at your own pace.
From Australia’s Great Ocean Road and California’s Pacific Coast to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and Scotland’s Highlands, each route offers a completely different experience.
The variety is what makes road trips around the world so appealing. Whether you prefer dramatic scenery, historic towns, beaches, mountains or wildlife, there is likely to be a route that matches your interests.
Road trips provide an opportunity to experience a destination from a different perspective. The changing scenery, unexpected stops and freedom to choose your own route can make the journey itself one of the most memorable parts of a holiday.
The road trips around the world featured here are just a starting point. There are countless other spectacular routes waiting to be explored, from mountain passes and coastal highways to historic roads connecting some of the world’s most fascinating towns and cities.
With some careful planning, the right vehicle and plenty of time to enjoy the journey, your next road trip could become an adventure you’ll remember for years to come.
So pack your bags, plan your route and get ready to discover what lies beyond the next bend in the road.
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