Hitting the Road Around the World
Driving can be exhilarating. Or it can test your sanity as you inch forward in traffic. It all depends on where you're driving. Some nations appear tailor-made for those who love to drive. Others make you want to examine every life decision that resulted in renting a vehicle. Here are ten great driving destinations and ten places where driving will try your soul.
1. Germany
The roads feel like they were designed by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts. Driving on the Autobahn with no speed limit feels exhilarating but not unsafe. Driving between cities is simple and easy, with helpful signage and courteous drivers.
2. Switzerland
Driving in Switzerland feels relaxing instead of stressful. The roads are pristine and easy to navigate with helpful signage. Drivers are respectful of others and abide by traffic laws without incident.
3. United States
America’s wide roads were built with cars in mind. Between cities you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the open highway. You won’t feel rushed or worried about keeping up with locals.
Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
4. Australia
Australia is huge and it shows when you’re behind the wheel. Traffic won’t last long once you get out of the cities and onto highways. You’ll spend more time marveling at how open it all is.
5. Canada
Canada’s roads are well-behaved compared to many we drive in. Canadian drivers are courteous which helps relieve stress. You may even find yourself looking forward to long-distance drives.
6. Japan
Crowded doesn’t have to mean crazy and Japan is the proof. Traffic in Japan zooms along and drivers are respectful of one another. You’ll wonder how everything runs so smoothly despite the volume.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand seems custom made for road trips. The drives are just as enjoyable as the destinations with clear marked roads. Don’t be surprised if you pull over for a picture more than traffic.
8. Austria
Austria is another mountainous country with pleasant drives. Tunnels, bridges, and excellent signage make for easy navigation. Driving in Austria will feel orderly.
9. Netherlands
Have you ever wondered what happens when a society plans things well? Take a drive in the Netherlands to find out. Lane markings are clear and traffic flows in predictable patterns.
10. Iceland
Few places offer the isolation Iceland’s roads provide. Traffic is light and the views are out of this world. It won’t feel like you share the road with anyone.
Now take a deep breath because while driving in these countries is a dream the opposite is true in these 10.
1. India
If chaos feels controlled, India is your happy place. Lane sharing is common, as are motorbikes and rickshaws. You’ll need to stay alert at all times or you just might get run over.
2. Italy
Italian drivers are just as passionate about driving as they are about everything else. Getting around in a car can feel stressful, especially when navigating city traffic. You’ll hang onto your steering wheel for dear life.
3. Brazil
Road conditions and driver behaviors change from city block to city block. While driving in Brazil you’ll find yourself white-knuckling it more than relaxing and enjoying the scenery. The traffic changes every minute making it even less comfortable.
Agustin Diaz Gargiulo on Unsplash
4. Thailand
Driving in Thailand feels like organized madness. Motor scooters, cars, and pedestrians everywhere. Traffic often flows with poor regard for actual laws.
5. Egypt
Lane switching in Egypt is more of an art than a science. Drivers rely heavily on honking at each other to get by. It’s enough to make you want to drive aimlessly.
6. Russia
Driving conditions in Russia can be poor and drivers rude. Traffic will test your patience and maybe your sanity while you’re driving in Russia. You will have to be a very experienced driver to not have problems.
7. Vietnam
Motorbikes pack and weave the roads of Vietnam. Drivers of actual cars will feel out of place and confused on where to drive. The road seems like it has no rules.
8. Mexico
Driving in Mexico can be pleasant one minute and stressful the next. Road conditions and signage are hit or miss so you’ll find it hard to truly relax. The road quality makes it very stressful.
9. Indonesia
Traffic is dense, crowded, and stressful. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the same spot for hours during rush hour. Every time you drive will be a time you regret.
10. Morocco
Traffic law seems to fly out the window when you mix cars and camels. Moroccans share the road with animals, pedestrians, and wash trucks. Your brain will feel fried after a quick drive.
