12 Countries You Must Visit for the Ultimate Road Trip
Few travel experiences rival the magic of a road trip—windows down, music blasting, and the thrill of exploration just around the next bend. Since the pandemic, road trips have surged in popularity, with data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) reporting that 97% of summer trips in 2023 were by car. This resurgence isn’t surprising.
Road trips offer unmatched freedom, the ability to discover hidden gems, and the convenience of controlling your pace and itinerary. Read on for 12 incredible countries providing the world’s most unforgettable road trip experiences.
Spain
Spain is the ultimate road trip destination, blending sunny coastlines, towering mountain ranges, and vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Driving through Spain with nearly 165,000 miles of well-maintained roads, including toll-free motorways, is both smooth and convenient. The Basque Circuit in northern Spain is a must-drive route, linking cultural hubs like San Sebastián and Bilbao with stunning mountain views.
While on the road, highlights include the breathtaking Picos de Europa National Park, the idyllic villages and beaches of Costa Brava, and indulging in local Basque tapas, known as pintxos. Spain offers a perfect blend of cultural richness and accessible roads, ideal for first-time European road-trippers.
Austria
Austria offers perfect road-tripping conditions because its compact size combines excellent Alpine roads with enchanting storybook towns. A highly efficient road network exists in the country, so drivers always experience smooth navigation.
One of the most scenic routes is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which offers jaw-dropping mountain views and access to Austria’s tallest peak. Along the way, you can visit Lake Hallstatt, one of Europe’s most picturesque glacial lakes, and Vienna’s elegant streets and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss idyllic villages like Innsbruck and Salzburg, packed with charm. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road alone attracts over a million visitors annually.
Portugal
Portugal is a compact country that’s perfect for exploring by car. Its well-maintained roads and scenic variety make for a hassle-free adventure, whether you’re discovering Lisbon’s urban beauty or the tranquility of the Algarve.
For an unforgettable journey, take the Estrada Nacional 2, Portugal’s version of Route 66. This 450-mile route crosses the country, offering a mix of natural wonders and cultural gems. Highlights include the golden beaches and sea cliffs of the Algarve Coast, Porto’s historic charm and wine culture, and pastel-colored hilltop villages like Sintra. Portugal’s roads are consistently ranked among the best in Europe, frequently earning top spots in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness reports.
Czech Republic
Road travel enthusiasts discover an unpublicized treasure in the Czech Republic through its combination of picture-postcard villages and pristine natural environments. The interconnected road system of this country creates accessible paths around numerous hidden destinations.
A standout route is the drive from Prague to Český Krumlov. This journey takes you through medieval towns, rolling green hills, and quaint villages. Highlights include the sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland National Park, the historic charm of Český Krumlov (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the architectural wonders of Prague, from Gothic to Baroque styles. Prague alone welcomes over 8 million international tourists annually, with many using it as a starting point for their road trips.
Italy
Italy’s road conditions may vary, but its iconic landscapes and cultural treasures make it a must-visit destination. Every region offers something unique, from Tuscany’s vineyards to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast.
The panhandle route along the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s best-known scenic drives. Visitors gain spectacular Mediterranean sightseeing opportunities on this 30-mile route, where breathtaking panorama elements surprise around every bend. Other highlights include Tuscany’s rolling hills and charming villages like Pienza, the historic cities of Rome and Florence, and the enchanting canals of Venice. Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world, hosting nearly 90 million tourists annually.
Iceland
Road trip enthusiasts add Iceland to their travel wishlist due to its exceptional and strange landscapes. Route 1, also known as Iceland’s Ring Road, follows the island boundary to display breathtaking views of glaciers and volcanic features along the way to many waterfalls.
The 828-mile Ring Road is the ultimate drive, showcasing Iceland’s natural wonders. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. A key tip for travelers: fuel up whenever possible, as gas stations can be scarce in Iceland’s isolated terrain.
New Zealand
The nation that famously served as The Lord of the Rings filming location presents road adventurers with magnificent choices among beaches paired with abundant lush forests along with colossal mountains. Travelers should make the route between Auckland and Queenstown a priority. Along the way, you’ll pass through national parks and breathtaking fjords.
Must-see stops on this adventure include Milford Sound, often called the “8th Wonder of the World,” the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the scenic drive along Lake Tekapo. Tourism is a key part of New Zealand’s economy, accounting for 10% of its GDP, with many visitors opting for road trips to explore its natural beauty.
South Africa
South Africa offers a blend of rugged coastlines, rolling wine regions, and unforgettable safaris, making it a road trip dream. The iconic Garden Route is a must-drive, spanning 200 miles of beaches, rainforests, and wildlife reserves.
Key attractions include the lush Tsitsikamma Rainforest, Addo Elephant National Park’s rich wildlife, and the picturesque Cape Winelands.
USA
The United States is a haven for road trips, with its diverse landscapes and world-famous highways ensuring endless variety and adventure. Explore astounding California cliffs and beaches via charming rural settlements in one of the top American maritime paths along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Other must-visit spots include the nostalgic Americana of Route 66, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, and the Florida Keys’ Overseas Highway. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that 97% of U.S. summer vacations in 2023 were road trips, highlighting the enduring popularity of this travel option.
Canada
Canada’s vast and pristine geography makes it ideal for trips through dramatic landscapes and untouched wilderness. The Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, is a must-drive route showcasing the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Notable sights on a Canadian road trip include the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the stunning Vancouver to Whistler Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the scenic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. With 48 national parks, as per The Canadian Encyclopedia, many linked by picturesque roads, Canada offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Australia
Road trip fans will find perfect destinations across Australia’s beautiful scenery, which ranges from expansive coastlines to the wilderness of the Outback. The Great Ocean Road is a standout route, delivering 150 miles of jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
Must-experience locations include the iconic 12 Apostles limestone formations, driving through the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, and spotting wildlife like kangaroos. In the year ending March 2024, the Great Ocean Road welcomed approximately 8.6 million visitors, according to Tourism Victoria, and is a must for anyone looking to experience Australia’s natural wonders.
Croatia
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is perfect for road trip enthusiasts. According to TripAdvisor, the Adriatic Highway stretches 383 miles from Rijeka to Dubrovnik, delivering postcard-worthy views at nearly every turn.
The coastal journey from Split to Dubrovnik is a must-drive route. You’ll discover turquoise waters, medieval towns, and dramatic cliffside highways along the way. Highlights include the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic charm of Dubrovnik (a filming location for Game of Thrones), and opportunities for nearby island-hopping adventures. In 2022, Croatia attracted over 20 million tourists, many drawn by its road trip appeal.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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