Road trips are the best way to see any country and you can take in large parts of a nation without having to leave your vehicle. Many people plan road trips for the summer months because the roads are clear, and the weather is warm. However, some of the top road trips are in winter and below you will find the best road trips you can make in the winter months.
Ring Road in Iceland
We begin with the Ring Road in Iceland. As the name suggests, the Ring Road is the main road that circles its way around the country. If you are willing to rent a 4×4 with wheel chains, you will be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. In fact, much of the scenery you will witness when embarking on a winter road trip around the Ring Road of Iceland is otherworldly. The black sand beaches are covered in a blanket of white snow, the snow-capped mountains are stunning set against the barren landscape, and the waterfalls are tremendous, whatever time of year you travel. Not everyone speaks English outside the capital of Reykjavik, so it is best to have an international driving permit with you at all times.
Icefields Parkway in Canada
Icefields Parkway is 225 kilometres of road that goes through both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains. During the summer months, there are often tourist buses running up and down this route but in winter, it transforms into one of the best drives in North America. Bow Lake, Tangle Falls, and Crowfoot Glacier are just some of the scenic stops you can make along the Icefields Parkway, and you will often see wildlife on the edge of the road, including caribou, goats, and bighorn sheep. There is enough light during the day to make substantial progress along Icefields Parkway in winter and the roads are cleared early in the morning, with continued road clearing throughout daylight hours.
Southern Scenic Route in New Zealand
Moving down to New Zealand and the Southern Scenic Route shows off everything New Zealand has to offer. You will see remote beaches, small towns, big cities, waterfalls, mountains, and fjords. During the winter months of June, July, and August, the tips of the mountains are white and for anyone who is a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, you will be in heaven. There is over 600 kilometres of road to travel, and the myriad of landscapes is a remarkable sight.
Route 100 in United States
Spanning over 300 kilometres, Route 100 is Vermont’s longest state highway and runs through the Green Mountains. You can stop and spend time in the magnificent stake parks, New England villages, ski resorts, and Green Mountain National Forest during winter. As you head north along Route 100, the forests and mountains begin turning white, but the roads are always well maintained as Vermont embraces winter and everything it has to offer.