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World's Best Road Trips

by Willy Volk (RSS feed) on Jun 18th 2007 at 9:26AM

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:

Finally, after you read the piece, you can vote on your favorite road trip -- or nominate a new one altogether.

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:

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Car hire South Africa Mar 11th 2009 1:19AM

I would love to hear some more about your road trip from Durban to Cape Town in South Africa. Did you post about it?

bhup Mar 29th 2009 9:12AM

i like to drive chicago to los angal rutas 66 by car

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

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.

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

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.

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.

PN Jun 28th 2007 9:19AM

I want to defend the interstate highways. Interstate 40 is excellent through New Mexico and Arizona. How it cuts through those beautiful mountains is unbelievable. They don't have a lot of billboards on it, avoiding the commercialism that other highways have. It has that Route 66 feel to it. The route between Flagstaff and Kingman, Arizona is fabulous! All those mountains and mountain ranges all around you! There's more of an emphasis on the scenery and landscape. I went with my relatives and family members in summer 2004. Also, I went on the road that goes through the Grand Canyon national park. It is fabulous and you see all the mountains and scenery as well as sections of the canyon.

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.

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.

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!

Marilu Jun 28th 2007 2:03PM

Anyone have a good route for a road trip from New York to Key West Florida with stops along the way down and back? We definitely want to stop in Savannah, Georgia for a visit to Paula Deans "The Lady and Sons". Any input would be greatly appreciated. You can email me at: neuralmom@aol.com
Thanks in advance. neuralmom.

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?

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