Epic Road Trip Ideas to Plan With Your Best Friends

If you’re around my age, I just know the idea of a road trip conjures up long, cross country car rides stuffed in the backseat of a station wagon. Dad’s driving and Mom’s either fiddling with the radio or giving directions from a paper map. More likely than not, she’s also packed a cooler full of food to be eaten once you’ve reached your motel for the night. Everyone piles into one room at said motel. Mom and Dad are in one bed and as many siblings as you can fit are in the other. The unlucky one or two get relegated to the floor with extra pillows and comforters.

For so long, the idea of a road trip has centered around families, and when I was growing up, it wasn’t so much about the journey but getting to the destination as quickly as possible with everyone in one piece. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a family road trip. And with podcasts, Bluetooth, navigation systems, and all that modern technology brings, they’re a lot smoother than those station wagon days. 

But the next time you think about planning one, why not plan it with your best girlfriends (or boyfriends!) instead? As impossible as dedicating a week or two to a road trip with just you and your friends sounds, I promise with some planning it’s totally possible. And if you’re not sure where to go, just try one of these destinations around the world!

Fantastic Road Trip Ideas Around the World

The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Starting up north in County Donegal and ending all the way down south in County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1,553 miles along Ireland’s West Coast. If you want that classic Irish scenery from jagged cliffs to crashing waves and misty air, plan your getaway here. Now, you could spend weeks, even months, exploring every single stop along this route. However, for something more manageable, I’d recommend picking just one part and simply taking your time driving. I loved the drives around County Donegal and County Limerick in particular.

Jeju, South Korea

I know what you’re thinking – driving in Korea? Am I crazy? While I don’t know about driving on mainland Korea (and I especially can’t imagine navigating the craziness of Seoul), I do think Jeju Island is doable for even the most nervous driver. The island is much quieter than the mainland especially if you come in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. Plan to pick up your car from Jeju Airport and then drive in a circle around the coast. Either direction will let you do a full loop. In the spring, you’ll have all the time to chase canola fields and cherry blossoms, and in the fall you’ll catch all the foliage. Take advantage of your wheels and look into more remote pensions and guesthouses.

Route 66, USA

Route 66! Who doesn’t love everything Route 66 symbolizes? Rock n’ roll, Americana, free spirited adventure… There’s a lot of ground you could cover between Chicago and Santa Monica Pier, so instead of trying to manage the entire 2,448 miles, cut it down to one section or even one state. My girlfriend and I had entirely too much fun exploring everything along Illinois’s Route 66. From underrated historic monuments to recreating The Blues Brothers opening at Old Joliet, it was the perfect few days for two moms looking for some fun!

Coastal Maine, USA

With 3,400 miles of coastline to choose from, Coastal Maine will always be a fantastic road trip idea. Since New Hampshire is so close, I can remember coming up here often growing up, not realizing just how special this place was. Start in beautiful Kennebunkport and just plot where you want to stop on your way to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Do not miss the many lighthouses along the way!

And for those flying in for this road trip, I recommend actually starting further south. Fly into Boston and then pick up your car and drive along Massachusetts’ coast and then New Hampshire’s Seacoast before getting to Maine. 

The Golden Circle, Iceland

Iceland is another country that’s great for anyone newer to driving internationally. The roads are more often than not empty and because many, many people have done these routes, you’ll find plenty of first hand advice and experiences. Depending on how much time you have, I’d at least try the Golden Circle route, which starts in Reykjavik and goes in a loop out to Gullfoss Falls. Along the way you’ll find hot springs, Geysir (where geysers get their name), walk between two continents at Þingvellir, and so much more.

And if you have even longer, check out the Ring Road which goes all around Iceland.

Oregon, USA

Oregon is an absolute treasure trove of landmarks whether you go inland or stick to the coast (or both). In just this one state, you can find every kind of landscape imaginable with just a few hours of driving – coast, mountains, forests, and even desert! It’s also a great state to rent an RV in since there’s quite a lot of free or low cost places to park overnight. Start in the wonderfully quirky Portland and then plan your route from there. Depending on how much time you have, I’d start going east towards Mt. Hood and Fossil. Then southwest towards Bend, Eugene, and Willamette Valley before going back north along the coast. 

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

About 150 miles long, the Great Ocean Road in Australia is perfect for a shorter, scenic road trip. Stretching between Torquay and Allansford, it was actually built by returning World War I veterans to honor the fallen and is considered the largest war memorial in the world. Start in Melbourne and make your way towards Torquay. Some people see the Great Ocean Road in a day trip, but take at least three days to fully enjoy all the scenery. Besides the famous Twelve Apostles, you’ll find yourself driving by waterfalls, forests, lighthouses, and beaches. Plan for short hikes to really enjoy your surroundings and stretch your legs.

Hudson Valley, NY, USA

I’ll never stop singing Hudson Valley’s praises! As a New Yorker, it’s right in our backyard and for those of you with tight schedules, it’s the easiest road trip to plan. Just pick up your car and drive up one side of Hudson River and down the other. Only have a weekend? Easy, stick to one of the counties like Dutchess County. Have a week? Go all the way up Albany. There are so many adorable small towns and historic sites dotting each side of the river, you’ll have plenty to see no matter how long you plan for.

Top of South Island, New Zealand

You could easily spend quite a while road tripping both North and South Island in New Zealand, but for those who want a shorter route, I recommend planning an itinerary that’ll take you from Christchurch to Nelson and back again. Along the way, you’ll get your fill of dramatic landscapes, two different wine regions, beaches, quirky stops, some Lord of the Rings scenery, and the potential to visit at least three national parks. 

Tuscany, Italy

Beautiful Tuscany! So many visitors only visit the main cities and do maybe a day trip or two out to small villages or wineries. Why not rent a car and plan a road trip all around Italy’s most famous province? After all, some of the best places in Tuscany are the kind you randomly pull over and get out to see. Stay over at agriturismos (farms that also operate as bed and breakfasts). Plan your trip around tiny villages perched up on hillsides. Do not miss the many wineries, especially if you can try some chianti.. And, of course, it’s okay to go out of your way for a little pasta restaurant that only opens for a few hours a day.

Southern California, USA

The Pacific Coast Highway in California is, of course, the ultimate getaway, and there’s a very good reason it’s considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. However, if you want something a little more off the beaten path, might I suggest sticking south and going inland? Start in San Diego and make your way towards Big Bear Lake. Along the way you’ll find the best apple pie in Julian, see the stars and some other metal creatures in Borrero Springs, and sip wine in Temecula Valley. Extend your trip even further towards Joshua Tree National Park, and you’ll be able to explore Greater Palm Springs as well.

Andalusia, Spain

While I don’t recommend trying to drive around Barcelona or Madrid, I do recommend renting a car to explore Spain’s southernmost region, Andalusia (or Andalucía). You’ll find even in summer, driving is fairly calm and finding parking is both easy and inexpensive. Start off in Malaga and do a circle route that takes you to Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla with stops in between at smaller towns like Frigiliana. If you have time, extend the circle to include Cadiz and Ronda.

Miami – Key West, FL, USA

Miami – Key West is another popular route for good reason – it feels like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean without needing a passport! Spend a day or two enjoying all that Miami has to offer from Little Havana to colorful Wynwood before renting a car and making your way south through the Florida Keys. Take advantage of driving and stay in the smaller keys or spots along the highway instead of the main spots like Key West or Islamorada.

 

And there you have it – some epic road trip ideas around the world. Any I should add to the list?