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If you’re thinking about trading in your cramped seat on a plane for the open road, you’re in for a treat.
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The routes below are a bit like those rare cars that come along once in a while—hard to believe, yet utterly thrilling.
Forget about the usual tourist traps and get ready to explore some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.
You’ll see mountains, coastlines, and the kind of places where you can truly appreciate the freedom of the open road. Buckle up.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Now, if you want to experience what it’s like to feel like the king of the road, the Pacific Coast Highway is for you.
This isn’t just any old drive—it’s a stretch of California coastline that’s been perfectly designed for you to stare at the ocean while trying to resist the urge to pull over every five minutes.
From Malibu’s glitzy vibe to Big Sur’s sheer cliffs that make you question your life choices (in the best possible way), it’s impossible to drive this route and not feel like you’ve been transported into a movie scene.
If you enjoy stunning views, delicious seafood, and the occasional whale sighting, then get in the car. It’s a drive you won’t forget.
2. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is like a road trip on steroids—and not the illegal kind. This highway takes you through lush rainforests, along towering cliffs, and past beaches so pristine they look photoshopped.
But don’t let that fool you—it’s all real. Your first stop? The Twelve Apostles. They’re massive limestone formations that jut out of the sea like something from a Bond movie.
If you’re into incredible views and wildlife that might pop out of nowhere (koalas and kangaroos, anyone?), this is the route that’ll make you appreciate nature’s grandeur. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up saying, “I can’t believe this is real.”
3. Garden Route, South Africa
For something a little more exotic, South Africa’s Garden Route is a must.
This road trip is like a buffet of everything you could want—beaches, mountains, forests, and the occasional safari stop. It’s not just a beautiful route, though—it’s also filled with hidden gems. You’ll find quirky little towns where everyone greets you with a smile and some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
Plus, there’s the added bonus of wildlife popping up when you least expect it. A lion here, an elephant there—it’s like the world’s most scenic zoo. You could spend weeks exploring the Garden Route, and you still wouldn’t tire of it.
4. Route 66, USA
Route 66 isn’t just a road trip; it’s practically a rite of passage. This iconic highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, and with it, you get a solid slice of American history.
You’ll cruise past diners that have been serving food since the 1940s, kitschy motels where the neon signs flicker like they’re still stuck in the past, and the kind of roadside attractions that make you question human creativity. It’s a throwback to a time when road trips meant more than just getting to your destination—it was about the adventure in between.
Just make sure to pack a bag of snacks, because it’s one of those trips where every stop feels like an opportunity to try something new (and possibly weird).
5. North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is the kind of road trip you take if you like a good dose of rugged beauty and some of the most charming villages you’ll ever lay eyes on.
The route takes you through wild landscapes—rolling hills, craggy coastlines, and castles so picturesque you’ll wonder if they’re real. The best part? The peace and quiet. There’s something magical about driving through these remote parts of the world and feeling completely disconnected from everything.
Oh, and the whisky. Trust me, if you’re into the stuff, you’ll want to make a pit stop at one of the many distilleries along the way. It’s like a treasure hunt—if that treasure were pure, golden liquid.
6. Iceland’s Golden Circle
If you’re in the mood for a road trip that feels like it belongs on another planet, Iceland’s Golden Circle is your ticket to a whole new world.
Geysers explode like fireworks, waterfalls tumble off cliffs, and the whole place feels like someone decided to combine fire and ice just to show off. You’ll pass through Thingvellir National Park, the site of the first democratic parliament, before hitting the famous Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
The landscapes here are mind-blowing—so surreal, in fact, that you’ll find yourself stopping every five minutes just to take it all in. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, well, that’s just the universe saying, “You made a good choice.”
7. The Romantic Road, Germany
The Romantic Road is one of those places where every corner feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
This 220-mile stretch takes you through medieval towns, past castles that look like they’re straight out of a Disney movie, and through vineyards that beg to be photographed. You’ll stop at places like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where cobblestone streets and pastel buildings make you think you’ve just stepped into the past. Don’t rush it.
Take your time to stroll through the streets, grab some bratwurst, and make your way to a few local beer gardens—because you’ll need a pint to wash down all the German charm.
8. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
The Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is for the thrill-seeker who likes their road trips served with a side of “wow” moments.
This isn’t just any road—it’s one of the most spectacular in the world. The route winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering hairpin turns and steep ascents that make you feel like you’re climbing Everest (without the snow).
It’s not for the faint of heart, but the views will make you think it’s worth every stomach-lurching twist. Oh, and there’s Dracula’s Castle nearby, which adds a nice touch of eeriness to the whole experience. It’s a route that’ll test your driving skills while reminding you that the journey is the true destination.
Final Words
Road trips, when done right, are an art form. They’re the perfect blend of freedom, adventure, and the occasional “I don’t know where I am, but this is awesome” moment.
These routes aren’t just roads—they’re invitations to take life off autopilot and experience the world in a way that only driving allows.
And if you’re not at least a little excited by the thought of driving through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, then you might just be missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.