Top 10 Roadtrip Destinations (2017 pick) for Riders & Drivers

Chapeau (2017 selection, still useful in 2026): Looking for a Route 66 moto classic, a 4x4 wilderness fix, or a tight island loop where every corner matters? This 2017 selection gathers ten places that consistently deliver on what we chase on a motorized trip: long horizons, a clean line of travel, and daily rides that feel earned. Expect a mix of paved legend roads and rougher tracks, plus a few “slow travel” icons like a Vespa in southern Italy. Use it as inspiration, then shape the pace to your level—because on a roadtrip, rhythm is safety.

1 — Namibia by 4x4: big skies, real wilderness

What it feels like: Namibia is made for distance and silence—salt pans, dunes, gravel plains, and wildlife zones that don’t feel staged.

Why it matters: You can combine scenery and fauna in one line: Damaraland’s raw spaces, the classic game viewing of Etosha, and cultural encounters with communities such as the Himba.

Where / when to stop: Plan a long day between key regions (often 5–7 hours of real driving once you add breaks and rough surfaces). Gravel can be corrugated—drop speed, increase following distance, and keep water accessible in the cabin.

2 — The USA by motorcycle: the myth, the miles

What it feels like: The United States is scale: deserts, mesas, national parks, and those towns that look like a movie set—because they helped create the movie.

Why it matters: The Route 66 moto ride is still the reference: a ribbon of Americana, plus detours to canyons, parks, and historic sites. Add a rally atmosphere with bike weeks and festivals—expos, drag racing, concerts, custom culture.

Where / when to stop: Treat the days like endurance, not a checklist: on open interstates, fatigue creeps in. A pro cadence is 90 minutes riding / 15 minutes off—you stay sharp and enjoy the details.

3 — Corsica by motorcycle: the “Island of Beauty”, corner after corner

What it feels like: Coastal roads, mountain spines, granite villages—Corsica is compact but intense, a place where a short distance can take time.

Why it matters: A moto corse loop delivers variety fast: sea views in the morning, cool forested sections by afternoon, and swims in natural pools when the riding day ends.

Where / when to stop: Don’t overpack the day. On narrow, twisty roads, 200–250 km can already be full. Choose one highlight per half-day and keep time for unplanned viewpoints.

4 — South Africa by 4x4: safari tracks and wine-country curves

What it feels like: A country of contrasts: modern cities, traditional villages, and a constant pull between coastline, bush, and mountains.

Why it matters: It’s a benchmark for 4x4 safari travel—paved connectors, sandy stretches, and landscapes that flip from savanna to vineyards along the famous wine routes.

Where / when to stop: Build in early starts for wildlife zones (cooler air, more movement). Keep fuel strategy simple: refill when you can, not when you must—distances between services can surprise you outside major corridors.

5 — Ireland by motorcycle: ocean air on the Wild Atlantic Way

What it feels like: Changing light, sea spray, green valleys, and that constant sense of riding at the edge of the world.

Why it matters: The north and west deliver one of the most rewarding coastal rides in Europe. The Wild Atlantic Way stacks cliffs, beaches, and mountain passes in a single day’s arc.

Where / when to stop: Wind and rain aren’t a “maybe”—they’re part of the trip. Pack waterproof layers you can put on fast, and plan shorter riding days so you’re not forced to ride tired in poor visibility.

6 — Cuba by motorcycle: slow roads, strong character

What it feels like: Coastal stretches, inland hills, and a living backdrop of preserved architecture—Cuba has a rhythm you don’t rush.

Why it matters: It’s not just scenery: it’s the human contact, the music in the streets, and the sense of traveling through a culture that welcomes conversation.

Where / when to stop: Expect variable road surfaces and lighting at night—finish your riding day before dark when possible. Carry offline maps; coverage can be uneven once you leave major cities.

7 — Italy, Puglia by Vespa: the art of taking your time

What it feels like: The south of Italy is made for a small engine and a long lunch: sea cliffs, olive groves, limestone villages.

Why it matters: Puglia blends landscape and heritage—Alberobello’s trulli, the region’s stone architecture, and the surreal atmosphere of places like the Grotte di Castellana.

Where / when to stop: Ride early, explore on foot midday, ride again late afternoon. On a Vespa, comfort is your “range”—keep stages flexible and enjoy the micro-detours.

8 — Madagascar by motorcycle: red earth and demanding tracks

What it feels like: Authentic, remote, sometimes rough—Madagascar rewards riders who accept that the road may decide the schedule.

Why it matters: The island’s mix of colonial-era roads and broken tracks can feel purpose-built for adventure riding: sand, grass, ruts, and long days where progress is measured in focus, not speed.

Where / when to stop: Water and tool kit are not optional. When it’s hot, dehydration comes fast under a helmet—sip constantly, not only at stops.

9 — India by motorcycle on the Spice Route: tropical curves and sensory overload

What it feels like: Dense, vivid, and alive—India is a full sensory ride, especially in the south.

Why it matters: The southern spice regions link plantations (tea, coffee, spices) and wildlife-rich areas across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with a riding backdrop that changes by the hour.

Where / when to stop: Start early to avoid the busiest traffic windows. In humid conditions, plan more breaks—heat management is part of safe riding.

10 — Laos by motorcycle: enduro country, river crossings included

What it feels like: A northern playground for enduro: remote villages, mountain trails, and that feeling of being far from “easy logistics”.

Why it matters: The appeal is the mix of technical riding—tracks, rivers, climbs—and the rare cultural exchange with isolated ethnic communities.

Where / when to stop: If your route includes water crossings, keep your day light: one tricky section can consume time. Protect documents in a dry bag and keep a basic first-aid kit accessible.

Mini-guide: how to turn inspiration into a safe, strong roadtrip

• Choose your pace before choosing your distance: twisty islands and gravel deserts don’t “count” the same in kilometers.
• Plan fuel and water first: in remote areas, refill early; in hot climates, carry extra water and drink steadily.
• Offline is a real tool: download maps before you leave urban areas; keep charging solutions (power bank / bike USB) reliable.
• Planet Ride pro tip: structure your day around alertness—ride the technical parts when you’re fresh, keep the easy connectors for late afternoon.

FAQ

How many days do you need for a Route 66 moto trip?

To enjoy it without turning it into a daily sprint, most riders plan around two weeks for the classic line, with rest days for key stops and weather buffers.

What’s the best season for Ireland by motorcycle?

Late spring to early autumn gives longer days, but expect fast-changing weather year-round. Pack for rain even when forecasts look good.

Do you need special preparation for a Madagascar motorcycle roadtrip?

Yes: expect rough tracks and slower average speeds. Prioritize hydration, basic tools, and a realistic daily plan that leaves room for delays.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This is a 2017 inspirational selection, and the core appeal of these destinations remains unchanged: landscape, riding culture, and variety. What should be checked before departure in 2026: entry requirements, local regulations (protected areas, permits), road conditions, and current connectivity options (eSIM coverage, offline mapping). Also verify seasonal access constraints that can affect tracks and park routes.