The Ultimate Road Trip Bucket List: 18 Scenic Drives You Need to Take

Craving an escape that’s more about the journey than the destination? If the thought of hitting the road and discovering new places gets your heart racing, you’re in the right place. We’ve mapped out 18 iconic road trips from every corner of the globe that promise not just stunning views but real adventures. Ready to see what the world has to offer from the driver’s seat? 

1. Route 66: The Mother Road, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Traverse the heart of America on the legendary Route 66, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s a slice of classic Americana, peppered with vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and the spirit of freedom.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmitriy Komarov

Wind along Australia’s southeastern coast for jaw-dropping views of the Twelve Apostles and rainforests meeting the rugged cliffs of the ocean. It’s a dramatic journey through nature’s finest work.

3. Ring Road, Iceland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / kb-photodesign

Circle Iceland on its Ring Road to witness geysers, glaciers, and fjords. Each turn reveals a new, otherworldly landscape, making it a road trip for the adventurous soul.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

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Image Credit: Pexels / Michael Giugliano

Cruise the serpentine roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where azure seas, precariously perched villages, and lemon groves create a sensory overload of picturesque beauty.

5. Garden Route, South Africa

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Finn stock

South Africa’s Garden Route offers a mosaic of ecosystems, from beaches to forests and lagoons. It’s a wild journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

6. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / HandmadePictures

Hug the Californian coast from San Francisco to San Diego, where the Pacific Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs. The PCH is a road trip that epitomizes the romance of the American West.

7. The Golden Triangle, India

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlexAnton

Explore India’s rich history and culture on a road trip through the Golden Triangle. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra and the palaces of Jaipur, it’s a feast for the senses.

8. Route des Grandes Alpes, France

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Flystock

Drive through the heart of the French Alps on this high-altitude journey, connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. It’s a thrilling ride through Europe’s most iconic mountain range.

9. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / shutterupeire

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the rugged western coast, offering a journey through quaint villages, ancient castles, and some of the greenest landscapes you’ll ever see.

10. North Coast 500, Scotland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Helen Hotson

Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500, winds through the Scottish Highlands, showcasing fairy-tale castles, secluded beaches, and dramatic moors.

11. The Trans-Canada Highway

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / melissamn

Canada’s epic cross-country journey showcases the vastness and diversity of the country, from vibrant cities to untouched wilderness.

12. The Transfagarasan, Romania

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / DaLiu

Named by some as the best road in the world, the Transfagarasan winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering stunning views and a thrilling drive.

13. The Atlantic Road, Norway

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Czech the World

Norway’s Atlantic Road jumps from island to island via bridges, with the ocean on both sides. It’s a short but unforgettable journey through Scandinavian beauty.

14. The Pamir Highway, Central Asia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / NOWAK LUKASZ

Traverse the rugged landscapes of Central Asia on the Pamir Highway, a route that’s as much about the journey as the destination. It’s a true adventure for the intrepid traveler.

15. Cabot Trail, Canada

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vadim.Petrov

The Cabot Trail circles Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, offering views of wooded valleys, cliff-top vistas, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a peaceful escape into Canada’s natural beauty.

16. The South Island, New Zealand

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nur Ismail Photography

New Zealand’s South Island is a road tripper’s dream, with the Southern Alps, fiords, and lakes providing a backdrop to an epic journey through Middle-earth.

17. The Pacific Rim Highway, Canada

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / T. Schneider

Journey through Vancouver Island’s rainforests, coastal cliffs, and surf towns on the Pacific Rim Highway. It’s a road trip that embraces the wild spirit of the west coast.

18. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eric Weissenborn.

Not your typical road trip, driving across the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is an unforgettable experience, where the horizon blends sky and earth in a surreal landscape.

The Journey of a Lifetime

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

These 18 road trips offer more than just stunning landscapes; they’re a call to adventure, an invitation to explore the diverse tapestry of our planet. So, grab your keys, hit play on your favorite road trip tunes, and let the adventure begin.

18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / InesBazdar

It’s time for a reality check, American travelers. As you pack your bags and head overseas, ready to stamp your passport, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that not every destination is thrilled to see you. 18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Inshyna

American cities promise rich culture and unforgettable experiences, but rising crime rates can catch travelers off guard. This guide helps you stay safe while fully enjoying your adventures. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pavel L Photo and Video

Thinking about booking a cruise for your next getaway? Let’s have a real talk first. While cruising might seem like a breezy way to see the world, there are a few not-so-sunny truths that might make you reconsider. What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tint Media.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.

The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

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