With many people already making a list of all the places they're going to travel to in the following year and beyond (once travel is relatively safe again), there has been a tremendous push in the way of road trips. This has not been surprising considering the fear and paranoia that many are feeling when it comes to being in an enclosed space with a crowd for any length of time, but with it, the discovery that is having the freedom to come and go as one pleases has been vindicating for many people. When the world opens up again, we might just continue to a rise in road trips - but not just within our own countries.
Road tripping around other countries could become just as substantial a way to travel, with many people having their own itineraries and wanting to explore the world in quite a different way. For some, road tripping around their own country is on the agenda, having come with the realization that the world is a big place and, sometimes, the country we live in feels even bigger. When it comes to the best countries to plan a road trip in, we'd say you're pretty lucky if you live in one of these.
Italy
While most of Italy is surrounded by water, it might be surprising to know that this country's long, winding roads also make great routes for a road trip. There are many places to visit within the country from north to south and with help from destinations such as the Amalfi Coast and its scenic shoreline road, there is an endless number of gorgeous sights to see.
Further into the countryside, road tripping through Tuscany is a beautiful way to see its vineyards and get a feel for the more rustic, agriculturally-centered region of Italy. And, finally, the Dolomites offer breathtaking mountain views and the perfect roads from which to see them all.
Portugal
This seaside county boasts plenty for those who love nothing more than the open air, wind through the windows, and the ocean coast for as far as the eye can see.
Many towns in Portugal are no more than a few hours apart which means road trips can take a few hours as opposed to all day or several days. International Traveller recommends starting in Porto before heading north or starting in the Algarve to explore the southern parts of the country.
Canada
Canada's wide-open landscape and various providences lend themselves well to being explored via car. For those who live in North America, this is a great way to see the other half of the continent without having to go too far or travel abroad.
From Newfoundland and Nova Scotia with their seaside appeal to the wilderness of Alberta and Banff National Park, there are almost too many sights to see in this expansive country. For those who aren't looking to travel too far from the city atmosphere, Montreal is only one part of Quebec that's worthy of being explored to the fullest.
Iceland
Iceland's Ring Road, otherwise known as Route 1, makes it incredibly easy to see all of the country's most well-known sites without veering too far or mapping out a potentially complicated route in order to do so.
The entire road takes about a week to complete and can be done with an extra day to spare exploring Reykjavik, as this is both the starting point and the ending point. From tremendous waterfalls to dramatic landscapes such as black sand beaches and natural, rainbow-colored geysers, this world trip almost feels more otherworldly than it does sightseeing in one country.
Ireland
One of the most popular routes for a road trip is along Nothern Ireland's Coastal Causeway. This route is also known as one of the most scenic roads in the entire world and it gives road trippers access to Ireland's most iconic and beautiful coastal sights. From the giant basalt columns (4,000 in total), also called the Giant's Causeway, to the stops in Belfast and Derry-Londberry, there's no shortage of things to see along this drive.
For those looking to get a little legwork in after sitting in the car for such a long period of time, there's also a hike that takes people down the cliffs to get up close and personal with these giant basalt walls. Along the way, learn about Ireland's history and take the time to experience all of the food each of the towns along the way has to offer tourists.