Top 10 roadtrip destinations (the 2016 list, still worth stealing ideas from)

If you’re looking for a roadtrip that feels like more than “just driving”, this classic Planet Ride selection still hits: big horizons, strong cultures, and routes that reward anyone who travels with intention. Below, you’ll find ten destinations—car, motorbike, 4x4, campervan—written as short, decisive vignettes: what you’ll feel on the road, why it matters, and where/when to stop. It’s not a technical manual, but it’s concrete enough to start sketching your next escape—and to compare what fits your riding style, your season, and your appetite for distance.

TOP 10 destinations (selection format)

#1: USA by car

What it is: One country, many worlds—East Coast cities (New York, Washington, Boston), wide-open Western parks, Florida’s Latin edge, and California’s coastal light.

Why it matters: The USA is made for long-distance days and iconic transitions: urban energy to empty desert in a handful of hours.

Where/when to stop: Build time for at least one “big park day” where you drive less and walk more. For a Western vibe, start here: l’Ouest des USA. On a real roadtrip, expect 4–6 hours of driving to be a full day once stops add up.

#2: Canada by motorbike

What it is: Big North energy, changing weather, huge distances, and a feeling of space you don’t “visit”—you cross.

Why it matters: Seasonality is everything: ride in the right window and you get long days, crisp air, and roadscapes that reset your pace.

Where/when to stop: Think “north tracks” and wide lakes rather than city-hopping. A strong starting point: roadtrip à moto. Carry an offline map: coverage drops fast once you leave main corridors.

#3: Namibia by 4x4

What it is: Low population density, long gravel stretches, wildlife around water points at dusk, and silence that feels physical.

Why it matters: Namibia teaches patience and precision: distances look short on a map, but gravel roads slow you down.

Where/when to stop: Plan fuel stops conservatively and top up whenever you can—stations can be far apart outside main towns. Late afternoon is prime for wildlife near waterholes; avoid rushing that hour.

#4: Morocco by 4x4

What it is: Atlantic to mountains to desert: gardens, souks, palaces, and terrain that changes within a single day.

Why it matters: It’s one of the best “variety-per-kilometer” roadtrips: you can combine culture and off-road without losing rhythm.

Where/when to stop: Shoulder seasons are your friend for heat management. For a desert-focused format: voyager en 4x4. Keep extra water in the car even on short stages—dry air dehydrates quietly.

#5: Spain by motorbike

What it is: Beaches and coves, cathedrals and museums, mountains in the north, warmer Mediterranean lines toward the center and south.

Why it matters: Spain rewards riders who like mixing curves with culture: you can ride a morning of twisties and still land in a serious city by dinner.

Where/when to stop: Andalusia is a classic for village rhythm and light. The original link stands: Partez à motor (typo kept from source). Avoid stacking too many late arrivals—Spanish evenings run long; fatigue shows up the next day.

#6: Corsica by motorbike

What it is: A small island with a strong identity and constant changes in relief—coast, ridgelines, tight villages, and scented maquis.

Why it matters: It’s a “dense” roadtrip: short distances, high intensity. Curves demand attention, and that’s the charm.

Where/when to stop: Use Corsica as a quality-over-quantity ride: fewer kilometers, more stops. Explore options: Corse à moto. Expect narrow roads and limited passing—start earlier to ride in cooler, quieter hours.

#7: Ireland by campervan

What it is: Warm people, quick-shifting weather, remote corners, and landscapes that look better when clouds move fast.

Why it matters: A campervan smooths the climate variable: you keep your comfort while staying close to the wild edges.

Where/when to stop: Leave room for “weather days” where you drive less and linger more. Wind can be strong on exposed coasts—keep driving time flexible rather than ambitious.

#8: Cuba by motorbike

What it is: Beaches, mountains, charismatic towns, and a cultural pull that’s as strong as the landscapes—Havana and Trinidad are staples.

Why it matters: Cuba is about rhythm: music, people, and the feeling of traveling slightly out of time.

Where/when to stop: Plan for slower average speeds and more roadside interactions than you’d expect. Keep cash accessible for small local stops; card acceptance can be uneven.

#9: Italy by car

What it is: A country in layers—lakes and food in the north, Florence/Siena culture in the center, archaeology and southern heat below.

Why it matters: Italy turns a drive into a sequence of flavors and architecture; it’s a roadtrip where “lunch” is part of the itinerary.

Where/when to stop: If you’re chasing a classic motoring mood, follow segments linked to the Mille Miglia spirit. Avoid city centers by car at peak hours—park outside and walk in.

#10: Croatia by motorbike

What it is: A bridge between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, shaped by layered histories—and a coastline scattered with more than 1,000 islands and islets.

Why it matters: It’s one of Europe’s best “coastal ride” plays: sea views, national parks, and consistent day-to-day pleasure.

Where/when to stop: Stay coastal for the riding flow, then cut inland for nature breaks. Explore: à moto sa magnifique côte.

Planet Ride pro tip (cadence, not bravado)

On a multi-day roadtrip, don’t stack your longest driving days back-to-back. The best trips alternate: one “transit” day, one “short-but-rich” day. It keeps focus sharp, reduces risk, and leaves space for the unexpected—closed roads, heat, wind, or the detour you’ll remember most.

Mini-FAQ

How many hours should I plan per day on a roadtrip?

For a relaxed pace, 4–6 hours of real driving is often plenty once you add stops, viewpoints, meals, and slower sections (mountains, gravel, towns).

Do I need offline navigation?

Yes for remote areas (Canada’s north, Namibia, parts of Morocco). Download offline maps and keep a backup power option in the vehicle.

Motorbike or car: what’s the best choice for these destinations?

Choose motorbike for countries where the road is the experience (Spain, Corsica, Croatia, Canada). Choose car/4x4 when distance, comfort, or terrain dictates the rhythm (USA, Namibia, Morocco).

À savoir aujourd’hui

This article is a 2016-style selection, and the inspiration still holds: the landscapes, cultures, and riding/driving logic haven’t changed. What should be checked before leaving is everything that moves fast—entry requirements, local regulations, seasonal access, and booking pressure in peak months. Plan your route with enough slack to adapt on the ground.