world trip cars

10 Best Expedition Vehicles To Explore The World In

Some of the best Expedition vehicles in the world are built just for millionaires, but many out there can be afforded by the average person who likes to explore where the roads finish. Even some of the best camper vans can’t go where expedition vehicles can go. These are the ultimate exploration devices, bringing with you the comforts of home and the power of tanks. If you’re into van life , this is like that, but with a million dollar budget.

Below we have put together a list of the 10 best expedition vehicles from around the world, Canada, America and even Europe. They come in all different shapes, sizes and budgets, but we can assure you, these are some of the best money can buy. The list goes in no particular order. Enjoy.

1. Global Expedition Truck – $1,000,000

Global X Vehicles are a US based company that quite literally make some of the craziest, and most expensive Expedition vehicles around. The one we are looking at now is their Patagonia edition, a 27 foot long truck that feels as if you’re bringing along a 5 star hotel attached to a tank.

To get inside the Patagonia you need a ladder and some pretty strong calves, but once you’re in you really get to see what you’ve spent your money on. It can sleep up to a family of 6, comes with a full sized shower, a cooking area bigger than my flat, a king sized bed, more windows than the London Eye and a dining area fit for a king. You can access the cabin from the living room and it has more smart technology than Elon Musk himself. This is a serious expedition vehicle, and one that can travel across the world with everything but the kitchen sink… oh wait it has that too.

Outside of this expedition vehicle you have lots of storage, and areas to access some of the interior goodies. For example, it has a garage, skylights, access to water and electric bits, it can hold a motorbike, has night vision cameras and even an awning to keep the sun from burning your family of 6. If you’ve got a spare one million dollars, this might be the new home you’ve been looking for.

2. Earthroamer – $500,000

If you’ve been researching expedition vehicles, or just like watching videos like this one, then you’ve most likely came across Earthroamer. Earthroamer create some of the best looking expedition trucks on the market, and they’ve even sold vehicles to celebrities such as Aquaman himself.

Earthroamers are built on fully upgraded trucks, with kitted out lift kits, new suspension and a whole lot of horsepower, because as you can imagine, these things aren’t light coming in at around 9,000KG. On the exterior of the Earthroamer you can add attachments and upgrades all day long, for example awnings, barbeque area, storage, bike holders, showers, you name it. The Earthroamer on the exterior is incredibly modular. 

Inside is where you get to see the true craftsmanship of the brand. Brown leather seating, glossy wood, champagne holders, swing out TV, a kitchen area built for Gordon Ramsey, and a bed that can easily fit four people. The lounge area also sleeps two, so it’s perfect for a family, or a road trip with friends. It has a full sized shower, high end insulation, a giant fridge/freezer and even electric steps to get you down from this castle. It’s a looker, that’s for sure.

3. ATV Shaman 8X8 – $175,000

If you want something fit for a zombie apocalypse, or something that can plow straight through rocks then this half tank have camper hybrid might be something to put on your Christmas list. With 8 wheels, an escape hatch, central driving hub and enough seating space for your whole neighbourhood the Avtoros Shaman is one that you want to buy, but probably shouldn’t.

Coming in at just $175,000 it’s a lot cheaper than most on the list, and that’s because as much as it is an expedition vehicle, some normal roads, and destinations might just be out of reach for some of us out there. For those of you thinking “it’s not that expensive” think again, because this thing only does 11 miles to the gallon… Yeah and it has a top speed of 44mph, so some would argue to rather walk.

It’s built primarily for excursions, be it in Iceland visiting waterfalls, or driving across the outback of Australia with tourists, this is what you’d buy it for. But like those of interested in camping, it seems as if the interior could easily be converted, should you want a bed inside. Just make sure you keep the handbrake on, as not even a mountain will stop this.

4. Bliss Mobil 6X6 – $400,000

Bliss has been around for some time now, and it wasn’t until they revealed their 20ft 6X6 Mercedes Zetros that things really started to pop. Much like GlobalXVehicles, they have added what can only be described as a hotel on the back of a large truck.

You can choose from two different setups, either the two bed, or the four bed. Allowing families or partners to choose which they go for. Obviously the two bed opens up for more space in the living/kitchen area. The exterior hosts a tonne of goodies, including a bat wing awning, an outdoor cooking area, a shower and a place to keep your quad bike… Yep, it comes with a quad bike.

While your partner is cruising on the quad, you can jump inside to your home and experience what only the rich can. A palace on wheels. It comes with a king sized bed, a giant kitchen, a bunch of technology, a full blown shower, air con and a huge seating area with adjacent windows for you to have breakfast at while watching your partner be a big kid.

5. Land Rover Camper – $100,000

The Land Rover is one of the best things to come out of the United Kingdom, just under Jaffa Cakes and even though it’s small, compact and somewhat cheap, it’s still one of the best expedition vehicles on planet earth.

A company called Alu Cab who specialise in camper accessories for expedition vehicles have designed one of the best Land Rover Defenders we’ve ever seen. They’ve attached a pop top roof, an awning, a double bed, a small kitchen and even an outdoor shower. This is all you need to travel across countries in a vehicle, and because it’s a normal sized vehicle and doesn’t have eight wheels you can get through small towns, go up large terrains and even rock crawl should you want too.

Like my partner always said, size doesn’t matter.

6. AEV Jeep Camper – $150,000

If you haven’t heard of AEV then you need to get a grip, also known as American Expedition Vehicles, they’re commonly known for completely pimping out already beastly vehicles into something fit for Hercules himself. But one of our favourite has to be the Jeep Camper . At its core, this is a Jeep Wrangler Camper unit that works extremely well on any terrain, rock crawling, off roading, you name it, the Wrangler is one of the best.

Due to its size, it’s also easy to drive around the city, meaning stocking up your camping gear and food essentials is as easy as pulling up outside your local supermarket. It even comes with a huge pop top allowing you to stand up within your camper when off the grid. Like any pimped out Wrangler it comes with a lift kit, new suspension, off road tyres, a snorkel and light bars. 

On the inside, things are even more sleek, with matte black interior, high end storage, Dometic fridge, a sofa bed, for the kids, wood detailing and obviously the double bed up top for the adults. This is aimed at those wanting to rock crawl, and test their vehicles to the max while living off the grid for a few days. The solar panels on top will also keep all of your technology charged too, so if creating content is your thing, this is the vehicle for you. All of this will cost you $150,000+.

7. Orangework Expedition Vehicles – $420,000

Meet the Yellow Land Submarine. Created by a conversion company in Germany called Orangework , they’ve taken inspiration from the classic school bus and converted one of the craziest, and most vibrant look expedition vehicles known to man. Built on top of a Mercedes G Wagon this is a half a million dollar vehicle built for the rich who like to be seen. This is quite literally the opposite of a stealth camper.

This four-tonne Mercedes Camper is not for the faint of heart. With a 224-horsepower engine and permanent four-wheel drive, this Orange Works creation is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Never mind getting from A to B as quickly as possible; this will get you there before you’ve even had time to fasten your seat belt and check your wing mirrors! Battery power comes from two 280-watt solar modules designed to keep you away from the campsite and out in the wilderness, and the indoor/outdoor shower combo is perfect for cleaning yourself, your off-grid gear, and any passers-by that you want to mess with.

On the inside, it’s clean, minimalist, and has everything you could ever dream of in a camper. Cooking 3 course meals in this is a breeze, and getting that comfortable sleep in the middle of nowhere is guaranteed with the thick, insulated walls. This is one of Europe’s best looking expedition vehicles, hands down.

8. Four Wheel Campers – $25,000

One of the most affordable on the list and certainly one of the most realistic. Four Wheel Campers create high end campers that slide onto the back of your current truck. Installation is easy with the legs that extend, you then park your truck under it, lower the legs and lock it in place. Taking less than 30 minutes to set up you’re ready to turn your work truck into a camper.

We had the privilege to camp in one of these for weeks on and and can confirm it works a treat on custom off road trucks. Because it’s a pop up, when you’re driving, it’s folded down into a compact nature adding only two feet over extra head space on your truck. Once popped up, your camper is transformed into a off grid home, with a queen size bed, a cooking area, desk space, and tonnes of storage.

If you want to upgrade it you can add awnings, an outdoor shower and even space for your mountain bikes and surfboards. It’s an incredible invention and it opens up luxury off grid homes to a wider, more affordable customer. Plus the team behind it are great, genuinely friendly people who love what they do, it’s like a big family, and they’re constantly doing events for their customers. Superb service.

9. Fiat Ducato 4X4 – $350,000

The Fiat Ducato is one of Europe’s best panel vans, and like any decent panel van, it becomes a great camper van, should it be converted correctly. Fiat teamed up with 4×4 specialist Automobiles, body customizer Olmedo Special Vehicles, and interior specialist Technoform. This beast features a custom LED light bar, a front winch, new oversized wheels, crazy storage space and a solar panel on top for all you gadget junkies.

Inside is where it gets real fancy, you have a custom built modern dining area, a kitchen with a stainless steel sink and glass top stove, a FULL SIZED bed which features a television for those netflix and chill kind of nights. And our favourite and certainly under appreciated feature is the four seater dining room, with spinning seats! It has enough space for you and 3 friends to eat and prepare food, plus it’s a great place to get your work done, should you be hustling off the grid.

The Fiat Ducato Camper hides a 2.3L MultiJet-2 diesel engine which contains 150hp, combined that with the four-wheel drive, and you’ll be plowing through any terrain Europe throws at you. The Fiat team have gone overboard with this one, and added in a tonne of extreme sports goodies, showing that its target market is sport addicts who like to live in the mountains. Well played Fiat.

10. UniMog – $1,000,0000

One of the heaviest Expedition Vehicles on our list is the UniMog , a road legal tank build for those who want size over power. Specifically the UniMog camper is the one we are featuring today, originally the UniMog was used by the military to transport large cargo and even vehicles, but for the human race that wasn’t enough. They wanted to turn this reliable off road truck into a monster that can carry a small container on the bag.

In this container you will be greeted with a luxury retreat, built with only the finest of materials. A large kitchen, room to sleep 6, a cinema room, windows to take in your surroundings and a full blown shoer that can fit two. The double bed actually floats, and with a push of a button it will raised into the roof creating space for you to eat with your family and friends.

Based on the Mercedes U4023 it has a 3,850 mm wheelbase, is almost 7 metres in length, and is completely kitted out with solar panels, so that not only can it power your giant home on wheels, it can also power your outdoor generators and electric toys should you have them. This is one of the most expensive on the list coming in at one million dollars. Just make sure you got somewhere to park this thing.

And that’s our list of the best expedition vehicles from around the world. Showcasing affordable $25,000 rigs, to the dream like million dollar homes on wheels fit for kings.

More content from the Van Clan Team

• Too big? Take a look at these off road campers .
• You’ll need these best camping chairs also.
• Team it up with the best teardrop campers .

Please note that all comments will be checked by our team before being approved.

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The Best Road Trip Cars From Every Category

When "Head out on the highway" is more than just a line from a song to you, these are the cars to buy.

Civic Hatchback

Embarking on an epic road trip adventure requires the perfect companion, and selecting the ideal car for the journey can significantly impact your experience. In an era where sustainability and efficiency take center stage, the realm of road trip vehicles has transformed. From the ever-expanding array of electric vehicles to power-oriented marvels, the choices have never been more exhilarating. The question is simple: What is the best car for long-distance driving?

That's a loaded question, so today, we'll explore the best road trip cars in 10 different segments, guiding you through options that guarantee comfort, dependability, and the freedom to navigate extensive distances effortlessly. Whether plotting a picturesque coastal drive, a cross-country odyssey, or a quick weekend escape, these road trip-ready vehicles will enhance the journey, and perhaps even the destination. Prepare to embark on your open-road adventure with unwavering confidence as we unveil the top contenders in the domain of road-trip cars.

The Hatchback: 2024 Honda Civic Hatch

The latest Civic Hatchback keeps its enjoyable driving dynamics intact despite being a more grown-up car than any Civic before it. In base form, its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces an ample 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while a turbocharged 1.5-liter ups the stakes to 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Plus, if you're still of the old-school persuasion and like to be in control of the experience, you can get a six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport and Sport Touring trims - or a CVT if you prefer to relax.

With combined EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg in turbo guise and 33 mpg in base form, the Civic is light on gas, and starting at an MSRP of $24,950, it's light on your bank account from the get-go.

Combine its mechanical attributes with a spacious cabin and large trunk (24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats), and it's a winner already. Factor in a full suite of connectivity options like a seven-inch touchscreen and matching digital gauge cluster (nine- and 10.2 inches respectively on the Sport Touring), and you have one of the most complete long-distance vehicles on the market and a perfect family road trip car.

The Crossover: 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

This fuel-efficient road trip car boasts a hybrid system, achieving an impressive 38 mpg combined EPA rating. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric augmentation, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, producing 226 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Whether traveling with a full crew or just a few, the standard all-wheel drive ensures surefootedness over any surface and in any climate through sun, snow, and rain.

Ideal for family road trips, it boasts a comfortable and spacious interior equipped with rear USB ports and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Five seats with ample rear legroom enhance the appeal of this compact crossover, and its generous 38.7-cu-ft trunk accommodates all your gear. You can use all five seats, or drop the 60:40-split rear seats to carry larger items. Starting at $32,325, the Tucson Hybrid ticks all the right boxes .

The Sports Car: 2024 Mustang GT Coupe

While there may be many options in contention for the title of the best sports car , we maintain when it comes to road trips, the Mustang has them all soundly beaten. A new generation has arrived for 2024, sporting updated styling and a new fighter jet-inspired interior with larger infotainment and digital gauge cluster screens.

Under the hood, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 has been upgraded and now produces 36 hp more in the 2024 Mustang GT than the old model, totaling 486 hp. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed auto, which may be better suited to long-distance cruising.

Should the road get twisty on your journey, the Mustang GT's combination of power, noise, and agility means an entertaining road trip is in the cards, and the supportive Recaro front seats hold you in place comfortably. Ample rear legroom - yes, it's a four-seater sports car - and a 13.5 cubic foot trunk make it practical too, and since you can get it as a coupe or a convertible, it's perfect for summer road trips.

The Wagon: 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country

The Volvo V60 Cross Country excels in various aspects such as space, speed, off-road capability, etc. This versatile vehicle is a gem for road trips and an overall top-tier option. Sporting 26 mpg combined from a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, its raised ground clearance and AWD give it the ability to tackle dirt roads without the hefty fuel economy of traditional SUVs.

It comes fully equipped with advanced safety features, including a rear cross-traffic alert system and traffic sign recognition, plus semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. A five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA backs this up and ensures a safe road trip for the whole family.

It boasts an available Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing connectivity on your journeys and keeping the kids occupied, and its spacious interior means they'll be comfortable for hours. 22.5 cubic feet of trunk space will accommodate suitcases, tents, and more; if you need extra, the fold-down rear seats let you accommodate even more. Additionally, you can add a roof-mounted bicycle rack, perfect for those with an active lifestyle, making it one of the best cars for road-tripping.

The Minivan: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

The $51,095 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid harmoniously blends gas and electric power, catering to road trips with its ample combination of cargo space, people space, and frugality. Furnished with a 3.6-liter V6 augmented by electric power, it produces 260 hp. It lays down this power through a front-wheel drivetrain. If you want AWD, you can have it, but that would require the non-hybrid Pacifica.

Spacious with seating for eight occupants, it looks after the family with advanced safety features like emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. There's versatility aplenty with Stow 'n Go seating that avails additional cargo space without physically having to remove seats from the minivan, and between 32.3 and 140.5 cubic feet.

A heated steering wheel and three-zome climate control add extra luxury, and the new Pinnacle model adds even more luxury to the road trip experience. The panoramic rearview mirror helps to keep an eye on the kids during the, 'Are we there yet' arguments.

The Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

Should road trips in 2023 call for a more 'cross-country' experience, the Ford F-150 Raptor is the only pickup truck for the job. While the allure is strong to go for the TRX-beating Raptor R and its supercharged V8, for road trips, we think the base Raptor is better, thanks to its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Not only do you get 450 hp and 510 lb-ft sent to all corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but you get 15 mpg combined (instead of the R's 12 mpg). You can still tow 8,200 lbs, get a versatile truck bed, and those sweet Fox shocks that can take you to hell and back.

Inside, all F-150 models come with standard features like a 12-inch digital gauge display and Sync 4-enabled infotainment system, soft bucket seats, wireless charging, and 400W USB ports with outlets in both the cab and the bed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With five seats, ample power, and go-anywhere capability, the F-150 Raptor is a road-trip truck with no equal.

The Full-Size SUV: 2023 Cadillac Escalade

If you need three rows of seats, a body-on-frame chassis, an abundance of passenger and storage space, and supreme luxury, the Cadillac Escalade may be the best road trip SUV there is, even if it does cost a slip more than $80,000.

With a versatile engine lineup including a Duramax diesel six-cylinder (277 hp/460 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp/460 lb-ft), both saddled with a buttery-smooth 10-speed automatic, the Escalade can tow up to 8,200 lbs, meaning you can take everything with you on holiday. The spacious cabin accommodates a ton of cargo, and an available long-wheelbase ESV variant even makes the third row of seating adult-friendly.

The Escalade is loaded with exceptional tech such as the 38-inch diagonal OLED display encompassing instrumentation and infotainment, and a full-color head-up display. Super Cruise hands-free driving making long-distance trips on the highway a cinch, too.

The Grand Tourer: 2024 Lexus LC Hybrid

We've chosen the LC Hybrid for this list, but we wouldn't fault you for picking any of the LC models. The standard variant packs a sonorous naturally aspirated V8 (coupe and convertible), but for covering distance, the LC 500h's 3.5-liter V6 and twin electric motors still packs a 354-hp punch while consuming considerably less fuel at 29 mpg combined vs. the V8's 19 mpg. It looks achingly gorgeous, too. The downside is an electronic CVT, but with the additional torque of the e-motors, and given the laidback cruising nature of the LC, it's a forgivable offense.

Road trip cars typically need big trunks, and the LC falls short here with only 4.7 cubic feet in hybrid form, but with 2+2 seating in which the rear seats aren't suited for passengers, there's plenty of additional storage space in the cabin.

Packed with Lexus' array of safety systems, and now featuring a decent infotainment system , the car is technologically up-to-date and safe for you and a loved one to hit the road and soak up the miles in comfort and luxury.

The Luxury Sedan: 2024 Audi S8

The 2024 Audi S8 redefines the road trip experience with its blend of luxury and performance. Beneath its hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While everyone knows the Mercedes-AMG S63 in this segment, the Audi S8 is seen as more of a sleeper, an understated performance sedan that can lap up the miles without shouting about its 3.8-second 0-60 mph potential. Combined with the nimbleness of its rear-axle steering and the surefootedness of its all-wheel drive, it's the perfect car for almost any occasion.

Whether you're seated up front or reclining in the massaging rear seats, you're swathed in luxury and cutting-edge technology. Plush leather seats provide a sense of opulence, while the MMI Touch Response infotainment system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure seamless connectivity and entertainment throughout your road trips, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers engaged on extended journeys.

The only downside is the $120,600 price tag.

The Convertible: 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

The Porsche Carrera GTS Cabriolet redefines the essence of road trips with its breadth of performance and capability. It's fast, it's comfortable, it's feature-laden, and it even has four seats - what more could you ask for? Beneath its curvaceous exterior lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 473 hp and 420 lb-ft, and with your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, you get a 0-60 mph time of under 3.4 seconds and all-weather confidence.

Inside, the Carrera GTS Cabriolet pampers occupants with opulent leather seats and a cutting-edge infotainment system, including the Porsche Communication Management system. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester sound system promises exceptional audio quality, enhancing the soundtrack of your road trip.

With a front cargo area measuring 4.7 cubic feet and rear seats that can double as storage in a pinch, there's plenty of space for your luggage. Then, when the weather is right, a 12-second drop of the top lets you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. When the journey matters more than the destination, few cars do road trips like the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.

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Driving around the world: our epic adventure.

Nobody could have predicted the year we had in 2020.

Being stuck in one location for the best part of a year wasn't exactly easy for anyone.

But adapting to life in one place is something we, in particular, are NOT very good at.

So what did we do?

We decided to use the time to complete a dream we have both shared ever since we met back in university ...

A dream to convert our very own campervan ... which we did!

But what next?

Well ... never ones to shy away from a crazy adventure, we decided to drive around the world!

Travellerspoint

The route around the world

Let's get stuck straight in!

Here's an ( extremely rough ) look at the route we are planning to do ...

Starting from the UK, the plan is now to keep heading west until we eventually find ourselves back again.

Simple right?

Planning a route to drive around the world is always going to be tricky.

Border disputes, wars, visa issues, breakdowns.

The list of things that can ( and will ) go wrong on such a trip is almost endless.

Now throw Covid into the mix ....

That's why the map you see above is so rough. We have no doubts that we will struggle to get into certain countries due to the ongoing struggle with the virus.

We are both fully vaccinated and also don’t want to put anyone else at risk.

That's why we will be taking our time with the journey, only passing through countries when safe and fully legal to do so.

We've also given ourselves a super relaxed timeline for the trip.

Without Covid, I'd say a sensible timeline for what we intend is at least 2-3 years.

With Covid ... it's anyone's guess. But at least 4 years is what we've prepared ourselves for.

What if it takes longer?

Then we get to spend even longer discovering the world, meeting new people, seeing new sites and making new friends.

It really is a win-win!

Here’s the route we currently have in mind (I will update it as we go) ...

2021 - COMPLETE! (Making our way through Europe)

• UK - Starting point
• France - COMPLETE!
• Spain - COMPLETE!
• Portugal - COMPLETE!
• Gibraltar - COMPLETE!
• Andorra - COMPLETE!
• Monaco - COMPLETE!
• Italy - COMPLETE!
• Slovenia - COMPLETE!
• Croatia - COMPLETE!
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - COMPLETE!
• Montenegro - COMPLETE!
• Kosovo - COMPLETE!
• North Macedonia - COMPLETE!
• Albania - COMPLETE!
• Greece - COMPLETE!
• Bulgaria - COMPLETE!
• Serbia - COMPLETE! (+ we even rescued 5 puppies !)
• Romania - COMPLETE!

2022 Update - The ol' switcharoo

My prophecy above ended up coming true!

Jeeze, thanks past Brad!

The new route you see discussed above is actually the other way around to our original route!

Below is what our original route looked like.

Due to the still ongoing variants of Covid as of late 2021, we made the decision to switch things around and instead spend much of 2022 exploring North America, where we knew the countries were all open.

The plan being that, once we are done there, we can then venture further south into South America and then across to Asia with (hopefully) far fewer disruptions.

That was the plan at least!

Keep scrolling to see how we got on ...

End of 2022 update!*

Okay, if you've been following us on YouTube (if you haven't then you should be and can do so here ) then 2022 was an INCREDIBLE year!

Plenty of ups and downs (naturally). But possibly the most traveling we have ever done and the least time we have ever spent back in the UK.

We were on the road for 10 out of the 12 months, and here's what we got up to!

• Road tripped most of Nova Scotia
• Stayed on a maple farm
• Fell in love with Quebec City
• Explored Montreal
• Explored Toronto
• Visited Niagara Falls (and flew over them in a helicopter!)
• Drove across Ontario
• Visited Winnipeg
• Explored lots of Alberta
• Discovered Banff
• Drove through the Rocky Mountains (absolutely epic!!!)
• Explored Jasper
• Drove all of the Alaska Highway (best experience)
• Had to get towed off the Dempster Highway
• Road tripped all of Alaska
• Visited Vancouver

That is a very brief overview of 3 truly unforgettable months in Canada (and Alaska).

Really, that list doesn't even begin to do justice to what we saw here and how we fell in love with this country.

To discover more (and see some of Cazzy's incredible pics) check out these other posts we wrote:

• Best places to visit in Canada
• Best things to do in Alaska
• Best road trips in Canada
• Visited Seattle
• Explored Portland (by land and water)
• Stayed in Salt Lake City
• Road tripped Utah
• Was awestruck by Utah's National Parks (particularly Bryce Canyon)
• Went rafting in Moab
• Ate far too much in Denver
• Visited Fort Collins
• Explored Colorado Springs
• Road tripped Colorado (LOVED IT but had some van trouble)
• Was left astounded by the Grand Canyon
• Lost all our money in Las Vegas (but loved it anyway)
• Road tripped California
• Stayed in San Francisco
• Visited the celebs in Santa Barbara
• Same again in Los Angeles !

With only a few months in USA (due to visa restrictions) we stuck to the west coast of the USA, but honestly had the most amazing time.

It was crazy how blown away we were by sites that we thought might just be too hyped (i.e. the Grand Canyon and Vegas). But instead we had the most amazing time.

Once again, there are a few great posts here to check out to see more of what we got up to in the States:

• Our West Coast USA road trip itinerary
• Best things to do in Utah
• Best things to do in Colorado
• Best things to do in California
• Drive the whole of the beautiful Baja Peninsula
• Chilled in Cabo San Lucas
• Took a ferry over to Mazatlan
• Partied in Tequila!!! (Highlight of the trip)
• Skirted Guadalajara
• Explored the ruins of Tula
• Discovered the pyramids of Teotihuacan

Ultimately, we had to make our way relatively quickly through Mexico in order to reach the port city of Veracruz.

Here, we had to ready our van to be shipped to Colombia to join our South American leg of the trip.

Unfortunately, due to our vehicle being right-hand drive, we were unable to drive it any further south through Central America as Nicaragua and other countries don't allow this.

Luckily we have seen much of this region before, but definitely plan to return and see more in the future.

Ultimately, Mexico was a time to drink far too many margaritas, party with locals and just all-round have an amazing time.

Mexico is a beautiful place with wonderful people, and we didn't have a single bad experience (despite numerous unfounded warnings to the contrary from people who have never properly visited Mexico).

P.S. while waiting for our van to be shipped between Mexico and Colombia, we had a few weeks to spare, so ...

We decided to make ourselves busy in some fun ways, including:

• Treating ourselves to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun
• Taking Cazzy's first ever cruise onboard the Norwegian Jewel (we got to sail through the Panama Canal which was pretty special!

We ended 2022 by spending a week seeing the sites in Cartagena (Colombia) before collecting our van, leaving at the airport, and flying home to celebrate Christmas with our families!

Cheers to a heck of a year and see you below for a 2023 update ...

2023 - Heading further South

All going well, we should start 2023 in Colombia, and finish it somewhere in Patagonia (or maybe even Asia ...)

• Ecuador (+ a visit to the Galapagos Islands !)

2024 - Tackling Asia

From here, the aim is to have the van shipped across to South Korea, and then from there venture in some sort of route back until we reach Turkey ...

• South Korea
• Turkmenistan

For UK legal reasons, we will then be unable to drive our van any further into Europe.

Long story short, you need a legal MOT in order to drive a UK registered vehicle in Europe, otherwise your insurance is void.

As we spent all of 2021 exploring Europe, we have already completed (more than) the route from the UK through to Turkey.

So Turkey will therefore mark our end point of the trip and we can feel pretty confident saying we have completed our drive around the world :D

Of course, the plan is to find a way to ship Helen by boat back across to England, so all 3 of us shall be returning!

So, who the Heck are we?!

In case you're new to the blog, here's a quick recap ...

We are Cazzy and Bradley. We met while at uni back in 2014 and, after graduating two years later, set off on our first adventure.

An epic 4 month journey around South America , where we drank far too many caipirinhas and realised that life back in the UK just wasn’t something we wanted to face long term.

So we spent the next 4 years working online to earn money and fund our adventures around the world.

By 2019, this site was one of the world's largest travel blogs , funding our travels around more than two dozen incredible countries . Such as Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and many ... many more.

Like all businesses in the travel industry, we really struggled through Covid, and the blog took a MAJOR hit.

But our hunger and desire to travel the world still isn’t over.

The travel itch is far from fully scratched.

We love experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. We also love road trips .

4 years spent backpacking from hostel to hostel is great fun, but it can also be exhausting.

We've found that having our own vehicle to experience a country is so much more enjoyable for the type of travel we love. So building our campervan (her name’s Helen by the way) was a logical next step in our journey.

We also have no plans to settle down any time soon.

Our drive around the world is set to be our wildest and most ambitious adventure yet, but it's by no means the end for us.

We're really not sure what the future holds ... I'll guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.

The mission

Why drive around the world?

Why set such an outrageous goal? 

Especially during a time when there is so much uncertainty?

The truth is, uncertainty and a lack of a clear path doesn’t bother us.

We thrive off the unknown and take each new challenge head on as it presents itself.

Together, we have overcome so much.

We know that, though it might take longer or be more expensive than we anticipate, we know we will make it through.

Our mission is to put everything we have learnt over the last 5 years into full use.

It's going to take all of our time, effort and luck to make it around the globe and can’t wait to see how things play out.

Also, we fully intend to vlog and blog our entire journey. In turn, we hope that we can inspire others to fulfill crazy dreams as well.

How can you get involved?

We love the idea of including as many people as possible in our journey. So be sure to ...

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos
• Join our weekly email list for behind the scenes updates
• Follow us on Instagram and leave us a comment saying hi

We are keen to meet and engage with as many people as possible on this adventure and would love for you to become a part of it.

If you have any tips or ideas on what to see and do in your home country, then reach out to us and let us know!

Are you a fellow vanlifer, keen to meet up on the road? Awesome! Drop us a message on Instagram , we would love to meet up!

Sponsors for the journey

As of publishing this, we are funding 100% of this journey ourselves.

Like we have been for the last 5 years, we work and travel at the same time and plan to do the same on this adventure.

That being said, we are open to the idea of partnering with like-minded brands and companies who may want to sponsor us on our journey.

If this sounds like something you're interested in then drop us an email, I'm sure we can work something out.

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

These Are The Best Cars To Take On A Round-The-World Adventure

If you want to travel the world, these are the cars that might get you there and back..

If you’ve ever dreamt about escaping the nine to five and traveling the world for an endless road trip, you’ve come to the right place. It’s something many car fans and travel fanatics think about. But, what’s the best car to take on the trip?

To find out, we asked you for your picks for the best cars to take on a round-the-world adventure.

And, from sedans to pickup trucks, you delivered some great suggestions. To see what vehicles made the cut, flick through the gallery to see what could get you there, and back again.

Honda Odyssey

“Having driven to the remotest parts of Mexico and Central America, some observations. “1) Gas mileage is a consideration. Gas is expensive outside the US. Also I’ve been down roads where its over 200 miles to the next gas station. “2) A vehicle you can fix with your own two hands. Mechanics in many of the sparsely populated countries fix things with wire and bubble gum. “But, if you can get the broken part off, they rebuild every single part (like welding aluminum and drilling it out to make a housing – think human 3D printer.) “3) Ground clearance. Pot holes and speed bumps are legendary. Think 7"-8". “4) Space - you’re gonna be hauling a lot of tools, spare parts and gear. “5) Comfortable seats – your butt is gonna spend a lot of time riding rough roads. “6) Roof rack “My choice? 1998 Honda Odyssey. Think first gen with the 4 doors. Lifted 1.5 inches and all terrain tires. Never wanted for more, didn’t need 4 wheel drive and neither did the locals.”

Experience tells this poster that the 1998 Honda Odyssey is the perfect car for any trans-continental adventure. It’s certainly got the space for sleeping and storage, but could it really last the trip?

Suggested by: colddeadfinger

“Unimog with standard truck size tires or a big Diesel engined Land Cruiser. Then you can pretty much go anywhere and get going again anytime after a mishap too.”

Ah the Unimog, a very popular choice among posters today. This Mercedes-designed monster has been in production since 1948. The behemoth of a vehicle has a go-anywhere mentality that will be essential for any round-the-world adventure.

Suggested by: Michael Gray (Facebook)

Dodge Charger

“Sure, it would seem the Land Cruiser or a Land Rover would be the obvious answer. After all, worldwide both vehicles are as common as dirt, so if you have problems, parts will be available to git ‘er done. “But the stipulation is ‘to explore automotive cultures around the world’ and thanks to the monster influence of American pop culture around the world with movies and TV shows, everyone knows about 2nd gen Chargers. “So between the Bullitt ‘68 Charger, the Gen Lee ‘69, the F&F ‘70 Chargers, the Blade Charger, the Ghost Rider Charger, blah-blah for a list about a mile long; when you show up with one of these big-block Chargers, you will instantly be the center of attention. So by default, you will have it made-in-the-shade easy with the car clubs when you are the American cruising in a classic Charger. “And since these cars are so stick-simple, when you have problems, you can easily get it fixed— like a Land Rover, only gorgeous to look at — win-win.”

This poster woke up today and chose madness. But then again, their handle suggests their judgment may be a touch clouded here.

Suggested by: the1969dodgechargerguy

Toyota Hilux

“The only two companies I’d trust to have a global supply chain that could get me parts in places like Kyrgyzstan or Burkina Faso would be Toyota and Mercedes. Of the two, I’d go with Toyota and one of their non-usa trucks (Hilux, Prado, Land Cruiser) but tooling around in a Unimog would be cool (or an old diesel G-wagon with an OM606).”

Top Gear proved that this car could survive a trip ‘round Bristol, an expedition to the North Pole and a quick trip to a volcano, I guess that just about covers any terrain you might encounter on your travels around the globe.

Suggested by: Grayson Williams (Facebook)

Toyota 4Runner

“4th-gen V8 4WD 4Runner. I’m partial because I have one, but it really is my answer as well. It’s not as wide or long as a Land Cruiser, but is just as capable in most respects and is still incredibly comfortable for long journeys on- or off-road.”

Oh hey, another Toyota. The shortest route to drive around the world is via Russia and North America and covers more than 10,000 miles. I guess that counts as a “long journeys on- or off-road” in which to enjoy the 4Runner’s “incredible” comfort.

Suggested by: mustangiimatt

Toyota Land Cruiser

“Land Cruiser with an auxiliary gas tank. They’re very capable, but very thirsty.”

And another one.

The Land Cruiser was easily the most popular suggestion in today’s Question of the Day . Maybe that’s because it has more than 60-years of off-road experience, maybe it’s the ample power, or maybe it’s the hefty towing capacity.

Suggested by: WR Johnson (Facebook)

“All you people suggesting trucks/SUVs that don’t float? Pshaw!! “This little cutie will get you pole-to-pole.”

Finally, a little imagination. The Sherp is classed as a “Utility Task Vehicle” and it’s quite the machine. With space for four or more people, the Sherp is an amphibious car capable of going almost anywhere.

Suggested by: majordawlish

Mercedes-Benz W123

“Everyone is going off-roaders but since all the ones that I could think of as appropriate are taken I’m going to go on a slightly different direction. “The thing you want is something that is everywhere. Something that you’re going to see in most countries you can find, something that you know is going to be durable, something that can blend in and something that is often used as a taxi in poorer countries. I can think of a few potential options (Nissan Tsuru, Peugeot 505, VW Beetle, the Toyota Land Cruiser everyone else has picked already) but my personal pick is the Mercedes Benz W123. “It’s pretty much un-killable and can clearly handle the worst the world has to offer.”

A car with an ample stream of spare parts is a good way to go about this exercise. And the Mercedes W123 fits that bill down to a T. During its 10-year lifespan, Mercedes built more than 2.5 million W123s across Germany, South Africa, China and Thailand.

Suggested by: citricola

The Amphicar

“An Amphicar. It’s the only one that can actually make it.”

Another person that tried to address the ‘ocean’ issue you might face on a round-the-world trip, this time with a 1960s convertible. The Amphicar 770 was manufactured in West Germany and marketed from 1961 to 1968. Just 3,878 were built, so sourcing any spare parts after a breakdown may be a struggle here.

Suggested by: kahlessj

A Motorbike

“I mean it isn’t a car but... motorcycle. Any of the ‘adventure’ bikes will work. I think an HD, BMW, and a Yamaha have traveled from the most northern point in Alaska to the most southern point in Argentina that you can get to without using a boat. Multiple times.”

There is always one bike fan that decides to chime in. But as Ewan McGregor has proven on several occasions, a bike is the best way to travel across the globe. And are you going to argue with Obi Wan?

Suggested by: ikaiyoo

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From efficient to exotic, these are the best road trip cars for exploring the country

Pack up and hit the road make your travels memorable this year with these amazing road trip cars.

When embarking on your next great road trip adventure , camping, or even a vacation, for that matter, the car you take is nearly as important as the route. Some drivers consider a 1-hour drive to get a leftover Christmas tree as a legit “road trip,” but that’s not what we’re talking about here. The cars on this list are unique vehicles that you’ll want to drive cross-country on an adventure to find some of the best routes in America .

Lamborghini Urus

Jeep cherokee xj, porsche 911, ford bronco, ferrari gtc4lusso, mazda mx-5 miata, honda element, toyota prius, land rover defender, lincoln navigator black label, classic volkswagen camper van, westfalia sven hedin cuv, 1966 chevy corvette, 1965 ford mustang convertible, morgan 3-wheeler.

The vehicles you see here range from classic icons to exotic supercars. Most are relatively affordable; some aren’t. Of course, we didn’t forget about SUVs that have enough room for the entire family (and Fido, too!). Choosing a car to take on a road trip is a highly personal decision. But at the end of the day, these are the best cars for road trips, hands down.

Let’s not bury our lede. Two words: Lamborghini . SUV . If you’re not worried about money and you’re a fan of very, very, very fast road trips, you can stop reading now. The latest Lamborghini Urus is most likely the only road trip car on your wish list. The company’s (pretty much) first foray into the SUV market is a dramatic one. The angular Urus highlights a steeply raked roofline, sleek LED lighting, and huge 22- or 23-inch wheels stuffed inside jagged hexagonal wheel wells.

This is an SUV that will not be mistaken for any other. It’s neither practical nor affordable for most mortal men, but who really cares with a twin-turbo, 4-liter V8 under the hood? The 641 horsepower pushes the Urus to a top speed of 190 miles per hour, making it the fastest production SUV on the planet. If you’ve ever wanted to take a 36-hour, coast-to-coast road trip, your ride is ready.

Over the years, most SUVs — even hardcore models — have softened as manufacturers realize their customers rarely choose to venture off-road. Case in point: The latest generation of the Jeep Cherokee shares its platform with the previous generation Dodge Dart. However, the older Jeep Cherokee XJ is the SUV for purists who plan to spend as much (maybe a little more) time off the pavement as on.

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Don’t let the fact that it’s dated dissuade you. That just means you can find an older model for a song. Additionally, replacement and aftermarket parts are readily available, it has plenty of room for your friends and your best outdoor gear , and the bulletproof 4.0-liter engine will probably outlast you.

“ Which 911?” you may be asking. Fair question. We’re not picky as long as it’s a Carrera 4S Cabriolet. Hardcore enthusiasts will tsk-tsk anything but a hardtop, but for pure road trip fun, it’s either a convertible or nothing. Honestly, almost any model of the modern Porsche 911 will do, as it’s still among the best sports cars to balance performance, handling, convenience, and comfort.

It even seats four, although we’d recommend using the cafeteria-tray-sized rears for storage or “friends” you’re not particularly fond of. For a legit sports car, it’s a damn-near-perfect everyday driver, which is what also makes it one of the best cars for road trips.

The all-new Ford Bronco might be the coolest and most highly anticipated SUV to land in the last century. It’s true to the beloved original at its core: Rugged, utilitarian, and ready to go anywhere you point it. The latest version is available as a two- or four-door variety in a handful of trim levels, each tailored for different degrees of on- or off-road use.

If you’re serious about the “go anywhere” factor, we highly recommend springing for the Sasquatch package, which upgrades the already capable Bronco with 35-inch tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, and Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. Translation: Even without pavement, there’s almost no road trip this thing can’t take.

A $300,000 road tripper? Hey, in for a penny, in for a pound. If a 911 isn’t disco enough for you, Ferrari’s curiously named GTC4Lusso may do the trick. At more than 4,233 pounds, it’s heavy by any standard. It gets abysmal gas mileage (11/17 mpg city/highway). And did we mention it costs as much as a vacation condo in the Florida Keys? In short: It’s almost completely impractical to drive to Pottery Barn, let alone long distances. Almost .

What it does have is four mostly usable seats — ideal for bringing along three friends or one friend and a reasonable amount of luggage for two humans on a high-performance, cross-country road trip. That the 6.3-liter V-12 engine boasts 680 hp and 514 lb-ft capable of pushing this 4WD beast past 200 mph is, to put it mildly, a bonus.

Of course, for most mortal men, six-figure sports cars are rarely attainable. Enter the Mazda MX-5. For less savvy car folk, the Miata may seem a better fit for fast-talking, middle-aged realtors with bleach-blonde perms, but the latest Miata generation has vastly outgrown that image.

Recent iterations of the MX-5 are excitingly fast and a blast to drive, thanks to a short-throw shifter and rock-solid handling. The seats are more comfortable than most other sports cars, and it also boasts decent fuel economy (if you’re shopping for sports cars in this stratum, we’ll assume gas mileage matters to you). Its biggest selling point is the convertible top — available as either a soft or power retractable hardtop. Sure, the trunk is barely big enough for a duffel bag. Just pack light, drop the top, and don’t overthink it.

If you’re incredulous as to how anyone could place the Honda Element and Porsche 911 on the same list of greatest road-tripping cars of all time, stay with us. The now-discontinued (as of 2011) Element never gained mass appeal due in large part to its love-it-or-hate-it delivery-van-inspired design. But that’s precisely what makes it a great road-tripping vehicle.

By “great,” we mean “practical.” The rear cargo space is dead flat with an industrial floor liner that can be hosed down when needed. That means you can pack a lot more than you’d expect inside the deceptively roomy cargo space, especially with the two rear seats removed. Plus, it tackles sand, mud, dirt, and any other caked-on bits of nature with ease. The four seats also can be configured into a single — albeit bumpy — bed of sorts, which is ideal for car camping couples. Spring for the AWD model for better traction and a standard rear sunroof for campsite stargazing.

If dad jokes are your jam, and you have never met a pair of pleated khaki shorts you didn’t like, it probably doesn’t get more perfect than the Toyota Prius. While previous models of the now-iconic hybrid lacked any semblance of style or fun, the latest generation is at least making an effort. But we’re including it on this list for one simple reason: Insane fuel economy.

The entry-level Eco model is the cheapest and greenest Prius in the lineup, promising nearly 60 mpg on the highway and a road-tripping range of over 600 miles. Imagine driving from Manhattan to San Francisco on the equivalent of just five tanks of gas .

If you want all the legendary badassery of the Land Rover brand without the frilly techno-gadgetry of the company’s newest models, it doesn’t get any better than the classic Land Rover Defender . This truck’s long history stretches back more than a century, and most enthusiasts regard it as the best, most off-road-capable truck ever built.

Whether trekking over mountains, on safari in Africa, or fording chest-high whitewater rapids, the Defender is designed to go anywhere you need it to go. If you’re planning to spend any significant time off-roading on your next road trip, look no further.

The draw of driving an ultra-luxe RV cross-country is being able to take all the creature comforts of home with you. No matter where you overnight, you’ll always have your espresso maker, 24-setting washer, and favorite recliner with you. The Lincoln Navigator Black Label 4×4 doesn’t offer quite that level of convenience. But it is the closest approximation on four wheels, making it one of the cushiest road-tripping vehicles a couple of years’ salary can buy.

For nearly $100,000, flagship Navigator owners have access to multiple infotainment screens, a ridiculous satellite audio system, 30-way adjustable heating and cooling leather massage seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a sleek, sporty, notice-me design that no one will ever mistake for an Escalade.

Frankly, there isn’t a vehicle more iconic of the classic American road trip than the Volkswagen Camper Van, so we’re required by law to include it on this list. It’s wholly unreliable and guaranteed to spend more time in the shop than on the road.

But quirks aside, it’s beautiful, fun, nostalgic, and entirely practical when you consider that you’re driving your hotel room across the country. You can score one cheaply on eBay. Just be sure to pack plenty of snacks, spare parts, a robust toolkit, and a current AAA membership.

If you want all the usability and a dash of the nostalgia of the classic VW Camper Van without the maintenance and reliability headaches, look to Westfalia. The company has built a brand on outfitting new VW Crafter vans to create the most practical, full-featured, and comfortable camper vans on the market.

Westfalia’s swanky Sven Hedin, in particular, is a CUV (“caravaning utility vehicle”) that crams the usefulness of a legit, full-sized RV into a vehicle not much larger than a minivan. There are multiple table/counter spaces, a comfortable bed, a half bathroom with a toilet and sink, a workable kitchen with a cooktop, sink, and dual-drawer fridge, and a surprising amount of storage space for your gear. Sure, the price tag is close to $70,000, but imagine all the money you’ll save on Motel 6 stays.

Of course, a classic American road trip deserves a classic — the classic — American pony car. Our money is on the original 1966 Corvette. The sleek, unmistakable silhouette is arguably one of the most beautiful and distinctive in automotive history. Add to that a throaty V8 with serious horsepower, and it promises one helluva drive no matter where in the country you’re headed.

Not a Chevy lover? We get it. If you’re a communist who hates Corvettes, your best American-made road-trip-worthy alternative is a 1965 Ford Mustang (ideally a convertible). It’s difficult to imagine a car that would inspire more patriotic nostalgia on a long-haul road trip through Middle America than this classic ‘Stang. Regardless of which manufacturer’s camp you fall into, this first-generation pony car is an icon of sports car design. It screams: “I like fast things, Bob Seger, and cold domestic beer!” (Not necessarily in that order.) And, for that, we salute it.

Sure, the Morgan 3-Wheeler isn’t technically a car, but don’t get too hung up on semantics. If you don’t give a toss about practicality; if you don’t concern yourself with pesky things like rain, cargo space, or bugs in your teeth; if you value fun above all else, the Morgan 3-Wheeler is the road trip vehicle for you. Its unapologetic design has changed little in the more than 100 years since its world debut. It’s raw, mechanical, and just plain cool. Whether day-tripping through the White Mountains of New Hampshire or cross-country solo-ing, it’s every bit as exhilarating and pure to drive. One soldier in Britain’s Royal Flying Corps described it as “the nearest thing to flying without leaving the ground.”

You really can’t go wrong with any of these options. All are arguably the “best car for road trips.” Each vehicle on this list has its own strengths for a cross-country road trip across the USA. Some options may be more comfortable and larger than others, but undertaking a long road trip in any one of these 14 cars is guaranteed to result in a memorable journey.

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If you're going to put in the effort to wash your car, putting some tire shine onto your tires is the perfect way to finish off a proper car wash. The best tire shines do more than make your tires pop. They also help protect your tires, which tend to go unloved on many cars. It may seem like a tedious thing to do, especially after you’ve spent a long time washing your car with one of the best car soaps and waxing it, but the extra step can go a long way.

After years of abuse from road debris, UV rays, and regular use, your tires can fade to an ugly shade of white or start to crack on the edges. Tires take a lot of abuse, and using a high-end tire shine can add another layer to protect them from future harm while making them looking showroom fresh, regardless of whether you're rockin' serious off-roading tires, high-performance ones, or even stock rubber.

For decades, drivers who wanted a light, well-built, and aerodynamic travel trailer had few choices beyond a "silver bullet" Airstream. Thankfully, today's RV manufacturers have started to introduce travel trailers of all sizes for a variety of applications. Looking for a road tripper, overlander, or weekender for a short trip to your next destination? You’re guaranteed to find a camper you'll love.

That's true even if you’re not interested in a big, fancy RV or the best premium motorhome because ultralight trailers are a great choice. They’re more compact, easier to tow, and more aerodynamic—all of which means they're better on gas too. Here are our top picks for the best ultralight travel trailers on the market, all primed for your adventure.

BMW Z4 front 3/4 view BMW / BMW USA

When it comes to famous models in BMW's history, several models come immediately to mind. The one that just popped into your head more than likely began with an "M." Or, if you happen to be something of a historian, perhaps the iconic Z8 came to mind. Or maybe even the other Bond car, BMW's Z3, fired through your synapses. But, odds are, the car you didn't think of (before reading the title of this article, anyway) was the BMW Z4.

The 10 Best Road Trip Cars To Take You Through 2022

David Collins 11-minute read UPDATED: December 12, 2022

The road trip is as culturally ingrained into American life as pizza and baseball. In fact, there is even a movie genre known as “buddy road trip,” in which characters get in and out of trouble multiple times as they cruise through the American landscape in a car or truck. Perhaps the first image that comes to mind when considering road trip cars is a wood-paneled family station wagon. But not all road trips involve a large family, and not all road trips even have a destination — sometimes hitting the road in a cool car with a friend is the whole point.

What Matters Most For Road Trip Cars

Not all road trips are alike. Some are for a family vacation, but others can be for a romantic weekend in the country, a day at the beach, setting up camp in the deep wilderness, or pulling an RV to a national park. We’ll look at cars that best meet the needs of a variety of road trips. Where applicable we’ll note a vehicle’s cargo space, towing capacity, fuel efficiency, or any other feature that contributes to a good trip. We even discuss a car from the growing fleet of all-electric powered vehicles available today.

1. 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

Best for: Smaller Road Trip Car

MPG: Up to 29 city | 37 highway

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive optional

Americans have a strange aversion to small wagons, seemingly preferring an SUV — any SUV — to any of the few true wagons that still exist out there. Wagons are extremely popular in Europe, however, so it was a no-brainer for Volkswagen to stretch its deservedly popular mainstay Golf into a wagon that features an ample 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space (66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down).

Alas, because there were not enough takers for this excellent and versatile car, VW stopped making it after the 2019 model year, so there should be some good deals on the used market if you can find one. The 1.4-liter turbo engine gets 147 hp as well as tremendous highway mileage for a long trip. The beefed-up Sportwagen Alltrack has a more powerful 1.8-liter turbo and fortified suspension that will perform better off-road if your travels take you there, but expect to get about 10 fewer miles per gallon on the highway.

2. 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat Super Crew

Source: art_zzz - stock.adobe.com

Best for: Full-Size Pickup Road Trip vehicle

MPG: 15 city | 21 highway

Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive

If you want a full-size pickup for your next road trip, you might as well go with the best. The Ford F-150 has been the top-selling vehicle of any kind in America for more than four decades. With the Super Crew cab ( the biggest cab available ), you’ll have plenty of room for any combination of people, dogs, bags, and gear. Of course, the truck’s bed can also carry lots of things, including bikes. Cover the bed with a tonneau cover or cap and you can lock up whatever you’re hauling.

With literally decades to continue to advance and refine this tremendously versatile truck, pretty much any trim level in any model year is going to have its distinctions and advantages. The Lariat trim, with its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 400 lb-ft of torque, can tow a boat or RV with its 8,500 pounds of towing capacity. It also has a 4WD option. In general, the Lariat has a nice combination of luxury upgrades and performance options without getting into the more costly features of the higher F-150 packages. The 2012 has consistently rated well over the years, and in today’s used truck market, there will be more available among the top five F-150 model years as ranked by WVDOT Automotive (the others were built in the 1990s).

3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Best for: Hybrid Road Trip SUV

MPG: 31 city | 34 highway

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

As we approach the spring/summer road trip season in 2022, gasoline prices are spiking to near-record rates across the United States — and they don’t appear to be coming down anytime soon. For consumers looking for a road-tested, versatile vehicle with plenty of room for cargo that also reduces pain at the pump, a 2016 Toyota RAV4 with the hybrid engine option could be the perfect trip for a summer road excursion.

Widely recognized as the first-ever compact SUV, and consistently one of the best-selling vehicles in what has become a huge segment in the marketplace, the Toyota RAV4 introduced a hybrid engine option in 2016. This was an ingenious system that was only available on the XLE and Limited trim levels. It featured an electric motor-assisted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels, and a supplementary electric motor for the rear wheels when required. Not quite an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, but acting very much like one, it was called AWDi. The 33 combined mpg of this hybrid was eight miles per gallon better than the same RAV4 AWD with a conventional engine, plus it has all of the other qualities that makes the RAV4 consistently one of the top-selling vehicles of any class in America.

4. 2019 Kia Sedona

Best for: Minivan Road Trip Vehicle

MPG: 18 city | 24 highway

If the word “minivan” conjures images of  three rows of seats strewn with fast-food wrappers, plastic toys, and embedded crushed corn flakes, it’s because that is what many of them look like after a long road trip. A box on wheels with automatic sliding side doors may not be the sexiest vehicle in the world, but for families facing a long journey in the car, especially those with very young children, the minivan is the height of practicality and function. With loads of space for kids, pets, bags and whatever else ends up back there — as well as easy in-and-out through wide, floor-to-roofline doors for all of the above — the minivan was never about luxury and always about getting there.

Korean automaker Kia was late to the minivan game, and its 2015 debut of the Sedona was a little rough, especially compared to established minivans from Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. But by 2019 Kia had figured some things out, especially getting better at fuel economy. The engine and transmission are also highly competitive. All Sedona trims are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine (276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque) that sends power to the front wheels through a new-for-2019 eight-speed automatic transmission.

But what Kia does best with this van is value — the interior finishes and features are catching up with Honda and Toyota, but at a far more competitive cost. It’s possible to find a low-mileage Sedona for significantly less than the same model year Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

5. 2016 Ford Expedition

Best for: Towing Road Trip SUV

MPG: 16 city | 22 highway

Some road trips are so ambitious that everything you need can’t fit into one vehicle. When a trailer is needed, you want a vehicle that is capable of pulling the weight of whatever it is you’re bringing along — jet skis, snowmobiles, a pop-up camper, etc. Most SUVs, even small and midsize vehicles, have some towing capacity even if it’s just for hauling a jet ski or small boat. But for hauling a large RV or maneuvering a very big boat in and out of a steep boat ramp, you will want a vehicle with large towing capacity. A search for a quality used SUV comfortably around $40,000 or less produced a particular standout — the 2016 Ford Expedition.

Among large SUVs, this model year of Expedition topped its class for towing capacity at 9,200 pounds, enough to pull a large RV filled with all the gear needed for a long vacation. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine delivers 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, plenty to pull a big boat out of the water. The EL (Extra-Large) Expedition has an expanded 42.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, more than any vehicle in this class.

6. 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Best for: Performance Sedan Road Trip Car

MPG: 12 city | 18 highway

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

This is not your grandfather’s station wagon. The 2014 CTS-V was basically a luxury muscle car, with tremendous horsepower and superb handling. When Cadillac announced it was making a wagon version of this dynamo, it almost seemed like a practical joke. Wagons were almost less cool than minivans, and certainly could not be married to such a classy blend of form and function as the CTS-V.

But for families that want a little added excitement on their trip to see Aunt Bea in Omaha, the CTS-V Wagon will pin the kids to the back seat with g-forces alone. This rear-wheel-drive sedan is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. This produces an incredible 0 – 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and also very poor fuel economy. This car is so outside-the-box for anything the Big Three was doing in the mid-2010s that a six-speed manual shift transmission is actually standard equipment, but a six-speed automatic is a no-cost option. All CTS-Vs feature GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension for superb ride and handling that can be adjusted to Tour or Sport mode depending on conditions or what thrills the driver is seeking.

7. Tesla Model 3

Best for: Electric Road Trip Car

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

The thought of being able to drive cross-country without ever having to refuel at the pump — especially with today’s skyrocketing gas prices — has mostly only existed as a futuristic fantasy. Even as electric cars have become a reality and are becoming more and more visible on American roads, two things have held electric vehicles (EVs) back as a viable road trip car: battery range and availability of charging stations. No company has done more to remedy both problems than U.S.-based Tesla Motors.

Finding a good long-range Tesla in the used market is a bit testy simply because the cars with the best range are the newer models, as battery technology continues to improve each year. Every Tesla Model 3 should be vetted for actual range numbers, but as of early 2021 the Long Range Version Model 3 was capable of travelling 353 miles on a single charge. If you plot your trip to make sure you stay within Tesla’s extensive and ever-growing Supercharger Network (where your Model 3 can get a 175-mile charge in 15 minutes), you can make it to most parts of America gas-free. Add in an impressive array of luxury and safety features and the Model 3 wants to say that the future is here.

8. 2015 Cadillac Escalade

Best for: Four-Wheel-Drive Road Trip SUV

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade was a complete re-design of the popular large SUV, and while competitors in its class were inching down in size, the Escalade doubled down on big and bold — even offering the extended wheelbase ESV package. The 6.2-liter V8 engine brings plenty of power and acceleration while boasting 8,500 lbs of towing capacity, plenty for hauling a large RV or boat. What further set the 2015 Escalade apart was its body-on-frame construction and optional four-wheel drive drivetrain, both of which will come in handy if your road trip ends up leading you off the road. Body-on-frame is a true truck chassis that performs better on rocky or uneven trails, with better articulation and ground clearance. And four-wheel drive brings more torque to bear when needed than a standard all-wheel drive SUV can generate.

The 2015 model year also saw a makeover in luxury finishes that puts Escalade in good standing with competitors in this class. There are leather and wood finishes throughout and an optional second-row bench seat accommodates more passengers. Already ample cargo space gets even bigger when second- and third-row seats fold flat with the push of a button. The 2015 Escalade was a luxury yacht of the highway that sold for more than $90,000 in premium packages.

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series (1990-97)

Source: DarthArt - istockphoto.com

Best for: Overlanding Road Trip

MPG: 12.9 AVG

Overlanding, for those who have actually heard of it, means different things to everyone who does it. But the basic idea of overlanding is to get into a vehicle and venture far off the road, sometimes hundreds of miles, to experience the natural world in remote places that can’t be reached by hiking. A good overland vehicle, then, is first highly capable off-road, preferably with four-wheel drive. Second, it should be able to accommodate one or two people sleeping inside the vehicle in case of very bad weather. And third, it should be highly customizable, able to be equipped with camping and cooking equipment and to store food, water, and other necessities for trips that sometimes can last weeks or even months and years.

A great vehicle to begin your foray into overlanding culture would be any model year of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series. The Land Cruiser dates back to a 1950s military vehicle, and the ’90s models carried that spartan soldier’s mentality with enough of the modern automotive technology we expect today. It’s also a no-fuss, low-luxury truck that puts all of its energy into Toyota’s legendary durability and quality. There are thousands of great Land Cruiser rigs purpose-built for overlanding, as well as lots more available on an active used vehicle market. Since the Land Cruiser is being discontinued for the U.S. market, desirability for this legendary vehicle will only increase in the years ahead.

10. 2002 Porsche Boxster S

Source: AM-C - istockphoto.com

Best For: Weekend Getaway Roadster Road Trip

MPG: 22.1 AVG

A tiny, two-seater roadster might not immediately come to mind when thinking of a great car for a road trip, but for certain trips absolutely nothing could be better. Suppose you want to drive solo over a mountain switchback road, some Bob Seger on the stereo, just to clear your head; or you’re a couple making a 2-hour day trip to the state fair; or you’re heading to wine country for the weekend — the Porsche Boxster S is so much fun to drive that you might just turn around and head back, whatever your destination. A country road trip also gets you out from under big city traffic as well as the eyes of John Law — where you can really open up a car’s engine and feel the speed.

The Boxster S is the more powerful version of the Boxster, a car Porsche built from 1996 to 2005. This car is believed by some to have saved Porsche — it was an instant success for a company that had been struggling. By 2002 the car had been refined quite well from earlier models. Later versions of the Boxster S received a 3.2 liter flat-six engine that gets 250 horsepower and 7200 RPM with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. Remember, this is a tiny car, so that much power can propel the Boxster S to speeds exceeding 160 mph. As a mid-engine car, the Boxster S has excellent balance and handling while turning, and extra space means there is room for trunks in both front and rear that can easily accommodate a couple of bags for the weekend. Oh, and it’s a convertible, too.

The Bottom Line: There’s a Perfect Car For Any Road Trip

Americans love their cars because they have a sense of adventure, first and foremost, but also because they love freedom. As opposed to a train or an airplane, which run on a schedule, a car gives us the opportunity to leave whenever we want, to go wherever we want, and stay as long as we want. Whether it’s a weekend day trip or a 2-month journey on ancient trails across the Southwest, there is a vehicle or likely multiple vehicles that are perfect for the journey.

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David Collins

David Collins is a staff writer for Rocket Auto, Rocket Solar, and Rocket Homes. He has experience in communications for the automotive industry, reference publishing, and food and wine. He has a degree in English from the University of Michigan. 

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10 Best Road-Trip Vehicles That You Can Buy Right Now

CR's tests show that these are the best road-trip models across popular categories

Finding the perfect road-trip vehicle means striking a balance among many factors, such as front and rear seat comfort, space, fuel economy, ride quality, and noise. It also should be a vehicle that’s easy to live with when you’re not traveling, and with strong safety and reliability. That is a lot to ask of a single vehicle, but our analysts have scrutinized our test and survey data to find the best road-trip vehicles in 10 popular categories.

To find the standouts, we considered all those factors among models that meet the stringent criteria to be recommended by Consumer Reports . Each vehicle below scores at least average in those factors, plus they provide 500 miles or more of highway cruising range, based on our fuel-economy tests. They also have a sizable trunk or cargo area, based on our measurements. Because of the qualification needed to make a great long-distance runner, we omitted subcompact SUVs and small cars. We also list suitable alternatives, where possible.

All the vehicles featured here, except the Buick, come standard with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. (The advanced safety systems are optional on the Buick.)

The 10 models below are road-trip warriors, based on CR data. You can assemble your own list with CR ratings by using our A-to-Z guide . If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the full list is available to you here.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

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It’s the best kind of holiday you’re not having. Here’s how to do it properly

At the risk of premature optimism, we will eventually be shot of this hateful virus. And when that happy, halcyon day arrives, we’re going to need a proper holiday. Because this whole ‘staycation’ thing has worn about as thin as our COVID track pants.

But what sort of holiday are we going to take? Are we really just going to go back to hopping a plane somewhere, checking into an Airbnb and then gorging ourselves on cuisine that stopped being authentic after the first million tourists or so? Swanning around to the same old monuments, craning our necks past the sea of selfie sticks and manoeuvring among the phalanx-like throngs of tour-bus patrons? Yeesh. Even staying at home doesn’t sound quite so bad when you put it like that.

Luckily, there is a perfectly brilliant holiday just waiting in the... er, non-wings. Yep, it’s what holidays used to be back when flying was a) expensive and b) remotely enjoyable: the road trip. And, just like drive-in cinemas, it’s the kind of idea so great and so obvious that no one can really adequately explain why it was consigned to history.

And, as far as we can tell, it’s high time to bring it back. Maybe keep things to the planning stage at the moment, while everyone is still at the mercy of a deadly virus that’s stalking the globe and generally ruining whatever it touches – much like tour-bus patrons, now that we think of it. And while you’re planning, it makes sense to consider the perfect set of wheels for your upcoming road trip.

But what actually makes for a good road trip car? Well, decent mileage wouldn’t go astray, because, while a ghostly quiet service station on a pan-flat plain makes for great calm-before-the-storm pacing in movies, real-life service stations are about as enjoyable as... hm. How many times can we riff on tour buses before the joke gets old?

Reliability is another strong point. This doesn’t mean that everything has to work as accurately (and characterfully) as an industrial sewing machine. It does mean that everything that might break should be able to be diagnosed and repaired or replaced easily.

Space is an absolute must. Someone much cleverer than we are once said that space is the ultimate luxury. And it’s really hard to argue the toss on that one. Who doesn’t want a bit more width for their shoulders, a bit more legroom in front and headroom above? And then consider storage space, for luggage, drinks and food, and possibly hitchhikers – but only if they have their own towel – and you’re going to need more space than you think.

Character is often overlooked. But if you’re embarking on a lengthy trip, you actually have to want to be in the car. If you pull into your overnight holt and the prospect of getting back in the car the next day fills you with anything other than joy, what kind of holiday are you even having?

To that point, ride comfort is probably the most-overlooked part of any road-trip car. We get it: the allure of driving a GT3RS or Bowler Wildcat or broadly unobtainable hypercar is strong enough that it’s easy to overlook just how punishing these things can be over distance. With that in mind, we will be keeping a firm eye on the comfort portion of this little test.

Some would say that the most important part of a road-trip car – and any car, for that matter – is fun. But we’d like to split hairs for a little bit here. Fun, at least for us, comes from experiencing a car at the edge of its performance envelope. Just like a brilliant vintage Hiwatt amplifier doesn’t truly sing until you’ve turned it up to neighbourhood-dispute-starting levels, fun in a car tends to begin when you’re really pushing the car in a way that the local constabulary would likely take exception to. Enjoyment, on the other hand, doesn’t come from holding powerslides, inducing lift-off oversteer and all the other sorts of things that are incredibly fun to do and dull to describe to someone else in a conversation. Enjoyment can spring from the feel of the interior materials, the plushness of the ride, the smell of careworn leather and plastic that emanates every time you open the door. You can enjoy a car while driving, while sitting still, while having a cup of coffee and remembering that it’s waiting outside, ready to plod along for another 1,000 fault-free miles.

So, that makes up the six pillars of a good road trip car. However, finding cars that manage to be enjoyable, comfortable, characterful, spacious, reliable and economical is, to be frank, a bit of an ask. The good news, for you at least, is that we’re still at home, in our COVID track pants, with a lot of time to think about the right answer.

Best saloon: Citroen DS

Back in the day, when the world made a modicum of sense, saloons were pretty much the default choice. And they, unlike the modern world, continue to make sense. There are enough seats for a whole family, enough doors to let them all in and out again and a separate space to put your things. Saloons really are the definition of practicality. Quiet now, estates, and wait your turn. We’re getting to you.

So, saloons take care of the whole ‘spaciousness’ bit pretty easily. How about ride comfort and character? Well, surely the Citroen DS nails both of those harder than Thor picking up Mjolnir and trying his hand at construction work. Even now, the DS is still the yardstick for ride comfort. And this is a car from the 1950s. And character? The DS could be a character in a Pixar film, like Cars , if only there was a spot in the cast for a slow, front-drive French limousine that oozed cool the entire movie and then casually stymied a presidential assassination at the end. Maybe the fourth instalment, Pixar. Give us a call; we’ll talk through the rest of the script when you’re ready.

Unsubtle pitches to major animation studios aside, what does the DS offer in the way of reliability? Don’t forget that these things won rallies – Monte Carlo, 1000 Lakes and any number not famous enough to mention outside the most anorak-wearing circles. In any case, these things were properly tough. Case in point? In a 1974 rally from Great Britain to Germany, that just happened to take a 12,000-mile detour through the African continent, the DS – despite being nearly 20 years old by that point – still finished first.

Mileage will be excellent, too, because of the supremely streamlined body (which, we just have to mention, still looks amazing to this day) and a simple four-cylinder engine that can trace its origins to the Citroen Traction Avant. So, power? It has some. Longevity? Merveilleuse.

But surely, you think, the DS can’t be enjoyable to drive. Not like a modern sports car. But maybe, we suggest, you experience the absolute mayhem that is a modern sports car before deciding how much you want to slight the DS on that basis. You’d be hard-pressed to find a new sports car with less than three times the power of the old DS, and that makes for very rapid progress along your chosen road and equally rapid progress through the local court system if you’re caught.

Instead, enjoying the DS is something done at a lollop, gliding over the vagaries and vicissitudes of whatever road, track or assortment of cobblestones your route is taking you. Take some time to sit back and relax; god knows it’s been more than long enough since you did that.

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Best estate: mercedes w123.

‘So,’ you might be thinking, ‘if the perfect saloon for a road trip is the Citroen DS, then, surely, the best estate would be the DS Safari?’ OK, look. No one likes a smart ass. But then again, no one likes a dumb ass, either. In fact, just being an ass is enough for people to dislike you. Hm. This bears further investigation. It also feels like we’re digressing again.

Back to the DS Safari. This might be (OK, it absolutely is) nitpicking, but taking the incredibly avant-garde form of the DS and then combining it with the most practical of body styles loses something in the process. Really, it’s a victim of its own success – if the DS saloon wasn’t so shocking and so perfect and so jolie-laide, then tacking on a bit to hold antique buffets and Alsatians wouldn’t have been like resculpting a Rodin.  

On the other hand, the Mercedes W123 is not a Rodin. It isn’t really sculptural at all, to be honest, unless you include a solid lump of uncarved marble in that description. Don’t get us wrong; we love it. We’re just saying that its more conventional, conservative appearance gels much better with the inherent practicality of the estate body style. In fact, we’d go ahead and say that, stylistically (and roughly every other way we can think of), the W123 works best as an estate.

And it’s hard to say that one of the most reliable cars in the world isn’t going to make it through whatever road trip you’re planning. Some of you might remember that a Top Gear TV alumnus drove a Mercedes W123 across Africa and could have driven right back to his starting point, were it not for a chronic lack of a sense of direction.

And there’s something incredibly enjoyable about piloting a car that feels about as impregnable as your average castle and gives the impression that it’ll last almost as long. And this is the W123’s calling card. It’s a classic car that still works as a day-in, day-out workshorse. And, not entirely coincidentally, as a road trip extraordinaire.

Given that it’s from back when estates weren’t sculpted and styled to look rakish and cool, the rear load area gives some impression of what it’d be like to cover your nearest sporting arena in carpet. And, because of the self-levelling suspension that came standard in the rear of all W123 estates, you can carry enough road-tripping supplies to circumnavigate Australia without having that dragging-bum look as the rear suspension capitulates entirely.

The danger with cars as reliable and reserved as the W123 is that, by doing its job with all the fuss and histrionics of your average toaster, it’ll be as memorable and characterful as... well, that very same toaster. But the Mercedes has that indefinable but unmistakable spark that separates it from any number of reliable, and reliably dull, pretenders to its throne.

Best ute: 1959 Chevrolet El Camino

At first blush (or blanche, depending on how you react to coupe utilities), utes don’t seem to make the same amount of sense as saloons and estates for road trips. No space for family or friends, to start with.

But, by now, you might be cottoning on to where we’re going with this: what if your idea of a perfect road trip is one undertaken with just one other person or even by yourself?

Every god since the Greek ones knows that there’s a huge distinction between being alone and being lonely. What’s more, travelling is the best way to learn about the people you’re with. And it stands to reason that travelling alone – especially into the unknown – is one of the very best ways to learn about yourself.

But before we put ourselves in jeopardy of trotting out any more ‘travel expands the mind’ idioms and completely descending into hackneyed guff about wanderlust, let’s think about the right kind of car for a one-person odyssey into self-discovery.

Would you believe it’s a sixty-something-year-old Chevrolet? No? All right, we like a challenge. First things first: the 1959 El Camino comes from the Cadillac school of design, where too much is never enough. Just look at the wraparound windscreen, art-deco-homage glasshouse and sculptural flanks and try to resolve what you see with the idea that this was sold as a commercial vehicle. See, it’s not just the Italians who can make the banal beautiful – let a few 1950s Americans off the leash and you get a near-architectural farm truck.

Just looking at a ’59 El Camino is a joy, let alone easing it along the road of your choice. And you will want to ease it, if the El Camino’s going to clear our whole ‘somewhat economical’ bar. But don’t stress; just waft along, carried by the immense low-down torque of a 5.7-litre, all-American, all-iron V8. Also, if you’re not so fussed on economy, remember that this is long before the dreaded Malaise years, when horsepower took a decade-long vacation from almost every American engine – the top-spec 1959 El Camino was good for 335bhp when new, as well as a sound glorious enough to rival the Stratocaster of the same year. And for the non-vintage-guitar-tragics among you, that’s saying pretty much everything we can say about it.

Out back, there’s space for pretty much every conceivable road-trip appurtenance. We’d suggest waterproof bags for the things you’d prefer to keep dry and clean, but even if you carried your actual wardrobe and its contents on the back, there’s still room there for more, like a bike to go and explore the wilder bits of the blue yonder. Hey, that gives us an idea...

Best bike: BMW R80 G/S

Yes, it’s not a car. We are super aware of this. But calling the article ‘the best machines for a road trip’ or ‘the best vehicles for a road trip’ feels like what someone from an alien land would call it if it were trying unsuccessfully to assimilate into humanity. And we’re doing a fine job assimilating. So cars it is.

And yes, if you are taking a proper road trip all by your lonesome, can we suggest truly embracing the double-edged sword of trepidation and enjoyment by putting yourself truly out there?

The BMW R80 G/S is the absolute daddy of putting yourself out there. In fact, ever since its introduction in 1980, it’s pretty much redefined just how out there one can put oneself. The G/S in the name stands for Gelande / Strasse – literally terrain / street, but a better translation is off-road / on-road. And this isn’t some marketing-led bumpf on BMW’s part; the R80 G/S won Dakar on its debut – and this is back in the days when they actually went to Dakar. It kept raking in victories at Dakar and Baja throughout the 1980s, too, until it was replaced in 1987.

By modern standards, the G/S is far from the quickest bike in the world, but It. Just. Keeps. Going. Case in point: Ed Culberson rode from the north coast of Alaska all the way to Argentina. And that’s a good 19,000 miles of road. And about 80 miles of the complete absence of roads. Yep, we’re talking about the Darien Gap, a swathe of rainforest so dense and forbidding that the general plan when doing the Pan-American Highway is to hop a ferry from Panama to Columbia and keep riding south. Culberson didn’t do that. He rode, dragged, pushed and winched the G/S through a literal jungle. So let’s just say it can handle the highways and dirt roads you have in mind.

As for character? Well, bikes tend to follow the same rules as Porsches: you want real character? Go air-cooled. And the upright riding position means your back doesn’t ache from hugging the fuel tank. Oh, and your hands won’t go numb. Say that about a cafe racer.

Because it’s a bike, fuel economy will be better than a Ford Fiesta. And because it’s a bike, you’ll be a part of the environment that you’re moving through. No car – not even Caterhams – involve you in your surroundings as much as a motorbike. If your road trip is going to take you to somewhere beautiful (and it really should), are you willing to experience that less than you could?

OK, so calling a 1980s motorbike spacious would take some mental gymnastics, there’s much more space than you think to stretch your legs. Add a few panniers and pack like a student backpacker and there’s not a lot you’ll miss leaving behind. Possibly one more set of clean underwear, but that’s not really our business.

Best grand tourer: Aston DB9

More than any other, the GT car makes sense for road trips, right? With power to burn, space for your fitted luggage, trophy spouse and obscenely expensive, yet entirely cheap-looking sunglasses, surely all other cars must bow their heads to the king of long-haul-without-the-long-face motoring? Well, there might actually be something in that, now that you mention it.

It’d make sense to pick a Bentley Continental GT and call it that, but you know we’re going to try a little harder. Yes, folks, it’s the Aston DB9, one of the most gorgeous shapes of the modern age that just so happens to make one of the most gorgeous sounds of the modern age. And even now, approaching two decades since we first saw the DB9, it remains, as we’ve said before , “one of the world’s prettiest, classiest GT cars”. And, we hasten to add, easily one of the most enjoyable.

OK, so the whole ‘fuel economy’ thing is dented somewhat by the presence of 12 cylinders and the constant temptation to deploy them in the loudest and most enjoyable way. But it’s not like you’ll always be channelling your inner Finnish rally driver at every conceivable moment. The DB9 has performance chops, for sure, but its raison d'etre is more considered than just speed and handling.  

Come on, you know this one: the DB9 is about supreme comfort and superlative cool. And it’s hard to argue that the DB9 doesn’t nail that brief, even now, when they’re a £30,000 second-hand proposition. Here, listen (or, y’know, read) what our most helmsmanly road tester had to say about the DB9, a decade after its introduction: “The languid V12 never appears to work that hard. It’s smooth, cultured, urbane: forceful in a very understated way. So, yes, it will propel itself along any given road with as much vim and vigour as you dare deploy, but you’ll never get the feeling that the car is having to work particularly hard for its speed. This makes it a very relaxing car to pilot.”

This, perhaps more than any other on this list, is the one to pick if your idea of a road trip involves the phrase ‘a few thousand miles’.

Best convertible: Mercedes SL Pagoda

But what about convertibles? Don’t they epitomise the road trip, with wind sailing through whatever’s left of your hair and the sun beaming down on your blissful face? Well, the thing about road trips is that they tend to be fairly lengthy things, by definition. A road trip will not be, for instance, London to Slough, because a) it’s a very short distance, b) the road there is neither fun nor less-travelled, and c) you end up in Slough, which is entirely uncalled for.

Real road trips take in hundreds, if not thousands of miles. And your average human being who is considering a road trip – the bulk of which wake up in a climate-controlled house, drive a climate-controlled car to a practically hermetically sealed office and then return to said house in said car – aren’t really experienced in what exposure to the elements can do to a person’s body. Or indeed mood.

As our two-wheeled brethren will already know, even what feels like gentle sun and whispers of breeze can ravage skin that’s used to being kept inside and moisturised. So, take that into account before you start scouring the classifieds for an old SL you can afford.

And yes, it’s going to be an SL, because they’re the best convertibles ever made. And the apotheosis of road-trip convertible perfection has to be the W113 Pagoda. OK, sure, they’re not exactly free these days, but where in our rigorous search for ‘best’ did ‘cheap’ come up? While there have been swathes of good SLs – some of which, like the excellent R129, are still entirely affordable – the Pagoda is the summit of what Merc achieved with its Super-Leicht drop-top, at least in terms of road-tripping. We should mention that the Fifties 300SL, while absolutely magnificent, wasn’t super big on the whole ‘carry luggage’ thing, which knocks it out of contention.

But that’s no hardship when you’ve Paul Bracq’s finest design, married to underpinnings (and a glorious straight six) that’d keep contemporary Ferraris honest if the track was tight enough. There’s just enough space to scrape by with ticks in the ‘comfortable’ and ‘spacious’ columns (still, pack light, yeah?) and economy isn’t at all terrible, especially given its age and sporting bent.

Where it excels – aside from its incredible reliability, which you just kind of assume from a pre-1990s Benz – is character. This is the car that swayed everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Stirling Moss back in the day, then still had the goods to get Kate Moss’s attention and affection decades later. And it’s easy to see why. This car, perhaps more than any other, makes you happy just to be behind the wheel, even if it’s in the middle of rush-hour traffic, let alone an open highway.

Best hatch: Lancia Delta Integrale

Hm. This can’t be right. Surely hatchbacks aren’t road-trip material, right? Wrong. Allow us to reintroduce the Delta Integrale as you’ve never expected it to be used before.

So, you know all about how these things can cover ground like you wouldn’t believe, gripping like an episode of Chernobyl . But it’s worth remembering that, inside the fender flares and above the rally-spec drivetrain, lives a properly practical five-door hatch.

Speaking of practicality, the Integrale is left-hand-drive only. And this is actually handy, because that’s how most of the world does things. So you can cover the entire European mainland, almost all of the Americas, the top half of Africa, all of Russia and China and the bulk of southeast Asia without ever dicing with traffic from the wrong side of the car.

But who gives half a stuffed turkey about practicality when the Integrale is one of the most charismatic cars of all time? The Nineties-style turbo (hint: next to nowt down low, then a spitting, sizzling assault once past 3,000rpm or so), the super-quick steering rack, the blend of perfectly sculpted seats and a big plastic box for a dash, the immense grip only matched by the extraordinary suspension travel... every part of the Integrale is an event.

And that huge suspension travel also means that the little Lancia can eat up all the road imperfections that’d knock a more tightly screwed-down car off course, all while being as comfortable as a set of COVID track pants. This is a car you fire down a road on a rush of overboost, revelling in the joy of driving that’s untempered by the road surface.

So, it must be time to address the whole ‘Lancia reliability’ thing now, before someone digs up a joke so tired that it could pass for a first-time dad. And here’s how we choose to: six World Rally Championships on the trot, from a car that was pressed into service to replace a custom-built Group B monster at short notice. So yeah, it’ll likely handle the Côte d'Azur – after all, it won a rally there back in 1993.

Best electric car: Tesla Model S

This one’s tricky. First, because we rather like the planet and the idea of experiencing it without decade-long droughts, wildfires the size of continents and the concept of glaciers being a thing of the past. And we like electric cars too, especially the i3, Model 3 and Taycan.

But road-tripping, at least as much as we can conceive, is the Achilles’ heel of the electric car. While fast-chargers have been springing up about as quickly as TV subscription services, they tend to be on highways and heavily trafficked routes. And this makes complete sense for any number of logistical and economic reasons.

But perhaps the one central thing about road trips is that they’re always at their best away from the main thoroughfare. And the just-to-the-side-of-central thing about road trips is taking trips of fancy. Your intended route might be a top-to-bottom of the eastern seaboard of the US or Australia, but it’s the unintended diversions, spur-of-the-moment stopovers and unplanned explorations that engender the most memorable moments.

And how can you resolve that with an electric car’s charging constraints? It all seems a bit hopeless for the electric car.

But we have found something of a solution: the newly updated Tesla Model S Long Range Plus. Its range is now rated at a shade more than 400 miles. And how much do you really feel like doing more than 400 miles a day on your road trip?

Of course, you still need to put electricity back into the battery once it’s gone, and recharging a battery big enough to take a two-tonne car 400 miles isn’t going to be the work of a few minutes with a household outlet. But if you plan to stop at scenic locations for a day or two, that’s more than enough to hoover up the requisite kilowatt hours at your B&B, no? Also, be a mensch and pay your hosts for using more power in a day than they do in a month. Better yet, with a Tesla, you can take advantage of destination charging, where tourist destinations like wineries, hotels and so on install proper Tesla superchargers to attract the electric-car road tripper.

So, by taking your breaks at beauty spots, you can break free of main-road charging and middle-of-the-road trips. Anyone else up for an electric road trip through the Yukon?

Best van: VW T3 Syncro

Full disclosure: we’ve never done the whole ‘drive a van around Europe’ thing. Our parents did, and they’re still together, so it’s clearly possible. But, at least for us, it offers up something of a conundrum. Driving a van tends to be about as fun as driving a stake into the heart of your favourite child.

That said, vans tend to nail the whole ‘space’ thing. Comfort’s a bit more hit and miss, unless your van used to be the courtesy bus for a quote-unquote classy Las Vegas hotel. As for character? Unlikely – 99 per cent of the time, vans are only slightly less characterful than an airport departure lounge.

But not the Type 2 Kombi. Yeah, it’s a little bit on the obvious side of no duh, but there’s a very good reason for that. They’re plentiful, reliable, spacious, economical, fun to be in and brimming with character. Not bad, really, for an underpowered, slab-sided van.

Our pick? Well, just to bring a little contrariness back into the mix, we’re going for the squared-off T3, also known as the Vanagon in the States. Why Vanagon? Because van + wagon = a stupid name, as it turns out. It also turns out that Volkswagen was terrible at naming things waaaay before the Arteon, which seems to have turned into a ‘Hold my delicious Czech lager’ for the bods over at Skoda. But we, as ever, digress.

The T3 was the most spacious and most powerful Vee Dub van that still followed the proper Type 2 formula: engine at the back, driver at the front, young adults in varying stages of insobriety in the middle. Possibly Steely Dan on the stereo.

And call us odd, but the supremely oddball Syncro version, with all-wheel-drive, lifted ride height and styling only slightly more squared-off than your average Brutalist building really speaks to us, even if the concept of sleeping in a van rates slightly below the concept of just forgoing sleep altogether. But what on earth would we need a jacked-up 4WD for on a road trip? Well, as a nice lead-in to our next point, perhaps.

Photo: Sam Beebe

Best 4WD: Mercedes G-Wagen

We’re sure, by now, that at least a few of you are wondering why there haven’t been any SUVs in this list. And at least one of you has correctly surmised that it’s because they’re hateful objects, bereft of anything approaching enjoyment or character. And they tend not to be stellar in the whole ‘fuel economy’ thing, either. For anyone keeping count, that’s three out of the six pillars that make a good road-trip car, crumbled into dust and therefore not holding the roof up in a way that the people under said roof would much prefer they did.

But there’s also another reason. Cast your mind back to when cars were designed for specific purposes and not specific markets. Some of you will have to accomplish the faintly impossible task of casting your mind back further than your mind has actually existed. In this halcyon time, SUVs weren’t called SUVs, and car journalists couldn’t mock the fact that the cars in question weren’t sporty or particularly utilitarian, so were really only Vs. They were called 4WDs or off-roaders. And now, not a moment too soon, we reach our point: if you’re going on a road trip, is there not a whiff of logical fallacy in taking an off-roader?

And we reach another problem with including SUVs – if they’re designed to go off-road, they’ll be compromised on it. And if they’ve already been adapted to go on the road, then their original purpose has been compromised by the adaptation, and their use on the road will be compromised by the fact that the original purpose of a vehicle of that sort is to go off-road.

And now let us quietly pierce our own logical argument by remembering that not all roads are in tip-top shape. Some, such as those in less-developed parts of the world, like Australia, are in such poor condition that the open, grass-tufted paddock next to the road is often an inviting alternative to the torturous potholes and corrugations of the quote-unquote actual road.

So if your intended road trip takes you on roads that mimic the surface of the moon, there really can be only one choice. Something built to take hits that not even Rocky Marciano could walk off. Something with big wheels and tyres that won’t disappear into cavernous potholes. Something that oozes character, but generally not coolant or oil. And that something is probably going to be an old Land Rover Defender or a Jeep Wrangler.

Which side you fall on probably relates to how you feel about dumping tea in Boston Harbour, but our choice? Probably an old G-Wagen. Yeah, we picked German. Does that mean we have to surrender our British passports or something?

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The best road trip cars

Nothing picks up your mood faster than taking a long and relaxing road trip somewhere you love. But not every car is well suited to life on the road, and when you’re headed out for a long trip, the last thing you want is a car that can’t handle it. When you are ready to embark on a journey around the country, these cars have what it takes to help you enjoy the ride.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

2020 honda hr-v, 2020 ford mustang gt convertible, tesla model 3, chevrolet bolt, 2020 ferrari gtc4lusso, 2020 volvo xc90, 2020 toyota prius, 2020 mazda mx-5, 2020 jaguar f-type convertible, lexus ls 400, volkswagen westfalia camper, ford crown victoria.

The best road trip cars have comfortable seats, lots of entertainment features, and plenty of room for all of your gear. Here are the best cars you can take on a long trip.

A good road trip car must be reliable, practical, capable, and fun, and few automakers satisfy those requirements better than Subaru. We’d love to take a WRX STI cross country, but the fuel-sipping Crosstrek makes our list for its rugged construction and well-rounded character. Plus, there’s plenty of room for speed and spoilers later.

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With fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is an apt choice for couples or small families looking to log some serious highway miles. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this compact crossover will go just about anywhere you need it to, on or off the interstate.

With the Fit, Honda proved a good value doesn’t always come with squished proportions and a chintzy interior. And, with the Fit-based HR-V , the Japanese firm added an extra dose of practicality to the mix.

Honda’s smallest crossover boasts 6.7 inches of ride height and an ingenious “Magic Seat” interior layout, which allows passengers to configure the cabin in five different modes — normal, split, tall, utility, and lounge. That means the car can easily ferry anything, whether it be luggage, bikes, tall plants, or even surfboards.

The HR-V’s biggest asset is its relatively low cost, which comes both at the dealer (starting MSRP is $20,620) and at the pump (it returns up to 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway when ordered with front-wheel drive). Throw in a plethora of safety features and you’re all set.

What goes better with a great American road trip than an emblematic American car? Nothing, that’s what. The Ford Mustang GT is a legend through and through, and the sixth-generation model is the most refined version yet. It has the best interior of any pony car before it, and with an independent suspension setup front and rear, this horse can corner with the best of ‘em. Ford recently updated the model with more tech features, too, including an available digital instrument cluster that will let you keep an eye on key road trip metrics such as speed, distance to empty, and the tunes blasting through the speakers.

Let’s be honest, you don’t need a thumping V8 soundtrack for a successful road trip, nor do you need the open wind rustling through your hair. You definitely want them, though, and the Mustang GT Convertible happens to provide both. “GT” does stand for “Grand Tourer,” after all.

For years, electric cars and road-tripping were mutually exclusive; range anxiety kicked in before you got a chance to leave your state. Advances in battery technology make the latest crop of electric vehicles better-suited to long drives. The Tesla Model 3 has up to 322 miles of driving range in its Dual Motor Long Range configuration, so you can drive from Detroit to Indianapolis without needing to stop and charge.

When you do need to fill up, you can rely on Tesla’s growing network of Supercharger stations. There are thousands of charging points in each state so finding one is a breeze, especially if you plan ahead. Clever features — such as in-car gaming and Netflix streaming — will help you pass the time while your car sips electricity.

If a Tesla isn’t your thing, or if the Model 3 is too expensive, the Chevrolet Bolt is another great option for those seeking a zero-emissions road-tripper. It offers 259 miles of range, so it can drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., in ideal conditions, and it’s spacious enough to comfortably carry a full load of passengers and their gear.

You can zap the Bolt’s battery with about 100 miles of range every 30 minutes when it’s plugged into a DC fast charger, a type of station that’s getting much easier to find as America’s charging infrastructure expands, though keep in mind you’ll need a special charging port Chevrolet charges extra for. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, the Bolt gains 25 miles of range per hour plugged in when it’s hooked up to a 240-volt level two charger, which you can find outside of many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Ah, the practical Ferrari. The successor to the FF , the GTC4Lusso is a grand tourer in every sense of the word, as its gorgeously-appointed interior and quiet ride are offset by a 681-hp V12 and a trick four-wheel steering system. It does “GT” a bit differently, however, as the three-door configuration and shooting brake profile make this a head-turner in more ways than one.

It may not have the storage capacity of an SUV (though Ferrari is working on that ) or the fuel economy of a hybrid, but the GTC4Lusso is as easy to drive in the city as it is on the Italian autostrada, and the brilliant V12 will never, ever get old. These are the keys to life, folks, and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently. This machine speaks tech , too. Ferrari recently added a large screen with a split-view function, as well as  Apple CarPlay compatibility.

We know Volvo can build safe, sophisticated, and elegant machines, but the levels of opulence found in the XC90 make us rethink our outlook on the brand entirely. Not only is the XC90’s interior one of the best we’ve ever seen in an SUV, its smart technology and excellent efficiency make it a no-brainer if you prefer your road trips with a group.

The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is nothing short of fantastic in this car (a key factor for this list), and it can be shuffled between a variety of listening modes, including studio, concert hall, and stadium. The XC90 also features polished semi-autonomous technology for laid-back driving, and the tablet-style touchscreen interface is one of the most intuitive units on the market. Throw in an efficient T8 powertrain that combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a plug-in hybrid system and you have the ultimate long-haul cruiser for up to seven people.

While most of the vehicles on this list emphasize fun, style, or practicality, the Toyota Prius is nearly singular in its goal: Maximum fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient car on the road without a plug, the Eco model returns up to 58 mpg on the freeway and flaunts a total range of more than 600 miles. In a word? Wow.

Toyota made notable enhancements to interior quality and driving dynamics over the previous generation, improvements that will be appreciated if you’re forced to sit in the car for extended periods. Looking to save at the pump? The Prius is your best bet. Select the plug-in Prime model if you’re looking to add a few miles of electric-only driving to your trip without stopping to charge a battery-electric car.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata wrote the book on the modern roadster, so it’d be a travesty if we didn’t include it. The long-standing sports car is as close to perfect as an inexpensive two-seater can be, with an expertly-balanced chassis, a fantastic six-speed manual, and a tangible passion for driving you can actually feel through the steering. It’s one of the few cars that hasn’t gotten significantly bigger or heavier since its inception.

There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles here, but that’s not the point. The MX-5 is about escapism done simply, and it emphasizes that better than just about any car on the market. It’s best suited for solo or short two-person trips, but the fourth-generation model features just enough modern gadgetry to keep you busy if the brilliant engineering isn’t enough.

Ok, we needed at least one more convertible for our list, and Jaguar’s stunning F-Type is one of the most evocative drop-tops ever put to pavement. It has the look, it has the sound — my goodness, the sound — and most importantly, it has the feeling. It’s also fast, agile, and surprisingly refined, as the suspension can be tuned depending on what surface you’re rocketing over.

Practicality takes a back seat in this one (if there were back seats, that is), but people don’t buy V8-powered convertibles because of logic or reason. They buy them because they’re beautiful, stirring, and create a new experience every time you press the start button. Hell, if all you need is to get somewhere quickly and you can’t live without your three favorite suitcases, you’d probably just buy a plane ticket. For the rest of us, open up the throttle and enjoy the ride.

With the new cars out the way, let’s take a short look back at a few legacy options. Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS 400 , was the product of a project called Circle F , which was Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda’s vision to build the world’s best car. The result was something that shockingly still feels modern today, with a buttery ride, rock-solid reliability, and a tasteful interior that has stood the test of time. Speaking of sturdiness, the sedan’s 4.0-liter V8 is the only automobile engine to be rated by the FAA, meaning the 260-hp power plant is tough enough to power a plane. Seriously.

Impressive credentials aside, used LS400’s can be found for less than a few thousand dollars nowadays, which is an absolute steal for the amount of car you’re getting. Throw in reasonable fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway and you might have the best budget road trip car in the world.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper is a hotel on wheels.

Westfalia is a German company that, for about 50 years from the 1950s, made a name for itself in the vehicle-as-living-space world. Westfalia created innovative liveable quarters made to fit inside Volkswagen’s iconic vans. Their configurations included pop-up camper designs, folding tables and chairs, portable toilets, sinks, stoves, and refrigerators. Daimler Chrysler purchased Westfalia’s conversion group in 1999.

The Ford Crown Victoria – or “Crown Vic” – is an iconic car known for its longevity and surprisingly large interior. Most people recognize them from classic movies or old-school taxicabs.

• Range: 1,500 feet
• Paging: One-way communication

If you’re looking for a basic, straightforward system that does what it needs to without costing an arm and a leg, Audiovox has got you covered. It features a decent range of approximately 1,500 feet, which should be adequate for most motorists. It has three-button remotes that only offer one-way communication, making it the perfect fit for motorists seeking an easy-to-use system.

The Audiovox is as effective and dependable as it is simple. You can program it to ignite the engine, thereby warming it up for as little as 5 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your preferences. Audiovox’s APS57Z also lets you lock and unlock the car and pop the trunk open, as long as you are standing within range. You can use the Audiovox on fuel-powered as well as hybrid cars, and it’s CarLink capabilities allow it to sync up with your smartphone.

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In-car technology is advancing more quickly than anyone imagined, and it's also easier to upgrade an older car with Bluetooth and other cutting-edge features than it's ever been. Numerous aftermarket companies allow motorists to benefit from useful connectivity and safety features without having to buy a new car. In fact, Bluetooth has become a cheap, easy upgrade on any vehicle regardless of its age or value.

Bluetooth can be used to make phone calls (it channels the conversation through your car's speakers) or to stream music directly from your smartphone, though some of the more basic systems are limited to calls. Either way, it's a feature that significantly reduces distractions and allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. That's why most states have laws that require hands-free calling while driving.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is dangerous. But sometimes they just seem inconvenient, for lack of a better term. That might put you off wearing one, which is unfortunate. You need a helmet, and you need to protect your head. What if we told you there was such a thing as a smart motorcycle helmet that included innovative tech to make the helmet much more useful? They're already practical, yes, but smart helmets are also incredibly powerful. With things like built-in cameras, like a dashcam in a car, intelligent noise suppression, Bluetooth wireless, and a bevy of other tech, they can make every ride so much more enjoyable. In the spirit of free riding, let's examine some of the best smart motorcycle helmets and what they have to offer. The best smart motorcycle helmets in 2024

Buy the Forcite MK1S if you want a well-rounded and intelligent option. Buy the Sena Stryker if you want excellent audio quality. Buy the Quin McQ if you want an open-face helmet design. Buy the CrossHelmet X1 if you want visibility enhancements. Buy the Torc T15B if you only care about Bluetooth connectivity.

While your car can't talk, it communicates with you using chimes, icons, and messages. One icon that you should never ignore is the check engine light. It turns on when the car's onboard computer detects a problem.

If your check engine light is on, don't panic—it doesn't necessarily mean you'll need to give your next paycheck to the nearest mechanic. Problems that trigger a check engine light are sometimes basic and quick to fix. Don't ignore it, either, and get it checked out as quickly as possible.

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Best Road Trip Cars: Top 10

Hitting the open road; there isn’t much that matches this feeling of freedom and adventure.

The great North American road trip is as old as the invention of the automobile itself. For over a century people have gotten behind the wheel to explore all our expansive continent has to offer.

Today it’s easy to board a plane and fly virtually anywhere in the world. But it doesn’t offer the same sights, sounds, and experiences as driving through the mountain passes, vast canyons, and twisting ocean drives in our own backyard.

Modern vehicles have made these journeys more enjoyable than ever too. Massaging seats, driving assists, crisp audio systems, and climate controlled seats are just a few of luxurious found in a plethora of automobiles. But what are the best road trip cars? There’s different answers for different people. Below we’ve selected 10 great choices that should offer a great solution for most.

Buick Enclave

For passengers, the best road trip cars need one thing above all else – comfort. When it comes to three-row SUVs, not many provide a more pleasing ride than the Buick Enclave . By eschewing any sporty pretences, the Enclave is set up to isolate occupants from the world outside. Expansion gaps, broken pavement, and rough concrete are swallowed up by the suspension making any road surface feel buttery smooth.

Great sound isolation and a V6 engine that’s rarely strained adds to the relaxed, cruiser feel of the Enclave. If hour after hour of freeway slogging encompasses your larger family’s road trip, this Buick is worth a consideration.

Chevrolet Suburban Diesel

Some road trips involve a couple taking a jaunt down a coastal highway. Others involve a large family, their pets, all their gear, and a sizeable trailer being hauled through the mountains. The Chevrolet Suburban diesel is a vehicle for the latter. With tremendous levels of torque, expansive levels of interior room, and respectable fuel economy, this is about as close as you can get to taking your house on the road.

Up to nine passengers can fit in the Suburban and towing capacity can reach 8,200 lbs. Plus, this big Chevrolet drives smaller than its size suggests, making it approachable for a variety of drivers.

Ford Mustang Convertible

Now we’ll change gears to the best road trip cars for two. When hitting the open byways along picturesque landscapes on a beautiful day, nothing beats driving a convertible. Drop tops are few and far between these days, but one icon remains; the legendary Ford Mustang . Taking a drive down the pacific coastal highway in California behind the wheel of a Mustang is something everyone should experience at least once. Ford’s pony car can even accommodate two small rear passengers if a young family is looking for an adventure.

This may not be the first choice for long distance, multi-day cruising. But wheeling a Mustang from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a warm spring day sounds great to us.

Honda Civic

Not everyone needs a large SUV or a sports car for an enjoyable road trip. Plenty of smaller vehicles are up for task, proving ample comfort, space, and impressive fuel economy. Chief amongst these choices is our favorite compact car here at AutoGuide, the Honda Civic . Available in a variety of flavors, the sweet spot for long distance driving is either the sedan or hatchback with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

It provides plenty of power for the small car and sips gas. The car is fun enough to drive, but supple enough to not punish passengers. A premium interior is just the icing on the cake. The hatchback is the more practical choice of the two body styles and our personal pick. But really, one can’t go wrong with either Civic.

Kia Sportage Hybrid

The hottest segment right now is compact SUVs, even if these utility vehicles aren’t all that compact anymore. Being the primary vehicle for millions of families, many of these smaller SUVs will see duty as the transportation choice during vacation getaways. With so many options on the market, what is one to choose? Our current recommendation is the Kia Sportage , specifically the hybrid.

With ample power and impressive fuel economy, the Sportage features a sophisticated interior that delivers near mid-size levels of space. It’s also one of the more comfortable rides in the segment which should keep passengers happy.

Lexus ES 300h

Moving back to cars, the Honda Civic and Ford Mustang might not provide enough interior space or ride comfort for everyone’s taste. A great alternative for these road trippers would be the Lexus ES 300h . It’s one of the most supple riding, smooth driving sedans out there that just happens to also be very fuel efficient.

Like the Buick Enclave, the ES 300h eats up mile after mile of road without fatiguing the driver or its occupants. The Lexus’ focus is on comfort, refinement, and sound isolation rather than driving dynamics, which makes it a perfect long-distance cruising partner.

So far we covered gas, diesel, and a lot of hybrid choices. But what if you want to take a road trip in an electric vehicle? Many might scoff at this idea, but there are EVs on sale now that have surprising levels of range. Vehicles like the Lucid Air Grand Touring with a maximum range of 516 miles. That should give drivers a full day’s worth of driving before the car would need a charge.

The Lucid Air doesn’t come cheap though, with the Grand Touring beginning at a price of $138,000. A more affordable option, albeit with less range, is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD that can travel 358 miles on a single charge and should cost under $60,000.

Not all road trips involve driving to a destination with accommodations. Some adventures include bringing the accommodations with you, like a big fifth-wheel travel trailer. For this task, a vehicle with enough interior space for a family as well as enough towing capacity to haul such a trailer is needed. This is the realm of full-size pick up trucks.

Our choice is the Ram 1500 . With the adjustable air suspension, the Ram features very un-truck-like ride comfort, yet can still do truck things. With the efficient and torquey EcoDiesel engine, the Ram 1500 can tow upwards of 9,600 lbs. when properly equipped. If that’s not enough capability, there is the gasoline 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with a mild hybrid system that can pull upwards of 12,750 lbs.

Subaru Outback

Once upon a time, the best road trip cars were ruled by wagons. But the segment is nearly dead, with very few options left. One choice that is still available is a great one; the Subaru Outback . As a lifted crossover, this wagon-on-stilts features a long travel suspension that swallows up all but the worst road imperfections. The long wheelbase prevents the vehicle from wandering on the freeway and in the grandest of Subaru traditions, the Outback has fantastic sight-lines all around.

Being a wagon, there is amble room for passengers in the rear and their cargo behind them. The entry level engine, although good on gas, might be a bit overmatched for a fully-loaded Outback. Luckily, there is a punchy turbocharged option as well.

Toyota Sienna

Part of the reason station wagons demised as the go-to-choice for the best road trip cars was the invention of the minivan. But the practical people haulers have since fallen out of favor as well, and few choices exist on the market. The ones that are left are all very appealing and can’t be beat in terms of passenger space, cargo capability, and ease of operation.

Our recommendation for a road trip minivan is the Toyota Sienna . With a standard hybrid engine, the Sienna is surprisingly efficient and should travel long distances between fill-ups. There is also optional all-wheel drive, a major plus if your road trip involves a wintery chalet escape. New this year is the Woodland Edition that offers additional ground clearance for even more rough-road capability.

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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.

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Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

01 apr 2024 04 oct 2020 | dan.

Last updated 26 January 2024 by John and Dan

So many roads, so many adventures! So where to start? In this EPIC post, we’ve compiled our bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world. It’s a road trip list for a lifetime of unforgettable journeys and experiences, spanning every continent (but one). Mission accepted.

We’re happiest when we’re on the road. There’s nothing quite like the freedom and anticipation of setting out on a driving adventure of your own making. Where you call the shots: you decide where to go, what to see, how long you want to stay. Where you can enjoy the best of the roads well travelled, and then leave them behind in search of the low-key and the off-beat; the hidden gems of a destination.

Road tripping is our favourite style of travel, and over the years it’s become a key element of just about every trip we make, whether it’s in our own car, a hire car, or with a local driver/guide and their car.

Years ago, we started compiling random ideas for the world’s best road trips. Our objective? The ultimate road trip bucket list to hang on our virtual travel planning wall and set the agenda for a lifetime of adventures to come. Over time, we’ve embarked on some these grail journeys too. Until 2020 anyway when, like everyone around the world, circumstances outside our control meant we had to shift down a gear.

Perfect opportunity to take our random list and make it properly epic, we thought, and plan our road tripping future for decades to come.

So we started researching. We trawled maps, websites, guidebooks, newsletters, social media and friends’ brains, to pinpoint the best drives in the world and build our own ultimate road trips list across the globe. Then we plotted out a rough route for every single one, with approximate distances and minimum timeframes. The clusters of starred places on our Google world map resembles the Milky Way.

This post is the result: 100 amazing, multi-day (in many cases multi-week) bucket list road trip adventures on every continent, except  Antarctica ( though we have set foot on the icy landmass and that trip has the number one spot on our list of 21 Epic Adventures Around the World ).

For every epic drive that’s made pole position on our road trip list though, there are another handful of road trips waiting at the back of the pack.

We’ve started with 100 but the world’s the limit, and our world is a very big place. We’re also keen to hear your tips on the best road trips in the world:  let us know in the comments at the end of the post . Let’s hit the road!

100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World

1. Road Trips in Africa 2. Asian Road Trips 3. Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 4. Road Trips in Central & South America 5. European Road Trips 6. Road Trips in the Middle East 7. Road Trips in North America

Our road trip bucket list has been years in the making and some we’ve happily warmed the tyres on already. Road trips we’ve done have their titles highlighted in orange and include links to posts where we’ve written up the itineraries. Plenty more write-ups and road trips still to come!

Road Trips in Africa

It’s the continent we’ve travelled the least and there are still vast swathes of Africa we’re keen to explore. There’s also an enormous diversity of experiences to be found between the desert dunes of the north and the wild and beautiful coastline of the south. So where to even start?

For our top 100, we’ve opted for seven mighty African road trip adventures taking in some of the continent’s most epic scenery, wildlife and history, from the top to the bottom, and off the mainland to an island on the Indian Ocean.

1. Baobabs, Wildlife and Pinnacles ~ Madagascar

Appx. 1,000+ km (620+ miles) | 10-14 days

Antananarivo to Morondava  | In an ideal world, we’d road trip all of Madagascar, but as the fourth largest island in the world, perspective is essential. So our starting point is a central island journey offering a taster of the unique wildlife, nature and landscapes the island is famous for, including the famous  Avenue of Baobabs  and the World Heritage  Tsingy pinnacles .

2. Across the High Atlas ~ Morocco

560 km (348 miles) | Up to 1 week

Marrakech to Merzouga  |  From a World Heritage walled city, we journey across the high Atlas Mountains, through canyons and gorges, past oases and ancient mud-brick kasbahs to the edge of the vast, burnt-orange Sahara Desert. We’ve travelled to Morocco twice and we loved this Moroccan road trip so much, we decided to carry on north with our driver guide through the ancient city of Fez and the blue city of Chefchaouen to Tangier. It’s a trip we hope to repeat one day. Itineraries to come .

3. The Namib Desert ~ Namibia

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 10-14 days

Windhoek to Windhoek Loop  | Soaring red sand dunes in the world’s oldest desert; grasslands and salt pans where wildlife roam; remarkable granite landscapes and ancient, World Heritage rock art; great gatherings of fur seals; Africa’s largest canyon; and the Skeleton Coast, a notorious stretch of coastline with the name to match. It all serves to make this one of the most exciting and anticipated adventure road trips on our list. In late 2023, we explored this fantastic country on an overland truck tour and now all we want is to go back and do it all again independently. Stay tuned for the write-up .

4. The Garden Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 1,850 km (1,150 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Cape Town to Cape Town Loop  | The Garden Route, South Africa – a 200 km (124 mile) stretch of road from Mossel Bay to Storms River – is said to be one of the most spectacular coastal road trips in the world. That in itself would be enough for us. So the fact it also offers amazing wildlife watching (on land and sea) and awesome adventure activities has cemented this on our road trip bucket list. We’ll extend the journey beyond the Garden Route itself by looping to and from Cape Town, and adding more wildlife reserves plus the wineries of Stellenbosch and Francshhoek.

5. Durban to Drakensberg Mountains ~ South Africa & Lesotho

Appx. 900 km (560 miles+) | Up to 2 weeks

Durban to Durban Loop  | This is a BIG drive: big beaches, big mountains, big waterfalls, big five wildlife encounters. Looping from Durban in South Africa along the coast, then inland through national parks and up into the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains and the famous  Sani Pass  to Lesotho, this road trip is just one more reason we need to get driving in South Africa sooner rather than later.

6. Panorama Route ~ South Africa

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 1 week

Johannesburg to Johannesburg Loop  | A safari in Kruger National Park is a bucket list goal. A safari in Kruger at the end of one of the most beautiful road trips in Africa, which also happens to take in one of the world’s largest canyons, must be a bucket list road trip trifecta! In addition to the showcase Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route packs in forests, waterfalls, rockpools, gorges, a National Monument town and, of course, epic panoramas across the lowlands to Kruger.

7. Sea, Sand and Ancient Ruins ~ Tunisia

Appx 1,600 km (995 miles) | 2 weeks

Tunis to Tunis Loop  | If you know us, you know we’re mad for ruins, all ruins, but especially ruins of the Ancient Roman era. Tunisia, a wedge of land in Africa’s north, has some of the best ancient sites still standing, including the ruins of the famous Punic city of Carthage. By all accounts, road tripping through this under-the-radar country’s shifting landscapes – from the Mediterranean coast to the sands of the Sahara – is outstanding.

Asian Road Trips

From the ancient Silk Road through the mountains and high plains of Central Asia, to the cultural highlights of the Far East and tropical island jungles of the Indonesian archipelago, Asia is a treasure chest of road tripping adventures.

Drive journeys in Asia offer the chance to get off the more typical tourist trails and into villages, local hideaways and harder-to-reach destinations for unforgettable experiences in culture, adventure and history; and the nine epic Asian road trips on our top 100 road trip list do just that.

8. The Remote Himalayas ~ Bhutan

Distance varies | 10 days

Paro to Paro Loop  | The Himalayas remain seriously high on our bucket list (no pun intended), and at the peak is enigmatic Bhutan, a mountain kingdom with a unique culture and spectacular, untouched nature. The country’s tourism policy means we would need to have a driver and guide for this particular Asian road trip, but when you’re surrounded by the world’s highest mountains and happiest people, we’re fine with being able to sit back and just take it all in!

9. Road Trip Flores ~ Indonesia

Appx. 750 km (465 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Labuan Bajo to Ende  | This awesome road trip through the Indonesian island of Flores serves up soaring volcanoes, traditional villages, jungley highlands and some of the best off-the-beaten track beaches in the archipelago. Add some scuba diving or snorkelling, and close encounters with primeval dragons in speccy Komodo National Park, and this is one of the best island road trips you never heard of. We traversed the island with a hire car and driver-guide. Read  our 14-day Flores itinerary  for all the details.

10. Land of Kings, Rajasthan ~ India

Appx. 2,500 km | Up to a month

Delhi to Delhi Loop  |  India’s northern state of Rajasthan is a captivating world of epic fortresses, vibrant temples, extraordinary wildlife reserves, colourful cities, vast desert landscapes and tantalising cuisines. Our driving journey into this incredible place, via the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradhesh, is an adventure we’ll never forget. Read  our Rajasthan road trip itinerary  for the low-down on one of the best Asian road trips on the sub-continent.

11. The Golden Route ~ Japan

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Tokyo to Osaka  | Where to start when it comes to exploring Japan? There’s so much we want to see on this island nation, and there are plenty of awesome-looking road trips to explore off the beaten track, like the  Scenic Byway collection on Hokkaido . For our very first trip to the country though, we’re keen to seek out the epic highlights of the famous  Golden Route , following the ancient Tokkaido Road between Tokyo and Kyoto and on to Osaka – a magic introduction of big cities, historic towns, rich culture and stunning scenery.

12. Gobi Desert ~ Mongolia

Distance varies | 1-2 weeks

Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar Loop  | Far-flung and properly off the beaten track, Mongolia makes for no ordinary road trip. Actually, it’s well and truly off-road and from the sounds of it, trips usually take place in functional old rust-bucket vans. The rough and ready nature of this trip is all part of the fun though and well worth the prizes: huge sand dunes, vast steppes, Mongol empire ruins, wild horses, endless skies, wonderful isolation…and nights under the stars in yurts!

13. Seoul to Busan Overlander ~ South Korea

Distance TBC | 2-3 weeks

Seoul to Busan  | We’re still talking about our one brilliant night in Seoul, and we didn’t even make it into the city on that stopover. So we’re eager to get back and explore the country proper. Road tripping is apparently easy and the best way to get off the beaten track to visit the country’s best World Heritage sites, traditional villages, Buddhist temples and monasteries. There’s a ton of culture, history and nature to experience here, plus Korean BBQ! If time allows, we’ll also hop across to Jeju Island to drive the renowned  Ilju Coastal Road .

14. Emerald Island Circuit ~ Sri Lanka

Appx 1,600km (995 miles) | Up to a month

Colombo to Colombo Loop  | Compact Sri Lanka is a wonderful country to explore by road, serving up beautiful coastlines, jungles and mountains, highland tea plantations, and standout World Heritage cultural and natural sites.  We’ve travelled the traditional tourist loop  from the capital to the highlands to the coast, but there’s so much more we want to see here with the freedom of a car, especially the less-visited north and east, only more recently reopened to visitors after decades of internal strife.

15. Island Loop ~ Taiwan

Appx. 1,080 km (670 miles) | 2 weeks

Taipei to Taipei Loop  | Taiwan is a magical mystery to us, but what we’ve read has put it squarely on our road trip bucket list. Apparently the roads are great and the sights are many – from the city lights and night markets of the capital Taipei, to the cultural sites, tea plantations, beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities, speccy Taroko Gorge and everything else in between. More than half of Taiwan is mountain country too and we can never get enough mountains.

16. Pamir Highway ~ Tajikistan

Appx. 700 km+ (430 miles) | 1 week

Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog, Tajikistan  | The ‘stans loom large on our destination bucket list, so it goes without saying the opportunity to get out and explore by road (not just any road either but part of the ancient Silk Road!) only adds to the appeal. The Pamir Highway starts in Kyrgyzstan and winds a route through Tajikistan that by all accounts serves up some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the world. In fact, our mates Alesha and Jarryd of NOMADasaurus rate it so highly they set up group tours with a local operator, and their  road trip write-up  has us very much looking forward to one day making this journey.

Road Trips in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

We’ve been enjoying road trips in Australia for as long as we can remember (Dan since she was a kid on family holidays, and John since touring Oz in a Ford Econovan as a backpacker in the 90s), but we’ve still got a serious hit list of road tripping adventures we want to have across our vast island-continent home.

We’ve also been drawn time and again to that other island nation across the pond, New Zealand , as it arguably serves up some of the world’s best road tripping opportunities. Plus, after discovering the delights of Pacific Island road tripping in  Vanuatu  and  Easter Island , we’ve added Fiji as a new island addition in our top 100.

17. Great Ocean Road ~ Australia

Appx. 243 km (150 miles) | 2-4 Days

Torquay to Allansford  | This iconic coastal drive is on our southern doorstep in the state of Victoria, and while we’ve both cruised parts of it, we haven’t driven it together. While you can knock it over in around four hours, we want to take our time and explore the epic coastal scenery both in and out of the car, including the world-famous Twelve Apostles, pristine beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, bushwalks, and eats and drinks along the way.

18. Circle Tasmania ~ Australia

Appx. 1,800 km (1,120 miles) | 1 week to 1 month

Hobart to Hobart Loop  | Gorgeous Tasmania holds a real allure for us: it’s one of just a couple of places we could imagine ourselves retiring to one day. Naturally, we’re keen to road trip to all of its corners before then. This  epic Tassie circuit  by Tourism Australia looks like the perfect place to start. Add some extra km’s to include historic Port Arthur and the foodie destination, Bruny Island, plus some world-class hiking side-trips, and we’re raring to go!

19. The South-Western Corner ~ Australia

Appx. 2,000 km (1,240 miles) | 2 weeks

Perth to Perth via Albany  | Take one of the world’s great wine regions (Margaret River), add exquisite white-sand beaches, giant trees, waterfalls, sand dunes, amazing hikes, unique geological formations and ridiculously cute quokkas, and you can see why this road trip has been calling to us. We finally had the chance to drive it in 2021 and it was every bit as epic as we’d hoped. Our original claim stands – this may well be one of the best road trips in Australia. Check out our itinerary for an epic two week road trip of south west Australia .

The Ultimate Australian Road Trip It’s called ‘The Big Lap’, a classic Aussie understatement for an epic 40,000 km (25,000 mile) adventure looping right around Australia. It’s a bit of a tradition for retired older Aussies and young international backpackers to load up a 4WD or camper trailer and embark on this extraordinary journey. It skirts just about all of the Australian coastline plus a stint inland to the Red Centre. How long it takes is entirely up you. Something to look forward to when we’re old(er).

20. South to North via Explorer’s Way ~ Australia

Appx. 4,000 km+ (2,500 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Adelaide to Darwin  | We might be leaving  The Big Lap  for later (see above), but this epic Australian road trip is one we hope to make sooner. Starting in the South Australian capital of Adelaide, this incredible journey overlands through the southern outback and into the Northern Territory to visit some of the most iconic destinations on the continent – Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Karlu Karlu-Devils Marbles, Litchfield National Park and more – before winding up in Darwin. Huge!

21. Viti Levu Island ~ Fiji

Appx. 515 km (320 miles) | 12-14 days

Nadi to Nadi Loop  | An iso binge watch of  Eco-Challenge Fiji  put the spectacular landscapes of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, firmly on our road trip list. While we’ll leave the hard core adventure racing to the pros, exploring the island by car opens up a world of possibilities for reaching its remote corners and experiencing its diverse natural beauty and outdoor adventure – on land as well as in the sea (diving!) and on the nearby islands – along with the culture and legendary warmth of the Fijian people. 

22. North Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Appx. 3,200+ km (2,000 miles) | Up to a month

Auckland to Auckland Loop  | This incredible journey around the north island of New Zealand, one of our favourite places on the planet, is at the summit of our bucket list. It takes in the north’s unsurpassed landscapes of lush forests, thermal springs, pristine beaches, iconic volcanoes and spectacular lakes. Throw in ultra-cool Wellington with its craft beer and food scene, a visit to ‘Hobbiton’, and the wineries of Hawkes Bay, and this may just be our ultimate road trip heaven.

23. South Island Loop ~ New Zealand

Distance varies | Up to a month

Christchurch to Christchurch Loop  | You can tackle New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island in a couple of different trips, or road trip the whole island. We’ve already mini-looped once via the west coast glaciers, and a second time via Central Otago and the east coast ( check out our South Island highlights ). Both times we took in the magnetic mountains-and-fjords-drive between Queenstown and Milford Sound. With loads of epic destinations like Abel Tasman National Park, the Catlins and Dunedin still to visit, a drive around the whole South Island is definitely a future New Zealand bucket list road trip goal for us.

Road Trips in Central & South America

Latin America may well be a contender for our favourite part of the world. The vast spaces and incredible, changing scenery of South America are superb for road tripping, while the countries of Central America serve up culture and history in compact abundance. While there are still so many corners of both that we want to explore, the seven journeys here are a combination of our favourites and most anticipated.

24. Ruta 40 ~ Argentina

Appx. 5,200 km (3,230 miles) | As long as it takes

La Quiaca to Punta Loyola  | South America is catnip for us, we just love it. We’ve travelled various segments of amazing National Route 40 through Argentina over the years, but we’re keen to travel the entire length, from the dramatic canyons, deserts and salt flats of the north, through the lake regions, wine regions, World Heritage, cultural heritage, historic sites and pampas grasslands, to the mind-blowing mountains and glaciers of spectacular southern Patagonia.

25. Route of the Seven Lakes ~ Argentina

Appx. 108 km (67 miles) | 1-3 days

Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes  | The more time we spend in Argentina, the more places end up on our bucket list to come back and explore by car. We knew nothing about the Ruta de los Siete Lagos – Route of the Seven Lakes – when we arrived in the town of Bariloche, and our expectations were batted completely out of the ballpark. This road trip, a tiny section of Ruta 40, can be done in a day or more slowly as you follow a winding route through the sweeping forests, soaring peaks and serene lakes of northern Patagonia. Read  our one-day itinerary .

26. Atacama to Uyuni ~ Chile & Bolivia

Appx 550 km (340 miles) | 4-5 days

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia  | Atacama, the world’s highest, driest, oldest desert is simply breathtaking – both literally and figuratively. From the volcano-dotted moonscape of the Chilean plateau, it’s just a hop across the high Andes to Bolivia and another otherworldly destination: the vast salt flats of Uyuni. We tried this journey by road once before but were thwarted by sudden snowstorms. We’re determined to go back and try again.

27. Carretera Austral ~ Chile

Appx. 1,225 km (760 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins  | Patagonia is addictive. The nature, the wildlife, the outdoor adventure….we could go on. Our short road trips in Chile have whetted our appetites to explore more of this gorgeous country by car and the Carretera Austral, Chile’s Route 7, which winds along parks, rivers, lakes and hot springs and offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and out-of-car nature immersion, hits all the marks.

28. Parks & Wildlife ~ Costa Rica

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

San José to San José Loop  | This little wedge of land in Central America is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, making Costa Rica an outstanding destination for nature lovers. With a quarter of the country protected in reserves, the hardest part of a road trip is deciding what you can bear to leave out. Our loop through the parks of Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, La Fortuna and Tortuguero served up pristine rainforest, soaring volcanoes, hot springs, beautiful beaches and wildlife watching in epic abundance. Road trip itinerary to come. In the meantime, here’s our round-up of must-see parks in Costa Rica .

29. Classic West ~ Cuba

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 2 weeks

Havana to Havana Loop  | Legendary Cuba is every bit as vibrant, evocative and distinctive as we’d hoped. From the lively, crumbling capital of Havana, a journey around the western half of this island nation serves up colourful rural villages, tobacco plantations, pretty beaches and World Heritage cities. There are opportunities for horse-riding, scuba diving, cycling and, of course, vintage car rides. While we didn’t drive ourselves (it’s certainly possible), our classic car road trips between each destination took this trip to another level. Read  our 2-week Cuba itinerary .

30. Yucatan Peninsula ~ Mexico

Appx. 2,500 km (1,550 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Cancun to Cancun Loop  | The vast, jungley Yucatan peninsula is like a magnet, drawing us back time and again to explore its pearly beaches,  otherworldly cenotes , vivid historic towns,  vibrant reefs , and epic ancient Mayan ruins (all of it fuelled by delicious tacos al pastor). While it’s easy to get around the Yucatan by public transport or tour, as we have previously, hiring a car is a chance to go at your own pace and search out the many gems of this awesome, ancient place. We’ll be back.

European Road Trips

While Europe may not have the landmass of some other continents, its 44 countries and sheer diversity of people, place, history and culture have led to it accounting for almost half of our top 100 road trip bucket list!

Having spent countless hours, days and weeks meandering by car through the UK and western Europe, plus a couple of months road tripping through northwestern Europe and Scandinavia, we know the possibilities for European road trips are endless. So while we’ve managed to compile close to fifty road trips here which are an absolute must for us, there are literally hundreds more just waiting in the wings. Bring it on!

31. Across the Austrian Alps ~ Austria

Appx. 1,200 km (745 miles) | 2 weeks

Innsbruck to Vienna  | A whirlwind winter weekend in Innsbruck introduced us to the gorgeous alpine-scapes of Austria, and returning to road trip the country is a must for us. Our planned journey starts in Innsbruck, and from there winds a high-altitude path to the western mountains and back across the country’s alpine ranges, via the famed  Grossglockner High Alpine Road , to Vienna in the east. It’s not all epic mountains though – great wining, dining, amazing hiking, history, architecture and much more also await.

32. Istria & The Adriatic Highway ~ Croatia

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 10 days +

Rovinj to Dubrovnik  | The glimpses of Croatia we’ve had through short trips to Split and Dubrovnik – of historic cities, charming islands, turquoise waters and epic sunsets – have been more than enough to convince us that a road trip along this stunning Kings Landing coast is a must. Cue the  Adriatic Highway , which winds a magical coastal path from top to bottom. We’ll extend the journey by starting in Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula.

33. Southern Scandinavia ~ Denmark, Norway & Sweden

Appx. 1,850 km + Car Ferry | 2+ Weeks

Copenhagen to Copenhagen Loop  | This Nordic journey takes in the cool Scandi cities, historical highlights and beautiful, changing landscapes of Denmark, southern Norway and Sweden. We travelled this route as part of a 3-month road trip through northwest Europe and Scandinavia, but as we were rained on for most of the journey, this route is one we’re keen to travel again, in better weather. It can easily be done in either direction, and extended with a  broader circuit of Norway . Itinerary write-up to come.

34. The Mysterious Faroe Islands ~ Denmark

Distance varies | 7-10 days

Tórshavn to Tórshavn Loop  | The seed for a trip to the Faroe Islands was planted as we stood looking out to sea from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark, and it’s well and truly taken root. This wild and remote cluster of islands in the northern Atlantic, a far-flung, self-governing outpost of the Danish kingdom, has an air of magic and legend about it, and the scenery to suit. While driving around an archipelago seems unlikely, the Faroes’ bridges, under-sea tunnels and ferries make road tripping here entirely possible and, by all accounts, entirely unforgettable.

35. Baltic Road Trip ~ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Tallinn to Vilnius  | Apart from a girls’ weekend in Tallinn for Dan in the early noughties, the Baltic states remain a tantalising unknown to us. What better way to discover this under-the-radar corner of northeastern Europe than by car? Highlights include castles, national parks, cool cities with baroque and art nouveau architecture, beaches, charming villages, history in droves, and plenty of scenic driving on a weaving route between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

36. Ancient Provence ~ France

Appx. 500 km (310 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Marseilles to Marseille Loop  | Some 2,100 years ago, the Romans turned up in south-east France, named it Provincia Romana and started building. Their legacy can still be found all over Provence, in the form of ancient theatres, temples, bridges, roads, aqueducts and monuments. We’ve driven parts of this route and mapped a bunch more for a fantastic road trip into the distant past. This is also one of the world’s great wine regions. Ancient history + wineries = our perfect European road trip.

37. The Brittany Coast ~ France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 5-7 days

Saint-Malo to Saint-Malo Loop  | If the beautiful rugged coastline wasn’t enough to put this epic road trip on our list, the megalithic sites, primeval forest trails, medieval villages and towns, and renowned food scene have cemented it there. The World Heritage Mont St Michel is also just down the road from Saint-Malo.

38. Island Tripper, Corsica ~ France

Appx. 600 km (372 miles) | 7-10 days

Bastia to Bonifacio  | It took just one pic of a winding coastal road with mountains rising above a crystal clear cove to put a Corsica road trip on our bucket list. This French island, birthplace of Napoleon, packs a Mediterranean punch with wildly diverse landscapes, cute villages, outdoor adventure, beachside chill, delicious food and wineries, all in a relatively compact, very road-trippable space.

39. La Route des Grande Alpes ~ France

Appx. 675 km (420 Miles) | 3 days

Thonon-les-Bains to Menton  | Alpine road trips are probably our fave, and this amazing drive from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean through the French Alps ticks all the boxes: national parks, climbing routes, sky-high villages and lakes, around 20 mountain passes, and some of the highest roads in Europe. It’s open in Summer and early Autumn only.

40. La Route des Vins D’Alsace ~ France

170 km (106 miles) | A couple of days

Marlenheim to Thann  | How could we not include a road trip named for wine? The historic Alsace region is in France’s north-east near Germany and Switzerland, and vino is truly in its DNA – it’s been producing wine since Roman times. This isn’t a long road trip, but with dozens of picturesque villages and around 1,000 producers dedicated wholeheartedly to wine, it’s a journey we want to take slow and savour (literally).

41. French and Italian Rivieras ~ France, Monaco & Italy

Appx. 315 km (195 miles) | 7-10 days

Nice to La Spezia  | Despite taking in three countries, road tripping the Cote D’Azur from Nice to Menton via Monaco and onwards through the Italian Riviera to La Spezia will put little more than 300 km on the odometer. But this is said to be some of the most idyllic coastal driving out there: a gorgeous stretch of Mediterranean lapped by turquoise waters, with beautiful beaches and pretty villages, culminating in the renowned Cinque Terre National Park, a destination we’ve been itching to get back to and hike for 15 years.

42. Journey to the Caucasus ~ Georgia

Appx. 1,100 km (685 miles) | 2 weeks

Tbilsi to Tblisi Loop  | Europe’s far eastern country of Georgia has become a traveller hotspot in recent years and we’ve heard lots of good stuff about it. We’ve also heard road tripping is the best way to get out into the countryside and explore the myriad landscapes, cool historic sites – like the medieval Rabati fortress and Vardzia cave monastery – and the many natural highlights, from canyons, waterfalls, lakes and hot springs to the high peaks of the Caucasus Mountains.

43. The German Alpine Road ~ Germany

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | 5-8 days

Lindau to Schönau  | People have been drawn to the Bavarian delights of the  Alpenstrasse  – scenic, traditional, cultural and culinary – for more than 160 years. More than a dozen villages and towns dot the beautiful route, which meanders via valleys and meadows, mountains and lakes, and passes dozens of castles, churches, monasteries and palaces.

44. The Castle Road ~ Germany

1,200 km (745 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Mannheim to Prague  | We love a good castle, so naturally, Europe’s greatest dedicated castle road trip is a mandatory entry on our list. Winding a route through scenic central Germany before crossing into Prague, the  Burgenstrasse  links more than seventy historic citadels, including castles, palaces and aristocratic residences.

45. The Romantic Road ~ Germany

Appx. 354 km (220 miles) | 3-4 days

Füssen to Würzburg  | More castles, yes, and dramatic ones (including the famous, Disney-esque Neuschwanstein). But tales of Germany’s Romantic Road through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg tell a delightful road tripping story of postcard perfect scenery, colourful villages and cobblestoned medieval towns. Plus there’s Bavarian beer at one end and wine country at the other end. Perfect!

46. Highlights of the Mainland ~ Greece

Appx. 2,000 km (1,242 miles) | 2 weeks

Athens to Athens Loop  | Greece is rightly renowned for its beautiful islands, of which we’ve sampled a few. But we’ve always wanted to hit the road on the mainland and experience the culture, scenery and archaeological wonders of this very ancient place. Highlights of our planned mainland Greece road trip include epic sites like Corinth, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

47. Minoan Crete ~ Greece

Appx. 745 km (460 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Heraklion to Heraklion Loop  | Crete is an island of myth and legend: home to the ancient Minoan civilisation and the mythological half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Signs of this highly advanced people remain at archaeological sites such as Knossos and Phaestos, but our own road trip through Crete surprised us with rugged mountain scenery, caves, beaches, beautiful gorges for hiking, Venetian architecture and seriously good food. Road trip highlights to come .

48. The Ring Road ~ Iceland

Appx 1,350 km (840 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Reykjavic to Reykjavic Loop  | A mystical island of icy glaciers, brooding volcanoes and soothing hot springs; where the summer sun shines all night and strange lights dance across the sky in winter. We were captivated on  our road trip through the south of Iceland  and we’ll definitely be back to explore the rest on the famous island loop  Ring Road . This is said to be one of the best road trips in Europe.

49. The Wild Atlantic Way ~ Ireland

2,500 km (1,550 miles) | As long as it takes

Malin Head to Kinsale  | Ireland remains one of our fave destinations, ever since we first road tripped a loop around the country – and got engaged en route – in 2006. The  Wild Atlantic Way  is our next goal for the island nation. An anniversary road trip perhaps? Spanning six regions of diverse and spectacular Irish coastal terrain, this journey can be done in sections, or in one long, incomparable road trip.

50. Bay of Naples & Amalfi Coast ~ Italy

Appx: 150 km (95 miles) | 7-10 days

Miseno to Salerno  | Road tripping the  Amalfi Coast  is a renowned journey, and rightly so. The stunning SS163 coastal route itself is just 50 km and can be driven end to end in a matter of hours, but we extended our trip to start at ancient Misenum, travelling around the Bay of Naples in the shadow of Vesuvius, taking in the vibrant city of Naples, the extraordinary ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and charming cliff-side Sorrento, before winding through the spectacular coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Itinerary to come .

51. The Dolomites ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 7-10 days

Bolzano to Bolzano Loop  | There are some superb driving routes through the high altitude scenery of the Italian Dolomites and Alps, including the famed  Grande Strada delle Dolomiti  and the sky-high switchbacks of the  Stelvio Pass . We’re keen to explore them all, so we’ve mapped out a World Heritage Dolomites journey along one of the best driving roads in Europe, taking in mountain passes, mountains lakes, mountain meadows, mountain food, and lots of time out of the car on epic mountain hikes.

52. Tuscan Wineries & Hill Towns ~ Central Italy

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 2 weeks

Florence to Florence Loop  | Our love affair with Italy was cemented on the winding roads of Tuscany, Urbino, Perugia and Terni, as we road tripped through a gorgeous countryside of rolling hills, expansive vineyards and striking medieval hill towns. We’ve espoused the highlights of this journey over two posts, one focusing on our  Tuscan road trip through Chianti , and the other our  medieval hill-town hopper , taking in magical Urbino, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena and San Gimignano. It’s one of the Italian road trips we definitely intend to do again.

53. Puglia Discovery ~ Italy

Distance TBC | 10 – 14 days

Bari to Bari Loop  | If someone said we could only road trip in Italy for the rest of our days, well, we’d be ok with that. The region of Puglia, in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, is a corner we finally reached this year: a wedge of gorgeous coastline and popular beaches, wonderful old towns for exploring on foot (including a couple of historic World Heritage sites and the nearby hill-town of Matera), sensational food and wine, and opportunities to get off the beaten path for a taste of quintessential southern Italy. Road trip itinerary to com e.

54. Sardinia Island Loop ~ Italy

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | 2 weeks

Cagliari to Cagliari Loop  | Just when we think road tripping Italy can’t get any better, the island of Sardinia turns up the heat. Its spectacular white-sand beaches, lapped by turquoise waters, are said to be some of the most beautiful on the Med. More than just a pretty face though, Sardinia has charming medieval villages, mountains, caves and canyons, intriguing Bronze Age sites, and a food and wine scene all its own. Check out our two week Sardinia road trip itinerary .

55. Ancient Sicily ~ Italy

Appx. 1,000 km (620 miles) | 10-14 days

Palermo to Palermo Loop  | This wonderful island is ideal for road tripping and it’s a trek we definitely hope to make again. Spectacular World Heritage ancient sites, including some of the very best preserved temples and in-situ mosaics, beautifully evocative villages and historic cities, an active volcano to climb, and endlessly buonissimo eating experiences guarantee an unforgettable Italian drive holiday. Plan your own self-drive adventure with our two week Sicily road trip itinerary .

56. Monasteries, Fortresses and Wine ~ Moldova

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 7-10 days

Chișinău to Chișinău Loop  | Wedged between Romania and Ukraine, this little nation flies largely under the tourist radar. Formerly part of Romania and then the Soviet Republic, Moldova’s Orthodox Christian fabric has led to the many monasteries and fortresses which are a highlight of road tripping here. It also has one of the world’s most ancient winemaking traditions and the  world’s largest wine cellar . Say no more.

57. Mountains, Coasts and Fjords ~ Norway

Appx. 1,900 km (1,180 miles) | 3-4 weeks

Oslo to Trondheim  |  Vast, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful, Norway makes for an unparalleled road tripping adventure. We drove and camped a coast-and-fjord route from the capital to Trondheim, taking in some of the most incredible scenery we’ve yet laid eyes on. While our trip continued on into Sweden, you can return to Oslo via Oppdal over 500 km. We’ve still got the northern Svalbard region to explore, but southern Norway makes for a truly epic adventure all its own. Read  our two-week, self-drive Norway road trip itinerary .

The Most Spectacular Drive in the World? It’s a big call, and we’re ready to eat our words, but we reckon the 230km (140 mile) drive along the Fv55, Rv15 and Fv63 roads between Sogndal and Geiranger in Norway is one of the world’s most beautiful – read  why we think so.  Fv63 also continues on to the famous switchbacker, Trollstigen Road.

58. Flores Island, The Azores ~ Portugal

Up to 100 km (62 miles) | 3-4 days

Santa Cruz Das Flores Loop  | There’s a mystical quality to the lush, volcanic landscapes of Flores, one of nine islands in Portugal’s Azores archipelago. You could explore it in a busy day, and you’d be pushing to reach 100 km on the odo, even if you drive the whole thing. But with wild and windswept scenery, waterfalls in abundance, cute villages, lovely hikes and even some diving to be had, we’d look to slow the drive time and linger longer.

59. Lisbon to Porto ~ Portugal

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 8-10 days

Lisbon to Porto via Duoro Valley  | Our ideal Portugal road trip follows the west coast north from the capital, winding a route between coastal villages, beaches and medieval towns, and taking in nearly a dozen World Heritage sites. Of course, a couple of days exploring the Duoro Valley wine region (and its prehistoric rock art) is a must before lingering on in Porto, one of our favourite European cities.

60. Transfăgărășan & Transalpina Roads ~ Romania

Appx. 800 km (500 miles) | 1 week

Bucharest to Bucharest Loop  | We’re keen to explore all of Romania by road, starting with this multi-day drive to and from Bucharest, looping across two of the country’s epic mountain roads. The Transfăgărășan gets a tick from the Top Gear crew, weaving its way across the Fagaras Mountains to Transylvania, while the Transalpina, Romania’s highest road, offers panos over 2,000-metres above sea level. Both offer standout alpine hiking and scenery, as well as waterfalls, historic castles, even the ruins of an ancient Dacian fortress.

61. Highlights of Slovenia

Appx. 550 km (340 miles) | 10-14 days

Ljubljana to Ljubljana Loop  | A Slovenia road trip is all about the outdoors and driving through speccy scenery to reach even more speccy places that can be explored on foot. Our itinerary goals include Slovenian highlights such as Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, hiking through high mountains and deep gorges, an Adriatic coastal city with a Venetian past (Piran), World Heritage caves, a medieval castle built into a cave, and much more.

62. Slovakia Showcase

Bratislava to Bratislava Loop  | Another intriguing and beautifully scenic country, Slovakia promises outstanding cultural, historic and nature experiences on a road trip looping from the capital to the east of the country and back. Medieval towns, evocative castles and sites that tell more recent tales of the country’s struggles to come into its own, sit alongside lakes, caves and a backdrop of the stunning Tatras Mountains.

63. Andalucian Adventure ~ Spain

Appx. 1,150 km (715 miles) | 10-14 days

Málaga to Málaga Loop  | Spain is made for road tripping and the southern region of Andalucia is especially awesome. We’ve explored some of the highlights on a previous trip, including the spectacular World Heritage sites of Seville, Granada and Cordoba. There’s plenty to draw us back here though, from historic pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages) and neolithic dolmens, to ancient port cities and the iconic rock of Gibraltar, not to mention all the amazing food and wine!

64. The Basque Circuit ~ Spain

Appx. 480 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Bilbao to Bilbao Loop  | Tucked into a northern corner of the Iberian peninsula, the autonomous Basque region,  Euskadi , is a land unto itself, with traditions and a language all its own. The coastline is ruggedly beautiful and its beaches and resort towns renowned. Best of all, this is the unofficial foodie capital of Europe. Pintxos bars abound (the best creation ever!), as do Michelin star restaurants, and the famed Rioja wine region is right on the doorstep.

65. Canary Islands ~ Spain

Appx. 375 km (233 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Tenerife & La Gomera  | John’s very first foray abroad was a trip with mates to Tenerife when he was 16. Classic, innit. Beyond the resorts where sun-starved Brits congregate though, a road trip of the biggest Canary Island and its smaller neighbour, La Gomera, offers magnificent coastal scenery, forest escapes, charming villages, beaches for chilling, and one epic hiking opportunity to the peak of an active volcano, the 3,718m-high Mount Teide.

66. West Coast Mallorca ~ Spain

Appx. 180 km (233 miles) | 1 week

Palma to Formentor Peninsula  | Mallorca is another sun-drenched Spanish isle beloved by Brits. Like the Canaries though, steer the car well clear of the beach resorts, and there’s a dramatically beautiful island to discover. We’ve read the west coast is particularly spectacular, trailing a route from the capital Palma through the Tramuntana Mountains to the island’s northern tip. While not a long trip by km’s, it sounds like one to enjoy slowly.

67. Across the Pyrenees ~ Spain & France

Appx. 700 km (435 miles) | 1 week

Lourdes to Lourdes Loop  | The great range of the Pyrenees mountains forms a natural boundary between France and Spain, a stunning region that can be explored by road. The must-sees of the central range span breathtaking canyons and glacier-gouged rocky amphitheatres, mountain lakes, a sky-high observatory, and San Juan de la Peña, a monastery embedded in the foot of a cliff, to name just a few.

68. Swiss Alps Explorer ~ Switzerland

Appx. 485 km (300 miles) | 7-10 days

Lausanne to Zurich  | Driving through the incredible scenery of the Swiss Alps is sky high on our road trip bucket list. Our Swiss road trip itinerary goals make the most of the picturesque lakeside cities like Lausanne and Interlaken, the medieval old towns of Bern and Lucerne, and the dramatic, snow-capped mountain panos of Lauterbrunnen and Grindlewald. We’ll also take on the switchbacks of the famous  Furka Pass .

69. Ultimate Turkish Delight ~ Turkey

Appx. 3,000+ km (1,865 miles) | 1 month

Istanbul to Istanbul Loop  | Turkey is one of our favourite countries and while we’ve driven, bussed and toured various parts of it, our goal is an ultimate road trip loop from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back along the south and west coasts. Thousands of years at the cross-roads of eastern and western civilisations have left an extraordinary legacy in the World Heritage and ancient sites that scatter the country. The landscapes are wildly diverse, the food is exceptional, the culture rich and the history astounding. We can’t wait to get back.

70. The Atlantic Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 115 km (70 miles) | 3-5 Days

Barnstaple to Fraddon  | It’s little more than 100 km, but some say the  Atlantic Highway  is one of the top road trips in the UK. We know from our forays further south that Cornwall’s wildly beautiful coastline is one to linger over. This stretch passes pretty seaside and harbour villages like Bude, Padstow and Clovelly, and mystical sites like ancient Tintagel. There are speccy coastal rambles and delicious seafood eats, all with the wild Atlantic in view.

71. The Hidden Highway ~ England, UK

Appx. 200 km (125 miles) | 3-5 Days

Ludlow to Llangollen  | This  lovely jaunt  weaves along country roads and rolling hills through the borderlands of England and Wales. The invisible divide has changed little in 12 centuries, and the many sites along the way – iron age forts, medieval villages and market towns, ruined castles and abbeys – span as many years and more.

72. South West Explorer ~ England, UK

Appx. 1,350km (840 miles)+ | 2 weeks

South West England starting and finishing in London  | One of our fave UK road trips, this jam-packed two week journey travels from London to Cornwall and back, taking in a huge range of highlights along the way as we pass through the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire. We’re talking classic white cliffs, moody moors, crumbling castles, fossil beaches, standing stones, cosy pubs, dramatic coastal scenery (including the World Heritage Jurassic Coast), quaint countryside and fishing villages, and some incredible coastline walks. Check out our ultimate, self-drive South West England Road Trip Itinerary .

73. Yorkshire Moors and Dales ~ England, UK

Appx. 725 km (450 miles) | 5-7 days

York to York Loop  | England’s sweeping moors make for spectacular road tripping and a tranquil journey through the bucolic landscapes of Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park is high on our list. Starting in the fantastically historical hub of York’s old town, this trip takes in the expansive nature, old market towns, castles and abbeys, snug pubs and warm welcome of England’s north.

74. Causeway Coastal Route ~ Northern Ireland, UK

Appx. 250 km (154 miles) | 7 days

Belfast to Derry-Londonderry  |  This famous route  along the beautiful, rugged coast of Northern Ireland weaves a magical journey of spellbinding scenery, ancient castle ruins, clifftop walks, seaside villages and beaches, whiskey tasting, pretty beaches, the oldest human settlement on the island at Mount Sandel, and World Heritage highlight, the Giant’s Causeway. Best of all though, the chance to see puffins!

75. Isle of Skye ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 5 days

Inverness to Glasgow via Skye  | Beyond its legends of fairies and giants, the Isle of Skye is a tale of expansive, fantastical scenery, rolling hills dotted with sheep and the occasional shaggy, orange-coated highland ‘coo’, ancient sites, peaty whisky, brooding mountains and lounging seals. The walks are wild and wonderful, the pubs cosy and warm, and the Scottish breakfasts singularly epic. Read  our Isle of Skye road trip itinerary .

76. North Coast 500 ~ Scotland, UK

Appx. 830 km (515 miles) | 1-2 weeks

Inverness to Inverness Loop  | It is possible to walk all 500 miles of this route (cue the tune), but as it features on just about all of the world’s best road trip lists, drive it we shall!  This iconic journey  skirts the coastal fringe of the northern highlands, showcasing Scotland’s finest scenery and all the things we love best: ancient sites, standing stones, evocative castles, hidden beaches, wildlife watching and bird spotting, and the chance to get off the beaten track.

77. The Dragon’s Spine ~ Wales, UK

Appx. 285 km (180 miles) | 5-7 days

Cardiff to Conwy  | For 1,200 years, the dragon has been the Welsh sigil, so Dragon’s Spine is a fitting name for this road trip along the country’s mountain ‘backbone’ from south to north. Also known as  the Cambrian Way , the A470 travels through two spectacular national parks – the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia – and serves up outdoor adventures like hiking, caving and ziplining. Distilleries, breweries and wineries seal the deal.

Road Trips in the Middle East

The Middle East isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about epic road trip destinations. And yet it’s among these timeless landscapes that we’ve had some of our greatest driving adventures. These are ancient places, and yet some of our newest too – lands where gravelly, well-worn roads intersect spanking new freeways, and historic hill-top forts stand as remote, crumbling outposts to dazzling new, modern cities.

The long and tangible history to be found in the mountains, dunes, deserts, cities and coastlines of this region is without compare, as is the warmth and welcome of the people. A road trip in the Middle East is a road trip you won’t soon forget.

78. Ancient Israel & The Palestinian Territories

Appx. 850 km (530 miles) | 2-4 weeks

Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Loop  | This wedge of land on the eastern Mediterranean is the epicentre of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and witness to a complex story of humanity, millennia in the making. Our brief visit to Jerusalem left an indelible mark and convinced us we need to return with time and a hire car, to get off the beaten track and beyond the turbulent narrative curated for us on the outside. A road trip offers the chance not just to seek out the many extraordinary historical and natural sites of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but to engage first-hand with the people who live here.

79. Amman to Wadi Rum via the Kings Highway ~ Jordan

Appx. 450 km (280 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Amman to Aqaba  | The ancient landscapes of Jordan have thousands of years of stories to tell, and the road from Amman to Aqaba along the Kings Highway touches on many of them. With neolithic standing stones, biblical mountains, Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, crusader castles, the extraordinary Dana Biosphere Reserve, magical side trips to the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, plus Petra – one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, there’s a reason Jordan is calling us back for a go-slow road trip.

80. Ancient Phoenicia ~ Lebanon

Beirut to Beirut Loop  | 2020 has brought further tragedy to a nation defined by struggle for much of its long history. But Lebanon is as enduring as its legendary cedar tree. The story here spans some 6,000 years, and it can be found in the people, culture and many epic archaeological sites that dot the country. From the bustling Mediterranean cities to the snowcapped mountains and gorgeous inland gorges, the renowned cuisine and warm, vibrant locals, this is a land we can’t wait to explore by road.

81. South-East Arabia ~ Oman

Muscat to Muscat Loop  | Low-key Oman has held its secrets close for millennia. We were intrigued. Cue an amazing two week road trip through a beautiful country of dramatic landscapes: from vast, flat stony deserts to shifting dune deserts to dramatic mountains and gorges. Medieval watch towers stand sentinel over ancient towns, while off-road adventures, rich culture and Arabian hospitality await. Read our Oman road trip itinerary .

82. City to Desert ~ United Arab Emirates

Appx. 335 km (210 miles) | 2-3 days

Dubai to Liwa Oasis  | While glitzy Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been shaped out of the desert by human hand, just a couple of hours to the south-east stretches one of nature’s most wild and inhospitable places: the vast Empty Quarter. Edging this harsh landscape, among a great sea of rose-gold sand dunes – including one of the world’s largest – is the Liwa Oasis, a 100 km stretch of villages and date palm forests. The journey to the oasis, along a purpose-built highway through the desert, is itself said to be spectacular, making this a trip worth taking slow.

Road Trips in North America

It’s little surprise that North America , with its big, expansive nature, excellent roads, and well-established road tripping culture, claims the second largest collection on our top 100 road trip list.

America has dozens and dozens of outstanding dedicated byways, skyways, highways and parkways, while some of the world’s most renowned scenic routes weave a path through Canada’s breathtaking provinces. Each North American road trip we set out on in these beautiful, diverse, easy-going countries leaves us more keen for the next one.

83. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia ~ Canada

Appx. 300 km (185 miles) | Up to a week

Baddeck to Baddeck Loop  | You can drive the Cabot Trail in a day, but we’re keen to take our time on  this loop  around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, discovering the beautiful landscapes and the island’s unique mix of Aboriginal, Acadian and Gaelic cultural influences. In addition to the panoramic scenery, the drive takes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where black bears, moose and bald eagles roam, and dozens of hiking trails offer the chance to stretch the legs.

84. Dempster Highway, Yukon ~ Canada

Appx. 730 km (450 miles)  | 2-3 Days

Dawson City to Inuvik  | This incredible journey through the Yukon wilderness has all the hallmarks of an iconic Canadian road trip. Steeped in history, and traversing an old dog sled route, the Dempster’s unpaved roads will challenge us. But it’s diverse, it’s remote, and it crosses the Arctic Circle through dense forest full of wildlife, across dramatic tundra, and past the spectacular Mackenzie and Tombstone mountain ranges. A must!

85. Icefields Parkway, Alberta ~ Canada

Appx. 230 km (140 miles) | 2-3 Days

Lake Louise to Jasper  | Based on what we’ve heard, we’ll definitely be arguing over who does the driving and who gets to sit in the passenger seat and take in the views on the Icefields Parkway. This is said to be one of the world’s most spectacular highways, and it comes up regularly when we ask people about their favourite road trip. Also known as Highway 93, the parkway links Banff and Jasper national parks, serving up hundreds of kilometres of mindblowing Canadian Rockies scenery, including over 100 glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and lakes, and river valleys blanketed in pine and larch forest. So high on the bucket list!

86. Montreal to the Gaspé Peninsula ~ Canada

Appx. 950 km (590 miles) | 7-10 days

Monteal to Gaspé  | Montreal and Quebec City have long been in our sights, and our plan for this epic road trip includes both. Then it leaves the bustling centres behind to wind a coastal route to the tip of the remote and spectacular Gaspé Peninsula, where the history is long and tangible, the birding outstanding, and the scenery superb, with forested wilderness, rugged mountains, ravines and rocky outcrops.

87. Vancouver Island, British Columbia ~ Canada

Appx. 1,500 km (930 miles) | Up to 2 weeks

Nanaimo to Nanaimo Loop  | Gorgeous Vancouver Island is an outdoor lover’s dream. While exploring by road means a bit of backtracking in places, it doesn’t matter when there are so many scenic places to stop. Our road trip served up giant trees, historic villages, totem pole walks, black bear watching, kayaking, a fossil dig, serene forest hikes, wineries and breweries, second-to-none chowder, bald eagles at every turn, a hike to a plane wreck, and so much more. Our itinerary is coming .

88. The Viking Trail, Newfoundland ~ Canada

Appx. 500 km (303 miles) | 3-5 days

Deer Lake to L’Anse aux Meadows  | Viking sagas made the leap across the Atlantic from Europe to North America here, and the landscapes – especially the dramatic mountains and fjords of Gros Morne National Park – are said to be reminiscent of the lands they left behind. There are chances en route of spotting moose, whales and, at certain times of year, icebergs! The road ends at the 1000-year-old World Heritage Viking settlement site of L’anse aux Meadows.

89. Alcan Highway ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 2,200 km (1,400 miles) | 1-2 weeks+ 

Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska  | This is one of North America’s legendary routes, through the Canadian Rockies and Yukon. It takes in Canada’s highest peak, alpine trails, First Nations culture, stunning mountain ranges, pristine glacier lakes, and remote, untamed parks. It’s also grizzly and black bear territory, along with an abundance of other wildlife, including timber wolves, lynx, eagles, elk, moose and more. Plenty of memory cards needed for this trip!

90. Yukon Golden Circle Route ~ Canada & USA

Appx. 568 km (352 miles) + Car Ferry | 7-14 days

Whitehorse to Whitehorse Loop  | The renowned Golden Circle Route loops a truly wild adventure from Whitehorse in Canada to Skagway and Haines in Alaska, then back into Canada and the grizzly bear country of Kluane. Spectacular alpine scenery awaits, along with vast icefields, picturesque lakes, First Nations sites, Klondike gold rush history, and a ton of outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

91. Badlands National Park Loop, South Dakota ~ USA

Appx. 62 km (39 miles) | 2-3 days

Wall to Cactus Flat  | It may be one of the shortest routes on our road trip bucket list, but we reckon this journey through the striking geology of the Badlands should be stretched out over days, with early starts and late finishes to max the photo opps. The road winds among buttes, mounds and pinnacles, while bison, prairie dogs and raptors hang out on the grasslands. With a few extra days, we’ll extend the trip into Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.

92. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina ~ USA

Appx. 755 km (470 miles) | 5-7 days

Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina  | Dan has dreamed about visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains since the early 90s, after falling in love with its scenery in  Last of the Mohicans . So it goes without saying that the opportunity to explore the beauty of the central and southern Appalachians has made it onto our road trip bucket list. The highlights are many on the road between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks: from sampling delicious local food and wine, and learning about Cherokee tradition, to searching out waterfalls, rivers, gorges and caverns, and stretching the legs on wilderness hikes.

93. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, Colorado & Utah ~ USA

Appx. 770 km (480 miles) | 1 week

Dinosaur to Dinosaur Loop  | The fossil-nerd in us both gets really excited about  this road trip , a journey of 150-million-years to some of the best dinosaur quarries and trails, fossil displays and museums around. It even starts and finishes in a town called Dinosaur! Add stunning canyons, rock formations, high plains and petroglyph sites for one amazing themed trip.

94. Highway to Hana, Maui, Hawaii ~ USA

Appx. 72 km (45 miles) | 1-3 days

Paia to Hana  | Another short-distance contender, the Hana Highway is on our list for its sheer wild beauty as it curves no less than 600 times along the northeast coast of Maui. Many do the trip in a day, but there’s plenty to do and see en route – including bridges (59 of them!), rainforest hikes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, a lava tube, roadside stands and markets, and all the visual drama of this volcanic, Jurassic Park-like island world.

95. Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Wyoming & Montana ~ USA

Appx. 885+ km (550+ miles) | 10-14 days

Jackson, Wyoming to West Glacier, Montana  | Touring through the spectacular landscapes of Wyoming and Montana, this road trip takes in the heavy hitter national parks of Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier, and peaks with the renowned  Going-to-the-Sun Road . Mountains, lakes, canyons, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife spotting and tonnes of hiking and outdoor pursuits await. Unsurprisingly, these are hugely popular parks, so extending a road trip out to two weeks will mean more time to visit before and after the crowds move on.

96. Pacific Coast Highway, Washington to California ~ USA

Appx. 2,655 km (1,650 miles) | 2 weeks

Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California  | The Pacific Coast Highway is often touted as the classic California road trip. We’re keen though to extend it out beyond Highway 1 to include Highway 101 and drive the length of Washington, Oregon and California, taking in landscapes as diverse as misty rainforest, tall sand dunes, giant redwood forests, the famous Big Sur coast, beautiful beaches, as well as buzzing big cities and cool coastal communities, and winding up in San Diego, where I (Dan) spent my middle and early high school years.

97. Lake Tahoe to Death Valley via Yosemite, California ~ USA

Appx. 1,285 km (800 miles) | 7-10 days

Lake Tahoe to Death Valley  | Much of this classic American road trip follows Route 395, a journey of diversions from the mountains-and-crystal-clear-waters of Lake Tahoe to the scorching desertscape of Death Valley via the world famous scenery of Yosemite National Park. While the changing scenery from the car is bound to be superb, the many outdoor opportunities are also a big appeal, as are potential side trips to wineries, hot springs, groves of ancient trees and historic sites.

98. San Juan Skyway, Colorado ~ USA

Appx. 375 km (235 miles) | 3-4 days

Durango to Durango Loop  | There are a couple of nicknames for the Skyway, including  America’s Switzerland , and a stretch called the  Million Dollar Highway . This is a high-altitude journey in the shadow of mountains soaring 4,000 metres, past waterfalls and hot springs, via the famous ski resort of Telluride, and the intriguing Native American cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. There’s plenty of hiking, epic panos, and breweries to end each day.

The Ultimate American Road Trip? According to science, apparently so.  This 22,046 km (13,699 mile) adventure  was created by algorithm and loops through all of the 48 connected states of the USA, stopping at a major landmark in each. You could drive it in 224 hours non-stop if you were really keen (or mad), but for us, this one’s more likely to be a lifetime of mini-trips. The guy that created it has also built an itinerary visiting every national park in the linked, mainland states. Epic!

99. The Seward Highway, Alaska ~ USA

Appx. 210 km (130 miles) | 2-3 days

Anchorage to Seward  | The wonderful wilds of Alaska are squarely in our sights. There are a range of drives we hope to do here, like Denali National Park, but the Seward Highway is a stand out. The big nature alone is magnetic – snow-capped mountains, hanging glaciers, dramatic fjords and vibrant wetlands. But it’s the peak wildlife watching that gets us really jazzed about a road trip here: humpback whales, orca, belugas, sea lions, otters, black bears and more than a hundred species of bird are just the tip of the iceberg.

100. National Parks Trail, Utah ~ USA

Appx. 2,000 km (1,250 miles) | 2-3 weeks

Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Loop  | Utah may well have one of the greatest concentrations of world-class parks and monuments on the planet. We’ve mapped a road trip loop that takes in the state’s showstoppers like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, along with extraordinary places like San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley State Park, dinosaur trails and the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock. We cannot wait to drive this route!

What unmissable road trips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

4 thoughts on “Our Bucket List Of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World”

“Wow, this article really got me excited to plan my next road trip! The diversity of landscapes and destinations mentioned here is truly inspiring. I’ve been to a few of these places, but there are definitely some hidden gems I can’t wait to explore. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide with helpful tips and recommendations. Can’t wait to hit the road and create some unforgettable memories!”

Thanks Charles, glad you found the post helpful. Happy road tripping!!

Amazing!! Congratulacions! Good and best job!! Thank you!! Brazil is not, but undestand! God bless You!!! Have a lot travels!

Hi Adalgisa! Thanks so much for your kind words. You know, Brazil was almost on the list! There are some amazing-sounding off-road adventures that we came across in our research, not to mention the famous Costa Verde, which we travelled part of in 2011. Do you have some road tripping suggestions for Brazil? We’d love to hear them – our list will definitely grow! Happy road tripping, Danielle & John

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The 10 best road trips in the world

By Rory FH Smith

While there are limitless ways to experience the full force of a country or continent, there's nothing quite like buckling up, hitting the open road and embarking on an epic road trip across a country (or two). Behind the wheel, you're in full control of the agenda, steering the trip wherever your heart or mind takes you. Put simply, it's all about the journey.

Our list of the 10 best road trips in the world covers everything from Alpine mountain passes and arid desert drives in western America , to lush forests in Japan and India , and the rugged coastlines of Norway and Scotland . With that, indulge in some route planning and prepare to be inspired.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Afton to Cherokee, 469 miles (755km)

Just over three hours southwest of Washington DC lies the start of the most phenomenal scenic byway that carves its way through the lush, mountainous forests of Virginia and North Carolina . Named the Blue Ridge Parkway – due to the surrounding mountains having a bluish colour when seen from a distance – the route starts in Afton, Virginia, and runs for 469 miles (755km) down the spine of the Blue Ridge, before finishing up in Cherokee. Driving along here at any time of year is a treat but prepare to be blown away in autumn , when the forests turn to iridescent shades of brown, orange and red. Linking the Shenandoah National Park to the beautifully named Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this route down the eastern states of the USA is one to savour.

Great St Bernard Pass, Italy

Turin, Italy to Montreux, Switzerland, 143 miles (230km)

For movie fans, this road is a must-drive after it was immortalised in the iconic opening scene of the original Italian Job , starring Michael Caine. The film opens with a Lamborghini Muria dancing its way over the Great St Bernard Pass, which, aside from a few safety improvements, is still as unspoilt and spectacular as it was back in 1969. Its blend of sheer drops, hairpin bends and tunnels give way to vistas across the Alps, making it the model Alpine mountain pass. Added to that, the starting point in the charming Italian city of Turin is only topped by finishing up on the shores of Lake Geneva in the jazz town of Montreux.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins 770 miles (1240km)

Patagonia is a place that should appear on everyone's bucket list. This remote, pre-historic wilderness is made of mountains, lakes, forests and fjords, which can all be absorbed from the comfort of a car driving down Chile 's Southern Highway (Route 7) – the ‘Carretera Austral’. At 770 miles long, this route is for those seeking adventure off the beaten track and is best undertaken between October and April . Starting in Puerto Montt – a busy town in the Chilean Lake District – the route heads south through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O'Higgins. Leave plenty of time to take in everything Patagonia has to offer and be prepared to get out of the car and hike, ride or swim to experience the very best views and nature.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Inverness to Inverness loop around Scotland's coastline, 516 miles (830km)

One of the best road trips the United Kingdom has to offer is the North Coast 500. As the name suggests, the 500-mile route loops its way around Scotland 's rugged northern coastline, taking in everything from white sandy beaches to mountains and remote fishing villages. Heading north from Inverness, the route takes in the Black Isle, Easter Ross and Caithness around the top of the British Isles, including the most northerly point, John O'Groats. After that, the route heads back down the western coast and south through Sutherland, Wester Ross and back to Inverness.

Read our ultimate guide on the North Coast 500 .

Wayanad Ghat Road, India

Kozhikode to Wayanad, 53 miles (86km)

Clinging on for dear life as you negotiate the twists and turns of the Wayanad Ghat Road in Kerala is an exhilarating experience. Cutting through the lush forest of the Western Ghats, the road snakes its way past waterfalls, misty mountains and vast tea plantations that date back centuries. Driving the Thamarassery Churam mountain pass, which sits 800m above sea level, it's worth stopping along the route to take in some of the spectacular scenery, or hiking to explore the waterfalls and trails – just watch out for wild elephants who occasionally stray across the road!

The Japanese Alps

Kyoto to Tokyo (the long way around), 460 miles (740km)

Getting off the train and into a car in Japan is one of the best things you can do. While the Shinkansen – or Bullet Train – is a marvellous feat of engineering, exploring Japan by car is how to access the country's best-kept secrets. Taking the long way round from Kyoto to Tokyo , head north from the historic city and up to Kanazawa. From here, the route heads east across the Japanese Alps, taking in the onsen – hot spring – spa towns high in the mountains. With some epic and well-kept driving roads that twist their way through the mountains, the route is a must for any keen drivers. After navigating your way through the hills, the route takes in some historic sights, like the Samurai city of Matsumoto, before it heads towards the hill resort town of Karuizawa and south, to the bright neon lights of Tokyo.

Atlantic Road, Norway

Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge – 69 miles (111km)

Navigating Norway's extensive road network, which is punctuated by bridges, tunnels and ferries, is one of the best ways to take in its mighty landscape. With towering, sheer-faced and snow-capped peaks rising from the depths of its icy fjords and glacial lakes, inspiration isn’t hard to find. One particular route, the Atlantic Road, is perhaps the best example of Norway's sightseeing routes as it sweeps its way from the city of Molde and over to the island of Averøy, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic. If you tackle this stretch on a calm summer's day, it's possible to soak up the stillness as you breeze across the sparkling water, but head there as a blustery northwest storm rolls in and be prepared to feel the full force of the Atlantic's awesomeness.

Southern Utah National Park Circuit, USA

Dead Horse Point to Zion National Park, 475 miles (764km)

In the land where scorched red pillars of rock rise majestically from the earth, the sense of scale soon becomes apparent as you travel across vast swathes of rocky desert in the wild west of Southern Utah. Although this route has no official name, it's the amalgamation of several routes that carve their way through some of the most impressive landscapes on earth. Each bend in the road – which can be few and far between on some stretches – reveals an awe-inspiring view, reminiscent of Hollywood Westerns. Setting off from Dead Horse Point near Moab , the route takes in the Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon before finishing in the enchanting Zion National Park, nearly 500 miles later. For those looking to indulge en route, it's hard to resist a night or two at the remarkable Amangiri hotel – a luxury oasis that blends into the vast, surrounding landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges.

Charley Ward

CNT Editors

Alessia Armenise

Olivia Morelli

The Panorama Route, South Africa

Hoedspruit to Pilgrim's Rest, 130 miles (209km)

Heading up and over South Africa 's Drakensberg Escarpment, the route takes in wildlife reserves, fruit fields, gold-rush sites, cascading waterfalls, gorges and, of course, the imposing peaks of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Once over the peak, the aptly named 'God's Window' reveals views over the Blyde River Canyon, the famous Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa's border with Mozambique . Known as one of the world's greatest wildlife reserves, you have a good chance of encountering the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, which is just an hour's drive east from the end point in Pilgrim's Rest.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and back to Melbourne, 340 miles (550km)

Australia ’s most famous road blends rugged coastal vistas with dense forests, national parks and beach towns. Starting in the city of Melbourne , the route heads southwest to the beach town of Torquay, which is where the Great Ocean Road officially starts. From here, it hugs the Victorian coastline all the way along to a group of limestone sea stacks called the 12 Apostles, just before Port Campbell. While the weather has taken its toll, reducing the number of sea stacks over the years, the route is still a popular sightseeing trip from Melbourne and is frequented by campervans and cars alike. Turning back towards Melbourne at the 12 Apostles, make sure you loop back, inland at Cape Otway taking in the dense forests of the Otway National Park before heading back into the hustle and bustle of the city.

25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 11, 2024

We’ve taken a lot of the best road trips in the world during our travels. We’ve done everything from epic road trips lasting 6 weeks to one-day scenic drives that cover spectacular scenery. We’ve done them all and here are the best road trips Dave and I have done around the world.

Table of Contents

Best Road Trips in the World

Thanks  Johnny Jet  and  Chris McGinnis  for giving us the idea to make this list. It was during their Twitter chat about road trips that we realized, “wow, we’ve driven most of the ultimate road trip destinations on earth!” So without further adieu, let’s take a look at road trips around the world that we have done by country or continent.

Road Trips in the USA

There’s no doubt about it, the United States is one of the best road trip destinations in the world. Many of the best road trips in the world are located right in the United States. We’ve been lucky enough to drive along most of the East and West Coasts of the country and here are a few of our favorite routes.

1. Route 66 – Arizona

Route 66 is the road trip of dreams. We have all listened to that beautiful song by Nat King Cole and fantasized about driving Route 66 one day. And we had the chance. It lives up to the hype. Albeit, only portions of it are worth driving.

Much of the 3,940km route is abandoned and decrepit as it was forgotten when the highway system was put in place, but there are parts that have been turned into national scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona . We have driven many different portions of  Route 66 , but you can drive this entire route from Chicago to California.

For more another great US Road trip not on this list check out:  The Ulitmate 10 Day Arizona Road Trip ,

• Duration: 1 Day for portions to 2-3 weeks
• Highlights of Route 66: Best portions are in Arizona , New Mexico, Missouri and Illinois.
• Read more at:  Route 66 Road Trip – Cruising The Main Street of America

2. Pacific Coast Highway – California

It’s the most epic drive in the United States. The drive starts in Monterrey and weaves down Highway 1 to Los Angeles . Make sure to stay the night in Monterrey or Carmel by the Sea . There is great kayaking in the marine reserve of Monterrey and Surfing in Carmel. Read more: Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints

It’s a beautiful coastal highway with long stretches of beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and legendary stops where movie stars and billionaires have hung out for decades to escape the hustle and bustle of California cities. And definitely take time to stay at one of the best places to stay in California (Mark Zuckerberg stayed here) the Ventana

• Duration: 2-4 Days
• Highlights of Pacific Coast Highway – The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and Pfeiffer Beach.
• Read more at  California Road Trip and Where to Camp in Big Sur

3. San Francisco to LA –  National Parks Route

This is the epic American route. Don’t just drive in a straight line from San Francisco to Los Angeles, go everywhere in between. This road trip takes you through four different states and showcases the best of America’s National Parks and cities.

It takes you through the most rugged and beautiful landscapes of America and you visit the most exciting cities in the country. Read more: Things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of San Francisco to Los Angeles – Grand Canyon , Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park
• Read More:  Make the Most of Antelope Canyon Photography Tour

4. Hana Highway – Maui Hawaii

It’s just a short drive, but everyone who goes to Maui raves about the Hana Highway. This (mostly) single lane road is a day trip that spans the North Coast of the Island from Paia to Hana.

It twists and turns and you cross 59 bridges during the 2-3 hour drive (one way) there are many scenic stops along the way, but the real beauty begins after Hana when you reach  Haleakala National Park . This is one of the top things to do in Maui , so if you plan a trip, make sure to rent a car and drive the road to hana.

• Duration: 1 Day
• Highlights of the Hana Highway : Bamboo Forest, Painted Eucalyptus Trees, 7 Sacred Pools, Waterfalls, Scenic Views
• Read More: Road Trip to Hana and Beyond

5. 17 Mile Drive – California

It may be a short road trip, but it is a goodie. You can take an entire day exploring 17-Mile Drive at Carmel By the Sea. If you are looking for a different way of road tripping, try e-biking instead of going in a car. A road trip doesn’t have to be always in a car, we’ve included cycling Africa as one of our best road trips we’ve ever done! Read more: Photography Guide to Big Sur Coastal Drive, California

• Duration: a few hours to 1 day
• Highlights of 17 Mile Drive: Ghost Tree, Bird Rock,  the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, John Denver Memorial, Beaches, Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Cove.
• Read More : The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
• Best California Road Trip

6. Miami to Key West

It took Dave and me a few tries to finally make it to Key West. We have driven from Canada to Central Florida many times, but only ever made it as far as Daytona and Orlando .

We had flown into Miami before but never did a road trip to the Florida Keys. When we finally rented a car and made our way to the famous ocean highway to the southern tip of the United States. We felt like we entered a different world. Key West is like being in the Caribbean without having to stamp your passport. Check out these Facts about Florida

It’s only a day trip from Miami to Key West, but we suggest taking your time to explore the Keys on the way down.

• Duration: 1-day return trip to 1 week for exploring.
• Highlights of Key West Road Trip – Marathon Key, Hemingway’s House, Key Largo , Dry Tortugas National Park, snorkeling, underwater museum, Seven Mile Bridge, Southernmost Point , Islamorada Florida Keys , & Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
• Read More: Miami to Key West Road Trip – Best Florida Keys Itinerary

7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada

Road trips can take many forms and we circumnavigated the world’s largest freshwater lake by motorcycle. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of the epic motorcycle routes in North America, but it’s also fabulous in a car and makes for an amazing road trip.

From the sandy shores of the southern shore to the rocky high sea cliffs of the wild north, this is an unexpected route through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconson, and Minnesota. Travel through small-town USA, historic treasures and the wild abandoned North of Ontario, this road trip is magnificent.

• Duration: 4 days to 2 weeks.
• Highlights of Lake Superior Circle Tour – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Terri Fox Memorial, Beautiful coast, three different states and one province in Canada
• Read More:  The Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour
• See all of the best places to visit in Michigan for your next road trip.

Canadian Road Trips

Canada is our favourite country for road tripping and in our humble opinion, the best road trips in the world are located in our home country. From both coasts to the far north, through high altitude of the Rocky Mountains and along the shore, you will see it all in Canada.

8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is often considered one of the top road trips in the world! And with good reason. There are so many things to see along the way. There is one spectacular scene after another.

Starting in Banff, the road trip takes you north along Highway 1 through the Rocky Mountains. It spans two of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. See our full drive here.

There are scenic lookouts galore where you can go hiking or to simply take in the view of mirror lakes reflecting jagged snow-capped mountains. A highlight is stopping at the Athabasca Glacier for a snowcat tour of this gigantic piece of ice and to take a walk on the Icefields Sky Walk. Continue on to Jasper where you can explore more of Alberta’s rugged and remote areas. Suggested hotel Fairmont Jasper and Fairmont Lake Louise

• Duration:  1-3 Days
• Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise
• Read more about Banff:  The Rocky Mountaineer,   Where to Stay in Banff

9. Dempster Highway – Yukon

For the ultimate road trip adventure, there’s not a lot that compares to the Dempster Highway. You can drive to the Arctic on the Dempster Highway and that is exactly what we did.

This 736 km road stretches from the far Arctic in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, to Dawson City in the  Yukon. It crosses the equator through the most beautiful landscape in the world. You’ll see caribou, grizzley bears and other wildlife on along the way and it is simply spectacular.

• Duration:  2-6 days
• Highlights of the Dempster Highway:  Crossing the Arctic Circle, Innuvik, Dawson City, Eagle Plains, Tombstone Mountains
• Read More:   Drive to the Arctic, Yes you Can

10. Fundy Trail – New Brunswick

The province of New Brunswick houses one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Canada. Famous for the Hopewell Rocks, we drove along the Bay of Fundy Parkway and witnessed giant sea cliffs plunging into the sea.

There are secluded and isolated beaches, it crosses through the Fundy National Park where you can hike to waterfalls and lookouts and it drives along one of the longest undeveloped coastlines in North America.

It is home to the world’s highest tides where you can walk out for miles on the ocean floor. Take your time to drive along this stretch of road that houses some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

• Duration:  3 – 4 Days
• Highlights of the Fundy Trail : Hopewell Rocks, Saint Stephen’s Sea Caves, Fundy National Park, Cape Enrage, Town of Alma, Covered Bridges. 
• Read More:  Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

11. Cowboy Trail – Alberta

If you love getting away from it all and having a rip-roaring adventure, the Cowboy Trail is for you. This is one of our favourite road trips we’ve ever done. Following the route through Southern Alberta is easy, well marked and filled with activities and beauty. There is something to see every single day and this trip will surprise you.

From the lunar landscape of the badlands to where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be driving through the varied landscapes that will take your breath away.

• Highlights of the Cowboy Trail: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Crows Nest Pass, Bar U Ranch, Waterton Lakes National Park, Hoodoos of Drumheller
• Read more:  Full Itinerary – Alberta Road Trip, Where to Stay in Banff

12. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s Ultimate Scenic Highways. Located on  Nova Scotia’s  Cape Breton Island, it is filled with sea cliffs, coastal hikes, beaches, and untamed wilderness. You’ll see moose on the Skyline walk, whales on kayaking and scenic boat trips and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence explore the best scenic stops in the country.

• Duration: 2-5 Days
• Highlights of the Cabot Trail: Skyline Trail, Alexander Graham Bell’s house, Uisge Ban Waterfall Hike, North River Kayaking, Ingonish Beach, Middle Head Trail, Boat Tours, whale watching and wildlife.
• Read More:  11 Not to be Missed Stops on the Cabot Trail

13. Sea to Sky Highway – British Columbia

Canada is known for its multiday road trips since the country is so massive, but the Sea to Sky Highway is an excellent short road trip from Vancouver. The Sea to Sky drive is only about 90 minutes from Vancouver to Whistler, but there are many sights to see along the way this mountain road.

We suggest taking at least two days and spend the night in Squamish. Squamish has some of the best rock climbing in the world at Big Chief, there are world-class kite surfing and backcountry hiking. It also has fantastic dining options.

On the way to Whistler (home to the 2010 Olympics), there are scenic lookouts, waterfalls, hiking trails and adrenaline sports like bungy jumping, skydiving and scenic flights) Read more at Sea to Sky Highway Stops – What to See From Vancouver to Whistler

14. Sunshine Coast – British Columbia

A 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver takes you to the start of the Sunshine Coast drive at Gibsons Landing. The beloved Canadian TV Series, The Beachcombers was filmed here for 20 years! You may also like These Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast takes you through a gorgeous coastal drive, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has some of the best mountain biking and hiking in the country with well marked trails and few crowds.

It’s a wonderful road trip taking you on several ferries, over bridges and along the coast. The entire loop goes through the towns on the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island.

• Duration: 1 week Highlights of the Sunshine Coast: Gibson’s Landing, Smuggler’s Cove, Historic Powell River, Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove, Lund, Desolation Sound
• Watch our video of our Sunshine Coast Road Trip

The Best European Road Trips

5. wild atlantic way – ireland.

It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth. During our many trips around Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way is a standout. Starting in Dublin , we made a b-line for the west coast of Southwest coast of Ireland from Cork to the  Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal .

The Wild Atlantic Way runs 2500 km up the Western Coast of Ireland. There are so many things to see and do on this route. Every day offers spectacular views of enormous sea cliffs, incredible beaches, and unique culture . This is a road trip that packs a huge punch with a road that goes along the entire west coast of Ireland. Read more: 23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland

• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, Mizen Head, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Slea Head Drive, Aran Islands
• Read more about this Road Trip :  Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way 

16. North Coast 500 – Scotland

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. With legendary castles, extraordinary coastal scenery, and famous whisky distilleries lining the winding single track lanes, the North Coast 500 is the ultimate drive for travel lovers.

At 500 miles long it is a touring route around Scotland’s northern coast, starting in Inverness. A Highlithg was most certainly Duncansby Head’s Seastacks

• Duration: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the North Coast 500:  Inverness, Duncansby Head, Loch Ness, Distilleries, Dornoch Castle, Smoo Caves, Ullapool, Klinlochewe Viewpoint, Applecross, Baelnabach. Eilean Donan Castle
• Read More:  The Essential Guide to the North Coast 500

17. Amalfi Coast – Italy

I think the best road trip in Europe is the Amalfi Coast . We fell in love with that drive from Sorrento to Ravello. There is a reason this drive along the most stunning sea cliffs on earth has been used in so many movies.

The towns and lookouts along the coast are something out of a fairytale. They are just gorgeous. We pulled off to the side of the road to look at the luxurious island of Capri. We saw yachts sailing along the coast, and we were ein awe at the height of the seacliffs. It is truly spectacular.

• Duration:  2 days to a week
• Highlights of the Amalfi Coast  – Positano , Amalfi Town, Ravello, Sorrento, Beaches, Grottos, Capri, Hiking and Waterfalls. 
• Watch it:  Watch our video of our Amalfi Road Trip
• Check out our post :  The Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

18. Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is so amazing for driving and its star attraction is the Causeway Coast. The Causeway Coastal Route is filled with stop after stop of amazing sights and scenery.

It’s a much shorter route than the Wild Atlantic Way and it can be done in just a couple of days, but we recommend giving at least 4 days to explore this coast because there is so much to see.

We actually took 9 days to drive around Northern Ireland and it was perfect. Highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, Carick a Rede Bridge, The Dark Hedges and Belfast

• Duration: About a Week
• Highlights of the Causeway Coast – Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Belfast, Game of Thrones. 
• Read more:  Best things to do in Northern Ireland

19. Bavaria – Germany

Driving through the Bavarian Alps will take your breath away. Our road trip through the Alps started in Munich where we made our way to some of Germany’s most iconic sites.

Take a trip through fairytale castles and the highest peaks of Germany for one of the most memorable drives on earth. Go to the Olympic town of Garmish-Partenkirken, tour the world’s oldest monastery and brewery and hike through the picturesque landscape filled with rivers, valleys, lakes, and mountains.

• Duration: 2  Weeks
• Highlights of Bavaria : Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden ,  Weltenburg Abbey, Danube Gorge, Munich , Nuremberg, Volkach wine region, Alpspix
•   The Best of Bavaria  
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
• Things to do in Munich

20. Ring Road – Iceland

The Ring Road Route 1 of Iceland circles the entire country offering drivers the chance to explore every nook and cranny. People normally drive the route in 10 days to 2 weeks, but to really explore Iceland properly you should take longer. We drove around the island in a counterclockwise directly from Reyjavik Vik and then turning north to see the rest of Iceland.

You can camp or stay at hotels along the way. We drove counterclockwise around the 1,322 km (821 miles). With magnificent glaciers, mountains, hot springs, an untamed coastline, and fascinating culture, The Iceland Ring Road is definitely one of the best road trips in the world.

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the Ring Road:  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Horseback Riding Skagafjörður Region, Myvatn Geothermal Area, Kirkjufellsfoss
• Read more:  18 Photos of Iceland’s Mind-Blowing Beauty and 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland

The Best International Road Trips

21. south island – new zealand.

The best way to get around New Zealand is by driving independently. We traveled the South Island two ways, on a bus with the Flying Kiwi which was affordable and a great way to see the highlights, but once we took more time to explore with our own camper van, that’s when the true road trip in New Zealand began.

Just follow the roads in a circle around the South Island island to explore all there is to see and do. New Zealand has a diverse landscape in a very little area. You’ll be mesmerized by the changing landscape before your eyes at each and every turn. Be sure to drive the Milford Road to see the incredible Milford Sound.

There are glaciers, mountains, lakes, and amazing adventures to be had. Read all about it on 46 Top Things to do in New Zealand

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Highlights : Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Pancake Rocks
• Read more about New Zealand:  33 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

22. Great Ocean Road – Australia

Australia is an amazing country to take a driving tour. The Great Ocean Road is probably the most scenic road trip in the country. The route is more than 600km (400 miles) and drives along sea cliffs, jungles, and out to amazing beaches. Some of the top beaches for surfing are located along this route.

If you can, get out and hike because that is where you really get to witness the spectacular coast. We did the Great Ocean Walk – A Beautiful Way to Experience the Twelve Apostles and it was truly a memorable experience.

• Duration:  1 – 3 days
• Highlights  – Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, Koalas of Kennet River, Otway National Park,
• Read more:   Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles

Overland Europe to Asia

23. mongol rally – 12 countries/2 continents.

It’s the mother of all road trips and the most epic road trip we have ever taken. We hit the open road for six weeks traveling overland from England to Mongolia. iI you are up for the adventure of a lifetime, this is a must.

The Mongol Rally is on many a bucket list and it lives up to the hype! The Mongol Rally is a charity rally starting in London, England and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Read more: 38 Best Things to do in London, England In 2023

You choose your route and take as long as you want to get there. Take your time to get to know the people, and to experience some of the most remote regions on earth.

You just have to raise a certain amount of money for charity and buy a car that used to be donated to the country, but now must be shipped back when you finished.

Or if you have loads of time, return in back around in a different route!

• Duration – 3-8 weeks
• Highlights – 15 countries, 2 continents, endless possibilities – Siberia, The Mongolian Steppe, Prague, Brussels , Kyiv, Kazakhstan, it all really depends on the route you choose to take.
• Countries include England , France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Tip of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

Africa Road Trips

24.  garden route – south africa.

I always thought the Garden Route of South Africa sounded a little tame, the name sounds like we’d be driving through Botanical gardens. I had visions of sipping tea in manicured gardens as we overlooked the ocean, but this road trip is filled with amazing adventure, striking coastlines, wild animals, incredible nature, and world class wine and dining.

The Garden Route is the southern half of the Durban to Cape Town road trip that we took, and we highly recommend doing the entire thing. South Africa has it all in one of the most exotic and beautiful places on earth. From Gorgeous coastal views, whale watching, jungles and caves. There is so much to see. This is a year round route so hop in your car and go any time.

• Highlights – Great White Shark Diving, Cango Caves, Big 5 Safari, Ostrich Farm, Microlight over Durban, Cape Town
• Read More:  Awesome Things to do in South Africa

25. Cairo to Cape Town –  Entire Coast of Africa

We said early that road trips take many forms, so we wanted to include this one as well. This is more than a cross country road trip, it’s a cross-continent road trip!

Even though we did it by bicycle, you can drive an SUV or motorcycle down the Eastern side of Africa. 12,000 km takes you through some of the most fascinating countries on earth.

Landscapes and cultures vary drastically as you start in the desert landscape of Egypt’s Middle East and the Islamic culture of Sudan. It’s then into the great plains, jungles, and wildlife of Eastern and Southern Africa that takes you all the way down to the Southern point of the continent. Wow!

You can drive this epic route down Africa going through 9 countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa.

• Duration: 3 – 4 months
• Highlights : 10 countries, 3- 6 months, the possibilities are once again endless…Pyramids of Egypt, Blue Nile, Victoria Falls, Safaris, Chobe National Park, Addis Ababa, Nubian Desert of Sudan, Cape Town South Africa
• Read more:  We cycled the Continent of Africa

Road Trip Planner Apps

• Road Tripping Apps – Going on a Road Trip Check out these driving route planners and travel apps to make the most of your trip.
• Apple Maps:  We used Apple Maps recently from Florida to Toronto and found it to be better than Google Maps. It offered more options for avoiding traffic than Google.
• Road Trippers:  Road Trippers is a popular one that is free for shorter road trips offering 7 waypoints. If you upgrade to the paid subscription you get 150 points to pin on your route.
• Waze:  Dave os a huge fan of Waze, even for daily commutes. It’s a social-riven app that lets you know of collisions, traffic, police radar and gas prices.
• Spotify:  Okay, this isn’t a route planning app, but it is a must for road tripping. We have our tunes for each part of the day sectioned on playlists.
• To get started we use our  Ultimate Road Trip playlist  and then as the day goes on we end with our mellow mix.

Travel Tips for Road Trip Planning

We have taken a lot of road trips, and the best times we have had were when we were prepared.

We aren’t saying that you can’t stray from your route, but have what you need ready in case of an emergency or any unplanned hiccups.

I know a lot of this is common sense, but if you go through the checklist, it will make for fewer headaches when you are on the road.

Route Planning and Maps

Plan the route on your road trip planner,  but have a hard copy map with you as well. In many places, you are going to drop cellular coverage and will have to rely on good old fashioned map reading.

Have car chargers for your electronics . Most cars have a USB charger, but we find we need more than one. We love the dual USB charger, we have even charged our drone in our car while on a road trip.

Car Insurance

Insurance : If you are renting a car, check with your insurance company to see if it covers rentals, if not make sure you get insurance.

Our American Express Platinum Card also covers all insurance if we rent our car through our credit card in the same name that the rental is in. Check with your credit card company to see if you are covered for everything.

We nearly always get the extra coverage because we don’t want the hassle of having to go through our insurance should something happen.

If there is a fender bender, we just hand over the keys and don’t worry about a thing. but it is more money, so be prepared.

If you enjoyed this post, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning. 

So there you have it. The best road trips ever! (that we have taken) There are other road trips on our list. Like Let us know if you have a suggestion, we are always adding to our list.

Read other road trip itineraries destinations around the world

• Tasmania Road Trip
• Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Road Trip
• Tips for Driving from England to Mongolia
• Mongol Rally Gear Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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72 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken”

I was very excited after reading about Road Trip. I like this part “It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth” very much because I have never here about it. Thanks for writing about road trip. I also write a blog on it but it is nothing in front of your Article.

I would have never thought about the Mongol Rally until I saw this. That is an awesome trip out of so many I honestly don’t know how to pick a favorite. Thanks so much for all this good information to have.

I loved reading about your road trip experience around the world. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Arizona is my one of the favorite places. hope, i’ll go there in future. thanks for sharing this amazing post with us.

So many fantastic road trips – so much to be discovered! We have done a lot in the USA, and especially loved our California road trip that included 5 national parks and we REALLY LOVE Colorado – you two would love a southwest Colorado road trip !

The view of the Arizone road 66 is awesome.It stars attracting me,haha

OMG! These places are really so amazing. I always love to travel whenever I’ve chance to visit. Also, I want to say that these roads are beautiful to see. You’ve counted the most beautiful place from all over the world. In this article all pictures are mindblowing. Thanks

When i “grow up” i want to to atleast half of this 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

Really a great list of road trips. Love to do one of these road trips. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing post! I’ve only been to a few of these road trips in past four years. Now it looks like I have many more to add to my bucket list. Pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for the list.

Wow, what a great list of the trips. It is nice and informative.

Can any one give me a perfect travel plan to visit Amalfi Coast – Italy. May i know the monsoon time of Amalfi Coast.

You can check out our blog here. We are planning on updating it with more information, but it gives you the highlights here. https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-amalfi-coast-italy/

Thanks for sharing a great post!

Great post, we have to go back to Canada for a while next year and planning a few road trips out west. We’ve seen much of the world the last 5 years but really haven’t seen much of Canada.

We did our own version of the Garden Route a few years back, crossing the mountains into the Karoo and then across the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert. The best road trip we’ve done.

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Looks like you have not traversed the entire Route 66 so let’s do it. When do you want to go?

Thank you all for your responses. Greatly appreciated.

I’ve done the road 66 with my best friends and laugh a lot, I really need to make much more road trips it was so a good experience, loved it! I’ve written an article also about Road trips

I’d add the Corniche, the drive along the French Riviera coastline from St Tropez to Cannes, past and then on to Juan Les Pins, Antibes and Nice, a really brilliant drive.

Awesome article and inspiration, thanks Dave and Deb! I agree with you on the South African Garden Route (also the trans-Karoo is spectacular…and many more in our beautiful country). One more to try out if you haven’t is Namibia – that country was MADE for gravel travel roadtripping! From south to north, the desert scenery turns to bush and lush riverine country in the north – and NEVER gets ugly, boring or repetitive. An outstandingly beautiful and safe country to travel. PS our names are also Dave and Deb 🙂

hey Dave and Deb, In search of freedom and liberty, I quit my job and started my business. Hope this venture of mine goes successful. If that happens, the first thing that I am gonna do is spend a nice and a long vacation with my family. you guys are amazing. keep travelling and keep sharing.

regards, Dhruv K. Mangukia

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. You guys done a great job. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Thabks sharing the awesome travel Skills

I think Ireland will be one for us soon ? Headed to the US soon but no roadtrip one this trip!

Another nice but short road-trip is from Lisbon to Faro at the west-coast of Portugal. I did this last year with a friend and it was awesome! Although the weather wasn’t that good we saw a lot of beautiful bay areas. forests and hidden cliffs!

Wow these are all epic, I would love to do some of these road trips – fantastic post!

really a very good list.. thanx for sharing

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing..

Love your site!!! We me and my wife are getting ready for a European roadtrip in a mobile home do you have any expirience or tips of that? All our best Annika & Daniel Majak

We haven’t done a European mobile home trip, but we did have a campervan in New Zealand. just have a great time, be flexible and enjoy the campgrounds. We’ve stayed at a few campgrounds in Europe and they are excellent! They’re often close to cities and some even have shuttles.

I have almost finished 2500km walk around Ireland, doing both the Coastal walk, and the Wild Atlantic way, the published distance is a bit missleading, you would have to go back and forth on every sign poated road for the WAW to be 2500. That said , it is spectacular.

That is great that you have walked nearly all around Ireland. The official Website for the WAW also says 2500 km. That’s their claim to fame, the longest coast driving route int he world. Pretty awesome. I didn’t measure the exact km we did from bottom to top, but it was pretty much 2500 km as well. We definitely did a lot of back and forth and around different bays and lochs, so that probably explains. If you go in a direct line, it definitely cuts km off:)

Awesome and interesting post.

Massive list!! You guys have done on a lot! Currently doing a massive road trip to Mongolia, inspired by the mongol rally. But i like to take some more time then 3-8 weeks 😉

One good roadtrip that you guys ‘should’ do is the Transfagarasan in Romania. 90 km both ways and very scenic!

Love your website!!! Arnoud

That’s a good idea. We’d like to do it again but take a few months. There’s so much to see and so many different routes. The Mongol Rally was a blast, but longer would be better. Thanks for the suggestion about Romania. We drove through Romania during the Mongol Rally, but I’m not sure if we went that route. Cheers!

Would do any of these at the drop of a hat. Road trips are such a fun, classic way to see the world 🙂

They are a great way to see the world aren’t they?

Some incredibly beautiful places…… all the pics in this post are worthy of becoming wallpaper on my laptop……. I will make at least a couple of these my laptop wallpapers!!

Some of these are still on the bucket list, and while the LA to SF is one of the shortest it is one of my favorite! So many people think California is just LA and don’t take the time to spend the extra couple days to enjoy the AMAZING drive up the coast. Carmel might just be one of my favorite little towns on Earth!

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Sanjana. You would love any one of these road trips. We definitely did.

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. Though I’m a hiking lover but you did succeed in encouraging me to try road trips. I don’t know how to drive and my parents never taught me. Maybe I can ask my parents to drive for me and explore all of this area.

Glad we could entice you to give road trips a try. We love hiking too. The great thing about a road trip, is you can take time off to go for a hike. The car gives you freedom to do whatever you like. I think your parents would love a road trip too!

Taking note, as a few of these are in the works. And guys, Norway has fabulous road trips, especially along the long coast. Just sayin’. 🙂

Thanks Sophie! Have a great time road tripping! I would love to go to Norway, hopefully one day soon, that is one long coas.t We’ll be sure to rent a car!

The Cairo to Cape town trip looks exciting. Is the route generally safe?

Dave & Deb, having just made the legendary road-trip along California’s Highway One, I’m eager to do more, and like the look of the drives that you included here. Another one of our favorites has been exploring the Dalmatian coastline in Croatia, and then crossing into Montenegro and Albania too. Love your captures, particularly those from Hawaii and Dark Hedges,.

They sound like awesome road trips, thanks for sharing! WE havne’t been to Montenegro or Albania, I smell another road trip on the horizon! Thanks for the compliment regarding the photographs. It’s pretty easy to be inspired by such beautiful destinations.

Some great exciting road trips, im from New Zealand and have yet done a South Island road trip, although many of my friends have and say it is amazing!

Thank you! You’ll definitely have to get that South Island road trip in, it’s amazing!

I have done a few of these road trips that you mentioned, but nothing to the level that you guys have done. The pictures are fabulous. Your mention of the Route 66 road trip brought back memories to me. I made a cross country road trip of the USA where most of it was on Route 66 when they were still building the interstate highway system, so most the the route was still there. I am so glad that I did because a lot of that is gone now and I have memories that cannot be duplicated today. I am intrigued with Canada and would love to take a trip across the southern portion. I would also enjoy such a trip by train and leave the driving to them. I heard there is such a great trip available.

Hey Bob, that would have been amazing. We only gave it an honorable mention because we haven’t done the entire thing. We felt that we couldn’t properly say we’ve done Route 66 when we’ve only done portions. Now to do the whole thing, that would be amazing. I’d love to do it on a motorcycle. You would love visiting Canada, In the summer, it’s beautiful. A road trip through the Rockies is outstanding.

Loved doing road trips in South Africa and in South Island New Zealand where the blues are the most gorgeous hues we have ever seen! Next time, do try the Route 62 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in South Africa – the towering cliffs just come at you! Also you two will love the east coastal drive in Sri Lanka – although hugging the east coast, the route also takes you inland through some rugged terrain with elephants. Lovely images – thanks for inspiring us.

Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the recommendations. You could spend a lifetime doing road trips around the world and barely scratch the surface. We didn’t get to explore much of the Eastern Sri Lankan Coast, another reason to go back!

South Island, New Zealand is very beautiful place in world. Really I like this place very much. Anyone can be more delighted to come here.

These all look amazing. I was on the Hana Highway many years ago, and would love to go back. Having lived in Alberta in the 70’s (and dating a couple of cowboys!), I’d love to go back and do the Cowboy Trail

thanks for this compilation. It will now be on my bucket list before I turn 60. 10 years to go. Keep exploring guys !

Fantastic photos guys. Very sharp! I’ve done a road trip from LA through to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. It was our first time in America and I did this with my husband and young son. Also, we drove from Berlin to London. I’m not sure that you would call it a road trip per se, but I think driving through 5 independent countries and then crossing the British Channel should surely count LOL! Nice post guys. 🙂

Hi Victoria, Thanks for the compliment. Sounds like you’ve done some awesome road trips. I call Berlin to London a road trip for sure. Anytime you drive and travel, it’s a road trip to me! Love it!

Wow, what a great list of road trips! Some wonderful photos too. Really like the bamboo forest. I’ve only done a couple road trips that you have listed…Page to Antelope Canyon being one of them. I actually did a little video if your readers are interested: http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/antelope-canyon

Thanks Mike, that bamboo forest is pretty incredible eh? I’ll definitely check out the video, thanks for sharing.

Would love to do every single one of the road trips you mentioned above. Especially the Mongol Rally would be something I´d love to do. My aunt and uncle did it a couple of years ago and they fell in love with the landscape in Mongolia. If you have a chance you should do a road trip in Southern France. The Lavender Route is a great route where you will drive along one of the largest canyons in Europe and you will drive past the famous lavender fields.

Your Aunt and Uncle are right. The landscape of Mongolia is so beautiful, we both really want to go back. We’ve actually done Southern France, I should have included that one! We went from Paris through the South of France, into Spain and then over to the Cinque Terre in Italy. You’ve reminded me that I will have to add it to this list when I get a chance.

Great list!! We are currently driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland! Also headed to the Causeway Coast. Love the Lake Superior Circle Tour (Duluth/Superior is our home town!!!) and loved the Road to Hana. Nothing like a great road trip.

Have an amazing time on the Wild Atlantic Way! It’s incredible isn’t it? And enjoy the Causeway Coast,try to stay over night at the Giant’s Causeway to see it in the morning or at sunset without all the tour buses there. Totally worth it.

Great post with amazing photos!

Thanks Johnny! And thanks for the inspiration it was #TravelSkills that got me thinking about putting all the road trips together!

I’ve only been to a few of these road trips, looks like quite a few more I would need to add to my bucket list – gorgeous pics!

Thanks Noel, I’m glad we could inspire you with a few ideas:)

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Thanks Noel even I am glad to know this Thank You very much

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• Find the best price on the 2023 Audi A4 »
• Read the 2023 Audi A4 Full Review  »

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$27,950| usn interior score: 7.8/10 | overall score 8.6/10.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is efficient and practical, and its interior is a comfortable place for up to five people. The standard cloth upholstery feels nice and remains comfortable on longer trips, and higher trims add leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a rear center armrest.

The front buckets offer good space and good outward visibility, while the back seats are surprisingly spacious. The top LATCH car seat anchors are easy to use, but lower attachment points are located too deeply in the seats.

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• See Hybrid Car Rankings  »

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda Civic

$25,050| usn interior score: 8.0/10 | overall score 8.7/10.

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling and most popular cars on sale today. It effortlessly blends fun, style, and practicality, and it's a surprisingly comfortable small family hauler.

Cloth upholstery comes standard and leather is available, but even the basic accommodations make the car feel premium inside. The front buckets are spacious, supportive, and plenty comfortable. Back-seat passengers get a comfy bench, but headroom can be tight for adults. That makes the Civic's back seat best reserved for kids, and the IIHS said it offers one of the easier-to-use LATCH systems around.

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• See 2023 Honda Civic Photos  »
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2023 Audi A5

$44,600| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.6/10.

The Audi A5 is a fun-to-drive luxury car with striking style. Its interior is every bit as premium and plush as Audi's more expensive vehicles.

Leather upholstery comes standard, along with heated front seats. The front buckets are deep and supportive, and the available sport seats give the car a racy feel that others can't match. They are also available with partial suede upholstery and a massaging feature.

Both rows of seats offer good space, including the back. That said, the car's stylish sloping roof cuts into rear headroom. Audi offers coupe and convertible configurations that aren't as accommodating, but adults can still ride comfortably.

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Genesis Motor America |

2023 Genesis G80

$50,000| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.4/10.

Genesis hasn't set a foot wrong in the past few years, as its sedans and SUVs offer incredible standard features, styling, and plush interiors. The G80 is a solid midsize luxury car with nice finishes and plenty of space inside. Beyond the wonderful cabin accents in real wood, leather, and aluminum, the G80's front seats offer great room and cushioning. The rear seat is just as spacious and comfortable, and can be upgraded with rear power sunshades. Genesis sell an Electrified G80 as well, but its battery packs cut into rear headroom. Installing car seats is relatively easy, though the lower anchors are deep in the seat.

More on the 2023 Genesis G80

• See 2023 Genesis G80 Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Genesis G80 »
• Read the 2023 Genesis G80 Full Review  »
• See Luxury Midsize Car Rankings  »

2023 Audi A6

$55,900| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.3/10.

The Audi A6 is a long-running midsize luxury car, and its interior lives up to the premium billing with fantastic materials and space. Leather upholstery is standard, along with heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Audi offers two high-end leather upgrades, ventilated seats, massage and more.

Both rows bring good space and nicely padded seats, but some A6 rivals offer more interior space. Adults can ride in the back on long trips without problem, and the A6 has decent rear legroom. The car's large rear door openings and conveniently located LATCH anchors make installing car seats a breeze.

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2023 Audi A7

$70,200| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 9.0/10.

Audi's A7 is a fantastic large luxury car that comes with a range of powerful engines and surprisingly sharp handling. Its interior is also a wonderful place to spend time with nice materials and good space. The five-seat A7 comes standard with leather upholstery, but Audi offers two ultra-premium leather upgrades, including Valcona and Milano hides.

There's good room across both rows of seating, and the back bench brings solid headroom and legroom. The car's eye-catching and dramatically sloping roofline eats into headroom and can make fitting a car seat challenging, but the LATCH anchor points earned top marks for ease of use.

More on the 2023 Audi A7

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• See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

DANIEL KRAUS |

2023 BMW i7

$102,310| usn interior score: 8.4/10 | overall score 8.9/10.

The brand-new i7 is BMW's electric flagship sedan, and it brings interior finishes and space to justify that billing. Both rows of seating have good room, and the standard Merino leather is soft and premium. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory seats, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and a heated steering wheel come standard.

BMW offers several upgrades for the i7's lavish cabin, including an Alcantara headliner, ventilated massaging rear seats, a power-adjustable footrest, and a rear center controls. Car seats fit without issue, and the rear outboard seats offer easy installation anchor points.

More on the 2023 BMW i7

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U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Did these plush and comfortable cars get you excited about car shopping? When you're Explore our new car rankings , where you can see which models deserve a spot on your shopping list.

The deals that we list can save you a tremendous amount of money, and our U.S. News Best Price Program can save you even more. By connecting shoppers who want to buy or lease a new car with local dealers, it offers a significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery and online sales options.

U.S. News & World Report |

Next Article

Best Commuter Cars in 2024

Most Comfortable Car

• 2023 Kia K5: $25,290 | USN Interior Score: 7.5/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Toyota Camry: $26,220| USN Interior Score: 7.5/10 | Overall Score 8.2/10
• 2023 Kia Forte: $19,490| USN Interior Score: 7.6/10 | Overall Score 7.8/10
• 2023 Volkswagen Arteon: $43,010| USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Polestar 2: $48,400 | USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Audi A4: $40,300 | USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.7/10
• 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $27,950| USN Interior Score: 7.8/10 | Overall Score 8.6/10
• 2023 Honda Civic: $25,050| USN Interior Score: 8.0/10 | Overall Score 8.7/10
• 2023 Audi A5: $44,600| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.6/10
• 2023 Genesis G80: $50,000| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.4/10
• 2023 Audi A6: $55,900| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Audi A7: $70,200| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 9.0/10
• 2023 BMW i7: $102,310| USN Interior Score: 8.4/10 | Overall Score 8.9/10

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• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

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Charging elephant kills an American woman on 'bucket list trip' in Zambia

An American woman who was on what she had called her "last big trip" was killed when a charging elephant flipped over the car she was traveling in at a national park in Zambia .

The “aggressive” creature buffeted the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide, tour operator Wilderness said in a statement Tuesday. It said the 79-year-old victim died after Saturday's incident on a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia.

The company did not name the victim but Rona Wells, her daughter, identified her as Gail Mattson in a post on Facebook. She said her mother died in a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.”

A video circulating on social media apparently showing the incident shows a large elephant running toward a car, which slows down as the animal approaches its left side. The elephant then flips the vehicle over and the passengers can be heard gasping as the car rolls over.

NBC News does not know the condition or identity of the person who filmed the video.

Photos shared online of the car, which is emblazoned with the logo of the tour operator, show it tipped onto its side after the incident, with a deep dent in two of its side doors.

Wilderness, which describes itself as a “leading conservation and hospitality company” operating in eight African countries, including Zambia, did not respond to NBC News when asked to confirm the authenticity of the video and the photos.

But the tour operator’s CEO, Keith Vincent, said in the statement that the company’s “guides are all extremely well trained and experienced.”

"Sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” he added.

Another woman was also injured in the incident and taken to a medical facility in South Africa, the Wilderness statement said, adding that four others were treated for minor injuries.

“It’s extremely rare to see an elephant that irate,” Marlon du Toit, a wildlife photographer and safari guide, told the “TODAY” show Thursday. “Across Africa, there are thousands and thousands of guests on safari on a daily basis with no negative consequences.”

The exact cause of Mattson’s death was unclear, but the company said her body would be repatriated to her family in the United States with the support of local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Lusaka.

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died,” the statement added.

NBC News has reached out to Mattson's family for further comment.

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, according to its website, and spans an area of more than 8,000 square miles. Vast regions of the park remain unexplored and the website says it is home to a variety of untamed wildlife.

A 'bucket list trip'

Mattson spent her winters in Sun City West, Arizona, playing bridge and cards, but during the rest of the year, she "travels all over the world," her friend Brenda Biggs told NBC News. Biggs and her husband, John Longabauth, became friends with Mattson when they moved to the area 6 ½ years ago.

Longabauth said Mattson spoke to the couple about her upcoming safari trip about two weeks ago, and called it "one of her bucket list trips." He said she was very excited for the adventure.

Before she left, she gave the couple concert tickets for a show that would happen while she was traveling, telling them to enjoy the concert and "I'll see you when I get back," Longabauth recalled of the conversation.

Biggs said Mattson, who was almost 80 years old, told her that the African safari was her "my last big trip." She said Mattson was "super excited because it was like the culmination of all the trips that she had gone on."

An avid traveler, Mattson took to trips to Europe and Asia, Longabauth recalled, noting that she might have been to South America, too.

Biggs called her friend "flamboyant," "friendly" and "fabulous" and said she loved bright colors. Mattson had taken over Biggs’ job as the event planner for their 200-member bridge club, she said.

"Gail was one of the more up people you'd ever want to meet," Longabauth said. "She was always up. She was always optimistic. She was always seeing the good side of everybody."

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Flying cars are coming! Here's how they could change the way you travel.

If you'd told me a few weeks ago that flying cars will change the way we travel, I probably would have laughed at you. 

But when Elon Musk hinted there might be a flying Tesla soon, the internet started buzzing with flying-car news. And now people are talking.

“There's absolutely a sense that the time has come,” said aviation industry investment banker Joey Smith at Cassel Salpeter & Co . "Numerous well-funded companies are racing to build a viable production vehicle, and they could take to the skies as early as next year."

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

What's more, attitudes toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) – that's a fancy term for flying cars and other personal flying vehicles – have shifted. A new study suggests Americans, and particularly younger urban consumers, are warming to the idea of flying to their next destination. Even so, the definition of a flying car is a little hard to pin down. I'll explain in a minute.

Don't expect to open your apartment window and see a scene out of a sci-fi movie like "Minority Report" anytime soon. (You know, lanes of flying vehicles lining the sky.) It'll be a slow rollout, but it has the potential to change the way we travel like we haven't seen since the introduction of the jet engine.

'Flying feels different': Here's how air travel has changed recently

Air travel smells worse than ever. Here's how to fix it.

What kind of flying vehicles are out there?

Personal flying vehicles defy simple classification, which may be part of their allure. There are STOLs and VTOLs, quadcopters, octocopters and hexacopters. Some are electric, some are gas-powered. 

Don't be confused by all the acronyms. I think it's OK to just call them flying cars.

Right now, the ones generating the most noise are electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). These aircraft take off and land like a helicopter. For example, Joby's air taxi service in Manhattan plans to use its eVTOL , which looks like an oversized drone, to shuttle passengers from New York to John F. Kennedy International Airport next year.

My categorization is a little unconventional, but here's how I see it: There are really just two types of flying cars. The first are cars that can drive on the road and fly, just like the ones in "Back to the Future." 

One of the most high-profile of these is the Model A being developed by Alef Aeronautics . It's an eVTOL that looks like a sports car. But once it takes off, the passenger cabin pivots and the vehicle flies sideways, which looks a little jarring but very cool.

The second type of flying vehicle doesn't even bother with the road. For example, the Lilium Jet is a fixed-wing aircraft and an eVTOL. But you won't see it on the highway unless it's making an emergency landing – so technically, it's not a flying car.

Like I said, these flying vehicles aren't easy to categorize. And it hasn't really mattered until now because you could find them only in aviation magazines and science fiction movies. But now there are serious discussions about flying cars, and developers have started taking orders. The future is almost here.

Flying cars aren't cleared for takeoff – yet

Don't get too excited. A few things still have to be worked out, experts say. For example, eVTOL manufacturers have struggled with several challenges. It's not just how to design lightweight aircraft made from the right composite materials and with adequate battery life. It's also piloting the flying car. Issues such as autonomous flight capability and pilot training have proven to be big barriers. 

There are also regulatory roadblocks. The Federal Aviation Administration, which has oversight of these new vehicles, has adopted a "crawl-walk-run" approach. And it's still in "crawl" mode. Last year, it laid down some rules for flying cars. Among them: They have to use existing heliports and they must have a human pilot. But there are no special traffic lanes in the sky for these vehicles yet.

The U.K. is also preparing for flying cars. In March, the government said it envisioned eVTOLs taking to the skies within four years . 

Observers are skeptical of the proposed timeline. Charles Leocha, president of the consumer group Travelers United , has worked on regulations for low-level unmanned aerial vehicles for the last decade. He said the wheels are turning slowly.

“The FAA is at least a decade away from allowing or approving any kind of flying car," he said.

All of that has made people reluctant to order a flying car – if they can afford one. Most vehicles can cost $150,000 to as much as $10 million.

"Prospective buyers are likely to hold off until regulatory barriers are dismantled," said Francesco Cerroni, a mobility expert at the design firm Buro Happold .

Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

Air travel may be about to get better. Here's what it means for your next flight.

Where to find personal flying vehicles now

If you want to see a flying vehicle for yourself, here's where to find them (outside of the movie theater):

• Lift Aircraft , which manufactures a single-seat eVTOL called Hexa, is offering test flights on its single-seat Hexas this spring. It's scheduled to be in Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida in April and Austin in May.
• Early next year, you'll be able to hail an air taxi from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on a four-passenger Midnight aircraft. The eVTOL, operated by UAE-based Falcon Aviation , will cover the 81-mile trip in just 30 minutes. By road, the drive can take a few hours in traffic.
• There's even a flying car driving school. Netherlands auto manufacturer PAL-V will show you the ins and outs of flying a car. They even have a flying car showroom in Munich where you can buy your own gyroplane/car combination. (It'll cost you about $550,000.)

Bottom line: Flying cars remain rare. But change is on the horizon.

How flying cars could change the way we travel

High prices and continued doubts about the viability of zipping around town like George Jetson haven't stopped people from thinking about the future. Experts seem to agree that safe VTOLs with FAA approval could change travel forever.

"It would reduce congestion by removing some traffic on the road and create a new aviation sector, with new jobs," said Raj Rajkumar, professor of computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Flying cars could dramatically cut the drive time between destinations typically served by short-haul commercial flights. So instead of catching a shuttle flight from Washington to New York, you'd just fly there in your own car in a fraction of the time it used to take to drive.

But that's just the beginning. As these vehicles become faster and more affordable, they hold the promise of competing with commercial aviation. Imagine flying your family car from the suburbs of an East Coast city to Florida for your next vacation in less time than it would take you to go to the airport, get through security, wait for your departure, fly, land, collect your luggage and rent an earthbound car?

The thought of ditching airlines, with their awful customer service and addictive loyalty programs, may be the greatest promise of the AAV revolution.

If you'd asked me a few weeks ago if such a future was possible, I would have been very skeptical. Now, I'm just a little skeptical.

This is the second of a two-part series on the future of air travel .

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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11 Beautiful Car-Free Places Around the World

Posted: October 18, 2023 | Last updated: October 18, 2023

If you’re craving a vacation that's equal parts relaxing and sustainable, there are many car-free places around the world that can help you truly escape the noise (and smog). These destinations—which range from city centers to entire islands —have either banned motorized vehicles for environmental reasons or for purely practical reasons (i.e. cars simply can’t fit through their narrow streets). The results are always the same: clean, peaceful areas where the air is fresh and life seems to move a little slower.

So the next time you’d like to really unplug and rewind, consider one of these beautiful car-free places around the world, from Kenya to Kyoto. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes .

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel

Ghent, Belgium

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Zermatt, Switzerland

Fes el-Bali, Morocco

Yelapa, Mexico

Venice, Italy

Lamu Island, Kenya

Giethoorn, The Netherlands

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Hydra, Greece

Higashiyama District, Kyoto, Japan

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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

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A prominent Long Island pediatrician was killed when she tumbled out of a moving Airstream trailer — still clutching the door’s handle — and onto an upstate highway during a family road trip over the weekend, according to state police and kin.

Dr. Monika Woroniecka — a 58-year-old married mom and children’s allergy and immunology specialist with Stony Brook Medicine — was in the 2024 silver trailer with other family members when she fell through the door shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday and onto State Route 12E in Watertown in a freak accident,  said police  and family.

Woroniecka’s husband, Robert, 59, was driving the gray 2019 Ram pickup truck pulling the trailer at the time, according to a press release.

Motorists who witnessed the frightening fatal fall said the passenger-side door of the Airstream flew open, helped by the wind — while the doctor was clutching its handle, police said.

The helpless woman landed on the shoulder of the highway, striking her head.

She was rushed to Samaritan Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. 

The traffic accident came as Woroniecka and other relatives boarded the trailer for the final 20 minutes of a road trip from Stony Brook, LI, where the family lives, the troopers said.

The victim worked at Stony Brook Medicine since the early 2000s, according to her medical profile .

“She enjoys working with children and their families and developing a long-term relationship with families while guiding them through chronic allergy-related conditions,” the profile said. “Dr. Woroniecka’s native language is Polish [and] draws Polish-speaking families from far distances.

“Dr. Woroniecka likes to travel, hike, exercise, and spend time with family and friends,” the post adds.

Her grieving family acknowledged to The Post on Sunday that the victim was a doctor on the island, as did the state police, but both declined further comment.

Officials at Stony Brook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

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