TOP 5 Road Trips in the World in 2024

There’s something about a road trip that just makes your heart race. Maybe it’s the sense of adventure or the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. No matter what it is, there’s no denying that road trips are some of the best ways to see the world. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 of the best road trips in the world in 2024! Let’s get started!

1. Route 66, United States

If there’s one road trip you should take before you die, it’s a journey down America’s most famous highway – Route 66. This storied route snakes from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states and countless small towns and big cities. Here are the facts, history, and must-see sights on this classic cross-country drive.

Route 66 was officially commissioned in 1926, but many of the roads it follows had been used by travelers and traders for years. The highway originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles but has since been shortened to an end in Santa Monica.

The route is known for its kitschy roadside attractions, like the world’s largest ketchup bottle in Illinois or the Cadillac Ranch in Texas. But there’s also plenty of natural beauty to take in, from the Painted Desert in Arizona to the Petrified Forest National Park in New Mexico.

Depending on your starting point, you’ll want to allow at least two weeks to properly explore Route 66. That will give you time to enjoy leisurely drives down the open road, as well as stop in at some of the larger cities and towns. Highlights include Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles.

There’s no shortage of accommodation options along Route 66 – from camping grounds to historic hotels. And with such a diverse array of cultures represented along the route, you’ll have no trouble finding great food and entertainment.

Best natural features and attractions

The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona: This natural area showcases colorful rock formations and fossilized trees. The best thing about this national park is that it’s right on Route 66, so you won’t have to detour far off the beaten path. Be assured that you will see some of the best scenery in Arizona here.
The Grand Canyon: One of America’s most iconic tourist destinations, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for any road tripper. You can visit it on your way to or from Route 66, but be aware that it will add several hours to your journey.
Route 66 Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma: This museum is dedicated to the history and memorabilia of Route 66. It’s a great place to learn about the road trip experience, as well as the people and places that make up this storied route.
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma: This museum is devoted to the life and work of Will Rogers, an American humorist, and actor who was born in Claremore. It’s a great place to learn about Oklahoma history and culture, as well as get a taste of the state’s arts scene.

Fun Facts About Route 66

The route covers eight states which are Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
It is about 2400 miles long.
The route was commissioned in 1926.
Dozens of kitschy roadside attractions along the route.
The starting state is Illinois.
The final destination is Santa Monica, California.
Route 66 has been shortened and now ends in Santa Monica.
There are a number of museums devoted to Route 66 located along the route.
Will Rogers was born in Claremore, Oklahoma and there is a museum devoted to him in this town.

2. Route 40, Argentina

Route 40, Argentina is a must-see destination for tourists looking to explore the beauty and culture of South America. This route stretches more than 3,000 miles from the Argentinean Andes to the Atlantic Coast. Along the way, visitors will enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, lush forests, fertile valleys, and vibrant cities. There are also plenty of historical and cultural attractions to be found in Route 40, Argentina.

Here are some of the main attractions that can be found on this amazing route!

Tours in Route 40, Argentina:

The Andes: The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world and offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on Route 40. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, or mountaineering in the Andes.
The Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth and is a must-see for nature lovers. The rainforest can be explored on foot, by boat, or by plane.
The Iguazu Falls: The Iguazu Falls are some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. They can be found on the border between Argentina and Brazil and are a must-see for anyone visiting Route 40.

Cities Covered in Route 40, Argentina:

Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and one of the most vibrant cities in South America. The city is home to a diverse range of attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants.
Cordoba: Cordoba is a historic city located in the heart of Argentina. The city is home to a number of important historical sites, including the Cathedral of Cordoba and the University of Cordoba.
Mendoza: Mendoza is a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Andes. The city is famous for its vineyards and is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of Argentinean wine.
Salta: Salta is a charming colonial city located in the north of Argentina. The city is home to a number of interesting historical sites, including the Palace of Governors and the San Francisco Church.

Recommended Days to Tour Route 40, Argentina:

Buenos Aires: three days
Cordoba: two days
Mendoza: two days
Salta: three days

Hotels and Accommodation in Route 40, Argentina:

There are a number of hotels and accommodation options available along with Route 40, Argentina. Here are a few of the best options:

Buenos Aires: The Hilton Buenos Aires is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Buenos Aires. The hotel offers stunning views of the city and features an onsite spa, gym, and pool.
Cordoba: The Hotel NH Cordoba is a four-star hotel located in the historical center of Cordoba. The hotel offers a rooftop terrace with views of the city, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar.
Mendoza: The Hotel Las Terrazas is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Mendoza. The hotel features an onsite spa, gym, and pool, as well as a rooftop terrace with views of the Andes.
Salta: The Hotel Libertador is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Salta. The hotel offers stunning views of the city and features an onsite restaurant, bar, and pool.

3. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km driving route that winds along the west coast of Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest touring route and takes in some of the most beautiful and scenic countrysides in the country.

The route passes through nine counties, from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, and includes some of Ireland’s top tourist destinations, such as Galway City, Killarney National Park, and the Ring of Kerry.

The history of the Wild Atlantic way dates back to the Ice Age when the first humans arrived in Ireland. The route takes in some of the most important historical sites in Ireland, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Rock of Cashel.

Tours of the Wild Atlantic Way are available from a number of tour operators, both in Ireland and abroad. These tours typically last for one week and include accommodation, transport, and sightseeing.

Fun Facts About The Wild Atlantic Way:

The route is home to over 100 festivals and events each year, including the Galway Arts Festival, the Ring of Kerry Horse Show, and the Donegal Bay Seafood Festival.
The Wild Atlantic Way was voted one of the top drives in the world by National Geographic.
There are over 350 miles of off-road cycling trails along the route.
The route passes through five Irish counties that have coastal beaches – Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Galway, and Kerry.

The main attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way include:

The Cliffs of Moher: The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Situated on the west coast of County Clare, they rise to a height of 214m and offer stunning views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
The Ring of Kerry: The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive that takes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. It winds around the Iveragh Peninsula and takes in attractions such as Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney.
Galway City: Galway City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, it is renowned for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.
Killarney National Park: Killarney National Park is one of the most scenic places in Ireland. Situated in County Kerry, it covers an area of 26,000 hectares and includes the Lakes of Killarney.

Hotels and Accommodations

There is a wide range of accommodation available along the Wild Atlantic Way, from camping and caravan sites to luxury hotels.

The culture of the Wild Atlantic Way is very diverse. The route takes in a number of different regions, each with its own unique culture and traditions.

Recommended days

To fully experience the Wild Atlantic Way, it is recommended that you allow at least seven days to drive the route. However, if you are short on time, it is possible to do a shorter tour of the highlights.

You can also read: 10 best road trips in Ireland

4. West Coast & Milford Sound, New Zealand

The natural beauty of the West Coast and Milford Sound in New Zealand is awe-inspiring. This region is known for its lush rain forests, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and stunning waterfalls. If you’re looking for an amazing adventure vacation, then you need to explore the West Coast and Milford Sound! Here are some fun facts and history about this amazing region, as well as information on tours, main attractions, and recommended hotels and accommodation.

Milford Sound was first discovered by Europeans in 1812 when Captain John Lort Stokes of the HMS Beagle sailed into the sound and named it after Sir Edward Milford, a British naval officer.

The West Coast and Milford Sound region is home to some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Some of the main attractions include Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Wanaka, and Milford Sound.

The West Coast and Milford Sound are also home to a variety of interesting cultures and history. Some of the highlights include the Te Wahine Toa Monument in Fox Glacier, which commemorates New Zealand’s women war veterans, and the Heritage Museum in Hokitika, which showcases the region’s rich gold mining history.

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, then be sure to add the West Coast and Milford Sound to your itinerary! You won’t be disappointed by the natural beauty and fascinating culture of this amazing region.

Some recommended tours of the West Coast & Milford Sound include:

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike: This tour takes you on a helicopter ride to the top of Franz Josef Glacier, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. Then, you’ll hike down the glacier for an up-close look at its crevasses and ice formations.
Fox Glacier Heli Hike: On this tour, you’ll take a helicopter ride to Fox Glacier, where you’ll enjoy incredible views of the glacier and its surroundings. Then, you’ll hike on the glacier for an unforgettable experience.
Wanaka Helicopter Tour: This tour takes you on a breathtaking helicopter flight over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. You’ll see some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand on this tour!
Milford Sound Cruise: This cruise takes you through the beautiful Milford Sound, where you’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, and towering mountains. You’ll also get the chance to see some of the native wildlife, including penguins and dolphins.

Some recommended hotels and accommodation in the West Coast & Milford Sound region include:

The George in Christchurch: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Christchurch, and it offers stunning views of the city. It’s the perfect base for exploring the West Coast and Milford Sound.
Heritage Collection Hokitika: This hotel is located in Hokitika, and it offers a variety of accommodations, including apartments, suites, and cottages. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the region’s gold mining history.
Franz Josef Glacier Hotels: There are a variety of hotels located near Franz Josef Glacier, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly option, you’ll find it here.

5. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of the most scenic drives in the world. It winds along the coast of Victoria, Australia, and offers stunning views of the ocean and lush greenery. The road was built as a memorial to soldiers who died during World War I, and it’s now one of the country’s top tourist destinations. There are plenty of things to see and do on the Great Ocean Road, so if you’re planning a trip to Australia, be sure to add this must-do experience to your itinerary!

Some of the main attractions on the Great Ocean Road include the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that rise out of the ocean; Loch Ard Gorge, which is known for its dramatic cliffs and shipwreck beach; and London Bridge, a natural bridge that collapsed in 1990. There are also several small towns and villages located along the road, each with its own unique charm.

The Great Ocean Road is a must-see for any visitor to Australia, and it’s sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Some of the best things to see on the Great Ocean Road are:

The 12 Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge
London Bridge
Angels Landing
Bay of Islands

There are also plenty of small towns and villages located along the road, each with its own unique charm. Be sure to visit them all! To enjoy the sceneries in these routes, it is best if you hired a car since you will be able to access the sceneries of your choice!