The Year of the Open Road: Why 2025 Should Start with a Road Trip

In the Chinese Zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Certainly, the prospect of new beginnings comes with the feeling of something exciting, perhaps a road trip, to begin slithering its way to the top of your bucket list. An unparalleled sense of freedom, spontaneity, and connection—a great way to set the tone for the upcoming months.

Most people come up with New Year’s Resolutions—a promise of accomplishing something on the first day of the year. Say you want to set a quota to drive across as many countries as you can. Depending on the country, you might need an International Driving Permit, so it’s always best to check the requirements of your dream country before pumping the gas.

Speaking of pumping the gas, the open road may just be something you need to kickstart the New Year. This guide will help you get on top of that, along with tips and routes to make it all more exciting.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, or time to reflect, here are some reasons why 2025 is the year for road trips.

In a fast-paced world, a road trip is the perfect antidote. It lets you rediscover the joys of unhurried exploration. Whether cruising along scenic coastal highways, weaving through mountain passes, or meandering through quaint towns, a road trip allows you to savor the journey—not just the destination.

Unlike flights and hotels, road trips are entirely customizable. Feel like spending another night under the stars at a cozy campground? Want to detour for that iconic roadside diner everyone raves about? Knock yourself out. In 2025, when flexibility is valued more than ever, this spontaneous travel style feels right at home.

The beauty of road trips lies in their unpredictability. While airplanes whisk you over landscapes and cities, a car is your one-way ticket to discovering treasures waiting to be discovered. That quirky antique shop in the middle of nowhere? That stunning waterfall you stumbled upon by accident? You may as well have won the year with those amazing finds you’ll remember for the next years to come.

With the pandemic, many of us have spent too much time locked up in our homes. Taking a road trip reunites you with the great outdoors—whether hiking in national parks, camping under star-filled skies, or just feeling the wind on your face as you drive.

Beyond nature, road trips are also a chance to reconnect with yourself. Long drives are perfect for introspection, meaningful conversations, and even karaoke marathons that leave your soul lighter and your heart fuller.

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or a significant other, road trips create unparalleled bonding moments. Shared playlists, roadside jokes, and navigating unexpected challenges together forge deeper connections and lifelong memories.

Planning a road trip can be as exciting as the journey itself! With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence and enjoy every mile.

• Choose Your Route

Decide on a destination, research routes, and include must-see stops along with room for detours.

• Set a Budget

Plan for fuel, accommodations, food, and activities. Use apps to find deals and save where you can.

• Prep Your Vehicle

Get a maintenance check, pack a spare tire, and include an emergency kit for safety.

• Schedule Stops

Break your trip into manageable driving hours with regular stops for rest, meals, and sightseeing.

• Pack Essentials

Bring layers, snacks, water, entertainment, and chargers for a comfortable journey.

Starting 2025 with a road trip means immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re chasing rugged mountain peaks, serene coastlines, or charming towns, these routes promise something extraordinary for every traveler.

Highlights: Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal wonders.

Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) loops around the island, offering otherworldly scenery at every turn. Begin in Reykjavik and travel clockwise or vice versa, exploring iconic sites like Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Vatnajökull Glacier, and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Stop in charming fishing villages and soak in natural hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or the lesser-known Mývatn Nature Baths.

Need a short-term ride? Here are a couple of rental car providers in Iceland ready to give you an adventure of a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit: Summer for endless daylight or winter for the Northern Lights.

Highlights: The Twelve Apostles, koala sightings, and stunning ocean views.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, making it a must-see destination on any list of the best road trips in Australia. Begin in Melbourne and follow the winding route past iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Arch. Take a detour into the Great Otway National Park for rainforest walks and waterfalls, and spot koalas in the wild at Kennett River.

Best Time to Visit: November to April for warmer weather and clear skies.

Highlights: Geothermal geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.

A shorter alternative to Iceland’s Ring Road, the Golden Circle is a perfect 1-2 day trip. This loop includes Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO site where tectonic plates meet), the erupting geysers of Geysir, and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall. Perfect for travelers who just want quick sightseeing, this route offers a taste of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but daylight lasts longer in summer.

Highlights: Rolling mountains, fall foliage, and quaint Appalachian towns.

Spanning 469 miles between Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a dream for nature lovers. Drive through the Appalachian Mountains, stopping to hike trails that lead to gushing waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Don’t miss the Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and visit Asheville for its vibrant arts scene and delicious cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: Fall for brilliant foliage or spring for blooming wildflowers.

Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, and charming Irish villages.

Driving in Ireland along this 1,500-mile route on the west coast is ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Explore the Cliffs of Moher, wander through ancient castles, and take in the windswept beauty of the Aran Islands. Towns like Dingle and Galway offer lively pubs, traditional music, and a warm Irish welcome.

Best Time to Visit: Summer for mild weather and longer days.

The open road is calling, and 2025 is your year to answer it. Whether it's a local drive or an international adventure, don’t forget to grab your IDP for seamless exploration abroad. So pack up, fuel your wanderlust, and let the journey redefine your adventure!