Epic Journeys: Routes Every Traveler Should Embark On

12 July 2025

Travel. It’s more than just ticking destinations off a list, right? It’s about the journey, the experiences on the road, the people you meet, and those jaw-dropping moments when you realize—this is what life is all about. If you’ve ever felt the itch to pack your bags and chase the horizon, this one’s for you.

There are routes across this wide, wild world that are more than just roads or trails—they’re transformative passages. They hold stories, scenery, and soul. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a spiritual seeker, or a laid-back wanderer, there’s a journey out there that’s just calling your name.

So buckle up (or lace up your hiking boots), because we’re diving into a list of epic journeys every traveler should experience at least once.

1. The Pacific Coast Highway – California Dreamin’

Let’s start with an American classic. The Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) clings to California’s rugged coastline like a tightrope walker. It stretches from San Francisco to Los Angeles—or San Diego if you’re going all out.

Picture this: the salty wind blowing through your hair, waves crashing against cliffs, and scenic stops every few miles. Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara… this road is like a playlist of California’s greatest hits.

Why is it epic?

Because it’s more than just a road trip—it’s a love letter to the California dream. Ideal for slow travel, spontaneous stops at beach towns, and fish tacos with Pacific views.

2. The Trans-Siberian Railway – The Iron Spine of Russia

Ever wanted to cross nearly a third of the planet by train? Here's your chance. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continuous railway line in the world. It starts in Moscow and (if you stay on board) ends in Vladivostok after 9,200+ km of shifting landscapes.

Mountains, vast forests, sleepy towns, and cloudy steppes roll past your window like an old film reel. It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about everything in between.

Pro tip: Break up your trip! Hop off in Irkutsk for Lake Baikal, or Ulan-Ude for a slice of Buryat culture.

3. Camino de Santiago – Walk Your Way to Awakening

This isn’t just a hike. It’s a pilgrimage. The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a network of walking routes across Europe, all leading to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The most popular route? The Camino Francés—from St. Jean Pied de Port in France, crossing through the Pyrenees, quaint Spanish villages, and rolling hills.

People come for the challenge but stay for the transformation. It's common to meet fellow hikers who started the journey with one thing in mind, and finished with something entirely different.

It's not about escaping your life—it’s about finding it.

4. Route 66 – Get Your Kicks (and Then Some)

Ah, the Mother Road. Route 66 is a slice of classic American nostalgia stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. It’s all vintage diners, neon signs, roadside oddities, and a solid dose of Americana.

You’ll cruise through eight states, each with its own flavor—from the cornfields of Illinois to the deserts of Arizona.

It’s like time-traveling through the golden age of road trips. Perfect for history buffs, culture explorers, and anyone who thinks “the long way” is the best way.

5. The Garden Route – Nature’s Playground in South Africa

The Garden Route is South Africa's greatest hits album wrapped into a 300-km stretch along the southern coast. Starting from Mossel Bay and ending in Storms River, it's got the whole package—beaches, forests, lagoons, mountains, and wildlife.

Ever dreamed of bungee jumping from the world’s highest commercial bridge jump? Bloukrans Bridge has your name on it. Prefer spotting elephants and dolphins? You’re covered too.

It’s rugged beauty meets laid-back vibes. Rent a car, take it slow, and don’t forget your camera.

6. The Silk Road – The Ancient Trail of Trade and Tales

If history fascinates you, the Silk Road is the ultimate time machine. It’s not a single road but a vast network connecting the East to the West—from China to the Mediterranean.

You’ll follow in the footsteps of merchants, monks, and adventurers from over 2,000 years ago. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Xi’an, and Kashgar are bursting with ancient charm.

Yes, it’s a bit off the beaten path. But that’s the point. This journey is rich in culture, mystery, and the kind of stories you’ll tell your grandkids one day.

7. Patagonia – The Edge of the World

This isn’t a single road or trail—it’s a region split between Argentina and Chile, and it’s as wild as it gets. Think jagged peaks, shimmering glaciers, turquoise lakes, and a sky so vast it makes you feel tiny.

The Carretera Austral in Chile is a road trip through raw beauty, and hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine? Life-changing.

Heads up: This is for those who don’t mind getting dirty, cold, or out of breath. But oh, is it worth every blister.

8. The Great Ocean Road – Australia’s Cliffside Wonder

Australia’s southern coast is stitched together by the Great Ocean Road—a 243-km stretch packed with some of the most dramatic coastal views on the planet.

You’ll meet the famous Twelve Apostles (limestone stacks rising from the sea), wind through lush rainforests, surf at Bells Beach, and maybe spot a few koalas in the treetops.

It’s chill, scenic, and has that road-trip, windows-down, music-blasting vibe.

9. The Himalayas – Roof of the World

Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for the seeker of soul-shaking views and spiritual introspection. Whether you're trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal or motorbiking through Ladakh in India, the Himalayas humble you.

Here, altitude takes your breath away—literally and figuratively. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, peaks pierce the sky, and every step feels like a deeper dive into yourself.

This journey isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s about awakening something inside.

10. Amalfi Coast – Italy’s Coastal Chic Drive

If you like your epic journeys with a dash of glam, look no further. The Amalfi Coast road winds along cliffs above the Mediterranean with postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Villages like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are like living paintings. Grab a gelato, soak in the sunshine, and pretend you're in a classic Italian film.

Yes, the road is narrow, winding, and occasionally terrifying—but that’s part of the thrill. It’s beauty and chaos in perfect harmony.

11. Iceland’s Ring Road – Looping Through Land of Fire & Ice

This one’s for the road-trip junkies and nature buffs. The Ring Road, or Route 1, wraps around Iceland like a ribbon, circling glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, geothermal springs, and so much more.

One minute you’re walking behind a waterfall, the next you’re soaking in a hot spring under the northern lights. Every stop feels like a scene from another planet.

Best done with a camper van, a camera, and good company.

12. The Inca Trail – Peru’s Ancient Path to Machu Picchu

This is adventure with a capital A. The Inca Trail is a 4-day hike through the Sacred Valley, winding through cloud forests, ancient ruins, and high mountain passes—all culminating at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu.

It’s a test of endurance, but also a spiritual and cultural journey. Walking these ancient steps, you feel a powerful connection to history, the earth, and yourself.

13. The Scottish Highlands – Legends & Landscapes

Set your GPS off and just wander. The Scottish Highlands are where myths meet mountains. Loch Ness (yes, THAT Nessie), Glen Coe, Isle of Skye—it’s all wrapped in mist, history, and magic.

Drive the North Coast 500 route for a bucket-list-worthy loop full of dramatic cliffs, fairy pools, and whisky distilleries.

Pro tip: Take it slow. Let the landscapes sink in. Who knows, you might even spot a Highland cow or two.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Awaits

Here’s the truth—everyone’s “epic” will look different. Maybe it’s a solo trek across a mountain range. Maybe it’s a road trip with your childhood best friend. Maybe it’s riding a rusty train through unfamiliar lands and laughing with strangers who barely speak your language.

Whatever it is, don’t wait. Life isn’t meant to be lived in one place. There’s a whole world out there, and it’s ready to change you in ways you can’t even imagine.

So pick a route, pack your bag, and start your own epic journey.