{"id":3802,"date":"2024-03-20T11:17:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-20T03:17:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=3802"},"modified":"2025-06-10T10:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T02:59:23","slug":"10-best-countries-for-a-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/10-best-countries-for-a-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Countries for a Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Solo or self-guided tours are all the rage these days. But ask someone on the street whether they\u2019d like to travel around a foreign destination on a road trip and you\u2019ll start getting concerned questions about safety. Still, for those who\u2019re looking for a fresh and fabulous new take on travel, then the following destinations are for you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginner Drives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Australia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The Great Ocean Road near Peterborough, Australia. Photo by Weyne Yew<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Left<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s a road trip heaven out there, then it surely must be Australia, particularly at the famed, fantastical and unbelievably beautiful stretch of coastal road that hugs the seaside cliffs of Victoria called the Great Ocean Road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides being familiar to us Malaysians due to Australia having<\/span> left-handed driving, most of Australia\u2019s scenic spots are usually out in the rural outback where there are fewer cars to contend with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having the chance to experience natural beauty with your own wheels and your own pace means Australia ranks highly as a prime road trip destination for newbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Snow road in Hokkaido, Japan. Photo by Ian Lai<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Left<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan is yet another country that drives left-handed, so no worries for Malaysians here too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most major cities in Japan aren\u2019t all that suited due to traffic and limited parking infrastructure, so if you\u2019re looking to hit the road, then heading towards city outskirts or even rural towns and villages is the way to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or better yet, head back to nature by driving around Hokkaido, particularly around springtime. From the stunning lavender fields of Northern Hokkaido to the gorgeous peaks and coasts of Southern Hokkaido, get ready for plenty of stops!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Road towards Mount Cook, New Zealand. Photo by Casey Horner<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Left<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet another left-handed choice, New Zealand is home to gleaming jewel-like lakes, frost-tipped glaciers, crisscrossing rivers, vast grasslands and glittering night skies that simply leave you wanting to drive forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed the \u201cHome of Middle Earth\u201d, both of its islands have some of the world\u2019s best scenic drives that take you from the majestic heights of Mount Cook and Franz Josef Glacier down to the geothermal hotspots of Rotorua. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vast and sparsely populated, New Zealand is a great choice to begin your road trip adventure!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Kingdom<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Road towards Yorkshire Dales National Park, UK. Photo by Illiya Vjestica<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Left<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK\u2019s ancient hamlets and castles along with its sublime lakes and forests make it a uniquely attractive destination for the road tripper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to an extensive and well-maintained road network that is frequently policed and its use of <\/span>left-handed driving, the UK is excellent for beginner drivers and even family vacations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights here include Scotland\u2019s lakes, highlands and castles, the windswept coasts of southern Wales and the hamlets, towns and rural beauty of England. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermediate Drives<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norway<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The Atlantic Road, Norway. Photo by Barnabas Davoti<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Right<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway could be said to be one massive national park that is filled with Scandinavia\u2019s greatest hits! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those driving, Norway\u2019s three famous roads are a must-drive. Start with the spellbinding Atlantic Road, which weaves through tiny islets and ocean sprays out in the Atlantic Ocean. Then, go up the Trollstigen or Troll Road which winds up mountains with thrilling near 180-degree hairpin turns. Finally, soar through the skies<\/span> with Eagle Road, which offers commanding views of the Geiranger fjord. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And we haven\u2019t even mentioned Norway\u2019s unique natural features such as their fjords, glaciers and the famous northern lights! Basically, Norway is the place to go if you want to cross off your bucket list in one go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United States<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Road into Arches National Park, U.S. Photo by Dino Reichmuth<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Right<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the home of the automobile, it\u2019s no surprise that the US is practically built for road trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that isn\u2019t even mentioning its unimaginably diverse landscapes and climates, from coastal paradises, endless plains, massive mountain ranges and even deserts. There\u2019s almost always something new to see when you\u2019re driving across the country\u2019s many freeways. One of these famous freeways is California\u2019s scenic State Route 1, which passes through some of America\u2019s most jaw-dropping coastlines and bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware though, some rural<\/span> areas of the US have remarkably few petrol or gas stations, so make sure to plan well ahead of your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Autumn road with maple trees in Sainte-Lucie, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada. Photo by Claude Laprise<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Right<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ranked as Lonely Planet\u2019s #1 destination in 2017<\/span>, plenty of natural wonders await those who take the road in Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This massive country is home to bountiful forests, countless lakes and stunning coasts, particularly in its national parks such as Banff National Park and Grasslands National Park, not to mention the Interlake Region with Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. And thanks to a well-developed road network akin to that of its neighbour the US, Canada is a comfortable<\/span> drive <\/span>for the road trip traveller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Rolle Pass, Italy. Photo by Giuseppe Mond\u00ec<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span><\/i> Right<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy\u2015a <\/span>land of passion and romance that <\/span>stands unrivaled as one of the top<\/span> road trip destinations in Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ancient and <\/span>grand ruins,<\/span> s<\/span>easide cities steeped in charm, t<\/span>owering mountain ranges blanketed by snow and r<\/span>oads that look out <\/span>over azure seas\u2015<\/span>Italy is truly the l<\/span>and of a thousand sights and a top road trip choice, which is made all the more possible thanks to a<\/span> w<\/span>ell-maintained autostrade<\/i> road network.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Italian highlights include the wine-soaked region of Tuscany, the sun-baked beaches of Sicily or the rugged Dolomite Mountains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced Drives<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Iceland<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Road near Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Photo by Balazs Busznyak<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side:<\/span> Right<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iceland is one of the more tougher road trip destinations due to having both right-handed driving and some pretty harsh road conditions, including unpaved roads, harsh weather, fog and even livestock!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite that, if you\u2019re an experienced and well-informed driver, driving here allows you plenty of time to explore its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, wild tundras and vast glaciers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of particular note is the Golden Circle, a route which takes you through Iceland\u2019s superstar geological wonders including geysers, waterfalls and hot springs. If you want more, there are even Silver and Diamond Circles!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Susten Pass, Switzerland. Photo by Yves Moret<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traffic Side: Right<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To those lucky enough to go on a road trip through Switzerland, they will be rewarded with a full display of nature’s grand majesty <\/span>in its snowy peaks, pristine lakes and verdant valleys. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although tiny compared to its European neighbours, it more than makes up for it in sheer grandeur, particularly with unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps and its various peaks and passes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also helps that driving here is actually a ton of fun, with sweeping mountain views and fresh air greeting you at every turn. Beware though, you\u2019ll need to read up on some mountain driving skills and observe the Swiss\u2019 strict speed limits. Oh, and don\u2019t forget to drive on the right too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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