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How to choose a country for a road trip
Compare destinations on four practical points: the character of the scenery and routes, road conditions and seasonality, how remote the drive is and what services are available, and whether your licence and vehicle meet local rules. A beautiful route can be a poor fit if you are uncomfortable with long distances, changing weather or stretches without services.
The categories below are planning suggestions, not measured rankings. Check current road and weather information before departure, and verify licence, insurance and vehicle requirements with official authorities for your nationality and destination.
Countries for different kinds of road trips
Iceland: a compact scenic loop
Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1, is a natural choice for travelers who want a loop connecting most towns and villages. Visit Iceland describes it as a 1,322 km route; its official guide says the entire road is paved and open year-round, although bad winter weather can cause temporary local closures. The same guide warns that many accidents occur where pavement changes to gravel, so drivers should adjust speed and attention at those transitions. Check Visit Iceland’s Ring Road guidance and live road and weather information before setting out.
#1 Best Overall
New Zealand: varied scenery across an island country
New Zealand suits travelers looking for varied landscapes and routes across an island country. The best itinerary depends on the time available and the regions you want to connect; avoid assuming a single drive covers the country efficiently. If you plan to drive on an overseas car licence, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi guidance accessed in 2026 says the current period is 18 months, scheduled to reduce to 12 months from 1 November 2026. Confirm the live rule with NZTA visitor-driver guidance before travel.
Italy and Norway: coastal and mountain roads
Italy and Norway are good starting points for travelers drawn to coastal drives or mountain scenery. Plan around the specific region and road rather than treating either country as one uniform route: conditions, weather and the time needed can vary considerably between areas. Check local access and seasonal conditions for the roads on your itinerary.
Canada, Australia and the United States: longer-distance wilderness driving
These are options for travelers prepared for longer distances and, on some itineraries, remote stretches. Canada’s range of named drives illustrates how much the experience can vary: the Sea-to-Sky Highway runs near Vancouver and Whistler, while the Icefields Parkway crosses the Rockies and the Cabot Trail is in Nova Scotia. The Viking Trail is in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Dempster Highway is a much more remote drive with scant services, intended for self-reliant travelers. See Destination Canada’s route guide and match your plans to the services and preparation the route requires.
In Australia and the United States, the scale of a trip can also make distances, fuel stops and time behind the wheel central planning concerns. Choose a regional itinerary that fits your schedule and comfort with long drives; do not assume that a map’s apparent proximity means a quick journey.
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Rank #3
South Africa, Portugal, Thailand and Morocco: distinct regional trips
These countries offer a different reason to plan by region rather than pick a single all-purpose route. Decide what landscapes and places you want to connect, then check road conditions, local driving practices, seasonal considerations and service availability along that route. The ten-country shortlist does not establish that every road or region in these destinations is equally suitable for visitors.
What to check before driving abroad
Rules for foreign drivers vary by destination and by the traveler’s circumstances. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to check local traffic laws, licence requirements, road-safety guidance and insurance before driving abroad. It notes that many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP); that does not mean every country requires one. Verify the rule for your nationality and destination, and if an IDP is required, carry it with your original licence. See the U.S. Department of State’s driving and road-safety guidance.
Rank #4
- Road Atlas, Adventure Edition
- Road Atlas, Adventure Edition
- National Geographic Maps
- Confirm that your licence is valid for the destination and the planned length of stay.
- Check whether you need an IDP, and whether the rental provider has additional requirements.
- Understand local traffic laws, signs, insurance terms and road-safety guidance.
- Choose a vehicle suited to the roads and itinerary; do not assume a standard rental car is appropriate for every route.
- Check current road closures and weather before each day’s drive, especially on routes with winter exposure or limited services.
Match the route to your experience and time
For a first international road trip, favor a route with manageable daily distances, clear access to services and straightforward alternatives if weather or a closure changes your plans. For a more remote drive, establish in advance where fuel, lodging and other services are available, and make sure your vehicle and preparation match the route. In either case, a printed road atlas or guidebook can help with broad itinerary planning, but it cannot replace live road-condition and weather checks.
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