There’s something special about hitting the open road. You’re free to stop when you want, explore places you didn’t expect, and take in views that photos can’t capture. Road trips aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re about the experience along the way. Across every continent, there are drives that stand out as epic journeys. These routes mix natural beauty, culture, and adventure in a way that makes the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Exploring Scenic Routes in Oceania
Oceania is known for its coastlines, mountains, and wide open spaces, making it perfect for road trips. In Australia, the Great Ocean Road is a favorite for travelers. This coastal drive offers dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and stops like the Twelve Apostles. It’s an easy way to see some of the best parts of Victoria without rushing.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand offers routes that feel straight out of a postcard. The South Island’s Fiordland area is full of winding roads that pass lakes, mountains, and valleys. Driving along Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown gives you a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can take detours into small towns, enjoy fresh local food, and stop for short hikes. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll also find plenty of exciting things to do in New Zealand beyond just the road itself. From scenic flights to kayaking, you can easily turn a drive into a full adventure.
North America’s Iconic Highways
North America is built for road trips. The United States has some of the most famous routes in the world. Route 66 is packed with history and nostalgia, stretching across multiple states. The Pacific Coast Highway in California gives endless ocean views with towns and beaches that invite you to stop. The Blue Ridge Parkway in the eastern U.S. is another classic, especially in the fall when the trees turn bright colors.
One of Canada’s standout routes is the Icefields Parkway, which stretches between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. Travelers driving this highway are treated to views of towering peaks, shimmering blue lakes, and massive glaciers. It’s best enjoyed at a relaxed pace since there are plenty of viewpoints and trailheads along the way. The scale of North America also means you can design your trip however you like, from a quick scenic drive to a full cross-country journey.
Europe’s Scenic Cross-Country Drives
Europe offers variety and accessibility for road trips. The Amalfi Coast in Italy is one of the most photographed drives in the world. Narrow roads curve along cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean. Small villages line the way, each with its own charm and history.
Germany’s Romantic Road takes you past castles, vineyards, and medieval towns. It’s one of the best ways to experience the country outside of its big cities. Iceland’s Ring Road is another favorite. It circles the island and covers waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. Because Europe is compact, it’s easy to cross borders and see multiple countries in a single trip. You can go from the mountains of Switzerland to the French Riviera in a matter of days.
Adventure Roads in South America
South America’s road trips are full of variety and raw landscapes. Argentina’s Ruta 40 stretches for more than 3,000 miles. It passes deserts, lakes, and mountain ranges. Each region has its own scenery and culture, so the trip feels different as you go.
Chile’s Carretera Austral is another route worth noting. It runs through Patagonia, one of the most remote and beautiful areas on the continent. You’ll see glaciers, rivers, and forests that feel untouched. Because some of these areas are less developed, travelers should plan carefully. The payoff is a sense of discovery and quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Africa’s Stunning Drives
Africa has a mix of drives that bring together scenery, wildlife, and culture. South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the best known. It covers beaches, forests, and coastal towns. Along the way, travelers can stop for hikes, boat rides, or local markets.
In Namibia, desert roads lead you to vast dunes and salt pans. The Skeleton Coast offers a striking mix of sea and sand. Morocco’s Atlas Mountain passes show another side of Africa. These winding roads take you through traditional villages and give wide views of rugged terrain. Driving in Africa means more than scenery—it often includes close encounters with local culture and unique wildlife.
Road trips are one of the best ways to see a country up close. Each continent has drives that show off its most beautiful and unique places. Whether it’s the coastlines of Oceania, the highways of North America, every journey has something to offer. The best part of these trips isn’t just the road—it’s the chance to stop, explore, and connect with new places along the way.
