Epic Road Trips from Around the World That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

If you love travel, you will understand the thrill of hitting the open road. The freedom to explore new landscapes, meet diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories makes road trips a unique adventure. Here at Lost in Paradise Travel, our team has traveled far and wide, embarking on incredible journeys. Here are our top road trip adventures that will surely spark your wanderlust!

Tried and tested by Lost in Paradise staff, here's our list of crazy and epic roadies you should do before you die!

Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in an Unforgettable African Safari Adventure

For those seeking wild adventure, a road trip through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe is a must! I embarked on a safari journey that took me through captivating landscapes, from the Namib Desert to the Okavango Delta.

Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, left me in awe. Did you know that around 25,000 elephants roam the Botswana wilderness? The vibrant cultures and breathtaking sunsets make this trip one of the best road trips I've taken. Be sure to pack your camera for unforgettable photos!

Highlights include multiple leopard sightings, camping on the salts pans in Botswana and millions and millions of stars, not to mention an unforgettable helicopter trip over Victoria Falls and sleeping in an gorgeous hut on the Zambezi River fallings asleep listening to hippos meters away.

Blasting a 4x4 across Salt Pans with your best buds where there are no roads in Botswana is something your cannot explain

Sydney to Cairns East Coast Australia Adventure

Australia's East Coast offers a road trip experience like no other! Starting in Sydney, I drove to Cairns, enjoying the sun, surf, and stunning landscapes. The journey included iconic spots like Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Each stop offered unique experiences, like:

• Surfing lessons at the beaches of Byron Bay.

• Exploring rainforests near Cairns, where many species of wildlife call home.

  
  

Don't miss a detour to the Whitsunday Islands or fraser Isalnd, home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. This trip is ideal for those who love adventure and the outdoors, and don't mind spending a good amount of time on the road.

Margaret River to Bundaberg in a Desperate Bid to Find Work in a Broken Campervan

Another Aussie adventure here. This time my road trip from Margaret River to Bundaberg started due to a desperate solution to find work while traveling in a questionably reliable campervan. Sometimes, the best stories arise from challenges.

Despite the setbacks, I discovered the beauty of the Australian countryside and the kindness of strangers who helped me along the way. Highlights included:

• Wine tasting in Margaret River, a region that produces some of Australia's best wines. Even working on one for a couple of week to help fund my trip.

• Australia's longest straight road. 90 miles with no turns!

• The Great Australian Bight. A vast a strikingly beautiful body of water of the South coast of Australia. Dramatic cliffs and dolphin spotting from our campsites.

  
  

This trip taught me resilience and reminded me to embrace the journey, no matter how bumpy it gets.

Uganda to Visit the Gorillas

A trip to see the gorillas in Uganda is truly a bucket-list experience. The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, surrounded by lush greenery and winding roads, added to the excitement of the journey.

Tracking these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is both thrilling and humbling. Knowledgeable guides provide insights about the gorillas and their conservation, enhancing the experience. If you're a wildlife lover, this road trip is a must-see!

If you plan to self drive this country I warn you it's not for the feint of heart. The roads are unforgiving and endless at times but will reward those who are willing to take the risk with some of the most beautiful and otherworldly views I have every seen in my life. After Bwindi I encourage youto stopping off a Queen Elizabeth National Park to encounter true plains of Africa with only your thoughts and herds of wild elephants for company for miles and miles. If you have the time head into Kyambura Gorge for Chimp spotting.

A silverback Gorilla found after 4 hours in hiking in Bwindi NP

Mae Hong Song Loop in Northern Thailand

Forget the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam. The Mae Hong Song Loop in Northern Thailand is a hidden gem, known for its stunning mountain views and rich local culture. I rented a motorbike and set off on this winding route, famous for its 1,864 curves!

Each stop revealed charming villages, beautiful temples, and mouth-watering street food. Local hospitality made this trip even more special. If you're looking for adventure mixed with culture, the Mae Hong Song Loop is perfect for you!

Scenic view of the lush green valleys and distant mountain ranges along the Mae Hong Son Loop, captured from one of its stunning viewpoints.

Amalfi Coast in Italy on a Vespa

Exploring the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa was a dream come true! Stunning coastal views, charming villages, and delicious Italian cuisine made this road trip unforgettable.

Riding along the cliffs, I stopped in picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello, savoring gelato and fresh seafood. The vibrant colors and breathtaking scenery made every moment feel like a postcard. If you seek romance and beauty, this road trip is a must!

Fueled by €3 Aperol Spritz and €6 Margherita pizzas, Italy doesn't have to be an expensive trip either.

Taking a well deserved break from drinking wine and eating pizza

Exploring Ancient Towns in Turkey

Turkey is rich in history and culture, and my road trip through its ancient towns was nothing short of magical. From the lively streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, each stop felt like a journey back in time. I hugged the coast to start with venturing through Troy before heading in land to Cappadocia to witness the striking landscapes at sunrise.

I admired the stunning landscapes and enjoying the warm hospitality of local people. The rich history and diverse culture made this trip an enriching experience that I will cherish forever. I have been back to visit Turkey a few times, which is not something I often do.

A trusty VW Golf makes for an epic travel companion in Turkey

Into the Desert of Morocco from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert

My adventure into the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh was a surreal experience. The journey took me through and over the spectacular Atlas Mountains to the vast, golden dunes of the desert.

Camping beneath the stars and observing camels wandering the sands at sunrise, exploring the ancient rock-carved city of Ait Benhaidu was a dream I never knew I had until I did it. Drinking copious amount of tea offered to me by locals at every meeting, even for an Englishman I was getting to the point of having to refuse any more.

I unexpectedly found myself on the movie set of Gladiator and the forthcoming Chris Nolan movie - Odyssey. The beauty of the desert landscape paired with the warmth of Berber culture made this road trip truly unforgettable. If you're seeking adventure and something exotic, this trip is for you!

Did you even go to Morocco if you don't wear a headscarf at least once?

Queenstown to Auckland in New Zealand

New Zealand is famed for its stunning landscapes, and my road trip from Queenstown to Auckland was no exception. I traveled through breathtaking fjords, rolling hills, and vibrant cities. Even venturing into the odd Hobbit-hole or two.

I stopped at iconic locations like Milford Sound and Rotorua, immersing myself in natural beauty and Maori culture. This road trip is ideal for those who appreciate outdoor adventures and spectacular scenery. Spotting whales and Orca everyone should visit New Zealand at least once, and you should make the time to take a long, long drive there when you do.

South to North Vietnam on a $200 Motorbike

One of the most exhilarating experiences I've had was riding a motorbike from the south to the north of Vietnam. On a bike I purchased on the side of the road for just $200 USD, I set off on this journey with a crew of five other reckless travlers I had met at my hostel in Saigon, navigating bustling cities, serene countryside, and breathtaking coastal roads until we made it to the fabled Halong Bay.

The thrill of weaving through traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, the beaches and sanddunes of Mui Ne, navigating routes to try and avoid cyclones in Hoi An, soaking in the stunning views of Ninh Bihn until we finally made it to our final destination of Ha Long Bay, and experiencing the warmth of local people made this trip unforgettable. 6 beautifully adventure packed weeks of endless fun, breakdowns, wrong turns, crashes, I recommend exploring hidden gems along the way, such as:

• Hoi An: A charming town known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and vibrant lantern festivals.

• Sapa: Famous for its stunning terraced rice fields and rich local culture.

• Da Lat: for amazing waterfall and adventure sports

• Hai Van Pass: before the Hai Giang Loop this was the original reason backpackers came to Vietnam on a motor bike. The true OG's were inspired by Clarkson before he had a farm.

  
  

This journey is about more than just the destination; it's an adventure filled with surprises.

One of the incredible views you'll encounter in Vietnam

California to San Francisco to Las Vegas

My road trip from California to San Francisco and then to Las Vegas was filled with excitement! Starting from the sunny beaches of California, I journeyed up the coast, enjoying gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Camping under the stars and spotting bears and Giant Redwoods. This is the ultimate Bucket List roadtrip.

San Francisco's famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the misty hills of Big Sur, the Hollywood sign and getting ignored by Arnold Schwarchnegger on his bike when I said hello were all highlights.

I absolutely adored camping in the snow at Yosemite and was inspired by the climbers tackling El Capitan before heading in a completely different direction, both geographically and in terms of the general vibe of trip, to the vibrant lights of Las Vegas. Leaving behind nature and tranquility for hedonism and artifical fun, but what fun it is. This journey blended relaxation and excitement, making it one of my most well rounded road trips.

Chilling with your boy on top of Big Blue cracking a cold one as the sun goes down in Zion is just.....!

Fueling Your Travel Spirit

These epic road trips from around the world have ignited my wanderlust and deepened my love for travel. Each journey is filled with unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and precious moments. Whether you're searching for adventure, culture, or the thrill of the open road, these trips are sure to inspire your next journey. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let your adventure begin!

Did we miss an epic ones? Leave us a comment or drop us a message on any roadtrips we should try, and we'll do our best to get our there and experience it.

If you are heading off on a trip of a lifetime, don't forget to grab your Lost in Paradise - Trackable Passport Cover to ensure you are never without your most valuable and important travel documents. Trying to replace a passport abroad in costly both in time and money. Don't let a lost passport ruin the roadtrip of a lifetime!