Temperatures are starting to drop in the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of wanderlust! Actually, now is the perfect time to start planning next year’s big adventure. Everyone loves a good road trip, so why not make it your New Year’s Resolution to take the trip of a lifetime? Whether you want to check out the most exciting trips in the U.S., or are aiming for an international journey, We’ve rounded up some infamously epic adventures.
Come and join us on the most adventurous road trips of all time.
BUCKLE UP FOR THE MOST ADVENTUROUS ROAD TRIPS EVER
US road trips you can’t miss
The world is a beautiful place, and much of the earth’s natural beauty is right here in North America. The continent is huge and spans several different types of climates. Culture is just as diverse here too – America is a veritable melting pot of people, cuisines, and customs from around the world.
If you’re hoping to travel in an RV and don’t own one, check out RVshare for peer-to-peer RV rentals. Then, get ready for a road trip you’ll never forget; these U.S. road trips will take you on a tour of American history with a healthy dose of excitement along the way.
US Route 66
You can’t hear “road trip” without thinking of Route 66. Easily the most famous road in American history, Route 66 stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California. You’ll see examples of industrialization in America along the way, as small towns and suburbs give way to big cities.
You’ll also get a taste of our cultural history, traveling through the heartlands of Oklahoma, the Native American Southwest, and the sunny beaches of Los Angeles. It’s important to prepare for this epic road trip, including a road trip packing list and of course a list of ‘must see’ sights along the way.
Notable places to explore
Of course, I could mention the countless kitschy diners and motels you’ll encounter along Route 66, but why not kick it up a notch? New Mexico has to be one of the most interesting states in the U.S.; you should take a few days to explore it. From the International UFO Museum and Research Centre in Roswell to the handfuls of creepy ghost towns, there’s no shortage of thrills.
The East Coast
On the other side of the country lies a totally different American road trip experience: the Atlantic coastline. This route is a journey through both history and climate. Whether you’re cruising the 113-mile stretch of highway through the Florida Keys or visiting historic lighthouses and New England beaches, you’ll see plenty of sights unique to the eastern coastline. Make sure you avoid I-95 and instead take this route that follows the coast almost the entire way.
Notable places to explore
There are plenty of bustling cities along this route; Miami, New York, and Boston, to name a few. If you’re looking for exciting oceanfront nightlife, check out Atlantic City in New Jersey. History buffs can visit Colonial New England (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) and get a taste of life in the 17th century.
The Deep South
Another stronghold of American culture, the Deep South is full of diverse culture (and delicious food). There’s an array of natural beauty along this route, from the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the eerie swamps of Louisiana.
The South is a great place to explore if you’re into music and nightlife. Stop in Nashville for some of the best live music you’ll ever hear, or head to New Orleans for the ultimate party.
Notable places to explore
If you’re looking for an extra helping of excitement, there are aton of places in Louisiana that are sure to get your heart racing. (Seriously, it’s like the place was made for horror movies!). Check out the New Orleans’ Historic Voodoo Museum, The Gates of Guinee, or Abandoned Jazzland if you don’t believe me.
Take an international road trip of a lifetime
So, you want more of a challenge? Road tripping in a foreign country is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have. Ancient roads? Check. Language barriers? Check. An unforgettable journey you can brag about forever? Double check.
Fasten your seatbelt because here are a few of the most daring road trips on earth!
Bolivian Death Road
Yep, you read that right. Camino de La Muerte in Bolivia is arguably the scariest road in the world, aptly named for the estimated 200 people that die each year while traveling it. The infamously narrow road is full of twists and turns around mountainsides. All the while, you’re driving alongside sheer drops of up to 2,000 feet. Oh yeah, and the vast majority of the road doesn’t have guard rails.
Pro Tip: Don’t visit during the rainy season from December-March. Just don’t.
Romanian Transfagarasan Road
Take a tour of the Transylvanian Alps along this dangerously winding road. Luckily, the speed limit is 25mph, so you’ll be able to take it slow and soak up the scenery. This road follows the Arges River through the rolling countryside. You’ll cross over dozens of scenic bridges along the way. Don’t forget to stop at Poenari Castle, where Vlad the Impaler once lived.
Pro tip: The famed Ice Hotel is on this route, which is built from scratch each year! You’ll have to take a cable car since the road becomes inaccessible in the winter.
The Chilean Trans-Andean Highway
Not only is the Trans-Andean Highway itself fun to drive; but the destinations are equally enticing. This roller coaster of a road spans more than 200 miles through the Chilean mountains. You’ll visit the city of Santiago, pass through Mendoza wine country, and see Christ the Redeemer at the border of Argentina and Chile. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities as you drive the 11,000-foot climb to the top.
Pro tip: Head west from Santiago to visit the city of Valparaiso. Since the city is mostly steep hillsides, residents and travelers must ride on funicular elevators. Funiculars look like boxcars being pulled along a steep railroad track.
The world holds countless opportunities for adventure, whether in your home country or somewhere on the other side of the globe. Road tripping is one of the most exciting and memorable ways to explore your surroundings. No matter where you end up, you’ll always have stories of your travels along the way. After all, it’s the journey, not the destination, that’s most important.
This post was kindly written for us by the folks at RV Share, the best place to find an RV rental, or to rent your RV out.
