Road vacations can be quite motivating all over the world. So, here in this article, we will share some of the best and most beautiful road trips around the world, ranging from quick day trips to multi-week excursions.
Top 5 Best Road Trips Around the World
- The North Coast 500, Scotland
The 500-mile path around Scotland’s northern coastline. It is suitably titled. White sandy beaches, secluded fishing villages, castles, lochs, glens, and beautiful mountain views are all part of the scenery. The journey starts in Inverness and circles the top of the British Isles, passing through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, and Caithness. The path then loops to Inverness along the western shore before continuing south into Sutherland and Wester Ross. While you can finish the trip over a long weekend, you’ll want to budget some extra days to have plenty of time to take in the sights. The estimated route time is three to seven days.
- Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road is a lengthy network of roads that spans about 69 miles and includes numerous bridges, tunnels, and ferries. The route departs from Molde, passes through the island of Avery, and terminates at the suspension bridge at Gjemnessund. Massive snow-capped mountains rise from glacial lakes and frigid fjords in the landscape. With unusual birds flying overhead and seals and whales swimming along the coast, it’s a great drive to see some wildlife. There is a lot of marine life in the area, and those who want to see it up close can take scuba dive off the coast in the winter.
- The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The length of this road is roughly 340 miles or four hours. Starting in Melbourne, the route travels southwest to the coastal resort of Torquay before continuing down the Victorian coastline to a collection of limestone sea stacks known as the 12 Apostles that rise over 210 feet above the water. At Cape Otway, the route then makes a loop back toward Melbourne while passing through the Otway National Park’s lush woodlands. Otway Lighthouse offers a beautiful perspective of Australia’s Shipwreck Coast and is another park feature. Travelers may even see penguins, koalas, anteaters, parrots, and other wildlife because the route passes through national parks.
- The Carretera Austral, Chile
This journey, roughly 770 miles long and follows Route 7 in Chile, is best traveled between October and April. The journey begins in the bustling Chilean Lake District town of Puerto Montt and proceeds south through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique, and Tortel before arriving in Villa O’Higgins. The route includes remote wilderness, including lakes, mountains, fjords, and forests. Most tourists advise planning to travel this road over a few weeks because you’ll want to get out of your car to go hiking, swimming, and taking in the breathtaking vistas of nature.
- The Japanese Alps, Japan
Even while the Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, of Japan, is a true engineering marvel, driving throughout the country offers a much better opportunity for sightseeing. This route, which runs from Kyoto to Tokyo, climbs to Kanazawa in the north and then through the Japanese Alps in the east. Travelers can stop to admire the hot spring (onsen) spa towns and the mountainous winding roads. The 460-mile route also passes via the ancient Matsumoto, a former Samurai city, the highland resort of Karuizawa, and ends in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.
