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World's Best Road Trips
In March, my wife and I drove from Florida's east coast to its west coast for a long weekend. In total, we put 600 miles on the car. Does that qualify as a road trip -- or is it just a long drive? In August, we're planning on taking our two dogs and driving from Florida, through Georgia, and up to Indiana. We plan to be gone for 2+ weeks, and that trip will add about 2500 miles to the car. Does that qualify as a road trip -- or is it just insanity on wheels?
Want to spin your wheels out on the open road but can't figure out a good route? Check out Concierge, which has put together a dreamy list of the world's best road trips, including:
- California's Death Valley
- Maui's Hana Highway
- Iceland's Ice Ring Road
- The long and winding Blue Ridge Parkway
- Morocco's Atlas Mountains
In case you're wondering, my all-time favorite road trip was the three-month tour my wife and I took along South Africa's coast, from Durban to Cape Town: wicked pretty, varied scenery, friendly people, and lots to do.
Do you love road trips? See also:
- Roadtrip Prep
- Road Trip Ideas From the Independent
- Road Trip USA Podcasts
- Snacking on the Road
- Road Trip Time Lapse Video
- 20 Great American Road Trips
- Finding the Lowest Gas Prices
Filed under: Stories
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
tseliot Jun 18th 2007 4:40PM
Yep I have driven the death valley one. Great stuff. I definitely recommend.
Christy Jun 19th 2007 1:15PM
Cool. We've already done two of those trips; Blue Ridge Parkway and the road to Hana. The Hana Highway is the favorite. Fantastic and beautiful way to spend a day.
JEAN THYSSE Jun 24th 2007 3:41PM
I would appreciate your help.
I have been looking at the maps of roadways motor- ways and highways from Bakersfield CA to Albuquerque NM.
The majority of the rides have always been through the Palm Spring Desert areas, Southern Arizona to Show-low and High Tops then descend into New Mexico.
For this particular trip I would prefer to view the highlights of Arizona though to the four corners area then down through Farmington NM to Albuquerque.
Can anyone assist with areas and places of interest for this new journey in the planning?
I would appreciate all the information from who has traveled through the areas mentioned and forward the information so that I may enjoy a wonderful adventure.
Janet Kensicki Jun 27th 2007 8:21AM
Any trip that does not involve an Interstate highway is a great road trip. You can actually visit small towns, talk to their residents, and eat at great hometown restaurants. Every town has a "claim to fame" and people love to talk about what makes their area interesting. You pass quirky little roadside attractions, family-run businesses, great small parks and see some wonderful scenery. Lots of times, you can drive almost as fast as on the Interstate, plus you actually can see America as it should be seen. Jan
Tony Loeser Jun 27th 2007 8:32AM
The road to Hana, Death Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway are all great drives that I have done many times. But, to me, the most beautiful drive is to start in Astoria, Oregon and take the coast road south all the way to San Louis Obispo, CA.
The magnificent coastline, redwood forest, Mendocino, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Big Sur, and so much more. Unforgettable.
mnBlair Jun 27th 2007 8:32AM
A book I recommend for all who love road trips, or those considering a road trip, is Blue Higways by William Least Heat-Moon. A full blooded American Indian who happend to be a college english professor on sabbatical at the time he took HIS road trip "around" America. Many other books will recommend where to go and what to see. Blue Highways touches only slightly on these subjects. This book details other aspects of travel and a mild philosophy. A pleasant pre-trip read......... mike
bechannon Jun 27th 2007 8:42AM
I have been on the Yellowstone, Mew Mexico, Death Valley and Smoky Mountains trips. Others that are a must to see: Columbia River (Gorge)Highway, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Glacier's Road to the Sun and the southern coastline of Oregon with a stop at Port Orford, Oregon which is the most western point in the continental United States.
d. billips Jun 27th 2007 8:45AM
Having lived in Alaska for four years, and having travelled much of the state by car and plane, there are two drives that need to be mentioned for sheer beauty and adventure. The drive from Anchorage to Portage Glacier and Turnagin Pass (along the Turnagin Arm of Cook Inlet), and the gravel road from Chitina to McGrath. Both are drives of a lifetime! Unforgettable!
Connie Shepard Jun 27th 2007 9:00AM
My favorite road trip is the drive from Sun Valley, Idaho to Stanley, Banks and ending in McCall, Idaho.
ernie Jun 27th 2007 9:26AM
The road to Hana is an adventure of a lifetime. You must being driving a convertible to fully appreciate the beauty of your surrounding. Driving a convertible is also a great idea for anyone who may get car sick due to the many, many turns and narrow roads. Do not forget your swimsuit, snorkel equipment and walking shoes. Stop at the state park black beach and hike in the lava fields bordering the ocean. Drive down to Hana Bay, take a swim then have lunch and enjoy a great hamburger on the beach. Continue past Hana to the Seven Sacred Pools. On your return trip, after finishing the road to Hana, stop at Paio and watch the wind surfers. Take it from someone who has taken this drive several times, it will be an experience to remember.
Adam Artis Jun 27th 2007 9:36AM
Route 66! You don't have to do the whole 2,000+ miles in one sitting.Doing New Mexico and maybe Arizona in a week or so.Enjoy the route particularly in New Mexico,and all the myriad sidetrips off of it.A million things to see,and do.
Zaphod Jun 27th 2007 9:42AM
I can't help but wonder where you people get the money for all of the gas! I can no longer afford to do any unrequired driving, ie: driving for fun. I used to put 400 miles a day on my car for work and then still enjoy a weekend on the road. Not any longer!
Enjoy yourselves!
Jim Overstreet Jun 27th 2007 9:42AM
I know what we do each year is called a road trip. We head west. From Nashville we will go to Wyoming stoping along the way and spending time in other states, like Neb, Ks, Ok, S.Dak. We love Wyoming,Colo, Mont and New Mexico. Our main stay will be several nights in Wy and then go down and spend a couple of days in Co or New Mex(Santa Fee). After several days on the road we will arrive home with 4,000/5,000 miles behind us. All the little side trips makes it interesting. Pulling into a road side market and getting a sandwich and soda is like buying that old hot-dog at a basball game. There is nothing like being on old state roads, in the west, and seeing working cowboys and all sorts of wild life.
Kay Jun 27th 2007 11:09AM
We have been very fortunate to have traveled much of the USA while serving in the Military, but my favorite place to take road trips is the mountains of Utah, what a beautiful place!!!!
Joy Mclean Jun 27th 2007 12:10PM
Hi Jean
Dont know much about the roads to take, but have two dont miss destinations. One a bit out of the way but should be added in as a side track is Mesa Verde just over the border in Co. My kids and I enjoyed it more than the Grand Canyon. Back in NM dont miss the Acoma Pueblo tour.
Have fun!
William J Quinn Jun 27th 2007 1:06PM
For an unforgettable ride, see the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. Why would anyone want to go to Switzerland?
Mike MacEachen Jun 27th 2007 1:28PM
For real beauty, try the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
Mike MacEachen Jun 27th 2007 1:29PM
For real beauty try the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
Lizbethann Jun 27th 2007 2:57PM
I haven't been on any of the five recommend road trips, however, I have a few that I have really enjoyed. Locally, for me, it is the ride that goes all the way up coastal route 1 through Massachusetts, New Hampshire and then all the way up through Maine. Quaint fishing villages with their harbors full of lobster boats, roadside clam shacks, rocky shorelines and jetties. Quintessential coastal New England. On the west coast, it's coastal route 1 yet again. We drove north from San Francisco then doubled back all the way down to San Diego. Big Sur was nothing short of amazing. Monterey was lovely, great Inns and restaurants. Carmel was adorable in an upscale sort of way. Loved Santa Barbara. Great Inns and restaurants there as well. Hearst Castle was cool, but the elephant seals on the side of the road just south of there were great. Completely unimpressed with the stretch that goes through Malibu. It's pretty much a tall concrete wall on one side and unimpressive businesses on the other. But the best road trip I've ever been on was the one from Edinburgh up through the highlands of Scotland and down a very stark and remote route A87 to the Isle of Skye. The landscape is astounding, eerie in some ways and serene in others. Small mountains that are bare of trees but covered in the greenest of grass, small whitewashed, thatch roofed cottages, imposing castle ruins, idyllic rolling pastures grazed by sheep, long haired rust colored highland cattle, sapphire colored lochs and small waterfalls in the sides of the small mountains. Just drinking it in can in turn make your heart pound with excitement, smile with joy and ache with sorrow. And the people there are so friendly. Even now, with American popularity in a decline the Scots are incredibly warm and welcoming. If you go, do not pass up the opportunity to stop in the local pub in any village. Speaking with the locals really gives you the flavor of the culture there. Definitely the most moving place I have ever been too. It felt like coming home.
ted fiorito Jun 27th 2007 2:59PM
I have driven from Maine to Alaska and visted most of our National parks. However, my favorite was Bear Tooth Pass which borders Montana and Wyoming.