Bucket-List Drives: High Speed and Unmatched Scenery

6 August 2026 Travel Editor Africa, Asia, Europe, Home, North America, Oceania, South America, Travel, USA 0

There is something undeniably liberating about getting behind the wheel, blasting out your favourite playlist and hitting the open road. Whether you are piling the kids into a spacious SUV, setting off on a romantic coastal getaway with your partner, rallying a group of lifelong mates for a milestone celebration or taking a solo trip to clear your mind, a proper road trip delivers a kind of ‘connectedness’ to landscape and location that flying over a country simply cannot match.

Here’s some grounded advice: Never cut corners when it comes to safety, always budget for excellent local food and drink and also pack your own for when or if you get into a pinch, and never sacrifice quality or safety for the sake of saving a few quid. A great road trip is not just about moving between two points; it is about the tarmac under your tyres, the local culture you soak up along the way and the sheer joy of discovery.

From the high-octane asphalt of Europe to the dramatic coastal curves of Australasia and the Americas, here is the definitive guide to the absolute best driving routes on Earth—crafted for travellers who appreciate speed, stunning scenery and undeniable prestige.

North America

Route 66 (USA)

The “Main Street of America” covers 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Originally commissioned in 1926 by highway visionary Cyrus Avery (1871–1963), the route became deeply ingrained in the cultural zeitgeist during the Great Depression as a beacon of hope for dust bowl migrants, later celebrated in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath (1939) and the iconic 1946 rhythm and blues hit “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” by Bobby Troup.

Along the way, you will drive past architectural marvels like the Art Deco U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas (built in 1936) and historic landmarks such as the Wigwam Motels and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Culturally, the route cuts through regions hosting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every October. Film buffs will recognise sprawling stretches featured in Cars (2006) and Easy Rider (1969).

The character of this trip is pure nostalgia and open-skies Americana. Feast on regional delights such as Missouri smoked brisket, Texan chicken fried steak and New Mexican green chile cheeseburgers. The local accents shift beautifully from Midwestern nasal tones to warm Southern drawls.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Route 6, stretching across smaller heartland towns with fewer tourist-trap markups.
  • Official Website: The Route 66 Travel Guide

Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 (USA)

Carved into the rugged California coastline, State Route 1 was officially designated in 1934, spearheaded by engineer Highway Commissioner Walter N. Frickstad. It captures the free-spirited, bohemian coastal zeitgeist of mid-century California.

The route passes world-famous landmarks including the Bixby Creek Bridge (completed in 1932), Hearst Castle in San Simeon (designed by architect Julia Morgan for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, 1863–1951) and the idyllic cliffs of Big Sur. You can time your trip for the Monterey Jazz Festival in September. The highway was famously immortalised in Big Little Lies (2017–2019) and Basic Instinct (1992).

Expect a relaxed, affluent coastal character with effortless charm. Indulge in Monterey Bay dungeness crab, fresh Pacific oysters and protected Napa and Sonoma Valley wines. The local accent is quintessential laid-back West Coast American.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Oregon’s Highway 101, offering equally dramatic sea stacks without the high California hotel tariffs.
  • Official Website: Visit California Highway 1

Icefields Parkway / Highway 93 (Canada)

Stretching 232 kilometres between Lake Louise and Jasper, Alberta, construction on the Parkway began during the Great Depression in 1931 as a public works project, officially opening in 1940. It represents the grand era of North American conservation, pioneered by figures like Parks Canada founder Harkin (1875–1955).

Highlight buildings and landmarks include the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (originating in 1890) and the breathtaking Columbia Icefield. The area historically served as indigenous trading routes for the Stoney Nakoda people. Summer hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival nearby. Film lovers will spot landscapes seen in Inception (2010) and Brokeback Mountain (2005).

The character is serene, majestic and vast. Feast on protected Alberta beef, bison burgers and sweet Saskatoon berry pie, paired with local craft lagers. The accent is crisp Canadian English with distinct prairie vowels.

Tail of the Dragon / US 129 (USA)

Boasting 318 curves in just 11 miles along the Deals Gap mountain pass at the North Carolina–Tennessee border, US 129 was originally carved out as a logging trail in the early 19th century. It entered the modern enthusiast zeitgeist in the 1990s through early motorcycle internet forums.

Landmarks include the massive Fontana Dam (built between 1941 and 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority) and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nearby Gatlinburg hosts vibrant autumn harvest festivals every October. The road was featured prominently in The Fugitive (1993) and Top Gear USA.

This trip is energetic, focused and highly technical. Culinary highlights include authentic Carolina pulled-pork barbecue, cornbread and small-batch Appalachian moonshine or rye whiskey. The local voice is a deep Southern Appalachian twang.

Europe & Islands

German Autobahn A95 & Alpine Foothills (Germany)

Connecting Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the A95 was constructed in the late 1960s to accommodate visitors for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. It embodies Germany’s legendary engineering prowess and unrestricted mobility culture.

Architectural highlights include the neoclassical sights of Munich and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle located nearby (commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, 1845–1886). The region comes alive during Munich’s Oktoberfest every autumn. The Autobahn is featured in Rush (2013) and countless automotive documentary features.

The character is high-speed precision transitioning into peaceful mountain luxury. Enjoy protected Bavarian specialties like Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Weisswurst, pretzels and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Bavarian Märzen beer. The accent is melodious Bavarian German (Bayerisch).

  • Cheaper Alternative: The German Clock Route through the Black Forest.
  • Official Website: Bavaria Tourism

Transfăgărășan Highway (Romania)

Built between 1970 and 1974 under the orders of communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu (1918–1989) as a strategic military route against potential Soviet invasion, the road reached global stardom when Top Gear named it the “best road in the world” in 2009.

Landmarks include Poenari Castle (the real historical stronghold of Vlad the Impaler) and the monumental Vidraru Dam (completed in 1966). The region celebrates medieval folklore festivals in Sibiu every summer. Movie buffs will recognise the Carpathian backdrop from The Nun (2018).

The character is dramatic, wild and adventurous. Eat hearty Romanian sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls) and sip local Țuică (plum brandy). The local accent is smooth, Eastern Romance Romanian.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)

Designed by visionary civil engineer Franz Wallack (1887–1966), this 48-kilometre pass was built between 1930 and 1935 to boost Austrian economy and tourism during severe economic depression.

The road features the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor centre overlooking the Pasterze Glacier, with views of the Grossglockner peak (3,798 m). The region hosts the annual Glocknerkönig cycling event every spring. The pristine pass was featured in classic European cinema and automotive launch films.

The character is polished, high-altitude alpine perfection. Savor protected Gailtaler Almkäse cheese, Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) and crisp Austrian Grüner Veltliner wine. The local accent is distinct Austro-Bavarian.

Stelvio Pass (Italy)

Designed by engineer Carlo Donegani (1775–1845) and built between 1820 and 1825 by the Austrian Empire to connect Lombardy with the rest of Austria, Stelvio stands as an engineering miracle with 48 numbered hairpins on the northern ramp.

Landmarks include medieval castles overlooking the Ortler Alps and the historic spa town of Bormio. The pass frequently features as the dramatic decisive stage in the Giro d’Italia cycle race. It gained worldwide modern fame in Top Gear’s search for the ultimate driving road.

The character is intense, technical and thrilling. Indulge in Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Bina Valtellina cheese, Pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage and cheese) and full-bodied Valtellina Superiore Red Wine. The accent is Northern Italian Lombard with Tyrolean inflections.

  • Cheaper Alternative: The Gavia Pass, offering narrower, raw alpine thrills without heavy tour traffic.
  • Official Website: Bormio Tourism Stelvio Pass

Route Napoléon / N85 (France)

Following the exact historical pathway taken by Napoléon Bonaparte (1769–1821) in 1815 upon his escape from exile in Elba to march on Paris, the official tourist route was opened in 1932 to capitalize on historic French nationalism.

Landmarks along the way include the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Bourg in Digne-les-Bains and the Citadel of Sisteron. The route passes through Grasse, the world capital of perfume, which hosts the Fête du Jasmin every August. The route was featured in the classic film To Catch a Thief (1955) starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

The character is elegant, sweeping and historically rich. Enjoy PDO Huile d’olive de Haute-Provence, lavender honey, fresh socca flatbread and chilled Provençal rosé wine. The local accent is warm, southern French (Méridional).

Susten Pass (Switzerland)

Built between 1938 and 1945, the Susten Pass was deliberately designed for modern vehicular tourism and military defence, linking the cantons of Uri and Bern through high-altitude tunnels and sweeping bridges.

Landmarks include the impressive Steinen Glacier and the historic Meiringen valley (immortalised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the home of Reichenbach Falls). The pass opens during late spring, aligning with regional Swiss alpine summer festivals. The road is featured in numerous luxury car advertisements and Goldfinger (1964) driving sequences.

The character is immaculate, tranquil and grand. Eat protected Berner Alpkäse cheese, classic Swiss Rösti and sip regional Valais wine. The accent is Swiss German (Schwiizerdütsch).

Isle of Man TT Mountain Course / A18 (Isle of Man)

The legendary Snaefell Mountain Course was established in 1911 for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races. Figures like racer Joey Dunlop (1952–2000) defined its heroic motorsport folklore.

Key landmarks include the Snaefell Mountain Railway terminus, the historic Laxey Wheel (built in 1854) and Creg-ny-Baa pub. The Island transforms every May and June for the Isle of Man TT festival. The course is featured heavily in the documentary TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011).

The character is thrilling, motorsport-obsessed and coastal. Enjoy Isle of Man Queen Scallops (“Manx Queenies”), protected Manx cheddar cheese and local craft ales. The local accent is a unique blend of Northern English and Manx Gaelic phrasing.

  • Cheaper Alternative: The Coastal A2 road from Douglas to Ramsey.
  • Official Website: Visit Isle of Man

Military Road / A3055 (Isle of Wight)

Constructed in the 1860s as part of coastal defence fortifications ordered by Prime Minister Lord Palmerston (1784–1865) against potential invasion by Napoléon III, this road runs along the island’s southwestern coast.

Notable buildings include the historic Pearl Centre and nearby Carisbrooke Castle. The island hosts the famous Isle of Wight Festival every June. The landscape was featured in classic British television dramas like Victoria (2016–2019).

The character is charming, breezy and coastal British. Feast on Isle of Wight garlic specialties, crab pasties and local island gins. The accent is traditional Southern English coastal dialect.

  • Cheaper Alternative: The internal island route through Godshill and the Undercliff drive.
  • Official Website: Visit Isle of Wight

Five Mile Road / La Grande Route des Mielles (Jersey)

Running along the wide sweep of St Ouen’s Bay on Jersey’s west coast, this road was fortified heavily during the German occupation of the Channel Islands (1940–1945), overseen by German military command.

Landmarks include the historic coastal Kempt Tower (built in 1834) and La Rocco Tower. The island celebrates the Battle of Flowers parade every August. The location featured prominently in the classic BBC detective series Bergerac (1981–1991).

The character is relaxed, maritime and sunny. Feast on PDO Jersey Royal potatoes, fresh Channel Island lobster and thick Jersey dairy ice cream. The accent is British English with subtle Norman-French phrasing (Jèrriais influence).

  • Cheaper Alternative: The northern coastal lane network along Trinity and St Martin.
  • Official Website: Visit Jersey

Caribbean

Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway (Dominica)

Upgraded and named in honour of former President of Dominica Dr. Nicholas Liverpool (1934–2015), this highway was constructed in the early 2010s with international development assistance to connect Melville Hall Airport to the capital, Roseau.

Landmarks along the way include traditional Creole wooden architecture, lush rainforest reserves and the Kalinago Territory. The island holds its World Creole Music Festival every October. The surrounding pristine jungle coastlines were filming locations for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006).

The character is eco-adventurous, tropical and unspoiled. Eat mountain chicken (frog legs), callaloo soup, fresh plantains and sip local rum punch. The accent is Dominican Creole English.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Local shared minibuses (Coasters) providing the exact same scenic mountain views for a few Eastern Caribbean dollars.
  • Official Website: Discover Dominica

Ruta Panorámica / Route 10 (Puerto Rico)

Conceived in 1965 by Puerto Rican urban planners and completed across the Cordillera Central, this mountain highway captures the mid-century agricultural identity of the island’s interior highland coffee culture.

Landmarks include historic coffee haciendas like Hacienda Buena Vista and the Toro Negro State Forest. Local towns host vibrant Fiestas Patronales throughout the year. The island’s landscapes feature in Rum Diary (2011) starring Johnny Depp.

The character is vibrant, rustic and tropical. Feast on Mofongo (mashed fried plantains with garlic and pork), roasted Lechón (suckling pig) and single-origin Puerto Rican espresso. The accent is fast-paced, rhythmic Puerto Rican Spanish.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Route 3 along the eastern coast from Luquillo to Fajardo.
  • Official Website: Discover Puerto Rico

Blue Mountain Pass / B1 (Jamaica)

Built during the British colonial administration in the 19th century to transport coffee and timber from the high peak estates down to Kingston harbour, this route winds through lush tropical rainforests.

Key landmarks include the historic Newcastle Military Camp (established in 1841) and heritage coffee plantations like Craighton Estate. Jamaica’s Reggae Month every February brings live music to nearby Kingston. The mountain roads were featured in early James Bond cinema, including Dr. No (1962), created by Ian Fleming (1908–1964) who wrote at nearby GoldenEye.

The character is laid-back, earthy and adventurous. Enjoy world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee, jerk chicken cooked over pimento wood and Jamaican patties paired with Red Stripe beer. The accent is warm Jamaican Patois.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Taking a local coffee farm walking tour out of Irish Town.
  • Official Website: Visit Jamaica

Asia

Karakoram Highway (Pakistan & China)

Constructed jointly by the governments of Pakistan and China between 1959 and 1979 (opening to the public in 1986), over 1,000 workers lost their lives building this “Eighth Wonder of the World” along the ancient Silk Road route mapped by Marco Polo (1254–1324).

Highlights include the stunning Baltit Fort in Hunza (originating in the 8th century), the Attabad Lake and the Khunjerab Pass border post (4,693 m). The region celebrates the Silk Route Festival showcasing regional mountain cultures. The highway was showcased in the documentary 3000 Days among the Clouds.

The character is awe-inspiring, rugged and high-altitude. Savor Hunza walnut bread, mutton karahi, fresh apricots and green tea. The accents include Burushaski, Urdu and Mandarin.

Hakone Turnpike & Izu Skyline (Japan)

Opened in 1962 as a private toll road developed by the Odakyu Electric Railway, the Hakone Turnpike became the spiritual home of Japanese drifting culture and automotive testing in the late 1980s.

Key landmarks include views of Mount Fuji and the historic Hakone Shrine torii gate on Lake Ashi. The area comes alive during the spring Cherry Blossom (Sakura) festivals. The road is world-famous as the primary setting for the iconic anime series Initial D.

The character is precise, sleek and petrolhead-heaven. Feast on protected A5 Wagyu beef, Hakone black eggs (Kuro-tamago) boiled in hot springs and fresh ramen. The accent is polite, refined Japanese.

  • Cheaper Alternative: The public Route 1 mountain pass over Hakone.
  • Official Website: Hakone Travel Guide

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

Carved out of the Taihang Mountains by 13 local villagers led by village head Shen Mingxin between 1972 and 1977 using only hand hammers and chisels, this road connected an isolated cliff top village to the outside world.

Landmarks include the dramatic hand-carved cliff windows overlooking sheer drops and traditional stone architecture in Guoliang Village. The area celebrates traditional Chinese Spring Festival celebrations. The tunnel was featured in the Chinese action film Hands Up! (2003).

The character is thrilling, dizzying and humbling. Enjoy Henan braised noodles, wild mountain mushrooms and local wheat beers. The accent is Henan dialect Mandarin.

Irohazaka Winding Road (Japan)

Originally constructed during the early Showa period in 1954 as a tourist drive to Nikko, the route features 48 hairpin turns, each corresponding to a letter in the ancient Japanese alphabet (Iroha).

Highlights include the Nikko Toshogu Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1617 for Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1543–1616) and Kegon Falls. Autumn brings millions of visitors for the Koyo (fall foliage) season. It was featured prominently in Initial D racing battles.

The character is rhythmic, scenic and cultural. Taste local Yuba (tofu skin delicacies), fresh mountain trout and Nikko craft sake. The accent is standard Kantō Japanese.

Africa

Chapman’s Peak Drive (South Africa)

Built during World War I between 1915 and 1922 under the direction of Sir Frederic de Waal (1853–1932), first administrator of the Cape Province, “Chappies” ribbons along 9 kilometres of sheer Atlantic cliffs.

Landmarks include Hout Bay harbour, Noordhoek beach and Table Mountain National Park. The drive hosts the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour every autumn. It is a world-famous backdrop for international car commercials and featured in Safe House (2012).

The character is breathtaking, coastal and upscale. Enjoy fresh Cape rock lobster, biltong and protected Stellenbosch Pinotage red wine. The accent is melodic South African English and Afrikaans.

The Garden Route (South Africa)

Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, the route was opened up in the late 19th century through the forestry pioneering efforts of figures like Joseph Vintcent. It captures the diverse coastal eco-tourism zeitgeist of modern South Africa.

Landmarks include the Knysna Heads, Bloukrans Bridge (home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump) and Tsitsikamma National Park. Knysna hosts its popular Oyster Festival every July. The route formed the backdrop for The Gods Must Be Crazy II (1989).

The character is relaxed, adventurous and diverse. Feast on Knysna wild oysters, Karoo lamb, braai grilled meats and Western Cape Chenin Blanc. The accent is friendly South African.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Self-driving through the Klein Karoo along Route 62.
  • Official Website: Visit Garden Route

Tizi n’Tichka Pass (Morocco)

Engineered by the French Military in the 1930s under Marshal Hubert Lyautey (1854–1934) to link Marrakech to the Ouarzazate desert regions across the High Atlas Mountains.

Notable landmarks include the ancient mud-brick ksar of Aït Benhaddou (a UNESCO site dating to the 11th century) and Telouet Kasbah. The region celebrates local almond blossom festivals every February. Film history runs deep here, with iconic scenes shot for Gladiator (2000), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Game of Thrones.

The character is exotic, dramatic and historic. Eat aromatic lamb tagine with prunes, couscous, fresh orange blossom pastries and sweet mint tea. The accent is Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Tamazight.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Local grand taxis connecting Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
  • Official Website: Much Morocco Tourism

Australia & Oceania

Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Built between 1919 and 1932 by over 3,000 returned soldiers as a memorial to fallen comrades of World War I, spearheaded by surveyor Howard Hitchcock (1866–1932), making it the world’s largest war memorial.

Highlights include the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, Loch Ard Gorge and the Memorial Arch at Aireys Inlet. The coast hosts the Rip Curl Pro surfing tournament at Bells Beach every Easter. Filming locations featured in Point Break (1991 remake) and Mad Max (1979).

The character is coastal, monumental and breezy. Feast on King Island cheeses, wild Australian king prawns and Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. The accent is broad, friendly Australian.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Driving the inland hinterland route through the Otway Ranges.
  • Official Website: Visit Great Ocean Road

Stuart Highway (Australia)

Named after explorer John McDouall Stuart (1815–1866), who traversed Australia from south to north in 1862, the tarmac highway was fully sealed in 1987. It represents the vast, untamed Outback pioneer spirit.

Landmarks include Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, the underground opal-mining town of Coober Pedy and the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs. The highway hosts the World Solar Challenge green energy car race every two years. Filming took place here for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) and Tracks (2013).

The character is vast, remote and epic. Enjoy kangaroo steaks, barramundi fish, damper bread and ice-cold Australian lager. The accent is authentic rural Outback Australian.

Milford Road / State Highway 94 (New Zealand)

Carved through the Southern Alps during the Great Depression under Public Works Minister Bob Semple (1873–1955), the route was capped off by the completion of the 1.2-kilometre Homer Tunnel in 1953.

Highlights include the Mirror Lakes, the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and Milford Sound with Mitre Peak. Queenstown nearby hosts winter snow festivals every July. The stunning landscapes were made globally famous in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003).

The character is majestic, primordial and lush. Enjoy Fiordland wild venison, green-lipped mussels, Pavlova and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The accent is warm New Zealand English (Kiwi).

  • Cheaper Alternative: Coach-and-cruise packages departing from Te Anau.
  • Official Website: 100% Pure New Zealand

South America

Ruta 40 (Argentina)

Created in 1935, National Route 40 stretches over 5,000 kilometres parallel to the Andes Mountains. It was immortalised in the travel journals of Ernesto “Che” Guevara (1928–1967), outlined in The Motorcycle Diaries.

Landmarks include the Perito Moreno Glacier, Cueva de las Manos cave art and the wine valleys of Mendoza. The region celebrates the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (grape harvest festival) every March. Featured prominently in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) film adaptation.

The character is wild, vast and epic. Feast on traditional Asado (barbecued beef), Empanadas, protected Salta cheese and full-bodied Malbec wine. The accent is rhythmic Rioplatense Spanish.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Regional public long-distance sleeper buses (Cama Suites).
  • Official Website: Argentina Travel

Carretera Austral / Route 7 (Chile)

Constructed under dictator Augusto Pinochet (1915–2006) in the 1970s and 1980s by over 10,000 Chilean soldiers to connect remote northern Patagonian communities.

Landmarks include the Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake, Queulat National Park glacier and Pumalín Park. The region celebrates traditional Patagonian rodeo festivals in summer. Featured in the environmental documentary 180 Degrees South (2010).

The character is pristine, untamed and rugged. Savor Patagonian spit-roasted lamb (Cordero al Palo), fresh southern hake fish and Chilean Pisco Sours. The accent is fast, distinct Chilean Spanish.

  • Cheaper Alternative: Ferry hopper passes connecting coastal Patagonian ports.
  • Official Website: Chile Travel

Los Caracoles Pass / Paso Los Libertadores (Chile & Argentina)

Dating back to ancient Inca trail trade networks, the modern mountain pass highway was engineered in the mid-20th century to provide a heavy transport artery through the Andes between Santiago and Mendoza.

Highlights include 29 steep, unbarriered hairpin turns on the Chilean switchback side, views of Mount Aconcagua (6,961 m) and the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue. The area is home to Portillo ski resort festivals in winter. The road features heavily in extreme logistics television series like Tough Trucks.

The character is dizzying, dramatic and monumental. Enjoy Chilean Cazuela stew, Argentine alfajores and local Syrah wines. The accent blends Chilean and Argentine mountain dialects.

Unforgettable Road Trips

Driving holidays offer something truly rare in modern travel: complete control over your own itinerary. Whether you are chasing the pure engineering precision of the German Autobahn, soaking up the cinematic majesty of New Zealand’s Milford Road or taking a family coastal cruise along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, the secret to a successful journey always comes down to good planning, prioritizing safety and leaving enough space in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries.

Invest in a quality vehicle, respect local speed laws and driving customs, eat where the locals eat and ensure you take the time to step away from the steering wheel to soak up the atmosphere.

Have Your Say!

Which of these iconic global drives is at the top of your personal bucket list? Have you already tackled the hairpins of Stelvio or did a weekend cruising the Isle of Wight win your heart? We would love to hear your personal stories, route recommendations or top tips for driving abroad!

Join the conversation or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and X/Twitter—or why not submit your own travel article? Email us today at contribute@criticalmatters.net!

Facts and Information

Facts & Historical References

  • Route 66 (USA): Designated on November 11, 1926. Conceived by Cyrus Avery. Total length: 2,448 miles.
  • Pacific Coast Highway (USA): Official construction began in 1919; designated as SR 1 in 1934. Bixby Bridge opened in 1932.
  • Icefields Parkway (Canada): Construction started in 1931 during the Great Depression; officially opened in June 1940.
  • Tail of the Dragon (USA): Features 318 curves along an 11-mile stretch of US Route 129.
  • Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria): Constructed between August 30, 1930 and August 3, 1935. Designed by engineer Franz Wallack. Highest point reaches 2,504 metres above sea level.
  • Stelvio Pass (Italy): Constructed between 1820 and 1825 by engineer Carlo Donegani for the Austrian Empire. Contains 48 hairpins on the northern ramp.
  • Transfăgărășan Highway (Romania): Built between 1970 and 1974 under Nicolae Ceaușescu. Reaches an elevation of 2,042 metres. Named “Best Driving Road in the World” by Top Gear in 2009.
  • Isle of Man TT Mountain Course: Snaefell Mountain Course established in 1911. Length: 37.73 miles.
  • Chapman’s Peak Drive (South Africa): Built between 1915 and 1922. Commissioned by Sir Frederic de Waal.
  • Great Ocean Road (Australia): Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932. World’s largest war memorial. Length: 240 kilometres.
  • Guoliang Tunnel (China): Hand-carved by 13 villagers led by Shen Mingxin between 1972 and 1977. Length: 1.2 kilometres.

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