Some of the most beautiful road trip destinations in the world include the Big Sur, the Karakoram Highway, Route 66, Skeleton Coast, and more. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque coastal road or a sight you’ll never forget, these destinations have something for everyone.
In this article by Pacific Prime, we will be discussing the key road trip destinations in the world that you wouldn’t want to miss.
The Top Road Trip Destinations in The World
Some of the most notable road trip destinations in the world include familiar places such as Route 66 or Big Sur in the United States, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, and the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Below, we’ve compiled the key road trip destinations in the world that travelers and expats definitely wouldn’t want to miss.
Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia
Once a prehistoric lakebed, visiting this large salt flat in Bolivia is an opportunity that should never be missed. With an elevation of 3,656 meters above sea level, it features sparse vegetation, with temperatures dropping below -9 degrees Celcius during some parts of the year.
With a series of dormant volcanoes, islands in the lake surrounded by ancient corals and cactis, bubbling sulphur springs, hotels constructed entirely out of salt, and algae-flecked lakes that serve as home to thousands of flamingos, experiencing Salar de Uyuni is a day to remember.
Big Sur, USA
Big Sur is a section of California’s signature Pacific Coast Road where the Santa Lucia Mountains burst from the Pacific Ocean below. The combination of ancient redwood forests lining the highway on one side and plunging cliffs on the other makes for striking scenery.
Areas around Big Sur contain some of the best state parks in California, breathtaking waterfalls, and hidden beaches, as well as various hot springs ready for you to soak away and destress.
The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
The world’s highest-paved international road, the Karakoram Highway, is one of the main trade routes between Pakistan and western China. With sections of the freeway at 4,693 meters, the road wraps its way through the Himalayas and is considered one of the best journeys ever.
Following the ancient trade route of Marco Polo and other Silk Road traders, the Karakoram Highway was the crossroad linking the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
Once a series of goat paths and the backdrop to geopolitical territorial skirmishes, the Karakoram Highway stands as an incredible accomplishment and the site of some of the most jaw dropping scenery on the planet.
Route 66, USA
Despite being decommissioned in 1995 and no longer officially recognized as a U.S. highway, no other stretch of bitumen has been eulogised in films, books, television shows, or music as Route 66.
Running across most of the United States, Route 66 begins in Chicago and goes all the way through to Los Angeles, running across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.One of the first highways to cross the country, Route 66 has served as the main vehicular path for trade and transport since its establishment in 1926.
Few other stretches of highway present such a microcosm of roadside America, with abandoned buildings and businesses left as they were when the freeway was decommissioned, making the drivable sections of Route 66 more than just a road: it’s a snapshot of a different time in history.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a picturesque coastal road.
Situated between Melbourne and Adelaide, it takes around three and a half hours to traverse and sends travelers through rugged coastlines, expansive beaches, the nationally significant 12 Apostles limestone stacks, ancient rainforests and spectacular parklands.
Some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, and fur seals, call this stretch of coast home, and with miles of Australia’s most unspoilt beaches and coastlines, the Great Ocean Road is a top destination for anyone coming to Australia.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The Skeleton Coast’s name is traced back to a time when whalers operated in the area and left the bones of seals and whales to litter the shores.
As one of the planet’s most inhospitable stretches of road, the Skeleton Coast sports an array of spectacular wildlife, hundreds of kilometers of unspoilt scenery devoid of human habitation and a perpetual blanket of fog where the arid Namibian Desert air combines with the icy air heading north from Antarctica.
This layer of fog was responsible for dozens of shipwrecks that litter the coastline, slowly being reclaimed by the sand and ocean and creating a dramatic backdrop to this incredible stretch of road.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
As one of the most famous scenic drives on this list, the Amalfi Coast has been described by UNESCO as “an outstanding example of Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values.”
A World Heritage listed area since 1997, this iconic coastline stretches along the southwestern region of Italy from Sorrento to Salerno, offering breathtaking views of the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean and the opportunity to ramble through picture-perfect seaside villages along the way.
Bloemen Route, Netherlands
Also known as the Holland Flower Route, from late April until May, this 25-mile road erupts into an explosion of vibrant color as hyacinths and tulips bloom.
One of Europe’s quintessential drives, the Bloemen Route is dotted with charming villages, flower vendors selling their vibrant wares on the side of the road and seemingly endless fields of brilliant flowers that create an unforgettable driving experience.
Closing Comments
From coastal roads to sights to be remembered, each road trip destination has something for everyone. However, wherever you go, it’s worth noting that the risk for injuries and illnesses will always exist and seeking out healthcare options overseas can be costly.
But, thankfully, that’s where we come in. Pacific Prime can help you find a suitable health insurance plan, ranging from travel insurance to individual and family insurance, that matches both your budget and healthcare needs.
What’s more, if you seek health insurance from us, we can help you with completely impartial advice at no additional cost. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us and get a free quote today for plan comparisons.
Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, are for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.