Thrilling Road Trips on Every Continent
Road trips are popular ways to travel and explore the world, and every continent offers something different to see and do along its roads. These are some of the most exciting spring road trips around the world that you can use to plan your next vacation. And if you prefer to road trip by motorcycle, most of these options will still work for you!
North America: Canada
Start in Jasper on the Icefields Parkway and end at Lake Louise for a breathtaking look at scenic Canada. Take in the powerful Athabasca Falls and walk on a glacier at Columbia Icefield. Capture a panorama and other amazing vacation pictures at Peyto Lake before riding a gondola at Lake Louise, where you may be able to see grizzly bears.
Central America: Costa Rica
Travel the Pacific-to-Caribbean route through Costa Rica to explore some of the best nature and adventure that Central America has to offer. Start in the capital of San José and make your way to Liberia, a path that will include surf beaches, 2 national parks, volcanoes, cloud forests, jungles, and coffee plantations.
South America: Ecuador
Ecuador’s Ruta del Spondylus gets its name from a seashell. This coastal route runs through desert-like areas and mountainous cloud forests. Take time to explore the lush islands, indigenous communities, museums, and pre-Colombian ruins while you’re there—and you can even book a guided motorcycle tour if you prefer company.
Europe: Iceland
Iceland’s impressive Ring Road circumnavigates the country. Admire black-sand beaches and enjoy a road trip within a road trip on the Golden Circle, which boasts waterfalls, a national park, and a volcanic crater. There’s also a great spot for whale-watching once you’re back on the Ring Road. It’s open year-round, including to motorcyclists. However, although snow is cleared frequently, the weather can change very quickly, so always be prepared to get wet.
Africa: South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route has been called “the ultimate road trip.” Start in Mossel Bay, and then continue down the coast to see botanical gardens, mountains, beach towns, and a national park. Zip-lining, biking, bird-watching, kayaking, bungee-jumping, and hiking opportunities along the way will enable you to do more than just stretch on your pit stops. You can even explore on a guided motorcycle tour if you desire.
Asia: Uzbekistan
The Golden Road to Samarkand traces the historic Silk Road. You’ll be able to see historic sites such as the summer residence of Bukhara’s last emir; visit museums; and explore the breathtaking desert before ending your trip at the turquoise-tiled Registan in ancient Samarkand. Taking this route on motorcycle can be tough due to fuel shortages and heat, but it is possible.
Australia: Cairns to Broome
The Savannah Way from Cairns, North Queensland, to Broome, Western Australia, will take you through 15 national parks and 5 World Heritage sites. The landscape has great variety, from rainforest to remote cattle stations, from sandstone cliffs to turquoise waters. You can also book a guided motorcycle tour to have company on this long route.
There are countless other exciting spring road trips around the world, but these are some of the best that each continent has to offer, especially for people who prefer to travel by motorcycle. Well-paced roads, good weather, and great attractions are just 3 reasons to consider these options on your next vacation.
