Road trips are one of my favorite adventures. If you're eager to embark on a spontaneous journey this fall or find a cozy escape for winter, check out these six epic road trips!

1. Southwestern U.S. (New Mexico & Arizona)

New Mexico and Arizona boast breathtaking landscapes. Recently, I explored this region on two extensive trips. There are countless hidden gems that rival the popular tourist spots but without the crowds. Experience a full moon at White Sands National Monument, drive the rugged path to Chaco Canyon, and grab a GPS map to navigate the otherworldly rock formations at Bisti Badlands. Don't miss Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona, and Horseshoe Bend, just off the highway. Each October, Albuquerque hosts a spectacular hot air balloon fiesta that I can't wait to attend again this year!

LOGISTICS: Begin your journey near Santa Fe or Albuquerque, then head west to Page, Arizona. Both areas serve as excellent bases for day excursions. After Page, travel south to Phoenix before heading west to White Sands National Monument.
 

A surfer strolls across the rocks at Bells Beach, a globally renowned surfing destination along the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne.


2. Australia's Great Ocean Road

While living in Sydney, a couple of friends and I rented a car and drove this breathtaking 249-mile coastal highway from Melbourne to Adelaide. The cliffs and scenery are reminiscent of California's Pacific Coast Highway. Despite being on a budget, this road trip was unforgettable. We slept in our rental, enjoyed beers on the beach, feasted on peanut butter sandwiches, and snuck into RV parks for showers. We visited iconic spots like Bell's Beach, the famous 12 Apostles rock formations, and national parks where koalas rest in trees.

LOGISTICS: The journey begins in Torquay, just west of Melbourne, and concludes in Port Fairy. I suggest taking three days to fully enjoy this route and have time to return to Melbourne. Consider extending your trip to Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.

Fort Jefferson, an unfinished fort from the 1800s, is located in Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible from Key West via ferry, seaplane, or private boat.

3. Florida Keys

Exploring the Florida Keys is best done with friends. Fly into Miami, rent a car, and sing along to Jimmy Buffett as you drive. Make sure to stop at my top picks: Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for their famous Key Lime Pie; No Name Pub on Big Pine Key, where dollar bills cover the walls; Hemingway's House in Key West; and Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the U.S.'s most secluded national parks.

LOGISTICS: While you can fly into Key West, it's more budget-friendly to land in Miami and rent a car. (It's 160 miles from the airport to Key West, taking roughly three hours in traffic.) Take your time enjoying the islands along the way.

(This post was written prior to Hurricane Irma affecting the area. Although the Keys faced significant damage, they are resilient. Please consider supporting recovery efforts by donating to charities and visiting once the region reopens.)

The view from Skogafoss waterfall in Southern Iceland is breathtaking!

Iceland is simply stunning. The landscapes are mesmerizing, the locals are incredibly friendly, and it's the only country without mosquitoes. Did I mention, not a single mosquito?

The best way to experience Iceland is by driving Route 1, known as the ring road. This two-lane paved road forms an 828-mile loop around the country with a speed limit of 55 mph. Highlights include puffins at Dyrhólaey in summer, the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón, the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain, and Siglufjörður, a charming fishing village accessed through a narrow tunnel with two-way traffic. Tailor your itinerary based on the season.

LOGISTICS: Drive counterclockwise, exploring the southern part of the island first, as it has the most attractions and visitors. Be sure to detour off the main road to discover the stunning Snæfellsnes and Trollaskagi peninsulas. Allow at least a week for the drive. Check out my Iceland Guide for further insights.

Argentina's legendary scenic route, Ruta 40, is nearly 1,000 miles longer than Route 66.

5. Argentina's Longest Road

Patagonia was one of the top three destinations I had to visit on my South America journey. I traveled by bus from the southernmost tip of Argentina to Cusco, Peru, over several months. During this adventure, I navigated part of Ruta 40, Argentina's longest road, stretching 3,246 miles from the southernmost point of the mainland to the Bolivian border. This road captures the same spirit as Route 66 in the U.S.

LOGISTICS: While driving is the best way to experience the road, be mindful that parts are unpaved, so a 4WD vehicle is advisable. Several bus routes cover the paved sections, providing a good alternative. For tips on the best driving route, check out this post by Rough Guides.

California's Humboldt Redwoods State Park features some of the largest remaining old-growth coast redwoods.

 6. California

California is a place of mixed feelings for me. I adore its beauty and the endless opportunities for stunning photography—Yosemite, the Redwoods, Big Sur, among others. Yet, the cost of living there can be staggering. (I briefly lived in Santa Barbara and learned that lesson quickly!) Whenever I visit friends or travel for work in California, I try to squeeze in a small road trip to discover something new, like my recent trip to Tahoe.

LOGISTICS: If driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, I recommend heading north from Santa Barbara. Allow a few days to explore the sights. My favorite stops are Big Sur, Point Lobos National Reserve near Carmel, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Point Reyes National Seashore. If you venture to Yosemite or Tahoe, consider visiting Bodie State Historic Park, an old mining ghost town, and Mono Lake for its unique rock formations.

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UPCOMING TRIP:

 

Next week, I'll be heading to Africa for the first time (my sixth continent!) to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Expect my next post in mid-October after my adventure!