The Globe Editorial Team
There’s no better way to truly experience a country than by hitting the open road. A road trip lets you set the pace, take in stunning landscapes, and embrace the adventure that unfolds at every turn. Whether you’re cruising along iconic highways or weaving through rugged backroads, the freedom to steer your journey is unmatched. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the experiences you collect along the way. So buckle up and get ready to discover the world’s best road trips.
Route 66, USA
Arguably the most iconic road trip globally, Route 66 stretches 3,665 km from Chicago to Los Angeles. Known as the “Main Street of America,” this journey takes you through the heart of American culture, immortalized in countless songs, books, and movies. Allow two weeks to soak in the roadside diners, vintage motels, and desert landscapes that make this route famous.
The Dempster Highway, Canada
This rugged, remote drive from Dawson City, Yukon, to the Arctic Ocean is an adventure through tundra, boreal forests, and mountain ranges. Covering 457 miles of gravel roads, the highway crosses the Arctic Circle and ends at Tuktoyaktuk, an Inuit hamlet on the shores of the Arctic. Along the way, you’ll pass Indigenous communities and the stunning polar wilderness teeming with wildlife like moose and caribou. Be sure to pack plenty of supplies; this is no ordinary road trip!
The Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantische Strasse is like stepping into a fairy tale. This scenic 350 km route connects baroque Würzburg with Füssen, home to the famed Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Along the way, you’ll find charming villages, ancient castles, and opportunities to relax in beer gardens and vineyards. Be sure to stop in Bad Mergentheim for a refreshing dip in its famous spa.
Atlantic Road, Norway
Not all road trips need to be multi-day marathons! The Atlantic Road is a dramatic 8 km stretch linking islands via bridges that skim the ocean. The road snakes along the west coast of Norway, offering jaw-dropping ocean views and dramatic seascapes. Featured in the James Bond movie No Time to Die, this short yet thrilling drive is the perfect afternoon adventure, especially for those who love coastal scenery.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest coastal drives, stretching from Donegal in the north to County Cork in the south. Along this 2,500 km route, you’ll find rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming Irish villages. Highlights include the towering cliffs of Slieve League and the Cliffs of Moher, two must-see natural wonders. Take your time to enjoy a pint in a cosy pub or rent a surfboard at Keel Beach on Achill Island for a true taste of Ireland’s wild side.
Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand
Described as the “eighth wonder of the world” by Rudyard Kipling, Milford Sound is the complete culmination of nature’s beauty. Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, the road from Queenstown to Milford Sound offers stunning views of alpine lakes, towering mountains, and majestic waterfalls. This four-hour journey (plus stops!) takes you into the heart of Fiordland National Park, a world-renowned UNESCO site. Te Anau is a great halfway point to rest and refuel before continuing to Milford Sound, where dramatic cliffs rise from deep, blue waters.
Hit the Road Around the World
There’s something undeniably magical about road trips. They offer an unmatched sense of freedom, adventure, and the chance to connect with landscapes in a way that no other form of travel can. No matter where you decided to hit the road or where you end up by the end of it, you can’t go wrong with a rad trip.
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