There are not many things that can make you feel more alive than taking a long drive. It is a great way to take a break from the daily shenanigans, to indulge in the beauty of nature, and to experience the lakhs of different cultures around the world. Road trips are remarkable in that, whether it be the sound of the wind in the ears or the rough feel of the wheels on the rugged surfaces, they all provide a different perspective entirely to long travel. Presented within this article are ten unsurpassed and memorable road trip adventures that each traveler should embark on in the near future.
Also read – Traveling with Pets: Tips and Pet-Friendly Destinations
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Route: San Francisco to San Diego
Scenic Highlights: Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, and the beaches of Malibu
A long trip along the garish hills of California would be incomplete if it did not involve a drive down the pacific coast highway. This specific hike is special as it encourages drivers to enjoy the coastal beach towns and towering cliffs that scatter the landscape. While driving down the coast, enjoy the views of the Big Sur coastline, the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the iconic Hearst Castle—which is more like an important relic in the area.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Late Spring and early Fall as both times have pleasant weather with fewer tourists.
• Packing Essentials: It would be best to pack some sunglasses to keep off the sun’s glare. A camera would be required to capture beautiful landscapes and wear some layers for a chilly day to avoid having to wear the same outfit all day.
• Place perspective: California’s uniqueness in terms of its coastline, and its beauty, can best be experienced by stopping at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where one can enjoy spotting sea otters and seals while exploring one of the coastal trails.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia
Route: Asheville, NC to Shenandoah National Park, VA
Scenic Highlights: Mount Mitchell, Linville Gorge, and the Appalachian Mountains
Opting for a road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway means going on a thrilling scenic drive that meshes well with the Appalachian mountains. It has a length of 469 miles, stretching from North to the south Virginia making it a great hiking trail location. If you are a ‘leaf-peeper’ this is the perfect location for you as the parkway during fall is filled with vast streaks of colors across the landscape. Some other stunning spots include the Linville Falls and Craggy Gardens to give you a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Range mountains.
Road Trip Tips:
• Time Recommendation: The biased best time to visit is autumn during leaf fall or early December when it is still autumn.
• What to Pack: The essential things to include are some durable hiking boots, a packed picnic as well as a camera for the breathtaking panoramic views.
• Tip: The Blue Ridge Music Center is a helpful establishment to attend so you can listen to the music natives play as well learn the log history of the deep-rooted musical culture of the place.
3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Route: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
Scenic Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Bells Beach
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is one of the most awe-inspiring in the world, featuring breathtaking surf beaches, huge cliff tops and picturesque stretches of coast. The highlight of the coastline is the collection of limestone stacks known as The Twelve Apostles, which quite literally rise up from the ocean. A constant sea of surfing locations, dense rainforests, and scenic ocean-side towns helps you easily get captivated. Also great is the Otway National Park that is filled with old eucalyptus trees along with stunning waterfalls.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: November to April for moderate temperatures.
• Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, swimwear, and a surfboard if you want to surf.
• Local Insight: The Great Otway Lighthouse is a good place to learn more about Australia’s maritime past and take in stunning coastal views during an interesting guided walkabout.
4. The Garden Route, South Africa
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River, Western Cape
Scenic Highlights: Knysna Lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Plettenberg Bay
The Garden Route in South Africa is a scenic drive that showcases a variety of natural scenery including woodlands, beautiful beaches and game reserves. There is whale watching, hiking and small town exploration along the route. A place worth visiting is Tsitsikamma National Park, well known for its greenery and suspension bridges. Along the way, you hand in hand with Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, which are sanctuaries focused on the local fauna and eco-friendly tourism.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).
• Packing Essentials: Binoculars for wildlife watching, anti-insect spray, and physical activity clothing.
• Local Insight: Do not miss the opportunity of enjoying nice tasting oysters while in the lagoon boat excursion around the region of Knysna.
5. Route 66, USA
Route: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
Scenic Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest National Park
On one level Route 66 can simply be the drive of a lifetime for many people, sometimes also referred to as the ‘Mother Road,’ it is a road trip defining classic American culture. An Eight state historic route filled with several interesting roadside shops, drive-ins and beautiful geographic features. The addition of Grand Canyon to the journey makes it an ujumeric in a great fantastic experience even more for the watchers in the trip.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate.
• Packing Essentials: A map of roadside buildings, a camera and lots of snacks.
• Local Insight: Travel to Seligman, Arizona — an authentic Route 66 town that most people would regard as time-frozen.
6. The Ring Road, Iceland
Route: Circle around Iceland
Scenic Highlights: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and volcanic landscapes
The Iceland Ring Road proceeds all the way around the island and takes the user through mesmerizing routes of waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. This approach is ideal for those of the audience who wish to experience nature in pure untouched form with breathtaking scenery, as well as ideal places for taking photographs. The geothermal area of Mývatn will be seen by visitors, and their route will lead them to typical fishing settlements and towns to learn about Icelandic coastal culture.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Summer when the driving conditions and daylight hours are favorable.
• Packing Essentials: Know how long you are traveling out of the country, bring warm clothes, waterproof clothing, a high-definition camera that has additional storage space.
• Local Insight: Make a stop at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to enjoy a view of Kirkjufell Mountain and its extraordinary surroundings.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Route: Sorrento to Salerno
Scenic Highlights: Positano, Ravello, and the stunning Mediterranean coastline
One of the most scenic coastlines can be found in Europe in the Amalfi Coast where one finds steep cliffs, quaint towns and blue water. Adding to the excitement are the narrow and winding roads that make every village unique. People love Positano and Ravello for their breathtaking views and surrounding landscapes but the enchanting black and white cathedrals of Amalfi are a reason to give this charming drive cultural depth.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Late spring or early autumn to escape summer influx of tourists.
• Packing Essentials: Walking shoes, swimsuit, and a rucksack so as to allow for more mobility whilst exploring the towns.
• Local Insight: Be ready to enjoy the famous Limoncello of the region, one of the outstanding lemon liqueurs made from local Amalfi lemons.
8. Cabot Trail, Canada
Route: Loop around Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Scenic Highlights: Cape Breton Highlands, Skyline Trail, and Margaree River
The Cabot Trail of Canada is a circular route exhibiting the beautiful views of Cape Breton island. The path runs along the coast, through some lovely villages and ample opportunity for views of the local wildlife. The must-see place will be the Skyline Trail with its breathtaking views of the gulf of Saint Lawrence. And there are also some artisan or souvenir shops on the way which exhibit well loved handmade crafts.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: In the ranges from late spring to the early fall.
• Packing Essentials: Bug repellents, warm clothing, and picnic cloth.
• Local Insight: Cape Breton has Scottish roots and subjects of interest such as music and dance can be found at the Gaelic College.
9. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Route: Derry to Cork
Scenic Highlights: Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and Galway Bay
A trip is not complete without a drive along the well known Wild Atlantic Way, the western most parts of Ireland with its stunning green landscape, soaring cliffs and beautiful seashores. There are also the Cliffs of Moher while the Dingle Peninsula consists of beautiful little towns and beaches. There are nice Irish pubs scattered along the way from where one can understand the heritage of Ireland.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: During summer for pleasant weather.
• Packing Essentials: Raincoat, hiking shoes, as well as a camera for amazing views.
• Local Insight: Explore the local scene in the artsy Galway City while taking pleasure in local talents, food, and market stalls.
10. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Route: Inverness to the Isle of Skye
Scenic Highlights: Loch Ness, Glencoe Valley, and Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland has anything from high sea lochs, to misty mountains and extravagant ancient castles. The ruins and castles of this land adds a unique form of beauty to this brilliant road trip. For its magical charm, Europe seem incomplete without Loch Ness, while the captivating views of the Isle of Skye never disappoints.
Road Trip Tips:
• Best Time to Go: Spring or summer for better weather and long daylight.
• Packing Essentials: Waterproof gear, hiking boots and good detailed map.
• Local Insight: If you are a true whisky enthusiast, visit a distillery which could include the Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye.
Packing Tips for a Scenic Road Trip
When it comes to making a road trip, packing the right essentials can either make or break the experience. Following are some of the essentials for any road trip:
- Navigation Tools: A GPS device or a smartphone with offline maps because the interconnectivity may be limited.
- Comfort Items: A neck pillow, a blanket, and some clothes for long drives.
- Emergency Kit: A spare tire, some jumper cables, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.
- Entertainment: Playlist, audiobooks, podcasts which have been downloaded for the journey.
- Food and Water: Non-perishable snacks, a cooler for bottles of water, and reusable utensils.
Additional Tips for Planning Your Road Trip
Finally, there is planning and preparation to be done so that the scenic road trip you are looking forward to is everything you want it to be. Here are more pointers to preparing for a smooth journey:
- Check Road Conditions: Some picturesque routes, especially in less populated regions, might be out of commission at certain times of the year. It is always good to check for local reports prior to setting out.
- Plan Pit Stops: Locate fuel stations, eating places, and areas of interest on the way, just so that you are nicely prepared.
- Stay Charged: When traveling, charge your devices in the car, or if your phone is your main navigator, take charging accessories with you.
- Research Local Regulations: Same goes with other factors such as tolls, certain areas which may have a speed limit or any other directed instruction.
Conclusion
Trail rides magnificently wind from towering cliffs along California’s Pacific Coast Highway to the rugged Scottish Highlands, a top ten list of breathtaking road trips ever for any travel buff. All of the roads have something to offer. Gigantic clouds floated down below, cozy villages or sprawling cities eagerly awaited to be explored. When getting ready, don’t forget the basics, look into your travel path, and open your heart to the adventure! These are the particularly the best road trips of 2024 and every journey is going to be epic. So remember these moments, for they will last forever.