Skip to Content

18 Epic Journeys: Iconic Road Trips for Your Lifetime Adventure List

18 Epic Journeys: Iconic Road Trips for Your Lifetime Adventure List

Craving an escape that’s more about the journey than the destination? If the thought of hitting the road and discovering new places gets your heart racing, you’re in the right place. We’ve mapped out 18 iconic road trips from every corner of the globe that promise not just stunning views but real adventures. Ready to see what the world has to offer from the driver’s seat? 

1. Route 66: The Mother Road, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Traverse the heart of America on the legendary Route 66, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s a slice of classic Americana, peppered with vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and the spirit of freedom.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmitriy Komarov

Wind along Australia’s southeastern coast for jaw-dropping views of the Twelve Apostles and rainforests meeting the rugged cliffs of the ocean. It’s a dramatic journey through nature’s finest work.

3. Ring Road, Iceland

iceland, winter, spring, car, sky, landscape, clouds, mountain, blue, security, street, safety, asphalt, wind, volcano, traffic, danger, drive, driving, ringroad, roadway, snow-covered, windy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / kb-photodesign

Circle Iceland on its Ring Road to witness geysers, glaciers, and fjords. Each turn reveals a new, otherworldly landscape, making it a road trip for the adventurous soul.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Image Credit: Pexels / Michael Giugliano

Cruise the serpentine roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where azure seas, precariously perched villages, and lemon groves create a sensory overload of picturesque beauty.

5. Garden Route, South Africa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Finn stock

South Africa’s Garden Route offers a mosaic of ecosystems, from beaches to forests and lagoons. It’s a wild journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

6. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / HandmadePictures

Hug the Californian coast from San Francisco to San Diego, where the Pacific Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs. The PCH is a road trip that epitomizes the romance of the American West.

7. The Golden Triangle, India

Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlexAnton

Explore India’s rich history and culture on a road trip through the Golden Triangle. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra and the palaces of Jaipur, it’s a feast for the senses.

8. Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Flystock

Drive through the heart of the French Alps on this high-altitude journey, connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. It’s a thrilling ride through Europe’s most iconic mountain range.

9. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / shutterupeire

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the rugged western coast, offering a journey through quaint villages, ancient castles, and some of the greenest landscapes you’ll ever see.

10. North Coast 500, Scotland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Helen Hotson

Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500, winds through the Scottish Highlands, showcasing fairy-tale castles, secluded beaches, and dramatic moors.

11. The Trans-Canada Highway

Image Credit: Shutterstock / melissamn

Canada’s epic cross-country journey showcases the vastness and diversity of the country, from vibrant cities to untouched wilderness.

12. The Transfagarasan, Romania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DaLiu

Named by some as the best road in the world, the Transfagarasan winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering stunning views and a thrilling drive.

13. The Atlantic Road, Norway

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Czech the World

Norway’s Atlantic Road jumps from island to island via bridges, with the ocean on both sides. It’s a short but unforgettable journey through Scandinavian beauty.

14. The Pamir Highway, Central Asia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / NOWAK LUKASZ

Traverse the rugged landscapes of Central Asia on the Pamir Highway, a route that’s as much about the journey as the destination. It’s a true adventure for the intrepid traveler.

15. Cabot Trail, Canada

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vadim.Petrov

The Cabot Trail circles Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, offering views of wooded valleys, cliff-top vistas, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a peaceful escape into Canada’s natural beauty.

16. The South Island, New Zealand

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nur Ismail Photography

New Zealand’s South Island is a road tripper’s dream, with the Southern Alps, fiords, and lakes providing a backdrop to an epic journey through Middle-earth.

17. The Pacific Rim Highway, Canada

Image Credit: Shutterstock / T. Schneider

Journey through Vancouver Island’s rainforests, coastal cliffs, and surf towns on the Pacific Rim Highway. It’s a road trip that embraces the wild spirit of the west coast.

18. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eric Weissenborn.

Not your typical road trip, driving across the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is an unforgettable experience, where the horizon blends sky and earth in a surreal landscape.

The Journey of a Lifetime

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

These 18 road trips offer more than just stunning landscapes; they’re a call to adventure, an invitation to explore the diverse tapestry of our planet. So, grab your keys, hit play on your favorite road trip tunes, and let the adventure begin.

More From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post 18 Epic Journeys: Iconic Road Trips for Your Lifetime Adventure List first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / FranciscoMarques.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

19 International Cities Hooked on American Traditions
25 Foods From Around the World You Must Try Before You Die
How Age and Income Shape Travel Choices
Top 25 Ranked Destinations for Americans Traveling Abroad
23 American Heroes Leading Educational Programs Overseas
Drop the Baggage: 21 Habits to Quit for a Happier, More Adventurous Life
21 Weird Things You Need to Know About Arizona
10 US Cities with Cool New Attractions for 2024
21 Wild West Wonders That Wyoming Still Preserves
25 Most Visited States According to Data
The Caribbean - Not the Paradise You Think
19 Bizarre American Traditions That Leave Foreigners Scratching Their Heads!
The 15 Most Polluted Towns in the UK Every American Should Know About
25 American Experiences to Cross off Your Bucket List *Even if You’re American!
21 Ridiculously Californian Trends
Misconceptions Americans Have About the Middle East
21 Things From the ‘70s That Wouldn't Fly in Today's Travel Scene
Charting Uncharted Territories: The Quest for Queer Spaces Amidst Adversity
21 Quirky British Habits That Confound the Rest of the World: An American Traveler's Guide
21 Snobberies Only Seattleites Will Understand
21 Unbelievable Tales From Florida
The 15 Weirdest Laws in the USA Today
Fit for Royalty: 10 Residencies of the UK Royal Family
US Travel Trouble - Navigating the Rising Costs of Travel
Why Visit LA? 21 Great Reasons
18 Most Awe-Inspiring Ancient Ruins in the World - A Guide to Crumbling Grandeur
Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions in the USA
European Destinations Americans Should Avoid
21 Baffling British Phrases and What They Really Mean: A Guide for Perplexed Americans
21 Terrorism-Free Countries Drawing Americans Amid US Safety Worries