Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

Best road trips around the world and how to prepare

Written by Fiona

February 14 2022

Are you keen to get behind the wheel of your car and head off for an adventure? Perhaps you will be keen to drive one of the world’s most famous road routes. Before you set off it’s important that you are prepared for things to go wrong. No one thinks the worst will happen but it is vital you have a solid insurer in your corner. Search for the right car insurance quotes to determine the cover you need and what to budget for.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

One of the top road trips is the Great Ocean Road in Australia. It is an Australian National Heritage listed 240km (150 mile) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of continent between the cities of Torquay and Allansford in the state of Victoria.

There is a great deal to see on this road trip, including Australia’s most famous wildlife, koala and kangaroos, breathtakingly beautiful shoreline, cliffs and “The Twelve Apostles”, which describes a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.

Ring Road, Iceland

Another top road trip that you might like to try is the Ring Road in Iceland, which begins and ends in Reykjavik. When driving this route, you’ll travel a total of 1,332km. Highlights include:

  • A famous black sand beach 
  • Whale watching in Akureyri
  • Exploring bizarre landscapes on Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • The 300km Golden Circle.

The Pacific Coast Highway, California

If you’d rather head to North America, why not enjoy a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway? It is some 900km (600 miles) long from San Francisco to San Diego, hugging the stunning coastline in California.

The scenery on this road trip is second to none with fabulous beaches, bays, waves and cliffs and rock formations. The scenery on this road trip is second to none with fabulous beaches, bays, waves and cliffs and rock formations.

Route 66, America

Who hasn’t heard the “Route 66” song by Nat King Cole and thought about taking a trip through eight states? Before the U.S. government decommissioned it in 1985, Route 66 stretched 2,450 miles through Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, California, Kansas, and Arizona. The scenery on this trip is breath-taking.

It is important to pack an emergency kit to take with you on this route. Equipment in this kit may vary, but you should probably ensure you have:

  • Flares
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Hand-crank radio
  • First-aid supplies
  • Glass breaker/seatbelt cutter.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

How about one of the longest defined driving routes in the world? If that sounds like your dream road trip, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is the place to head.

It runs some 2,500km along Ireland’s west coast with its beautiful beaches and spectacular sea cliffs. In addition, it’s also possible toenjoy the country’s unique culture. If you’re planning to tackle this venture in a single road trip, you should set aside two to four weeks to complete it.

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

Italy’s famously picturesque Amalfi Coast Roa – officially called Strada Statale 163 – isn’t long but it packs a lot into its 80km.

The trip begins in Sorrento and ends in Salerno. If you choose to take this journey, expect good road conditions but with narrow and windy spots.

The busy season is between July and August so the best time to visit is probably between April and June, or wait until September or October.

Final Thoughts:

If one of the best worldwide road trips is in your plans, take the time to discover the right adventure for you. The next bit of advice is pretty simple: Create a travel budget. Things can get pricey while on a road trip from food, fuel, and lodging expenses. But if you have a budget and stick to it, you won’t get yourself into trouble financially. Then head off an enjoy the road.

More Like This

Adventure

Six beaver families for River Spey

Active menopause

New book: Toes in the Water

Adventure

Top tips for choosing the perfect static caravan: Devon’s best options for sale

Adventure

2 Munros & 2 Munro Tops: Chno Dearg and Stob Coire Sgriodain

Adventure

Six exciting outdoor activities to experience while teaching abroad

Adventure

5 fantastic reasons to vIsit Guatemala – and 4 things to do there