Road Trips
The world's most legendary roads: from Route 66 to the Garden Route. Routes, tips and the best stops for your road trip.
Why the Journey Is the Destination
A road trip is more than a journey from A to B. It is that feeling when you start the engine in the morning without knowing exactly where you will sleep tonight. The freedom to stop at every viewpoint, turn off spontaneously into a village or simply keep driving because the road is so beautiful.
Road trips let you experience a country in a way no package holiday can. You watch the landscape change slowly, listen to local radio, stop at roadside stalls and discover places that are not in any guidebook. Every kilometre tells a story.
In this guide you will find five of the world's most legendary routes, practical tips on vehicle choice and route planning, a car packing list and an honest budget estimate. Rev the engine – let's go.
The 5 Most Beautiful Road Trip Routes in the World
From Iceland's Ring Road to Scotland's Highlands – these routes are pure driving pleasure.
Iceland Ring Road
IcelandRoute 1 covers 1,322 km around all of Iceland. Along the way: waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, geysers, hot springs and black lava beaches. 10–14 days ideal.
Route highlights:
Route 66
USAThe 'Mother Road' from Chicago to Santa Monica is the epitome of the road trip. 3,940 km across eight states, 1950s diners, neon signs and the Grand Canyon as a side trip.
Route highlights:
Amalfi Coast
ItalyThe short 50 km coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno is one of the most beautiful in the world. Tight hairpins along steep cliffs, colourful villages like Positano and the deep blue Mediterranean.
Route highlights:
Garden Route
South Africa300 km along the south coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Lush forests, lagoons, golden beaches and the Big Five at Addo Elephant Park.
Route highlights:
North Coast 500
Scotland830 km through the Scottish Highlands. Rugged coastlines, deserted beaches, medieval castles and whisky distilleries.
Route highlights:
Route Planning and Tips
From preparation to overnight stays – everything you need for a successful road trip.
Before you go
- Plan the route roughly but stay flexible
- Book accommodation in advance during high season
- Apply for an international driving licence
- Choose fully comprehensive insurance without excess
- Download offline navigation
Vehicle choice
- Compact car for Europe – narrow roads!
- SUV or 4x4 for gravel and off-road sections
- Campervan for maximum flexibility
- Prefer automatic if you are not used to driving on the left
- Compare rental cars on comparison sites
On the road
- Plan no more than 3–4 hours of driving per day
- Don't skip petrol stations in remote areas
- Know local traffic rules
- Rest every 2 hours
- Photo stops at lay-bys, not on the road
Overnight stays
- Mix of hotels, B&Bs and camping
- Use apps like Park4Night or iOverlander
- Wild camping possible with permission (right to roam)
- Flexible cancellation for spontaneous changes
- Farm stays for authentic experiences
The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
What goes in the car – besides your normal luggage.
Vehicle essentials
- Warning triangle, high-vis vest and first-aid kit
- Spare fuel can for remote stretches
- Jump leads and tyre repair kit
- Torch or head torch
- Rental car documents and breakdown number
- USB cable and phone mount
Navigation & planning
- Offline maps on your phone
- Paper road map as backup
- Guidebook with route descriptions
- Notebook for highlights and fuel receipts
- Road trip playlist or audiobooks
- Dashcam – useful in accidents
Comfort & provisions
- Cool box for drinks and snacks
- Refillable water bottles
- Blanket and pillow for spontaneous breaks
- Rubbish bags in the car (Leave No Trace!)
- Sunshade for windscreen
- Umbrella and warm jacket
Ready for Your Road Trip?
Start the engine and discover the world's most beautiful roads. Your adventure starts now.