Road trips are a popular way for travellers to explore a destination at their own pace. And while the likes of the Aussie Outback, Patagonia’s desolate plains, and Arizona’s vast desert offer miles of solitary driving, other iconic routes are jam-packed with must-see landmarks.
But as with any adventure, preparation is key. Before setting off to explore a road trip’s many attractions or the serenity of uninterrupted landscapes, packing the essentials – including travel insurance and additional rental car cover – is a must. After all, from flat tyres to spontaneous illnesses, road trips can be full of surprises, and it’s always better to hit the road knowing you’re covered.
To help you choose your next adventure, we’ve analysed the number of attractions per mile along the world’s most famous road trips, revealing the ultimate routes for travellers who want to see how much they can pack into their itinerary, and their car boot, along with where to escape to for total solitude on the road.
Where are the most action-packed road trips?
If plenty of pitstops and places to see are what you value, England’s Peak District is the ideal driving itinerary. In fact, road trips in the European continent make up nearly half of the top 20, with France’s La Route des Vins, Germany’s Romantic Road, and Spain’s The Basque Circuit among the most densely packed routes.
Top 20 road trips with the most attractions
| Rank | Road Trip | Countries Driven Through | Average Attractions for every 10 Miles |
| 1 | The Peak District | England | 18.2 |
| 2 | Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) | Germany | 18.0 |
| 3 | Hana Highway | USA | 14.5 |
| 4 | Amalfi Coast Road | Italy | 14.5 |
| 5 | The Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Ireland | 12.2 |
| 6 | La Route des Vins (Alsace) | France | 10.4 |
| 7 | Highland Tourist Route | Scotland | 9.2 |
| 8 | Florida Keys | USA | 7.2 |
| 9 | The Coastal Way | Wales | 7.0 |
| 10 | Loop of Kerry | Ireland | 6.7 |
| 11 | Fylkesvei 64 (Route 64) | Norway | 5.8 |
| 12 | The Great Dolomites Road | Italy | 5.1 |
| 13 | Icefields Parkway | Canada | 4.6 |
| 14 | Great Ocean Road | Australia | 4.2 |
| 15 | Romantic Road | Germany | 3.9 |
| 16 | Milford Sound Road Trip | New Zealand | 3.7 |
| 17 | Classic New Zealand Wine Trail | New Zealand | 3.6 |
| 18 | The Basque Circuit | Spain | 3.3 |
| 19 | Transfagarasan Highway | Romania | 3.2 |
| 20 | Thermal Explorer Highway | New Zealand | 2.9 |
1. The Peak District, England
Taking the crown for the most attraction-dense road trip, the Peak District offers travellers an incredible average of 18.2 attractions every 10 miles. This road trip offers a taste of what the traditional English landscape is all about: rolling hills, historic villages, and cultural landmarks that make every mile an adventure.
Of course, Bakewell is a key pit stop, not only because it’s the biggest town in the Peak District National Park, but also to fill up on the famous Bakewell tart before you hit the road again.
2. Black Forest High Road, Germany
A close second, Germany’s Schwarzwaldhochstraße offers drivers a picturesque journey through one of Europe’s most scenic regions. From traditional cuckoo-clockmakers to stunning alpine views, this route is a treasure trove of experiences. Once you reach the southern end of the B500, Freudenstadt is a must-visit, home to Germany’s largest market square with plenty of quaint cafes and shops to stretch your legs after a long drive.
3. Hana Highway, USA
With an average of over 14 points of interest to stop at every 10 miles, the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii, USA, wraps up the top three. A road tripper’s paradise, the route offers glances of rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and ocean views around nearly every bend.
Twin Falls is one of the first must-see stops, perfect for a quick swim or photo op, while the Garden of Eden Arboretum is another worthy detour for a peaceful break among the flowers. Of course, no trip along this highway is complete without visiting Waiʻānapanapa State Park, where black sand beaches and sea caves touch turquoise waters, a view unlike any other.
4. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Italy’s famous coastal route ranks fourth, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean with plenty of historic towns and ancient churches worth a pit stop along the way. Positano is one of the villages that can’t be missed: the colourful cliffside houses are ideal for those who love a picture-perfect photo opp. The Amalfi Cathedral, Fiordo di Furore, and Praiano beaches are also worth a stop. All in all, each twist and turn of the Amalfi Coast reveals a new site to explore, making it a road tripper’s dream.
5. The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
In fifth place, with 12.2 attractions per 10 miles, is Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route. Famous for its journey to the Giant’s Causeway, where basalt columns have inspired myths for centuries, this road trip offers a taste of Northern Ireland unlike any other. Along the way, Dunluce Castle provides a clifftop that history enthusiasts will adore, while the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge leans into an adrenaline-filled crossing over the Atlantic. With villages like Cushendun to explore and plenty of coastal byways to enjoy, this route is packed with reasons to stop and take it all in.
Where are the most remote road trips?
From the cliffs of the Causeway Coastal Route to the mountain charm of Canada’s Icefields Parkway, there are plenty of iconic road trips around the world that should sit on the wishlists of travellers hoping to tick off as many sights as they can. But for those where the appeal lies in mile-long stretches of emptiness, we also analysed the best drives to embark on.
Interestingly, while it’s European routes that dominate the attraction-packed list, Oceania, and North and South America dominate the most remote. These continents tend to have vast landscapes with low population density, as well as regions like the Outback, the American Midwest, and Patagonia, all of which are widely known for their nature, scenery and wilderness.
Top 10 most remote road trips
| Rank | Road Trip | Countries Driven Through | Average Attractions for every 10 Miles |
| 1 | Ruta 40 | Argentina | 0.23 |
| 2 | Red Centre Way | Australia | 0.31 |
| 3 | Baja California Peninsula | Mexico | 0.32 |
| 4 | Ruta 7 (Carretera Austral) | Chile | 0.32 |
| 5 | Ha Giang Loop | Vietnam | 0.34 |
| 6 | Dempster Highway | Canada | 0.39 |
| 7 | Karakoram Highway | Pakistan/China | 0.40 |
| 8 | Alaskan Highway | Canada | 0.43 |
| 9 | The Savannah Way | Australia | 0.46 |
| 10 | Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland | 0.50 |
1. Ruta 40, Argentina
The ultimate road for anyone who wants to truly escape, Argentina’s legendary Ruta 40 offers an immense and almost untouched landscape. Starting in La Quiaca and stretching along the Andes, this route is perfect for those eager to drive along open roads with nothing in sight for as long as the eyes can see. However, visitors to the area will still find plenty to keep them occupied.
Near the southern part of Ruta 40 is Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the most famous glaciers in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier – a must-visit for any exploring the Austral Andes.
2. Red Centre Way, Australia
With just 0.31 attractions for every 10 miles of road, the Red Centre Way is all about a journey of introspection through Australia’s outback. Stretching through the interior of the Northern Territory, this driving itinerary is less about frequent stops and more about embracing the desert landscapes and iconic red sands. However, those willing to venture off the main track can find themselves on the dramatic cliffs at Kings Canyon or exploring the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
3. Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Crossing one of Mexico’s most iconic regions, this route offers a mix of rugged desert and coastal views. If you’re looking for something to do along the thousand-mile stretch, a detour to Bahía de los Ángeles is worth it. Known for its rich marine life, the bay offers opportunities to spot whale sharks and explore tranquil waters. Further along, Valle de Guadalupe provides a chance to enjoy Mexico’s wine scene, with stops for food and drink along the way.
Whichever route you choose, remember that comprehensive travel insurance is your essential road trip companion. From unexpected detours to medical emergencies in remote locations, being prepared ensures your adventure remains stress-free, so you can pack your bags, plan your drive, and hit the road, knowing you are covered.
Methodology:
We conducted comprehensive desk research to create a list of 93 iconic road trips around the world. Using an online route planner, attractions located within a 5-mile radius of each route were then identified. The attractions spanned a wide range of categories, including:
- Museums and man-made structures
- Historical sites, monuments and landmarks
- Parks and natural features
- Beaches and water recreation
- Lakes, rivers and hot springs
To ensure fair comparison, road trips without designated routes – where tourists have the flexibility to choose significantly varied routes, or where start and end points aren’t commonly defined – were excluded from the analysis. Additionally, hiking trails and similar features were removed, as they are less clearly defined and do not typically serve as roadside attractions.
To reveal the density of attractions for each road trip, the total number of identified attractions was then divided by the overall length of the route, revealing the road trips with the highest number of attractions per mile.
Data correct as of November 2024.