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.


Best Road Trips in the World - California

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.

Best Road Trips in the World - Namibia

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.


Delicate Arch in Arches National Park from the top of the hike

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.

Khao Sok National Park drone shot - visiting Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

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Best Road Trips in the World - Philippines

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).

Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast - one of the best road trips in the world

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!

Bergen, Norway - one of the best road trips in the world

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.

Rio Celeste Costa Rica waterfall
Rio Celeste

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.


Iceland's Golden Circle

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.

Ait Ben Haddou - what to wear in Morocco. Morocco is one of the best road trips in the world
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

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!

Discover 2 days in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Your itinerary includes geysers, mountains, and ancient villages!

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.


Cappadocia sunrise with hot air balloons at Red Valley

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!

Best Road Trips in the World - South Africa

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.

Artist's bluff on the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, USA in fall - one of the best road trips in the world

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?

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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!

Florida Keys road trip - 7 mile bridge to Key West, one of the best road trips in the world

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!

Royal Mile at sunrise in Edinburgh, Scotland

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!

Best Road Trips in the World - New Zealand

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.

Oman road trip

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60 Comments

  1. This is an awesome List!!! I was about to say what typical stuff is here, but you found some great gems! We just drove the Rickshaw run through the entire west side of India (along their Route 66 for part of it, which I thought was fun!) It was awesome and terrifying.
    I loved Iceland too though driving in the middle of a snow storm is enough to make my hair turn grey and I almost died!
    I think I need to re-evaluate my desire to drive in other countries now that I think of how many times I died driving!
    When I lived in San Diego, the PCH was always a great adventure to drive!

    1. That rickshaw run sounds absolutely amazing…pretty sure you have to live it to believe that haha. Glad the list gave you some tips, there are some amazing places out there and I can’t wait to explore more of them 🙂

  2. I recently did amazing road trips along Big Sur in California and through South Florida. Those are two of my favorite road trip spots but love discovering great scenic drives all over the world.

  3. I want to do the Pacific Coast trip in Cali, but I hear it takes a strong stomach to do the drive. Multiple people I’ve talked to said they got really car sick doing this drive! Also, the one in Hawaii sounds amazing!

  4. We have traveled Miami to Key West over the 7-mile bridge numerous times, and it’s one of our lifetime favorites. The best road trip we ever did was a circle around America. There are so many different terrains in this country, it’s truly breathtaking to drive and experience. So far we have the ones in America covered but we will definitely add the rest to our future travel plans. Inspirational list!

  5. I haven’t ever done an extensive roadtrip – usually using plane as my go to transportation method. This post has me convinced I need to book in some with gorgeous scenery right away!

  6. Nice list! I would love to do the ones in Namibia and Costa Rica 🙂

    Another road-trip I would suggest in India would be in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, through the rugged mountains and winding roads. The scenery is breathtaking as well 🙂

  7. Amazing list! I love a road trip- it’s just so flexible and such a good slow way to travel. I would love to be able to go to each of these places one day!

  8. We did the Pacific Coast Highway last yeaer and it was simply stunning… except this awful mist all the way 😉

  9. I love roadtrips and your list is cool. Adding them to my bucket. I did many awesome roadtrips and Mysore to Bangalore trip was so cool.

  10. Oh my gosh, so many of these are on my bucket list. Especially Iceland and Utah. I’m actually planning a hopefully awesome road trip for this summer up to Thunder Bay, Ontario. With stops to hike and enjoy some of Ontario’s great parks!

  11. Road trips are a great opportunity to really get close to places. Love them because they give an immersive experience. Definitely want to visit each of them. All of them are diverse in themselves. Norway definitely tops the list because of the northern lights. Would definitely want to visit Cyprus too.

  12. Seems like we have a lot of road tripping ahead of us before we die, as we’ve only done 4 of the ones you suggest. 🙂 New Zealand was probably our favourite. I notice you didn’t mention Australia? We’ve done one major 3 month road trip through the country and probably loved the part in the Red Centre the most. The Great Ocean Road is of course a must-do as well.

  13. I am a big fan of road trips and this list is amazing. I feel road trips give you an opportunity to explore the landscapes and nature more closely. They are an experience in themselves. You should include Spiti Valley road trip, India too in this list.

  14. I have bookmarked this post. Road trips are always fun. I’m surely going to do this! I have been on a road trip to Leh/Ladakh region in India and it was absolutely amazing. You should include that as well 🙂

  15. I can’t believe how many fantastic road trips there are. The Cotswilds in England are really nice and Jasper to Banff in Canada is cool as well. I would like to do all of these road trips at some point.

  16. Really cool post! I would love to see Namibia, it looks amazing and I’ve heard many good things about this country. I was lucky enough and I saw many places from your list. My favourite are Iceland, Norway and Vietnam 🙂 Definitely worth to visit.

  17. I have just returned from Chile and I have visited a little bit of the North of Patagonia. I have to agree, the scenery there is spectacular! Living in the South of England I get to see some really beautiful empty roads as well. It’s a pleasure being on them (cycling for me, as I don’t drive yet 🙂 )

  18. Road Trips have always been our favorite. Road Trips can never get boring. We wish we could do each of these in the post. Namibia will always be on top for those fascinating wildlife. Visiting Israel and its diverse landscape has been on cards and what could be better than to explore it on a road trip. And we have already done a lot of road tripping in south India there is so much history and wonderful architecture to explore.

  19. We have so far done two of these. We did a shorter road trip in Namibia in October and that one was followed by a tour along the Garden Route in South Africa. Namibia was really amazing. The Garden Route in South Africa was a bit out of season during our visit. Next road trip on the list that I would like to do is Iceland, but that will probably have to wait. On my list is currently new road trips here in Sweden and hopefully a return for a new road trip in Slovakia. 🙂

  20. The Cascade Loop in Washington state is breath taking as well. You can do it in a day, or make a long weekend of it.

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