THE 10 best road trips across the world have been revealed, through rocky mountains, wild forests, and harsh coastlines.
Some of the most breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime routes around the globe have been complied by Condé Nast Traveller.
Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
The first road trip spans 469 miles and takes explorers from Afton to Cherokee, in the USA.
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Drivers can enjoy taking the scenic route which winds through the rocky wilderness and forests of Virginia and North Carolina.
The journey was named after the blueish hue of the mountains, which were themselves christened Blue Ridge.
While the route is breathtaking at any time of year, the autumn is particularly special as the foliage transforms.
Great St Bernard Pass, Italy
Moving across the pond to Europe, travellers also hail the 143 mile road trip from Turin to Montreux.
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It takes holidaymakers from Italy to Switzerland and is dreamed about by movie buffs.
The opening scene of the Italian Job features the picturesque route, with a shot of a Lamborghini driving over the Great St Bernard’s Pass.
Navigating the largely untouched route may be as daunting as it is stunning for some motorists.
There are sheer drops, winding roads with sharp bends and narrow tunnels along the way.
The Carretera Austral, Chile
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, adventurers could make their way through the pre-historic landscape from Puerto Montt, in Patagonia, to Villa O’Higgins.
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The 770 mile trip features Chile’s Southern Highway, Route 7, which has been dubbed the Carretera Austral.
Holidaymakers are urged to experience the South American wilderness in the months between October and April for the best views.
The route travels through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O’Higgins.
The North Coast 500, Scotland
Equally spectacular views can be enjoyed back in Britain, on the North Coast 500 road trip across Scotland.
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It takes travellers from Inverness, in the Highlands, on a 516 mile journey across Scotland’s coastline.
Drivers and their passengers get to see rugged mountains, sandy beaches and quaint remote villages.
They will pass through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, and the most northerly point, John O’Groats.
Then, the route goes back down the western coast and south through Sutherland, Wester Ross and back to Inverness.
Wayanad Ghat Road, India
The 53 mile road trip from Kozhikode to Wayanad in India is not for the fainthearted.
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There are nail-biting twists and turns through mountainous terrain, and routes through the forest of Western Ghats.
Holidaymakers can drive the Thamarassery Churam mountain pass, which sits 800m above sea level.
They can stop off along the way to take a dip in the scenic waterfalls and go hiking on some breathtaking trials.
The Japanese Alps
Another life-changing road trip ranked in the top 10 is the long way around from Kyoto to Tokyo.
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This 460 mile adventure heads across the Japanese Alps, and offers plenty of unmissable tourist hotspot pitstops along the way.
Those who make the drive can stop off in the Onsen, Japanese hot spring spas in the mountains, and see iconic landmarks.
The Samurai city of Matsumoto is on the way, as well as the historic town of Karuizawa and finally Tokyo itself.
Atlantic Road, Norway
Hailed as one of the best ways to experience Norway, the 69 mile expedition from Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge will not disappoint.
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As suggested in the name, drivers will be able to take in magnificent views of the Atlantic.
Experiences will vary a lot depending on what season you decide to travel, as there can be some fierce storms in the winter.
Southern Utah National Park Circuit, USA
The USA is famous for Route 66, but real adventurers know the Southern Utah National Park Circuit is one the their bucket list.
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The trip stretches a whopping 475 miles from Dead Horse Point to Zion National Park.
Those along for the ride can experience the desert landscapes of Southern Utah.
They can take in the Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
The Panorama Route, South Africa
Meanwhile, in South Africa, The Panorama Route has made it into the top 10.
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The 130 mile trip takes drivers from Hoedspruit to Pilgrim’s Rest and goes over Drakensberg Escarpment.
Explorers will stop off at the Blyde River Canyon, which has been nicknamed “God’s Window”.
They can also see the famous Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa’s border with Mozambique.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Finally, all the way down under, The Great Ocean Road in Australia offers the 340 miles trip of a life time.
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It spans from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and takes drivers back to their start point.
The route begins at Torquay, and goes along the coastline, finishing just before Port Campbell.
