46 Road Trip Ideas For Those Who Can’t Wait To Hit The Road

Running for 500 miles, as the name suggests, along Scotland’s northern coast, this route includes everything Scotland is famous for, from legendary castles to whisky distilleries, to say nothing of the breathtaking views.

This is the route to go if you want to experience California without the fuss of the big cities. From Monterey to Los Angeles, you will find incredible landscapes of beaches and sea cliffs, as well as famous spots where movie stars and billionaires come to escape from busy city life.

If you are tired of driving on highways packed with commercial traffic and banners jumping at you every five minutes, take a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. With a ban on billboards and commercial traffic, you can truly enjoy a speedy ride while taking in the wonders of nature. Take this trip in every season and get a completely different experience every time.

The Dalmatian Coast checks every box you expect from the Mediterranean coastline. You get the bright blue of the Adriatic Sea, hidden coves, olive groves, small settlements, and over a thousand islands and islets along the coast. There are national parks, beautiful lakes, and ancient cities to visit for a full summer experience.

23 miles (37 km) might not be that long of a journey, but once you take it, you will realize why people keep talking about it. The road, which was built in 1917 and was considered a technological wonder for its time, will take you through a series of waterfalls, scenic landscapes, and road tunnels carved through the cliffside.

This is the road the Romans used to take 2,000 years ago. It delivers every detail you would expect from a historic trade route. Trailing through the south-central region of Bavaria, it is dotted with the red roofs of local villages, castles right out of a fairy tale, medieval cobblestone streets, and Baroque churches. You will encounter countless fairs, beer breweries, and amazing views.

You can’t go wrong with a road trip in Northern Ireland, as it offers so much, but the Causeway Coast is definitely on top of that list. It is not very long, but it takes several days to explore every section of it, including the highlights in the form of the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, the Dark Hedges and Belfast.

Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, will take you around the whole country of Iceland. It may take up to two weeks to complete, though, of course, you can go slower. Whether you choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise, a range of magnificent sights in the form of glaciers, hot springs, mountains, and coastlines will present itself to you. This is also a great chance to learn more about the culture of Iceland.

Australia is a road trip enthusiast’s dream. The Great Ocean Road, probably the most famous route in the entire country, stretches for 600 km (400 mi) and was, in fact, built as a memorial to the soldiers who gave their lives in WWI. And if you enjoy surfing, you’ll find some of Australia’s top surfing beaches along this route. 

From Lindau to Füssen, this is your ultimate route for Bavarian adventures. Drive through the countryside to experience every bit of the tranquil rural landscape with its meadows and lakes. Take a break in one of the many village restaurants before you arrive in Oberstaufen, the first German city to be viewable on Google Street View. Afterward, head towards Füssen, which is famous for its violin and lute makers. And while you’re around, Germany’s most famous castle Neuschwanstein is just an hour’s drive away.  

Starting in Banff, this route goes north through the Rocky Mountains and includes two of Canada’s national parks, Banff and Jasper. On your trip, you will encounter mirror lakes, snow-capped mountains, hiking trails, and the biggest highlight of the trip — the Athabasca Glacier.

Set a movie in Italy, and it is safe to bet you’ll catch a glimpse of the Amalfi Coast in at least one scene. This comes as no surprise, as the picturesque landscapes, tiny towns, and gorgeous beaches seem to be specifically made as a backdrop for a romantic love story.

If you want to travel to Mars but can’t afford the ticket (also, there are still no trips to Mars for civilians), jump into your vehicle of choice and take a road trip in the Red Rock Country. It will take you through one of the eeriest and most outlandish landscapes. You will be surrounded by rock formations and a seemingly endless desert that will make you believe you are on a different planet. An absolute must-visit on this route is the Rock State Park.  

Norway is world-famous for its stunning landscapes that resemble nothing else you will see. Intertwined with timeless folk tales, it will present itself in all its beauty. From Bergen to Trondheim, your trip will give you the opportunity to see majestic fjords, breathtaking waterfalls, ancient forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Since you are here, don’t miss Trollstigen (“the Troll Path”) that will test your skills as a driver.

First of all, this trail is on an island, which is an amazing adventure in and of itself. Secondly, it is unbelievably scenic and includes coastal hikes, sea cliffs, beaches, and true wilderness. Here you’ll get the chance to meet a moose on the Skyline walk and also see a whale while on a boat trip.

If you take a trip around the Lake District in Cumbria, you will immediately know why it was given the status of a national park. Farmlands scattered around the countryside seem to have stepped down from the pages of a classic English novel. And of course, there are 16 breathtakingly beautiful lakes, including England’s deepest Wastwater and largest Windermere.

Even if for the sake of living Nat King Cole’s song, Route 66 is one road trip you should take in the US. Some sections might not be exactly high quality, but some parts in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona are the most scenic roads you will ever find. The entire route runs from Chicago to California.

Though it only takes two to three hours one way, the Hana Highway road trip is packed with breathtaking sights and impressions that will last you a lifetime. Not only will you cross 59 bridges on the way from Paia, but once you reach Hana, keep driving to Haleakala National Park. Then you will absolutely understand why everyone who has ever visited Maui keeps talking about this trip.

A trip through the Bavarian Alps will feel nothing short of a fairy tale. Traveling through iconic sites, you will visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Olympic town, see the world’s oldest monastery and brewery (Bavaria is world-renowned for its beer!), as well as all the wonders nature has to offer.

Don’t let the name fool you, the Garden Route is not an afternoon walk. It offers amazing views, encounters with South African wild nature, as well as world-class dining. You can take this trip at any time of the year.