Travel is food for the soul, and, therefore, a road trip is among the best experiences one can have. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy the place at your own pace — allows you to pause the moments and capture them at your will. And while there are infinite roads to travel down, there are also some roads have that “something special” about them — whether it is the landscape, the turns, the curves, or merely the diversity of the route.
Here is a compilation of 15 amazing roads you should take a trip through, which will definitely give you a lifetime's experience.
The Road to Red Beach, China
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Situated at Panjin in the Chinese province of Liaoning, this road drives you through a beach, that is not a beach. It's, in fact, the largest marshy wetland on Earth — where the water is covered with moss. When autumn comes, the moss in that area transforms into a soothing crimson color, in stark contrast to the yellow fields beside it. Dividing the two is a long stretch of road with green borders.
National Highway 22, India
Situated in scenic Himachal Pradesh, India — feel the mountain closing in on you as you drive down one of the world's most dangerous roads. Some unpredictable, sharp bends provide some real adventure, and the curvy roads raise your adrenaline levels. You’ll see two vehicles passing each other, while there's barely ample space for one. Enjoy the majestic mountains while you drive through one of India's busiest mountain roads. Hold on tight, as this one might be a bumpy ride!
Stelvio Pass, Italy
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With an elevation of 9,045 ft, Stelvio Pass is the highest paved roadway in the Eastern Alps. Known for its Giro d’Italia cycling race, the road is accessible only during the summer season. Skip the car drive and opt for a bike ride — feeling the winds blowing through your hair while riding through one of the best roads is priceless.
The Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Honored in 2005 as the Construction of the Century, it's one of the world's most captivating and thrilling roads. With the mighty Atlantic Ocean as the scenic backdrop, the highway connects the island of Averøy with the mainland via a series of eight small islands, offering some lush green coastal landscapes en route. The journey is different each time you travel — depending on what the ocean has to offer!
The Seven Mile Bridge, US
Also called “The Doorway to the Keys,” this bridge connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys in Florida, in the United States. This bridge is part of the famous Overseas Highway (aka U.S. Route 1) — one of the routes you have to travel at least once in your lifetime. The whole highway has a pristine view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and offers the best of coastal landscapes in Florida. Be stunned by the changing hues of the sea water and the infinite sky as you capture the unforgettable vistas in your heart.
The Desert Road, U.A.E.
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The endless stretch in the vast desert will certainly calm your nerves. Just imagine the smooth sand, the sweltering sun, and your swift ride — encounter nature’s arid side and sense the immortality and the renewability of the desert while driving down this road in Dubai. Experience how the journey becomes more beautiful than the destination!
Dzuluk Road, India
Once part of the ancient Silk Road, that road in Sikkim has approximately 100 hairpin turns in a distance of only 30 km. Offering the best view of the crown of Himalayas, that's one of the world's most dizzying roads. Even the most experienced drivers can get deceived by the unpredictability of the turns. This road isn't for the weak-hearted and requires a special permit to be accessed.
Xingshan Water Highway, China
Considered to be one of the world's most beautiful roads, this highway is built over a river in Xingshan, China. In order to keep nature in its pristine form and avoid cutting through the hills and the woods, that highway was built on the water — following the curve of the river. Its vivid views of the mountain keep you mesmerized and astounded. As a conscious decision toward conservation, the highway is an example of how humankind and nature can be in harmony.
Highway 12, US
This highway which passes through Utah is an ideal canvas for painting your next adventure. Rightly named “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” one often gets lost in the timelessness of the landscape while driving through it. Be astonished by the high alpine scenery — natural rock sculptures polished by the wind, picture-perfect panoramas, quaint rural towns, and long stretches of road and infinity to discover.
Ruta 40, Argentina
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With the stunning Andes Mountain range running parallel, this highway is well-known for its adventure tourism. Its gravel paths, hairpin bends, and deserted stretches make for one heck of a ride, particularly with the number of horror stories related to this route. Travel the entire stretch and experience almost everything that nature has to offer — sea, mountains, desert, and forest. Travel through here to get to know the country from the inside out.
Passage du Gois, France
Connecting the ÃŽle de Noirmoutier island with the mainland, that natural passage is open for only a few hours a day. It's considered to be one of the world's most dangerous roads since the complete path gets submerged underwater during high tide. Driving through the 4.3 km, uneven, stone-paved road is truly an adventure because if you’re not driving during low tide, your car will probably sink.
Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
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Formerly known as Monte Tremolo, the Gotthard Pass is among the most scenic highways in the world for a road trip. With its serpentine roads and the beautiful Swiss Alps as the backdrop, it offers breathtaking views and undoubtedly, some of the best memories of the Alps. But, don’t get too enraptured with its beauty, as the road does have many sharp twists and turns.
Forgotten World Highway, New Zealand
Embed from Getty ImagesAs its name reveals, this highway is mysterious and eerie to the extreme, being the oldest heritage trail of the country. Located in Stratford, this highway embraces the rugged terrains of New Zealand. It is often described by the locals as, “a bit upsy-downsy,” because the road provides a true roller coaster experience.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the world's best marine drives, the Great Ocean Road runs along the southern boundary of Australia. It's the largest war memorial in the world, dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I. It offers several of the most surreal views of sculpted rocks and an exquisite panorama of the Southern Ocean. A three-day tour on this route gives you the best that the country’s coast has to offer.
The Ring Road, Iceland
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Icelandic Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is among the most scenic drives through nature — where you will see volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, beautiful fjords, and snow-peaked mountains. Many popular tourist attractions can be accessed through this highway, such as the black sand beaches of Iceland. If you travel during the winter months and get lucky, you might also witness the magic of the aurora borealis or the Northern Lights.
Preview photo credit Passage DU GOIS / Facebook
Reference: Brightside
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