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Plan your rtw trip.

Finding the right round the world trip planner can be difficult. This is first and foremost because many such tools on the internet are only for planning (and, in some cases, booking) RTW flights. The truly difficult part of planning a trip around the world is deciding where to go, how long to stay and how to arrange your trip, so the content deficit (let alone how rare it is to find a quality world trip planner) is frustrating for many travelers.

The good news? Whether you want to travel all around the world, or simply want to visit multiple continents during a single trip, this guide covers all the bases you’ll need to hit as you plan your trip.

Of course, I’ll also touch on the particulars of buying a RTW ticket, including a somewhat contentious recommendation on my part. I’m about to share a great deal of information with you, but I promise: Planning a RTW trip is much, much easier than it looks.

Booking Round the World Flights

Many a round the world trip planner (which to say, any airline alliance website create for the purpose of selling flights) will tell you that booking a single RTW ticket is essential for a round the world trip. However, I don’t agree with this. In addition to the fact that having a single travel the world for a year itinerary (even a flexible one) can lock you in on a trip that will be anything but predictable, it’s often more cost effective to book individual segments, particularly if you have some miles or points to play with.

Let’s say, for example, that you live in the United States and want to fly around the world westward. After taking advantage of a rock-bottom one-way flight from the US to Japan or China , you can take advantage of low-cost flights as you explore Southeast Asia and Australia , then gradually make your way to Europe (and from there, Africa ), flying to South America before returning home, often for only a few hundred dollars per segment. A round-the-world ticket, on the other hand, which often only includes long-distance flights, can easily cost between $2,000-3,000. And that’s without the fees you’ll certainly have to pay to change it as your plans evolve.

How Long Does a Round the World Trip Take?

Whether or not you work with an around the world trip planner, you should keep in mind that as you plan a round the world trip, the issue of timing can be surprisingly far in the back of your mind, particularly if you’ll be traveling to regions of the world you’ve never visited. While two weeks traveling through Japan or Western Europe can allow you to cover a lot of ground, it’s woefully insufficient in places like India , Africa or even much of South America. In general, it’s safe to assume you’re probably underestimating how long you’ll need to devote to your trip.

Broadly speaking, I’d say the best round the world holidays last a minimum of six months, though I have personally taken epic trips in a shorter amount of time than that. On the other hand, I’d caution against traveling for longer than a year at a time, as being away from your “real life” for such a period can have other impacts on your well-being, ones you might not be able to anticipate right now.

How Much Does a Round the World Trip Cost?

Another deficiency of many a round the world trip planner (which is once again to say a flight booking tool) is that it provides only a piece of the cost puzzle—your round the world trip isn’t only going to cost a few thousand dollars. Generally speaking, the average cost of traveling anywhere in the world is between 50-150 USD per person, per day, which means that a conservative estimate for the cost of the ultimate around the world itinerary for a six-month trip (without your “big” flights) is between $9,000-27,000. Not cheap!

Of course, there are ways to decrease the cost of a travel around the world itinerary, whether you manage to find the cheapest round the world ticket, take advantage of opportunities for free or discounted stays (whether you couch surf or do some sort of volunteer program) or simply keep your dining out and shopping to a minimum. In general, however, I’d recommend over-estimating your budget than under-estimating it, if only so you don’t end up as a “begpacker.”

When to Take a Round the World Trip

When you travel around the world will depend upon where you want to go. While most of the sample round the world routes I’ll recommend in the next section are fairly evergreen, some destinations are better during certain months than others, and planning according to this can influence the rest of your travel trajectory.

For example, let’s assume you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan , probably the world’s most famous seasonal spectacle. Whether you choose from my round the world trip ideas below or commission a custom 6 month travel itinerary, you’ll want to arrange the rest of your RTW trip to optimize the weather in all your destinations. You might head to Nepal after Japan, for instance, to trek when the country’s famous rhododendrons are blooming, or visit Australia and New Zealand before Japan to catch the tail end of warm weather Down Under.

Round the World Trip Ideas

The best of six continents.

Most round the world trip planners will want to see the “whole world” on their trips—all six inhabited continents, and potentially even Antarctica. Regardless of where your RTW travel originates, the general path you will follow is North America-Asia (Australia/New Zealand)-(Middle East/India) Europe (Africa)-South America-North America, or maybe in reverse depending upon where you start and what time of year you’re traveling.

In terms of a general flight path, this might look something like the following: Los Angeles-Vancouver- Tokyo – Bangkok – Sydney – Dubai – Paris -Cairo-Cape Town-London-Buenos Aires- Bogota -Houston. Needless to say there are countless variations, from a 6 month round the world trip to ones much longer!

Wonders of the World

Rather than taking a comprehensive approach (which can lead to a year or even longer on the road—again, not an option for the majority of travelers), you can start your world travel planner based on a finite list of world wonders, be it classic ones you find on an Asia trip planner like the Great Wall or ones you designate yourself, such as Barcelona ‘s Sagrada Familia church or Ethiopia’s “Door to Hell.”

Assuming you take a more classic route for your around the world itinerary, you might go about planning a round the world trip between wonders as follows. From Chicago to Beijing (for the Great Wall), then to Delhi (for the Taj Mahal), to Cairo (for the Pyramids ), to Athens (for the Acropolis), to London (for Stonehenge), to Rio de Janeiro (for Christ the Redeemer) to New York (for the Statue of Liberty). Again, this is highly customizable!

The Backpacker’s Trail

I’ve taken great pains within this round the world trip planner to be honest and sober about the cost of traveling around the world, but this is still a sort of trip that people on the backpacking spectrum can take. Specifically if you decide to string together affordable destinations like Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe, Andean South America and Central America.

For instance, if you’re seeking a cheap around the world itinerary, you might fly from Denver to Kuala Lumpur (via China, as Chinese airlines are the cheapest), then fly to Mumbai or Delhi for a month or two there. From there, head to Ukraine or Poland to begin a month or so backpacking Eastern Europe (I particularly like the Balkans ), before taking a flight (probably a multi-leg one) to Lima (where Peru and Bolivia await) or Cancun, from which can you head south to affordable Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Five-Star Frolic

On the other end up to the spectrum for a world trip itinerary, travelers without a set budget can enjoy a round the world business class (or even first class) romp that pulls out all the stops. Rather than focusing on a set range of destinations, you can plan your trip based on luxurious hotels and experiences, be it a Tanzania safari from the opulent Four Seasons Serengeti , sampling award-winning in-flight products and services from airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines or dining in foodie capitals like Tokyo and Paris.

If you’re planning a luxury round the world trip, it makes sense to enlist the help of a professional (me or someone else), since the price of such assistance (usually between $100-200 per week of travel) is minimal compared to the overall cost of such a RTW trip.

Other FAQ About RTW Travel

How many stops do you get on a round the world ticket.

Whether you’re planning a 6 month round the world trip or plan to stay on the road for years, I am a proponent of piecemeal booking of air travel, rather than committing yourself to a RTW ticket. Therefore, I consider the number of “stops” permitted on such a ticket to be superfluous.

How do I plan a trip around the world?

Unless you are a very experienced global traveler, I recommend against trying to plan a trip on your trip. Rather, work with a professional (such as Yours Truly) to arrange a travel the world for a year itinerary. Or for longer than a year, or shorter—you get the idea.

Are round the world tickets worth it?

No! As I’ve expressed many times during this round the world itinerary, I am not a fan of RTW plane tickets. They rarely cost less; booking and changing them requires a pedantic phone call—or rather phone calls, since you’ll have to call in every time you want to make a modification.

Round the World Trip Planning

The best round the world trips are the ones where you get out on the road and go where the wind takes you, but that’s not realistic for most people. Whether because of finite funds or a “real life” you need to get back to, round the world trips require more planning than you’d probably like, even if you’re generally an adventurous and spontaneous traveler.

“So,” you might be asking, “can you plan my round the world trip for me?” The answer is yes, though there are a couple caveats. Because of the length and breadth of most RTW trips, many travelers want a more skeletal version of my typical “Travel Coaching” itinerary, which is typical extremely detailed and includes day-by-day recommendations. As a result, my pricing for planning RTW itineraries differs from what I’ve published on my Travel Coaching page , so I’d advise emailing me directly with any inquiries.

The Bottom Line

No matter how extensive a round the world trip planner you’ve been seeking, I’m confident that mine has met your needs. For most travelers, it’s simply a matter of learning your RTW flight booking options, assessing the cost of your RTW trip and deciding upon destinations and routing. However, others might want to hire a world trip planner (or a least a skeleton of it, which puts in place a broad trajectory) on their behalf.

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Ultimate Around the World Itinerary | 1 Year Around the World

By: Author Charles

Posted on August 25, 2023

In March of 2019, I quit my job, packed a couple of carry-on bags, and took a one-way flight to Auckland, New Zealand to begin my around the world itinerary.

Over the course of the next 375 days, I traveled to 20 countries and countless cities in 6 continents. I put together this post to walk you through the exact route, and how it all came together the way it did.

Whether, you are just interested in reading along, or you would like to put together an around the world itinerary for yourself, I hope this can inspire you!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Around the World Itinerary Overview

I knew from early on in my career that travel was a very important aspect of my life. I didn’t know at the time though, that I would have it in me to quit my safe corporate job of 6 years and travel for an extended period of time.

Instead of taking those few 10-day vacations and always looking forward to just taking that next trip, I thought a full year of solo travel would be the right move for me. I could visit places that would have taken years for me to get to, and challenge myself consistently along the way.

So, on March 13 2019, I hopped on a flight from JFK to LAX and then onwards to Auckland, New Zealand (essentially as far as one can get!). Over the course of the next 12 months, I got to experience some of the best travel moments of my life.

Whether it was meeting locals, exploring cities, hiking high into the mountains, trying new foods, engraining myself in new cultures, or hanging out with like-minded travelers. The one year of travel ended up being the best decision of my life, and one of the reasons, this site came to be .

Around the World Stats Days: 375  Countries: 20 Cities: ~100

2) Travel Considerations

As I planned the trip, there were a few “main” aspects that I was sure to plan the trip around. These included – weather, local holidays for & peak seasons, logistics, among a few other considerations.

Probably the most important aspect of the around the world itinerary, was making sure I was visiting countries during the best time of year from a weather standpoint .

I did not want to go through all of this, just to visit countries when it was rainy season or when I couldn’t take part of certain activities.

For example, I made sure to visit Nepal during November when the weather was at its clearest (but quite cold) and there was little risk of rain and clouds ruining the trekking views. I made my way to the Philippines at the tail end of the dry season and Costa Rica at the beginning of their dry season.

At the end of the day, it was all about being able to fully enjoy my time in each place on a day to day basis and not have constant days where the weather wouldn’t allow me to do anything.

With that said, the weather is unpredictable and you never know what it can bring (no matter how much you plan). There were certainly days I was completely rained out of doing anything, and times where I had to move things around last minute to circumvent the weather.

But by initially planning the trip to avoid poorer weather conditions, I feel as I was really able to get the most out of the journey.

Local Holidays & Seasons

Another thing that I considered is to avoid traveling to countries during the local’s national holidays . While dealing with tourists is one thing, dealing with a whole country traveling at the same time is another.

This isn’t across every country out there of course, but for some countries during these holiday times, many locals decide to travel for themselves.

This results in less availability for hotels and more expensive prices altogether . A couple that come to mind are Golden Week in Japan and Holy Week in the Philippines. 

I will caveat that with saying, sometimes it can be a great experience to take part of certain local celebrations if that is what is of interest to you.

In addition to holidays, I also tried to avoid peak season when most tourists are traveling to a certain destination .

Now, this is certainly not avoidable if traveling for a year, but it can help to steer clear of some places during those peak seasons.

Instead, I tried to visit places during shoulder seasons, as the weather is great but just less people are traveling to these places. At the end of the day it is just picking and choosing what works best.

The last main consideration when planning the trip was the logistics side of things. I just wanted to be sure that there was an easy way to get between city A and city B .

Whether that be a plane, boat, train or bus, I just didn’t want to put myself in the position where I would have to go drastically out of my way to continue on with the next city or country.

To the best of my abilities, I attempted to book direct flights when possible . I remember in the Philippines for example, there were not direct flights between certain islands or they were not operating every day of the week. I had to put the itinerary together so I was not wasting full days just to get between two islands. 

If I was renting a car, and I was taking a one way route through a country (such as Austria), I had to be certain that I could pick up and drop off the car in two separate locations without a hefty fee. 

With that said though, there were certainly times where I had to compromise with logistics. If I really wanted to travel somewhere but it would take days of traveling, I had to be fine with that. It all becomes a balance between everything .

Other Considerations

Also considered in the travel planning was the flexibility and having time to just unwind without anything planned. While I put together a list of countries and things I wanted to do in each country, I never had it written out to a tee.

I consistently moved things around as I went and sometimes did not even have a set date to leave a country I was in. Having that flexibility helped big time when things didn’t go 100% according to plan .

I also wanted to be sure that I had time to just rest and recover . For the majority of the trip I was out and about from morning until night. All of that traveling can take a toll on the body.

So, you will see times in the itinerary where I may have stayed longer than one may expect just to have time to do nothing and all.

When I combined the weather, holidays, and logistics, an itinerary began to form that I continuously worked on for months leading up to the trip.

→ Learn more: check out the planning a trip around the world and around the world cost guides for many more considerations when putting together an itinerary, as well as my around the world packing list

With that said though, there were some things that I had to plan around, making this around the world trip a bit more difficult to plan out than initially expected. See the next section for more on that…

3) What I Planned Around

Now, the around the world itinerary didn’t come without any hitches. There were a few things that came up which altered my initial travel planning.

Timing is never perfect to take a full year off from your friends and family. And there were certain events that I just had to come back for. Due to this, you will see a bit of interesting travel plans that the trip goes through.

» I spent October of 2019 back in the US as I had weddings to attend of close friends. Due to this I ended up staying the month back in the US before heading out again (and did get to visit NYC, Philadelphia and Chicago during my time back). Then again in December 2019, I came back again, but this time just for a quick weekend.

» On top of that, my trip was originally going to be closer to 15 months of travel. As we all know though, Covid started to ramp up in March of 2020. The end of my trip was a bit hectic trying to figure out where to go and what to do. But on March 20, 2020 I ended up taking one of the final flights out of South Africa before the world went into lockdown.

4) Around the World Itinerary Details

From start to finish the trip lasted 375 days with 329 days outside of the country. Over the course of those 375 days I visited 6 continents, 20 countries, and upwards of 100 cities. I ended up splitting out my trip in five phases:

Phase 1 : NZ/AU/Asia Phase 2 : Middle East / Europe Phase 3* : Nepal Phase 4 : Central and South America Phase 5 : Asia/Africa -> cut short

→ *I returned home before/after I traveled to Nepal

Below is the country by country route I took along with the number of days (including days to travel to them). Throughout the remainder of the post I will go into detail about where I decided to travel to in each country.

Country #1: New Zealand (29 days) Country #2: Japan (12 days) Country #3: South Korea (11 days) Country #4: Philippines (20 days) Country #5: Indonesia (30 days) Country #6: Australia (21 days) Country #7: Singapore (4 days) Country #8: Israel (17 days) Country #9: Jordan (4 days) Country #10: Austria (10 days) Country #11: Germany (6 days) Country #12: Slovenia (11 days) Country #13: Croatia (15 days) Country #14: Montenegro (10 days) Country #15: Nepal (26 days) Country #16: Belize (17 days) Country #17: Costa Rica (24 days) Country #18: Argentina (21 days) Country #19: Chile (11 days) Country #20: Sri Lanka (24 days)

Bonus : South Africa for 5 days until I had to take an emergency flight back home on my final day

Some of my travel plans would not necessarily look efficient on paper (Chile to Sri Lanka for example). However, given I did need to make some stops back in the US as I spoke about earlier, and with Covid ending the trip early, the trip doesn’t always make perfect sense without knowing the details.

You can see that I did spend quite a bit of time in many of these countries (24 days in Costa Rica). Like I said, when planning the trip, I did not want to rush myself in a country.

I wanted to truly enjoy all different aspects of where I was . I also wanted to be sure to have enough “rest” days, to just spend time to regroup and reset before continuing on.

You may find many itineraries out there that visit double the amount of countries in the same time period. But at the end of the day, each person has their own travel style and what they want to accomplish on a trip like this.

For me, it was seeing the world at my pace and really engraining myself in each country I visited.

5) Around the World Itinerary Map

Below is a map of each and every place I visited all along the year long journey. You not only can see the cities I visited, but you can also see nearly every attraction I got to visit along the way.

Feel free to zoom in for more details!

6) 1 Year Around the World Itinerary

With that all said, below is a breakdown of each country along with the main cities/attractions I got to enjoy along the way.

New Zealand (March 13 – April 10)

I started off the around the world itinerary by taking a one-way flight to Auckland, New Zealand and from there got to explore both the North Island and South Island of the country.

After spending a night in Auckland, I grabbed a rental car, and then began the journey from north to south. Along the way I was able to visit the following places:

• Auckland • Waitakere Ranges • Rotorua • Taupo • Tongariro Alpine Crossing • Wellington • Abel Tasman National Park • Punakaiki* • Wanaka • Te Anau • Queenstown • Mount Cook • Pukaki • Christchurch

* As I was making my way down the western coast of the South Island, a major storm caused mudslides and a collapsed bridge. I ended up missing out on Franz Josef and had to spend a day driving around the island to Wanaka. Always good to have the flexibility to change things on the fly!

Japan (April 11 – April 22)

From Christchurch, I hopped on a flight to Tokyo via Brisbane. After a full day of travel, I arrived to Tokyo, where started my 12 days through Japan .

Since this was my second time in Japan, I did not spend as long as I might have if it was my first time. While I certainly went to some of the same places from my initial trip, I did not go back to places like Kobe, Hiroshima , Miyajima and Osaka.

However, I did get to visit a bunch of new places as well, and took the following journey through Japan:

• Tokyo • Kamakura • Hakone • Takayama • Shirakawago • Kanazawa • Kyoto • Nara

South Korea (April 23 – May 3)

It was then off to South Korea as I flew directly from Osaka to Jeju Island. Over the course of the next 10 days or so, I visited three beautiful places in the country:

• Jeju Island (+ Mount Hallasan hike !) • Gyeongju • Seoul

Philippines (May 4 – May 23)

After a successful time around South Korea, it was then onto the Philippines. It was all about the beaches, water, and island life during this portion of the trip.

As the rainy season starts in June, I got there just in time to fully enjoy the experience. Besides a few nighttime rain showers, it was all clear to enjoy some time in the sun. I ended up spending time in 4 different islands for around 4-5 days each.

Logistics were important here as it can get quite tricky to travel around the country. With a combinations of boats and direct flights, I ended up visiting these places:

• Coron • El Nido • Bohol • Siargao

Indonesia (May 24 – June 22)

You are only allowed to visit Indonesia for 30 days without getting a longer term visa, so that is exactly what I decided to do. I spent a full month exploring the country visiting many places along the way .

While 30 days does sound like a long time, Indonesia is a massive country. I can honestly spend a year traveling around the country and still have things to do. But during my month there I started on the island of Java and then got to visit:

• Yogyakarta • Lumajang / East Java Waterfalls • Cemoro Lawang / Mount Bromo • Banyuwangi / Ijen Crater • Munduk • Ubud • Nusa Penida • Gili Trawangan • Mount Rinjani • Komodo National Park

From Komodo, it was then a quick flight back to Bali , where I headed off to Australia for the next portion of my trip.

Australia (June 23 – July 12)

Australia was one country, where it was a bit tougher to pick a time of year that worked weather wise for various cities around the country. I could have gone right after New Zealand but found some of the logistics a bit too difficult to manage.

Either way though, while I did not have the beach weather for Sydney, all else went great in the cities further up north. Below were the places I traveled to during my few weeks in Australia :

• Sydney • Blue Mountains • Whitsundays • Cairns / Great Barrier Reef • Port Douglas • Daintree Rainforest • Uluru / Kata Tjuta • Kings Canyon • Alice Springs / West MacDonnell Ranges

Singapore (July 13 – July 16)

From Alice Springs I took a flight over to Perth for a quick layover before heading off to Singapore. I decided to split Singapore into two parts.

The first couple days I would spend sightseeing all around the city. For the second two days, I opted for a bit of relaxing and treated myself to two nights at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Overall, the four days in Singapore ended up great and got me ready for the next leg of my trip as I traveled all the way to Israel.

Israel & Jordan (July 17 – August 2)

When visiting Israel, I knew that I wanted to spend a few days in Jordan visiting a couple of the top sites.

So, I ended up traveling around Israel for 10 days, and then ended up in Eilat. From Eilat, I traveled into Jordan for 4 days and then re-entered Israel, where I spent another week.

While I could have figured out the logistics to be a bit more favorable, the three weeks between Israel and Jordan ended up something like this:

• Jerusalem • Ein Gedi / Masada • Dead Sea • Mitzpe Ramon • Eilat • Petra • Wadi Rum • Haifa* • Tel Aviv

* After visiting Jordan, I crossed back into Eilat, rented a car and drove all the way north to Haifa. I spent a few days exploring the northern coast and ended the trip in Tel Aviv for a few days of beach time.

Austria & Germany (August 8 – August 23)

After taking a flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna, I spent the next 2+ weeks driving my way through Austria and the Bavaria region of Germany. I spent time in cities and out in the mountains, while visiting several places along the way:

• Vienna • Hallstatt • Berchtesgaden • Garmisch Partenkirchen • Mayrhofen

This is also a time where the weather did not always go according to plan. It was nice to have some extra days here in order to wait out the couple days of poor weather and then get up into the mountains.

Slovenia (August 24 – September 3)

From Mayrhofen, I took the quick drive to Innsbruck, dropped off my rental car and then took a train over to Ljubljana. I spent the next 10+ days driving around Slovenia and enjoying all different aspects of the country including:

• Ljubljana • Lake Bled • Bohinj • Bovec • Piran

Croatia (September 4 – September 18)

A quick train from Ljubljana to Zagreb and it was then time to explore Croatia for two weeks . I opted against renting a car here and just made my way around the country using busses and ferries. Along the way I got to visit:

• Zagreb • Plitvice National Park • Zadar • Krka National Park • Split • Hvar • Korcula • Mljet • Dubrovnik

Montenegro (September 19 – September 28)

Montenegro was the last country on the first portion of my trip around the world . I took a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor and then rented a car for the next 10 days. During those days I made my way to a few different places:

• Kotor • Durmitor National Park • Lake Skadar • Sveti Stefan

My last night of the 200 th day of my trip was spent in the small coastal town of Sveti Stefan, where I got to enjoy one last sunset before making my way back to the US for the next month.

After heading to a couple of weddings and traveling to cities like NYC, Philadelphia and Chicago, I then made the round trip journey to Nepal. Here is where I took part of the Three Passes Trek + Everest Base Camp.

Nepal (November 11 – December 6)

Visiting the Himalayas had been a life dream of mine, and during this around the world trip, I finally got to experience some time there. I decided to go for the Three Passes Trek , which is essentially a longer version of the standard Everest Base Camp trek .

In addition to EBC, I got to head over the Kongma La , Cho La , and Renjo La passes, visit the Gokyo Lakes , and trek up peaks like Chukhung Ri and Gokyo Ri .

After three weeks of trekking, I had a few days of relaxing in Kathmandu before heading back for a quick weekend in NYC .

Belize (December 10 – 27)

It was then time to explore some of Central and South America, as I headed from New York down to Belize. During my time in Belize I spent several days scuba diving, visiting the inland of the country, and finishing up at the beach .

Technically I actually went to another country during the trip as I also did make the quick one night journey to Tikal in Guatemala. Overall, the trip to Belize (and Guatemala) looked like this:

• Ambergris Caye • Caye Caulker • San Ignacio • Tikal • Cockscomb Basin • Placencia

Costa Rica (December 28 – January 19)

It was then off to Costa Rica , where I got to spend 3+ weeks traveling to all different parts of the country.

It was a great mixture between volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, hiking, and beaches as I visited the following places:

• Poas / La Paz Waterfall Gardens • La Fortuna / Arenal • Monteverde • Manuel Antonio • Corcovado National Park • Uvita • Cerro Chirripo • San Jose*

*The plan was to visit the Caribbean coast for the final few days of the trip around Puerto Viejo. However, the weather had different plans. So, I decided to just spend a few days in San Jose, rest and recover there before heading off to Patagonia for the next month of hiking.

Argentina (January 20 – February 9)

While I did spend a day in Buenos Aires, the main aspect of this portion of the trip was to hike my way through Patagonia . While, I did visit during what is considered one of the best times of year to go from a weather perspective, I still knew the risk of the Patagonian weather.

One day can be nice and sunny, while the next day could be a complete snowstorm (yes even in their summer months!). I mean, I even had a day when it was sunny and snowing at the same time .

Knowing the unpredictability of the weather, I decided to always give myself extra days in each one of the places I visited . This way if the weather did not cooperate for a day or two, I still would be able to enjoy my time there.

And for the most part, that is exactly what happened. Half the time I was in El Chalten, the weather made hiking impossible. A couple days in El Calafate by the Perito Merino Glacier were completely clouded over. But since I planned to have more days than necessary, it all worked out pretty well in the end as I visited these regions:

• Ushuaia • El Calafate • El Chalten • Huemul Circuit

Chile (February 10 – February 20)

From El Chalten, I bussed back to El Calafate, and then took a bus ride over to Puerto Natales in Chile. From there began the O Circuit Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park (an extended version of the famous W Trek ) .

This was actually one portion of Patagonia, where I could not just add on more days for a weather buffer. Since I needed to book the accommodation in the park well in advance, I was locked into my days.

Although the weather was not perfect for some of the days on the trail, it was more than suitable for some trekking. Some top highlights included the Grey Glacier , French Valley , and Mirador Las Torres .

After 8 days of hiking the “O”, I made my way back to Puerto Natales and flew to Santiago to end my time in Chile.

Sri Lanka (February 21 – March 15)

It was then across the world to Sri Lanka , where I got to see the ins and outs of the country for the next three weeks. Yes, I know not the best flight plan, but I planned to spend the next several months in Asia/Africa. Along the way I got to experience a little bit of everything including:

• Colombo • Habarana • Polonnaruwa • Kandy • Dalhousie / Adam’s Peak • Nuwara Eliya • Ella • Yala & Udawalawe Safaris • Mirissa

And here is where things just started to get a bit crazy. We are talking March of 2020 as the world began to turn upside down. The remainder of my trip I was supposed to go to China (quickly got nixed), India, South Africa and Namibia.

I soon realized though, that traveling was no longer an option. After deciding to go to South Africa, I just lasted a few days in Cape Town, before taking one of the last flights out of the country back to the US. It wasn’t the way I wanted to end it, but I still did get to travel around the world for a year.

But now I have written a ton about the countries I visited before, during and after the trip around the world. I hope you find the itineraries and travel guides up on the site helpful!

If you have any questions or comments about any of it, just feel free to comment down below. Also be sure to check out some travel tips & tricks to help you better plan your next trip.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Monday 13th of November 2023

This is very helpful!, thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. Can you expand more on why you didn't go to Australia after NZ? Also, so it was fall when you went to NZ and winter for Australia, any regrets going when you did? thoughts? I've read travelling west, is the best way to do a RTW trip, so it's a given to start in NZ, but when to go to get less tourists but decent weather.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

This is all very inspiring and informative, as I’m considering doing the same. Question, how much did you spend your your entire trip?

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hi Mai - feel free to check out this overview I put together about the costs of traveling the world. Good luck with trip planning!

Monday 26th of June 2023

Hi, love your travel story. Have u visited china ever since u miss the last round? Do you plan to round china? I am looking for a company to go round china. I am 60 years old woman.

Hi Janet - I traveled a long while ago just to Shanghai and Beijing. I have yet to go back but would love to travel more around the country one day!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Hi, this trip sounds amazing! myself and my husband would love to do this type of trip! How did you manage to sort all this out with transport etc? And how did you budget doing all the travel? How much would you need? Thanks. Katie

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Katie - I just took everything one step at a time. The entire trip was not planned out from day one. While I knew of the overall route for the most part, I did not want to corner myself into making decisions too early. I would recommend writing out the countries that are most interested to you and then doing some research on what an overall route would look like. You can see what is possible and what may be too difficult or expensive to fit in.

As for budget, check out this around the world cost overview up on the site that will walk through it all.

Hope you have an amazing time!

Saturday 10th of June 2023

What was it like coming back to the US and finding work? I want to travel the world for a year or two but it would take me leaving my very stable/promising career.... Which scares me to death! My worry is that I would come home to the US and not be able to get the same type of job.

I also worry that a gap year (0r two) may look bad on a resume. Thoughts?

@hailey, from someone who used to work in Human Resources, the time you spend travelling is an education. Learning language, culture, customs, weather, geography, etc. As a candidate, you bring a lot to the table with this type of experience. It would be a completely different story, if you were just unemployed and laying on the couch for a year. Travel....you won't regret it at all!!!

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

@hailey, The current unemployment rate in the U.S is 3.7%. Anybody who wants a job can find one. As long as the gaps in your resume were doing something interesting and intellectually stimulating (like travelling) and were not spent doing something stupid (like in prison or in re-hab), you'll be fine.

Monday 12th of June 2023

Hi Hailey - everyone is different and I can't say for certain how hard/easy it will be able to come back and find work. I was able to do so within a few months but there are many factors at play such as industry, the economy, demand/supply, etc. I am an advocate of traveling as you can tell, and would recommend doing so if it is something very important to you. There are ways to fill up the gap in the resume - for me it was this site, for others it may volunteering, remote work, etc. It is certainly a tough decision, but hope you make the right one for yourself!! Good Luck!

Round the World How-To

Inside: the ultimate guide to planning a dream vacation around the world, from rtw tickets to choosing your bucket list itinerary..

Let’s face it, the pandemic was a punch to the gut for travel lovers around the world.

Never did I think I’d see a day when I couldn’t just bebop onto a transatlantic flight. Or just, say, leave my own home. But there we were.

When I (literally) dusted off my passport in early 2021, the thin layer of dust accumulated was borderline soul crushing.

But fear not dear globetrotters, the pandemic era is finally in the rear view mirror and international travel has rebounded with a heart-warming zeal!

So now what?

You’ve got some lost time to make up for, that’s what.

And there’s no better way to do it than with a life-changing, Bucket-List-crushing, dream vacation around the world .

Take my word for it…I’ve done 10 around the world trips, visiting more than 175 countries on all 7 continents along the way. And you can, too.

But I probably don’t need to waste my time selling you on the idea of a trip around the world. You found this site. I suspect you’re on board.

So let’s start with the basics.

What is a Round the World Trip?

Simply put, a Round the World (RTW) trip is a circumnavigation of the globe, either in an eastward or westward direction. Start in one city and continue east or west until you get back to it. That’s all there is to it!

Tip: West is best for combatting jetlag, while east saves time and hotel nights ($$) with overnight flights. (I’m cheap and usually short on time, I fly east. )

Read More: 8 Reasons to Stop Dreaming & Start Planning a Trip “Around the World in 30 Days “

Of course, while the concept of round the world travel is simple, the variables are far more complex.

For example, you may be wondering…

How many days do I need for a RTW trip?

What you’ve probably seen on YouTube and Instagram from round the world travelers is true.

Most quit their jobs, sell their possessions, and hit the road for a year or more with big dramatic flair. Of course, that kind of nomadic commitment is not for everyone.

And I’m living proof that there are other options.

My first 9 RTW trips were approximately 30 days each. The lone exception was RTW #10, my honeymoon , which clocked in at a pretty incredible 3 months.

I’ve also done 30-day trips focused on various regions of the world like Europe , Central America , Oceania , the Balkans , and the Himalayas (a great option if there’s a specific part of the world that interests you or you just hate jetlag).

For me, a month is the ideal amount of time to travel.

Long enough to truly disconnect and explore. Yet short enough that I’m unlikely to throw my carry-on (we’ll get to that) suitcase out the nearest train window because I’m tired of every single thing in it.

There’s no right answer to how long your round the world trip should take. I know someone who went around the world in 5 days (zero stars, do not recommend) and someone else who started 10 years ago and is still going strong.

So, two weeks, a month, or even 6 months to travel around the world? It’s totally up to you.

The bottom line: Take as much time as you can, anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months will do. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you never know if you’ll have the chance to do it again.

A trip around the world sounds amazing, but how do I get the time off?

When I wrote the first edition of The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting 11 years ago, this topic was a central focus and the largest hurdle to taking a career-friendly trip around the world. After all, most Americans are stuck with a measly 2 weeks of annual vacation leave (the horror!).

So, how do you travel the world without tanking your career?

Amazingly, on this front, the COVID-19 pandemic gifted us with one gleaming silver lining:

WORK. FROM. HOME.

Yes, even the stuffiest of Fortune 500 corporations have finally come around to the idea that work from home can (and does) work – with the right employee.

This revelation is especially thrilling to me as someone who has been working from home (combined with business travel) for more than 20 years.

In fact, my friends will tell you that my life mantra has always been:

If you can work from home, you can work from Rome. Jenny McIver Brocious

Or Paris. Or Bangkok. Or wherever floats your boat. You get the idea.

There’s a lot more to making this work successfully from exotic locales – time zone challenges, reliable internet, etc. (I go into that in detail in the book) – but I can assure you, it can be done. And it beats the pants off working from your dining room table.

The bottom line: You can use the WFH option to increase your available time for travel. Add days or weeks onto your trip or schedule a trip just to work from somewhere inspiring.

What’s on your Bucket List?

And now we come to the fun part. This is where the magic happens.

Where in the world do you want to go?

I speak from experience when I say that there are few things more thrilling than sitting down in front of a giant foldout map of the world and plotting out your dream vacation .

Maybe you already have a dozen exotic destinations in mind. Or maybe there are places in the world you never considered visiting because they always seemed too far away.

The beauty of going around the world is that the entire world becomes just a short flight away.

How many destinations should I choose?

The answer will directly correlate to how much time you plan to take. My month-long trips have ranged from an uber-ambitious 15 stops on Round the World #1 to a more relaxed pace with 8 stops on Round the World #2 .

Here’s a simple, 3-step plan to crafting your round the world itinerary:

• Make your wish list.
• Compare it to the number of days you have to travel.
• Adjust accordingly.

Critically evaluate how long you actually need to see each place on your wish list.

For some (like me), 2-3 days per destination can be a good rule of thumb. Devote more time to your “ Top 5 ” must-see destinations and maybe just spend one day exploring the city you only added to the itinerary because it was right there and you couldn’t just skip it (you laugh, but I guarantee a few of these stops will sneak their way onto your itinerary!).

Remember that a short-term round the world trip, however incredible, is not going to be an in-depth cultural experience at every stop. Think more Amazing Race and less Under the Tuscan Sun .

It IS, however, a terrific way to get a taste of new and exciting places and start building a new wish list for future trips.

Depending on your interest level, you may not need a week to see the Pyramids , I did it in an afternoon and it was magnificent. A full day at the Taj Mahal and a morning walk along the Great Wall of China were enough to fulfill my dream of seeing those world wonders.

But that’s me. And I’ve been told I can be a little, ah, overly-energetic when I travel. You do you.

Need some destination inspiration? Here are 30 of my favorite travel experiences around the world:

Around the World in 30 Extraordinary Travel Experiences

And here are the Top 50 places I think should be on every Bucket List:

50 Amazing Places for Your Travel Bucket List (2024)

Round the World Flights: The RTW Ticket (your new best friend)

I am fortunate that my years of excessive business travel have one nifty little side benefit, I have a crap ton of airline miles.

So when I discovered the magical world of “ Round the World airline tickets ” years ago, those Delta miles not only afforded me the opportunity to take that first RTW trip but to take it in first class with Delta’s Skyteam Alliance.

Sadly, the days of booking a RTW ticket with miles went the way of the dodo bird in 2015. I won’t lie to you, I wept openly when Delta first announced it (followed quickly by United and American).

But all is not lost if you’ve been hoarding miles like pandemic toilet paper. All major US airlines now allow one-way award booking. Meaning you can still use your miles to route yourself around the world, one one-way flight at a time!

And honestly, the old mileage RTW tickets were a deal but they were a BEAR to book and had zero flexibility. One-way award booking gives you a ton more flexibility plus the option to mix economy and business class legs (for longer flights) on your journey. This is a BIG perk.

Here are a few more tips for you “ Up in the Air ” business travelers out there with miles & points to burn:

How to Use Points & Miles to Redeem Your RTW Dream

No miles, no problem

Two of the three major airline alliances do still offer paid RTW ticket options. Delta’s Skyteam Alliance is the exception, they discontinued the RTW ticket option completely a few years ago. The airline alliance RTW tickets are not cheap and you’ll spend extra time connecting through hub cities but you can earn a ton of miles as you travel.

If that option interests you, start here:

• Oneworld – World Travel (American, Alaska)
• Star Alliance – Round the World (United)

The affordable RTW ticket…

If redeeming (or earning) miles isn’t your jam and you truly just want the most affordable way to see the world, skip the airline alliances and head straight to:

• Airtreks – This site is more service oriented, you enter a proposed itinerary and a travel planner will contact you to create the perfect customized itinerary.
• BootsnAll – This one is more DIY. You can create and book an itinerary yourself online.

Unlike the airline alliances, these two round the world airfare specialists utilize all airlines to create your dream itinerary. This will often yield both the best price and the most direct routing for your trip.

WARNING: Once you start playing around with the trip planners on these two sites, you may become addicted to the global possibilities.

Tip: You guessed it, I’ve covered all the ins and outs of booking RTW tickets in the book.

Hotels vs. Airbnb – Where to stay?

Once again business travel rewards can be handy when planning a round the world trip.

My Marriott and Hilton points have been offsetting the costs of my round the world trips for years. Not to mention affording me swank rooms at hotels and resorts that were WAY outside of my round the world budget, like these:

But if you don’t have points, not to worry! I am a firm believer that a quality, affordable hotel can always be found, even in the most expensive destinations. My go-to hotel site (when I’m not using points) is Booking.com .

Tip: If you’re not a member of any hotel frequent guest programs, sign up for all of them before you go. It’s free and you’ll earn points as you travel. Many also offer perks during your stay, just for being a member.

If you’re not a fan of chain hotels or if you’re going to be in one spot for more than 3 or 4 days, I’d highly recommend an apartment rental. They can be considerably cheaper than even the most economical hotel and having a kitchen can be a tremendous cost-saver as well. Not to mention it’s just fun to live more like a local!

One of my favorite apartment rental sites is Airbnb but I’ve also found that more and more apartment rentals are also listed on Booking.com (and the fees there are often cheaper than Airbnb). That said, I’ve booked with Airbnb all over the world (including the Tuscan villa we used for our wedding – below!) and never had a bad experience. If you haven’t yet rented through Airbnb, click here for my discount code. You’ll get $40 off your first rental and, when you book, I’ll get $20 off my next rental…that’s a win-win!

Who should I travel with on an around the world trip?

If you’re married, it would probably be rude to go without your spouse (try it at your own marital peril).

But if you’re single, this is a question that deserves serious consideration. If you’ve never traveled solo, your gut instinct may be to find a friend or family member to travel with.

But before you do that, consider this…

A solo trip around the world is perhaps the best gift you can ever give yourself, especially for women. It’s empowering, it’s safe and it just might be the best travel experience of your life.

Read More: Why Every Woman Should Travel the World Solo (at Least Once) & How to Stay Safe Doing It

No matter what you decide, choose carefully.

How to pack (carry on only!) for an around the world trip

Yes, you read that right. I just casually floated the idea of traveling around the world for a month or longer with nothing but a carry-on bag.

If you’re a guy, you were probably not at all alarmed by the previous paragraph and thought, “ Couple of t-shirts, some shorts, underwear, got it. ” You can scroll down to the next topic, this section is not about you.

Now, for my globetrotting ladies. I’m going to ask you to trust me on this one (we’ve known each other for 10 or 15 minutes now and I feel like you get me).

With so many flights involved in a RTW trip, carry-on is truly the only option.

Reuniting with a lost bag can quickly become a logistical nightmare when you’re changing cities every few days. (And I can assure you that no one at the lost baggage desk understands what “ RTW ticket ” means.)

If you don’t believe me you can read all about the one time I broke my own rule and ended up spending an entire day at baggage claim in Paris on Round the World #4 . (Actually, don’t. It’s mind-numbing reading and definitely not my best work.)

You can do this. You don’t need all the “ stuff ” you think you do!

(For the things you do need, here’s all the Stuff I Love most!)

I have traveled for as long as 3 months out of just a carry-on (and in case I forgot to mention it, I’m a girl!). I do freely admit, however, that I was over just about every item of clothing in that suitcase by the end. I also confess I checked a bag to Antarctica. Because Antarctica .

How do I do it? This excerpt from “ The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting ” is guaranteed to help you overcome your RTW packing challenges:

How to Travel Around the World with Just a Carry-On: A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Light

What else do I need to know for a RTW trip?

We’ve covered the big-ticket items – how long to travel, how many places to visit, with who, how to find RTW tickets, where to stay, and what to pack. So what’s left?

Well, a LOT actually. But hey, that’s where my book comes in (insert shameless plug here).

I’ll end with a hit list of other tips, tricks and things to consider when planning your once-in-a-lifetime (or maybe more!) round the world trip:

• Apps : For currency conversion, I like Oanda. And Google translate is also incredibly handy to have around.
• Thoroughly research entry requirements for ALL countries you plan to visit well in advance. Almost all visa applications can now be completed online.
• A good universal power adapter & converter is a must. More than one is a plus if you have lots of devices (and don’t we all these days?).
• Check with your doctor for any immunizations you may need for your destinations. I got the works before my first trip and haven’t had to worry about it since (other than the occasional prescription for malaria pills).
• Consider purchasing travel insurance, for a trip of this magnitude, it’s a must! Especially in the post-pandemic era. Here’s a good independent review of the benefits of travel insurance and the options available: 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return because all countries have different requirements on this.

And finally…

Get the Book!

For more comprehensive advice on planning your route, booking RTW tickets and everything else you ever wanted to know about traveling around the world, get the ultimate resource guide to planning a RTW trip (without quitting your job!):

Round the World in 30 Days: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting

Now get out there and start planning the around the world trip of your dreams!

As Phil Keoghan says at the start of every season of the Amazing Race,

“The world is waiting for you!”

Round the World Tickets: The Ultimate Guide (Updated 2024)

Y ou've probably heard about round the world tickets, a one-stop shop approach to cross-continental flying. But let's be real: it's never been easier to book flight tickets yourself, and round the world tickets are pricey. So why do people book round the world tickets, and are they  actually worth the cost?

The quick answer is, it depends . If you're pressed for time, have a seriously fixed itinerary with many international stops to make, it can be cost-wise. However, if you have a whimsical, budget-conscious trip in mind, or are focusing on just one part of the world, there are cheaper options out there that you should know about  (like finding fares yourself on Skyscanner on Kiwi.com ).

So, here's everything you need to know about round the world tickets, followed by our DIY approach that could save you even more money!

• 1 How do Round The World tickets work?
• 2 How to book a round the world ticket
• 3 What are the restrictions and/or setbacks?
• 4 The alternative: book separate flights yourself
• 5 How to book your own round the world trip
• 6 So, what's the cheapest option?
• 7 A Thrifty Case Study: A Round the World Trip from New York City
• 8 What are the alternatives?
• 9 So, is a round the world ticket worth it?

How do Round The World tickets work?

Round the world (RTW) tickets are flight packages that let you visit a number of destinations around the world for one price. These tickets are offered by airline alliances like SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance. All the flights in your itinerary must be served by airlines within the chosen alliance.

RTW tickets require you to select your destinations and departure dates in advance. This means you prepay for the pass and book all of your flights before your trip. Note: you don't have to actually fly “around the world” with these tickets , they're also sold as multi-city flights, continent-based travel, or by miles.

The perk of RTW tickets is the ability to book all flights at once at a discounted price, plus ensures a mass accumulation of frequent flyer miles since you'll only be flying partner airlines. You can even purchase part or all of your RTW ticket with relevant miles, where permitted.

How to book a round the world ticket

Round the world tickets can be purchased directly with airline alliances or via  travel agents .

Airline Alliances

• OneWorld Alliance
• Star Alliance

Each alliance offers an online trip planner that allows you to put in every stop of your itinerary and get a price quote. It also makes it easy to work around the restrictions of round the world tickets, warning you when your planned route doesn't meet the requirements. All alliances offer online booking, or you can call one of the participating alliance airlines directly.

Travel Agents

• AirTreks (U.S. – our top choice & has 32+ years experience in RTW planning)
• Liberty Travel (U.S.)
• Flight Centre ( Australia , U.K. , Canada )
• RoundAbout Travel (Australia)
• Student Flights (Australia)
• A travel agent local to you

Travel agents have exclusive access to flight deals, plus receive discounts accessible only via their IATA code. They also save a great deal of time and money whilst adhering to your budget and needs. Find an agency that specializes in round the world tickets, so they're aware of the restrictions and can secure the best price.

What are the restrictions and/or setbacks?

RTW tickets often more expensive than a DIY approach (covered later), especially given they exclude budget airlines. Furthermore, there are restrictions to follow, so ensure you've read the fine print. Such restrictions typically include:

• A minimum number of flights to book (typically three), as well as a maximum
• Flights usually must be within the same airline alliance. This can sometimes result in obscure stopovers to stay with partner alliances.
• Restrictions on the direction of travel (e.g. East to West only) and/or requiring you to cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at least once
• All flights must end in the city you started from and connect from city-to-city (i.e. you can't fly into London, then take a train to fly out of Paris)
• A minimum number of stopovers
• Additional surcharges for itinerary changes and/or flying to certain destinations
• Missing a flight in your itinerary could result in the remaining flights being cancelled, even if days or weeks away

Whew! Though there are many restrictions, most will come up when making your booking . Simply use the round the world ticket planners provided by each alliance, put in your desired destinations, and the options and costs will be presented automatically.

The alternative: book separate flights yourself

The value of a round the world ticket depends on the route you're taking and the flexibility needed. More often than not, you'll find it's cheaper, easier, and more flexible to book your own round the world trip online across several bookings using multi-destination flight search engines like Kiwi.com  and Skyscanner . You also can mix and match airlines, and aren't confined by the restrictions that accompany an actual RTW ticket.

Credit card points programs also allow multi-city flight bookings, effectively allowing you to book your own round the world trip via points or a combination of cash and points. You can readily rack up a significant amount of miles just by hitting the minimum spend within a set time. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is our top pick as a beginner card. On hitting its minimum spend, you can earn up to 60,000 points worth $750 – more than enough for an international flight .

Flight deal subscriptions like Scotts Cheap Flights compile discounted airfare to your inbox, based on the desired departure airports. Whilst this doesn't include RTW flights, this could help you cover some of the legs of your trip, as it has majorly discounted international flights departing the U.S. For those outside America, similar services exist in the U.K. ( Jack's Flight Club ) and Canada ( Next Departure ).

The only major drawbacks with booking a RTW ticket yourself is the time and patience needed to make the booking. Additionally, you may end up with frequent flyer miles spread across a variety of programs, without enough miles in any program to use them. Most likely though, you'll come out ahead financially doing it yourself.

How to book your own round the world trip

Kiwi.com  and Skyscanner are the two flight search engines we recommend for booking your own tickets for a round the world trip. They include budget airlines and let you search multi-destination flights, letting you see prices for your entire itinerary at once.

The key difference between the two is that Skyscanner prefers results from partner airlines , while Kiwi.com will always  mix and match airlines (including budget airlines) for the cheapest price . Either booking site can be beneficial depending on your trip, so to get the best price, be sure to compare results and follow these tips:

• Experiment with  the order of your destinations for the best price. Just because a flight is shorter doesn't mean it will be cheaper.
• Experiment with the  dates of each flight . This can be time consuming, but if you're dedicated, you can shave hundreds of dollars off your total cost by simply finding the cheapest dates for each flight.
• Multi-city and  return flights are often better value than booking many one-way flights when they can all be fulfilled by the same airline/alliance. For example, Virgin Atlantic has routes from New York to London, London to Shanghai, and Shanghai to New York, so making one multi-city booking with this single airline will be cheaper than several individual bookings with different airlines.
• Skyscanner prefers partner airlines that can fulfil the entire itinerary you submit, which doesn't always get you the best price on complex itineraries. So if you have a lot of destinations, split your searches into 3-4 destinations at a time . For example, instead of submitting New York > London  > Paris > Beijing > New York as a single search, try searching New York > London > Paris as one search, and Paris > Prague > Beijing > New York as a second search. You don't have to worry about this on Kiwi.com , which always mixes and matches airlines to get the best results.

So, what's the cheapest option?

In our tests, the DIY approach is always cheaper, but it depends on the kind of trip you're taking. Round the world tickets can cost anywhere from $1,500 USD to $20,000 USD . The price varies greatly, and depends on your departure point, number of flights, distance flown, continents flown to, and flight class.

On the other hand, regular flight ticket prices are all over the map, dependent mostly on supply and demand. Sometimes a flight across continents can be even cheaper than a flight within your own country. Since regular flight tickets include budget airlines , sale and error fares , and you can still take advantage of discounts with partner airlines,  booking your own flight tickets has always been cheaper for us .

The only way to know for sure is to compare. Use the links provided in this guide and see what gives you the best result!

A Thrifty Case Study: A Round the World Trip from New York City

As an example, let's find the best price for the following round the world trip:  New York City > London > Paris > Prague > Beijing > Hong Kong > New York City . We want to go in  April and May , and we are booking now in  January . We'll start on Tuesday, April 10, and schedule each consecutive flight for the following Tuesday.

Option 1: A round the world travel agent

Booking with AirTreks also gives you a team with over 32 years of experience in RTW planning, all your tickets in one spot (instead of many confusing separate bookings), 24/7 support, and better routes (less layover time, more baggage, etc.) If you do find a cheaper fare yourself, let them know – AirTreks tells us they're confident they could beat it!

Option 2: A round the world ticket booked directly with airline alliances

Putting in the same itinerary into each of the airline alliances' round the world trip planner gives us the following totals:

• OneWorld: $3,738.86 USD
• SkyTeam: $3,904.28 USD
• Star Alliance: $4,543.84 USD

Not exactly thrifty, and up to 3x the advertised price of the travel agent! True round the world tickets require strategic planning, so using a travel agent's expertise can save you time and money. But let's take a look at booking regular airline tickets yourself…

Option 3: Book your own tickets using Kiwi.com and Skyscanner

Using the Kiwi.com multicity search feature, we enter our full itinerary, and within minutes, we have a variety of options from $1,390 – $1,434 USD .

As we mentioned, Skyscanner usually just shows results from  partner airlines that can fulfill a ticket for the entire route. This route is pretty complex, and it's unlikely one airline alliance could fulfill it all, so let's  break it up .

After half an hour of trying different combinations of multi-city and one-way searches, the cheapest combination I could find for these dates was

• New York City > London > Paris > Prague: $390 USD
• Prague > Beijing: $283 USD
• Beijing > Hong Kong: $119 USD
• Hong Kong > New York City: $493 USD
• TOTAL TRIP COST: $1,285 USD

This is the cheapest option, beating Kiwi.com by only $105. What's going on here? In short, trial and error. The first batch of airlines aren't partners, but Skyscanner sometimes lets you mix and match airlines by using Kiwi.com for booking. And although there are partner airlines to fulfill the rest of the route, Hong Kong Airlines is an independent budget airline with competitive pricing, so it ended up being cheaper to book the flights separately in order to include their fares.

You can take this even further by testing different dates in your itinerary, as well as the order of your flights. As you can see, the process can be time consuming, but a little time rewards you with hundreds or thousands of dollars saved!

What are the alternatives?

Regional flight passes.

While not a round the world ticket in itself, this type of flight pass might be more sensible for your trip, depending whether you'll be flying a lot in one region versus globally. For instance, if you are planning to take more flights around South America than across continents, then you may be better off investing in one of their regional passes (check our guide here ).

Some examples of regional flight passes include:

• OneWorld single-continent passes: available for Africa, Asia, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, Malaysia, South America, Europe, North America, Middle East, South Asian Sub-Continent
• OneWorld multi-continent passes: rather than flying all the way around the world, these passes let you fly in a circle around one smaller area of the world
• SkyTeam regional passes : available for Asia & Southwest Pacific, Africa, Asia, Europe, Greater China, Russia, and USA & Canada
• Independent airline passes in South America : these work within specific South American countries (check our comprehensive list and guide here )
• Qantas Explorer pass : a flight pass for exploring Australia and New Zealand

Building your own stopover

A stopover – that is, an extended layover where you can actually leave the airport for 1 or more days or weeks – can be added for cheap or free to any trip, all by yourself. Our how-to guide here explains exactly how to do this.

Essentially, you find a flight fare that includes a layover, but instead of rushing to your connecting flight, you spend days or weeks in the layover destination, visiting 2 destinations for the price of 1. Whether you go round the world or not, it's a great way to squeeze more travel value out of your flight costs.

So, is a round the world ticket worth it?

In short, for most travellers, the answer is probably no. There are a certain set of criteria where it could be more cost-effective, and some travellers may prefer the ease of having all of their tickets booked in one pass anyway. However, the fixed timing, many restrictions, and high price are likely to be unappealing to those who are seeking a thriftier approach, especially when it's so easy to book yourself for less with Kiwi.com and Skyscanner .

The Thrifty Gist

• Round the world tickets are usually pricier than self-booking, but offer peace of mind and a pre-set itinerary
• A dedicated RTW agent such as AirTreks can save you a lot of time, with the added benefit of 24/7 support, having all of your flights in one place, established airlines with shorter routes, and over 32 years of experience in RTW planning. AirTreks tells us they're confident they could beat the other prices in this post, so if you find a cheaper fare yourself, let them know!
• Round the world tickets can be booked with airline alliances or travel agents, while self-booking regular flight tickets can be booked using the multi-destination features of Skyscanner and Kiwi.com
• Self-booking is usually the cheapest approach to a round the world trip, but can also be more tedious
• Reasons to self-book include the abundance of available error/sale fares , budget airlines, the ease with which self-booking can be done, and that stopovers can easily be added to any trip

Our website contains some affiliate links in relevant areas. This means we get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for recommending a product we personally use, trust, and own.

trying to fin d the cheapest country to start a Oneworld 4 continent ticket July 2022, it used to be South Africa or Jordan, any update links?

Please send complete information for my round the world travel for 2 – up to a year.

Skyteam RTW tickets are not available currently, and haven’t been since the start of COVID. The Star Alliance RTW business ticket I just booked was half the price of using the DIY method.

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Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

01 apr 2024 04 oct 2020 | dan.

Last updated 26 January 2024 by John and Dan

So many roads, so many adventures! So where to start? In this EPIC post, we’ve compiled our bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world. It’s a road trip list for a lifetime of unforgettable journeys and experiences, spanning every continent (but one). Mission accepted.

We’re happiest when we’re on the road. There’s nothing quite like the freedom and anticipation of setting out on a driving adventure of your own making. Where you call the shots: you decide where to go, what to see, how long you want to stay. Where you can enjoy the best of the roads well travelled, and then leave them behind in search of the low-key and the off-beat; the hidden gems of a destination.

Road tripping is our favourite style of travel, and over the years it’s become a key element of just about every trip we make, whether it’s in our own car, a hire car, or with a local driver/guide and their car.

Years ago, we started compiling random ideas for the world’s best road trips. Our objective? The ultimate road trip bucket list to hang on our virtual travel planning wall and set the agenda for a lifetime of adventures to come. Over time, we’ve embarked on some these grail journeys too. Until 2020 anyway when, like everyone around the world, circumstances outside our control meant we had to shift down a gear.

Perfect opportunity to take our random list and make it properly epic, we thought, and plan our road tripping future for decades to come.

So we started researching. We trawled maps, websites, guidebooks, newsletters, social media and friends’ brains, to pinpoint the best drives in the world and build our own ultimate road trips list across the globe. Then we plotted out a rough route for every single one, with approximate distances and minimum timeframes. The clusters of starred places on our Google world map resembles the Milky Way.

This post is the result: 100 amazing, multi-day (in many cases multi-week) bucket list road trip adventures on every continent, except  Antarctica ( though we have set foot on the icy landmass and that trip has the number one spot on our list of 21 Epic Adventures Around the World ).

For every epic drive that’s made pole position on our road trip list though, there are another handful of road trips waiting at the back of the pack.

We’ve started with 100 but the world’s the limit, and our world is a very big place. We’re also keen to hear your tips on the best road trips in the world:  let us know in the comments at the end of the post . Let’s hit the road!

100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

1. Road Trips in Africa 2. Asian Road Trips 3. Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 4. Road Trips in Central & South America 5. European Road Trips 6. Road Trips in the Middle East 7. Road Trips in North America

Our road trip bucket list has been years in the making and some we’ve happily warmed the tyres on already. Road trips we’ve done have their titles highlighted in orange and include links to posts where we’ve written up the itineraries. Plenty more write-ups and road trips still to come!

Road Trips in Africa

It’s the continent we’ve travelled the least and there are still vast swathes of Africa we’re keen to explore. There’s also an enormous diversity of experiences to be found between the desert dunes of the north and the wild and beautiful coastline of the south. So where to even start?

For our top 100, we’ve opted for seven mighty African road trip adventures taking in some of the continent’s most epic scenery, wildlife and history, from the top to the bottom, and off the mainland to an island on the Indian Ocean.

1. Baobabs, Wildlife and Pinnacles ~ Madagascar

Appx. 1,000+ km (620+ miles) | 10-14 days

Antananarivo to Morondava  | In an ideal world, we’d road trip all of Madagascar, but as the fourth largest island in the world, perspective is essential. So our starting point is a central island journey offering a taster of the unique wildlife, nature and landscapes the island is famous for, including the famous  Avenue of Baobabs  and the World Heritage  Tsingy pinnacles .

2. Across the High Atlas ~ Morocco

560 km (348 miles) | Up to 1 week

Marrakech to Merzouga  |  From a World Heritage walled city, we journey across the high Atlas Mountains, through canyons and gorges, past oases and ancient mud-brick kasbahs to the edge of the vast, burnt-orange Sahara Desert. We’ve travelled to Morocco twice and we loved this Moroccan road trip so much, we decided to carry on north with our driver guide through the ancient city of Fez and the blue city of Chefchaouen to Tangier. It’s a trip we hope to repeat one day. Itineraries to come .

3. The Namib Desert ~ Namibia

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 10-14 days

Windhoek to Windhoek Loop  | Soaring red sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert; grasslands and salt pans where wildlife roam; remarkable granite landscapes and ancient, World Heritage rock art; great gatherings of fur seals; Africa’s largest canyon; and the Skeleton Coast, a notorious stretch of coastline with the name to match. It all serves to make this one of the most exciting and anticipated adventure road trips on our list. In late 2023, we explored this fantastic country on an overland truck tour and now all we want is to go back and do it all again independently. Stay tuned for the write-up .

4. The Garden Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 1,850 km (1,150 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Cape Town to Cape Town Loop  | The Garden Route, South Africa – a 200 km (124 mile) stretch of road from Mossel Bay to Storms River – is said to be one of the most spectacular coastal road trips in the world. That in itself would be enough for us. So the fact it also offers amazing wildlife watching (on land and sea) and awesome adventure activities has cemented this on our road trip bucket list. We’ll extend the journey beyond the Garden Route itself by looping to and from Cape Town, and adding more wildlife reserves plus the wineries of Stellenbosch and Francshhoek.

5. Durban to Drakensberg Mountains ~ South Africa & Lesotho

Appx. 900 km (560 miles+) | Up to 2 weeks

Durban to Durban Loop  | This is a BIG drive: big beaches, big mountains, big waterfalls, big five wildlife encounters. Looping from Durban in South Africa along the coast, then inland through national parks and up into the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains and the famous  Sani Pass  to Lesotho, this road trip is just one more reason we need to get driving in South Africa sooner rather than later.

6. Panorama Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 1 week

Johannesburg to Johannesburg Loop  | A safari in Kruger National Park is a bucket list goal. A safari in Kruger at the end of one of the most beautiful road trips in Africa, which also happens to take in one of the world’s largest canyons, must be a bucket list road trip trifecta! In addition to the showcase Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route packs in forests, waterfalls, rockpools, gorges, a National Monument town and, of course, epic panoramas across the lowlands to Kruger.

7. Sea, Sand and Ancient Ruins ~ Tunisia

Appx 1,600 km (995 miles) | 2 weeks

Tunis to Tunis Loop  | If you know us, you know we’re mad for ruins, all ruins, but especially ruins of the Ancient Roman era. Tunisia, a wedge of land in Africa’s north, has some of the best ancient sites still standing, including the ruins of the famous Punic city of Carthage. By all accounts, road tripping through this under-the-radar country’s shifting landscapes – from the Mediterranean coast to the sands of the Sahara – is outstanding.

Asian Road Trips

From the ancient Silk Road through the mountains and high plains of Central Asia, to the cultural highlights of the Far East and tropical island jungles of the Indonesian archipelago, Asia is a treasure chest of road tripping adventures.

Drive journeys in Asia offer the chance to get off the more typical tourist trails and into villages, local hideaways and harder-to-reach destinations for unforgettable experiences in culture, adventure and history; and the nine epic Asian road trips on our top 100 road trip list do just that.

8. The Remote Himalayas ~ Bhutan

Distance varies | 10 days

Paro to Paro Loop  | The Himalayas remain seriously high on our bucket list (no pun intended), and at the peak is enigmatic Bhutan, a mountain kingdom with a unique culture and spectacular, untouched nature. The country’s tourism policy means we would need to have a driver and guide for this particular Asian road trip, but when you’re surrounded by the world’s highest mountains and happiest people, we’re fine with being able to sit back and just take it all in!

9. Road Trip Flores ~ Indonesia

Appx. 750 km (465 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Labuan Bajo to Ende  | This awesome road trip through the Indonesian island of Flores serves up soaring volcanoes, traditional villages, jungley highlands and some of the best off-the-beaten track beaches in the archipelago. Add some scuba diving or snorkelling, and close encounters with primeval dragons in speccy Komodo National Park, and this is one of the best island road trips you never heard of. We traversed the island with a hire car and driver-guide. Read  our 14-day Flores itinerary  for all the details.

10. Land of Kings, Rajasthan ~ India

Appx. 2,500 km | Up to a month

Delhi to Delhi Loop  |  India’s northern state of Rajasthan is a captivating world of epic fortresses, vibrant temples, extraordinary wildlife reserves, colourful cities, vast desert landscapes and tantalising cuisines. Our driving journey into this incredible place, via the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradhesh, is an adventure we’ll never forget. Read  our Rajasthan road trip itinerary  for the low-down on one of the best Asian road trips on the sub-continent.

11. The Golden Route ~ Japan

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Tokyo to Osaka  | Where to start when it comes to exploring Japan? There’s so much we want to see on this island nation, and there are plenty of awesome-looking road trips to explore off the beaten track, like the  Scenic Byway collection on Hokkaido . For our very first trip to the country though, we’re keen to seek out the epic highlights of the famous  Golden Route , following the ancient Tokkaido Road between Tokyo and Kyoto and on to Osaka – a magic introduction of big cities, historic towns, rich culture and stunning scenery.

12. Gobi Desert ~ Mongolia

Distance varies | 1-2 weeks

Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar Loop  | Far-flung and properly off the beaten track, Mongolia makes for no ordinary road trip. Actually, it’s well and truly off-road and from the sounds of it, trips usually take place in functional old rust-bucket vans. The rough and ready nature of this trip is all part of the fun though and well worth the prizes: huge sand dunes, vast steppes, Mongol empire ruins, wild horses, endless skies, wonderful isolation…and nights under the stars in yurts!

13. Seoul to Busan Overlander ~ South Korea

Distance TBC | 2-3 weeks

Seoul to Busan  | We’re still talking about our one brilliant night in Seoul, and we didn’t even make it into the city on that stopover. So we’re eager to get back and explore the country proper. Road tripping is apparently easy and the best way to get off the beaten track to visit the country’s best World Heritage sites, traditional villages, Buddhist temples and monasteries. There’s a ton of culture, history and nature to experience here, plus Korean BBQ! If time allows, we’ll also hop across to Jeju Island to drive the renowned  Ilju Coastal Road .

14. Emerald Island Circuit ~ Sri Lanka

Appx 1,600km (995 miles) | Up to a month

Colombo to Colombo Loop  | Compact Sri Lanka is a wonderful country to explore by road, serving up beautiful coastlines, jungles and mountains, highland tea plantations, and standout World Heritage cultural and natural sites.  We’ve travelled the traditional tourist loop  from the capital to the highlands to the coast, but there’s so much more we want to see here with the freedom of a car, especially the less-visited north and east, only more recently reopened to visitors after decades of internal strife.

15. Island Loop ~ Taiwan

Appx. 1,080 km (670 miles) | 2 weeks

Taipei to Taipei Loop  | Taiwan is a magical mystery to us, but what we’ve read has put it squarely on our road trip bucket list. Apparently the roads are great and the sights are many – from the city lights and night markets of the capital Taipei, to the cultural sites, tea plantations, beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities, speccy Taroko Gorge and everything else in between. More than half of Taiwan is mountain country too and we can never get enough mountains.

16. Pamir Highway ~ Tajikistan

Appx. 700 km+ (430 miles) | 1 week

Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog, Tajikistan  | The ‘stans loom large on our destination bucket list, so it goes without saying the opportunity to get out and explore by road (not just any road either but part of the ancient Silk Road!) only adds to the appeal. The Pamir Highway starts in Kyrgyzstan and winds a route through Tajikistan that by all accounts serves up some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the world. In fact, our mates Alesha and Jarryd of NOMADasaurus rate it so highly they set up group tours with a local operator, and their  road trip write-up  has us very much looking forward to one day making this journey.

Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

We’ve been enjoying road trips in Australia for as long as we can remember (Dan since she was a kid on family holidays, and John since touring Oz in a Ford Econovan as a backpacker in the 90s), but we’ve still got a serious hit list of road tripping adventures we want to have across our vast island-continent home.

We’ve also been drawn time and again to that other island nation across the pond, New Zealand , as it arguably serves up some of the world’s best road tripping opportunities. Plus, after discovering the delights of Pacific Island road tripping in  Vanuatu  and  Easter Island , we’ve added Fiji as a new island addition in our top 100.

17. Great Ocean Road ~ Australia

Appx. 243 km (150 miles) | 2-4 Days

Torquay to Allansford  | This iconic coastal drive is on our southern doorstep in the state of Victoria, and while we’ve both cruised parts of it, we haven’t driven it together. While you can knock it over in around four hours, we want to take our time and explore the epic coastal scenery both in and out of the car, including the world-famous Twelve Apostles, pristine beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, bushwalks, and eats and drinks along the way.

18. Circle Tasmania ~ Australia

Appx. 1,800 km (1,120 miles) | 1 week to 1 month

Hobart to Hobart Loop  | Gorgeous Tasmania holds a real allure for us: it’s one of just a couple of places we could imagine ourselves retiring to one day. Naturally, we’re keen to road trip to all of its corners before then. This  epic Tassie circuit  by Tourism Australia looks like the perfect place to start. Add some extra km’s to include historic Port Arthur and the foodie destination, Bruny Island, plus some world-class hiking side-trips, and we’re raring to go!

19. The South-Western Corner ~ Australia

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 2 weeks

Perth to Perth via Albany  | Take one of the world’s great wine regions (Margaret River), add exquisite white-sand beaches, giant trees, waterfalls, sand dunes, amazing hikes, unique geological formations and ridiculously cute quokkas, and you can see why this road trip has been calling to us. We finally had the chance to drive it in 2021 and it was every bit as epic as we’d hoped. Our original claim stands – this may well be one of the best road trips in Australia. Check out our itinerary for an epic two week road trip of south west Australia .

The Ultimate Australian Road Trip It’s called ‘The Big Lap’, a classic Aussie understatement for an epic 40,000 km (25,000 mile) adventure looping right around Australia. It’s a bit of a tradition for retired older Aussies and young international backpackers to load up a 4WD or camper trailer and embark on this extraordinary journey. It skirts just about all of the Australian coastline plus a stint inland to the Red Centre. How long it takes is entirely up you. Something to look forward to when we’re old(er).

20. South to North via Explorer’s Way ~ Australia

Appx. 4,000 km+ (2,500 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Adelaide to Darwin  | We might be leaving  The Big Lap  for later (see above), but this epic Australian road trip is one we hope to make sooner. Starting in the South Australian capital of Adelaide, this incredible journey overlands through the southern outback and into the Northern Territory to visit some of the most iconic destinations on the continent – Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles, Litchfield National Park and more – before winding up in Darwin. Huge!

21. Viti Levu Island ~ Fiji

Appx. 515 km (320 miles) | 12-14 days

Nadi to Nadi Loop  | An iso binge watch of  Eco-Challenge Fiji  put the spectacular landscapes of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, firmly on our road trip list. While we’ll leave the hard core adventure racing to the pros, exploring the island by car opens up a world of possibilities for reaching its remote corners and experiencing its diverse natural beauty and outdoor adventure – on land as well as in the sea (diving!) and on the nearby islands – along with the culture and legendary warmth of the Fijian people. 

22. North Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Appx. 3,200+ km (2,000 miles) | Up to a month

Auckland to Auckland Loop  | This incredible journey around the north island of New Zealand, one of our favourite places on the planet, is at the summit of our bucket list. It takes in the north’s unsurpassed landscapes of lush forests, thermal springs, pristine beaches, iconic volcanoes and spectacular lakes. Throw in ultra-cool Wellington with its craft beer and food scene, a visit to ‘Hobbiton’, and the wineries of Hawkes Bay, and this may just be our ultimate road trip heaven.

23. South Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Distance varies | Up to a month

Christchurch to Christchurch Loop  | You can tackle New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island in a couple of different trips, or road trip the whole island. We’ve already mini-looped once via the west coast glaciers, and a second time via Central Otago and the east coast ( check out our South Island highlights ). Both times we took in the magnetic mountains-and-fjords-drive between Queenstown and Milford Sound. With loads of epic destinations like Abel Tasman National Park, the Catlins and Dunedin still to visit, a drive around the whole South Island is definitely a future New Zealand bucket list road trip goal for us.

Road Trips in Central & South America

Latin America may well be a contender for our favourite part of the world. The vast spaces and incredible, changing scenery of South America are superb for road tripping, while the countries of Central America serve up culture and history in compact abundance. While there are still so many corners of both that we want to explore, the seven journeys here are a combination of our favourites and most anticipated.

24. Ruta 40 ~ Argentina

Appx. 5,200 km (3,230 miles) | As long as it takes

La Quiaca to Punta Loyola  | South America is catnip for us, we just love it. We’ve travelled various segments of amazing National Route 40 through Argentina over the years, but we’re keen to travel the entire length, from the dramatic canyons, deserts and salt flats of the north, through the lake regions, wine regions, World Heritage, cultural heritage, historic sites and pampas grasslands, to the mind-blowing mountains and glaciers of spectacular southern Patagonia.

25. Route of the Seven Lakes ~ Argentina

Appx. 108 km (67 miles) | 1-3 days

Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes  | The more time we spend in Argentina, the more places end up on our bucket list to come back and explore by car. We knew nothing about the Ruta de los Siete Lagos – Route of the Seven Lakes – when we arrived in the town of Bariloche, and our expectations were batted completely out of the ballpark. This road trip, a tiny section of Ruta 40, can be done in a day or more slowly as you follow a winding route through the sweeping forests, soaring peaks and serene lakes of northern Patagonia. Read  our one-day itinerary .

26. Atacama to Uyuni ~ Chile & Bolivia

Appx 550 km (340 miles) | 4-5 days

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia  | Atacama, the world’s highest, driest, oldest desert is simply breathtaking – both literally and figuratively. From the volcano-dotted moonscape of the Chilean plateau, it’s just a hop across the high Andes to Bolivia and another otherworldly destination: the vast salt flats of Uyuni. We tried this journey by road once before but were thwarted by sudden snowstorms. We’re determined to go back and try again.

27. Carretera Austral ~ Chile

Appx. 1,225 km (760 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins  | Patagonia is addictive. The nature, the wildlife, the outdoor adventure….we could go on. Our short road trips in Chile have whetted our appetites to explore more of this gorgeous country by car and the Carretera Austral, Chile’s Route 7, which winds along parks, rivers, lakes and hot springs and offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and out-of-car nature immersion, hits all the marks.

28. Parks & Wildlife ~ Costa Rica

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

San José to San José Loop  | This little wedge of land in Central America is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, making Costa Rica an outstanding destination for nature lovers. With a quarter of the country protected in reserves, the hardest part of a road trip is deciding what you can bear to leave out. Our loop through the parks of Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, La Fortuna and Tortuguero served up pristine rainforest, soaring volcanoes, hot springs, beautiful beaches and wildlife watching in epic abundance. Road trip itinerary to come. In the meantime, here’s our round-up of must-see parks in Costa Rica .

29. Classic West ~ Cuba

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 2 weeks

Havana to Havana Loop  | Legendary Cuba is every bit as vibrant, evocative and distinctive as we’d hoped. From the lively, crumbling capital of Havana, a journey around the western half of this island nation serves up colourful rural villages, tobacco plantations, pretty beaches and World Heritage cities. There are opportunities for horse-riding, scuba diving, cycling and, of course, vintage car rides. While we didn’t drive ourselves (it’s certainly possible), our classic car road trips between each destination took this trip to another level. Read  our 2-week Cuba itinerary .

30. Yucatan Peninsula ~ Mexico

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Cancun to Cancun Loop  | The vast, jungley Yucatan peninsula is like a magnet, drawing us back time and again to explore its pearly beaches,  otherworldly cenotes , vivid historic towns,  vibrant reefs , and epic ancient Mayan ruins (all of it fuelled by delicious tacos al pastor). While it’s easy to get around the Yucatan by public transport or tour, as we have previously, hiring a car is a chance to go at your own pace and search out the many gems of this awesome, ancient place. We’ll be back.

European Road Trips

While Europe may not have the landmass of some other continents, its 44 countries and sheer diversity of people, place, history and culture have led to it accounting for almost half of our top 100 road trip bucket list!

Having spent countless hours, days and weeks meandering by car through the UK and western Europe, plus a couple of months road tripping through northwestern Europe and Scandinavia, we know the possibilities for European road trips are endless. So while we’ve managed to compile close to fifty road trips here which are an absolute must for us, there are literally hundreds more just waiting in the wings. Bring it on!

31. Across the Austrian Alps ~ Austria

Appx. 1,200 km (745 miles) | 2 weeks

Innsbruck to Vienna  | A whirlwind winter weekend in Innsbruck introduced us to the gorgeous alpine-scapes of Austria, and returning to road trip the country is a must for us. Our planned journey starts in Innsbruck, and from there winds a high-altitude path to the western mountains and back across the country’s alpine ranges, via the famed  Grossglockner High Alpine Road , to Vienna in the east. It’s not all epic mountains though – great wining, dining, amazing hiking, history, architecture and much more also await.

32. Istria & The Adriatic Highway ~ Croatia

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 10 days +

Rovinj to Dubrovnik  | The glimpses of Croatia we’ve had through short trips to Split and Dubrovnik – of historic cities, charming islands, turquoise waters and epic sunsets – have been more than enough to convince us that a road trip along this stunning Kings Landing coast is a must. Cue the  Adriatic Highway , which winds a magical coastal path from top to bottom. We’ll extend the journey by starting in Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula.

33. Southern Scandinavia ~ Denmark, Norway & Sweden

Appx. 1,850 km + Car Ferry | 2+ Weeks

Copenhagen to Copenhagen Loop  | This Nordic journey takes in the cool Scandi cities, historical highlights and beautiful, changing landscapes of Denmark, southern Norway and Sweden. We travelled this route as part of a 3-month road trip through northwest Europe and Scandinavia, but as we were rained on for most of the journey, this route is one we’re keen to travel again, in better weather. It can easily be done in either direction, and extended with a  broader circuit of Norway . Itinerary write-up to come.

34. The Mysterious Faroe Islands ~ Denmark

Distance varies | 7-10 days

Tórshavn to Tórshavn Loop  | The seed for a trip to the Faroe Islands was planted as we stood looking out to sea from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark, and it’s well and truly taken root. This wild and remote cluster of islands in the northern Atlantic, a far-flung, self-governing outpost of the Danish kingdom, has an air of magic and legend about it, and the scenery to suit. While driving around an archipelago seems unlikely, the Faroes’ bridges, under-sea tunnels and ferries make road tripping here entirely possible and, by all accounts, entirely unforgettable.

35. Baltic Road Trip ~ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Tallinn to Vilnius  | Apart from a girls’ weekend in Tallinn for Dan in the early noughties, the Baltic states remain a tantalising unknown to us. What better way to discover this under-the-radar corner of northeastern Europe than by car? Highlights include castles, national parks, cool cities with baroque and art nouveau architecture, beaches, charming villages, history in droves, and plenty of scenic driving on a weaving route between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

36. Ancient Provence ~ France

Appx. 500 km (310 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Marseilles to Marseille Loop  | Some 2,100 years ago, the Romans turned up in south-east France, named it Provincia Romana and started building. Their legacy can still be found all over Provence, in the form of ancient theatres, temples, bridges, roads, aqueducts and monuments. We’ve driven parts of this route and mapped a bunch more for a fantastic road trip into the distant past. This is also one of the world’s great wine regions. Ancient history + wineries = our perfect European road trip.

37. The Brittany Coast ~ France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 5-7 days

Saint-Malo to Saint-Malo Loop  | If the beautiful rugged coastline wasn’t enough to put this epic road trip on our list, the megalithic sites, primeval forest trails, medieval villages and towns, and renowned food scene have cemented it there. The World Heritage Mont St Michel is also just down the road from Saint-Malo.

38. Island Tripper, Corsica ~ France

Appx. 600 km (372 miles) | 7-10 days

Bastia to Bonifacio  | It took just one pic of a winding coastal road with mountains rising above a crystal clear cove to put a Corsica road trip on our bucket list. This French island, birthplace of Napoleon, packs a Mediterranean punch with wildly diverse landscapes, cute villages, outdoor adventure, beachside chill, delicious food and wineries, all in a relatively compact, very road-trippable space.

39. La Route des Grande Alpes ~ France

Appx. 675 km (420 Miles) | 3 days

Thonon-les-Bains to Menton  | Alpine road trips are probably our fave, and this amazing drive from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean through the French Alps ticks all the boxes: national parks, climbing routes, sky-high villages and lakes, around 20 mountain passes, and some of the highest roads in Europe. It’s open in Summer and early Autumn only.

40. La Route des Vins D’Alsace ~ France

170 km (106 miles) | A couple of days

Marlenheim to Thann  | How could we not include a road trip named for wine? The historic Alsace region is in France’s north-east near Germany and Switzerland, and vino is truly in its DNA – it’s been producing wine since Roman times. This isn’t a long road trip, but with dozens of picturesque villages and around 1,000 producers dedicated wholeheartedly to wine, it’s a journey we want to take slow and savour (literally).

41. French and Italian Rivieras ~ France, Monaco & Italy

Appx. 315 km (195 miles) | 7-10 days

Nice to La Spezia  | Despite taking in three countries, road tripping the Cote D’Azur from Nice to Menton via Monaco and onwards through the Italian Riviera to La Spezia will put little more than 300 km on the odometer. But this is said to be some of the most idyllic coastal driving out there: a gorgeous stretch of Mediterranean lapped by turquoise waters, with beautiful beaches and pretty villages, culminating in the renowned Cinque Terre National Park, a destination we’ve been itching to get back to and hike for 15 years.

42. Journey to the Caucasus ~ Georgia

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | 2 weeks

Tbilsi to Tblisi Loop  | Europe’s far eastern country of Georgia has become a traveller hotspot in recent years and we’ve heard lots of good stuff about it. We’ve also heard road tripping is the best way to get out into the countryside and explore the myriad landscapes, cool historic sites – like the medieval Rabati fortress and Vardzia cave monastery – and the many natural highlights, from canyons, waterfalls, lakes and hot springs to the high peaks of the Caucasus Mountains.

43. The German Alpine Road ~ Germany

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | 5-8 days

Lindau to Schönau  | People have been drawn to the Bavarian delights of the  Alpenstrasse  – scenic, traditional, cultural and culinary – for more than 160 years. More than a dozen villages and towns dot the beautiful route, which meanders via valleys and meadows, mountains and lakes, and passes dozens of castles, churches, monasteries and palaces.

44. The Castle Road ~ Germany

1,200 km (745 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Mannheim to Prague  | We love a good castle, so naturally, Europe’s greatest dedicated castle road trip is a mandatory entry on our list. Winding a route through scenic central Germany before crossing into Prague, the  Burgenstrasse  links more than seventy historic citadels, including castles, palaces and aristocratic residences.

45. The Romantic Road ~ Germany

Appx. 354 km (220 miles) | 3-4 days

Füssen to Würzburg  | More castles, yes, and dramatic ones (including the famous, Disney-esque Neuschwanstein). But tales of Germany’s Romantic Road through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg tell a delightful road tripping story of postcard perfect scenery, colourful villages and cobblestoned medieval towns. Plus there’s Bavarian beer at one end and wine country at the other end. Perfect!

46. Highlights of the Mainland ~ Greece

Appx. 2,000 km (1,242 miles) | 2 weeks

Athens to Athens Loop  | Greece is rightly renowned for its beautiful islands, of which we’ve sampled a few. But we’ve always wanted to hit the road on the mainland and experience the culture, scenery and archaeological wonders of this very ancient place. Highlights of our planned mainland Greece road trip include epic sites like Corinth, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

47. Minoan Crete ~ Greece

Appx. 745 km (460 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Heraklion to Heraklion Loop  | Crete is an island of myth and legend: home to the ancient Minoan civilisation and the mythological half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Signs of this highly advanced people remain at archaeological sites such as Knossos and Phaestos, but our own road trip through Crete surprised us with rugged mountain scenery, caves, beaches, beautiful gorges for hiking, Venetian architecture and seriously good food. Road trip highlights to come .

48. The Ring Road ~ Iceland

Appx 1,350 km (840 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Reykjavic to Reykjavic Loop  | A mystical island of icy glaciers, brooding volcanoes and soothing hot springs; where the summer sun shines all night and strange lights dance across the sky in winter. We were captivated on  our road trip through the south of Iceland  and we’ll definitely be back to explore the rest on the famous island loop  Ring Road . This is said to be one of the best road trips in Europe.

49. The Wild Atlantic Way ~ Ireland

2,500 km (1,550 miles) | As long as it takes

Malin Head to Kinsale  | Ireland remains one of our fave destinations, ever since we first road tripped a loop around the country – and got engaged en route – in 2006. The  Wild Atlantic Way  is our next goal for the island nation. An anniversary road trip perhaps? Spanning six regions of diverse and spectacular Irish coastal terrain, this journey can be done in sections, or in one long, incomparable road trip.

50. Bay of Naples & Amalfi Coast ~ Italy

Appx: 150 km (95 miles) | 7-10 days

Miseno to Salerno  | Road tripping the  Amalfi Coast  is a renowned journey, and rightly so. The stunning SS163 coastal route itself is just 50 km and can be driven end to end in a matter of hours, but we extended our trip to start at ancient Misenum, travelling around the Bay of Naples in the shadow of Vesuvius, taking in the vibrant city of Naples, the extraordinary ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and charming cliff-side Sorrento, before winding through the spectacular coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Itinerary to come .

51. The Dolomites ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 7-10 days

Bolzano to Bolzano Loop  | There are some superb driving routes through the high altitude scenery of the Italian Dolomites and Alps, including the famed  Grande Strada delle Dolomiti  and the sky-high switchbacks of the  Stelvio Pass . We’re keen to explore them all, so we’ve mapped out a World Heritage Dolomites journey along one of the best driving roads in Europe, taking in mountain passes, mountains lakes, mountain meadows, mountain food, and lots of time out of the car on epic mountain hikes.

52. Tuscan Wineries & Hill Towns ~ Central Italy

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 2 weeks

Florence to Florence Loop  | Our love affair with Italy was cemented on the winding roads of Tuscany, Urbino, Perugia and Terni, as we road tripped through a gorgeous countryside of rolling hills, expansive vineyards and striking medieval hill towns. We’ve espoused the highlights of this journey over two posts, one focusing on our  Tuscan road trip through Chianti , and the other our  medieval hill-town hopper , taking in magical Urbino, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena and San Gimignano. It’s one of the Italian road trips we definitely intend to do again.

53. Puglia Discovery ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 10 – 14 days

Bari to Bari Loop  | If someone said we could only road trip in Italy for the rest of our days, well, we’d be ok with that. The region of Puglia, in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, is a corner we finally reached this year: a wedge of gorgeous coastline and popular beaches, wonderful old towns for exploring on foot (including a couple of historic World Heritage sites and the nearby hill-town of Matera), sensational food and wine, and opportunities to get off the beaten path for a taste of quintessential southern Italy. Road trip itinerary to com e.

54. Sardinia Island Loop ~ Italy

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | 2 weeks

Cagliari to Cagliari Loop  | Just when we think road tripping Italy can’t get any better, the island of Sardinia turns up the heat. Its spectacular white-sand beaches, lapped by turquoise waters, are said to be some of the most beautiful on the Med. More than just a pretty face though, Sardinia has charming medieval villages, mountains, caves and canyons, intriguing Bronze Age sites, and a food and wine scene all its own. Check out our two week Sardinia road trip itinerary .

55. Ancient Sicily ~ Italy

Appx. 1,000 km (620 miles) | 10-14 days

Palermo to Palermo Loop  | This wonderful island is ideal for road tripping and it’s a trek we definitely hope to make again. Spectacular World Heritage ancient sites, including some of the very best preserved temples and in-situ mosaics, beautifully evocative villages and historic cities, an active volcano to climb, and endlessly buonissimo eating experiences guarantee an unforgettable Italian drive holiday. Plan your own self-drive adventure with our two week Sicily road trip itinerary .

56. Monasteries, Fortresses and Wine ~ Moldova

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 7-10 days

Chișinău to Chișinău Loop  | Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, this little nation flies largely under the tourist radar. Formerly part of Romania and then the Soviet Republic, Moldova’s Orthodox Christian fabric has led to the many monasteries and fortresses which are a highlight of road tripping here. It also has one of the world’s most ancient winemaking traditions and the  world’s largest wine cellar . Say no more.

57. Mountains, Coasts and Fjords ~ Norway

Appx. 1,900 km (1,180 miles) | 3-4 weeks

Oslo to Trondheim  |  Vast, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful, Norway makes for an unparalleled road tripping adventure. We drove and camped a coast-and-fjord route from the capital to Trondheim, taking in some of the most incredible scenery we’ve yet laid eyes on. While our trip continued on into Sweden, you can return to Oslo via Oppdal over 500 km. We’ve still got the northern Svalbard region to explore, but southern Norway makes for a truly epic adventure all its own. Read  our two-week, self-drive Norway road trip itinerary .

The Most Spectacular Drive in the World? It’s a big call, and we’re ready to eat our words, but we reckon the 230km (140 mile) drive along the Fv55, Rv15 and Fv63 roads between Sogndal and Geiranger in Norway is one of the world’s most beautiful – read  why we think so.  Fv63 also continues on to the famous switchbacker, Trollstigen Road.

58. Flores Island, The Azores ~ Portugal

Up to 100 km (62 miles) | 3-4 days

Santa Cruz Das Flores Loop  | There’s a mystical quality to the lush, volcanic landscapes of Flores, one of nine islands in Portugal’s Azores archipelago. You could explore it in a busy day, and you’d be pushing to reach 100 km on the odo, even if you drive the whole thing. But with wild and windswept scenery, waterfalls in abundance, cute villages, lovely hikes and even some diving to be had, we’d look to slow the drive time and linger longer.

59. Lisbon to Porto ~ Portugal

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 8-10 days

Lisbon to Porto via Duoro Valley  | Our ideal Portugal road trip follows the west coast north from the capital, winding a route between coastal villages, beaches and medieval towns, and taking in nearly a dozen World Heritage sites. Of course, a couple of days exploring the Duoro Valley wine region (and its prehistoric rock art) is a must before lingering on in Porto, one of our favourite European cities.

60. Transfăgărășan & Transalpina Roads ~ Romania

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 1 week

Bucharest to Bucharest Loop  | We’re keen to explore all of Romania by road, starting with this multi-day drive to and from Bucharest, looping across two of the country’s epic mountain roads. The Transfăgărășan gets a tick from the Top Gear crew, weaving its way across the Fagaras Mountains to Transylvania, while the Transalpina, Romania’s highest road, offers panos over 2,000-metres above sea level. Both offer standout alpine hiking and scenery, as well as waterfalls, historic castles, even the ruins of an ancient Dacian fortress.

61. Highlights of Slovenia

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 10-14 days

Ljubljana to Ljubljana Loop  | A Slovenia road trip is all about the outdoors and driving through speccy scenery to reach even more speccy places that can be explored on foot. Our itinerary goals include Slovenian highlights such as Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, hiking through high mountains and deep gorges, an Adriatic coastal city with a Venetian past (Piran), World Heritage caves, a medieval castle built into a cave, and much more.

62. Slovakia Showcase

Bratislava to Bratislava Loop  | Another intriguing and beautifully scenic country, Slovakia promises outstanding cultural, historic and nature experiences on a road trip looping from the capital to the east of the country and back. Medieval towns, evocative castles and sites that tell more recent tales of the country’s struggles to come into its own, sit alongside lakes, caves and a backdrop of the stunning Tatras Mountains.

63. Andalucian Adventure ~ Spain

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 10-14 days

Málaga to Málaga Loop  | Spain is made for road tripping and the southern region of Andalucia is especially awesome. We’ve explored some of the highlights on a previous trip, including the spectacular World Heritage sites of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. There’s plenty to draw us back here though, from historic pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages) and neolithic dolmens, to ancient port cities and the iconic rock of Gibraltar, not to mention all the amazing food and wine!

64. The Basque Circuit ~ Spain

Appx. 480 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Bilbao to Bilbao Loop  | Tucked into a northern corner of the Iberian peninsula, the autonomous Basque region,  Euskadi , is a land unto itself, with traditions and a language all its own. The coastline is ruggedly beautiful and its beaches and resort towns renowned. Best of all, this is the unofficial foodie capital of Europe. Pintxos bars abound (the best creation ever!), as do Michelin star restaurants, and the famed Rioja wine region is right on the doorstep.

65. Canary Islands ~ Spain

Appx. 375 km (233 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Tenerife & La Gomera  | John’s very first foray abroad was a trip with mates to Tenerife when he was 16. Classic, innit. Beyond the resorts where sun-starved Brits congregate though, a road trip of the biggest Canary Island and its smaller neighbour, La Gomera, offers magnificent coastal scenery, forest escapes, charming villages, beaches for chilling, and one epic hiking opportunity to the peak of an active volcano, the 3,718m-high Mount Teide.

66. West Coast Mallorca ~ Spain

Appx. 180 km (233 miles) | 1 week

Palma to Formentor Peninsula  | Mallorca is another sun-drenched Spanish isle beloved by Brits. Like the Canaries though, steer the car well clear of the beach resorts, and there’s a dramatically beautiful island to discover. We’ve read the west coast is particularly spectacular, trailing a route from the capital Palma through the Tramuntana Mountains to the island’s northern tip. While not a long trip by km’s, it sounds like one to enjoy slowly.

67. Across the Pyrenees ~ Spain & France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 1 week

Lourdes to Lourdes Loop  | The great range of the Pyrenees mountains forms a natural boundary between France and Spain, a stunning region that can be explored by road. The must-sees of the central range span breathtaking canyons and glacier-gouged rocky amphitheatres, mountain lakes, a sky-high observatory, and San Juan de la Peña, a monastery embedded in the foot of a cliff, to name just a few.

68. Swiss Alps Explorer ~ Switzerland

Appx. 485 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Lausanne to Zurich  | Driving through the incredible scenery of the Swiss Alps is sky high on our road trip bucket list. Our Swiss road trip itinerary goals make the most of the picturesque lakeside cities like Lausanne and Interlaken, the medieval old towns of Bern and Lucerne, and the dramatic, snow-capped mountain panos of Lauterbrunnen and Grindlewald. We’ll also take on the switchbacks of the famous  Furka Pass .

69. Ultimate Turkish Delight ~ Turkey

Appx. 3,000+ km (1,865 miles) | 1 month

Istanbul to Istanbul Loop  | Turkey is one of our favourite countries and while we’ve driven, bussed and toured various parts of it, our goal is an ultimate road trip loop from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back along the south and west coasts. Thousands of years at the cross-roads of eastern and western civilisations have left an extraordinary legacy in the World Heritage and ancient sites that scatter the country. The landscapes are wildly diverse, the food is exceptional, the culture rich and the history astounding. We can’t wait to get back.

70. The Atlantic Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 115 km (70 miles) | 3-5 Days

Barnstaple to Fraddon  | It’s little more than 100 km, but some say the  Atlantic Highway  is one of the top road trips in the UK. We know from our forays further south that Cornwall’s wildly beautiful coastline is one to linger over. This stretch passes pretty seaside and harbour villages like Bude, Padstow and Clovelly, and mystical sites like ancient Tintagel. There are speccy coastal rambles and delicious seafood eats, all with the wild Atlantic in view.

71. The Hidden Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 200 km (125 miles) | 3-5 Days

Ludlow to Llangollen  | This  lovely jaunt  weaves along country roads and rolling hills through the borderlands of England and Wales. The invisible divide has changed little in 12 centuries, and the many sites along the way – iron age forts, medieval villages and market towns, ruined castles and abbeys – span as many years and more.

72. South West Explorer ~ England, UK

Appx. 1,350km (840 miles)+ | 2 weeks

South West England starting and finishing in London  | One of our fave UK road trips, this jam-packed two week journey travels from London to Cornwall and back, taking in a huge range of highlights along the way as we pass through the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire. We’re talking classic white cliffs, moody moors, crumbling castles, fossil beaches, standing stones, cosy pubs, dramatic coastal scenery (including the World Heritage Jurassic Coast), quaint countryside and fishing villages, and some incredible coastline walks. Check out our ultimate, self-drive South West England Road Trip Itinerary .

73. Yorkshire Moors and Dales ~ England, UK

Appx. 725 km (450 miles) | 5-7 days

York to York Loop  | England’s sweeping moors make for spectacular road tripping and a tranquil journey through the bucolic landscapes of Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park is high on our list. Starting in the fantastically historical hub of York’s old town, this trip takes in the expansive nature, old market towns, castles and abbeys, snug pubs and warm welcome of England’s north.

74. Causeway Coastal Route ~ Northern Ireland, UK

Appx. 250 km (154 miles) | 7 days

Belfast to Derry-Londonderry  |  This famous route  along the beautiful, rugged coast of Northern Ireland weaves a magical journey of spellbinding scenery, ancient castle ruins, clifftop walks, seaside villages and beaches, whiskey tasting, pretty beaches, the oldest human settlement on the island at Mount Sandel, and World Heritage highlight, the Giant’s Causeway. Best of all though, the chance to see puffins!

75. Isle of Skye ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 5 days

Inverness to Glasgow via Skye  | Beyond its legends of fairies and giants, the Isle of Skye is a tale of expansive, fantastical scenery, rolling hills dotted with sheep and the occasional shaggy, orange-coated highland ‘coo’, ancient sites, peaty whisky, brooding mountains and lounging seals. The walks are wild and wonderful, the pubs cosy and warm, and the Scottish breakfasts singularly epic. Read  our Isle of Skye road trip itinerary .

76. North Coast 500 ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 830 km (515 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Inverness to Inverness Loop  | It is possible to walk all 500 miles of this route (cue the tune), but as it features on just about all of the world’s best road trip lists, drive it we shall!  This iconic journey  skirts the coastal fringe of the northern highlands, showcasing Scotland’s finest scenery and all the things we love best: ancient sites, standing stones, evocative castles, hidden beaches, wildlife watching and bird spotting, and the chance to get off the beaten track.

77. The Dragon’s Spine ~ Wales, UK

Appx. 285 km (180 miles) | 5-7 days

Cardiff to Conwy  | For 1,200 years, the dragon has been the Welsh sigil, so Dragon’s Spine is a fitting name for this road trip along the country’s mountain ‘backbone’ from south to north. Also known as  the Cambrian Way , the A470 travels through two spectacular national parks – the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia – and serves up outdoor adventures like hiking, caving and ziplining. Distilleries, breweries and wineries seal the deal.

Road Trips in the Middle East

The Middle East isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about epic road trip destinations. And yet it’s among these timeless landscapes that we’ve had some of our greatest driving adventures. These are ancient places, and yet some of our newest too – lands where gravelly, well-worn roads intersect spanking new freeways, and historic hill-top forts stand as remote, crumbling outposts to dazzling new, modern cities.

The long and tangible history to be found in the mountains, dunes, deserts, cities and coastlines of this region is without compare, as is the warmth and welcome of the people. A road trip in the Middle East is a road trip you won’t soon forget.

78. Ancient Israel & The Palestinian Territories

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 2-4 weeks

Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Loop  | This wedge of land on the eastern Mediterranean is the epicentre of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and witness to a complex story of humanity, millennia in the making. Our brief visit to Jerusalem left an indelible mark and convinced us we need to return with time and a hire car, to get off the beaten track and beyond the turbulent narrative curated for us on the outside. A road trip offers the chance not just to seek out the many extraordinary historical and natural sites of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but to engage first-hand with the people who live here.

79. Amman to Wadi Rum via the Kings Highway ~ Jordan

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Amman to Aqaba  | The ancient landscapes of Jordan have thousands of years of stories to tell, and the road from Amman to Aqaba along the Kings Highway touches on many of them. With neolithic standing stones, biblical mountains, Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, crusader castles, the extraordinary Dana Biosphere Reserve, magical side trips to the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, plus Petra – one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, there’s a reason Jordan is calling us back for a go-slow road trip.

80. Ancient Phoenicia ~ Lebanon

Beirut to Beirut Loop  | 2020 has brought further tragedy to a nation defined by struggle for much of its long history. But Lebanon is as enduring as its legendary cedar tree. The story here spans some 6,000 years, and it can be found in the people, culture and many epic archaeological sites that dot the country. From the bustling Mediterranean cities to the snowcapped mountains and gorgeous inland gorges, the renowned cuisine and warm, vibrant locals, this is a land we can’t wait to explore by road.

81. South-East Arabia ~ Oman

Muscat to Muscat Loop  | Low-key Oman has held its secrets close for millennia. We were intrigued. Cue an amazing two week road trip through a beautiful country of dramatic landscapes: from vast, flat stony deserts to shifting dune deserts to dramatic mountains and gorges. Medieval watch towers stand sentinel over ancient towns, while off-road adventures, rich culture and Arabian hospitality await. Read our Oman road trip itinerary .

82. City to Desert ~ United Arab Emirates

Appx. 335 km (210 miles) | 2-3 days

Dubai to Liwa Oasis  | While glitzy Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been shaped out of the desert by human hand, just a couple of hours to the south-east stretches one of nature’s most wild and inhospitable places: the vast Empty Quarter. Edging this harsh landscape, among a great sea of rose-gold sand dunes – including one of the world’s largest – is the Liwa Oasis, a 100 km stretch of villages and date palm forests. The journey to the oasis, along a purpose-built highway through the desert, is itself said to be spectacular, making this a trip worth taking slow.

Road Trips in North America

It’s little surprise that North America , with its big, expansive nature, excellent roads, and well-established road tripping culture, claims the second largest collection on our top 100 road trip list.

America has dozens and dozens of outstanding dedicated byways, skyways, highways and parkways, while some of the world’s most renowned scenic routes weave a path through Canada’s breathtaking provinces. Each North American road trip we set out on in these beautiful, diverse, easy-going countries leaves us more keen for the next one.

83. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia ~ Canada

Appx. 300 km (185 miles) | Up to a week

Baddeck to Baddeck Loop  | You can drive the Cabot Trail in a day, but we’re keen to take our time on  this loop  around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, discovering the beautiful landscapes and the island’s unique mix of Aboriginal, Acadian and Gaelic cultural influences. In addition to the panoramic scenery, the drive takes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where black bears, moose and bald eagles roam, and dozens of hiking trails offer the chance to stretch the legs.

84. Dempster Highway, Yukon ~ Canada

Appx. 730 km (450 miles)  | 2-3 Days

Dawson City to Inuvik  | This incredible journey through the Yukon wilderness has all the hallmarks of an iconic Canadian road trip. Steeped in history, and traversing an old dog sled route, the Dempster’s unpaved roads will challenge us. But it’s diverse, it’s remote, and it crosses the Arctic Circle through dense forest full of wildlife, across dramatic tundra, and past the spectacular Mackenzie and Tombstone mountain ranges. A must!

85. Icefields Parkway, Alberta ~ Canada

Appx. 230 km (140 miles) | 2-3 Days

Lake Louise to Jasper  | Based on what we’ve heard, we’ll definitely be arguing over who does the driving and who gets to sit in the passenger seat and take in the views on the Icefields Parkway. This is said to be one of the world’s most spectacular highways, and it comes up regularly when we ask people about their favourite road trip. Also known as Highway 93, the parkway links Banff and Jasper national parks, serving up hundreds of kilometres of mindblowing Canadian Rockies scenery, including over 100 glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, and river valleys blanketed in pine and larch forest. So high on the bucket list!

86. Montreal to the Gaspé Peninsula ~ Canada

Appx. 950 km (590 miles) | 7-10 days

Monteal to Gaspé  | Montreal and Quebec City have long been in our sights, and our plan for this epic road trip includes both. Then it leaves the bustling centres behind to wind a coastal route to the tip of the remote and spectacular Gaspé Peninsula, where the history is long and tangible, the birding outstanding, and the scenery superb, with forested wilderness, rugged mountains, ravines and rocky outcrops.

87. Vancouver Island, British Columbia ~ Canada

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Nanaimo to Nanaimo Loop  | Gorgeous Vancouver Island is an outdoor lover’s dream. While exploring by road means a bit of backtracking in places, it doesn’t matter when there are so many scenic places to stop. Our road trip served up giant trees, historic villages, totem pole walks, black bear watching, kayaking, a fossil dig, serene forest hikes, wineries and breweries, second-to-none chowder, bald eagles at every turn, a hike to a plane wreck, and so much more. Our itinerary is coming .

88. The Viking Trail, Newfoundland ~ Canada

Appx. 500 km (303 miles) | 3-5 days

Deer Lake to L’Anse aux Meadows  | Viking sagas made the leap across the Atlantic from Europe to North America here, and the landscapes – especially the dramatic mountains and fjords of Gros Morne National Park – are said to be reminiscent of the lands they left behind. There are chances en route of spotting moose, whales and, at certain times of year, icebergs! The road ends at the 1000-year-old World Heritage Viking settlement site of L’anse aux Meadows.

89. Alcan Highway ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 2,200 km (1,400 miles) | 1-2 weeks+ 

Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska  | This is one of North America’s legendary routes, through the Canadian Rockies and Yukon. It takes in Canada’s highest peak, alpine trails, First Nations culture, stunning mountain ranges, pristine glacier lakes, and remote, untamed parks. It’s also grizzly and black bear territory, along with an abundance of other wildlife, including timber wolves, lynx, eagles, elk, moose and more. Plenty of memory cards needed for this trip!

90. Yukon Golden Circle Route ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 568 km (352 miles) + Car Ferry | 7-14 days

Whitehorse to Whitehorse Loop  | The renowned Golden Circle Route loops a truly wild adventure from Whitehorse in Canada to Skagway and Haines in Alaska, then back into Canada and the grizzly bear country of Kluane. Spectacular alpine scenery awaits, along with vast icefields, picturesque lakes, First Nations sites, Klondike gold rush history, and a ton of outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

91. Badlands National Park Loop, South Dakota ~ USA

Appx. 62 km (39 miles) | 2-3 days

Wall to Cactus Flat  | It may be one of the shortest routes on our road trip bucket list, but we reckon this journey through the striking geology of the Badlands should be stretched out over days, with early starts and late finishes to max the photo opps. The road winds among buttes, mounds and pinnacles, while bison, prairie dogs and raptors hang out on the grasslands. With a few extra days, we’ll extend the trip into Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.

92. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina ~ USA

Appx. 755 km (470 miles) | 5-7 days

Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina  | Dan has dreamed about visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains since the early 90s, after falling in love with its scenery in  Last of the Mohicans . So it goes without saying that the opportunity to explore the beauty of the central and southern Appalachians has made it onto our road trip bucket list. The highlights are many on the road between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks: from sampling delicious local food and wine, and learning about Cherokee tradition, to searching out waterfalls, rivers, gorges and caverns, and stretching the legs on wilderness hikes.

93. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, Colorado & Utah ~ USA

Appx. 770 km (480 miles) | 1 week

Dinosaur to Dinosaur Loop  | The fossil-nerd in us both gets really excited about  this road trip , a journey of 150-million-years to some of the best dinosaur quarries and trails, fossil displays and museums around. It even starts and finishes in a town called Dinosaur! Add stunning canyons, rock formations, high plains and petroglyph sites for one amazing themed trip.

94. Highway to Hana, Maui, Hawaii ~ USA

Appx. 72 km (45 miles) | 1-3 days

Paia to Hana  | Another short-distance contender, the Hana Highway is on our list for its sheer wild beauty as it curves no less than 600 times along the northeast coast of Maui. Many do the trip in a day, but there’s plenty to do and see en route – including bridges (59 of them!), rainforest hikes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, a lava tube, roadside stands and markets, and all the visual drama of this volcanic, Jurassic Park-like island world.

95. Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Wyoming & Montana ~ USA

Appx. 885+ km (550+ miles) | 10-14 days

Jackson, Wyoming to West Glacier, Montana  | Touring through the spectacular landscapes of Wyoming and Montana, this road trip takes in the heavy hitter national parks of Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier, and peaks with the renowned  Going-to-the-Sun Road . Mountains, lakes, canyons, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife spotting and tonnes of hiking and outdoor pursuits await. Unsurprisingly, these are hugely popular parks, so extending a road trip out to two weeks will mean more time to visit before and after the crowds move on.

96. Pacific Coast Highway, Washington to California ~ USA

Appx. 2,655 km (1,650 miles) | 2 weeks

Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California  | The Pacific Coast Highway is often touted as the classic California road trip. We’re keen though to extend it out beyond Highway 1 to include Highway 101 and drive the length of Washington, Oregon and California, taking in landscapes as diverse as misty rainforest, tall sand dunes, giant redwood forests, the famous Big Sur coast, beautiful beaches, as well as buzzing big cities and cool coastal communities, and winding up in San Diego, where I (Dan) spent my middle and early high school years.

97. Lake Tahoe to Death Valley via Yosemite, California ~ USA

Appx. 1,285 km (800 miles) | 7-10 days

Lake Tahoe to Death Valley  | Much of this classic American road trip follows Route 395, a journey of diversions from the mountains-and-crystal-clear-waters of Lake Tahoe to the scorching desertscape of Death Valley via the world famous scenery of Yosemite National Park. While the changing scenery from the car is bound to be superb, the many outdoor opportunities are also a big appeal, as are potential side trips to wineries, hot springs, groves of ancient trees and historic sites.

98. San Juan Skyway, Colorado ~ USA

Appx. 375 km (235 miles) | 3-4 days

Durango to Durango Loop  | There are a couple of nicknames for the Skyway, including  America’s Switzerland , and a stretch called the  Million Dollar Highway . This is a high-altitude journey in the shadow of mountains soaring 4,000 metres, past waterfalls and hot springs, via the famous ski resort of Telluride, and the intriguing Native American cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. There’s plenty of hiking, epic panos, and breweries to end each day.

The Ultimate American Road Trip? According to science, apparently so.  This 22,046 km (13,699 mile) adventure  was created by algorithm and loops through all of the 48 connected states of the USA, stopping at a major landmark in each. You could drive it in 224 hours non-stop if you were really keen (or mad), but for us, this one’s more likely to be a lifetime of mini-trips. The guy that created it has also built an itinerary visiting every national park in the linked, mainland states. Epic!

99. The Seward Highway, Alaska ~ USA

Appx. 210 km (130 miles) | 2-3 days

Anchorage to Seward  | The wonderful wilds of Alaska are squarely in our sights. There are a range of drives we hope to do here, like Denali National Park, but the Seward Highway is a stand out. The big nature alone is magnetic – snow-capped mountains, hanging glaciers, dramatic fjords and vibrant wetlands. But it’s the peak wildlife watching that gets us really jazzed about a road trip here: humpback whales, orca, belugas, sea lions, otters, black bears and more than a hundred species of bird are just the tip of the iceberg.

100. National Parks Trail, Utah ~ USA

Appx. 2,000 km (1,250 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Loop  | Utah may well have one of the greatest concentrations of world-class parks and monuments on the planet. We’ve mapped a road trip loop that takes in the state’s showstoppers like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, along with extraordinary places like San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley State Park, dinosaur trails and the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock. We cannot wait to drive this route!

What unmissable road trips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

4 thoughts on “Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World”

“Wow, this article really got me excited to plan my next road trip! The diversity of landscapes and destinations mentioned here is truly inspiring. I’ve been to a few of these places, but there are definitely some hidden gems I can’t wait to explore. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide with helpful tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to hit the road and create some unforgettable memories!”

Thanks Charles, glad you found the post helpful. Happy road tripping!!

Amazing!! Congratulacions! Good and best job!! Thank you!! Brazil is not, but undestand! God bless You!!! Have a lot travels!

Hi Adalgisa! Thanks so much for your kind words. You know, Brazil was almost on the list! There are some amazing-sounding off-road adventures that we came across in our research, not to mention the famous Costa Verde, which we travelled part of in 2011. Do you have some road tripping suggestions for Brazil? We’d love to hear them – our list will definitely grow! Happy road tripping, Danielle & John

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The 10 best road trips in the world

By Rory FH Smith

While there are limitless ways to experience the full force of a country or continent, there's nothing quite like buckling up, hitting the open road and embarking on an epic road trip across a country (or two). Behind the wheel, you're in full control of the agenda, steering the trip wherever your heart or mind takes you. Put simply, it's all about the journey.

Our list of the 10 best road trips in the world covers everything from Alpine mountain passes and arid desert drives in western America , to lush forests in Japan and India , and the rugged coastlines of Norway and Scotland . With that, indulge in some route planning and prepare to be inspired.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Afton to Cherokee, 469 miles (755km)

Just over three hours southwest of Washington DC lies the start of the most phenomenal scenic byway that carves its way through the lush, mountainous forests of Virginia and North Carolina . Named the Blue Ridge Parkway – due to the surrounding mountains having a bluish colour when seen from a distance – the route starts in Afton, Virginia, and runs for 469 miles (755km) down the spine of the Blue Ridge, before finishing up in Cherokee. Driving along here at any time of year is a treat but prepare to be blown away in autumn , when the forests turn to iridescent shades of brown, orange and red. Linking the Shenandoah National Park to the beautifully named Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this route down the eastern states of the USA is one to savour.

Great St Bernard Pass, Italy

Turin, Italy to Montreux, Switzerland, 143 miles (230km)

For movie fans, this road is a must-drive after it was immortalised in the iconic opening scene of the original Italian Job , starring Michael Caine. The film opens with a Lamborghini Muria dancing its way over the Great St Bernard Pass, which, aside from a few safety improvements, is still as unspoilt and spectacular as it was back in 1969. Its blend of sheer drops, hairpin bends and tunnels give way to vistas across the Alps, making it the model Alpine mountain pass. Added to that, the starting point in the charming Italian city of Turin is only topped by finishing up on the shores of Lake Geneva in the jazz town of Montreux.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins 770 miles (1240km)

Patagonia is a place that should appear on everyone's bucket list. This remote, pre-historic wilderness is made of mountains, lakes, forests and fjords, which can all be absorbed from the comfort of a car driving down Chile 's Southern Highway (Route 7) – the ‘Carretera Austral’. At 770 miles long, this route is for those seeking adventure off the beaten track and is best undertaken between October and April . Starting in Puerto Montt – a busy town in the Chilean Lake District – the route heads south through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O'Higgins. Leave plenty of time to take in everything Patagonia has to offer and be prepared to get out of the car and hike, ride or swim to experience the very best views and nature.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Inverness to Inverness loop around Scotland's coastline, 516 miles (830km)

One of the best road trips the United Kingdom has to offer is the North Coast 500. As the name suggests, the 500-mile route loops its way around Scotland 's rugged northern coastline, taking in everything from white sandy beaches to mountains and remote fishing villages. Heading north from Inverness, the route takes in the Black Isle, Easter Ross and Caithness around the top of the British Isles, including the most northerly point, John O'Groats. After that, the route heads back down the western coast and south through Sutherland, Wester Ross and back to Inverness.

Read our ultimate guide on the North Coast 500 .

Wayanad Ghat Road, India

Kozhikode to Wayanad, 53 miles (86km)

Clinging on for dear life as you negotiate the twists and turns of the Wayanad Ghat Road in Kerala is an exhilarating experience. Cutting through the lush forest of the Western Ghats, the road snakes its way past waterfalls, misty mountains and vast tea plantations that date back centuries. Driving the Thamarassery Churam mountain pass, which sits 800m above sea level, it's worth stopping along the route to take in some of the spectacular scenery, or hiking to explore the waterfalls and trails – just watch out for wild elephants who occasionally stray across the road!

The Japanese Alps

Kyoto to Tokyo (the long way around), 460 miles (740km)

Getting off the train and into a car in Japan is one of the best things you can do. While the Shinkansen – or Bullet Train – is a marvellous feat of engineering, exploring Japan by car is how to access the country's best-kept secrets. Taking the long way round from Kyoto to Tokyo , head north from the historic city and up to Kanazawa. From here, the route heads east across the Japanese Alps, taking in the onsen – hot spring – spa towns high in the mountains. With some epic and well-kept driving roads that twist their way through the mountains, the route is a must for any keen drivers. After navigating your way through the hills, the route takes in some historic sights, like the Samurai city of Matsumoto, before it heads towards the hill resort town of Karuizawa and south, to the bright neon lights of Tokyo.

Atlantic Road, Norway

Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge – 69 miles (111km)

Navigating Norway's extensive road network, which is punctuated by bridges, tunnels and ferries, is one of the best ways to take in its mighty landscape. With towering, sheer-faced and snow-capped peaks rising from the depths of its icy fjords and glacial lakes, inspiration isn’t hard to find. One particular route, the Atlantic Road, is perhaps the best example of Norway's sightseeing routes as it sweeps its way from the city of Molde and over to the island of Averøy, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic. If you tackle this stretch on a calm summer's day, it's possible to soak up the stillness as you breeze across the sparkling water, but head there as a blustery northwest storm rolls in and be prepared to feel the full force of the Atlantic's awesomeness.

Southern Utah National Park Circuit, USA

Dead Horse Point to Zion National Park, 475 miles (764km)

In the land where scorched red pillars of rock rise majestically from the earth, the sense of scale soon becomes apparent as you travel across vast swathes of rocky desert in the wild west of Southern Utah. Although this route has no official name, it's the amalgamation of several routes that carve their way through some of the most impressive landscapes on earth. Each bend in the road – which can be few and far between on some stretches – reveals an awe-inspiring view, reminiscent of Hollywood Westerns. Setting off from Dead Horse Point near Moab , the route takes in the Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon before finishing in the enchanting Zion National Park, nearly 500 miles later. For those looking to indulge en route, it's hard to resist a night or two at the remarkable Amangiri hotel – a luxury oasis that blends into the vast, surrounding landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges.

Kimberly Grant

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

The Panorama Route, South Africa

Hoedspruit to Pilgrim's Rest, 130 miles (209km)

Heading up and over South Africa 's Drakensberg Escarpment, the route takes in wildlife reserves, fruit fields, gold-rush sites, cascading waterfalls, gorges and, of course, the imposing peaks of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Once over the peak, the aptly named 'God's Window' reveals views over the Blyde River Canyon, the famous Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa's border with Mozambique . Known as one of the world's greatest wildlife reserves, you have a good chance of encountering the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, which is just an hour's drive east from the end point in Pilgrim's Rest.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and back to Melbourne, 340 miles (550km)

Australia ’s most famous road blends rugged coastal vistas with dense forests, national parks and beach towns. Starting in the city of Melbourne , the route heads southwest to the beach town of Torquay, which is where the Great Ocean Road officially starts. From here, it hugs the Victorian coastline all the way along to a group of limestone sea stacks called the 12 Apostles, just before Port Campbell. While the weather has taken its toll, reducing the number of sea stacks over the years, the route is still a popular sightseeing trip from Melbourne and is frequented by campervans and cars alike. Turning back towards Melbourne at the 12 Apostles, make sure you loop back, inland at Cape Otway taking in the dense forests of the Otway National Park before heading back into the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road switchbacks up to Edelweiss-Spitze, its highest vantage point. Completed in 1935, the serpentine highway was built on the traces of ancient Celtic and Roman trails.

Here are 10 of the world’s most spectacular road trips

From Transylvania to Patagonia, these breathtaking routes are packed with thrills.

There’s nothing like a road trip: scenic views, surprising stops, the time spent with friends or with your own thoughts. But with untold millions of miles of roadways tracing the globe, it can be hard to pick the best route. Here are 10 of the world’s best road trips.

Climb the switchbacks on the Trans-Andean Highway

The Trans-Andean Highway delivers more thrills than a theme park, coiling along more than 200 miles of mountain passes between Chile’s booming capital and western Argentina’s Mendoza wine country. A defunct railway tracing part of the route only adds to the roller-coaster effect.

A major commercial thoroughfare through the continent’s Southern Cone, the challenging road also offers magnificent sightseeing. Twenty-nine hairpin turns climb some 11,500 feet on the Chilean side of the Andes, and on the Argentine side, drivers can glimpse 22,841-foot-high Mount Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

Travel tip: Watch out for border crossing delays at the nearly two-mile-long tunnel in Christ the Redeemer International Pass, named for a four-ton statue placed there in 1904.

Sightsee along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Linking the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, the winding Blue Ridge Parkway unspools along ridgetops, into fertile valleys, and past the highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell).

Though it’s possible to drive the traffic light–free road without stopping, farms, fields, and small towns offer plenty of diversions worth braking for. Travelers can climb Sharp Top Mountain, eat cornmeal cakes at the historic Mabry Mill , or listen to bluegrass music as they wander beneath the white oaks, red maples, mountain magnolias, black cherries, and tulip poplars at Flat Top Manor .

Travel tip: Though many drive the parkway in fall for its dramatic foliage, the route inspires no less awe in other seasons—especially spring, when wild ginger, trout lily, and jack-in-the-pulpit wildflowers bloom.

Spectacular fall foliage blankets the mountains as the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through North Carolina.

Brave Bolivia’s “Death Road”

For some 65 miles in the Bolivian highlands, little more than a lane separates drivers from skydivers. North Yungas Road—which includes a 25-mile pass marked with memorial crosses known as the Death Road—descends from the outskirts of La Paz to the subtropical town of Coroico.

Though a safer, paved bypass of Death Road was recently completed, mountain bikers and drivers still dare the one-lane route through the pass of La Cumbre on a barren, 15,255-foot ridge.

Travel tip: Driving on the right side is the norm in Bolivia, but travelers are advised to drive on the left on North Yungas, in order to better gauge the wheels’ distance from the edge of the road—which drops without a guardrail to the valleys below.

Drive a narrow mountain tunnel in China

In 1972, after centuries of isolation, the villagers of Guoliang decided to forge their own route through the remote Taihang Mountains in northeastern China . They had long relied on a steep mountain trail also known as a “heaven ladder.” Then 12 local men hand-carved a rough recess through the mountain over the course of six years, using only heavy hammers and steel drill rods. The Guoliang Tunnel Road (officially known as the Precipice Long Corridor) is just 19 feet wide and 13 feet high, with rough, open “windows” peering out over views of the gorge hundreds of feet below.

Travel tip: This twisting tunnel’s rock walls are badly cracked, with chicken wire at the entrance. Drivers are wise to turn on their headlights and honk their horns as they pass through.

Zoom down Austria’s High Alpine Road

Climbing nearly 3,000 feet in just under 30 miles, classic BMWs and roadsters whip around the curves of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road between the Austrian states of Salzburg and Carinthia. Overhead, griffon vultures and golden eagles circle the Alpine peaks, where rare ibex and pudgy marmots scurry among brown bears and wolves. The joyride delivers drivers to the wilds of Hohe Tauern National Park , the largest nature reserve in the Alps and a magnet for hikers and cyclists.

Travel tip: The Grossglockner charges a toll (around €34.50, or $38). Between May and November, stop off at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitors center, where a funicular shuttles passengers to an overlook of the colossal Pasterze Glacier.

Cruise one of New Zealand’s most scenic highways

The southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island poses the best kind of driver’s dilemma: Do you zip down wide-open roads or take your time to enjoy the views?

From Queenstown , follow state highways south along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to turn off on Milford Road (aka Highway 94). This scenic, high-altitude route curves northwards through rainforests and past the white-capped Ailsa Mountains before ending up at the mirror-like, tea-colored waters of Milford Sound, a marine reserve home to penguins, dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals.

Travel tip: The Milford Road eventually meets the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain, where an optical illusion makes the peak appear to shrink as people approach it. Drivers stop at Lake Gunn for a short nature loop.

Related: see the 25 essential U.S. road trips

Step back in time on the Historic Columbia River Highway

Long ago bypassed by an interstate, the skinny, two-lane Historic Columbia River Highway has seen little change since its completion in 1922 as the United States’ first planned scenic roadway. The route winds above Oregon ’s Columbia River Gorge, taking in six state parks, seven waterfalls, and—on clear days—views of five mountain peaks, including Mount St. Helens. Breathtaking in any season, the highway is especially picturesque in spring, when endemic wildflowers bloom, and winter, when waterfalls freeze and massive icicles hang from graceful arched bridges.

Travel tip: At Crown Point, drivers stop at the Vista House, an elegant art nouveau observatory 733 feet above the Columbia River.

Get spooked in the Transylvanian Alps

Romania’s twisting, mile-high Transfăgărășan Road traces a north-south route between the country’s two highest peaks. Vlad the Impaler , the prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula , is perhaps the region’s greatest claim to fame, and tourists can stop at the ruins of 700-year-old Poenari Castle after a scenic drive past the Arges River, the crescent-shaped rim of Vidraru Dam, and the emerald Vidraru Lake. Stop off at the 20-story Bâlea Waterfall to catch a red cable car up to Bâlea Lake, with two year-round chalets and an ice hotel built from scratch each winter.

Travel tip: As if crossing 27 bridges and aqueducts, navigating an unlit tunnel, and keeping an eye out for errant flocks of sheep in the road wasn’t challenging enough—treacherous weather conditions mean Transfăgărășan Road is only reliably open from late June through mid-October.

Transfăgărășan Road snakes through the Transylvanian Alps, also called the Carpathian Mountains.

Explore the Canadian Rockies

Running 144 miles between Banff and Jasper National Parks, Icefields Parkway brings drivers into the imposing landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bighorn sheep, caribou, moose, grizzlies, and black bears, though you won’t have to search hard to glimpse surreal, inverted landscapes in the parkway’s mirror-like glacial lakes.

Travel tip: Traffic is usually light—unless there’s a bear on the side of the road.

Climb the mountains of Morocco

Morocco’s Atlas Mountain Road tests drivers’ mettle, with two narrow, guardrail-free lanes snaking around too many blind curves to count. The 116-mile route takes in the otherworldly landscapes visible from Tizi-n’Tichka Pass as the road climbs more than 6,000 feet from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and back down to the desert oasis of Ouarzazate.

Travel tip: Along the way, obstacles range from unpredictable surface conditions to goats, camels, and mules blocking the road.

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The Scenic Route: A Guide to the World’s Best Road Trips

The 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside..

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There’s something about seeing a country or a region on four wheels that lets you feel immersed in a place. The roadside restaurants, the freedom to pause and linger, the exhilaration and pain of getting lost in an age of constant Google Mapping... Isn’t half the fun of travel the detours, anyway? In this package, we pick the 10 best road trips around the world, a mix of classic and unexpected, coastal and countryside. You’d be remiss not to drive California’s Highway 1 at least once in your life—but what about South Africa’s Garden Route?

For a road trip in South Africa, drive the Garden Route.

Photo by Andrea Willmore/Shutterstock

Garden Route, South Africa

Hugging the eastern coastline of South Africa , the Garden Route takes you through the nation’s hits. There are farm stalls brimming with local produce, reserves with wildlife like elephants, ostriches, and monkeys, and memorable scenery throughout. Hiking, swimming, and surfing are all on offer, and you can finish days with a local glass of wine from one of the many wine farms along the way.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here.

North America

Road trip through Alaska.

Michael Rosebrock/Shutterstock and Justin Kaneps

A Loop out of Anchorage, Alaska

This seven-day journey that starts and ends in Anchorage is an outdoorsy road-tripper’s dream. You’ll be awestruck by Denali National Park , as well as the less-trafficked and equally beautiful Wrangell—St. Elias. You’ll meet sled dogs and sample Alaska ’s bountiful produce at organic farms along the way. If you’re really adventurous, take a detour on a bush flight and enjoy Alaska’s small-town delights—and its famous salmon. You’ll want to make time for a glacier trek, so don’t forget your fleece and hiking boots.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Perhaps the most iconic of road trips, California ’s Pacific Coast Highway takes you all along the state’s picturesque coastline. Winding through beach towns, big cities, and miles of untouched coast, PCH is the perfect way to see the Golden State. There are aquariums, a castle, and, of course, jaw-dropping scenery on this route. Be sure you plan enough time to take it slow, watch for whales, and, when you’re at the car rental, spring for the convertible.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado

This quick jaunt among the 14,000-foot peaks of southwestern Colorado has no shortage of dramatic vistas. The roads are not for the faint of heart—10,000-foot passes beckon. Stomach-churning heights give way to sprawling pastures and waterfall-flecked canyons. Hot springs and tiny mountain towns also make this road trip an irresistible stunner.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

A five-day journey along the Parkway from Charlottesville, Virginia , to Asheville, North Carolina, showcases the wonders of Appalachia. You’ll sample local cheeses, seasonal, farm-to-table cooking, and barbecue. Down-home bluegrass music plus local crafts make for a truly authentic trip into this scenic, mountainous region. There’s no shortage of hikes, ranging from easy to difficult, including an opportunity to set foot on the storied Appalachian Trail.

South America

Go fishing on a road trip in Patagonia, which is known for some of the best fly-fishing in the world.

Photo by Peter Bohler

Patagonia Lake District, Argentina and Chile

Outdoor adventures await throughout the Lake District in northern Patagonia in Argentina and Chile . From white-water rafting to heli-skiing to hiking, there’s something for everyone no matter the season, all amid charming, European-style towns. National parks, volcanoes, and the eponymous lakes dot the route, offering arresting views and more places to stop and explore than you’ll have time for. Locally sourced steak and trout will keep you fueled up on this weeklong journey.

Epic waterfalls are just one of the things you will see on an Iceland road trip.

Photo by Smit/Shutterstock

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

A drive along Ireland ’s windswept coastline brings endless opportunities for nature walks and hunkering down in cozy pubs. You’ll encounter live traditional music and plenty of chances to get on the water, from boat tours to kayaking. Dolphin and whale-watching tours, too, are on your route. Castles and colorful villages also take center stage on this trip. Although our itinerary covers five days, you could easily take two weeks to discover this massive, 1,600-mile route.

North Coast 500, Scotland

This 516-mile loop out of Inverness showcases the rugged beauty of northernmost Scotland. Cathedrals, historic sites, and distilleries abound here, and you’ll need at least five days to wind your way around the scenic drive. Accommodations range from rustic to country luxury to castle estates, so there’s something for every type of traveler. Fill your plate with loads of seafood and game, then burn it all off with hikes, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Ready to hit the road? Read more here .

Diamond Circle, Iceland

This less-traveled circuit in northern Iceland showcases the highlights. Waterfalls and colonies of puffins await alongside opportunities for whale-watching. Days filled with delectable seafood, ancient rock formations, and soaring views create the kind of trip that will have you stopping every few miles for a photo op. No trip through Iceland would be complete without geothermal baths, so a good soak is on your agenda as well.

Drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Photo by Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria

Great Ocean Road

Spend at least three days on a leisurely tour of Australia ’s Great Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal route that runs south out of Melbourne . There are pristine beaches, yes, but also a stunning national park with waterfall hikes and zipline adventures. Add beachfront hotels and restaurants and you’ve got the makings of a truly special road trip, particularly if you take the time for a beach day or two as you explore. On this drive, you’ll want to remain beach-ready. Pack plenty of sunscreen.

Bucket List: The 12 Best Road Trip Routes In The World

Ready to explore the planet by road? Enjoy the most scenic road trip routes in the world, from the US to Europe to Asia and beyond!

Read update

Who's Up For A Drive? These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Routes To Take

• Road trips offer freedom and flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and stop as long as they want. No schedules or time constraints to worry about.
• The world is full of incredible road trip routes, from scenic coastal drives to traversing challenging mountain passes. There are options for every type of traveler.
• Some of the top road trip routes include Route 66 in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, Trollstigen in Norway, and the Ring Road in Iceland. These routes offer amazing views and unforgettable experiences.

Traveling by train, like enjoying an adventure on Amtrak's epic sleeper train routes around the world , can be a comfortable way to explore a destination (and multiple, at that!). However, there's far less freedom when traveling by rail because passengers are limited to the time constraints and stops on the journey. What's better than rail travel for folks with wanderlust hoping to be free from the clutches of time limits? Road trips, of course!

Going on a road trip is an amazing way for travelers to discover the world at their own pace; explorers can go wherever their hearts desire and stop for as long as they wish without having to worry about schedules. Moreover, there are countless options for road trip routes that range from scenic coastal drives to traversing rugged mountain passes and immersing oneself in the culture and history of an area (or an entire country, in many cases).

For aspiring roadtrippers looking to see the world, here are the top ten best road trip routes around the globe to add to the bucket list. From the breathtaking vistas of Scotland's North Coast 500 to the remote and challenging terrain of Pakistan's Karakoram Highway, these amazing bucket list road trips offer unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring views for those who crave adventure on the open road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/30 12:40 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This list covers a number of the most beautiful road trips in the world (in other words, the best!). However, there's always room for more! As such, this article has been updated with two new bucket list road trip routes, both in the US and the most beautiful to embark on ASAP. From Route 66 across the Western United States to the Blue Ridge Mountain Drive, there are endless places to travel by vehicle. Have fun!

Related: Road Trip Bucket List: 12 Major Cities To Stop At Along Route 66

12 Route 66, United States

Welcome to the wild west: route 66 is the perfect desert adventure.

One of the most famous road trips in the world is Route 66 in the United States. Not only has this iconic road-inspired movie like Cars , but it also boasts endless scenery, history, and communities worth stopping in for the night. Most notably, Route 66 offers tons of epic stops and spans over 2,400 miles across states like Arizona, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico and ends in Los Angeles, California.

This is undeniably one of the best driving ideas for a road trip itinerary and should keep everyone occupied from mile one to 2,488. Moreover, Route 66 boasts an eight-state coverage, with something to see and do at nearly every turn. However, much of this route goes through desert landscape, so make sure and bring plenty of water!

• Distance : 2,448 miles
• Time to Drive: 10 days (minimum) , but 2 weeks is an ideal timeframe

11 The Blue Ridge Parkway, United States

This road trip route is known to be the most scenic drive in the united states.

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning drives in the United States and arguably North America. Here, people can embark on a 469-mile adventure through this famous mountain range, traveling through states like Virginia and North Carolina. Moreover, the Blue Ridge Parkway detours into places like Shenandoah National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park system. This makes it a perfect choice for mountain lovers and hikers, plus it is a pretty scenic route from start to finish.

It's also worth noting that while on this road trip route, you will drive through countless towns, including Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Boone, Sparta, Roanoke, Virginia, Bryson City, Mouth of Wilson (Grayson Highlands State Park), West Jefferson, and so on.

• Distance: 469 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9-10 hours

The Blue Ridge Scenic Highway through North Carolina is another epic US road trip route in this region!

10 Great Ocean Road, Australia

Coastal views and cliffside driving make the great ocean road a top road trip.

Covering a distance of 413 miles, The Great Ocean Road is a picturesque coastal route that starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford, near Warrnambool, located on the southeastern coast of Australia.

Constructed by Australian soldiers in remembrance of their fallen colleagues, the road is renowned for its scenic beauty, with stunning oceanic views, cliffs, and rainforests. Exploring this road with its gorgeous scenery is one of the best things to do in Australia.

• Distance: 413 miles
• Time to Drive: ~9.5 hours

9 Trollstigen, Norway

Get ready to turn (a lot) in norway while driving trollstigen.

Trollstigen, which translates to the "Troll's Path" or the "Troll's Road", is a mountainous road located in western Norway, running from south to north from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. It is approximately 20 kilometers long and contains 11 hairpin turns that ascend the steep mountainside, with gradients as steep as 10%.

The road was built between 1925 and 1936 and has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, earning a spot on many lists of the world's most scenic drives. Even though it is not included as one of the things travelers should not miss out on in Norway because it's a bit off the beaten path (and tourists without a car will have to rent one), it provides a breathtaking experience for road trip fans.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Time to Drive: ~1-2 hours

8 Ring Road, Iceland

Also called route 1, this route offers glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and falls.

The Iceland Ring Road, also referred to as Route 1 or simply the Ring Road, is an 828-mile-long highway encircling the entire island country of Iceland. The road provides access to some of Iceland's most popular tourist spots, such as volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls.

Completed in 1974, the Ring Road has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Iceland, offering visitors stunning vistas of the country's diverse landscapes and unique geological formations. Several charming towns and villages in Iceland (other than Reykjavik) dot the road, providing essential services and accommodations to travelers. From Icelandic culinary adventures to marveling at Iceland's unique beaches , Iceland's Ring Road is worth the bucket list because it promises a deep exploration of the entire country.

• Distance: 828 miles
• Time to Drive: Approximately 6 days in summer and 12 days in winter , at a minimum

7 The Garden Route, South Africa

190 miles of beaches, mountains, lagoons, and forests.

Located on the south-western coast of South Africa, The Garden Route is easily one of the most scenic drives in the world; it's a 190-mile-long scenic route between Mossel Bay and Storms River, passing through a range of breathtaking landscapes such as lush forests, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and tranquil lagoons.

As a popular tourist spot, The Garden Route offers visitors an array of attractions and activities throughout the journey, making it an ideal road trip destination. Drive down this road and discover what South Africa is really like .

• Distance: 190 miles
• Time to Drive: 2-3 hours (but it's recommended to take a few days to complete it and appreciate the sights along the way)

6 Amalfi Coast, Italy

High-class living and mediterranean views make the amalfi coast an upscale road trip choice.

The stunning Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile road that winds along the southern coast of Italy, connecting the cities of Sorrento and Salerno. The road passes through a series of charming coastal towns, such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each with its own unique character and attractions.

The narrow, winding road features hairpin turns and steep drops, providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs. Travelers can stop at scenic overlooks, indulge in local cuisine, and explore historical sites and cultural attractions.

• Time to Drive: ~2 hours

5 A82, Scotland

Catch a glimpse of the lochness monster on scotland's a82 route.

In Scotland, the A82 is a major road that spans approximately 167 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, such as Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.

Initially constructed in the 18th century as a military route to the Highlands, it has become a vital transport link and popular tourist route. The A82 goes through several towns and villages, including Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.

• Distance: 167 miles
• Time to Drive: ~3 hours (but it's better to take one's time to enjoy the stops and views along the way)

Related: Discovering The Beauty Of The Palisades Parkway: A Road Trip Adventure In Northern New Jersey

4 The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan

Peaks, glaciers, and valleys from kashgar, china to islamabad, pakistan.

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, is one of the best travel routes for road trippers on this list for those who crave adventurous terrain. The route spans over 1,300 kilometers from Kashgar in China to Islamabad in Pakistan. The road traverses through some of the most remote and rugged terrain on earth, including the Karakoram mountain range, which houses some of the world's highest peaks, such as K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.

The construction of the Karakoram Highway was completed in 1986, and it is recognized as a remarkable engineering feat involving the construction of numerous bridges and tunnels through some of the planet's most challenging terrain. The highway provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys while also providing an opportunity to experience the culture and history of the region.

• Distance: 810 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4-5 days (but travelers can spend longer if they wish to take their time)

Related: From Canyons To Wildflowers: Discovering Anza Borrego On A Scenic Road Trip

3 The North Coast 500, Scotland

Castles, cliffs, pubs, and water views in the scottish highlands.

The Scottish Highlands is a picturesque region in Scotland that boasts natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and historical landmarks. Many scenic routes and roads are scattered throughout the area, offering visitors breathtaking views of the region's unique culture and history. However, none are quite as enchanting as the North Coast 500 drive, which easily earns its place among the world's best road trips for its scenery alone (and the quintessential Scottish pubs en route!).

One of the best road trips in Scotland (or indeed the UK overall) is the North Coast 500, a 516-mile road trip showcasing some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The journey begins and ends in Inverness, taking travelers through small villages, historic towns, dramatic mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. There are plenty of ancient castles, scenic overlooks, and traditional Scottish pubs to stop and enjoy along the way.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Time to Drive: ~ 8 hours 30 minutes

2 The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

This is the drive between the florida keys and miami beach.

The Overseas Highway , located in the Florida Keys of the USA, is a 113-mile-long road that connects Miami to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. The highway spans a series of islands, providing awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally built as a railroad track in the early 20th century, it was later converted to a highway to connect the Keys' islands. Today, the highway is one of the best road trips in the world for coastal scenery, passing through several towns and villages, including Islamorada and Marathon, each with its own unique attractions and activities.

• Distance: 113 miles
• Time to Drive: ~4 hours one-way

Related: From Waterfalls To Wildlife: Exploring The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway On A Road Trip Adventure

1 The Atlantic Road, Norway

This route in norway makes its way to the little island of averøy.

The Atlantic Road in Norway is a 5.2-mile road that runs along Norway's coast, connecting the mainland to the island of Averøy with eight bridges. It passes through some of Norway's most stunning coastal landscapes, offering views of the open sea, rugged cliffs, and tiny islands.

This road is an engineering marvel, completed in 1989, as it required the construction of several bridges and causeways in one of the most challenging marine environments in the world. The Atlantic Road is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery to those visiting Norway.

• Distance : 5.2 miles
• Time to Drive: ~10 minutes

This road is short but sweet; however, if travelers want to extend it, they can drive the whole of the super scenic Route 64 ( Route 64 includes the Atlantic Road ). Doing so will add around an hour and 15 minutes to the journey.

The 6 best road trip destinations in the world

Mar 28, 2023 • 6 min read

The Panamerican Highway in Chile is just one of the country's brilliant drives © Igor Alecsander / Getty Images

Pulling over to buy tiny wild strawberries, foraged mushrooms, or dried buffalo meat from kids at a makeshift roadside stall. Stopping to swim in a sea cove or soak in hot springs at sunset. Sighting a coyote pup between snow-covered trees. Road-tripping is so much more than just the journey or the destination.

It is all about embracing the unexpected and marveling at the everyday. It is about getting giddy on the unknown and the joy of acting on impulse. Turning left instead of right. Ditching asphalt for bone-rattling washboard. It is about disconnecting the GPS and simply following your nose or an old-school crinkled paper map.

Some road trips are iconic: Route 66 across eight US states; Iceland’s Golden Circle ; the Route des Grandes Alpes across the French Alps or the Riviera’s corkscrew corniches . Or Australia’s bucket-list Great Ocean Road ; South Africa’s Garden Route ; Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop spun from ethereal paddy fields and crashing waterfalls.

But it is these six road-trip destinations that deliver world-class motoring, spectacular scenery, privileged access to wildlife, and side adventures to keep you busy for days. Hitting the open road here is not limited to one legendary route or itinerary. From short-and-sweet afternoon drives to exhilarating multi-day odysseys, these road-tripping stalwarts cover all bases.

As with any journey planning, consider the season (shoulder is always best, with quieter roads and less extreme temperatures) and your own travel mood (romantic open-top cruise; white-knuckle safari). Don’t forget to check the weather conditions and phone connectivity on the road ahead before belting up. Bonne route!

1. The Scottish Highlands: best for moody landscape

There’s a feral beauty to the Highlands ’ sensual landscape which can render a road trip here as spellbinding as it is spectacular. Watch for wild deer and hairy ginger Highland coos straying onto the road; stick to the left (single-track roads included, of which there are plenty) and save the whisky drams for nightcaps.

Avoid busy July and August to enjoy sinuous roads beaded with silvery lochs, pristine glens and windswept sands in splendid isolation – perhaps bagging a Munro or kayaking at sea along the way. Scotland’s weather is famously capricious; always check  road conditions .

The iconic  North West 500 , a 516-mile (830km) loop around the rugged northern coast from the highland capital  Inverness , is the week-long classic trip, but there's more . The Great Glen Way, from  Fort William to Inverness along the  Caledonian Canal and storied  Loch Ness , is the on-road version of the popular hike – same Ben Nevis views guaranteed. Thrill-seekers gravitate to the sinuous Snow Roads route in the mountainous  Cairngorms National Park or the Applecross Peninsula’s heart-thumping  Bealach na Bà – Britain’s steepest zig-zag of a road.

2. Burgundy, France: best for wine lovers

Plotting routes around medieval villages and wine cellars, pairing playlists with pinot noir, breaking for a pee stop or lunch at a 16th-century chateau: Motoring in France doesn’t get more belle than in rural  Burgundy . Producing some of the world’s most prized French wines, Burgundy demands you roll back your vintage 2CV roof and ribbon through world-famous emerald vineyards, sunflower-yellow mustard fields and story-book forests.

Road tripping here is French flânerie on wheels: whichever route you take, carefully honed or deliciously hapless, the wine-country ride is serene and elegantly picturesque. Regional capital Dijon is the place to pick up a hire car (classic or electric) and the 1930s motorist favorite  Route des Grands Crus driving itinerary.  Route de Crémant de Bourgogne is a 120km-long deep-dive into Burgundy’s sparkling wines, and  Route 71 has southern Burgundy covered. Santé (and remember to spit when tasting).

3. Chile: best for epic wilderness

To head north or south – this is the eternal question for intrepid road explorers seeking South American adventure in long and skinny  Chile . From the world’s driest, star-spangled  desert and Pacific coastline in the desolate north, to  Patagonian fjords and glaciers 2650-odd miles (4270km) south, landscapes here are colossal and exhilaratingly biblical.

Driving can be desolate and off-grid. The multi-day  Carretera Austral is an unforgettable journey along every road surface known to mankind – paved, gravel and earth; pot-holed to death-defyingly precipitous – through out-of-this-world scenery (several nature reserves and national parks) from  Puerto Montt in the Chilean lake district to Patagonian backwater Villa O’Higgins, 760 miles (1223km) south. Compass pointing north, buckle up in  San Pedro de Atacama to blaze 4WD dust trails through Mars-red desert to smoldering volcanoes, steaming  geyser fields , shimmering white salt flats and flamingo-pink  lagoons .

4. Namibia: best for rare wildlife and family adventure

After being off-bounds for almost a century, driving across certain parts of the Namib dune fields – the oldest desert on earth – is still only possible by  guided 4WD expedition . Yet this jaw-droppingly beautiful  country of dramatic red sands, canyons, and crashing Atlantic waves on Africa’s southwest coast also delivers some of the continent’s safest, easiest, and most accessible  self-driving .

Many roads are unpaved, but compensate by being laser-straight and panorama-heavy – this is ‘the open road’ at its thrilling extreme. Bag 4WD wheels (and roof-top tent to camp under star-studded dark skies) in  Windhoek and drive north on the left to the  Etosha National Park .

Park by a waterhole to watch the elite of African wildlife – cheetahs, elephants, endangered black rhinos, dozens more mammal species – amble by. Or hit the ocean to spot sand-mad gemsboks in  Sossusvlei in the  Namib-Naukluft National Park and sand-ski in  Swakopmund . Fish River Canyon , with scenic hikes and hot springs to stretch and spoil stiff legs, is the road-trip star of the far south.

5. Tuscany, Italy: best for food and art

Forested truffle estate to third-generation winery, frescoed Renaissance palazzo to medieval monastery, sea-splashed vineyard to sun-toasted sands: whichever Tuscan road you wind along, dolce vita joins the dots. Spun from cypress-tree alleys, centurion olive groves and honey-gold hilltop hamlets, this green ‘n graceful  region in central Italy is tasty slow-travel terrain – by car, campervan, e-bike, or glamorous Harley.

Key towns  Florence ,  Siena , and unsung  Arezzo , brim with Renaissance art and architectural masterpieces. Romanesque abbeys, illustrious wine towns  Montepulciano and  Montalcino , and lazy Brunello-fueled lunches seduce in the rolling hills of Unesco World Heritage-listed  Val d’Orcia .  Chianti is a ludicrously good-looking wine country. If tangy olive oil is more your cup of tea, take your pick of 20 themed Strade del Vino, dell’Olio e dei Sapori di Toscana ( Wine, Oil and Flavor Routes of Tuscany ) driving itineraries.

6. California, USA: best for mind-blowing variety 

As predictable a choice as it might be, little beats a  Golden State road trip. Crank up the volume, hit cruise control, and drink in seamless vistas of sun-soaked sand beaches and crashing surf, snow-capped mountains and desert spotted with palms, wild canyons and rushing rivers, burnt-red  Sequoia groves and forests of wizened old cacti.

Whether you’re after a celebrity city like  San Francisco or SaMo , a historic trail following 19th-century gold prospectors, or rare marvels of nature ­protected by a flush of national parks (whimsical  Joshua Tree and  Yosemite crossed by the famous 64-mile Tioga Road), it is honestly all here.

The coastal  San Diego -to-San Francisco  Pacific Coast Highway via glitzy  LA is California’s iconic classic-car drive – preferably done in a convertible. But America’s third-largest state sports enough memorable drives (63 designated scenic byways for starters – only North Carolina has as many) to keep open-road aficionados California-dreaming for weeks. Rattling along rock, dirt, and sand by rental jeep out of Furnace Creek in the hottest place on earth (aka  Death Valley ) is the ultimate off-roader.

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The Best Train Trips in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Todd Plummer

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards —which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage —we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match—and it’s also worth mentioning that the First Class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world–it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey–but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon). Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent , from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu–a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation–but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive–yet comfortable–sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024, this storied train will at long last resume service after its pandemic-era pause–sort of. The train’s journey originally connected Singapore and Bangkok, but as of the new year will offer journeys through the jungles and coastlines of Malaysia, but all originating in and returning to Singapore. It isn’t the classic E&O route, but these new itineraries will offer deeper explorations of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Order a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in.

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food—and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food—onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countrysides. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from U.K. suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the U.S. explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travelers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board—when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca , where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals—this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920’s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers–so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

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25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 11, 2024

We’ve taken a lot of the best road trips in the world during our travels. We’ve done everything from epic road trips lasting 6 weeks to one-day scenic drives that cover spectacular scenery. We’ve done them all and here are the best road trips Dave and I have done around the world.

Table of Contents

Best Road Trips in the World

Thanks  Johnny Jet  and  Chris McGinnis  for giving us the idea to make this list. It was during their Twitter chat about road trips that we realized, “wow, we’ve driven most of the ultimate road trip destinations on earth!” So without further adieu, let’s take a look at road trips around the world that we have done by country or continent.

Road Trips in the USA

There’s no doubt about it, the United States is one of the best road trip destinations in the world. Many of the best road trips in the world are located right in the United States. We’ve been lucky enough to drive along most of the East and West Coasts of the country and here are a few of our favorite routes.

1. Route 66 – Arizona

Route 66 is the road trip of dreams. We have all listened to that beautiful song by Nat King Cole and fantasized about driving Route 66 one day. And we had the chance. It lives up to the hype. Albeit, only portions of it are worth driving.

Much of the 3,940km route is abandoned and decrepit as it was forgotten when the highway system was put in place, but there are parts that have been turned into national scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona . We have driven many different portions of  Route 66 , but you can drive this entire route from Chicago to California.

For more another great US Road trip not on this list check out:  The Ulitmate 10 Day Arizona Road Trip ,

• Duration: 1 Day for portions to 2-3 weeks
• Highlights of Route 66: Best portions are in Arizona , New Mexico, Missouri and Illinois.
• Read more at:  Route 66 Road Trip – Cruising The Main Street of America

2. Pacific Coast Highway – California

It’s the most epic drive in the United States. The drive starts in Monterrey and weaves down Highway 1 to Los Angeles . Make sure to stay the night in Monterrey or Carmel by the Sea . There is great kayaking in the marine reserve of Monterrey and Surfing in Carmel. Read more: Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints

It’s a beautiful coastal highway with long stretches of beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and legendary stops where movie stars and billionaires have hung out for decades to escape the hustle and bustle of California cities. And definitely take time to stay at one of the best places to stay in California (Mark Zuckerberg stayed here) the Ventana

• Duration: 2-4 Days
• Highlights of Pacific Coast Highway – The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and Pfeiffer Beach.
• Read more at  California Road Trip and Where to Camp in Big Sur

3. San Francisco to LA –  National Parks Route

This is the epic American route. Don’t just drive in a straight line from San Francisco to Los Angeles, go everywhere in between. This road trip takes you through four different states and showcases the best of America’s National Parks and cities.

It takes you through the most rugged and beautiful landscapes of America and you visit the most exciting cities in the country. Read more: Things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of San Francisco to Los Angeles – Grand Canyon , Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park
• Read More:  Make the Most of Antelope Canyon Photography Tour

4. Hana Highway – Maui Hawaii

It’s just a short drive, but everyone who goes to Maui raves about the Hana Highway. This (mostly) single lane road is a day trip that spans the North Coast of the Island from Paia to Hana.

It twists and turns and you cross 59 bridges during the 2-3 hour drive (one way) there are many scenic stops along the way, but the real beauty begins after Hana when you reach  Haleakala National Park . This is one of the top things to do in Maui , so if you plan a trip, make sure to rent a car and drive the road to hana.

• Duration: 1 Day
• Highlights of the Hana Highway : Bamboo Forest, Painted Eucalyptus Trees, 7 Sacred Pools, Waterfalls, Scenic Views
• Read More: Road Trip to Hana and Beyond

5. 17 Mile Drive – California

It may be a short road trip, but it is a goodie. You can take an entire day exploring 17-Mile Drive at Carmel By the Sea. If you are looking for a different way of road tripping, try e-biking instead of going in a car. A road trip doesn’t have to be always in a car, we’ve included cycling Africa as one of our best road trips we’ve ever done! Read more: Photography Guide to Big Sur Coastal Drive, California

• Duration: a few hours to 1 day
• Highlights of 17 Mile Drive: Ghost Tree, Bird Rock,  the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, John Denver Memorial, Beaches, Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Cove.
• Read More : The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
• Best California Road Trip

6. Miami to Key West

It took Dave and me a few tries to finally make it to Key West. We have driven from Canada to Central Florida many times, but only ever made it as far as Daytona and Orlando .

We had flown into Miami before but never did a road trip to the Florida Keys. When we finally rented a car and made our way to the famous ocean highway to the southern tip of the United States. We felt like we entered a different world. Key West is like being in the Caribbean without having to stamp your passport. Check out these Facts about Florida

It’s only a day trip from Miami to Key West, but we suggest taking your time to explore the Keys on the way down.

• Duration: 1-day return trip to 1 week for exploring.
• Highlights of Key West Road Trip – Marathon Key, Hemingway’s House, Key Largo , Dry Tortugas National Park, snorkeling, underwater museum, Seven Mile Bridge, Southernmost Point , Islamorada Florida Keys , & Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
• Read More: Miami to Key West Road Trip – Best Florida Keys Itinerary

7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada

Road trips can take many forms and we circumnavigated the world’s largest freshwater lake by motorcycle. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of the epic motorcycle routes in North America, but it’s also fabulous in a car and makes for an amazing road trip.

From the sandy shores of the southern shore to the rocky high sea cliffs of the wild north, this is an unexpected route through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconson, and Minnesota. Travel through small-town USA, historic treasures and the wild abandoned North of Ontario, this road trip is magnificent.

• Duration: 4 days to 2 weeks.
• Highlights of Lake Superior Circle Tour – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Terri Fox Memorial, Beautiful coast, three different states and one province in Canada
• Read More:  The Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour
• See all of the best places to visit in Michigan for your next road trip.

Canadian Road Trips

Canada is our favourite country for road tripping and in our humble opinion, the best road trips in the world are located in our home country. From both coasts to the far north, through high altitude of the Rocky Mountains and along the shore, you will see it all in Canada.

8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is often considered one of the top road trips in the world! And with good reason. There are so many things to see along the way. There is one spectacular scene after another.

Starting in Banff, the road trip takes you north along Highway 1 through the Rocky Mountains. It spans two of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. See our full drive here.

There are scenic lookouts galore where you can go hiking or to simply take in the view of mirror lakes reflecting jagged snow-capped mountains. A highlight is stopping at the Athabasca Glacier for a snowcat tour of this gigantic piece of ice and to take a walk on the Icefields Sky Walk. Continue on to Jasper where you can explore more of Alberta’s rugged and remote areas. Suggested hotel Fairmont Jasper and Fairmont Lake Louise

• Duration:  1-3 Days
• Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise
• Read more about Banff:  The Rocky Mountaineer,   Where to Stay in Banff

9. Dempster Highway – Yukon

For the ultimate road trip adventure, there’s not a lot that compares to the Dempster Highway. You can drive to the Arctic on the Dempster Highway and that is exactly what we did.

This 736 km road stretches from the far Arctic in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, to Dawson City in the  Yukon. It crosses the equator through the most beautiful landscape in the world. You’ll see caribou, grizzley bears and other wildlife on along the way and it is simply spectacular.

• Duration:  2-6 days
• Highlights of the Dempster Highway:  Crossing the Arctic Circle, Innuvik, Dawson City, Eagle Plains, Tombstone Mountains
• Read More:   Drive to the Arctic, Yes you Can

10. Fundy Trail – New Brunswick

The province of New Brunswick houses one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Canada. Famous for the Hopewell Rocks, we drove along the Bay of Fundy Parkway and witnessed giant sea cliffs plunging into the sea.

There are secluded and isolated beaches, it crosses through the Fundy National Park where you can hike to waterfalls and lookouts and it drives along one of the longest undeveloped coastlines in North America.

It is home to the world’s highest tides where you can walk out for miles on the ocean floor. Take your time to drive along this stretch of road that houses some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

• Duration:  3 – 4 Days
• Highlights of the Fundy Trail : Hopewell Rocks, Saint Stephen’s Sea Caves, Fundy National Park, Cape Enrage, Town of Alma, Covered Bridges. 
• Read More:  Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

11. Cowboy Trail – Alberta

If you love getting away from it all and having a rip-roaring adventure, the Cowboy Trail is for you. This is one of our favourite road trips we’ve ever done. Following the route through Southern Alberta is easy, well marked and filled with activities and beauty. There is something to see every single day and this trip will surprise you.

From the lunar landscape of the badlands to where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be driving through the varied landscapes that will take your breath away.

• Highlights of the Cowboy Trail: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Crows Nest Pass, Bar U Ranch, Waterton Lakes National Park, Hoodoos of Drumheller
• Read more:  Full Itinerary – Alberta Road Trip, Where to Stay in Banff

12. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s Ultimate Scenic Highways. Located on  Nova Scotia’s  Cape Breton Island, it is filled with sea cliffs, coastal hikes, beaches, and untamed wilderness. You’ll see moose on the Skyline walk, whales on kayaking and scenic boat trips and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence explore the best scenic stops in the country.

• Duration: 2-5 Days
• Highlights of the Cabot Trail: Skyline Trail, Alexander Graham Bell’s house, Uisge Ban Waterfall Hike, North River Kayaking, Ingonish Beach, Middle Head Trail, Boat Tours, whale watching and wildlife.
• Read More:  11 Not to be Missed Stops on the Cabot Trail

13. Sea to Sky Highway – British Columbia

Canada is known for its multiday road trips since the country is so massive, but the Sea to Sky Highway is an excellent short road trip from Vancouver. The Sea to Sky drive is only about 90 minutes from Vancouver to Whistler, but there are many sights to see along the way this mountain road.

We suggest taking at least two days and spend the night in Squamish. Squamish has some of the best rock climbing in the world at Big Chief, there are world-class kite surfing and backcountry hiking. It also has fantastic dining options.

On the way to Whistler (home to the 2010 Olympics), there are scenic lookouts, waterfalls, hiking trails and adrenaline sports like bungy jumping, skydiving and scenic flights) Read more at Sea to Sky Highway Stops – What to See From Vancouver to Whistler

14. Sunshine Coast – British Columbia

A 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver takes you to the start of the Sunshine Coast drive at Gibsons Landing. The beloved Canadian TV Series, The Beachcombers was filmed here for 20 years! You may also like These Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast takes you through a gorgeous coastal drive, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has some of the best mountain biking and hiking in the country with well marked trails and few crowds.

It’s a wonderful road trip taking you on several ferries, over bridges and along the coast. The entire loop goes through the towns on the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island.

• Duration: 1 week Highlights of the Sunshine Coast: Gibson’s Landing, Smuggler’s Cove, Historic Powell River, Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove, Lund, Desolation Sound
• Watch our video of our Sunshine Coast Road Trip

The Best European Road Trips

5. wild atlantic way – ireland.

It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth. During our many trips around Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way is a standout. Starting in Dublin , we made a b-line for the west coast of Southwest coast of Ireland from Cork to the  Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal .

The Wild Atlantic Way runs 2500 km up the Western Coast of Ireland. There are so many things to see and do on this route. Every day offers spectacular views of enormous sea cliffs, incredible beaches, and unique culture . This is a road trip that packs a huge punch with a road that goes along the entire west coast of Ireland. Read more: 23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland

• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, Mizen Head, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Slea Head Drive, Aran Islands
• Read more about this Road Trip :  Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way 

16. North Coast 500 – Scotland

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. With legendary castles, extraordinary coastal scenery, and famous whisky distilleries lining the winding single track lanes, the North Coast 500 is the ultimate drive for travel lovers.

At 500 miles long it is a touring route around Scotland’s northern coast, starting in Inverness. A Highlithg was most certainly Duncansby Head’s Seastacks

• Duration: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the North Coast 500:  Inverness, Duncansby Head, Loch Ness, Distilleries, Dornoch Castle, Smoo Caves, Ullapool, Klinlochewe Viewpoint, Applecross, Baelnabach. Eilean Donan Castle
• Read More:  The Essential Guide to the North Coast 500

17. Amalfi Coast – Italy

I think the best road trip in Europe is the Amalfi Coast . We fell in love with that drive from Sorrento to Ravello. There is a reason this drive along the most stunning sea cliffs on earth has been used in so many movies.

The towns and lookouts along the coast are something out of a fairytale. They are just gorgeous. We pulled off to the side of the road to look at the luxurious island of Capri. We saw yachts sailing along the coast, and we were ein awe at the height of the seacliffs. It is truly spectacular.

• Duration:  2 days to a week
• Highlights of the Amalfi Coast  – Positano , Amalfi Town, Ravello, Sorrento, Beaches, Grottos, Capri, Hiking and Waterfalls. 
• Watch it:  Watch our video of our Amalfi Road Trip
• Check out our post :  The Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

18. Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is so amazing for driving and its star attraction is the Causeway Coast. The Causeway Coastal Route is filled with stop after stop of amazing sights and scenery.

It’s a much shorter route than the Wild Atlantic Way and it can be done in just a couple of days, but we recommend giving at least 4 days to explore this coast because there is so much to see.

We actually took 9 days to drive around Northern Ireland and it was perfect. Highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, Carick a Rede Bridge, The Dark Hedges and Belfast

• Duration: About a Week
• Highlights of the Causeway Coast – Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Belfast, Game of Thrones. 
• Read more:  Best things to do in Northern Ireland

19. Bavaria – Germany

Driving through the Bavarian Alps will take your breath away. Our road trip through the Alps started in Munich where we made our way to some of Germany’s most iconic sites.

Take a trip through fairytale castles and the highest peaks of Germany for one of the most memorable drives on earth. Go to the Olympic town of Garmish-Partenkirken, tour the world’s oldest monastery and brewery and hike through the picturesque landscape filled with rivers, valleys, lakes, and mountains.

• Duration: 2  Weeks
• Highlights of Bavaria : Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden ,  Weltenburg Abbey, Danube Gorge, Munich , Nuremberg, Volkach wine region, Alpspix
•   The Best of Bavaria  
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
• Things to do in Munich

20. Ring Road – Iceland

The Ring Road Route 1 of Iceland circles the entire country offering drivers the chance to explore every nook and cranny. People normally drive the route in 10 days to 2 weeks, but to really explore Iceland properly you should take longer. We drove around the island in a counterclockwise directly from Reyjavik Vik and then turning north to see the rest of Iceland.

You can camp or stay at hotels along the way. We drove counterclockwise around the 1,322 km (821 miles). With magnificent glaciers, mountains, hot springs, an untamed coastline, and fascinating culture, The Iceland Ring Road is definitely one of the best road trips in the world.

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the Ring Road:  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Horseback Riding Skagafjörður Region, Myvatn Geothermal Area, Kirkjufellsfoss
• Read more:  18 Photos of Iceland’s Mind-Blowing Beauty and 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland

The Best International Road Trips

21. south island – new zealand.

The best way to get around New Zealand is by driving independently. We traveled the South Island two ways, on a bus with the Flying Kiwi which was affordable and a great way to see the highlights, but once we took more time to explore with our own camper van, that’s when the true road trip in New Zealand began.

Just follow the roads in a circle around the South Island island to explore all there is to see and do. New Zealand has a diverse landscape in a very little area. You’ll be mesmerized by the changing landscape before your eyes at each and every turn. Be sure to drive the Milford Road to see the incredible Milford Sound.

There are glaciers, mountains, lakes, and amazing adventures to be had. Read all about it on 46 Top Things to do in New Zealand

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Highlights : Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Pancake Rocks
• Read more about New Zealand:  33 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

22. Great Ocean Road – Australia

Australia is an amazing country to take a driving tour. The Great Ocean Road is probably the most scenic road trip in the country. The route is more than 600km (400 miles) and drives along sea cliffs, jungles, and out to amazing beaches. Some of the top beaches for surfing are located along this route.

If you can, get out and hike because that is where you really get to witness the spectacular coast. We did the Great Ocean Walk – A Beautiful Way to Experience the Twelve Apostles and it was truly a memorable experience.

• Duration:  1 – 3 days
• Highlights  – Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, Koalas of Kennet River, Otway National Park,
• Read more:   Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles

Overland Europe to Asia

23. mongol rally – 12 countries/2 continents.

It’s the mother of all road trips and the most epic road trip we have ever taken. We hit the open road for six weeks traveling overland from England to Mongolia. iI you are up for the adventure of a lifetime, this is a must.

The Mongol Rally is on many a bucket list and it lives up to the hype! The Mongol Rally is a charity rally starting in London, England and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Read more: 38 Best Things to do in London, England In 2023

You choose your route and take as long as you want to get there. Take your time to get to know the people, and to experience some of the most remote regions on earth.

You just have to raise a certain amount of money for charity and buy a car that used to be donated to the country, but now must be shipped back when you finished.

Or if you have loads of time, return in back around in a different route!

• Duration – 3-8 weeks
• Highlights – 15 countries, 2 continents, endless possibilities – Siberia, The Mongolian Steppe, Prague, Brussels , Kyiv, Kazakhstan, it all really depends on the route you choose to take.
• Countries include England , France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Tip of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

Africa Road Trips

24.  garden route – south africa.

I always thought the Garden Route of South Africa sounded a little tame, the name sounds like we’d be driving through Botanical gardens. I had visions of sipping tea in manicured gardens as we overlooked the ocean, but this road trip is filled with amazing adventure, striking coastlines, wild animals, incredible nature, and world class wine and dining.

The Garden Route is the southern half of the Durban to Cape Town road trip that we took, and we highly recommend doing the entire thing. South Africa has it all in one of the most exotic and beautiful places on earth. From Gorgeous coastal views, whale watching, jungles and caves. There is so much to see. This is a year round route so hop in your car and go any time.

• Highlights – Great White Shark Diving, Cango Caves, Big 5 Safari, Ostrich Farm, Microlight over Durban, Cape Town
• Read More:  Awesome Things to do in South Africa

25. Cairo to Cape Town –  Entire Coast of Africa

We said early that road trips take many forms, so we wanted to include this one as well. This is more than a cross country road trip, it’s a cross-continent road trip!

Even though we did it by bicycle, you can drive an SUV or motorcycle down the Eastern side of Africa. 12,000 km takes you through some of the most fascinating countries on earth.

Landscapes and cultures vary drastically as you start in the desert landscape of Egypt’s Middle East and the Islamic culture of Sudan. It’s then into the great plains, jungles, and wildlife of Eastern and Southern Africa that takes you all the way down to the Southern point of the continent. Wow!

You can drive this epic route down Africa going through 9 countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa.

• Duration: 3 – 4 months
• Highlights : 10 countries, 3- 6 months, the possibilities are once again endless…Pyramids of Egypt, Blue Nile, Victoria Falls, Safaris, Chobe National Park, Addis Ababa, Nubian Desert of Sudan, Cape Town South Africa
• Read more:  We cycled the Continent of Africa

Road Trip Planner Apps

• Road Tripping Apps – Going on a Road Trip Check out these driving route planners and travel apps to make the most of your trip.
• Apple Maps:  We used Apple Maps recently from Florida to Toronto and found it to be better than Google Maps. It offered more options for avoiding traffic than Google.
• Road Trippers:  Road Trippers is a popular one that is free for shorter road trips offering 7 waypoints. If you upgrade to the paid subscription you get 150 points to pin on your route.
• Waze:  Dave os a huge fan of Waze, even for daily commutes. It’s a social-riven app that lets you know of collisions, traffic, police radar and gas prices.
• Spotify:  Okay, this isn’t a route planning app, but it is a must for road tripping. We have our tunes for each part of the day sectioned on playlists.
• To get started we use our  Ultimate Road Trip playlist  and then as the day goes on we end with our mellow mix.

Travel Tips for Road Trip Planning

We have taken a lot of road trips, and the best times we have had were when we were prepared.

We aren’t saying that you can’t stray from your route, but have what you need ready in case of an emergency or any unplanned hiccups.

I know a lot of this is common sense, but if you go through the checklist, it will make for fewer headaches when you are on the road.

Route Planning and Maps

Plan the route on your road trip planner,  but have a hard copy map with you as well. In many places, you are going to drop cellular coverage and will have to rely on good old fashioned map reading.

Have car chargers for your electronics . Most cars have a USB charger, but we find we need more than one. We love the dual USB charger, we have even charged our drone in our car while on a road trip.

Car Insurance

Insurance : If you are renting a car, check with your insurance company to see if it covers rentals, if not make sure you get insurance.

Our American Express Platinum Card also covers all insurance if we rent our car through our credit card in the same name that the rental is in. Check with your credit card company to see if you are covered for everything.

We nearly always get the extra coverage because we don’t want the hassle of having to go through our insurance should something happen.

If there is a fender bender, we just hand over the keys and don’t worry about a thing. but it is more money, so be prepared.

If you enjoyed this post, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning. 

So there you have it. The best road trips ever! (that we have taken) There are other road trips on our list. Like Let us know if you have a suggestion, we are always adding to our list.

Read other road trip itineraries destinations around the world

• Tasmania Road Trip
• Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Road Trip
• Tips for Driving from England to Mongolia
• Mongol Rally Gear Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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72 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken”

I was very excited after reading about Road Trip. I like this part “It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth” very much because I have never here about it. Thanks for writing about road trip. I also write a blog on it but it is nothing in front of your Article.

I would have never thought about the Mongol Rally until I saw this. That is an awesome trip out of so many I honestly don’t know how to pick a favorite. Thanks so much for all this good information to have.

I loved reading about your road trip experience around the world. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Arizona is my one of the favorite places. hope, i’ll go there in future. thanks for sharing this amazing post with us.

So many fantastic road trips – so much to be discovered! We have done a lot in the USA, and especially loved our California road trip that included 5 national parks and we REALLY LOVE Colorado – you two would love a southwest Colorado road trip !

The view of the Arizone road 66 is awesome.It stars attracting me,haha

OMG! These places are really so amazing. I always love to travel whenever I’ve chance to visit. Also, I want to say that these roads are beautiful to see. You’ve counted the most beautiful place from all over the world. In this article all pictures are mindblowing. Thanks

When i “grow up” i want to to atleast half of this 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

Really a great list of road trips. Love to do one of these road trips. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing post! I’ve only been to a few of these road trips in past four years. Now it looks like I have many more to add to my bucket list. Pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for the list.

Wow, what a great list of the trips. It is nice and informative.

Can any one give me a perfect travel plan to visit Amalfi Coast – Italy. May i know the monsoon time of Amalfi Coast.

You can check out our blog here. We are planning on updating it with more information, but it gives you the highlights here. https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-amalfi-coast-italy/

Thanks for sharing a great post!

Great post, we have to go back to Canada for a while next year and planning a few road trips out west. We’ve seen much of the world the last 5 years but really haven’t seen much of Canada.

We did our own version of the Garden Route a few years back, crossing the mountains into the Karoo and then across the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert. The best road trip we’ve done.

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Looks like you have not traversed the entire Route 66 so let’s do it. When do you want to go?

Thank you all for your responses. Greatly appreciated.

I’ve done the road 66 with my best friends and laugh a lot, I really need to make much more road trips it was so a good experience, loved it! I’ve written an article also about Road trips

I’d add the Corniche, the drive along the French Riviera coastline from St Tropez to Cannes, past and then on to Juan Les Pins, Antibes and Nice, a really brilliant drive.

Awesome article and inspiration, thanks Dave and Deb! I agree with you on the South African Garden Route (also the trans-Karoo is spectacular…and many more in our beautiful country). One more to try out if you haven’t is Namibia – that country was MADE for gravel travel roadtripping! From south to north, the desert scenery turns to bush and lush riverine country in the north – and NEVER gets ugly, boring or repetitive. An outstandingly beautiful and safe country to travel. PS our names are also Dave and Deb 🙂

hey Dave and Deb, In search of freedom and liberty, I quit my job and started my business. Hope this venture of mine goes successful. If that happens, the first thing that I am gonna do is spend a nice and a long vacation with my family. you guys are amazing. keep travelling and keep sharing.

regards, Dhruv K. Mangukia

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. You guys done a great job. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Thabks sharing the awesome travel Skills

I think Ireland will be one for us soon ? Headed to the US soon but no roadtrip one this trip!

Another nice but short road-trip is from Lisbon to Faro at the west-coast of Portugal. I did this last year with a friend and it was awesome! Although the weather wasn’t that good we saw a lot of beautiful bay areas. forests and hidden cliffs!

Wow these are all epic, I would love to do some of these road trips – fantastic post!

really a very good list.. thanx for sharing

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing..

Love your site!!! We me and my wife are getting ready for a European roadtrip in a mobile home do you have any expirience or tips of that? All our best Annika & Daniel Majak

We haven’t done a European mobile home trip, but we did have a campervan in New Zealand. just have a great time, be flexible and enjoy the campgrounds. We’ve stayed at a few campgrounds in Europe and they are excellent! They’re often close to cities and some even have shuttles.

I have almost finished 2500km walk around Ireland, doing both the Coastal walk, and the Wild Atlantic way, the published distance is a bit missleading, you would have to go back and forth on every sign poated road for the WAW to be 2500. That said , it is spectacular.

That is great that you have walked nearly all around Ireland. The official Website for the WAW also says 2500 km. That’s their claim to fame, the longest coast driving route int he world. Pretty awesome. I didn’t measure the exact km we did from bottom to top, but it was pretty much 2500 km as well. We definitely did a lot of back and forth and around different bays and lochs, so that probably explains. If you go in a direct line, it definitely cuts km off:)

Awesome and interesting post.

Massive list!! You guys have done on a lot! Currently doing a massive road trip to Mongolia, inspired by the mongol rally. But i like to take some more time then 3-8 weeks 😉

One good roadtrip that you guys ‘should’ do is the Transfagarasan in Romania. 90 km both ways and very scenic!

Love your website!!! Arnoud

That’s a good idea. We’d like to do it again but take a few months. There’s so much to see and so many different routes. The Mongol Rally was a blast, but longer would be better. Thanks for the suggestion about Romania. We drove through Romania during the Mongol Rally, but I’m not sure if we went that route. Cheers!

Would do any of these at the drop of a hat. Road trips are such a fun, classic way to see the world 🙂

They are a great way to see the world aren’t they?

Some incredibly beautiful places…… all the pics in this post are worthy of becoming wallpaper on my laptop……. I will make at least a couple of these my laptop wallpapers!!

Some of these are still on the bucket list, and while the LA to SF is one of the shortest it is one of my favorite! So many people think California is just LA and don’t take the time to spend the extra couple days to enjoy the AMAZING drive up the coast. Carmel might just be one of my favorite little towns on Earth!

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Sanjana. You would love any one of these road trips. We definitely did.

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. Though I’m a hiking lover but you did succeed in encouraging me to try road trips. I don’t know how to drive and my parents never taught me. Maybe I can ask my parents to drive for me and explore all of this area.

Glad we could entice you to give road trips a try. We love hiking too. The great thing about a road trip, is you can take time off to go for a hike. The car gives you freedom to do whatever you like. I think your parents would love a road trip too!

Taking note, as a few of these are in the works. And guys, Norway has fabulous road trips, especially along the long coast. Just sayin’. 🙂

Thanks Sophie! Have a great time road tripping! I would love to go to Norway, hopefully one day soon, that is one long coas.t We’ll be sure to rent a car!

The Cairo to Cape town trip looks exciting. Is the route generally safe?

Dave & Deb, having just made the legendary road-trip along California’s Highway One, I’m eager to do more, and like the look of the drives that you included here. Another one of our favorites has been exploring the Dalmatian coastline in Croatia, and then crossing into Montenegro and Albania too. Love your captures, particularly those from Hawaii and Dark Hedges,.

They sound like awesome road trips, thanks for sharing! WE havne’t been to Montenegro or Albania, I smell another road trip on the horizon! Thanks for the compliment regarding the photographs. It’s pretty easy to be inspired by such beautiful destinations.

Some great exciting road trips, im from New Zealand and have yet done a South Island road trip, although many of my friends have and say it is amazing!

Thank you! You’ll definitely have to get that South Island road trip in, it’s amazing!

I have done a few of these road trips that you mentioned, but nothing to the level that you guys have done. The pictures are fabulous. Your mention of the Route 66 road trip brought back memories to me. I made a cross country road trip of the USA where most of it was on Route 66 when they were still building the interstate highway system, so most the the route was still there. I am so glad that I did because a lot of that is gone now and I have memories that cannot be duplicated today. I am intrigued with Canada and would love to take a trip across the southern portion. I would also enjoy such a trip by train and leave the driving to them. I heard there is such a great trip available.

Hey Bob, that would have been amazing. We only gave it an honorable mention because we haven’t done the entire thing. We felt that we couldn’t properly say we’ve done Route 66 when we’ve only done portions. Now to do the whole thing, that would be amazing. I’d love to do it on a motorcycle. You would love visiting Canada, In the summer, it’s beautiful. A road trip through the Rockies is outstanding.

Loved doing road trips in South Africa and in South Island New Zealand where the blues are the most gorgeous hues we have ever seen! Next time, do try the Route 62 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in South Africa – the towering cliffs just come at you! Also you two will love the east coastal drive in Sri Lanka – although hugging the east coast, the route also takes you inland through some rugged terrain with elephants. Lovely images – thanks for inspiring us.

Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the recommendations. You could spend a lifetime doing road trips around the world and barely scratch the surface. We didn’t get to explore much of the Eastern Sri Lankan Coast, another reason to go back!

South Island, New Zealand is very beautiful place in world. Really I like this place very much. Anyone can be more delighted to come here.

These all look amazing. I was on the Hana Highway many years ago, and would love to go back. Having lived in Alberta in the 70’s (and dating a couple of cowboys!), I’d love to go back and do the Cowboy Trail

thanks for this compilation. It will now be on my bucket list before I turn 60. 10 years to go. Keep exploring guys !

Fantastic photos guys. Very sharp! I’ve done a road trip from LA through to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. It was our first time in America and I did this with my husband and young son. Also, we drove from Berlin to London. I’m not sure that you would call it a road trip per se, but I think driving through 5 independent countries and then crossing the British Channel should surely count LOL! Nice post guys. 🙂

Hi Victoria, Thanks for the compliment. Sounds like you’ve done some awesome road trips. I call Berlin to London a road trip for sure. Anytime you drive and travel, it’s a road trip to me! Love it!

Wow, what a great list of road trips! Some wonderful photos too. Really like the bamboo forest. I’ve only done a couple road trips that you have listed…Page to Antelope Canyon being one of them. I actually did a little video if your readers are interested: http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/antelope-canyon

Thanks Mike, that bamboo forest is pretty incredible eh? I’ll definitely check out the video, thanks for sharing.

Would love to do every single one of the road trips you mentioned above. Especially the Mongol Rally would be something I´d love to do. My aunt and uncle did it a couple of years ago and they fell in love with the landscape in Mongolia. If you have a chance you should do a road trip in Southern France. The Lavender Route is a great route where you will drive along one of the largest canyons in Europe and you will drive past the famous lavender fields.

Your Aunt and Uncle are right. The landscape of Mongolia is so beautiful, we both really want to go back. We’ve actually done Southern France, I should have included that one! We went from Paris through the South of France, into Spain and then over to the Cinque Terre in Italy. You’ve reminded me that I will have to add it to this list when I get a chance.

Great list!! We are currently driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland! Also headed to the Causeway Coast. Love the Lake Superior Circle Tour (Duluth/Superior is our home town!!!) and loved the Road to Hana. Nothing like a great road trip.

Have an amazing time on the Wild Atlantic Way! It’s incredible isn’t it? And enjoy the Causeway Coast,try to stay over night at the Giant’s Causeway to see it in the morning or at sunset without all the tour buses there. Totally worth it.

Great post with amazing photos!

Thanks Johnny! And thanks for the inspiration it was #TravelSkills that got me thinking about putting all the road trips together!

I’ve only been to a few of these road trips, looks like quite a few more I would need to add to my bucket list – gorgeous pics!

Thanks Noel, I’m glad we could inspire you with a few ideas:)

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Thanks Noel even I am glad to know this Thank You very much

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Cyprus Crossing

% singletrack, % rideable (time), total ascent, difficulty (1-10).

• 8 Climbing Scale Strenuous 117 FT/MI (22 M/KM)
• 6 Technical Difficulty Moderate
• 7 Physical Demand Difficult
• 4 Resupply & Logistics Fair

Contributed By

Amy Jurries

Guest contributor.

Amy is an outdoor and adventure travel writer based in San Francisco. When not exploring far off places on her bike, she can be found hanging off frozen waterfalls or backpacking with her dog, Lola. Follow more of Amy’s adventures on Instagram @thegearcaster

Best known for its crystal clear Mediterranean beaches, Cyprus is home to a wide variety of terrain, from spiky cacti and fragrant orange groves at lower elevations to the pine forests of Troodos National Park and Paphos Forest at higher elevations and a stunning coastal track leading to the steep rolling limestone hills of Cypriot wine country.

Far away from the holidaymakers occupying the sun loungers and beach bars, this bikepacking route takes you to parts of Cyprus where few tourists travel. We ran into only one other person while riding off-road—Kyriakos, the sage older gentleman who embodied the gentle spirit of a simple life spent in nature.

The route is roughly 60% unpaved, using a combination of remote mountain roads through precariously perched villages, chunkier limestone tracks at lower elevations, and pristine pine forest trails up in Troodos and Paphos Forest. I rode a Specialized Diverge STR with 42mm tires and found it to be the perfect bike for the terrain, thanks in part to the small amount of front and rear suspension that reduced fatigue and smoothed out the rougher stuff. You won’t go wrong with a hardtail that might let you open up a little more on the long descents and have a bit of fun.

Get ready for some relentless climbing and incredibly steep sections. Throughout Cypriot wine country south of Lysos, you’ll find plenty of hike-a-bike both up and down, as some of the grades are unreal into and out of the valleys.

The route passes through small villages across the island, so resupply is relatively easy, mostly at the beginning and end of each day. Keep in mind that shops close for a siesta period in the mid-afternoon. We also found that many restaurants and shops weren’t yet open for the season in early to mid-April.

Route development: The Cyprus Crossing was developed through extensive research of existing gravel and mountain bike routes in the area with alterations made while scouting. Many thanks to local bike shop owner Steve from Bicycle Works in Limassol for suggestions and recommendations.

Photo Gallery

Map & GPS

Trail notes.

• Cypriot Food and Wine: Cypriot cuisine is a tantalizing blend of Mediterranean flavors and influences from neighboring Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Halloumi, souvlaki, fresh seafood, mezes, meatballs, and moussaka regularly feature on the menu. Complementing these culinary delights is Cypriot wine, with vineyards producing a variety of robust reds, crisp whites, and sweet dessert wines.
• Mediterranean Sea Swim: Whether at the beaches of Paphos or Pomos, it’s impossible to resist the allure of the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Visibility is remarkable, allowing you to admire the vibrant marine life and intricate rock formations below.
• Pristine Gravel Forest Roads: I dare you not to smile as you explore the vast, empty network of gravel forest roads and doubletrack through Troodos National Forest Park and Paphos Forest. At lower elevations, keep an eye out for the Calabrian pine, identifiable by its reddish-brown bark. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms, dominated by the black pine. These hardier pines are the true Cypriot mountain dwellers, their dark green needles blanketing the higher slopes.
• Cyprus’ Strade-Bianche: The sun-soaked wine country south of Lysos unfolds like a patchwork quilt of rolling hills and verdant vineyards, crisscrossed by white gravel farm roads that meander through the landscape like ribbons of chalk. Beware, however, as they are steep!
• UNESCO Sites: Cyprus boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical heritage, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the island. Among them are the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region, a collection of Byzantine churches adorned with vibrant frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and Christian iconography. The Paphos Archaeological Site, with its awe-inspiring ruins of ancient palaces, theaters, and tombs, bears witness to Cyprus’s importance in antiquity as a center of culture and civilization. Cyprus’s geological heritage is equally captivating, earning recognition with its inclusion of the Troodos Ophiolite Complex in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This geological wonder spans over half of the island, showcasing a unique snapshot of the Earth’s oceanic crust and mantle.
• Wildlife Spotting: Cyprus is home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as the majestic Bonelli eagles soaring high above the rugged cliffs and mountain slopes. Roaming the hillsides and forested areas are the elusive mouflon, wild sheep with curved horns, and amid the rocky terrain and sun-drenched landscapes, an array of reptiles scurry about dodging your wheels, including colorful lizards and tiny chameleons.

Best time to ride

• The best season is April through October, with snow covering the Troodos Mountains during winter.
• Summer temperatures can get quite hot at the coast, though you’ll find some relief in the mountains.
• Spring is great with all the orchards in bloom and tourists yet to arrive en masse.
• Bring layers. While you’ll be roasting at the coast, you’ll find chilly nighttime temperatures in the mountains.
• There are daily flights to both Paphos and Larnaca from major European airports.
• A transfer between the two can easily be arranged (it’s only an 80-mile drive) or simply cycle between the two along Eurovelo 8 to close the loop.
• Cash/card: We used a card for everything, apart from one meal at a tiny taverna in the mountains.
• There are a few ferries that run from Turkey to the northern part (Kyrenia) and one cargo ship that goes twice weekly May-Sept from Athens (Piraeus) to Limassol and takes 31 hours.
• Snakes: Beware of vipers, especially at the lower elevations.
• Mud: The limestone roads of the lower elevations will turn to unrelenting slippery and sticky mud when it rains.
• Rockfall: The steep, rugged mountains mean you’ll find rockfall everywhere. Be careful when rounding blind corners.

Bike choice

• This is true gravel country , so any gravel bike will be perfect. Andrew rode a Giant Revolt with 40mm tires, and I rode a Specialized Diverge STR with 42mm tires.
• Make sure you have fresh and/or spare brake pads, as the descents are long and steep!
• Wild camping is technically illegal in Cyprus, but there are numerous campgrounds where you can pitch a tent for a small fee, especially throughout Troodos National Forest Park.
• Within Paphos Forest and elsewhere , you may find a few picnic sites where you could probably bivy for the night in a pinch if you pitch at dusk and strike before dawn.
• Whatever you do if wild camping , don’t light a fire and leave no trace.
• We found that the nature of the terrain made it very difficult to wild camp anyway, as the forest roads are cut directly into the side of very steep mountains.
• Water and food is plentiful most days with mini-markets and restaurants in small villages dotted along the route.
• Within Paphos Forest , we ran across a couple of water fountains. In early spring, at least, there is a creek at the lower elevation where you could filter water from in a pinch.
• Generally, we brought all the food and water we would need with us for an entire day with a plan to restock only at night or the next morning along the route.

The route can be ridden in either direction, depending on if your flight lands in Paphos or Larnaca. It’s easy enough to get between the two cities either by cycling the somewhat uninspiring Eurovelo 8 route or arranging a transfer. We took two days to cycle from Paphos to Larnaca then Tochni, checking out Limassol’s hip old town along the way.

Recommended 7-Day Itinerary

The route is set up to be ridden in either direction depending on where you fly into—Paphos or Larnaca. It’s easy enough to get between the two by cycling the Eurovelo 8 route or arranging a transfer if you want to skip the somewhat mundane ride, though it will take you past Petra tou Romiou, the birthplace of Aphrodite.

I originally planned the route as a relaxing bikepacking adventure but soon found out that 30 miles per day could be quite epic thanks to the generous amount of climbing required. Here is a suggested itinerary:

location Larnaca to Tochni

Day 1 (27 mi +2,181 ft / 43 km +665 m)

This is a relatively easy day to give you time to either transfer from Paphos to Larnaca or get your bike together and head to Tochni. It mostly follows the Eurovelo 8 route along the coast with some off-road variations on your way to the historic town of Tochni, one of the oldest villages on the island. If you have time, ride over to Kalavasos to visit the Neolithic settlement and archaeological site of Tenta or head to the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement to catch a glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past with its remarkably preserved dwellings and artifacts dating back over 9,000 years.

location Tochni to Agros

Day 2 (37 mi +6,929 ft / 60 km +2,112 m)

Steady climbing all day through orange and apple orchards, with one of the chunkiest sections of the route. Agros is famous for its cultivation of roses, along with its production of cured meats (sausages, ‘Lountza’ and ‘Hiromeri’), homemade marmalades and sweets.

location Agros to Troodos

Day 3 (23 mi +4,425 ft / 37 km +1,349 m)

An unrelenting climb up to the summit of Mt. Olympus, but most of the day is spent riding through beautiful juniper forest trails where you might spot a mouflon or two.

location Troodos to Tsakistra

Day 4 (33 mi +2,740 ft / 53 km +835 m)

A nice rolling descent through the pine forests of the Troodos Geopark area. Keep an eye out for soaring Bonelli’s eagle, and be sure to stop off at Kykkos Monastery, one of the most lavish on the island.

location Tsakistra to Pomos

Day 5 (30 mi +2,595 ft / 48 km +791 m)

A glorious day spent entirely off-road in the Paphos Forest. After all the relentless climbing of the past few days, you’ve earned the last 12-mile descent into Pomos. Enjoy being back at the warmth of the coast with an opportunity to swim and eat fresh seafood.

location Pomos to Lysos

Day 6 (28 mi +3,714 ft / 45 km +1,132 m)

Get ready to sweat, as there is no shade to be found on this route as you climb away from the sea before entering undulating forest with a final climb to Lysos. The morning’s coastal track, where Cyprus trees frame the deep blue sky and sea, was one of my favorite sections.

location Lysos to Paphos

Day 7 (35 mi +3,855 ft / 56 km +1,175 m)

Don’t underestimate this day, as it turned out to be one of the hardest thanks to the steepness of the climbs and descents. Lots of hike-a-bike through wine country with little shade but great strade-bianche farm roads to ride. If tackling the route in spring, be prepared to wade through quite a bit of water as you follow the Ezousa Creek bed on the final stretch out to the beach at Paphos.

Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines . The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.

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• Activities & Experiences

Which route to take from Quebec to Walt Disney World in Florida

To save money on a trip to Walt Disney World , it can be worthwhile going by car. You’ll need to take into account travel time (several days will be “sacrificed”), the cost of gas and a hotel, wear and tear on the car and the addition of at least 5,000 kilometers to the odometer.

At the same time, it’s a great road trip to take! My family and I have done it several times, most recently in an electric car.

Here are the best routes from Quebec to Florida with your own car .

General tips for driving from Quebec to Florida

• I-95 can be brutal with its multiple accidents and traffic jams. Use Waze or Google Maps to bypass the problem area.
• Check with your Internet provider for data in the USA. It can offer Canada-US packages. There is also the option of taking an eSim. For my part, I opt for the Airalo eSim, which is easy to install and reasonably priced.
• Bear in mind that traffic can be heavy during American vacations and the festive season.
• Book the hotel in advance during busy periods.
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Be flexible in case there are detours, construction or traffic along the way.
• Increase your automobile insurance liability coverage to $2 million .
• Download movies and TV series in advance to avoid using up data along the way.
• Gas pumps in the USA require a zipcode to activate them. Take the digits of your Canadian postal code and add two zeros at the end (example: A1B 2C3 becomes 12300).
• $350 CAD for a sedan
• $500 to $600 CAD for an SUV or minivan
• $1,250 CAD and ++ for a pick-up truck pulling a trailer. For an accurate calculation, use GasBuddy and its calculator .
• Toll freeways take cash or E-ZPass . To speed up passage and pay with a credit card instead, enter your information in advance on the E-ZPass New York website and automatically receive the invoice by e-mail. The cost of the passages will then be charged to your credit card. I’ve tried it and it’s really handy. Another option is to order an E-ZPass transponder . Alternatively, you’ll receive an invoice by post (Tolls by Mail) several weeks later. It’s simpler, but there will be an administration fee.
• To pay for your trip with a credit card, there is a 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee. Avoid them and save by taking out a credit card that doesn’t, like the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card .

Travelling to Florida from the Greater Montreal area

Total driving time: approx. 24 hours Total distance: approx. 2,400 kilometers

• Take the 15 South towards New York State and pass through the Lacolle border crossing.
• Continue south on I-87 to Albany, NY.
• I-87 becomes I-287
• Take I-95 South (with toll) and simply continue on to Florida
• From Daytona Beach, take I-4 to Orlando.

Alternative: To avoid tolls : I-87, I-88, I-81, I-77, I-26, I-95 and I-4 Alternatively, you can take the Mille-Îles Bridge (see Route from Gatineau, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario ).

Routes to Florida from Trois-Rivières, Québec, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Eastern Québec

Total driving time: Approx. 25+ hours Total distance: Approx. 2,550 kilometers and more

• Reach Highway 20 West
• Take Autoroute 30 West to Sainte-Julie
• Continue south on I-87 to Albany, New York
• Then I-87 becomes I-287, bypassing New York City.
• Take I-95 South to Florida

Alternatives to avoid tolls : Highways 20-30-15, I-87, I-88, I-81,I-77, I-26, I-95 and I-4

Route to Florida from Gatineau, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario

Total driving time: Approx. 22 hours Total distance: Approximately 2,275 kilometers

• Reach Highway 416 South
• Continue on Highway 401 South to Landsdowne
• Take 137 to Lansdowne Customs (Thousand Islands Bridge). The Thousand Islands Bridge is not free and costs $4.75 CAD. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or E-ZPass transponder.
• Once off the bridge, you’re on Highway 81 South.
• Continue to Autoroute 77, then 26, to reach Autoroute I-95 South.
• Continue to Florida on I-95

Alternative: I-81, I-70, I-270, I-95 and I-4

Where to stop for a 2-day trip between Quebec and Florida

Our usual plan is to leave early in the morning (around 4 a.m. from the Greater Montreal area) and arrive in Orlando the following evening.

For the evening of Day 1, book accommodation in Rocky Mount, Wilson or Smithfield, North Carolina . It’s easy to find a hotel close to the freeway.

For our part, we stayed a few times at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Smithfield Selma/I-95 . Breakfast is free for everyone. This saves time. There are also plenty of hotels offering free breakfast for all.

Use Marriott Bonvoy points or an annual certificate to get this free night.

Where to stop for a 3-day trip between Quebec and Florida

• Evening of Day 1 : Hotel near Fredericksburg, Virginia , after a 10-hour drive
• Evening of Day 2 : Hotel on the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia , after an 8-hour drive. The next day, you’ll have just 4 hours to drive before arriving in Orlando.

Driving from Quebec to Orlando, Florida with an electric car

We made the trip in 2 days, just like when we travelled in a Internal Combustion Engine car.

The A Better Route Planner website was a great help in finding the best bollards on our route. Then PlugShare helped us look at other chargers for Plan B. In the end, we always had room with our initial plan and never encountered any problems.

Most were Electrify America charging stations, which were the most reliable and the ones we preferred. We also tried out a few EVGo kiosks, which was a good network.

To save around 25% on the cost of recharging, we took Electrify America’s Pass+ Membership monthly plan at $4 USD. Just start it before you leave on your trip and stop it when you get home.

A credit card with no conversion charges was used, to avoid the 2.5% foreign currency charge on charges. I took the Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card , also used at all Walmarts and restaurants along the way.

Our car has a range of around 420 kilometers, with a 91 Kwh battery . The total round trip cost for winter recharging was $184 USD (about $244 CAD ).

The stops were in Walmart stores. This was perfect for us, as we could go to the toilet, eat, buy meals and snacks or buy forgotten things at home!

Here are the stops for electric charging stations from Montreal to Orlando, for a 2-day trip:

Bottom Line

It’s a long road, but a beautiful and rewarding one for people who love to drive!

And that’s just the first part of a great trip to Walt Disney World.

For more Disney content:

All posts by Caroline Tremblay

Weekend Money: 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews

From handshakes to how you dress, recruiters and business owners have shared the most common mistakes they see in job interviews. Read this and our other Weekend Money features below, and leave a comment, and we'll be back with live updates on Monday.

Saturday 4 May 2024 10:02, UK

Weekend Money

• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews 
• Cinema first is back - so should movie lovers unsubscribe? 
• Brexit rule changes, disability vouchers and manifestation cynicism: What readers have said this week 
• Interest rates, inflation and fuel prices: What you need to know about economy this week

Best of the week

• It turns out Sainsbury’s boss was right about self-checkouts 
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• New ISA rules were supposed to help savers - they've just made everything more complicated 
• Money Problem: 'A company won't fix dodgy building work - what can I do?' 
• Gameboys, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: Items in your attic that could be worth small fortune 
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

You filled out the job application, got the call (they're interested, phew!), but now... it's interview day.

If the thought of selling yourself to a stranger brings you out in a cold sweat, you're not alone - but you can help yourself by not making the following common mistakes...

1. Not dressing app ropriately

Paul Webley, managing director of Blaze Media Digital Marketing Agency in Merseyside, says: "If you are coming for an interview in a marketing agency, dress smart. No need to be in a suit. It's cute if you are but just dress how you would expect to dress in the job and, if in doubt, err on the side of being slightly smarter.

"With us, there are loads of photos of the team in the office on the website and socials (which you should have looked at) so there is no excuse."

2. Handshake mishaps

Paul's second interview mistake is: "This one is a real pet hate and probably doesn't matter as much in the current world but... learn how to shake a person's hand. You have to do this within every job from time to time.

"There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business and beyond."

3. Complaining

This is another one from Paul: "We had someone a few months ago tell us that they didn't think they should have to come into the office for an interview. This was for an office-based role. If they don't think it's worth coming in then the job is not going to be for them."

4. Not checking your tech

Tas Ravenscroft, senior consultant at recruitment firm Cherry Pick People , says: "Overlooking details like the interview location or the platform being used (such as Teams), and not testing your tech beforehand, can disrupt the interview process. This is especially crucial as most first interviews are now conducted via video conferencing."

5. Bad mouthing previous employers

Tas says: "We see that candidates sometimes feel too comfortable on interview and decide to talk about their past experiences (if aggrieved) negatively, which is a big NO. Instead, my advice is to focus on the lessons learned and how you've grown from challenges in your career."

6. Not asking questions - or asking about benefits or sick pay policy

Tas says: "There are no right or wrong answers to this, but asking questions at the end of the interview is a big YES. It shows you're interested, engaged and would like the opportunity to either progress or land the role.

"I'd say in your first interview, ask about company culture, day to day tasks, expectations of this role, who's the best performer and why? 

"Questions I'd stay away from are benefit-related questions, or I recently had someone ask what the sick pay policy was like in the first interview… Safe to say they didn't get invited back. If you work with a recruiter, you will have salary and benefits info before, so no need to ask on interview."

7. Not showing enthusiasm

For Mike Carlucci, managing director of Reading-based Italian-food importer  Tenuta Marmorelle , this is a big one: "A lot of people at the moment are applying for everything and anything. They apply for hundreds of jobs.

"The result is that you get applicants who are not enthusiastic or passionate about the role or sector as they see it just as a job. There are few people looking for actual careers at the moment. In our industry, the food industry, you need to have passion and enthusiasm."

8. Talking too much

Andrew MacAskill, founder of Executive Career Jump , says: "Sometimes this is down to nerves, other times it is down to overthinking and often it is due to the questions being too broad, which leads to them saying lots and hoping the right answer is in there somewhere."

Ian Nicholas, global managing director at Reed , says a common slip-up people make is to carry on talking after giving their answer.

"Some interviewers may purposely leave a pause just to see how the interviewee will react under the pressure - so be confident in what you've said and know when you've finished."

9. Under-preparation

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters UK , says: "This means they haven't researched the company, are unaware of the key aspects of the role they are interviewing for and can't make connections between their CV and experience and the role.

"Most interviewers can easily catch on when a candidate has turned up unprepared and when they do, they can lose interest in that candidate quite quickly."

Italian food importer Mike agrees: "It is so important to spend five minutes to go on to the website, see what the company does, how they started and any general information you can get. This really makes someone stand out from the 100s of applicants."

10. Being late - or too early

James Rowe, managing director of the Recruitment Experts , says: "I would suggest arriving 20 minutes early to give you time to prepare, but don't walk through the door too soon! Turning up five to 10 minutes prior to your interview start time shows you're punctual but won't rush the hiring manager… they need breaks too!"

By Brad Young , Money team

Almost half of Britons (45%) subscribe to two or more streaming services, according to comparison website Finder, but box office figures show the theatre-going experience is making a comeback. 

The pendulum is swinging back from streaming-first to theatre-first releases, and streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple are making moves on to the big screen with the likes of Saltburn and American Fiction, or Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. 

That means movie-lovers are facing a conundrum, according to a senior media analyst: should they prioritise spending cash on trips to the cinema or on streaming if they want to see the biggest and best movies? 

"People are making decisions on 'what am I going to allocate to the movie theatre experience, what am I going to allocate to streaming?'" Paul Dergarabedian, of Comscore, told the Money blog.

Cinema's revival is real, according to Philip Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. 

"Certainly the major US studios see the theatrical experience, the big screen experience, as where they want their major films to be and then benefitting from the promotional buzz that comes from that," Mr Clapp said. 

Disney chief executive Bob Iger said last year that theatrically released films were "great sub drivers".

"We benefit greatly from the power of our great films, they drive so much engagement and so much interest in our platforms," he said, pointing to Moana, Marvel, Star Wars and Avatar.

Mr Clapp added this year was a "key stepping stone" to an offering similar to before the pandemic, but cinema wouldn't be back to full strength until next year.

In the pandemic, studios experimented with straight-to-streaming releases, which continued even after restrictions fell away.

Mr Dergarabedian said: "When the pandemic hit it was a real stress test on the industry because a lot of people thought theatrical was dying on the vine and that it would be going away at some point in the near future - and then the pandemic accelerated that demise in the minds of some."

But audiences have voted with their feet and instructed studios they want more variety: international films, stadium concert films, videogame adaptations, prestige films and horrors.

Smile, a Paramount horror movie on a $17m budget that could have been straight-to-streaming, had a "great result" at the box office, said Mr Dergarabedian, as did Five Nights at Freddy's. 

Low and mid-budget movies have been the slowest to recover but are returning to the big screen, making the theatre offering more diverse this year, Mr Clapp added.

Mr Dergarabedian said Universal's "diverse portfolio" was the one to beat: it spent the last year putting out everything from action films like Fast X, prestige movies like Oppenheimer, animations like Migration and some spookier offerings too.

Going theatrical still comes with a risk, the analyst said. A flop on the big screen leaves studios with a big hit to their bottom line, having spent large amounts on distribution and marketing. 

But films "tend to have more value" once they arrive on a streaming platform if they were released in cinemas first, including lower budget movies.

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the past seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

Brexit rule changes

• Our feature on manifesting
• The prospect of disability payments becoming vouchers

Britons could face higher food prices, and even empty supermarket shelves, as new post-Brexit border fees were introduced this week, industry figures warned.

These comments - while perhaps not representative of the whole country - are definitely reflective of the majority view in our inbox...

It's almost like Brexit was a terrible idea… To think our politicians would do anything but make things worse was beyond naive. People let their prejudice override common sense that most politicians look out for themselves and not the country's best interests… Joe

Others suggested the government should be turning its eyes to the issue rather than elsewhere...

Food prices rise even though they told us they would fall and yet the priority is sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Isn't it about time the UK started to listen to people's problems rather than a very loud minority? Lee

Several people suggested the solution was growing all our own food - which is often talked about, but producers and importers point out the UK climate makes it less achievable to mass produce certain foods at a low cost than in southern Europe.

Disability vouchers?

Reports this week suggested disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed government changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The story resulted in a backlash among our commenters... 

Absolutely barking mad. Disabilities aren't an option. Can't be fixed with words. And can happen to anyone at anytime. Time to get a grip. Rob

Others suggested it was a symptom of a wider failure within the system...

I don't know how the government can take away vital PIP money and say they can replace it with better mental health support. My daughter is waiting for a PIP assessment and also an assessment for ADHD - the latter's wait time is currently four years. Matmac33

Can you 'manifest' financial success? 

Moving to our manifesting feature, which prompted a lot of cynicism. If you haven't read it yet, you can do so  here ... 

Some of our readers are believers... 

I manifest things in my life. Be it money, people or events I've had dreams about, there's more magic in the universe than most people know of. Steve

I believe in manifestation in terms of positive thinking. You'll never get anywhere if you're always assuming the worst. But you do have to put the leg work in for what you want, it won't fall in to your lap. Jim Carrey didn't get that £10m acting job sitting under a tree! Caroline D

Others, well, not so much...

Why are you giving space to this specious guff manifestation? Does it work for the poverty-stricken, starving millions without basic infrastructure and education, or those suffering in warzones across the world? I wonder what they want "manifesting" in their lives? FM1

"Manifesting", what a load of rubbish! I can't believe this is one of the top stories on Sky News. David

And finally, in our weekly round-up of your comments...

This comment section is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. Sky NEVER publishes its readers' views. John Hammond

The next week in Money is likely to be dominated by interest rates - with the Bank of England's latest base rate decision coming on Thursday .

A cut from the current 16-year high of 5.25% is extremely unlikely, as inflation is yet to reach the Bank's 2% target.

Markets had forecast a first cut in June but are now pricing in August, with only two cuts now expected in 2024 rather than three.

There had been hope the base rate would dip to 3% next year - but again, these forecasts are now on ice.

As we outlined in our new weekly mortgage update yesterday, high street lenders have responded by moving their rates upwards ...

Mortgage approvals rose to 61,300 in March - the highest number since September 2022. But while on the face of it this looks positive for the housing market, industry experts are reporting that uncertainty over the direction of interest rates is prompting renewed caution.

Hina Bhudia, partner at Knight Frank Finance, said: "The sun is out and buyers are returning from their Easter break, so we'd usually expect these to be the busy weeks before the summer; however, the uncertain outlook for mortgage rates will undoubtedly weigh on activity.

"It's not just buyers that are frustrated. The lenders are eager to rebuild their businesses after a subdued 2023; however, they are constrained by stubborn inflation and the resulting impact on their cost of funding."

The influential OECD this week said now was not the time for the UK to be considering cutting rates - which is bad news for mortgage holders, but may be positive for savers.

The organisation anticipates inflation will be "elevated" at 3.3% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025 - above the Bank's 2% target.

And it claims the UK will grow more slowly next year than any other major advanced economy.

It puts this down to stealth taxes and high interest rates squeezing the economy.

The organisation, which is based in Paris, downgraded its forecasts for GDP to 0.4% this year and 1% in 2025.

In February, the UK had been in the middle of the rankings with forecast growth of 0.7% this year and 1.2% next.

Away from the economy, RAC has put out figures today showing that both petrol and diesel have gone up by 10p per litre so far this year, adding £5.50 to the price of filling up a car.

Oil prices rose during April, sending an average litre of unleaded up 3p to 149.95p, while diesel rose by 2p to 157.76p.

The lowest prices for petrol and diesel so far this year were both recorded on 16 January – 139.7p and 147.6p respectively.

The good news is that, as tensions between Israel and Iran have defused, the oil price has crept back down, meaning some of the recent hikes may soon be reversed.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

A cash ISA offering an interest rate of 4.5% has been launched today by Melton Building Society .

The interest is paid annually on 31 March and can be added to the account, transferred to your bank account or transferred to an existing Melton savings account.

Here's what you need to know...

How do you open an account?

• You must be a UK resident and be aged 16; 
• Accounts can be opened with a minimum amount of £25 and the maximum that can be held in this account is £500,000.

Can you withdraw money?

Yes, you can withdraw money as long as you give the bank 180 days' notice in branch, by post or phone

Once you have done this, all or part of the investments in the ISA, including any interest earned, will be transferred to you.

You can also access your money without giving notice, but you will be charged 180 days' interest on the amount you withdraw. 

A lack of demand for new electric cars has led some brands to begin slashing prices. 

Even some of the UK's best-selling electric cars are thousands of pounds cheaper than a year ago, according to Auto Trader figures shared with The Times . 

Among the most heavily discounted vehicles are the Honda E, down 20% versus a year ago at £29,600, and the Peugeot E-2008, which has fallen in price by 15% to £30,000. 

The Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-e are both being advertised at a 20% off sale price, while the MG ZS and MG5 are discounted by 15%. 

Meanwhile, Ford's flagship electric car, the Mustang Mach-E, has fallen in price by 14%. 

Ian Plummer, Auto Trader's commercial director, said lower prices are good news for car buyers and that it was "encouraging" to see more affordable electric cars on the market. 

He said the discounts had been "driven by a softening in consumer demand, coupled with the introduction of the zero-emissions vehicle mandate, which is putting pressure on manufacturers to comply with the new regulations or face heavy fines". 

The government's zero-emission vehicle ( ZEV ) mandate requirers manufacturers to produce a certain percentage of zero-emission cars and vans each year.

It started when comedian Peter Kay, who was supposed to be the first official act for the new Manchester Co-op Live on 23 April, had his performances rescheduled.

Rick Astley's performance on 20 April was a "test event" for the venue but ticket capacity was slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled were instead offered seats to see US rock band The Black Keys play - but their show has also been affected.

And to add to the chaos, this week Olivia Rodrigo's concerts, scheduled for 3 and 4 May, were postponed.

Then, Take That announced they were moving their shows from the venue to the AO Arena in Manchester.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie concert was also postponed just over an hour before the rapper was set to perform.

Today, Barry Manilow also said he had a "back-up plan" to move his Manchester performance from the beleaguered venue. 

The ongoing mayhem has left disgruntled concert-goers voicing their frustration, with some calling for travel and accommodation to be reimbursed and others calling the situation "embarrassing".

"There will be countless people who would've booked travel and hotels just for you to stitch them up because you couldn't meet assured deadlines," one person wrote on X.

Another person said the music venue should "at the very minimum" be "looking at refunding travel/hotel costs for people that can prove they paid for cancelled dates".

And another person asked: "How do I get a refund for parking? There's no info on your site or app."

Organisers at Co-op Live said the venue would be taking "a short pause to events" before welcoming members of the public to the arena from 14 May.

A Co-op Live statement said: "At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season. We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticketholders."

Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of Oak View Group, which developed Co-op Live in partnership with the City Football Group, has said they cannot run any event until it is "absolutely safe to do so".

A Co-op Group spokesperson said: "As naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live we are disappointed with these further schedule changes.

"Co-op is a sponsor and does not own or run the venue, and we have made it clear to Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, that the impact on ticketholders must be addressed as a priority."

An Itsu freezer product is being urgently recalled over fears it could contain plastic. 

Customers are being told not to eat Itsu's sizzling pork gyoza, which is sold at Asda and Sainsbury's.

The 240g packs with a best before date of 8 March 2025 are those affected by the recall.

A 200-year-old Edinburgh attraction is reopening this month after being closed for four years. 

The Nelson Monument is a 150ft tower overlooking the city, and was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

It has been shut for essential works for years, but visitors will soon be able to climb its 143 steps again.

An official opening date has not yet been given.

HMRC's Welsh-language app is only being used by two in every 100 native speakers, according to a new report by The Telegraph .

A freedom of information request by the paper found that 13,831 Welsh speakers have used the app since its launch in June 2022.

That equates to 1.5% of the nearly 900,000 people who say they speak the language.

Jonathan Eida, researcher at the TaxPayers' Alliance pressure group, told the newspaper he thought the move was a "gimmick".

Gig ticket prices may be eye-wateringly high at the moment (just like everything else, let's face it) but a big sale next week will see tens of thousands of tickets at discounted prices. 

LiveNation is holding a sale for 24 hours from noon on Thursday until noon on Friday, with prices starting from £25. 

Artists who you can get discounted tickets to see include Doja Cat, Meghan Thee Stallion, Shania Twain, Becky Hill, Avril Lavigne, Eric Prydz, Giggs, Glass Animals, James Arthur, JLS, Jungle, Kaiser Chiefs, Limp Bizkit, Offset, McFly, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Placebo, Tom Jones, Tiesto and The Streets. 

You can find the full line-up of artists and venues with discounted tickets  on the LiveNation website here .

The company will also be holding promotions and competitions throughout next week. 

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