20 Best Road Trips in the World to Take Before You Die

There’s something magical about hitting the open road, rolling down the windows, and setting off on an adventure where the journey is just as incredible as the destination. It’s time to experience some of the best road trips in the world! Whether you’re hugging the cliffs of California’s Pacific Coast Highway, exploring South Africa’s Garden Route, or weaving through the mountains of Switzerland, these road trips are bucket-list worthy.

This list is all about the best road trips in the world—from classic routes you’ve always dreamed of driving to hidden gems that deserve a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re craving rugged coastlines, towering peaks, or wide-open savannahs, there’s a road trip here for every kind of traveler. So grab a map (or, let’s be real, your GPS), pack some snacks, and get ready to discover some of the most scenic drives on the planet.

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1. Pacific Coast Highway: California, USA

Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtaking views. I started in San Diego, and over the course of a week, drove up to San Francisco (and slightly past San Fran to see Napa…can’t turn down a nice glass of wine!) Along the way, I saw everything from frolicking seals to awe-inspiring cliffs to some of California’s most high-powered cities. If views of the majestic Pacific haven’t persuaded you, you can end in one of the coolest cities in California…San Francisco! Plan to spend a couple days there; check out the Golden Gate Bridge, hit up Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a cable car to explore the city.

2. Namibia

Want to see African animals in the wild, climb desert dunes, prowl through deserted ghost towns, man rugged coastlines, look for sunken ships, view ancient rock drawings, hike the canyons, meet captivating local tribes members, gaze through the darkest of nights to see millions of stars, and eat some schnitzel along the way?

If you are vigorously nodding your head, yes – check out Namibia. Arguably one of the best road trips in the world, the above only scratches the surface of the adventure and diversity you will find driving this incredible country.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is a candidate for one of the best road trips in the world.  Switzerland is a road trip dream, with its winding alpine roads, towering peaks, and ridiculously scenic towns. Check out Interlaken, the adventure capital, where you can paraglide over turquoise lakes or even try canyoning for an adrenaline rush. Make your way to Lucerne, a charming lakeside city known for its iconic Chapel Bridge, which is lined with colorful flowers. Every turn in Switzerland offers picture-perfect landscapes, from rolling green valleys to snow-capped mountains, making it one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world.

4. Utah, USA

I honestly believe Utah is one of the best road trips in the world! Roll the windows down, turn up the music, and leave the Salt Lake City skyline in your rearview mirror as you head toward Utah’s red rock wonderland. Your first destination? Moab, a quirky little adventure hub that serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Utah’s most jaw-dropping national parks. From here, you’ll have easy access to Arches National Park, home to the famous Delicate Arch and countless other gravity-defying rock formations, and Canyonlands National Park, where endless desert landscapes make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.

Just when you think Utah couldn’t possibly get any better, Bryce Canyon National Park enters the scene to prove you wrong. With its orange hoodoos and jaw-dropping amphitheaters, Bryce is the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks and wonder how nature pulled this off. And if you’re up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, don’t miss the Great Chamber, a massive hidden sand dune reachable from Kanab.

5. Manila to Visayas, Phillippines

From Manila, it’s possible to travel to Visayas via a week-long road trip. You can stop in Albay to see the perfectly cone-shaped Mayon Volcano and the nearby ruins. The next stop is Sorsogon to island hop across its uncrowded tropical beaches. Samar offers spectacular rock formations where you can dip in natural lagoons. The last pit stop is Leyte, where you can walk along the chalk-white sand bar of Kalanggaman Island or even stay overnight in the picturesque little island of Sambawan. This road trip is a chance for you to see some highlights of the Philippines in one go.

6. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is the definition of dreamy Mediterranean road trip vibes, with rugged cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and jaw-dropping sea views at every turn. Whether you’re sipping limoncello in Positano, exploring the charming streets of Amalfi, or taking a boat trip to Capri, every stop feels unreal. The drive itself is legendary—winding roads hug the cliffs, with steep drops to the sea below (probably best for passengers to enjoy while the driver keeps their eyes on the road).

7. Norway

Norway’s fjords are straight magic, with dramatic cliffs plunging into deep blue waters and charming little villages dotting the coastline. Bergen, known as the Gateway to the Fjords, is the perfect starting point, with its colorful harbor and easy access to scenic boat tours. A must-do is the Flam Railway, one of the most breathtaking train rides in the world, winding through waterfalls, mountains, and picture-perfect valleys. Whether you opt to explore Norway as one of the best road trips in the world or via boat down the fjords, the country is sure to leave you in awe!

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best road trips in the world for adventure lovers, and the area around La Fortuna is the perfect place to experience its wild beauty. Sitting at the base of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is known for its hot springs and epic waterfalls. You can spend your days zip-lining through the rainforest and rappelling down waterfalls—and after all that excitement, there’s nothing better than soaking in one of the many natural hot springs!

Just outside of La Fortuna, Rio Celeste is one of the most breathtaking sights in Costa Rica, with electric blue water winding through lush jungle. The color looks unreal (but I promise, it’s real!), thanks to a unique chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. For even more hidden beauty, check out Blue Falls, a lesser-known spot near Bajos del Toro that features multiple waterfalls and vibrant pools with way fewer crowds.

9. Iceland

One of the best road trips in the world is Iceland, and you absolutely cannot miss taking the Ring Road around the country! Start in Reykjavik, a quirky little capital with colorful houses and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church. From there, hit the Golden Circle, where you’ll see geysers erupt and the earth literally split apart at Thingvellir National Park. The South Shore is next, home to the charming town of Vik, dramatic black sand beaches, and powerful waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss (where you can actually walk behind the falls).

And if you think Iceland is only snow and ice in the winter—think again. I went snowmobiling across a glacier in July, because Iceland doesn’t play by the seasons. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or just pulling over every five minutes to take photos, this is one road trip you’ll never forget.

10. Morocco

Driving in Morocco is not for the faint of heart, so unless you have nerves of steel (or enjoy chaotic city traffic), hiring a driver for this road trip is the way to go. This road trip takes you through some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the country, starting in Chefchaouen, the iconic blue city. Next up is Fes, home to the ancient medina and chaotic souks.

From there, wind your way through the Atlas Mountains, stopping at dramatic gorges and Berber villages before arriving at the Sahara Desert for a couple nights of glamping and camel trekking. End your trip in Marrakech, where the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, beautiful riads, and rooftop dining make for the perfect finale to an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

11. Chile

Chile is a country of dramatic contrasts, and there’s no better way to experience it than exploring its otherworldly desert landscapes, vibrant cities, and rugged Patagonia – although it may be challenging to fit all three into the same road trip!

I’ll lay out three options for your Chilean road trip, and you can opt for whichever floats your boat. In the San Pedro de Atacama region, adventure awaits at the Tatio Geysers, which erupt at dawn in a cloud of steam, and Valle de la Luna, which legitimately looks like Mars. The Atacama is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, so don’t miss a night under the clearest skies you’ll ever see.

For a completely different vibe, head from Santiago to Valparaiso, stopping in Chile’s wine country along the way for a glass of world-class vino. Valparaiso is a coastal city that is an explosion of colorful street art and lively culture. And, of course, no trip to Chile is complete without experiencing Patagonia’s wild beauty, where you can hike through Torres del Paine National Park and cruise past massive glaciers. Whether you’re exploring the driest desert on Earth or trekking through the icy peaks of Patagonia, Chile is one of the best road trips in the world!

12. Turkey

Turkey is the kind of place where ancient history and stunning landscapes come together to make one of the best road trips in the world. Start in Alacati, a charming seaside town with cobblestone streets and bougainvillea. From there, head to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, where you can walk the same streets as the Romans and marvel at the Library of Celsus. Next up is Pamukkale, where you can soak in the famous white travertine terraces and explore the ruins of Hierapolis.

No trip to Turkey is complete without a stop in Cappadocia, home to fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and hot air balloon rides through unbelievable landscapes. Spend a few days here exploring underground cities, hiking, and watching the sunrise from a rooftop terrace. Then, cheat a little—because Turkey is massive—and catch a quick flight to Istanbul to round out your adventure with a couple of days exploring the city’s bustling bazaars, stunning mosques, and epic Bosphorus views.

13. Garden Route: South Africa

If you had to pick only one road trip to take in you life, life it may have to be the drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg along the Garden Route. It has something for everyone – beautiful scenery, amazing wines, adrenaline pumping activities, animal encounters (ostriches, great white sharks and elephants, to name a few!) and spectacular national parks. It really showcases South Africa’s highlights – and doesn’t cost the earth either!

14. Kancamagus Highway: New Hampshire, USA

If you’re looking for peak fall foliage, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is one of the best leaf-peeping road trips in the U.S. This scenic stretch winds through the White Mountains, offering fiery reds, oranges, and yellows at every turn. Stop at Artist’s Bluff for sweeping valley views, hike Rattlesnake Mountain for an easy but rewarding trek, and don’t miss Mount Willard for one of the best overlooks in New England. I’d recommend trying to time your trip with the leaves changing – the Kanc is absolutely an autumn lover’s dream.

15. Jordan

Jordan is a cool mix of ancient wonders, epic landscapes, and adventure. In the capital of Amman, you can explore Roman ruins and snack on some of the best hummus you’ll ever eat (no lie, I still dream about the hummus!). Petra is as jaw-dropping as you’d expect, with the iconic Treasury and Monastery carved into rose-red cliffs.

Wadi Rum feels like another planet, and spending the night glamping with the Bedouins under a sky full of stars is an unforgettable experience. The Dead Sea offers a chance to float effortlessly in mineral-rich waters, and in Aqaba, you can snorkel through the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea. Whether you’re after history, adventure, or just a once-in-a-lifetime view, Jordan delivers as one of the best road trips in the world!

16. Icefields Parkway: Canada

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world, cutting through the heart of the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Along the way, you’ll pass glacial lakes, towering peaks, and waterfalls so powerful you can hear them before you see them. Stop at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, where the water is so vividly green it doesn’t look real, and take in the stunning Wapta Falls along your drive. Icefields Parkway may top my list of best road trips in the world…I mean, can you believe the color of this water at Peyto Lake?

17. Highway 1: Florida Keys, USA

A Florida Keys road trip is all about sun, sand, and the ultimate island vibes. Starting in the Upper Keys, stop for kayaking in Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, then make your way through Islamorada for fresh seafood. Further south, stop at the scenic Seven Mile Bridge and hit up Big Pine Key, home to the adorable Key deer. End your trip in Key West, where you can sip rum cocktails on Duval Street, visit the Hemingway House, and watch the famous sunset celebration at Mallory Square. I finally did this trip last year, and I have to say…it was even more picturesque than I had imagined!

18. Scotland

A road trip through Scotland is straight out of a storybook, blending history, landscapes, and a touch of magic. Start in Edinburgh, where you can explore the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Victoria Street (which looks like a real life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter!) From there, head to Stirling Castle, a historic fortress , before making your way to Glen Coe Valley, where towering mountains and misty moors make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel. A stop at Inverlochy Castle Hotel for high tea adds a bit of luxury before heading to one of Scotland’s most famous spots—the Glenfinnan Viaduct, aka the Hogwarts Express.

From Glenfinnan, continue to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll experience some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. Drive past Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world, and make your way to Loch Ness—because no trip to Scotland is complete without trying to spot Nessie. My final Scotland verdict? This place is pure magic and absolutely belongs on the list of best road trips in the world!

19. New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscapes and camper van friendly culture. Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit will especially like it because the entire movie was filmed in New Zealand and the locations are open to the public. In addition, New Zealand has to be one of the most photogenic countries we’ve visited; photographers will be in heaven!

20. Oman

Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East, packed with stunning landscapes, rich history, and epic road trip potential. Start in Muscat, where you can visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque before taking a boat trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, an untouched marine reserve perfect for snorkeling. Next, head to Wadi Shab, an oasis of turquoise pools hidden within rocky cliffs, before stopping in the coastal town of Sur to see traditional dhow boats.

From there, drive into the Wahiba Sands, where you can go dune bashing and glamp under the stars. Continue to Nizwa, known for its historic fort and bustling souk, before heading up to Jebel Akhdar, Oman’s “Green Mountain,” where terraced farms and cool mountain air offer a stunning contrast to the desert. Oman is a destination that feels like a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered.

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