Road Trips
Open highways, scenic coastal drives, and cross-country journeys — the freedom of the road is the ultimate way to explore a country at your own pace.
There is something deeply liberating about road travel. No fixed schedule, no train timetable, no boarding gate — just you, the road, and the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. Road trips turn the journey itself into the destination. If you are looking for the best road trips in the world, scenic driving routes, campervan rental tips, or road trip itinerary ideas, this guide covers the most epic driving adventures and how to plan your own self-drive journey.
Why Road Trips Are Special
The best travel memories often happen between the planned stops. A roadside village with an incredible bakery, a viewpoint that isn’t in any guidebook, a detour down a dirt road that leads to a hidden beach. Road trips give you the flexibility to follow your curiosity wherever it leads. Whether you are planning a coastal road trip in Europe, an outback adventure in Australia, or the classic Route 66 drive across America, a self-drive holiday offers total freedom and unforgettable scenery.
Iconic Drives Worth Planning Around
- Route 66, USA — The classic American road trip across the heartland
- Great Ocean Road, Australia — Stunning coastal cliffs and the Twelve Apostles
- Ring Road, Iceland — Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and glaciers in one loop
- Adriatic Coast, Croatia — Mediterranean blue on one side, mountains on the other
- Garden Route, South Africa — From Mossel Bay to Storms River through lush coastline
- South Island, New Zealand — Mountains, fjords, and empty roads through Middle-earth landscapes
Road Trip Tips
- Book a car with good insurance — gravel roads and narrow mountain passes are common
- Download offline maps before you leave — coverage drops fast outside cities
- Start early to make the most of daylight, especially in winter
- Fill up your tank whenever you see a petrol station in remote areas
- Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks — you’ll save money and time
Best Road Trips & Scenic Drives in the World
These are the most iconic road trip routes and scenic drives that every road trip enthusiast should experience. From legendary cross-country highways to breathtaking coastal roads and volcanic loop drives, these are the drives that define road trip travel.
- Route 66 (USA) — The iconic 3,940-kilometer highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, passing through small-town diners, neon motels, and the vast American Southwest.
- Great Ocean Road (Australia) — A stunning coastal drive along Victoria’s southern shore, with the Twelve Apostles sea stacks, rainforest walks, and surfing towns.
- Ring Road (Route 1) (Iceland) — A 1,300-kilometer loop around the entire island, connecting waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic deserts, and geothermal hot springs.
- Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy) — A narrow, winding road carved into seaside cliffs between Sorrento and Salerno, with pastel villages and turquoise coves around every bend.
- Garden Route (South Africa) — A lush coastal stretch from Mossel Bay to Storms River, with forests, lagoons, whale watching, and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.
- North Coast 500 (United Kingdom) — Scotland’s answer to Route 66, a 800-kilometer loop through the wild Highlands, past castles, sea lochs, and remote white-sand beaches.
- Ruta 40 (Argentina) — One of the longest roads in the world, running over 5,000 kilometers along the Andes from Patagonian glaciers to northern desert landscapes.
- Hai Van Pass (Vietnam) — A dramatic mountain pass between Hue and Da Nang, with sweeping views of the South China Sea, best experienced by motorbike.
Rent Cars & Campervans for Your Road Trip
Planning your road trip? These top car rental and campervan hire companies offer reliable vehicles, full insurance options, and flexible pickup locations for the world’s greatest driving routes. Book early for the best rates on 4x4s, convertibles, and fully-equipped campervans.
- Europcar Iceland (Iceland) — Reliable 4x4 rentals perfect for tackling the Ring Road, highland tracks, and gravel roads, with full insurance options for Iceland’s unpredictable weather and terrain. From ~ISK 15,000/day. Website: Europcar Iceland
- Jucy Campers (New Zealand) — Colorful, compact campervan rentals ideal for exploring New Zealand’s South Island, with built-in sleeping, cooking, and storage for total freedom on the road. From ~NZD 80/day. Website: Jucy
- Apollo Campers (Australia) — Well-equipped campervan and motorhome rentals with pickup locations across Australia, perfect for the Great Ocean Road, the Outback, or the East Coast. From ~AUD 100/day. Website: Apollo
- Sixt Croatia (Croatia) — Convertible and premium car rentals for driving the stunning Adriatic coastline, with pickup options in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. From ~EUR 40/day. Website: Sixt
- Turo (USA) — A peer-to-peer car rental platform offering unique and classic vehicles perfect for an authentic Route 66 road trip, with flexible pickup locations across the country. From ~USD 50/day. Website: Turo
