Introduction
Hey travel enthusiasts! Have you ever dreamed of sitting behind the wheel, chasing the sunset along endless roads? Or stopping at every scenic spot that catches your eye in a foreign land? If so, congratulations - a road trip is the perfect way to achieve true travel freedom!
I've always believed that the essence of travel lies in experiencing local culture and enjoying unexpected delights along the way. Road trips give us exactly this freedom. They allow us to explore the world at our own pace, unrestricted by group itineraries, able to stop anytime for a stunning wildflower field, a hidden café, or an unexpected vista. Isn't this exactly the kind of travel we long for?
I remember my first time renting a car in America - I was completely captivated by that sense of control and freedom. Since then, whether weaving between mountains and lakes on New Zealand's South Island or getting lost on country roads in Tuscany, road trips have become my preferred way to explore the world. Today, I want to share some of the world's best road trip routes and practical advice, hoping to provide some inspiration and help for your next journey.
Ready? Then follow me as we embark on this round-the-world road trip adventure!
American West
When talking about American road trips, we must mention the world-famous Route 66. This "Mother Road" stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles carries the collective memories of generations of Americans and countless travelers' pilgrimage dreams. The vintage motels, neon-lit diners, desolate desert landscapes, and old gas stations along the way all tell the story of the American Midwest's historical transformation.
I spent two weeks driving most of the route last summer, and honestly, seeing those road signs and landmarks from movies in person was indescribably moving. Did you know? There are over 2,400 historical landmarks along this route, and the scenery changes completely about every 50 kilometers. From the vast farmlands of Illinois plains to Arizona's unique rock formations to California's Pacific coastline, the variety of landscapes is breathtaking.
Local dining is also a highlight, with traditional American burgers, Mexican tacos, and Texas BBQ all available. I especially recommend Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In in Arizona, a restaurant opened in 1953 that's become a classic Route 66 stop not only for its delicious burgers but also for the owner's humorous service style. Just remember, American portions are very large, so it's best to ask about sizes or share with your companions.
America's road system is incredibly developed, with a total length exceeding 4 million miles - enough to circle the Earth 160 times! This means you can find a suitable driving route for whatever scenery you're seeking. For instance, if you love coastal views, California's Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is absolutely your best choice. From San Francisco down to San Diego, you'll see America's most spectacular coastal scenery, including the famous Big Sur region and Big Sur.
I'll never forget my experience on Highway 1, driving a convertible Ford Mustang along the winding coastline, with the Pacific's blue waters sparkling on my right and steep cliffs towering on my left - it was amazing! Especially at sunset, when golden light bathed the coastline, seeming to gild the entire shore. I stopped the car and sat on the cliff edge, quietly watching the sun slowly sink into the ocean - an image I'll remember for life.
On Highway 1, Carmel is definitely a must-stop destination. This artists' colony has European village charm, with streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. I had dinner at a place called La Bicyclette, where they serve wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with local wines. The nearby Carmel Beach is also beautiful, with golden sand and azure waters - perfect for photos and relaxation.
Speaking of American road trips, it's essential to plan ahead, especially during spring/summer and holidays when popular destinations' accommodations often need to be booked months in advance. Last summer, I didn't pre-book Yosemite accommodation and ended up staying in a town outside the park, adding two hours of daily driving time. So it's better to plan conservatively rather than pack your schedule too full - leaving room for adjustment is more important.
Another crucial thing about driving in America is understanding parking rules. In big cities like LA and San Francisco, parking is quite expensive and rules are complex. I once got a $75 ticket in San Francisco for misreading parking signs - an expensive lesson! I recommend carefully reading all signs before parking or using apps like SpotHero to reserve spots - it's both cheaper and more convenient.
America's national parks are absolute road trip havens, especially the western parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, and Arches. My personal favorite is Arches National Park in Utah, with over 2,000 natural rock arches that are especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset when the whole park is bathed in golden or red light. If you're planning to road trip America's national parks, I strongly recommend buying the America the Beautiful annual pass - for just $80, you get unlimited access to all national parks for a year, which is a great deal.
Canadian Charm
Crossing the US-Canada border, Canada's natural scenery is equally stunning. One of Canada's most classic driving routes is the Icefields Parkway in Alberta. This 232-kilometer highway runs through Jasper and Banff National Parks, offering views of the majestic Rocky Mountains, glistening glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
I drove this route last fall, coinciding with the red maple season, and the stunning beauty still lingers in my memory. Lake Louise near Banff was especially incredible - the water so blue it seemed unreal, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains like an oil painting. Driving this road, what should be a three-hour journey often becomes a full day due to constant photo stops.
Every time I think of Lake Louise, I can't help but smile. That morning, I made sure to arrive lakeside before sunrise. When the first rays of light hit the water, it gradually changed from deep blue to turquoise, while the surrounding mountains turned pink and gold - the beauty was breathtaking. I sat on a rock by the lake, silently taking it all in, thinking how without a road trip, I might never have had the chance to appreciate such perfect moment.
Another must-visit spot on the Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefield. It's one of North America's largest icefields, where you can ride special ice vehicles to the glacier's center and experience standing on hundreds of meters of ice. The day I went was clear, and sunlight reflecting off the ice created countless tiny light points, like standing in a sea of stars. Our guide told us this glacier has existed for over 100,000 years but is retreating at an alarming rate due to global climate change, about 10-15 meters annually. It made me sad to think that in a few decades, our next generation might not be able to see such spectacular views.
Canadian road trips are especially good because roadside facilities are very well-maintained, with viewpoints, rest areas, and bathrooms at regular intervals. Canadians are also very friendly and always ready to help if you have questions or need assistance. However, note that signal coverage in northern Canada isn't very good, so it's best to download offline maps or bring paper maps as backup.
European Charm
Switching to Europe, the road trip style changes too. While European roads aren't as wide as American ones, they're full of historical feeling and cultural charm. Imagine driving the Romantic Road in Germany, passing through medieval towns and fairy-tale castles; or winding through endless lavender fields on Provence's country roads; or navigating between vineyards and olive groves in Tuscany. These are the unique charms of European road trips.
Germany's Romantic Road truly lives up to its name. This ancient trade route runs about 350 kilometers from Würzburg to Füssen, passing through 28 medieval towns and numerous castles. My favorite is Rothenburg, a perfectly preserved medieval town with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and ancient walls. It's especially magical at night when most tourists have left, walking the empty ancient streets feels like traveling back to medieval times. I stayed two nights at a family-run guesthouse there, where the elderly owners enthusiastically shared the town's history and hidden spots, even teaching me to make traditional German bread. Such interactions with locals are hard to get with group tours.
France's Provence region offers a completely different flavor. There are rolling hills, golden sunflower fields and purple lavender fields, countless historic towns and medieval castles. I visited in late June, perfect timing for lavender season. The whole region was fragrant with lavender, fields stretching purple as far as the eye could see. Near Gordes, I found a lavender field almost free of tourists; at dusk, golden sunlight falling on purple lavender created such a beautiful combination of light and color that I decided on the spot to stay an extra night.
For exploring southern hemisphere destinations with completely different scenery and culture, consider road trips in New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. Each offers unique characteristics.
[Note: The text appears to be cut off mid-section about southern hemisphere destinations. Please let me know if you'd like me to translate more.]
