If there’s one thing to look forward to when visiting a new country, it’s definitely the road trips. The ultimate travel experience is to have a full tank of fuel and a car to take you on your adventure. The thrill of embarking on a road journey to discover hidden gems is second to none. If you’re looking for ideas for your next road trip, keep reading our list of the best road trips in the world.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

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The Great Ocean Road is a world-famous road that runs along the coast of Australia, just outside of Melbourne. From small seaside settlements to high sandstone cliffs close off the coast, the path winds through a variety of landscapes that would be ideal not just for a family but also for children. Although you can complete the 243-kilometre trip in a single day, a week or two is recommended to explore the attractions and tiny towns along the road.

Many people are familiar with the well-known Twelve Apostles’ Lookout, but many other areas of interest are worth seeing. The Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park, and Castle Cove Lookout are just a few examples. Capture as many memorable moments as could during the road trip with your camera, and bring extra memory cards just in case. The Great Ocean Road is best visited between December to February when the days are long, and the weather is lovely.

Ring Road, Iceland

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The iconic Ring Road is Iceland’s only highway that connects all the country’s beauty spots. From Reykjavik to glaciers in the east, waterfalls in the south, and breathtaking scenery in the north, the 1330-kilometre-long route allowed you to explore the best of Iceland. The entire journey can be completed in 7 days; however, it is recommended that you allow up to 10 days or two weeks. Spend some of your time in the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and the unique landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Aside from that, complete the 300-kilometre Golden Circle tour, including Thingvellir National Park, the Kerid Volcanic Crater, and other well-known Icelandic attractions. When taking this road trip, consider a 4×4 vehicle and prepare online maps on your smartphone to explore more inaccessible regions as you travel. Summer is the best time to enjoy this road trip because the weather isn’t too hot and there is plenty of light during the day.

Garden Route, South Africa

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Take a road trip down the Garden Route when in South Africa; one of the best coastal road journeys in the continent, if not the world. The Garden Route is lined with beaches and lagoons that offer a diverse range of scenery and activities, as well as several hiking trails to keep you entertained along the journey. This road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is best experienced over 7 to 10 days. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage yourself in everything South Africa has to offer during these exciting days.

To name a few, you can visit Plettenberg Bay for some windy beach air or visit Hermanus to see dolphins and whales. Bloukrans Bridge is the place to go if you enjoy extreme activities, as it offers bungee jumping at one of the world’s deepest bungees. February through April are perfect for driving since the weather is pleasant, the temperatures are warm, and the roads are less congested.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

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The Icefields Parkway is one of the most stunning roads in Canada, offering one of the most picturesque drives in the world. This 268-kilometre stretch of road could be completed in 3 to 4 hours by passing through steep mountains and forested river valleys. In any case, feel free to spend as much time as you want to admire the well-known natural beauty sites. Visit the beautiful turquoise lakes of Lake Louise and Peyto Lake and take a gondola ride to search for wild grizzly bears.

Furthermore, complete the experience by visiting the magnificent waterfalls of Sunwupta and Athabasca Falls. If you wish to spend the night, make your way to Banff town, which is in the National Park. The best months to drive are July through August when there is more sun, but keep in mind that these are also the busiest months. September and later are less crowded, and it might be cooler than usual.