Forgo the airport lines and unforeseen travel delays, and grab your car keys. There’s nothing quite like the adventure, or sense of freedom, that comes with the magic of a well-plotted road trip. This year, journey to quaint towns, take in violet sunsets, and throw caution to the wind from your rolled down windows. Here are the top 25 road trip destinations to consider when you’re ready to dial down those daily stress levels, and turn up the radio for the next few hundred (or thousand) miles. Here at Plum Guide, we are travel experts in every sense of the word, so heed our advice and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Fill up the tank and expect the unexpected, with our guide to the best road trips in the world.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
A road winding through snowy mountains, Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
The best time to take this 12-hour road trip is between early May to late October, when the beauty of the countryside can be appreciated in full bloom. Stretching between the great states Carinthia and Salzburg with exhilarating sharp curves that climb to 3,000 feet, the Grossglockner road trip is not for the faint of heart.
Lady of the Mountain, Plum Guide home in Austria
Icefields Parkway, Canada
A straight road through green trees in front of a snow-capped mountain, Icefields Parkway, Canada
Become inspired by tremendous mountainous terrain from the comfort of your vehicle on this 268 km stretch of iconic road. Venture through historic Jasper National Park, making your way down to Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Just keep your eyes on the road, and watch out for moose crossing.
Route 66, USA
A long, straight road through the desert at sunset, Route 66, USA
When you travel down the infamous Route 66, you’re walking (or driving in this case) in the footsteps of American history - settlers made their pilgrimage from east coast to west coast hundreds of years ago. The 2,500 mile trip begins in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, California - the perfect finish to this iconic trip would be a good stretch and dip in the Pacific Ocean.
The Breeze, Plum Guide home in California, USA
Great Ocean Road, Australia
An aerial view of cars driving between the sea and green trees, Great Ocean Road, Australia
Discover one of the most scenic drives Australia generously provides, just outside of Melbourne. On what is undoubtedly one of the best road trips in the world, expect dramatic sandstone cliffs and lazy surf towns, with famous pit stops including Twelve Apostle LookOut and Cape Otway Lighthouse.
North Coast 500, Scotland, UK
An aerial view of Kylesku Bridge over a large river, North Coast 500, Scotland, UK
Find yourself among mountainous roads, jaw-dropping beaches, and whimsical castles on your week long drive down the iconic North Coast 500. Fully absorb the breathtaking Scottish countryside, and really make the most of your time on the scenic roads.
Gather & Bloom, Plum Guide home in Scotland, UK
Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
A short tunnel through the side of a mountain next to the sea, Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Brush up on your Italian before hitting the Amalfi Coast Drive from Salerno to Positano. Here, you'll find white-knuckling cliffside roads, wholesome towns and villages, and killer vistas from every car window. Eating in the car is allowed, so long as it’s pasta or prosciutto.
Magic on the Amalfi, Plum Guide home in Campania, Italy
Ring Road, Iceland
A view of a rainbow in front of brown mountains on a misty morning from the Ring Road, Iceland
Make your way around the circular Ring Road, the only route that Iceland maintains throughout its entire country. Explore endless waterfalls, sheets of glaciers, geysers, national parks, and quaint, fairytale-like towns and villages. You might even get the chance to drive under the Northern Lights.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
A white tourist bus driving along the Ring of Kerry at sunset, Ireland
Discover the most inspiring Irish scenery on your road trip on the Ring of Kerry. The route includes 180 miles of majestic views of Killarney National Park and Wild Atlantic Way - not to mention cultural heritage charged with wilderness and adventure.
Duke of Hanover, Plum Guide home in Dublin, Ireland
Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
An aerial view of the Pacific Coast Highway next to the blue sea on a sunny day, California, USA
Widely considered one of the most epic road trips in the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway is generous in its breathtaking ocean views of Monterey and Carmel. Bring the family along for the group trip of a lifetime.
Swing Time, Plum Guide home in California, USA
Perth to Esperance, Australia
A bird's eye view of a road running parallel to the sea, Esperance, Australia
While you’re in Australia, be sure to take a trip to Perth and head down to Esperance. The rugged 697km drive along the scenic west coast is abundant with picturesque beaches and lush landscape.
Hana Highway, Hawaii, USA
A winding road next to tall green hills and a body of water, Hana Highway, Hawaii, USA
When traveling along Hana Highway, you'll soon find that it truly is the journey, rather than the destination, that holds the most value. The winding roads cross over nearly 60 bridges that suspend over dazzling natural scenes, including sights of Haleakala National Park.
Island Sunset, Plum Guide home in Hawaii
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
A view of the winding road of the Cabot Trail from an adjacent mountain at sunset, Nova Scotia, Canada
One of the most prized road trip routes Canada has to offer is Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. Expect mesmerising sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, jagged coastal cliffs that topple over beaches, and the great beasts of the earth like moose and whales. It’s sure to be one of the most memorable drives you will ever take.
German Alpine Road, Germany
A wide road next to Sylvenstein Lake in front of distant mountains, German Alpine Road, Germany
Discover majestic scenery and historic sites that will leave you spell bound on this exquisite Bavarian road trip. Pass through rolling hills of Alpine meadows, valleys and lakes, enchanting forests overflown with folklore, ice caves, and an innumerable amount of beer gardens.
Work It Out, Plum Guide home in Berlin, Germany
Mongol Rally, Europe and Asia
An empty road in the desert by tall, brown rocks along the Mongol Rally route, Mongolia
Arguably one of the most epic road trips you can venture, kick back as you travel through twelve countries across Europe and Asia, including the likes of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. The Mongol Rally is nothing short of unforgettable - an adventure of unprecedented proportions. You can prepare to the best of your ability and will still find yourself face to face with challenges and memories that you could only dream of.
Corsica's Northwest Coast, France
An aerial view of a winding road on the side of a mountain at sunset, Corsica's Northwest Coast, France
Your 10 day journey across the untamed wilderness of France, beginning at Calvi and ending in Cargese, allows you to absorb all the unique beauty found in the heart of the country. Expect cloud grazing mountains and vibrant red rock gorges, as you pass through the inspiring Fango River and Croce Pass.
Napoleon's Footsteps, Plum Guide home in Corsica, France
Mexican Federal Highway 15, Mexico
A view of a large, brown mountain from the road on the Mexican Federal Highway 15, Mexico
The Coastal Highway 15 includes the best of both worlds (depending on which side of the car you’re sitting). On one side you'll find remarkable views of the vast Pacific Ocean, juxtaposing both desert and rainforest on the other. A full week is needed to experience not only the incredible sights, but also the quaint seaside villages that run across the Mexico - US border.
Casa Clementine, Plum Guide home in Mexico
The Road to Mount Nebo, Jordan
An aerial view of a road winding through sand dunes in the desert, The Road to Mount Nebo, Jordan
For those seeking a spiritual experience on this road trip, The Road to Mount Nebo in Jordan will lead you there - which is just one reason why it's unquestionably one of the best road trips in the world. It is said that 10km northwest of Madaba, lies Moses’ final resting place. The journey alone is totally unforgettable - it also brings thousands of multi-faith seekers to its great mountainous site.
Big Sur, California, USA
Cars driving on a tall bridge over the sea between two hills, Big Sur, California, USA
Known for its underdeveloped coastline and road hugging cliffs, The Big Sur road trip will have you encountering groves of redwood, river canyons, and sandy beaches. Taking this famous route head on is undoubtedly one of the most epic drives in the entirety of the United States.
Desert Tranquility, Plum Guide home in California, USA
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Baobab trees next to a dirt road at sunset, Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Take a trip down the dirt road less traveled, lined with ancient baobab trees - these can only be truly appreciated in person. A trip down this exquisite avenue in Madagascar is particularly special due to the declaration that the area is protected, with the route being recognised as a 'natural monument under conservation'. Get your camera ready, as Allée des Baobabs is the most photographed place in all of Madagascar.
The Basque Circuit, Spain
Blue road signs above the road from Bilbao to Oviedo, The Basque Circuit, Spain
Trace the footsteps of so many before you on this 480km trip through northern Spain. Marvel at inspiring views of the Bay of Biscay, and treat your stomach with local food as you travel through notable territories like Pamplona and Bilbao.
The Peace Bird, Plum Guide home in Spain
The Golden Road to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
A view of the famous turquoise dome at the Madrasah Tilla-kari from the Golden Road to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Experience the fabled Silk Road as a true nomad. This road trip will bring you along the Golden Road to Samarkand, where ancient, oriental lands have been admired for countless years. The remote landscape is saturated in historic prints, which brings you to Registan - home to the Madrasah Tilla-kari - the captivating turquoise dome is sure to take your breath away.
The Atlantic Highway, England, UK
A view of Torridge Bridge along the The Atlantic Highway, England, UK
When you’re not exploring the wholesome villages, you'll find yourself distracted by picturesque beaches that run on the northern coast of Devon right into Cornwall. With exceptional views of hills and sea, the Exmoor National Park is a generous added bonus for exploring.
Hustyns Cabin, Plum Guide home in Cornwall, UK
Northeast Coastline, Brazil
An aerial view of a cityscape of Bahia, the start of the Northeast Coastline route, Brazil
Experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world on your road trip along the northeast coastline of Brazil - this is not a seen-one-beach-seen-them-all type of trip. To the contrary, every new stretch of white sand is completely untamed, complete with the addition of magnificent sand dunes, towering palm trees, and eye-catching reefs.
Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy
An empty road next to a tall brown cliff, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy
Set on the northernmost coast of Sardinia, the Emerald Coast runs slenderly against sparkling turquoise waters and jaw-dropping headlands. Because this area attracts a great deal of tourists, a road trip set for late spring and early autumn is best advised, to avoid crowded beaches and encounter fewer folks on the road.
Where The Earth Meets The Sea, Plum Guide home in Sardinia, Italy
The Garden Route, South Africa
A dark road next to tall mountains and the sea on a cloudy day, The Garden Route, South Africa
There is an undeniable element of magic seen through every slender bend of road on the Garden Route. The dramatic coastal views run parallel against miles of vineyards and dramatic mountains. If you've never ventured to this part of the world before, this route is the perfect introduction.
