Road trips have been woven into the fabric of my life since childhood. Growing up, they were a way for my dad and me to bond—hours of storytelling, our favorite music playing, and moments of wonder at the landscapes rolling by. These memories shaped my love for the open road, and as I grew older, road trips became my ultimate way to explore. The freedom, adventure, and connection to the world they offer are unmatched.
Here are six road trips that have left an indelible mark on me, each one special in its own way.
1. Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1/Route 1) – Iceland
The 1,332 km (828 miles) Ring Road is a loop around Iceland’s stunning and diverse landscapes. It felt like stepping into a dream as I explored Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the icy wonder of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, I marveled at black sand beaches in Vik, spotted puffins near Dyrhólaey, and relaxed in geothermal pools. The Mývatn region was a surreal highlight with its bubbling mud pools and lava fields. Driving through Iceland is an adventure filled with untouched nature, wildlife, and a profound sense of solitude.
Must-See Stops:
South: Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Dyrhólaey, Vik, and Diamond Beach.
East: Vestrahorn Mountain, Hengifoss, Seyðisfjörður village, and the towns of Höfn and Egilsstaðir.
North: Mývatn, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Húsavík, and Akureyri.
West: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hraunfossar & Barnafoss, the Icelandic Westfjords, and Reykjavík.
Best Time to Visit: May to November.
2. Icefields Parkway (AB-93) – Canada
Stretching 232 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this road links Jasper and Banff National Parks. The drive is a feast for the eyes, with turquoise lakes like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, and glaciers like Crowfoot Glacier and the massive Columbia Icefield. I’ll never forget the sheer power of Athabasca Falls or standing at the edge of Sunwapta Falls as mist filled the air. With every turn, the Icefields Parkway reveals a new, jaw-dropping view.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.
3. Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) – USA
California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a breathtaking journey along 198 km (127 miles) of dramatic coastline. Every mile was a mix of golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and endless ocean view, from Crescent City all the way to San Diego.
Must-See Stops: Golden Gate Bridge, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Big Sur and Bixby Bridge, San Luis Obispo, Elephant Seal Vista Point (San Simeon), and Malibu.
Fun Fact: US 101 (connected to CA-1) runs the entire West Coast from Olympic National Park in Washington to San Diego. For the adventurous, consider driving the full length, stopping at points of interest across three states!
Recommendation: Drive south to keep the coastline in full view.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
4. Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (High Alpine Road) – Austria
This 47.8 km (29.7 miles) High Alpine Road cuts through the Hohe Tauern National Park and offers some of the most dramatic views of the Austrian Alps. The route climbs to an elevation of 2,504 meters, and every twist and turn unveils panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and wildflower meadows. Franz-Josefs-Höhe, with its stunning view of Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier, was my favorite stop. The air was crisp, the scenery overwhelming, and it felt like standing on the edge of the world.
Note: Open May to October, toll required
5. Cabot Trail - Cape Brenton Island, Canada
The 300 km (186 miles) Cabot Trail is a breathtaking loop that winds through the rugged coastlines and highlands of Cape Breton Island. The views from Skyline Trail were unforgettable, with the ocean stretching endlessly below. I took my time exploring Ingonish Beach, hiking the Middle Head Trail, and sampling fresh seafood in tiny fishing villages. October’s fall foliage turned the island into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it the perfect time to visit.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
6. Gothard, Furka, and Grimsel Passes – Switzerland
The Swiss Alps offer some of the most exhilarating road trips I’ve ever experienced. The Gothard Pass is a marvel of engineering, with its switchbacks cutting through rugged mountains. Furka Pass felt like stepping into a James Bond movie, with its hairpin turns and dramatic views of glaciers. I stopped at the Rhone Glacier and walked into its mesmerizing ice cave. Grimsel Pass, with its deep blue lakes and soaring peaks, was equally stunning. Driving these passes wasn’t just a journey—it was an experience of nature’s raw power and beauty, leaving me both humbled and inspired. Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Each of these road trips holds a special place in my heart, not just for the breathtaking landscapes but for the memories made along the way. Whether it was driving through towering red cliffs or winding up snow-covered Alpine roads, each adventure reminded me why the open road is my happy place. Road trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the moments that make the journey unforgettable.
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