Exploring the Longest Road Trips: A Journey Through Americas and Beyond
Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a road trip that spans multiple countries and states? The allure of the open road, the freedom to explore, and the breathtaking landscapes make road trips the ultimate travel experience. In this article, we'll delve into the longest road trips that can be taken in North America and further afield, including routes in the United States, Canada, and even parts of South America.
The Best Road Trips in North America
The United States, with its vast landscape and extensive road network, is a natural haven for road trippers. The country's 6 million kilometers of highways, the longest road network globally, make it a haven for long-distance adventures. A road trip across the United States typically takes around 20 days, during which you can traverse approximately 15 states, each offering a unique charm and cultural experience.
One of the most iconic routes is Route 66, often referred to as the loneliest road in America. This historic route stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, offering a series of small towns, vast deserts, and the beauty of America's midwest. Although not entirely intact, many sections remain, providing a real sense of the bygone era.
The Alaska-Canada Road Trip is another epic journey that many aspire to undertake. This route, crossing the border from British Columbia to Alaska via the Alcan Highway, is a literal journey through the heart of North America. Covering approximately 2600 miles, it takes around 25 days to complete, but the scenery makes every mile worth it. Along the way, you'll experience the incredible beauty of the Canadian Rockies, the vast expanses of Alaska, and finally, the rugged Alaskan coastline.
Longest Road Trips in Other Parts of the World
While North America is known for its expansive road networks, other parts of the world also offer formidable long-distance journeys. The Island of Great Britain is a unique place to explore. The M25 motorway, which circles Greater London, provides an endless loop for curious travelers. Keeping the M25 as your perimeter, you can drive for as long as you like, pausing only for fuel and rest stops. This journey allows for a truly immersive experience of the British landscape, without ever leaving the main road.
For those looking for a truly extensive journey, the Australian Route 1 offers a different kind of experience. This coast-to-coast route stretches over 15,000 km, covering 35 states and territories, and taking around 45 days to complete. With diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to tropical rainforests, the road offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring remote outback towns to lounging on golden beaches.
Personal Experiences
Personal road trips can vary greatly in distance and duration. One of the most memorable journeys was from Guelph, ON to Vancouver, BC, taking a total of 8860 km to complete. This trip, undertaken entirely on Canadian roads, provided an unparalleled view of the Canadian landscape. From the lush forests of Ontario to the rugged terrain of British Columbia, this journey offered a true sense of adventure and exploration.
For shorter but equally impactful road trips, the author has completed several 15,000-mile journeys in the US and 20,300-kilometer journeys in Western Europe. These trips, undertaken over more extended periods, often involved overnight camps or stays in youth hostels, adding a layer of comfort and exploration to the journey. By breaking the trip into segments, these road trips allowed for more relaxed travel and a deeper engagement with the landscape.
In conclusion, the world is full of long and fulfilling road trip opportunities. Whether you're planning a journey across America, exploring the British Isles, or venturing to other continents, the vast and varied landscapes offer endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. So pack your bags, ignite your car, and start your epic journey today!