Few travel experiences match the pure freedom of an open highway winding through unfamiliar mountains or along wild coastlines.
A great road trip places you in control of your daily itinerary. You stop at roadside diners, pull over at hidden viewpoints, and change directions on a whim.
Here are six legendary driving routes across the globe that justify booking international flights, detailing highlights, driving conditions, and vehicle advice.
6 Legendary Global Road Trips for Adventure Drivers
1. Route 66, United States
Spanning roughly 3,940 kilometers from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 represents mid-century American road trip mythology. You traverse eight states, shifting from Midwestern farmlands to southwestern desert mesas.
Vintage neon motel signs, historic diners, and abandoned service stations line two-lane blacktop. Take two to three weeks to absorb the cultural changes across the country.
2. The Ring Road (Route 1), Iceland
Circling the entire perimeter of Iceland over 1,332 kilometers, Route 1 showcases nature at its most raw and elemental.
You drive past thundering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, active volcanic fissures, and massive glacier lagoons where icebergs drift toward black sand beaches.
Rent a dependable four-wheel-drive campervan. Weather changes rapidly, and high crosswinds along exposed southern coastal bridges require steady focus.
3. The Garden Route, South Africa
Stretching roughly three hundred kilometers along the Western Cape, the Garden Route blends dramatic ocean bluffs with ancient indigenous forests.
Drive between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Stop for world-class oyster tastings in Knysna and walk canopy bridges suspended above Tsitsikamma National Park.
Coastal roads are modern and well-paved. Keep an eye out for southern right whales breaching in sheltered bays between June and November.
4. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Carved into southern Australian coastal cliffs, this two-hundred-forty-kilometer route honors Australian soldiers who served in World War I.
The visual centerpiece is the Twelve Apostles, giant limestone sea pillars pounded by relentless Southern Ocean breakers.
Drive inland through the Otway rainforest to spot wild koalas sleeping in eucalyptus trees, then return to coastal fishing towns for fresh fish and chips.
5. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Spanning 2,500 kilometers down Ireland’s rugged western seaboard, this is one of the world’s longest defined coastal driving routes.
You navigate narrow single-track lanes lined with drystone walls. Highlights include the soaring Cliffs of Moher, the wild Connemara boglands, and traditional Gaelic-speaking fishing villages.
Expect tight coastal lanes and frequent sheep crossings. A compact rental car handles winding rural Irish roads with far greater ease than a large SUV.
6. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Canada
Connecting Lake Louise with Jasper, the Icefields Parkway traverses two hundred thirty-two kilometers through the spine of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
More than one hundred visible glaciers cling to towering limestone summits. Massive ice sheets like the Columbia Icefield sit right along the highway edge.
Bears, bighorn sheep, and elk regularly graze beside highway shoulders. Drive slowly and pull fully into designated viewing turnouts to avoid roadway bottlenecks.
Essential Practical Checks for International Road Trips
Before flying overseas to drive, verify paperwork and local road laws carefully.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before departing home. Many rental agencies in Europe, Asia, and Africa will refuse car pick-up without an IDP accompanying your home license.
Inspect rental car insurance policies closely. Decline basic high-deductible coverage and opt for full zero-excess collision damage waivers to protect against gravel chips on remote roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit for all overseas road trips?
Most countries outside North America require or strongly recommend an International Driving Permit alongside your valid domestic driver’s license.
How long should I budget to drive Iceland’s Ring Road comfortably?
Allow at least eight to ten days in summer and ten to twelve days in shoulder season. This pacing leaves time for hiking, glacier walks, and weather delays.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Australia and South Africa?
Both Australia and South Africa drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right. Take extra care at roundabouts during your first few hours.
Can I rent a campervan for the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. Campervans and motorhomes are popular across the Canadian Rockies. Book official Parks Canada vehicle campsites months ahead for summer visits.
