Exploring any country is an adventure, but a road trip provides a perspective that you can’t get from train travel or staying in one city. When you hit the road in a new country you have an opportunity to see the small towns, the untouched nature, and learn about the rules of the road somewhere that’s different from your home. Some countries are better suited to a road trip-style itinerary than others, mainly those with less train infrastructure. In these destinations, renting a car is the best way to see more of the country in a limited timeframe and gain an appreciation for the beautiful scenery outside the major travel hubs.

10 New Zealand

New Zealand is located in the South Pacific and is an island nation with a small population and tons of scenery to enjoy. The country has 5.6 sheep for every person, providing a good idea of how much-unpopulated countryside there is to explore. Most travelers will arrive in the northern city of Auckland on the North Island. Rent a car here and explore the North Island, including sites like Hobbiton, Rotorua, and the Waitomo caves, before putting the car on board a ferry in Wellington and crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island. Travelers can then drive down to Milford Sound and Mount Cook before dropping off their rental car in Queenstown.

9 USA

The United States is a vast country with various landscapes, climates, and cultures throughout its 50 states. While some areas of the country have trains connecting major cities, the majority of states and capital cities are impossible to travel between unless you have a car. Driving across the US allows travelers the freedom to explore impressive cities like Chicago or Nashville while also experiencing the incredible national parks in Utah, California, and Wyoming. Some of the best road trips in the US are Route 66, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Related: 10 Unique Stops To Make On A Road Trip From LA To San Diego

8 Australia

Australia is another immense nation with capital cities that are spread out along the coast; the center of the country is home to the wild Australian outback. Unless travelers are staying for months at a time, it’s impossible to see all of Australia in one visit. However, a week or two is the perfect amount of time to take on one of the stunning coastal drives around the country. On the East Coast, travelers can drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, stopping at sites like the 12 Apostles along the way. Other popular routes are Sydney to Gold Coast or Sydney to Melbourne.

On the West Coast, travelers can rent a car in Perth and drive north to Ex Mouth or Broome, stopping to see dolphins, whale sharks, and humpback whales along the way. Travelers can also skip the coast and get a taste of outback by driving the Explorer’s Way from Adelaide to Darwin.

7 Iceland

Iceland has a unique landscape that travelers have to leave the city of Reykjavík to fully appreciate. The best way to take in all of Iceland’s beauty is to rent a car in Keflavik at the airport and take a 7-10 day road trip around the perimeter of the country on the Ring Road. Starting near Reykjavík, travelers can head west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula where they can see the famous mountain, Kirkjufell. Then, they head north to the city of Akureyri which is the best spot in the country for whale watching.

Coming down the eastern coast of the country to the south, travelers can drive through the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, where it’s possible to swim between two tectonic plates. Then, they can stop at the blue lagoon in Grindavik for a spa-like experience before returning to the airport for their departure.

6 Scotland

Scotland, in the northern United Kingdom, is a gorgeous country with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and charming villages. While it’s worth spending time in Edinburgh upon arrival, travelers should rent a car and venture into the countryside and Scottish Highlands to see the true beauty of Scotland. Some top routes to consider are the South West Coastal 300, The North Coast 500, The North East 250, or taking a ferry to the Isle of Skye.

5 Canada

By landmass, Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and much of the nation is undisturbed wilderness. While it’s possible to take a train between major cities like Toronto and Montreal or even Toronto and Vancouver, ticket prices are costly, and route options are limited. Renting a car while in Canada enables travelers to get away from the big cities and venture into the northern forests of Ontario, the coastal beaches of Prince Edward Island, or the mountain trails of British Columbia and Alberta. With 1-2 weeks in the country, it’s best to focus on one region such as the Pacific Coast and the Canadian Rockies, or Montreal, Quebec, and the maritime provinces.

4 England

England is a popular destination for travelers backpacking across Europe, but in many cases, they visit London or Manchester before continuing to another country via Eurail train. One of the best parts of England is its quaint, remote villages and seaside beaches. The Atlantic Highway and the Yorkshire Circuit are two of the best road trip routes through England. The Yorkshire Circuit takes around 3 days to complete and is a fantastic option for travelers who love to sample local ale and cheeses along the way. The Atlantic Highway is a coastal drive that takes 4-5 days and offers a chance to enjoy some of England’s beautiful beaches.

3 Ireland

Ireland is an island nation in the UK with dramatic Atlantic coastlines and lush green scenery. The country is extremely drivable, and many travelers rent a car when they fly into Dublin and proceed to spend the majority of their trip exploring the Irish countryside. One of the best routes to take when road tripping Ireland is the Wild Atlantic Way. The West Coast route is 2600 km, making it one of the longest coastal routes in the world. Another great option is driving the Ring of Kerry in the southwest of the country, in the Iveragh Peninsula. This is a shorter, circular route, that takes travelers through verdant landscapes and seaside villages.

2 Germany

Germany is the sixth-largest country in Europe and while its larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg get a lot of attention from international travelers, there is more to discover. Germany has plenty of idyllic, fairytale towns off the beaten path and some stunning natural landscapes, especially in Bavaria. Renting a car and driving one of these routes offers travelers a glimpse into what lies outside the country’s biggest cities. The Wine Route, The Alpine Route, and The Fairy Tale Route are three of the best road trips in the country for first-time visitors.

Related: 10 Places You Should See In Ireland During A 7-Day Trip

1 Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a relatively small country by its land mass, but it’s bursting with biodiversity. Lush greenery along its Pacific Coast, white sand beaches, and cloud forests are some of the major attractions that travelers want to experience while visiting. However, Costa Rica doesn’t have a developed train system connecting major tourist sites like La Fortuna and Tamarindo.

Travelers can take a bus, but in most cases, the convenient way to see the country is to drive. Travelers can drive from San Jose or Liberia down the Pacific Coast, stopping in Uvita and the Osa Peninsula for a glimpse of the country’s best wildlife. Or, they can stay in the Guanacaste province and do a Nicoya Peninsula road trip, focusing on surfing in Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa. Costa Rica also has a beautiful Caribbean Coast that travelers can drive to from San Jose, stopping in Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo.