Nothing beats an old-fashioned road trip: you’ve got your motoring playlist, your bags in the boot and your heart and mind set for thrilling landscapes and adventure. Here are five of the world’s most epic road trips.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
A dream route for motorists, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is an extraordinary drive. This beautiful road attracts around one million visitors in the summer months and ranks among the top three attractions in Austria. With a total of only 48 km/30 miles from Fusch-Ferleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, the drive is a real treat.  

Don’t miss: If time is not on your side, the famous view from Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is the highlight of the tour. It opens up the remarkable vista of Austria’s largest mountain, the eponymous Grossglockner. The High Tauern National Park is also nearby, a popular nature destination where you can see the majestic ibex, spot the legendary marmots, and feel the power of Krimml Waterfalls –  Europe’s highest waterfalls. 

Great Ocean Road, Australia 
Known as one of the most popular road trips in the world, this iconic Australian beauty stretches over 155 miles/250 km along the Southern Ocean. In a four-hour drive, you have a chance to see the unique native wildlife, the impressive 20-million-year-old limestone rock formations and, of course, the breath-taking coastline that awes nearly three million visitors every year. 

Don’t miss: Enjoying the panoramic view from the sea cliffs in Port Campbell National Park, having the most unforgettable helicopter tour over the coast, and hitting the waves in Torquay – the surfing headquarters of Australia. 

Route 62, South Africa
If you have more than one day, Route 62 is a perfect option. Known as the longest wine route, taking in more than 30 beautiful wine estates with cellar doors, Route 62 is a window to authentic South African culture and its landscapes. The 850 km/528 mile stretch takes at least ten hours to drive, but every metre is worth it. 

Don’t miss: One of the most delightful experiences is to spend the morning in Oudsthoorn – the ostrich capital of the world. You can interact with the giant birds, ride or even race them. To complete the long journey, stop at the hot mineral springs at Warmwaterberg Spa to relax and enjoy some drinks. 

Ticlio Pass, Peru 
If you crave intensity and thrill, you must put driving across the Ticlio Pass on your travel bucket list. It is a literally breathtaking trip through Peru’s Andes mountains. The experience will be hair-raising: the altitude of 4,818m/15,807 ft. As one of the most dangerous roads in the world, it is full of crazy bends and wild llamas darting from the scenery.

Don’t miss: Built for the mining community, Ticlio railroad is a must-see. 

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
August is the busiest time on this road, to avoid the crowds, time your trip for spring, the months of March to May are best. The road is suspended between the blue sky and spectacular sea views. The narrow road with numerous bends demands real driving skill – the Mediterranean landscape and dramatic coastline are totally worth it. 

Don’t miss: Spend at least one to two days to enjoy the 35 miles/56 km of these gasp-worthy views. Start in Salerno and drive to the cliff-top of Sorrento for a tasty Limoncello made from local lemons. Then head to the paradise that are the pebble beaches of Positano.