Road Trips Where the Journey Is the Reward
Road trips shine brightest when the drive itself becomes part of the experience, not just the space between destinations. Traveling by car outside the U.S. lets landscapes change gradually, cultures blend naturally, and surprises unfold at your own pace. These international road trips are ideal if you enjoy freedom, scenery, and discovering places that flights usually skip over. Here are 20 road trips to take outside the U.S.
1. The Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road loops around the entire country and delivers dramatic scenery almost nonstop. Waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches appear with little warning. The constant visual variety keeps even long driving days engaging and memorable. It’s a route where stopping frequently feels essential rather than optional.
Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
2. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
This coastal drive traces Ireland’s rugged western edge for hundreds of miles. Sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and quiet fishing villages define much of the scenery. Weather shifts quickly, adding atmosphere instead of inconvenience. The road rewards travelers who enjoy slow pacing and spontaneous detours.
3. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast offers narrow roads carved into cliffs above the sea. Brightly colored towns rise dramatically from the shoreline as you wind along each curve. Driving slowly becomes part of the charm rather than a drawback. Every viewpoint feels like a postcard brought to life.
4. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road runs alongside a striking stretch of southern coastline. Towering limestone formations rise from the ocean just offshore. Scenic lookouts encourage frequent stops without disrupting the flow of the drive. Wildlife sightings often add an unexpected bonus to the journey.
5. The Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route blends forests, beaches, and mountain passes seamlessly. The drive feels varied without being overwhelming or rushed. Small towns along the way make natural stopping points for food and exploration. It’s an easy route to tailor to your own pace.
6. Route 40, Argentina
Route 40 stretches along Argentina’s western side near the Andes Mountains. The scenery shifts dramatically from arid plains to snow-capped peaks. Long distances emphasize the scale of the landscape rather than monotony. This drive feels grounding and expansive at the same time.
7. The Icefields Parkway, Canada
Connecting Banff and Jasper, this route packs alpine scenery into every mile. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife appear with remarkable frequency. Even quick stops feel significant because of the towering, stunning surroundings. This road trip makes nature feel immediate and immersive.
8. The North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s NC500 loops through the remote Highlands and rugged coastlines. Quiet roads pass lochs, cliffs, and ancient stone ruins, which add to this road trip's atmosphere and unpredictability.
9. The Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road links medieval towns and historic castles. Half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets dominate much of the scenery. The route is visually rich without requiring long driving days. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy frequent cultural stops.
10. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
This high-altitude highway cuts through some of the world’s tallest mountain ranges. Valleys, rivers, and dramatic peaks surround the road almost constantly. The remoteness makes the journey feel powerful and humbling. It’s a drive that stays with you long after it ends.
11. The Atlantic Road, Norway
Norway’s Atlantic Road weaves across small islands connected by graceful bridges. Ocean views dominate the drive from nearly every angle. Stormy weather can make the experience extra dramatic, especially with how engineering and the landscape blend seamlessly along the route.
12. The Carretera Austral, Chile
Southern Chile’s Carretera Austral runs through sparsely populated wilderness. Forests, fjords, and rivers shape the scenery for much of the drive. The sense of isolation feels intentional rather than empty.
13. The Route des Grandes Alpes, France
This alpine route crosses high mountain passes and scenic valleys. Elevation changes bring cooler air and sweeping views. The road favors drivers who enjoy curves and climbing terrain. Small villages provide charming breaks between dramatic stretches.
14. The Silk Road Route, Uzbekistan
Driving between Uzbekistan’s historic cities reveals layers of ancient trade history. Architecture and culture shift subtly from place to place. The road connects modern life with centuries-old traditions, and each stop adds context to the journey.
15. Pacific Coast Drives, New Zealand
New Zealand’s coastal roads combine rolling hills and quiet beaches. Secluded viewpoints appear frequently without heavy traffic. Detours often lead to unexpected highlights. Flexibility turns this drive into a constant series of small discoveries.
John Robert McPherson on Wikimedia
16. The Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
This dramatic mountain road winds through the Carpathians. Sharp turns and steep climbs define much of the route. Views open suddenly at higher elevations. The drive is short but intensely scenic.
Horia Varlan from Bucharest, Romania on Wikimedia
17. The Atlas Mountains Route, Morocco
Driving through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains reveals rugged terrain and hillside villages. Colors shift with elevation and time of day. Encounters with local life feel organic rather than staged. The road balances scenery with cultural depth.
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia
18. The Ruta del Sillar, Peru
This route near Arequipa passes striking volcanic stone landscapes. Geological formations dominate the view throughout the drive. The terrain feels stark yet visually compelling, and it pairs naturally with nearby cultural exploration.
Allard Schmidt (The Netherlands) on Wikimedia
19. The Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand
Less crowded than other routes, this drive features waterfalls, rainforests, and the coastline. Traffic stays light for most of the year. The scenery feels unfiltered and close. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer quiet roads.
20. The Transylvania Loop, Romania
Rolling hills, forests, and medieval towns shape this atmospheric loop. The pace feels calm and unhurried throughout the journey. Landscapes shift gently rather than dramatically. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy slow discovery.
