There’s a unique kind of magic that only reveals itself on the open road. It’s a feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom that you just can’t get from a plane ticket or a train schedule. It’s the liberty to chase a sunset, to take an unscheduled turn down a mysterious-looking lane, or to spend an extra hour at a viewpoint that stole your breath away. A road trip isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the journey, the discovery, and the stories you collect along the asphalt ribbon that connects the world. It’s about the curated playlists, the questionable roadside snacks, and the profound realization that the destination is often just an excuse for the drive. If you’ve ever felt that pull, that deep-seated wanderlust to just get in a car and go, then these legendary journeys are waiting for you.
The Mother Road: America’s Route 66
You can’t talk about great road trips without paying homage to the original. Route 66 is more than just a highway; it’s a cross-section of American history and culture. Stretching from the urban heart of Chicago to the sun-drenched pier of Santa Monica, this nearly 2,500-mile journey is a pilgrimage for travelers seeking nostalgia and the soul of the American West. The original highway was decommissioned in 1985, but dedicated enthusiasts have preserved vast, drivable stretches of it, complete with the iconic landmarks that made it famous.
Driving Route 66 is like stepping into a time capsule. You’ll cruise past kitschy neon-lit motels, classic diners serving up burgers and milkshakes, and quirky roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma. The landscape transforms dramatically before your eyes, shifting from the rolling farmlands of the Midwest to the stark, beautiful deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. It’s a trip that demands you slow down. Don’t just drive it; experience it. Talk to the locals in the small towns the interstates bypassed, listen to their stories, and understand why this road is so deeply embedded in the nation’s identity.
For an authentic experience, consider renting a classic American car like a Ford Mustang or a Chevrolet convertible. While not the most fuel-efficient choice, the feeling of cruising down a dusty stretch of the Mother Road with the top down is unparalleled. Planning is key, as some sections are better preserved than others, so a good map and a flexible itinerary are your best friends.
Highlights of the Journey
- The Willis Tower in Chicago, the starting point.
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
- The vast, otherworldly landscapes of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
- The Grand Canyon, a worthy and essential detour.
- Finishing at the Santa Monica Pier, dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Coastal Majesty: Australia’s Great Ocean Road
If dramatic coastal scenery is what you crave, few drives on Earth can rival Australia’s Great Ocean Road. This 151-mile stretch of road in Victoria is a National Heritage site, and for good reason. Built by returning soldiers between 1919 and 1932, it stands as the world’s largest war memorial. But beyond its historical significance, it is an absolutely breathtaking journey that hugs the tempestuous Southern Ocean.
Starting just outside of Melbourne in Torquay, the road winds its way through lush rainforests, past world-renowned surf breaks like Bells Beach, and alongside sheer limestone cliffs. The undisputed stars of the show are the Twelve Apostles, a collection of magnificent rock stacks that rise from the ocean. Though erosion has claimed a few over the years, the sight of these sentinels being battered by the waves, especially at sunrise or sunset, is a moment that will be seared into your memory forever. But don’t stop there. Further along, you’ll find other geological wonders like Loch Ard Gorge and the London Arch. You can also take a detour into the Great Otway National Park to walk amongst giant tree ferns and search for koalas napping in the eucalyptus trees.
Wild Highlands: Scotland’s North Coast 500
For those who prefer their landscapes moody, wild, and steeped in myth, Scotland’s North Coast 500 (NC500) is the ultimate adventure. Launched in 2015, this 516-mile route loops around the northern coast of the Highlands, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. It has quickly become known as one of the world’s most beautiful road trips, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of this ancient land.
The NC500 is a journey of contrasts. One moment you’re driving along serene, mystical lochs, and the next you’re navigating a winding single-track road with dramatic sea cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic. You’ll pass by fairytale castles like Dunrobin, wander along pristine white sand beaches that look almost Caribbean (though the water temperature will quickly remind you where you are), and feel a profound sense of solitude in the vast, empty peatlands of the Flow Country. The route is best savored slowly, with plenty of stops to hike, spot wildlife like red deer and golden eagles, and enjoy the legendary Scottish hospitality in cozy pubs along the way.
Be prepared for the infamous Scottish weather, which can change in an instant. It’s essential to pack layers and waterproof gear, even in summer. The popularity of the NC500 means accommodations, especially in smaller villages, get booked up months in advance, so planning ahead is crucial. Lastly, be comfortable driving on narrow, single-track roads and know the etiquette of using passing places.
Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland’s Ring Road
There are few places on Earth where the raw power of nature is as palpable as in Iceland. Circling the entire country, the 828-mile Ring Road (Route 1) is the gateway to this elemental world. A road trip here feels less like a vacation and more like an expedition to another planet. The landscapes are so epic and otherworldly that you’ll find yourself pulling over constantly, jaw agape in disbelief.
Where else can you walk behind a thunderous waterfall one hour and then walk on a 1,000-year-old glacier the next? The Ring Road delivers these experiences daily. You’ll witness powerful waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, gaze at the ethereal blue icebergs floating in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and feel the geothermal energy seeping from the ground in the Myvatn area. Driving along the south coast offers views of volcanic black sand beaches and dramatic basalt columns. In the east, you’ll navigate stunning fjords and visit charming fishing villages. And if you travel between September and April, you have the incredible bonus of potentially witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky. This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a profound encounter with the forces that shaped our planet.
