15 Stunning and Unique Road Trip Ideas: Where will you go next?

15 Stunning and Unique Road Trip Ideas: Where will you go next?

Did we tell you we love going on road trips? We love the freedom it affords, being able to zip off from the designated route without restrictions, being able to explore places far from the well trodden path, and being able to discover new places that you usually won’t find in the city. 

This time, we invited 15 expert travellers from across the globe to pitch in with their best road trip ideas and they delivered! 

The results are awesome! Ranging from mountainscapes to far flung deserts, it has given us lots of new ideas on our next adventure, and we hope that you will be inspired to go on yours too. 

Before diving in, be sure to check out this handy road trip packing list as well as a road trip food list to help in your preparation!

These ideas could be the start of your road trip with friends!

1. Tuscany to Le Marche, Italy

sunset-in-tuscany
Sunset in Tuscany

If you would like to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Italy along with wonderful art and history, taking an Italy road trip with kids is a great option.

Start your drive from Pisa with its leaning tower a great hit for children. This Tuscan city is a perfect base for visits to the coast as well as inland to places such as Lucca and Florence. From Pisa, drive south via San Gimignano or Siena. Stay on an agriturismo near Montepulciano and use this little hilltop town as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and villages such as Pienza.

Cross the border into Umbria and enjoy lunch at Lake Trasimeno. A good base for exploring Umbria is close to the regional capital Perugia so that you have easy access to Assisi as well as some of the smaller towns such as Montefalco and Spello. Kids will enjoy visiting the chocolate factory in Perugia or perhaps taking the old fashioned cable cars to the hilltop in Gubbio.

The best drive of the trip is from Umbria into Le Marche which takes you through the incredible landscape of the Sibillini Mountains. If you can do this drive in late spring or early summer you’ll be rewarded with carpets of wildflowers on the plains near Castelluccio.

Once in Le Marche, you can explore more hill towns or visit one of the cities such as Ascoli Piceno or Urbino, both filled with incredible art history. Combine culture with trips to the beach. The coastline of Le Marche is filled with miles of sandy beaches which are well equipped and suitable for children of all ages.

Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Recommended: 10 of the Cheapest Places to Visit in Europe​

2. World Class Deserts and Ruins, Jordan

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The Dead Sea

Jordan makes absolutely perfect road-tripping condition: road quality is good and (outside of Amman, anyways) traffic isn’t too crazy, public transportation is inconvenient and taxi hire expensive, and the country is small enough to make even a full loop doable on a week or two of traveling.

Starting from Amman and Queen Alia International Airport, hop on the desert highway south across almost the whole length of the country to Wadi Rum desert, a popular playground for camel rides and sand dune sunsets. After a day in the sand, turn back north towards Jordan’s most popular tourist site.

The ruins of Petra are world-class, and with your own wheels, the options to explore both the immediate archaeological site and wider region (including both Little Petra and some epic overlooks on the highway out of town) are huge. Plan for several days of walking in and around the site, including lots of hiking up rock-cut staircases to out of the way temples and graves. Wind down with the Petra by Night show, and prepare for one last mountain drive the next day.

Cutting across the mountainous ridge that runs the length of Jordan, drive up the Dead Sea coast to the long strip of resorts along the eastern shore. One afternoon and evening is plenty to enjoy the odd sensation of floating in the Dead Sea’s uber-salty waters – perhaps a good thing once you see hotel prices here!

Finally, head back towards Amman; you’ll not need (or want!) to drive yourself through the capital city’s traffic, so drop the car back at the airport and catch the bus into town to finish your trip to Jordan.

Stephen of Asia Hikes

3. Coastal Southern California, USA

Beach in San Diego

When referring to road trips, it seems like coastal Southern California was designed for them,  The all-year-round temperate weather, lively beach towns, and array of attractions make this part of the state perfect for those who love the open road.

One way to get to know this area is by driving the 120 miles (approx.) between Los Angeles and San Diego.  It is advisable to avoid the freeway and take the scenic roads as much as possible.

Start your trip by exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach.  Take some time to check out the Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade, Boardwalk, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard.  These cities are home to trendy restaurants, ice cream parlors, and boutiques selling artisan goods.

In Orange County, you need to feel the vibes of Huntington Beach, a town known for all things surfing. You will find plenty of surfers (a lot of them congregate around the pier), a surfing museum (with a giant surfboard), and a surfing walk of fame. Main Street and Pacific City offer great eating and shopping options.

Laguna Beach has a pleasant Downtown, long main beach and plenty of coves to discover.  If you have the time, it is a good idea to hike and sunbathe in Crystal Cove, a state park with hard to beat views.

Located in northern San Diego County, Carlsbad has 3 lagoons, flower fields (seasonal), a state beach, and a shopping complex with discounted designer goods.  Families particularly enjoy the Museum of Making Music.

The last stop on your trip is San Diego.  Spend time on the beaches, Cabrillo National Monument, Little Italy, Liberty Station, or Old Town.

Ruth from Tanama Tales

4. Camping and Safari, Namibia

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Go off road in Namibia

Namibia is not like any other African country with its different types of deserts, huge canyons, and remote coastal area. 

The only option to explore this country without joining an organized tour is by preparing for a road trip. 

Make sure to turn that into a camping trip as well for some unbelievable nights in a rooftop tent on top of your 4WD. 

We started our road trip by driving north to Etosha National Park. It’s one of the only places in Africa for a self-drive safari. You can actually camp right next to the waterholes for some game watching around sunset. 

And not just giraffes and gazelle, but we saw an elephant herd and rhinos there as well. After Etosha, we drove around Namibia for three more weeks. 

We drove along the Skeleton Coast, known for its shipwrecks. We hiked in the mountains of Naukluft Park, climbed the sand dunes of Sossusvlei National Park, and enjoyed the views along the Fish River Canyon, said to be the second-largest canyon in the world.

One of the big highlights though was the lesser-known Brukkaros volcano. We heard about an off the beaten track and abandoned camping spot on the volcano, but we couldn’t find any decent information online or in our two travel guides. 

We decided to take our chances and head out there early in the morning. 

With our 4WD we barely made it up to the old campsites. We unfolded our rooftop tent, climbed the volcano for some amazing views, and walked around the old crater. The starry night and waking up in the middle of nowhere were the best!

Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

5. Garden Route, South Africa

Beautiful Views on Garden Route

South Africa is a real paradise for road trip lovers. 

Out of many road trips we’ve done in the country the Garden Route is our favourite. 

We’ve driven that route many times and every time we discover new places. 

The route starts on the East Coast, 380km from Cape Town in Mosselbay and finishes 300km later in Storms River. You’ll need at least 4 days to drive the route but the more time you have the better. 

The scenery along the Garden Route is truly spectacular; unspoiled sandy beaches, lush forest, a rugged coast line, breathtaking look-outs and beautiful towns. The route is a great place for a family holiday. Check out some ideas for road trip games for kids here.

There are many places and activities that children of different ages will enjoy such as watching African animals, ziplining, kayaking, horseback riding, swimming, etc. Camping is very popular on the Garden Route. 

There are many beautiful campsites with great facilities and many outdoor activities to do. Some of the best campsites on the route are Ebb & Flow, Diepwalle Camping Decks, and Storms River Mouth Restcamp. 

While the environment is peaceful and quiet, don’t forget to pack along a soundproof tent! You never know what kind of neighbors your might encounter. 

Spring and summer is the best time for the trip. 

It gets very busy in December if you plan your trip for that time make sure to book accommodation and activities in advance. 

There are many beautiful places along the Garden Route. Places not to miss on the route; Mosselbay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River. 

Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

6. Best of Oregon Loop, USA

Frog Lake

With Portland as a starting point, it’s easy to see the wide range of Oregon’s diverse terrain in a very short amount of time. 

In this “Best of Oregon Loop,” you’ll enjoy valleys, waterfalls, high desert, wine country, and beaches. And all in less than 11 hours (530 miles) of driving time!

Starting in Portland, spend as much time as you want in Oregon’s largest and most popular city, full of tasty eateries, urban hikes, and cute shopping streets. Then head East on I-84 through the impressive Colombia River Gorge to the trendy windsurfing town of Hood River. 

Pull over to the Old Highway for a hike to any number of waterfalls. Then, stop by local apple farms as you head South through Mt. Hood National Forest and pass numerous mountain peaks on your way to Central Oregon.

Oregon’s high desert is an outdoor playground in both summer and winter. After pursuing your favorite outdoor adventure activities around Bend, make your way back over the mountain range to Silver Falls State Park. 

Here you can see 10 or more waterfalls on one trail – and even walk behind two of the falls! Continue back into the Willamette Valley and explore Oregon wine country around McMinnville, Oregon.

Once you’ve had your fill of pinots and cab savs, continue West just one hour to reach the Oregon Coast. Climb the dunes at Pacific City and when you’re ready, make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory to sample local cheddars and ice cream on your return to Portland.

This trip can be done in a minimum of 3 days but is better enjoyed over one or two weeks.

Michelle C. from Intentional Travelers

7. Rome to Florence, Italy

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Siena

A road trip from Rome to Florence is a journey you’re almost expected to take at some stage in your life! These two historical cities helped shape the modern world and a road trip between them is equally as impressive.

Here is your perfect road trip itinerary from Rome to Florence which can be done in a day, but I’d recommend taking two days or even three to really take in the sights, sounds and smells of these historic Italian cities and villages.

Bolsena – a gorgeous lake-side village offering stunning views and a nice stop for lunch after your busy visit to Rome. Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe.

Montalcino – a stunning hilltop town known for its amazing wine, particularly its Brunello di Montalcino. Enjoy a glass as you take in the expansive views of the surrounding vineyards.

Siena – once a fierce rival to Florence and recognizable for its medieval brick buildings. Its stunning town square, Piazza del Campo is represented by its distinct tower (Torre del Mangia), a slender 14th-century tower. Siena is a must visit on your Tuscan road trip.

Monteriggioni – a hilltop town founded in 1214, known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers that remain in place to this day! Stop for a coffee or a wine.

Florence – take in the unbelievable history of this famous city, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. See the Statue of David by Michelangelo, the famous Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and the Uffizi Gallery filled with masterpieces from the likes of Michelangelo, da Vinci and more. And take in the stunning vista of the city from Piazza Michelangelo.

This is a road trip that you’ll remember and talk about for the rest of your life! Happy touring.

Matt from It’s All In Italy

Recommended: 15 places to travel for under $30 per day

8. Amalfi Coast, Italy

amalfi-coast-italy
Amalfi Coast

So, you’re looking for inspiration for some of the best road trips in Europe? 

Well, look no further than the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This road trip will take your breath away time and time again, not only thanks to the coastal views and picture-perfect towns but also due to the winding cliffside roads that will sometimes leave you with your heart in your mouth!

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage route that stretches from Positano in the west to Vietri sul Mare in the east, with a collection of beautiful towns and villages along the way. 

While visitors can drive the whole stretch of the Amalfi Coast in one go, this would mean driving straight through without stopping and where’s the fun in that?! 

The beauty of driving the Amalfi Coast is stopping off at the many viewpoints and villages en route, taking in the spectacular sights and soaking up the rich Italian culture.

Each of the towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast has their own character and charm and it’s worth stopping off at everyone so you can find your favourite. 

There are museums, restaurants, beaches and, of course, gelaterias to discover during your journey and plenty of photo opportunities for you to capture the magic of the place. 

Whether you’re visiting the Amalfi coast for the first or fiftieth time, you won’t be disappointed!

Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

9. Deep South, USA

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Louisiana State Capitol

The best road trip we have taken is around the Deep South. We spent about three weeks travelling from Miami, up the gulf coast of Florida, around through Alabama to New Orleans and Baton Rouge before heading up through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and down to Atlanta before traveling across to Charleston and down the coast back to Miami.

I highly recommend this road trip as a fabulous way to see more of the US. It’s an easy and economical region to travel with some great food and hospitality. There are also many things to do and we found it very easy to keep driving days to four hours maximum with great stops in the middle.

Some of the highlights are the French Quarter in New Orleans, Disney World, the civil war battlefields at Vicksburg and some amazing historic centres in Savannah, Charleston and St Augustine. Add in some southern BBQs, delicious beignets and some key lime pie and you will think you are in heaven!

We also enjoyed visiting some of the whacky attractions along our way like Babyland General Hospital where you can watch a cabbage patch kid being “born”. You can also check out where much of the lost luggage of America ends up at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama. There’s also the option of a drive thru gallon daiquiri as you drive through Louisiana.

It’s easy to travel the Deep South on a road trip and I’m sure you will love it too!

Suze from Survey Suze

10. South West, Australia

Pit stop at the beach!

One of the most enjoyable Road trip ideas is South West Western Australia.  

To get started, Australia is a huge country with a lot of diversity. 

Outside the major cities, to travel anywhere is a road trip of significant proportions! While many people think of Western Australia being red and dry, this itinerary of the South West takes you to ancient forests, gnarled coastlines, and also takes in some of Australia’s best gourmet food and wine destinations. 

A great itinerary to discover the South West of Western Australia is to first head south from the capital Perth!  

The first stop is the world famous Margaret River area, where you can sip wine, taste chocolate and indulge in any number of culinary delights. 

From there, travel onto the gorgeous little town of Denmark –don’t forget to stop at the fabulous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk for a bird’s eye view of an ancient forest on route! 

In Denmark you will discover a laid back vibe and some of the most pristine and isolated beaches in the world. 

You can also use Denmark as a base to explore around Albany, which has a number of famous landmarks like The Gap in Tondirrup National Park.  

While in Western Australia we do recommend staying at a Farmstay so that you can get a real feel for what life in the countryside is like.

From Albany, we headed inland and enjoyed Wave Rock with Kids before heading to Perth. 

This itinerary of South West Western Australia is best done in about 11 days, but you could manage it in a few days less if short of time. 

Ariana from World of Travels with Kids

Recommended: Top 10 Things To Do In Bremer Bay

11. Eyre Peninsula, Australia

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Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula

South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula has everything from rugged outback beauty to idyllic beaches and towering sea cliffs. The gateway to Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla, is 385km north of Adelaide.

Whyalla, despite being an industrial city, offers a couple of unique wildlife experiences. Watch dolphins follow the fishing boats into the marina and come right up to the wharf. Between June and August, you can also swim with thousands of giant cuttlefish. It is an amazing experience but bring a wetsuit, the water is freezing!

Down the east coast of the peninsula there are several seaside towns. Arno Bay, Port Neill and Tumby Bay are all great places for relaxing on the beach, fishing or kayaking.

Port Lincoln at the tip of the peninsula is the biggest town in the region. There, you can relax at exquisite Fishery Bay with is white sand and turquoise water. Explore Lincoln National Park’s sand hills, beaches and rocky coastline.

Streaky Bay is a great base for exploring the sea cliffs, blow holes, caves and wildlife on the west of the coast of Eyre Peninsula. From swimming with seals to cliff top walks, ‘Streaky’ is a great place to appreciate the remote and unspoilt beauty of Eyre Peninsula.

As you return to Adelaide across the top of Eyre Peninsula, visit the Gawler Ranges National Park. The striking rock formations, salt pans, and red outback landscape are a real contrast to the coastal scenery. Best check the road conditions before looking around.

Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

Recommended: Perth Travel Guide

12. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

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Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The most beautiful scenic roads in the world offer great panoramas and driving pleasure. 

If you have a holiday getting closer, why not start planning a long trip that you will remember forever? 

It is always a great idea to travel by car and drive along the best roads in the world. 

Beautiful views, often numerous turns – however, make sure in advance that neither we nor our passengers have motion sickness. 

If you are planning your next trip in Europe, head out to Austria and drive on one of the best roads in the world – the Grossglockner High Alpine Road!

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (road B107) in the Austrian Alps is one of the most scenic roads in Austria. Many believe that it is the most beautiful route in Europe. It’s really not hard to see why!

The road was opened in 1935. It is over 40 km long and offers unforgettable views. Its heart is the point in the Hohe Tauern National Park, Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, from which you can see the highest peak in Austria – Großglockner (3798 m) and the longest Pasterze Glacier in this part of the Alps (about 10 km long).

Along the way there are plenty of bays and parking lots. In summer, the journey begins along green, flowery meadows where cows graze, and then the road climbs to places where the snow partially melts, creating countless, periodic waterfalls.

Outside of the high season it is worth following the current weather forecast. In some periods, entry is only possible with snow chains on the wheels. It should also be remembered that the route is closed in winter and early spring.

Darek from Darek and Gosia

Recommended: Vienna 2 day itinerary: Best ways to spend 48 hours

13. NE Florida St Augustine to Amelia Island, USA

Beach at Amelia Island

For a great girlfriend getaway with a combination of site seeing and Florida’s famous beaches, I grabbed my best friend and headed to Jacksonville. We picked up a rental car and headed to our first Florida road trip stop: St. Augustine.

In Historic St. Augustine, you’ll find plenty of walkable shops, restaurants and bars lined up on cute pedestrian streets and alleyways. 

Popular attractions in St. Augustine include the Castillo de San Marcos Spanish fort, a tour of Flagler College and a walk up the St. Augustine Lighthouse. 

For great dinner restaurants in the historic village, I recommend Michael’s Tasting Room, Catch 27 and ice Planet. 

Be sure to make your way across the causeway to St. Augustine Beach for a breathtaking sunrise and a long walk. 

If you are looking for a more affordable hotel, I recommend the Tryp by Wyndham Hotel, which sits just outside the historic village.

Make Your way along the coastal highway towards Amelia Island. During the drive, enjoy the views of the ocean to your right. 

There are several parking areas along the way where you can access more beautiful beach areas.

Grab the ferry to Amelia Island and make your way to one of the luxury resorts like the Ritz Carlton or Omni Hotel or an intimate B&B experience like the Fairbanks House. 

We loved how close the B&B was to the historic town of Fernandina Beach.

Browse the shops and restaurants of Fernandina Beach and head to the marina where you can take a boat tour of the area. 

Of course, you’ll find 13 miles of beaches on Amelia Island, so make sure to plan for a walk along the beautiful white sand coastline.

Sharon from Daily Dream 360

14. Perth to Exmouth, Australia

perth-to-exmouth-west-australia
Beautiful views enroute

The Perth to Exmouth road trip is one of West Australia’s most iconic routes, stretching from the west Australian capital city to the town of Exmouth along the picturesque Coral Coast.  

The 1,200 km long journey passes through some of Western Australia’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, with stunning vistas of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, enormous white sand dunes before meeting the red dirt of the outback.  

If travelling from Perth, one of the first highlights is a visit to the Pinnacle Desert. Here thousands of limestone pillars rise out of the sand to create an unreal landscape that would not be out of place in a sci-fi movie.

The attractions don’t stop there. Other places you won’t want to miss include the Pink Lake near Port Gregory, the seaside town of Kalbarri, where soaring red coastal cliffs plunge into the Indian Ocean, Shell Beach which is literally made up of shells and the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia.

The star attraction however comes at the end when you reach the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. The World Heritage Listed reef spans over 260 kilometres long and is home to an incredible array of marine life. Don’t miss the chance to go snorkelling with turtles, manta rays and the amazing Whale Sharks who visit these waters between April and September. 

The Perth to Exmouth road trip has plenty of accommodation options along the way. For the ultimate experience however, go camping and stay overnight in the national park where you can sleep under the milky way or experience the real Australia at one of several outback stations which is the Australian equivalent of a ranch.

Nina from West Australia Explorer

15. Colorado Road Trip

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Amazing views on the Colorado Road Trip

For the ultimate mountain adventure consider a Colorado road trip. On the Denver to Denver loop, we discovered some awesome outdoor activities, charming towns, historical sites and mountainscapes that couldn’t be beat. 

We quickly learned that to properly enjoy all that Colorado has to offer, you really need to spend 2 or more weeks exploring the state. We highly recommend you opt to travel in the summer months as some roads and campsites remain closed until after the Memorial Day weekend.

Some of the highlights of our Colorado road trip included a chance to visit Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site which contains the ancient dwelling of the Pueblo people. There are some great lookout points for anyone with limited mobility as well as great hiking options. 

In Glenwood Springs we discovered the area’s thermal activity and took advantage of it by taking a dip in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. However, if you want something more upbeat there is white water rafting along the Colorado River. 

Just outside of town was our favourite trail. The Hanging Lake trailhead, is a short but somewhat difficult 2-mile hike that leads to a beautiful turquoise lake.

In Colorado Springs, hiking opportunities were also abundant. At the Garden of the Gods, you’ll find red sandstone rock formations that are as much as 300 million years old. For a birds eye view of the area explore Pike’s Peak. A Colorado road trip will not disappoint the outdoor enthusiast in your life!

Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Logistics before travelling

Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner or CheapoAir.

Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates. 

Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.

Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)

Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.

Planned for you activities.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed. 

More resources to help you.
What other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.

What is your favourite road trip idea?

Do you have a favourite road trip you have taken previously? Where is it? 

We would love to hear from you! 

Hope you find the ideas here useful for planning for your next epic adventure.

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