19 Epic Road Trips Across Continents That You Must Undertake Atleast Once in Your Lifetime

Road trips offer a unique way to explore new landscapes and cultures at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and take in the sights whenever you please.

Whether it’s driving along rugged coastlines, through vast deserts, or winding mountain roads, every continent has stunning routes waiting to be discovered.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 19 breathtaking road trips across different continents, each offering its own brand of adventure, beauty, and excitement.

Whether you’re craving an adventure in the Australian outback or a coastal journey through Europe, these road trips promise unforgettable memories.


1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

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The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, stretching along California’s dramatic coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views, charming seaside towns, and landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and Big Sur’s rugged cliffs. Solo travelers and families alike will enjoy the diverse attractions, including beaches, state parks, and cultural stops such as Hearst Castle. The journey combines natural beauty with relaxed coastal living, making it one of the most popular road trips in the United States.


2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

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The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, Australia, is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Stretching 243 kilometers, this journey takes you past the famous Twelve Apostles, through rainforests, and along rugged cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean. Along the way, you can explore charming coastal towns, spot native wildlife like koalas, and visit Cape Otway Lighthouse. With its stunning natural beauty and variety of landscapes, the Great Ocean Road is perfect for those seeking adventure, photography opportunities, and a deeper connection with Australia’s wild, untamed coastline.


3. Ring Road, Iceland

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Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) offers a 1,332-kilometer loop around the island, showcasing the country’s otherworldly landscapes. This epic road trip takes you past waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches, providing endless opportunities for adventure. Notable stops include the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the steaming geothermal area at Lake Mývatn. The Ring Road is perfect for those seeking a journey through some of the planet’s most unique natural scenery, where every turn brings something new and awe-inspiring.


4. Garden Route, South Africa

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South Africa’s Garden Route is a stunning 300-kilometer drive along the southern coast, offering a mix of mountains, forests, beaches, and quaint towns. Starting from Mossel Bay and ending in Storms River, this road trip includes stops like Knysna’s lush lagoon, the seaside cliffs of Plettenberg Bay, and the famous Tsitsikamma National Park. With opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and wine tasting, the Garden Route provides an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.


5. Route 40, Argentina

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One of the longest highways in the world, Argentina’s Route 40 stretches over 5,000 kilometers from the northern border with Bolivia to the southern tip of Patagonia. This journey showcases Argentina’s diverse landscapes, from the arid desert of the north to the snow-capped Andes in the south. Travelers will pass through iconic spots like the wine region of Mendoza, the pristine beauty of the Lake District, and the remote wilderness of Patagonia. Route 40 is a dream for road trippers seeking vast, open spaces and dramatic scenery.


6. Amalfi Coast, Italy

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The Amalfi Coast road trip is a feast for the senses, offering jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful cliffside villages, and historic sites. This 50-kilometer drive winds its way through towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, each with its own charm and beauty. The narrow, winding roads provide thrilling vistas at every turn, while the region’s famous cuisine and relaxed coastal vibe make it a must for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and Italian hospitality.


7. Ruta de los Siete Lagos, Argentina

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes) in Argentina is a picturesque drive through the Andes, connecting the towns of San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. As the name suggests, the route passes seven stunning lakes, each surrounded by forests and mountains. Along the way, travelers can stop to hike, fish, or enjoy the serene beauty of Patagonia’s pristine nature. This road trip offers a perfect balance of tranquility and adventure, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.


8. Atlantic Road, Norway

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Norway’s Atlantic Road is a marvel of engineering, stretching 8.3 kilometers across the Norwegian Sea and connecting a series of small islands. Known for its dramatic bridges and scenic views of the ocean, this road trip offers a unique experience of driving close to the sea with breathtaking views of rugged coastal landscapes. The Atlantic Road is especially popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities to see wildlife such as seals and seabirds. The route is relatively short but incredibly scenic, making it a must-do for any road trip enthusiast.


9. Icefields Parkway, Canada

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The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, is a 232-kilometer stretch that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Starting in Jasper and ending in Banff, this road trip offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. Travelers will pass by glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dense pine forests, with the chance to spot wildlife like bears, elk, and mountain goats. Iconic stops along the way include Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Lake Louise. This route is a nature lover’s dream, combining raw wilderness with easy accessibility.


10. Route 66, USA

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Route 66 is arguably the most iconic road trip in American history, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica over 3,800 kilometers. Known as the “Main Street of America,” this legendary highway passes through eight states and offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the United States. From the deserts of the Southwest to the farmlands of the Midwest, Route 66 takes travelers through small towns, roadside attractions, and historic landmarks. The journey offers a blend of nostalgia, Americana, and stunning landscapes.


11. Milford Road, New Zealand

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New Zealand’s Milford Road is a 120-kilometer scenic route that takes travelers from Te Anau to Milford Sound, one of the country’s most famous natural wonders. This road trip offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Homer Tunnel, a dramatic passage carved through the mountains. The journey culminates in Milford Sound, where travelers can take boat tours to see the fjords up close. Milford Road is a must for anyone seeking New Zealand’s untouched natural beauty.


12. The Romantic Road, Germany

The Romantic Road in Germany is a 350-kilometer route that takes travelers through some of the most picturesque towns and landscapes in Bavaria. Starting in Würzburg and ending in Füssen, this road trip offers a mix of medieval castles, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. Notable stops include the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The Romantic Road is perfect for those seeking a journey filled with history, architecture, and the stunning beauty of rural Germany.


13. Ticlio Pass, Peru

The Ticlio Pass in Peru is one of the highest paved roads in the world, reaching an elevation of over 4,800 meters. This winding road takes travelers through the heart of the Andes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and remote villages. The road connects Lima to La Oroya and is a challenging but rewarding journey for adventurous drivers. Along the way, travelers will experience Peru’s dramatic highland landscapes and have the opportunity to explore remote Andean communities.


14. North Coast 500, Scotland

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Scotland’s North Coast 500 is often called the “ultimate road trip,” taking travelers on a 516-mile journey through the Scottish Highlands. Starting in Inverness, this loop passes through dramatic coastal cliffs, historic castles, and remote beaches. Notable stops include John O’Groats, the most northerly point of the UK mainland, and the beautiful Bealach na Bà mountain pass. The route offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, history, and Scottish culture, making it a bucket-list road trip for those seeking rugged wilderness and cultural exploration.


15. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

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The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania is one of Europe’s most thrilling drives, winding its way through the Făgăraș Mountains in the Southern Carpathians. With steep hairpin turns, tunnels, and stunning mountain views, this road trip is not for the faint of heart. The highway stretches 90 kilometers and offers views of Balea Lake, waterfalls, and Romania’s highest peak, Moldoveanu. It’s a challenging yet rewarding drive, perfect for adrenaline junkies and those looking for breathtaking alpine scenery.


16. The Cabot Trail, Canada

The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is a 298-kilometer road that winds through Cape Breton Island, offering stunning coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic drive takes travelers through quaint fishing villages, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs. Notable stops include Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where visitors can hike, whale watch, and enjoy the island’s rugged natural beauty. The Cabot Trail is known for its vibrant fall colors, making it a popular road trip destination for leaf peepers and nature lovers alike.


17. Route des Grandes Alpes, France

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The Route des Grandes Alpes is a legendary mountain road in France that stretches from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. This 684-kilometer journey takes travelers through the heart of the French Alps, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and charming villages. Notable passes along the route include Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved road in Europe, and Col du Galibier. The road is a popular destination for cyclists and road trippers alike, offering some of the most challenging and scenic driving in Europe.


18. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

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The Skeleton Coast in Namibia offers one of the most remote and otherworldly road trips in the world. This coastal route takes travelers through the arid Namib Desert, where towering sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. The name “Skeleton Coast” refers to the shipwrecks that line the shore, giving the area an eerie, desolate beauty. Along the way, travelers can stop at remote wildlife reserves, where they may encounter seals, elephants, and even lions. The Skeleton Coast is a road trip for those seeking isolation, adventure, and a connection with one of the world’s most unique landscapes.


19. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 755-kilometer scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. Known for its stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant fall foliage, this road trip offers a peaceful and scenic escape into nature. The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, providing access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a perfect road trip for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life.

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