Exploring the world on a road trip is an adventure that mixes freedom, discovery and breathtaking landscapes. Traveling along iconic roads in different countries isn't just about traveling, it's about creating unique memories with every kilometer. For the experience to be truly unforgettable, planning is essential - after all, nobody wants to deal with unforeseen events halfway through.
With the services of Happy Tours, you can turn your trip into a comfortable and safe journey, exploring different cultures and marveling at the local beauty. Get ready to see some of the most spectacular roads in the world and start planning your dream adventure now!
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as "Highway 1", is one of the best roads to drive on in the USA, as it runs along the California coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the city and even the cliffs.
This route also takes you to some of San Francisco's iconic cities, such as Big Sur, whose tourist attraction is the Bixby Bridge, the largest concrete bridge in the world. In addition to this city, the road also leads to Carmel-by-the-Sea, the charming town in Monterey County.
Let's not forget that the road trip also takes in the City of Santa Barbara, which has been the inspiration for series such as Netflix's "The Politician", soap operas, films and songs by various artists.
To check out these wonders located on the west coast of the United States, the best time to avoid traffic is to travel between spring, from March to June, or in the fall, from late September to December.
2. Route 66, USA
One of the most famous roads in the world! Route 66 has been featured in Baghdad Café, the animated series Cars and Bates Motel, and you can't miss it! Opened in 1926 by Cyrus Avery, Route 66 is 3,940 km long and runs from Santa Monica to Chicago, covering eight US states in a period of 32 to 38 hours between its start and finish.
On this road trip, as well as traveling through the eight states, the main attractions are the "Cadillac Ranch", a monument with Cadillac cars buried in the desert, and the charming retro town of "Williams", in Arizona.
To travel this long route and get to know the charming cities of the United States, plan for late spring and early summer, from May to September, when the landscapes can be seen more clearly outdoors.
3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
One of the most unforgettable road trips is the Great Ocean Road on the south coast of Australia. Its 243 km length passes 12 tourist attractions that can take anyone's breath away!
Among the countless beaches, forests and even rock formations, "The Twelve Apostles" are among the must-see sights. These limestone pillars emerged from the ocean and are one of the must-see stops on the Great Ocean Road.
For those who not only like to get out on the road, but also enjoy hiking, Port Campbell National Park is an excellent opportunity to follow trails that lead to incredible panoramic views.
The third most talked-about tourist spot on the Great Ocean Road is "Apollo Bay", a fishing village ideal for enjoying local delicacies while being enchanted by the charming location. Other famous tourist spots include:
- Lorne;
- Bay of Martyrs;
- The Grotto;
- Bay of Islands Coastal;
- London Bridge;
- Split Point Lighthouse;
- Gibson Steps;
- Bells Beach;
- Loch Ard Gorge.
The best times to enjoy every second on this road are the Australian spring-summer, which starts in September and ends around November, and the fall, which starts in March.
4. Ring Road, Iceland
The Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the whole of Iceland for 1,300 km, a journey that can be covered in up to six days by visitors to the country. It is one of the most iconic roads for those who travel by car due to its distinctive shape, which takes advantage of every space in Iceland.
The best route to take on this trip to Iceland and enjoy the natural beauty is to go directly to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the highest in the country and which offers spectacular photos.
The blue lagoon is another must-see. Everyone in the car should get out and spend some time underwater in this thermal pool that reaches 38 °C, even when the temperature is 10 °C!
The best time to enjoy this journey in Iceland is in summer, between July and August, when the days are longer and the temperatures reach 13 °C, making for a comfortable trip. In addition, adventurers are free to go trekking, rafting and cycling in the mountains.
5. Atlantic Highway, Norway
Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful roads in the world is the "Atlantic Highway", located in Norway. Drive almost 9 km and explore the incredible views of the ocean and the surrounding rocky mountains.
To make the European road trip even more unforgettable, this road has an obligatory stop, the Storseisundet Bridge, which joins two Norwegian islands across the Atlantic Ocean.
The tour is amazing, passing fishermen's islands and spectacular views of the open sea. To get a clear view, it is recommended that you take the tour in summer, between May and September.
Tips for planning your road trip
Traveling the world's iconic roads requires efficient planning to provide comfort and safety throughout the journey. To start planning, check out the type of road and climate you'll be facing to select a suitable vehicle.
Choose a car that is spacious to provide comfort for all passengers, as well as with a trunk that can hold some large luggage, coolers and other accessories to be equipped for the entire journey on the road.
Safety considerations when traveling by car
Planning a road trip requires a few precautions to make it a smooth and safe journey. First of all, the driver must have a valid passport and an up-to-date International Driving Permit .
In some countries, such as Norway, drivers are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), which must be applied for on the government's official website in order to travel the roads safely.
Vehicle maintenance is another important point to check with the rental company, as well as the level of oil, water and the condition of the tires before hitting the road. In the case of electric cars, make sure they have refueling points so that you don't run into any problems during your trip.
When is the best time to travel these roads?
Although the roads don't have a specific season for traveling by car, the main point that should be included when planning to rent a car is the local climate, after all, taking a winding road in the rain isn't the most suitable.
For this reason, coastal roads are generally recommended to be traveled during spring and summer, when the climate is mild and the landscapes are clearly visible due to the high sunlight.
Where to rent a car for a road trip abroad?
For those who want to explore the world by car, your destination starts at Happy Tours! Leave directly from the airport to your destination in minutes with a car you've chosen in advance!
To make your trip safe, all you have to do is choose a car to rent while you're still in Brazil, select the pick-up date and time, the airport and check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your chosen country.
Taking a road trip on the most iconic roads around the world is one of the most fun adventures you can have at least once. No matter the destination, with Happy Tours your destination is closer! Get in touch and get a quote so you can have the freedom you need to enjoy the sights on wheels!
