11 of the World’s Greatest Road Trips

It’s a fast-paced world out there, and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Now more than ever, it’s time to get back to the true essence of travel, which requires taking things slower and savoring unique local experiences. And what better way to experience the globe than on a road trip?

Spanning six continents and covering historic cities, nature escapes, food, culture, and more, below you’ll find a list of the best road trips in the world, along with some road trip travel tips. Whether it’s an adventure in Jordan or a scenic drive along the New England coast that you crave, this guide has you covered.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

U.S. Route 66: Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California

Also known as the Mother Road, this all-American road trip ticks all the boxes: city, country, desert, and beach. There’s a designated route to follow for 2,400 miles, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop and sightsee wherever you please.

Kick off your road trip in style in Chicago at The Blackstone, Autograph Collection, whose historic Beaux-Arts building pays tribute to the city’s artsy past. Situated in the Loop, across the street from Grant Park, this hotel places you near must-see Windy City attractions like The Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park.

From Chicago, drive south to St. Louis, where the Gateway Arch greets you. There’s much to do in this lively city — add to your list the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which brought the world Budweiser beer, and the National Blues Museum, which pays tribute to the city’s jazz tradition.

Cross the border into Oklahoma and stop to take a picture with the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a quirky, iconic attraction along Route 66, before continuing to Tulsa and then driving into Texas.

Amarillo, Texas, is the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where you can go horseback riding amid a beautiful arid landscape. While in Amarillo, don’t miss Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation with colorful graffiti-splashed Cadillacs rising from the ground.

Continue through the New Mexico prairie and cruise into Arizona, where the highlight of the road trip for many travelers is the Grand Canyon, famous for its dramatic gorges and layers of red rock.

The final stretch of Route 66 cuts through the Golden State, aka California, ending in sunny Santa Monica, where postcard-perfect beaches await. Unwind at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica, which sits just a few blocks from Santa Monica Pier.

• Road trip duration: 2 to 3 weeks
• Best time of year to visit: April through May (late spring) or September through October (early autumn)

U.S. Coastal New England Road Trip: Mystic, Connecticut to Portland, Maine

There’s nothing like a New England summer — and with top-notch seafood, stellar views, and fresh salty air, this coastal New England road trip will guide you through several charming seaside towns.

Start your journey in Mystic, Connecticut, a maritime town where you can kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Mystic River. Be sure to book a table at the Oyster Club, a farm- and sea-to-table restaurant that serves fresh, delicious oysters.

Your next stop is Newport, Rhode Island, a city with a sailing tradition known for its impressive Gilded Age mansions. Check into Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa by the historic waterfront. Consider booking a waterfront balcony room to take full advantage of the hotel’s views of Newport Harbor and watch sailboats coming and going. Then have a swim at the beach at Fort Adams State Park and wander the Blue Garden, a landscaping marvel with seasonal flowers of all colors.

No New England road trip is complete without a stop in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A peninsula with a long maritime history, Cape Cod has a total of 14 historic lighthouses, the most iconic being Nauset Light. Nauset Light Beach is also a great spot for swimming and surfing. Craving seafood? The Barking Claw is a seasonal stand that sells lobster rolls, including a spicy variation. It’s also worth trying the chowder at the Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House.

If you’re not in a rush, park your car in Woods Hole and take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, where the colonial, cape, Gothic revival, and Victorian architecture transports you back in time. In addition to wine-tasting and lounging at the beach, pick up some fresh produce from Morning Glory Farm, a sprawling 60-acre fruit and vegetable farm, and visit Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary for some hiking.

End your New England road trip in Portland, Maine, another impressive waterfront city with a thriving arts scene.

• Road trip duration: 9 days
• Best time to visit: May through September (late spring to early autumn)

Vancouver Island Road Trip: Canada

With pristine coastal forests, snowcapped mountains, and mild summers, Vancouver Island is ideal for a slow-travel road trip. The little island has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and is a superb place for birding, fishing, and whale watching. The Pacific Marine Circle Route, which begins and ends in Victoria, covers much of the island’s varying terrain.

From Victoria, drive along the winding road westward to Sooke. Stop at Sheringham Distillery’s tasting room to sample its gin, and then visit Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, wonderful for a picnic and a swim, or perhaps a hike by the river. Continue on toward Port Renfrew and relax at one of the many pebble beaches along the way. Sandcut Beach requires a small hike to reach, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful double waterfall.

Carry on to Lake Cowichan, which has a quaint town where you can go fishing and swimming. If you’re passing through on a Saturday, stop by the farmer’s market in nearby Duncan for some fresh fruit, seafood, cheese, and wine.

From Duncan, it’s only an hour drive back to Victoria. End your journey at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour — its location offers quick access to downtown restaurants and shops, as well as city highlights like the Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park. Sign up for a whale-watching tour, which sets out from the harbor for an epic end to your road trip.

• Road trip duration: 3 to 4 days
• Best time to visit: June through August (summer)

Central Chile Coast Road Trip: Santiago to Matanzas to Zapallar, Chile

The poet Pablo Neruda described his homeland as “a long petal of sea and wine and snow.” Chile stretches along the western coast of the South American continent, sandwiched by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, with varying terrains to satiate any type of traveler’s wanderlust.

Start your journey in the capital city and spend a night at the trendy W Santiago in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood. Grab a drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Red2One — even better if you can catch the sunset. You’ll have excellent food at your fingertips, too, with the on-site eateries, including Karai, a Peruvian and Japanese fusion spot, and Noso, a Chilean-French option with a popular brunch. Have a swim at the pool with views of the Andes before embarking on one of the best road trips in the world.

From Santiago, drive southwest toward the coast, reaching Matanzas, a coastal village home to sea lions. Its long stretch of beach is great for surfing and kayaking. Trace the coast north, stopping at several beaches, until you arrive at the vibrant port of Valparaíso, an important trading port for more than two centuries. People from all corners of the earth settled here and left their mark, something that still reverberates when wandering the winding, hilly streets splashed with street art.

Continue onward with a quick drive to Viña del Mar, where harvest season begins in the autumn, and sip Chilean wine — the carménère is the best — in some of the palatial vineyard estates. Then spend the night at Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center, an oceanfront oasis where each room or suite has a balcony and a view of the water.

Continue north to Concón, a popular surf beach where local eateries sell delicious shellfish empanadas. End your journey at the windswept shores of Zapallar, where pelicans grace the turquoise waters and mist clings to the surrounding forest.

• Road trip duration: 10 days
• Best time to visit: March through April (late summer to early autumn)

Trinidad Round-Island Road Trip: Trinidad and Tobago

This route will send you on a loop around the island of Trinidad, a scenic drive packed with outdoor adventure. Begin your Caribbean road trip at Courtyard by Marriott Port of Spain. Make use of the family-friendly hotel’s refreshing outdoor swimming pool. And visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Emperor Valley Zoo, both just a 15-minute drive away.

From Port of Spain, drive northeast to Maracas Bay, a quintessential white sand, palm-tree-lined Caribbean beach that’s great for swimming. After grabbing a quick snack at a beachside stand, head toward the rural east coast and stop at Manzanilla Beach for a relaxed picnic and a stroll.

Drive back to the west coast and then head south to check La Brea’s Pitch Lake, the largest natural asphalt lake in the world. Stop by the visitor center to book a tour with an official guide who can lead you safely around the area and teach you about the brackish-colored lake that spans more than 100 acres.

Next up, head back north to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, another natural wonder. The largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago, it has around a hundred bird species, the most striking being the scarlet ibis, with its beautiful bright-scarlet hue. From here, it’s a short drive back to the Port of Spain.

• Road trip duration: 2 days
• Best time to visit: January through May (dry season)

Great Ocean Road: Victoria, Australia

There’s no better way to experience the vast wilderness of the land Down Under than on a road trip, especially if it’s one of the most iconic road trips in the world: driving the Great Ocean Road. Begin with a pampering stay in the heart of downtown Melbourne at Le Méridien Melbourne. With plenty of restaurants and watering holes nearby — plus a tram stop just outside the hotel and the Parliament train station around the corner — you can take a night off from driving.

From Melbourne, drive out to the coast at Torquay, where the route officially begins. There is no shortage of picturesque seaside towns and surf spots (you’ll need a wetsuit) along the Great Ocean Road, among them Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay. Take in the views of jagged cliffs shaped by lashing waves rising from the coastline near where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet. When rounding the tip at Cape Otway, make a little detour into the Great Otway National Park, where you’ll find some stunning waterfalls to swim in.

Finally, for the grand finale, drive to the Twelve Apostles, a collection of tall rugged limestone stacks jutting out of the roaring ocean. The official route, however, ends at the rural town of Allansford, known for its top-notch cheese, which can be sampled at the Cheese World and Museum.

• Road trip duration: 5 days
• Best time to visit: March (late summer) or October (autumn)

Singapore to Penang Road Trip: Singapore and Malaysia

Your road trip will get off to a good start with a relaxing stay at The Warehouse Hotel, Singapore, a Member of Design Hotels, a stunning hotel by the Singapore River. A former warehouse built in 1895, it’s now all sleek lines and comfortable accommodations for guests. See the river from a different angle by booking a spot on a cruise — it’s a lovely way to view Singapore’s cityscape.

Drive north, crossing the border from Singapore into Malaysia, to Johor Bahru and continue up to Malacca, Malaysia. Malacca was once an important port and is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there, enjoy a stroll through Jonker Walk, which turns into a busy night market on weekend evenings. Also make sure to visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, a beautifully preserved house museum. Drive to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s sprawling capital, and spend a night at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection, which has retained all of its 1932 glamour. You might find it hard to leave the hotel, but once you do, you’ll be smack-dab in the city center. Opposite the hotel is the old railway station, recognizable by its Moorish architecture and gold domes. West of the hotel is the nearby Perdana Botanical Garden, a tranquil green sanctuary. Stroll east from the hotel to find the lively Chinatown neighborhood.

Continue onward on your road trip to Ipoh, a historic town with plenty of colorful temples to discover, then to Taiping, a town known for its pretty architecture and the Taiping Lake Gardens.

Finish your road trip by driving across the Penang Bridge to Penang Island. The island is known for its Peranakan (Chinese-Malay) architecture and cuisine. Lunch at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is a must, but make sure to book a reservation well ahead.

After many days in the Southeast Asian sun, a relaxing sojourn at Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, a lush boutique resort on Batu Ferringhi beach, is well deserved.

• Road trip duration: 9 days
• Best time to visit: Year-round

Kunming to Shangri-la Road Trip: Yunnan, China

With high mountains, tea plantations, and geothermal hot springs, this southern Chinese province bordering Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar was once an important stop along the legendary Silk Road that transported tea, salt, and ideas from China to Southeast Asia.

The capital of Yunnan, Kunming, is known as “the city of eternal spring” because of its pleasant weather year-round. Begin your journey at Sheraton Kunming, a sleek, modern hotel where you can fill up at the two on-site restaurants and book a service at Fu Spa to start your trip on a relaxed note. While in Kunming, drive about an hour east to visit the Stone Forest Scenic Area, where stacks of otherworldly limestone towers seem to stretch to the sky. Because of its climate, many vegetables thrive in Yunnan, and if you’re visiting during mushroom season (June to October), try Kunming’s wild mushroom hot pot.

Continue westwards to Dali, a city with thousands of years of history and home to the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake. Next stop: Lijiang, another ancient city with a picturesque Old Town that transports you to another era. Lijiang’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of influences from various ethnic groups, and there is much to eat there, including rice noodles and rice cakes.

End your road trip in Shangri-la, famed for its wondrous lakes, mountains, and elaborate temples. Explore Potatso National Park, Shudu Lake, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge with its hiking trails along the massive Jinsha River.

• Road trip duration: 7 days
• Best time to visit: March through May (spring) or September through November (autumn)

Amman to Aqaba Road Trip: Jordan

Jordan blends ancient history and rich culture with a semi-arid climate that has shaped some of the most phenomenal natural landscapes. The Amman to Aqaba journey showcases the warm Jordanian hospitality, striking landscapes, and world-renowned cultural sites. It’s one of the best road trips in the Middle East.

Begin your Jordan road trip in the capital, Amman, exploring ancient sites — such as the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theater, which is one of the best preserved in the world — and its delicious food scene and lively nightlife.

Drive south to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and a site of biblical importance, where floating in its milky turquoise waters is an incredible experience. The Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa is a wonderful base camp for Dead Sea exploration, as well as nearby attractions like Mount Nebo, the Baptism Site, and Mujib Biosphere Reserve (aka Wadi Mujib). Relax by the hotel’s infinity pool or walk down to the sea to slather on mineral-rich dead sea mud and take a dip in the sea — the water is so salty that you’ll float with no effort.

After you’ve relaxed, continue to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archeological marvel renowned for its pink sandstone cliffs and its ruins, tombs, and temples dating back to Roman times. After a day of exploration, unwind at Petra Marriott Hotel. Here, you can savor the incredible views of Petra Valley and the ancient Nabatean city from the pool deck and enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. 

Carry on to Wadi Rum for some desert adventure amid sandstone formations. Book a camel ride tour or a Jeep tour in the orange-red sand dunes. End your journey in Aqaba, a historic coastal city set on the Red Sea, one of the best seas in the world to snorkel.

• Road trip duration: 8 to 9 days
• Best time to visit: March though May (spring) or September through November (autumn)

Scandinavian Capitals Road Trip: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden

With long days, crisp air, and comfortable temperatures that call for outdoor exploration, Scandinavia is perfect for road trippers seeking a “coolcation.” Start your journey in Copenhagen. After seeing the historic waterfront, Nyhavn, and experiencing the many stylish cafés the city has to offer, drive across the Øresund Bridge into Malmö in southern Sweden.

Head up the coast for one of Scandinavia’s most scenic drives and stop at quaint beach towns Båstad and Halmstad, popular summer getaways for Swedes. Besides taking a cold dip in the sea, there’s also hiking at Halland Ridge, a route with ancient relics.

Continue up to Gothenburg, stopping for some cinnamon buns and fresh seafood dishes like shrimp toast and then driving north until crossing the border into Norway and stopping in Oslo. Be sure to visit the futuristic-looking Norwegian National Opera and Ballet — even better if you can catch a show — and stroll the Aker Brygge Wharf, which is also a great place for shopping and outdoor dining.

It’s time to cross the border again, driving eastward into Sweden and ending the road trip in Stockholm. Stay at Hotel Skeppsholmen, Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels, which occupies a charming 17th-century estate on its own fairy-tale-like island. It’s the perfect quiet spot to recharge when you’re not exploring the bustling capital city.

Stockholm’s museums are world-class, and it’s fun to wander the colorful old town (Gamla Stan). For a treat, head out to the archipelago for a real back-to-nature feel and get your heart pumping with some kayaking and sailing.

• Road trip duration: 12 days
• Best time to visit: June through August (summer)

South Africa’s Garden Route: Cape Town to Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa

The coastal stretch from Mossel Bay to Storms River in South Africa offers a heavenly mix of beaches and mountains, plus activities that range from leisurely to adventure-packed.

Spoil yourself first at The Westin Cape Town, conveniently situated near both the waterfront and downtown Cape Town. The hotel makes well-being a priority, so you can enjoy wellness perks like an indoor lap pool, a robust gym with sauna and steam rooms, and a spa with tension-melting offerings like massages, facials, and body scrubs.

Now you’re ready to set out eastward to Mossel Bay. Along the way, stop at De Hoop Nature Reserve, an impressive 130 square miles of nature and marine habitat with rare plants and animal species. There are many ways to enjoy its beauty, including going for a snorkel or boat cruise and hiking the sand dunes.

Once you get to Mossel Bay, the glint of the water from the Indian Ocean awaits. A walk along the St. Blaize hiking trail offers ocean views and takes you past the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, or you can tee off on the cliffside course at Pinnacle Point Golf Club. Other Mossel Bay highlights include stopping for a gin-tasting session at Cape Saint Blaize Distillery, swimming at Diaz Beach, and booking a visit to the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre. Café Gannet Seafood Restaurant is the perfect beachside setting for lunch or dinner.

The next stop on your South Africa road trip, Knysna, is a gem. A small coastal town and a must for nature lovers, it has Knysna River Estuary (also known as the Knysna Lagoon), which teems with wildlife from birds to whales. If you’d like the chance to see humpback or southern right whales a smidge closer, consider booking a whale-watching tour (the season typically runs from June to November).

End your road trip at Storms River, the gateway to Tsitsikamma National Park and where Tsitsikamma Forest offers stunning hikes in ethereal ancient tree canopies.

• Road trip duration: 5 days
• Best time to visit: March through May (autumn) or September through November (spring)

With Marriott Bonvoy-participating properties conveniently located in all corners of the world, it’s easier than ever to plan your routes. Whether you prefer to experience ancient sites, explore the cultural offerings of a city, relax at the beach, or strap on your hiking boots and chase waterfalls, go ahead, pick a route, and hit the road.