Looking to add a little adventure to your grid? Expect epic driving experiences, amazing pit stop locations, and plenty of photo opps with our round-up of the world’s top 5 most Insta-worthy road trips
North Coast 500, Scotland
Castles, coastline, and Caledonian hospitality, count us in. The North Coast 500 hugs the coast of the Scottish Highlands, a 516 mile loop that starts and ends in Inverness. Along the way, stop off at the UK’s most northernly point, John O’Groats, feel like a castaway on isolated sandy beaches, tour the ornate gardens of Dunrobin Castle, and put your driving skills to the test on the route’s narrow country roads and tight bends.
Best photo opp: Sango Sands, Durness
Atlantic Road, Norway
Licence to thrill? With 8 bridges, untamed landscape, and serious sea views, it’s easy to see why James Bond had ‘No Time to Die’ on Norway’s epic Atlantic Road. This epic road connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets. No matter the weather, the scenery is spectacular. Soak up the salty air when the sun’s shining or stand back and watch the waves when a storm is brewing. Stop off along the way to snorkel with seals or try to get the catch of the day on a fishing trip.
Best photo opp: Storseisundent Bridge, Averøy
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Head Down Under for 150 miles of breath-taking cliffs, empty beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Hugging the coastline of southwest Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is known for its unbeatable views and native wildlife. The Twelve Apostles are a must-see , with soaring pillars that were chiselled out of limestone over 10 million years. Head to the beach to show off your surfing skills or check out the coffee culture with a stop off in Melbourne.
Best photo opp: Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
From San Francisco to San Diego, you’ll be California Dreamin’ on this legendary route. Hire a classic convertible to lean into the US road trip vibe as you take it slow to make the most of this 600-mile highway. There’s something for everyone on the Pacific Coast Highway; stand beneath the Giant Redwoods north of San Francisco, visit the Monterey Aquarium, tour cute college towns, and top up your tan on Laguna Beach.
Best photo opp: McWay Falls, Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park
Ring Road, Iceland
Waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and ice-capped volcanoes; are natural wonders that make this circular loop truly out of this world. Also known as Route 1, the Ring Road in Iceland spans 820 miles and takes around seven days to experience properly. It connects most of the country’s towns and villages and passes through deep fjords and mountains with a few steep and winding roads along the way – look out for weather warnings, just in case! Must-see stop offs include the geothermal hot springs at Myvatn, the Hraunfossar waterfalls, and the haunting DC3 plane wreck.
Best photo opp: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Road trip packing essentials
No matter which trip you decide to take, here are a few essentials to throw in your boot:
- Blanket
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Jump cables
- Power bank and phone charger
- First Aid Kit
- Driving Licence
- Wet wipes
- Tote bag (for souvenir shopping)
