There’s something about being out on the open road that invigorates my soul. Even (or especially) when things don’t go as planned, road trips can lead to life changing experiences. Here are five unforgettable road trips to add to your bucket list.
Five Unforgettable Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
Eastern Newfoundland
Now this is not your typical road trip destination and it’s one of the reasons we had to include it. Travel in Newfoundland shouldn’t be rushed, which makes it a perfect place to explore by car.
The locals will tell you that Newfoundland is known for bad drivers, but I prefer the drivers in Newfoundland over the speedy drivers in Southern California. In Eastern Newfoundland, you will find empty roads — you might even spot a moose or two on the side of the highway — and scenic overlooks aplenty.
Your trip will likely begin in St. John’s, where I recommend staying at least a couple of nights. In St. John’s, don’t miss Signal Hill National Historical Site, Quidi Vidi Village, or the fish ‘n’ chips at Duke of Ducksworth.
Other highlights in Eastern Newfoundland include the small historic town of Trinity, the puffins in Elliston, snorkeling with whales in Petty Harbour, and Witless Bay.
For more itinerary ideas, visit Eastern Newfoundland’s website.
East Coast of Australia
Australia has some of the prettiest beaches in the world and its famed East Coast is home to places like Bondi Beach, Angourie, Byron Bay, and The Great Barrier Reef. You could easily spend a month or longer to see the entire eastern coast, so it’s best to pick a few favorites if you only have a couple of weeks.
We started in Sydney and spent fourteen days slowly driving up the east coast of Australia, making our way to Maroochydore. Highlights of this itinerary include Newcastle, the Tweed Coast, Broken Head, and Angourie. If you have the time, take a flight to the Whitsunday Islands!
California’s Hwy 1
Our love for California runs deep. I was born and raised in California and yet I never grow tired of exploring every inch of the coastline. This is another trip that could easily take four to five weeks, so most people usually break it up into three coastal trips — Southern California, Central California, and Northern California. The differences between southern, central and northern California are astonishing.
For detailed posts and road trip ideas on California’s coast, visit these pages:
Rediscovering California’s Central Coast
A California Hwy 1 Itinerary for Wine & Beer Enthusiasts
Tips for Taking a Road Trip in the USA
Welcome to Humboldt County; Here is Your 420!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a place we could visit over and over. We spent a week camping and road tripping through Yellowstone and — even after all of our world travels — it will always be a treasured memory. Since we only had a week, we didn’t come close to viewing the entire park, but a few favorite spots include The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Artist Paint Pots.
For Yellowstone camping tips, visit this post: Yellowstone National Park Camping Tips
The French Countryside
I have yet to meet another traveler who has been to the Lot Valley. It’s not on any backpacker trails and this area of France is a spot I recommend to people who are really looking to get off of the beaten track. While it’s not mandatory that you speak French, a slight knowledge of the language is very helpful.
These country roads will make you fall in love with France and its people. The villages you’ll find in the Lot Valley are considered some of the prettiest in the entire country — like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Conques. As well as stunning medieval villages, don’t miss the tiny towns of Marcilhac sur Cele and Nasbinals.
Read more: The Ultimate Road Trip Packing Guide
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Hi, I studied in Oregon back in the 90’s and have a great souvenir. We managed to road trip on the Hwy 1. Great landscape, great trip
Love your list of destinations. They truly are looks unforgettable! Thanks for sharing!
Most amazing road trip scenery for me was Alaska’s Seward Highway. There really are no words to describe it.
I bet! I’ve only been on a cruise in Alaska.
I’ve only been to Australia from the list. It’s expensive bu absolutely beautiful with abundant, quirky wildlife!
I loved cycling along the California coast… it really was a great road trip!
This is a great list. I’d pick French Countryside first but everything looks just so great….
I love road trips! I have all of the ones you listed on my list–we are hoping to do the California Hwy 1 this year! Great roundup!
Beautiful pictures. I want to go on all these roadtrips!
I’ve always wanted to do the California Coast and Yellowstone and your photos have convinced me even more. Would also highly recommend Australia’s east coast, or a whole lap of the country if you have 6 months to spare, there’s plenty of interest all the way around.
I would love to spend 6 months road tripping around Australia.
If you do, don’t miss the South Coast between Sydney & Melbourne. It’s much less developed than other parts, with superb expanses of natural forest which in places extends right down to excellent surfing beaches with fantastic camping grounds where you can feed wild kangaroos … etc.
That sounds amazing and feeding kangaroos is definitely something that appeals to me. 🙂
With so many road trips, one really has a lot to pick. I could add, driving along the coast of Sardinia to your list. But, my personal pick would be the French Countryside. Off the beaten track, relaxing just to look at the picture. I am in!
Oh yes! East coast Australia is a must!
You’re giving me so much wanderlust! I used to live and work in Yellowstone National Park. It was amazing to share my front yard with Bison. I’ve also traveled the east coast of Australia and I have to say, the beaches ARE incredible! Nice round up!
Wow! What did you do for work in Yellowstone? That sounds like an amazing job and I bet you saw so much of the park!
I worked in the Yellowstone lake restaurant and my boyfriend and I lived in an our RV near the lake for them summerbc it was incredibly beautiful!
I’ve only done the #1 but I also recommend driving across Canada. It’s awesome! So jealous you’ve been to Newfoundland!
I would love to! I need to take a road trip across the USA too!
I’ve just done two of the five you have listed. (Hwy 1 and Yellowstone). The other three sound pretty fantastic.
Awesome! Did you drive the whole coast of California?
Yes, all the way from northern, WA, to San Diego.