best road trip photo album

The 13 Best Road Trip Albums for Every Leg of the Journey

There’s nothing like being on the open road…but let’s be real, extended periods behind the wheel only feel like a vacation, not a headache (or backache or buttache), when you have really great music to groove to. Here, a roundup of the very best road trip albums for your listening pleasure, whether you need a soundtrack for solo car travel or are simply trying to tune out a backseat driver in the most enjoyable way possible.

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1. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac (1977)

• Best for Stormy Weather

There's never a bad time to put on Fleetwood Mac’s best-selling album, but we’re particularly partial to it when stormy weather strikes. Slow your roll (for safety’s sake, of course) and turn up the volume on moody, high drama hits, like “The Chain,” “Gold Dust Woman” and “Oh Daddy.” Then, transition to the peppier tracks and put the pedal to the metal when the sun comes out—because, yes, this album kind of has it all.

2. Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones (1972)

• Best Rock and Roll

This masterpiece from the Stones is arguably the best rock n’ roll album of all time, so it should come as no surprise that it has too-cool-for-school summer vibes to spare. In fact, the album—a clever compilation of blues, country and straight rock songs—captures nearly every aspect of the all-American road trip experience with bonus points for technical brilliance.

3. Ramblin' Man by Hank Williams (1955)

• Best for Night Driving

Hank Williams’ voice is one of a kind: beautiful, haunting and, above all, never boring. If you’re looking for a deeply emotional nighttime listen that’s more badass than weepy and will keep you wide awake without killing the chill vibe, this album—a perfect expression of the influential country singer’s ramblin’ blues—has got you covered.

4. United by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)

• Best for Couples

Listen to soul artists Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s first duet album and you’d never believe the pair were actually just BFFs. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is obvious fodder for a passionate sing-along, but the loving feeling and wholesome upbeat vibes of all the other tracks—including “You Got What It Takes,” “Your Precious Love” and a quirky cover of “Somethin’ Stupid,” to name a few—combine to create a perfect soundtrack for road trip romance.

5. Little Creatures by Talking Heads (1985)

• Best for Kicking Off Your Journey

The poppiest and most approachable of Talking Heads albums, Little Creatures might as well be David Byrne’s answer to the question at hand. Neither too weird, nor too grating, this album is full of positive energy and even features opening and closing tracks (“And She Was” and “Road to Nowhere”) that perfectly illustrate the trajectory of road trip enthusiasm without ever killing the mood.

6. Take Me to Your Leader by King Geedorah (2003)

• Best for Traffic

Got slowdown up ahead? Just queue up this work of genius from King Geedorah AKA MF Doom. You can expect masterfully sampled tracks, lo-fi beats and the lyrical stylings of a true wordsmith, plus an epic storyline that’s infinitely better than any audiobook you can find. In other words, it’s an immersive listening experience that will make you feel so damn cool, you won’t even mind that you’re going nowhere fast.

7. The Writing's on the Wall by Destiny's Child (1999)

• Best Throwback

Take a trip back in time to when Beyoncé was fronting a girl group and frosted tips were still cool with this nostalgic favorite, which features modern classics like “Say My Name” and “Bugaboo.” Trust us, your soul has been asking you for a Destiny’s Child sing-along with friends for at least a decade.

8. The Band by The Band (1969)

• Best for Country Driving

So you made it out of the big city and are ready for some music that matches the country scenery? Try The Band’s self-titled album, an easy-listening (in the best sense of the word) folk-rock gem that features impressive musical talent and plays out like American history come to life—so much so that you’d never guess all but one of the guys responsible is Canadian.

9. Greatest Hits by Tom Petty (1976)

• Best Compilation

We couldn’t pick just one Tom Petty album for the list since every damn one was destined to be the soundtrack for a carefree summer road trip. Fortunately, we didn’t have to since this compilation really does cover all the red-blooded rock and roll hits the legendary artist produced.

10. Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs (2014)

• Best Indie Jam

Understated chord changes and a melancholic tone characterize The War on Drugs’ refreshing reinterpretation of classic rock on Lost in the Dream , which happens to be an ode to restless wandering and is also arguably the most polished album the indie band has put out. Intricate, poignant and just right for a (relatively) low key music moment, this fine-tuned gem is well worth listening to from start to finish.

11. The Journey - Pt. 1 by The Kinks (2023)

• Best to Listen to on Repeat

If you had to listen to only one album for an entire road trip, this might be the one—namely because The Kinks are such an exceptional example of a truly diverse band. Their repertoire includes whiffs of British Invasion pop with “You Really Got Me,” angst-ridden numbers like “Dead End Street” and “I’m Not Like Everybody Else,” whimsical ditties like “Lola,” dreamy, romantic songs like “Nothin’ in the World Can Stop Me Worrying ‘Bout That Girl” and even tracks that were tailor made for driving off into the (Waterloo) sunset. And yep, this compilation has ‘em all, so you’re likely to never get bored.

12. Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston

• Best for Road Trip Karaoke

Prepare your pipes, but don’t feel bad if you can’t match Whitney’s vocal range. (They call her The Voice for a reason.) Still, long notes are well-suited to long drives and there’s no better place to rehearse your next knockout karaoke performance than in the privacy of a car with belt-it-out tunes like “Saving All My Love For You” and “How Will I Know.”

13. Sour by Olivia Rodrigo

• Best for a Breakup Trip

A little bit pop, a little bit alternative and a little bit punk make this punchy debut album by the Gen Z singer the perfect accompaniment to a girls’ weekend away with your newly single pal. Sing (or shout) along to breakup anthems like “Drivers License” and “Good 4 U” then chill out to the softer melodies of “Happier” and “Favorite Crime.” Music is the greatest medicine, no?

The 45 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time

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Photo Books

Wedding invitations, capture travel memories with personalized keepsakes.

Written by  Shutterfly Community Last Updated: Aug 16, 2023

Experience your favorite adventures again and again when you turn your favorite travel memories into personalized keepsakes from Shutterfly. Whether you just took a beach vacation in the Maldives, a ski trip in Lake Tahoe, or a family road trip to Disneyland — your incredible memories deserve to be preserved in a memento you can hold onto. With Shutterfly, you can turn your photos into one-of-a-kind keepsakes, photo books, wall art, home decor, and travel gifts for loved ones.

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Relieve memories in travel photo books.

One of the best parts of traveling is the memories you capture through photos along the way. Instead of leaving those incredible moments in your camera roll on your phone, transform them into a keepsake photo album you will treasure for years to come. With Shutterfly’s collection of travel photo books , you can relive all your best memories of road trips, world travel adventures, beach days, and ski vacations. With a range of travel photo book templates, sizes, and binding options you can create a memento for you or the perfect gift for a travel lover in your life. Customize the pages on your own or use our free designer service to make a photo book for you in just 24 hours. Get inspired with these photo book ideas to capture your favorite travel memories and snapshots:

Beach Vacations

From your local beach to your getaway to The Bahamas, highlight your time having fun in the sun in a custom photo book. Filling the pages with beach day snapshots and warm summer nights will take you back to paradise as you flip through the pages.

Document your travel experiences from a road trip in a photo book filled with the best moments from along the way. Use excerpts from a travel journal as the captions for the photos to truly capture the whole story. Whether you’re headed to Disneyland or a national park, this will last as a memento you will look back on fondly as the years go by.

International Getaways

Turn your wanderlust into a personalized scrapbook with a travel photo book showcasing your trips around the world. Whether you spent your honeymoon in Italy or studied abroad in France, fill the pages of your album with everything you experienced during your international getaway. If you traveled with a loved one, make a photo book for them too as a thoughtful personalized gift .

Family Vacations

Savor the special moments your family spends together on vacations you’ll never forget. From camping trips and snow days to cruises and Hawaiian adventures, you’ll love seeing pictures of the whole family together in one photo book. Whether you make one photo book for each trip or gather pictures from years passed, your album will last as a memento your family will look back on for years to come to relive the wonderful memories.

Friends Trips

If you took a trip with your closest group of friends, turn those snapshots into a photo book as a unique gift they’re sure to appreciate. From spring break adventures and bachelorette parties to local staycations, your friends will love seeing all of the best pictures from your vacation off their phones and in an album they can flip through together.

Highlight Adventures With Travel Home Decor

When you return from a travel adventure, get inspired all over again by displaying your favorite snapshots around your home. Whether you create a collage of photo tiles or hang one showstopping canvas print, Shutterfly makes it easy to transform your travel photos into impressive wall art . Or, design your own home decor items that proudly display your vacation pics — like framed pictures or cozy throw pillows. You can even display your love of travel by designing your decor pieces with pictures from the Shutterfly Art Library which features everything from iconic landmarks like the Eiffel tower to travel maps that will keep you inspired.

Printed on high-quality canvas material, this style of custom wall art features gallery-wrapped edges so your pictures look great from all angles. Available in framed and unframed styles, custom canvas prints featuring your family’s smiling faces as well as beaches, cityscapes, mountain ranges will look fantastic hanging in your living room.

Photo Tiles

Hang a collection of photos from your travel adventures with custom photo tiles . With a stickable back, photo tiles are easy to hang and rearrange without tools or damage to your walls. Whenever you go on a trip, you can add a new picture tile to the collection to see all your incredible memories in one wow-worthy wall art collage.

Tabletop Prints

Perfect gifts for friends, family members, and loved ones — tabletop photo prints are an easy way to bring your adventures to life. Available in a range of sizes, styles, and materials, capture your travel memories in framed photo prints you can display on a desk mantle, or bedside table.

Throw Pillows & Blankets

Get cozy with home decor items like throw pillows and photo blankets that can customized to display snaps from your favorite getaways. These make thoughtful gifts for travel lovers , and they can even take them on their next vacation with them!

Framed Prints

A classic way to hang pictures, a photo frame featuring the trips that have meant the most to you are a great way to decorate your home. Perfect for entryways and the living room, our collection of framed prints will add an elegant touch to your travel photography.

Best Travel Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

Shop for the travel lovers in your life with personalized gifts from Shutterfly. Commemorate their most treasured memories with travel gifts and keepsakes that remind them of their favorite destinations. From photo jigsaw puzzles and coffee mugs to tote bags and magnets, you can design your loved ones the best gifts ever with their own snapshots.

Custom Puzzles

Let your loved one put their favorite vacation spot together piece by piece with a custom jigsaw puzzle . Design a photo puzzle with some of their favorite travel memories or a breathtaking view that makes them smile.

Perfect for weekend getaways, a custom tote bag is perfect for carrying their essentials. Personalize it to feature their monogram or a photo they love to make a travel gift that’s completely unique to them.

Mugs & Water Bottles

A custom coffee mug or water bottle is a great gift for travel lovers . When designed to display pictures from their latest adventures, they can be reminded of their travel memories each time they reach for their coffee, water, or tea. With classic photo mugs and travel mugs to water bottles , we have options for everyone on your list.

Photo Magnets

Custom magnets your recipient can hang on fridge, dishwasher, or filing cabinets are small gift ideas your loved ones will appreciate. Design a photo magnet with pictures from their family vacation or a memorable road trip that they’ll get to look at and smile when they see them every day.

Resources Related to Travel Keepsakes, Gifts & Mementos

Find everything you need to capture your travel memories with Shutterfly:

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Tips To Create a Travel Photo Album You'll Love

March 31, 2020

With the luxury of smartphones, nearly everyone walks around with a camera in their pocket at all times, snapping pics of everything that inspires them and collecting images of every important moment. Vacation pictures are high on the list of preservation priorities, but how do you display them in a perfect travel photo album if you’re not very experienced in photography?

Good photography can be tricky to master, and just because you have a phone in your pocket doesn’t necessarily mean you have the photography skills to capture the photos you want of your dream vacation. Although you’re sure to snap some of your own photos while on vacation, a great way to create a travel photo album is to hire a professional who can help you capture the essence of your trip and give you beautiful photographs for lasting memories.

Here are some great ideas for sharing your travel photos and tips on how you can create the perfect travel photo album.

Travel Photo Album Ideas

Aside from sharing your photos online, creating a travel photo album is the perfect way to take the photos you have and really share them with others. We all have photos on our phones or computer that we’ve taken and stored away—but how often do we pull them out and look at them? Will you even know where to find them 10 years from now? Creating a travel photo album is a great way to keep your most treasured vacation photos close at hand when you want to relive a good memory.

Your travel photo album can be anything you want it to be. A photo on your wall, a digital album to share online, or a traditional physical album you can open and share with friends and family. There are various sizes and materials you can choose from depending on the look you like best and how much time you want to put into the project. Here are some of the best travel album ideas for your vacation photos.

1. Create a Traditional Photo Album of Your Vacation

Photo albums come in many forms and sizes. You can use one meant only for inserting photos or create an album online and order a printed photo book version. Some vacation activity spots even have options available for professional photography, as well as packages available that include a travel photo album. This is particularly great for destination weddings and family photos taken on vacation because you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying the moment.

At Adventure Photos, we make it easy to create a travel photo album that is fast and simple to put together—unlike traditional DIY scrapbooks or photo albums. We compile a travel photo album book that ships directly to your door so you have a physical keepsake of your vacation to share with family and friends as soon as you arrive home.

2. Make a Digital Photo Album

Another great travel photo album idea is to get a digital photo album. Digital photo albums make it easy to share your pictures with friends and family, no matter where they are. At Adventure Photos, we provide an online digital album of your professional vacation photos you can easily share to your social media accounts. This way you have long-term digital storage, as well as easy photo sharing online so you can tell people all about the fantastic time you had on your trip.

If you are taking photos at your destination wedding, Adventure Photos provides you with some sneak peek wedding highlight photos you can share before the wedding festivities are even over. This way you can be the first to post beautiful pictures of your big day to your social media feeds.

3. Display Your Vacation Memories on Canvas Prints

Sometimes you get a picture so perfect you just want to hang it on your wall. Getting a canvas print of your vacation is a great way to keep your vacation memories front and center in your home. Plus it’s something you can share with anyone who visits, and relive your vacation memories everyday.

Adventure Photos provides canvas print options and our professional destination photographers can help you get the perfect shot you’ll want to keep up on your wall.

Creative Ideas to Make the Perfect Travel Photo Book

If you’re more of a DIY person and enjoy compiling your vacation photos, vacation scrapbooks are a fun and creative way to design your travel photo book. Your local craft stores are jam-packed with patterned papers, stickers, and other fun embellishments you can use to make the perfect page for every vacation memory. Here are some scrapbooking ideas to make a travel photo book truly memorable.

1. Start with Professional Photos:

You’re ready to put time, effort, and money into making your scrapbook look amazing, start by getting the best vacation pictures possible for your travel scrapbook. Getting professional photos on your trip ensures you’ll have plenty of beautiful photos to work with, plus you’ll be more likely to remember where you were and what you were doing when you got your professional photos taken.

2. Plan Your Scrapbook Layout:

Start by laying out everything you need within easy reach and making a plan for how you want each page to look. If it helps, sketch out your ideas, or simply place everything where you plan to stick it before adding adhesive. This allows you to see the final product and make changes before committing to one design. It also helps you see how well everything will fit. For example, whether any photos need to be trimmed or any embellishments need to be added or taken away. If you have doubts about your design, look online for sample scrapbook page layouts that work for you.

3. Add Labels & Captions:

Your trip will most likely be an unforgettable occasion, especially if it involves a destination wedding, proposal, or other important events. However, you may not remember all the details in a few years. Add cute labels and captions wherever you can to preserve stories, dates, quotes, and anything else that is important to you.

4. Have Fun!:

Above all else, creating a travel scrapbook and getting travel photo book ideas should be fun.

How to Get Instagram Worthy Vacation Pictures

Instagram is the perfect platform to share your photos and videos with your friends and family. You might even have oogled over professional Instagram influencer profiles with stunning pictures and beautiful scenery. If you really want to step up your Instagram game and show off your vacation photos, your best bet isn’t to have a family member or stranger take your photos, but to hire a professional lifestyle photographer to get you the best vacation photos possible. 

Get the Best Vacation Pics with a Photo Shoot on the Beach

Even if you have the newest smartphone with the best camera, it still won’t give you the same results as a professional who knows how to use the functions of their camera to capture the perfect lighting, take flattering photos, and tell a story through your images.

If you aren’t a professional photographer yourself, beach photos and outdoor photos on vacation can be especially tricky to capture. They can end up too dark, or fail to capture the look of the radiant, clear blue water you wanted to remember. Professional Instagramers aren’t posting mediocre photos, why should you?

Create Your Vacation Photo Album with Adventure Photos

Adventure Photos is ready to help you get the most beautiful images of your next tropical getaway and preserve them with prints, canvas art, or custom travel photo albums .

Contact us to learn more about how to incorporate a family photo session into your next vacation, hire a pro to capture your destination wedding, or set up a special event like a proposal or pregnancy announcement. Our professional photographers know how to work with families of all ages and sizes to help you get amazing photos. 

Get the gorgeous beach photos you’ve been dreaming of and turn them into works of art with Adventure Photos. We offer a wide range of custom made photo products that we can ship directly to your home. 

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The Best Road Trip Albums of All-Time, According to Our Editors

A curated soundtrack for your next open road adventure.

Whether with friends or going it alone, a road trip is often only as great as its soundtrack. And sometimes that soundtrack is best served in the form of a coherent, formative project, in lieu of a shuffled and scattered Spotify playlist. 

Indeed, even the most scenic of drives can be enhanced with the proper score, which is why this may be the most sound, critical advice we can give you throughout all of UD Road Trip Week. These are our favorite albums to pop in (because we’ve chosen to use imaginary CD players for this exercise) and hit the road to.

Channel Orange , Frank Ocean

I've listened to this album all the way through countless times, and not once have I successfully nailed the high notes on "Thinkin Bout You." There's no better place to try and fail and try and fail again than in the car. I'm also of the mind that a great road trip album is one you know well — not to mention, one that flows together as a cohesive whole, so you don't have to bother skipping the songs you don't particularly like. There is no reason to ever skip a song on Channel Orange ; they're all good. And this being Ocean's most accessible album, they're all compulsively sing-alongable. Even if you don't know most of the words. I definitely don't know most of the words. —Sam Eichner

Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd , Lynyrd Skynyrd

It doesn't matter how cliché some things might sound, the human brain is just hardwired to feel some type of way when you've got the windows down, your foot on the gas with nothing but open road ahead and Ronnie Van Zant wailing chay-yee-yay-yee-yay-yeaange as "Free Bird" kicks into overdrive. Not to mention Skynyrd's seminal album is filled with bangers aside from Bird. There's the possibly even more belt-along-worthy "Simple Man," the riding-around-and-brooding "Tuesday's Gone" and the four-and-a-half-minute-sprint-across-the-salt-flats-fueling "Gimme Three Steps." The album is widely considered the birth of southern rock, but I'll be damned if it wasn't the closest thing 1973 had to southern gangster rap with the severely slept-on "Mississippi Kid." —Najib Benouar

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road , Lucinda Williams

This Americana classic is the perfect soundtrack to accompany you on the long stretches of road between town names you may or may not recognize. Lucinda's country twang emboldens your westward travels, but the impeccable folk lyricism is intimate and touching enough to keep you grounded. It's the perfect "Are we ever gonna be this young and free again?" album. "Still I Long For Your Kiss" is the perfect love song for someone not ready to fall in love, for someone who's running away from something. There isn't a song on here that you shouldn't scream out the window with your hair whipping in your face. —Kady Ruth Ashcraft

Meets Rockers Uptown , King Tubby

Augustus Pablo's dub classic will make you one with the road.

Midnight Radio , Big Head Todd & the Monsters

I’ve never heard another album from these guys that I liked, but I'm willing to stake my reputation on the fact that this one album from the guy behind "Bittersweet" is a complete masterpiece. Dark, spacious, sensual and hard-rocking.

Surfer Rosa , Pixies

A soundtrack for driving across the desert on acid. —Hadley Tomicki

Ride the Bee , Allgood

Back in 236 BC (though it could've been the '90s) I did a lot of road-tripping between Kansas City and Atlanta to spend the summers with my dad. It's a long drive. And I'm not sure when I adopted this ritual, but the second I left the on-ramp and hit the first stretch of highway on every trip, I would always fire up a song called Trilogy by a band that no one's ever heard of called Allgood. Something about it just screamed freedom to me, and still does. Looking back, it's probably a little cheesy and the lead singer may or may not sound like he's got a piece of tri-tip stuck in the back of his throat, but the never-ending, Allman Brothers-y guitar solos that are peppered into the nine-plus minute song more than make up for all of that. As long as I keep driving places, I'm going to keep listening to this song. —Kelly Larson

The Love Below , Andre 3000

The Love Below is a musical—a gnarly and shockingly cohesive joyride of p-funk pop rap laced in jazz. And where its sonic counterpart, Big Boi’s Speakerboxx , was tailor-made for pimp-walking through Atlanta traffic, TLB is best tethered to the righteous energy of the open road. There are moments of sing-along perfection ("Hey Ya," "Roses"), lush enablers of peace and solitude ("Prototype," "Take Off Your Cool," "Vibrate"), delectable features (people forget Kelis made great peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before her milkshakes started bringing all the boys to the yard) and several genuinely funny skits to help navigate its vast sonic landscape. Just try not to get lost piloting your own. —Thompson Brandes

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7 useful apps to organize and store travel photos

If you're stuck at home with no travel plans in the near future, you can guide all that bubbling wanderlust into something productive. If you're anything like us at TPG, you have thousands of travel photos on your phone and computer. These may or may not be organized, categorized, backed up or put into albums.

Here's a list of our favorite apps to store and organize your shots, making them easier to view, share and print — keeping those fabulous travel memories alive.

The Dropbox app is all-encompassing — you can use it to save all your photos and have certain folders and files available offline on your phone and synced to your computer. Sharing is easy -- just invite others to view your photos by sharing the folder via email. You can also set the app to automatically upload every photo you take. If you have a business account, you can connect your personal account with it. 2GB of space is offered for free, and paid plans are available for more space.

Download for free on Apple and Google Play .

Google Photos

Google Photos is ideal if you want to create specific albums for many different trips, places or events. It's similar to Dropbox in that you can set it to automatically upload all the photos you take and you can share specific albums with others. The app can be set to upload any shots you've snapped on your phone, or also use it to take photos from a camera you've put on a desktop or laptop computer. If you love using Google Docs, Google Drive, Gmail and Google Sheets, this app integrates seamlessly with all of them, making it easy to share photos (and documents) across the board. Rate plans through GoogleOne are available if you need more space (backing up photos, mail and drive) but if you're willing to limit the resolution of your photos (16mp) and videos (1080p HD) you'll get free unlimited storage.

If you're traveling in a group and want to share photos, or it's important that family and friends back home are updated on the play-by-plays of your adventures, Tripcast is the app for you. With an easy-to-use photo map feature, you can track your photos by place, and everyone on your trip can upload to the same album. Once you get home, you can easily download all of your (and everyone else's) photos for safekeeping and offline access. Although the app feels a bit like social media, it's private, sharing your memories only with the people that you allow to access.

Download for free for Apple and Google Play .

Amazon Photos

If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can get unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos as a benefit of your yearly membership. Although you'll only get 5GB of space for videos, this isn't a bad deal, as the $119 annual fee (more if you pay month-to-month) comes with this as well as a variety of other benefits like movie streaming and free shipping. The app could also be worth it for serious photographers, as it allows you to store not only JPEG files but also raw images. Keep in mind, that if you cancel your membership, you'll lose this perk (and your photos), so this app is best for those who plan to have Amazon Prime indefinitely.

Download for free for Apple and Google Play and then enter your Prime login information to access your account.

Related: The best credit cards for Amazon purchases

Diehard Apple users should consider using iCloud, which automatically uploads and syncs your photos and files between all of your Apple devices -- iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. If you're someone who constantly upgrades to the newest iPhone, iCloud will make these transfers easy, backing up all your important files and transferring them to the new device. The first 5GB are free with iCloud, and paid plans start at 50GB, with options for 200GB or 2TB (these last two plans you can share with your family).

Look for iCloud on your iPhone, iPad or Mac under settings.

Microsoft OneDrive

With both business and personal/home plans, OneDrive syncs all of your documents and photos between your computer, tablet and phone. Those who love to use Microsoft Office in addition to organizing photos will find that OneDrive integrates well with all of the Office apps. Get 5GB of photo storage for free or 100GB for $1.99 per month. For those wanting Office, too, pricing starts at $69.99 for 1TB of space plus Office apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Skype.

Download for free on Apple Store or Google Play .

Snapfish is best for those who want to also print their photos, offering 100 free prints per month (but plan to pay for shipping). You can also link your social media accounts to upload photos from them, as well as create photo gifts, books, calendars and more. Although the app offers unlimited storage (each image must be150MB or less), it's best for selective photo storage, since your photos must be manually uploaded, though you can upload several at a time. Automatic uploading isn't an option, and the app doesn't offer video storage.

Bottom line

With lots of time at home these days and likely over the coming weeks now is the ideal chance to get your photos in order -- imagine the sense of satisfaction!

(Featured photo by Brad Fickeisen/Unsplash)

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NME Recommends: the best road trip albums

The soundtrack to your next driving adventure

There’s something about having the perfect soundtrack that turns a dreary hack down the motorway into an adventure. You may not be zooming along a scenic coastal road or navigating a winding route through lush forests, but stick on the right album and you transform even the dreariest journey into a road trip.

Whether it’s turning your car into a karaoke booth accompanied by Whitney Houston or Lorde , or recreating a moody music video with Japanese Breakfast or Waxahatchee , some albums are perfect for blasting on the road.

Here NME writers go deep on the best road trip albums.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

‘hope downs’ (2018).

Restrained and hushed doesn’t really cut it when bombing down the motorways – at least not in a featherweight Toyota Aygo with a patchy soundsystem – so it’s gotta be loud, and it’s gotta be fast. You might only hear half the song, but hey, shouldn’t you be focusing on the road? Anyway, ‘Hope Down’s is an album custom-built for this listening experience – energetic, buoyant and a sense of forward momentum, the Aussie five-piece nailed it on their speedy debut. Thomas Smith Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

Whitney Houston

‘whitney houston’ (1985).

If you ask me, there are exactly two good things about road trips: highly romantic notions on paper, a belching tangle of traffic and motorway closures in reality. Firstly, the tantalising possibility of visiting either Tebay or Gloucester service station along the way; truly, the finest roadside beacons in the nation. Secondly, being in a car is essentially like renting out your own personal karaoke booth, except on wheels. And in this life there’s no purer joy than sticking my scratched-to-fuck copy of Whitney Houston ’s self-titled debut album in the CD player, smacking the dashboard like a bass drum, and belting out ‘Saving All My Love For You’, ‘How Will I Know’ or ‘All At Once’ with the feverish air of an X Factor auditionee who didn’t get Simon Cowell’s memo about it being a dangerous game taking on a Whitney banger. The man’s correct: my rendition of ‘Greatest Love of All’ sounds like a lilo squeakily deflating; but luckily enough, I’m not planning on giving him a lift any time soon. El Hunt Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

Japanese Breakfast

‘soft sounds from another planet’ (2017).

It ranked among many best of the year lists at the end of 2017, but the beauty of the second full length record from Michelle Zauner is that it reveals itself more and more over time – especially when you’ve got the space to explore. From the widescreen ‘Road Head’, to the floaty romance of ‘Boyish’ and the aching lullaby of ‘Till Death’, this adventurous collection of star-gazing dream-pop gems is the perfect companion for gliding down the highway and losing yourself while getting a little lost. Andrew Trendell Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

Fleetwood Mac

‘rumours’ (1977).

‘Rumours’ reflects every part of the perfect road trip. Close your eyes while listening to ‘Dreams’ and Stevie Nicks’ vocals will instantly transport you to the Pacific Highway – the sun beating down on your back as you travel across one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world. But by the time you get to ‘The Chain’, a sense of relaxation is replaced with pedal-to-the metal power, with a foreboding bass line preluding a burning urgency to just floor the damn thing. For 40 years, this magnus opus from the ‘Mac has been the ultimate soundtrack for dreamers everywhere – and Christ knows we’ve never needed it more than now. Nick Reilly Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

We Are Scientists

‘with love and squalor’ (2005).

Precisely how long do you need to be in a car before you’ve embarked on a ‘road trip’? I grew up in an area of east Yorkshire so rural that the quaint city of York seemed like a gleaming, limitless cosmopolis. Hull might as well have been Los Angeles (although I’m told there are key differences). When my mates and I turned 17 and were unwisely granted driving licenses, hour-long ‘road trips’ to Scarborough and Bridlington seemed like sprawling odysseys across desolate flatlands and harsh, uninhabitable plains. Really we were just passing through Driffield. And there was only ever one thing on the stereo: the debut album from Cali alt-pop quirksters We Are Scientists . History has not been kind to this quintessential slice of mid-‘00s indie, but as we often found upon arrival at those seaside towns, the journey can be more fun than the destination. Jordan Bassett Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

‘Melodrama’ (2017)

When you think of the perfect road trip you usually picture zipping down the Pacific Coast Highway or trundling through the English countryside; but even a hungover trek to the closest McDonald’s drive-thru can be romanticised into road trip if you have the perfect soundtrack. Stuffed full of effervescent hooks, pithy lyrics and choruses that require you to sing along at full belt, Lorde’s ‘Melodrama’ will transform even the dreariest commute into your next great adventure. Hannah Mylrea Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

The War On Drugs

‘lost in the dream’ (2014).

Road map? Check. Ample supply of snacks? Check. Adam Granduciel’s 2014 masterpiece as The War On Drugs?  Big  Check. Next time you head out on a long ol’ drive, stick  ‘Lost In The Dream’  on: Granduciel and his band’s carefully assembled brand of pysch-meets-indie Americana will ensure the next hour of your journey flies by. The record’s soaring ambition and dreamy, cinematic soundscapes are certain to light up even the most hum-drum of road trips for years to come. Sam Moore Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

Kacey Musgraves

‘golden hour’ (2018).

Unapologetically retro, ‘Golden Hour’ finds harmony between honeyed country-pop and disco-lite arrangements. Filled with nostalgia, songs are sunlit and reflective, and there’s an offhand sense of vulnerability that’s central to each breezy tune. Musgraves’ velveteen delivery completely immerses you in her wide-screen feelings of love, loss and hope, providing the perfect soundtrack to stare out the window from the backseat next time you hit the road. Sophie Williams Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

Waxahatchee

‘saint cloud’ (2020).

Lockdown may have offered minimal chances to put Waxahatchee ’s 2020 album to the (driving) test, but it’s easy to imagine that ‘Saint Cloud’ would make a wonderful long-haul passenger. Written as frontwoman Katie Crutchfield found her way to sobriety, it’s the sound of a fresh start, with free-wheeling americana storytelling used to conjure up romantic notions of setting off into the sunset with nothing more than the clothes on your back and a pocket full of change for the tollbooth. In a time of COVID claustrophobia, it’s a true headphone adventure – just slap on ‘Lilacs’, close your eyes and feel that imaginary sun beating down… Jenessa Williams Listen: Spotify | Apple Music

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Tips and Ideas to Create the Perfect Travel Photo Book

Whenever you travel, you make amazing memories. From the food you try to the sights you see and the people you meet, you won't want to forget a single second of it. Travel photo books are the perfect way to document all those amazing and unique experiences you have when traveling.

What Are Photo Books?

Photo books are like photo albums, but they're much easier to make. With photo books, you take the pictures from your phone's gallery or social media and print them directly onto the pages. From there, you can change the photo order, add and remove images, add captions, and more to create the perfect keepsake.

People make photo books to celebrate many different events and occasions, including graduations, birthdays, the holidays, and anniversaries. They also make great gifts for your loved ones.

Why a Travel Book?

Photo books are the perfect way to save special memories. From the pictures we take with our friends and family to our favorite photos of our pets, these keepsakes ensure we never lose a single moment.

With this logic, it only makes sense to make a travel book. The memories we make on our travels are unlike any other. Rather than endlessly scrolling through social media to find the dozens of pictures you've taken, photo books offer a way to capture and keep all your best travel moments in one place. Every flick of a page will take you back to that unforgettable trip.

Most photo book sites let you add text, change the order of the images, and more to create a beautiful adventure book you can proudly display on your bookshelf or coffee table .

Travel Photo Book Ideas and Tips

Looking for travel book inspiration? Our tips and ideas are sure to help you make the travel book of your dreams.

Stick to One Destination Per Book

If you're an avid traveler, the memories of each trip you take may blur together, especially if you tend to backpack or visit multiple destinations at a time. Sticking to one destination per book will help you organize your photos and memories into categories, so you never miss a single one.

For example, if you took a trip around Europe, theme each book on a single country you visited. Fill the pages with images from Switzerland only, and then make a separate one for France. In the end, you'll have a whole plethora of books filled with adventures.

Plan out your Photo Book in Advance

This tip may add time to the process, but it will help ensure you get the custom photo book of your dreams. Decide whether you want to organize your photos in chronological order or if you want to leave your favorite photos for the end of the book.

For example, carefully select the images you want and plan out the details you'd like to include in each caption. 

Some sites will offer different backgrounds, fonts, and more. Experiment with page layout options and photo order, and you may find some creative ideas to house your most precious memories.

Take the Time to Edit your Photos

Whether you're saving vacation photos, pictures from a weekend getaway, or snaps you took during your favorite road trips, you can make a travel book you're truly proud of with a few photo edits. Even if photography isn't your strong suit, or if you're a total beginner, you can still learn a few tips.

If you've taken all your photos on your phone, we have a few mobile phone editing tips that will make them stand out and help create a professional-looking book you can be proud of.

Create a Food Travel Book

One of the best things about traveling is the food. Whether you're crossing the ocean or just going up the road, you're bound to find a million new, fun places to eat and new foods to try. No travel book is complete without the occasional food snap, but what about a book dedicated solely to food? If you like to cook yourself, you'll have endless pages of inspiration for meals to try out! 

This is one of the best travel photo books for a foodie.

Group Certain Photos Together

From meals out to days spent soaking up the sun on the beach, and those afternoons sightseeing, grouping your photos by the events will help you create a consistent book. If you're traveling with your loved ones, group photos of your friends and family together.

You don't just have to group in terms of events, days, and people - why not create a timeline of your trip, from start to finish? Timeline photo books are great if you have many adventures to talk about; you can ensure you won't miss a single story.

Different photo book sights will offer different layouts, so you can easily find a beautiful and creative way to group your travel photos together.

Add in a Map of Where you Were

Contrary to popular belief, you don't just have to add in your own travel photos. Instead, spice up your travel photo book with other fun inserts, such as a map of where you were. If you don't have one to hand, a quick Google or Pinterest search will bring up a range of different options. This way, you'll always be able to see which part of the world you were in.

A map would also make a great cover photo for your travel photo book!

Use Captions to Tell a Story

Our adventures are usually full of fun and interesting stories, whether passed on from the people we meet or the memories we make on our own. Put your photos in chronological order and use the captions to tell a story. If you're not a wordsmith, don't worry! It doesn't have to be an essay; just a few details will be enough to set the scene.

If you tend to take a travel journal with you, a story photo book is a fun theme to try - you'll already have all the right words to say! This way, you'll never forget a detail.

Some photo book sites (such as Printed Memories) will automatically upload dates from your social media and drop them in the photo book. So if you're not sure what happened when but have been avidly uploading to social media, you're good to go.

Spend Time on the Cover Photo

This tip is as important as all the others above (perhaps even the most important.) The cover of your photo book deserves some thought; it reflects the photo book in its entirety. 

As mentioned above, you could find a map of the world and make that the cover of your travel photo book. Maybe you want a cover photo highlighting a special memory you made on your trip or the amazing people you met. Whatever cover picture you decide on, it should be something you love looking at - an image you're proud to show off.

Honorable Mentions

Are you looking for even more inspiration? Here are a few more travel book ideas for your consideration.

A family and friends photo book: Sometimes great adventures have everything to do with the people you make memories with. Capture all your loved ones in a fun travel album dedicated especially to them.

An Instagram travel book: If you have an Instagram account dedicated to your travels, why leave those pretty pictures on the screen? Print your images in a photo book. Most book builders (such as Printed Memories) offer instant uploads from your social media.

A road trip book: This is a great theme if you're forever taking road trips across the country. Capture street signs, scenery, and more to create a book filled with every adventure from the road.

A photo book dedicated to your kids: If you travel with your children, this fun theme will ensure you never miss a memory with them. And anyone who has children will know that traveling with them is an adventure in itself.

Your favorite places: If you're an avid traveler, chances are, you've been to a lot of different places. Why not create an album that's filled with every single location you've visited? It'll be a book you'll love to browse through.

A yearly vacation album: If you tend to take a trip every calendar year, why not save your adventures in a vacation album? Fill the pages with your favorite images, whether you're relaxing by the pool or seeing the sites.

Printed Memories Photo Books

Printed Memories photo books are super fun and easy to make. Now you have your theme in mind, things just got a whole lot easier! Add pages, change the photo order, and pull in captions from social media. And, with a book that builds itself, do it all in five minutes.

Not only that, Printed Memories plants one tree for every single book they print. So not only are you saving your travel memories - you're helping to save the planet, too!

Click here to build your Printed Memories photo book.

Creating the perfect travel photo book doesn't have to be a headache. You could organize and edit pictures straight from your phone. Our themes, tips, and ideas above are sure to make the process easier. And why just make one book? When you start creating, you'll find it's hard to stop.

How to Practice Travel Photography at Home

David Wilder  

Scroll through photographer Karthika Gupta ’s Instagram feed and you probably won’t notice anything out of the ordinary at first glance—there’s a photo of a man and a woman rock climbing and another of tourists looking at animals on safari .

But if you slow down and take a closer look, you’ll see that these “travel” photos are actually tiny scenes made using household materials, miniature figurines, and some very clever photography on Gupta’s part.

Gupta, like the rest of us, is spending more time indoors these days. As a travel photographer, it’s not an ideal setup, but Gupta is making the most of it by practicing her craft in new ways. She was inspired to take the clever indoor photos by the #OurGreatIndoors Instagram challenge, created by Los Angeles-based travel photographer and blogger Erin Sullivan .

Thanks to this and other photo challenges making the rounds online, amateur and professional photographers alike are staying active and honing their skills, even while respecting stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines.

“At the end of the day, it’s just getting out there and photographing, whether it’s in your backyard or from your balcony or patio,” Gupta said. “Anything to keep your creative juice flowing. It really doesn’t stop you from trying to perfect your art.”

Think you can’t practice your travel photography skills in quarantine? Think again. Even the pros are using this opportunity to stay inspired and work on their form.

“The last couple of days, I’ve been shooting these made-up scenes in my house with props and stuff,” said Stevin Tuchiwsky , an outdoor lifestyle photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. “It’s not the real thing, but it slows it down a bit to where you can understand some concepts better or understand why you might have framed it that way or why you focused on something a certain way.”

We checked in with a few travel, nature, and adventure photographers and asked them to share some useful tips for practicing travel photography at home.

Experiment, Experiment, Experiment

With so much time on your hands, now is the perfect time to experiment and get outside your comfort zone. If you love taking wide landscape shots, practice doing portraits of your family members instead ( if you live alone , practice with a pet or even a stuffed animal). If you typically photograph people you meet during your travels, mix it up and master the art of food photography. 

Even though you’re not taking travel photos, you’ll open yourself up to more diverse shots when you do get back out there. After all, travel encompasses so many things beyond the physical landscape or geography—food, culture, people, art, movement, and more. And no matter the subject, practicing the fundamentals will make you a better photographer overall.

“If all you have ever done is one genre of photography, branch out and learn a new one,” says David Wilder , a photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. “Food photography, product photography, or even fine art. Heck, get some incense, a flashlight and a dark room—now you can do some fine art smoke photography.”

Get to Know Your Camera

How many of us rushed to open the box when our new camera arrived, thumbed through the instruction manual for a few seconds, and simply started clicking? Sure, you can learn a lot about your camera on the go, but there’s no substitute for actually studying how it works and why. 

Take a deep dive into the manual (or watch the thousands of instructional YouTube videos out there) and figure out how to get the most out of all the buttons and settings on your camera. Practice shooting in different modes, then compare the results so you’ll be able to make quicker decisions when you’re on the move.

Now is also a good time to evaluate your travel photography gear and do some research on new technologies or tools for specific scenarios, like taking photos underwater or using a tripod to photograph animals and birds.

Return to the Basics

Even the most skilled photographers welcome an opportunity to revisit the basics—lighting, composition, depth of field, framing, and more. And you can practice these principles whether you have an iPhone or a fancy DSLR camera. The ideas are the same, even though the tools are different. 

In fact, now is the perfect time to practice taking better pictures with your phone camera so that you can spring to action when you’re out in the real world, even if you don’t have another camera with you. 

"It’s not just looking at something and clicking,” said Gupta. “Take your phone and turn on the grid view. Just kind of rotate it around to see different angles, different compositions, and see what catches your fancy. The goal right now is not perfection, but actually more so training your eyes to look at color, light, and composition in an aesthetically pleasing way."

Play With Lighting and Perspective

And while you’re at it, try experimenting a bit more with lighting and perspective, which can help you capture unique images in popular destinations. Getting up at sunset or shooting from the top of a building will come in handy whether you’re camping in a national park or wandering around a big city like Paris . 

Take pictures at different times of the day, or use lamps around your house to create different effects. Master changing the exposure on your iPhone camera quickly so that you can react to dark or fluid lighting situations. “Always pay attention to the light, where it is coming from, the quality of the light, and what it is doing to your subject,” said Wilder.

And be sure to move around. Stand (carefully) on a chair, take some photos looking down from your balcony, or get low to the ground and take pictures of your dog, for example.

“We all see the world from eye level,” said Wilder. “The moment you change up your perspective is when your image stands out from the crowd. My best example is we all look down at pets, but if you get onto the floor with them, everything changes.”

Practice Photographing Small Details

In the same vein as the #OurGreatIndoors challenge, practice photographing small scenes or focusing on one object in a group. This will help you consider new perspectives the next time you’re at a street market or wandering through a botanic garden , for example. You’ll want to capture the entire scene, yes, but you may also want to photograph a particularly colorful piece of fruit or a bee resting on a flower.

“Often, photographers get stuck shooting the same sweeping hero shot every time they go out,” Wilder said. “Small details that really show what it’s like to be in a place are often ignored, so spend some time finding those details and shooting them.”

Enroll in Online classes and Webinars

Now is a great time to level-up your travel photography skills with classes, workshops, and webinars. Tons of photographers are sharing tips and tricks with livestreams on Instagram, Facebook, and elsewhere right now. 

You can also check out sites like CreativeLive , Skillshare , Nikon School Online , Professional Photographers of America, and Sony’s Alpha Universe .

Become a Photo Editing Pro

If you’ve got folders and folders of unedited (and unshared) photos on your hard drive because you just hate editing, now is the time to get over that roadblock. 

Aside from working through your backlog of unedited photos, use this time to become more comfortable with whatever editing software you use. Practice really does make perfect in this case, and it can also make you a faster, more efficient photo editor down the line.

While you’re at it, try editing older photos in different ways, suggests Gupta. You might stumble across a technique or a style you like even better than what you’re used to doing. “Crop them differently, or if it’s black and white, make it color,” she said.

Research Your Next Trip

Although it may feel a bit premature, start thinking about where you want to go when travel becomes safer, and start doing some photo-related research for that destination, too. 

Consider the best time of day or year from a photography perspective for visiting certain locations. Read how other photographers tackle shooting super popular tourist destinations. Look into off-the-beaten path locations that could produce some surprising or interesting pictures.

If you do all the administrative legwork now, you’ll likely get better photos and have more fun on the trip. Plus, research has found that simply anticipating an upcoming vacation can make us happier .

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10 Albums That Are Practically Summer Road Trip Essentials

The open road, good tunes, and no worries.

Community Contributor

Summer is here, which means it's time to start planning out our vacation time, and there's nothing better than a good road trip.

Everyone knows the most important part of a road trip is picking the right music., i love putting an album on straight through, instead of going through a playlist and hitting shuffle..

I can keep the tunes flowing and my eyes on the road.

So, here are some of my favorite albums to blast on a road trip.

1. rumours by fleetwood mac.

I mean, of course. This should be in your record collection no matter the season, but especially on a summer road trip. Every song is fit for driving in the sun and singing along, from "Don't Stop" to "You Make Loving Fun," and, of course, "The Chain."

2. Sour by Olivia Rodrigo

Our teen idol's first single is called "Drivers License," so of course her album was made for a road trip. She also made a documentary road tripping while performing songs along the way. So what are you doing if this isn't in your rotation?

3. Tapestry by Carole King

One of the best albums of all time. Just stellar. Great for any occasion, and especially a road trip.

4. An Evening With Silk Sonic by Silk Sonic

Need some good jams? Try this duo's album. There's funk and slow jams and all the good stuff.

5. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

With songs like "Slow Burn" and "Oh, What a World," this album is made for an easy drive at sunset, just marveling at the scenery. And then when there's a rude driver on the road, there's "High Horse."

6. Humble Quest by Maren Morris

You need some good country music on a road trip. Any of Maren Morris' albums will get the job done, but I especially like her newest for driving around.

7. Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa

This is the album that got us through the quarantine stage of the pandemic, and it will keep carrying us through. Thankfully, we're at a stage where we can safely be with others, blasting music in our cars and singing and dancing along.

8. Is Your Love Big Enough? by Lianne La Havas

You might not have heard this album before, but that's why it's so perfect for a road trip. Each song is full of power and soul.

9. After Laughter by Paramore

If you really listen to the lyrics, you might not think this is a great pop album to sing along to, but you'd be wrong. This is perfect for when you want a deep and emotional drive, but you also need bops. And these songs are bops.

10. And American Idiot by Green Day

When will this album stop being relevant? Also, it's just a great rock album, and when you pair it with the Broadway cast album, you'll have a great audio experience.

What albums do you blast on a road trip?

Let us know in the comments below!

This post is an entry in BuzzFeed’s 2nd Annual Community Summer Writers’ Challenge, where you can earn $$$ for creating your own lists and quizzes published through September 15, 2022! Check out alllll the details here . 👀

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Best Road Trip Albums: Top 10 Picks for Your Next Adventure

R oad trips are a great way to explore new places, make memories, and bond with friends and family. One of the essential elements of a successful road trip is a great playlist. The right music can set the tone for the entire trip, making the journey more enjoyable, memorable, and fun.

Defining the best road trip albums can be challenging because everyone has different tastes in music. However, there are classic albums that have stood the test of time and become synonymous with road trips . These albums have a unique ability to capture the spirit of adventure and freedom that comes with a road trip .

Key Takeaways

• A good road trip album can make the journey more enjoyable, memorable, and fun.
• Classic road trip albums have stood the test of time and become synonymous with road trips.
• The right playlist will depend on personal preferences, but some classic albums are universally loved for their ability to capture the spirit of adventure and freedom.

Historical Significance of Road Trip Albums

Road trip albums have been an integral part of American culture for decades. They are a reflection of the spirit of adventure and wanderlust that is deeply ingrained in the American psyche. These albums have provided the perfect soundtrack for countless road trips, whether it’s a cross-country journey or a simple weekend getaway .

One of the earliest examples of a road trip album is Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited,” released in 1965. This album is a quintessential representation of the freedom and rebellion that was associated with the open road during the 1960s. The title track, “Highway 61 Revisited,” is a nod to the famous highway that runs from Minnesota to New Orleans, and the album as a whole captures the spirit of the American road trip .

Another iconic road trip album is The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds,” released in 1966. This album is a masterpiece of harmony and melody, and it perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the 1960s. Songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” have become synonymous with the American road trip, and they continue to inspire generations of travelers to hit the open road.

In the 1970s, road trip albums took on a more introspective tone. Artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell released albums that explored the inner workings of the human psyche, while still capturing the sense of adventure and exploration that is associated with the open road. Young’s “Harvest” and Mitchell’s “Blue” are two examples of albums that perfectly balance introspection with the spirit of the road trip.

In the 1980s and 1990s, road trip albums became more diverse, with artists like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and R.E.M. releasing albums that blended rock, folk, and pop influences. These albums continued to capture the sense of adventure and exploration that is associated with the American road trip, while also exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Today, road trip albums continue to be an important part of American culture. They provide the perfect soundtrack for travelers who are looking to explore the open road and discover new adventures. From classic rock to indie pop, there is a road trip album for every taste and every mood.

Top 10 Classic Road Trip Albums

Here are ten classic road trip albums that will make your next trip unforgettable.

Album 1: “Highway 61 Revisited” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is a classic album that is perfect for a road trip. It includes some of Dylan’s most famous songs, including “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Ballad of a Thin Man.”

Album 2: “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is a classic rock album that is perfect for a long drive. The album includes some of Springsteen’s most famous songs, including “Thunder Road” and “Born to Run.”

Album 3: “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” is a classic album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of Fleetwood Mac’s most famous songs, including “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams.”

Album 4: “Hotel California” by The Eagles

The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a classic rock album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of The Eagles’ most famous songs, including “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”

Album 5: “Led Zeppelin IV” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin IV” is a classic rock album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of Led Zeppelin’s most famous songs, including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Black Dog.”

Album 6: “The Joshua Tree” by U2

U2’s “The Joshua Tree” is a classic album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of U2’s most famous songs, including “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”

Album 7: “Exile on Main St.” by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.” is a classic album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of The Rolling Stones’ most famous songs, including “Tumbling Dice” and “Sweet Virginia.”

Album 8: “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” is a classic album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of Pink Floyd’s most famous songs, including “Money” and “Time.”

Album 9: “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” is a classic rock album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of Guns N’ Roses’ most famous songs, including “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine.”

Album 10: “The Doors” by The Doors

The Doors’ self-titled album is a classic rock album that is perfect for a road trip. The album includes some of The Doors’ most famous songs, including “Break on Through” and “Light My Fire.”

Criteria for a Good Road Trip Album

When it comes to selecting the perfect album for a road trip, there are a few key criteria to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Upbeat and Energetic: A good road trip album should have a lively, upbeat feel that matches the excitement of hitting the open road. Look for albums with catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and plenty of energy to keep you engaged and entertained.
• Variety of Styles: While it can be tempting to stick to one genre of music for a road trip, a good album should offer a range of styles and sounds to keep things interesting. Look for albums that blend different genres or offer a mix of fast and slow songs to keep you engaged.
• Memorable Lyrics: One of the joys of a road trip is singing along to your favorite songs at the top of your lungs. A good road trip album should have memorable lyrics that are easy to sing along with and that you can enjoy belting out with your friends.
• Timeless Appeal: While it can be fun to choose an album that is of the moment, a good road trip album should have timeless appeal that will keep you coming back to it over the years. Look for albums that have stood the test of time and that you can enjoy listening to again and again.

Overall, the perfect road trip album is one that captures the excitement and adventure of hitting the open road. By keeping these criteria in mind, you can find an album that will provide the perfect soundtrack for your next adventure.

Benefits of Music on Road Trips

Music is an essential part of any road trip. It can make the journey more enjoyable, reduce stress, and even improve your mood. Here are some benefits of music on road trips:

• Entertainment: Music can be a source of entertainment during long drives. It can keep you engaged and make the journey seem shorter.
• Stress relief: Long drives can be stressful, especially if you are driving in heavy traffic or unfamiliar roads. Music can help you relax and reduce stress levels.
• Mood enhancement: Music can have a positive effect on your mood. It can help you feel more energized, motivated, and happy.
• Memory association: Listening to music on a road trip can create lasting memories. The songs you listen to can become associated with the places you visit, and listening to them later can bring back fond memories of the trip.
• Improved focus: Music can help you stay focused while driving. It can keep you alert and prevent drowsiness, which is essential for safe driving.

Overall, music is a great way to enhance your road trip experience. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends and family, music can make the journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Modern Road Trip Albums

When it comes to modern road trip albums, there are plenty of great options to choose from. These albums offer a mix of genres, styles, and moods that are perfect for hitting the open road. Here are five of the best modern road trip albums to consider:

Album 1: “Lonerism” by Tame Impala

Released in 2012, “Lonerism” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic rock album that offers a dreamy, introspective vibe that’s perfect for long drives. The album features catchy hooks, lush instrumentation, and introspective lyrics that are sure to keep you engaged for hours on end. Highlights include “Elephant,” “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” and “Mind Mischief.”

Album 2: “Melodrama” by Lorde

Released in 2017, “Melodrama” by Lorde is a pop album that explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and coming of age. The album features lush production, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals that are sure to keep you singing along. Highlights include “Green Light,” “Homemade Dynamite,” and “Supercut.”

Album 3: “Blonde” by Frank Ocean

Released in 2016, “Blonde” by Frank Ocean is an R&B album that offers a mix of introspective ballads and upbeat tracks that are perfect for road trips. The album features lush production, introspective lyrics, and powerful vocals that are sure to keep you engaged. Highlights include “Nights,” “Self Control,” and “Ivy.”

Album 4: “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves

Released in 2018, “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves is a country-pop album that offers a mix of upbeat tracks and introspective ballads that are perfect for road trips. The album features catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and lush instrumentation that are sure to keep you engaged. Highlights include “Slow Burn,” “High Horse,” and “Rainbow.”

Album 5: “After Hours” by The Weeknd

Released in 2020, “After Hours” by The Weeknd is a pop album that offers a mix of upbeat tracks and introspective ballads that are perfect for road trips. The album features catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and lush instrumentation that are sure to keep you engaged. Highlights include “Blinding Lights,” “Heartless,” and “Save Your Tears.”

Overall, these modern road trip albums offer a mix of genres, styles, and moods that are perfect for hitting the open road. Whether you’re looking for dreamy psychedelia, introspective ballads, or upbeat pop tracks, there’s something here for everyone.

How to Create a Road Trip Playlist

Creating a road trip playlist can be a fun and exciting way to set the mood for your journey. However, it can also be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you create a road trip playlist that will keep you and your passengers entertained for hours.

Consider Your Audience

When creating a road trip playlist, it’s important to consider your audience. If you’re traveling with friends or family , make sure to include songs that everyone will enjoy. You can even ask your passengers to contribute to the playlist, so everyone feels included.

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme for your road trip playlist can help tie everything together and make it more enjoyable. For example, you can create a playlist of songs from a certain decade or genre, or choose songs that are related to the places you’ll be visiting on your trip.

A good road trip playlist should have a mix of upbeat and mellow songs to keep things interesting. You can also include songs from different eras and genres to keep everyone on their toes.

Keep Safety in Mind

While it’s important to create a fun and entertaining road trip playlist, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. The driver should always be able to focus on the road, so make sure to choose songs that won’t be too distracting. Additionally, keep the volume at a reasonable level so you can still hear any important traffic sounds.

By following these tips, you can create a road trip playlist that will keep you and your passengers entertained and safe on your journey.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right album for a road trip can make all the difference. After all, music can set the tone for the entire journey, and the right soundtrack can make the miles fly by.

Based on our research and personal preferences, here are some of the best road trip albums to consider:

Of course, everyone’s taste in music is different, so it’s important to choose an album that everyone in the car will enjoy. Consider creating a playlist with a mix of different genres to keep things interesting. Choose an album that has a good mix of upbeat and slower songs to match the mood of the trip.

Ultimately, the best road trip album is the one that makes you feel good and helps you enjoy the journey. So, turn up the volume and hit the road!

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Road Trip Albums

What are some great albums to listen to on a road trip.

Some great albums to listen to on a road trip are “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac, “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, “Highway 61 Revisited” by Bob Dylan, “The Joshua Tree” by U2, and “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd.

What are the best rock albums for a road trip?

The best rock albums for a road trip are “Led Zeppelin IV” by Led Zeppelin, “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses, “Nevermind” by Nirvana, “Exile on Main St.” by The Rolling Stones, and “Back in Black” by AC/DC.

What are some good rap albums to listen to on a road trip?

Some good rap albums to listen to on a road trip are “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre, “The Blueprint” by Jay-Z, “Illmatic” by Nas, “Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G., and “Doggystyle” by Snoop Dogg.

What are some of the best albums for night driving?

Some of the best albums for night driving are “Drive” by R.E.M., “Music for Airports” by Brian Eno, “Dummy” by Portishead, “Kid A” by Radiohead, and “The xx” by The xx.

What are some of the best albums for a long flight?

Some of the best albums for a long flight are “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis, “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire, “Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” by Kendrick Lamar, and “In Rainbows” by Radiohead.

How long should a road trip playlist be?

The length of a road trip playlist depends on the length of the road trip. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10 hours of music for a 10-hour road trip. It’s always a good idea to have extra music in case you want to switch things up.

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15 Best Albums to Soundtrack a Road Trip

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What’s the first thing you do when you return from a road trip? You tell the story of your trip to your friends who couldn’t make it and your family that welcomes you back home. And what’s a good road trip story without some great music to accompany it? A great song is like a juicy chapter in a book; it makes you wonder what’s next, and works best when experienced as a part of a collection. Much like a road trip. When telling your story to your friends and family, you don’t mention one state you passed through or one great dish you ate – you mention all of them, from beginning to end. The best albums tell a story, and the best road trips are full of great memories that were inevitably catalogued into photo albums. Here are ten albums that will make your next road trip that much more memorable.

15.  FutureSex/LoveSounds , Justin Timberlake (2006)

On first glance, the first album on this list belongs in a club rather than the open road. And while Justin Timberlake’s music does work well on a dance floor, it works just as well in a car stereo, with a backseat full of buddies ready to sing and dance along to the sexy sounds of the future. Backed by first single “SexyBack”, FutureSex/LoveSounds is sexy and futuristic, thanks to super producer Timbaland’s funky grooves and Timberlake’s feathery falsetto. The album is a perfect soundtrack to a summertime road trip; let “My Love” serenade you as you pull up to a pit-stop at the beach, and “What Goes Around” fuel your fire as you reminisce about an old flame. It’s breezy all the way through and sure to keep your tank full for miles.

14.  Rubber Soul , the Beatles (1965)

In 1965, a year which represented a turning point in the Beatles sound, it was hard to turn on a car radio and not hear a song by the fantastic four. They had conquered radio. Every single they released burned up the charts. But in terms of a full body of work, an album that could be played from front to back, Rubber Soul marked a first for the band. From “Drive My Car” to “Run for Your Life”, this 14-track collection incorporates sounds from R&B and folk, to psychedelic rock and classical Indian instruments. It’s 35 minutes of sugary McCartney melodies and introspective Lennon lyrics, a perfect combination and length for the opening leg of a cross-country jaunt. Embarking on a long journey while listening to “In My Life”, it’s nearly impossible to not feel warm nostalgia for the people and places you cherish most.

13.  The Joshua Tree , U2 (1987)

U2’s 5th album must have been recorded with the open road in mind, or at least a vast, never-ending space, which in fact it was. In Niall Stokes’s book, U2: Into the Heart: The Stories Behind Every Song, bass guitarist Adam Clayton said of the album: “The desert was immensely inspirational to us as a mental image for this record…because you can actually do something with a blank canvas, which is effectively what the desert is.” Whether you’re driving across the desert of the American West or the flat plains of the middle states, The Joshua Tree is sure to keep your eyes wide and hopeful. It’s full of catchy, stadium ready hooks that will get stuck in your head for the duration of your trip. Bono’s introspective lyrics will have you looking in the rear view mirror at yourself and the world around you. Sometimes a road trip is the best time for self-reflection, especially when it comes in the form of great music.

12.  channel ORANGE , Frank Ocean (2012)

Road trips are full of unexpected turns; things that make you appreciate a new place, but also remind you to appreciate where you’re coming from. Frank Ocean’s debut album feels the same way. He spins tales of a disillusioned, globe trotting youth who seeks a home (“Lost”), of unrequited love (“Bad Religion”) and of a dream girl that can only last for so long (“Golden Girl”). The music is a mash up of soul, funk and electronic, resulting in a wonderfully diverse and never boring listening experience. It’ll keep your fingers snapping all the way to your destination, either to the slow burn of “Pilot Jones” or the sparkling 10-minute epic “Pyramids”. There are so many layers to Ocean’s stories and the music that the minute it’s over, you might just play it again.

11.  Greatest Hits , Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1993)

Great road trips usually have a greatest hits, memorable moments that stand the test of time to be passed down through generations. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers owned the Americana roots sound in the late 70s and 80s, and this is a compilation that collects their hits from that time period. The band’s sound is the sound of freedom, of howling wind and an endless horizon. If you’re the type to take a solo road trip on a motorbike, then this record will sound even better. 1979’s “Don’t Do Me Like That” is on here, as are the hits from 1989’s Full Moon Fever , “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin’”. If you were alive when these songs were at the top of the charts, then Greatest Hits will take you back in time. But even if you only know this band from “Into the Great Wide Open”, let down all of the windows and let the sounds of Petty’s Americana rock take you to another time and place. With music like this, a road trip can feel like time travel.

10.  Bridge Over Troubled Water , Simon & Garfunkel (1970)

Simon & Garfunkel’s 5th album is a totally different vibe from the rest of the records on this list. It’s best experienced when the sun has dipped under the horizon and it seems like you’re the only car on the road. Art Garfunkel sings like an angel and late at night, when you’re debating whether to keep on trucking or stop at a hotel, when countless stars twinkle overhead, that’s when this album should be listened to. Your friends are all asleep in the backseat, and “The Only Living Boy in New York” makes you feel like you’re the only living driver in the world. The title track will have you thinking of your loved ones back home, and “Cecilia” will have you thinking of a lost love from a past life. It’s a beautiful album, with beautiful melodies and beautiful lyrics, and it is a great way to pass the time in the late night hours of your drive.

9.  Mothership Connection , Parliament (1975)

Mothership Connection is the record that could soundtrack a journey through space. Listening to this album is a funky ride, and though you feel the tires of your car hugging the pavement and you can see the mountains up ahead, it’ll feel like you’re in a UFO on a foreign planet. George Clinton, the ringleader of Parliament, is considered, along with James Brown and others, to be the father of funk, and his band’s 4th album is a touchstone of the genre. Mothership Connection will have you feeling as cool as the guy in the convertible who sped past you a few miles back, only instead of just looking the part, you’ll genuinely feel the funk deep in your bones. Recline your seat a bit, open the window all the way, and let the funk take you on a ride.

8.  All Eyez on Me , 2Pac (1996)

Most people correlate rock n’ roll music as the best type of music for the road. And while this tends to be true, there are exceptions. 2pac is perhaps the most well known rapper of all time, a transcendent, complex figure that took the genre to new heights and brought the ills of Compton, California (and America as a whole) to the rest of the world. Ironically, George Clinton (from Parliament) is featured on this album, 2pac’s 4th. The west coast bounce of “All Bout You” and “Got My Mind Made Up” are ideally listened to with the volume turned all the way up, while the more introspective tracks-like “Life Goes On” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha”-will hit just as hard at any volume. All Eyez on Me is a long listen, the two discs clock in at over two hours, but 2pac’s mix of west coast gangsta rap flavored tales and soulful poetry will make you wish it were longer.

7.  Rumours , Fleetwood Mac (1977)

This album makes the list on the strength of its power pop hooks and melodies that will stick with you for the rest of the trip. You’ll find yourself humming “Dreams” while pumping gas. Four of Rumours 11 tracks reached the top 10 in the U.S., and even the album’s deep cuts that weren’t singles are fun to sing along to. There is something about Stevie Nicks’s voice that brings about images of a long adventure, like she’s seen all there is to see, and she’s reporting what she learned in the form of beautiful pop ballads. It’s folky and poppy all at once, but however you choose to label it, hearing it while speeding (not actually speeding, of course) toward the unknown is hearing it in its peak form.

6.  Thriller , Michael Jackson (1982)

Michael Jackson is not the first artist to come to mind when selecting which records to take with you on the road. Maybe if you’re curating a dance party, but not a road trip. But the truth is, Jackson’s disco pop, and his finest album Thriller sounds even better turned way up in a car. Dancing wise, you might be limited, but this album is full of hit after hit after hit, and the lack of dance floor space will have you appreciating Jackson’s voice that much more. From “Thriller” to “Beat it” to “Billy Jean” to “P.Y.T.”, Thriller is jam packed with high-energy hits. After a midday coffee stop, pop this disc in and let the King of Pop power you through the next stretch of your trip. If you just have to dance along, make sure to keep your eyes on the road!

5.  Goodbye Yellow Brick Road , Elton John (1973)

Elton John is another name that one wouldn’t quite expect to land a record on this list, but Goodbye Yellow Brick Road , a far cry from the classic piano balladeer sound that defined his sound before its release, definitely belongs in the top five road trip records. For his 7th album, the Englishman brought his soft-rock sound to new heights. The big hooks are still there, supported by high-octane piano chords and guitar licks. “Bennie and the Jets” is one of the best songs of any album on this list, and it is the highlight on an album full of them. Music is at its best when it moves you, something that is even truer when applied to a road trip soundtrack. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is the most emotional album from an emotional artist, and its 17 tracks are guaranteed to move you, if not emotionally, then physically. Sing at the top of your lungs, you’re on a road trip after all.

4.  Crosby, Stills & Nash , Crosby Stills & Nash (1969)

Folk rockers David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash (and sometimes Neil Young), were the super group of the 60s. All belonged to other successful bands prior to the formation of CSN in 1969, and though their time together was short, they produced a number of hits and a few classic albums, the best of which shares a title with their band name. As “Marrakesh Express” hints at, this album is perhaps best experienced on a cross-country train ride, but a road trip is the next best thing. “Judy Blue Eyes” and “Guinnevere” are beautifully sung odes to two different women, but that hardly matters when you’re singing along in your car. Pop this album in the CD changer on your way home, when the newly formed memories are still fresh in your mind, and the comforts of home await you.

3.  Exile on Main Street , The Rolling Stones (1972)

The Rolling Stones sound is tailor made for a road trip. The Stones were a band with attitude and swagger, two things that any captain of a road trip certainly feels at some point on their journey. Exile on Main Street was the band at their most rebellious, full of rump shaking blues like “Rip This Joint” and “Shake Your Hips”, as well as anti-establishment anthems like  “Sweet Black Angel” and “Turd on the Run”. Listening to this album while on a road trip will have you feeling like an exile yourself, on the run from those who want to keep you down. Let Mick Jagger and Keith Richards “Shine a Light” on you as you race toward wherever it is you’re going. This album is a prime example of how an already stellar album can elevate to new heights when heard on the move.

2.  Highway 61 Revisited , Bob Dylan (1965)

Not only is Bob Dylan’s 6th studio album his best, it sounds even better with the wind blowing through your hair and nothing but the endless horizon in front of you. From the rollicking organ licks of “Like a Rolling Stone” to the ominous piano chords of “Ballad of a Thin Man”, Highway 61 is varied enough sonically to keep you pushing through each and every rest stop. If you’re on the road alone, you’ll find yourself lost in Dylan’s poetic and sometimes confounding lyrics, and if you’re with friends you’ll all be singing along to Dylan’s scratchy (and catchy) melodies. Besides, how could an album named after a highway that cuts through some of America’s most stories musical landmarks (most notably, the Mississippi Delta) not sound great on the road?

1.  Abbey Road , the Beatles (1969)

The open road is like a blank canvas, an empty vessel waiting to be filled with the color that each traveler brings. There is no more colorful album than the Beatles 10th, Abbey Road . The album will transport you to places near and far. It’s impossible to listen to “Come Together” and not feel a certain bond with your karaoke companions. Try listening to Ringo Starr’s children’s tale “Octopus’s Garden” and not feel like a kid again. “Here Comes the Sun” will brighten your day even if a thunderstorm looms up the highway. It’s a beautiful album that unfolds as quickly as your first hour on the road; it’ll be over before you know it. Emotionally, it runs the gamut, and it’s hard not to shed a tear when the last notes of “The End” fade away, but like taking that last exit on your way home, there’s something comfortable about it too.

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The 11 Best Road Trips in the World

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on an epic adventure, especially on these incredible stretches of highway

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It’s when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I’ve completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550 Road terrain: Mostly gravel Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies—the unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the Dempster Highway heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you’ll have panoramas of what’s known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic’s Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada’s largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at Happy Valley Territorial Park (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation’s largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Parks , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated All-American Road bisects multiple ecosystems,  from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area’s distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it’d be Ofland Escalante , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany’s Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm’s fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of Würzburg with the pastel-hued town of Füssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated Würzburg Residence, one of the nation’s most opulent palaces, while Füssen is five minutes from what many consider the route’s highlight, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of beer gardens—the riverfront Lechgarten in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop—the vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the Best Western Premier Parkhotel ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864 Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side) Best time to go: Australia’s fall, March through May The ultimate outback odyssey, the Explorers Way is a road trip through Australia’s Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart’s expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at Bamurru Plains Eco Lodge (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than two dozen walking trails .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22 Road terrain: Narrow, paved Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as Atlanterhavsvegen , this drive links the village of Kårvåg on Averøy Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you’ll likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen’s “ Columna Transatlantica ,” a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askevågen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Strømsholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820 Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this famed 820-mile loop , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You’ll want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjavík, the city closest to Keflavík International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafjörður fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland , take time to explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure—maybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach—with outfitter Icelandic Mountain Guides .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600 Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you’ll also driving on the left-hand side here) Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle’s rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you’ll want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim’s Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You’ll have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning Rusty Mackerel pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from Soundwave Surf School . If the water’s calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at Levis Corner House , a pub in Ballydehob that’s been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for Dune’ s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and many good hiking trails . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs—you can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape’s outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route’s official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

Wilderness National Park , approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is Robberg Nature Reserve , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa’s oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route’s eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180 Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway Best time to go: New Zealand’s fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there  in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770 Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March  

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile’s Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer’s fantasy. Also known as the Carretera Austral , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumalín National Park , both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It’s considered Chile’s seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto , a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén region, marks the route’s midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run  Mallin Colorado Ecolodge ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O’Higgins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

Outside travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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This 10-Day Road Trip Through Utah Is a Hiker’s Dream

Slot canyons, auburn cliffs, alpine lakes, and more: you can experience the best utah has to offer on this 10-day road trip just for hikers..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Utah is a land of hiking wonders. Within its borders, mountain peaks tower into the expansive blue sky, golden dunes shift in the wind, and rock sculptures and slot canyons become mesmerizing works of art.

Most visitors to the state unfortunately tend to stick to one route that ping-pongs between five national parks. And while destinations like Capitol Reef, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches are indeed worth the trip, there’s so much more to discover in the Beehive State.

So pack your backpack, dust off your tent, and hit the road for a road trip you won’t forget, complete with challenging dayhikes that can often be turned to overnighters, quiet campsites, and all the beauty you expect from such a geographically diverse state. Here is our itinerary for a seven-to-10-day hiker’s road trip through Utah .

First Stop: Ben Lomond

Camp: north fork campground, eden.

Sites at North Fork Park are first come, first serve (except for group sites, which require reservations ). There are fire pits, toilets, and running water at or near all of the 132 available sites that are scattered around the park—many of which are flanked by leafy deciduous trees. This campground not only offers a relaxing place to overnight before or after your hike, but also impressive views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains. Sites cost $30 per night for up to eight people. Read more about the campground here.

Hike: Ben Lomond via Cutler Trail, 9.4 miles

The trailhead for this steep, challenging hike is just a few minutes drive from your North Fork campsite. At 9.4 miles, the hike might not sound too intimidating, but this out-and-back trail is all uphill (for just over 3,600 feet), then all back down again, so don’t forget your trekking poles. Along the way you’ll get big views of surrounding peaks, including Mt. Ogden, soft valleys, rocky climbs, and emerald pines, plus rainbows of wildflowers in the spring. Much of the trail is exposed, but boy is it a sight to behold.

Second Stop: Mt. Timpanogos

Camp: mt. timpanogos campground, provo.

Located right off of State Route 92 (also known as the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway), this Provo campground is home to hundreds of aspen and fir trees. There are toilets, but no water or trash collection on site, so come prepared to leave no trace. Only 27 sites exist in this campground, so weekends can get crowded, and sites are first come, first serve from May 31 to June 7 in 2024, but stays on or after June 7 are reservable in advance on recreation.gov ($25 plus a reservation fee and taxes). The trailhead is mere steps away, meaning that early a.m. start or late finish won’t require any commute or parking stress.

Hike: Mt. Timpanogos Trail, 13.9 miles

Located in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest , this lengthy and often steep hike (expect close to 4,900 feet of elevation gain) can either be done as a dayhike if you manage to get an early start or as an overnight if you’d prefer to take your time and pitch a tent alongside one of the picture-perfect alpine lakes. On your way to the top, expect plenty of switchbacks, stream crossings, a waterfall, and maybe even a mountain goat or two if you’re lucky. You’ll hike past aptly named Emerald Lake and be treated to deep and wide views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains. During shoulder seasons, bring spikes as the summit—located at 11,749 feet—sees snow well before lower elevations and hangs onto it longer.

Third Stop: San Rafael Swell, Little Wild Horse Canyon

Camp: dispersed blm camping, hanksville.

From the Provo area, head south toward the San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley State Park. But just before you get to the entrance station of the state park, turn east onto Wild Horse Road to stay in the Swell. There are several free dispersed BLM camping areas that are easily accessible without 4WD (no services) along the road leading to the trailhead parking lot, many of which are marked with informational signs and that offer very convenient—if fairly exposed—places to pitch your tent and relax post-hike. When camping in BLM lands, always leave no trace and pack out what you packed in.

Hike: Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop, 8.1 miles

Little Wild Horse Canyon, in conjunction with Bell Canyon, offers a scenic, 8-mile loop through slot canyons, along washes, and below colorful rock structures that rise to meet the clouds on every side. The whole hike will take between four to five hours to complete, leaving enough time to explore Goblin Valley State Park, too, if you’re feeling energetic. Or take your time and enjoy the unique photo ops between the frequently narrow canyon walls.

Fourth Stop: Bryce Canyon National Park, Riggs Spring Loop

Camp: dispersed camping, bryce canyon city.

From the Swell, travel south. (Take Route 12 for a very minor but extremely picturesque scenic detour through the pines and aspens of Dixie National Forest, above and through epic and expansive rocky canyons, and past dozens of dayhike options.) Once you reach Bryce Canyon, you can check out Sunset Campground within the park, but there are also at least half a dozen dispersed camping options nearby, including John’s Valley and Tom’s Best Spring, which offer free sites sans services. 

Hike: Riggs Spring Loop, 8.6 miles

Start at Rainbow Point at the very end of Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to hike this banger of a trail full of views that will have you stopping to marvel at the landscape far more often than you ever thought possible. You’ll hike through a bit of pine forest, but mostly alongside majestic red-streaked cliffs, towering hoodoos, and expansive tree-carpeted valleys. Designated campgrounds are scattered along the trail, so if you want to split the hike into a multi-day adventure, you can ( permits required ).

Additional Recommendations:

Looking for more places to explore while you’re in Utah? These areas offer even more stunning views and experiences.

• Devil’s Garden Trail, Arches National Park : This 8-mile trail offers some challenging terrain and impressive views of less-visited arches throughout the national park.
• Death Hollow and Escalante River Trail, Box-Death Hollow Wilderness : For a 35-plus-mile hike that wends between canyons, along the river, and over rock formations, this challenging multi-day trail won’t disappoint.
• Navajo Lake Loop, Dixie National Forest : Hike around the lake among aspens and pines for 8.6 miles over an afternoon or make an overnight of it.
• Escalante, Utah : Stop in the town of Escalante on Route 12 for coffee and to stock up on supplies at Utah Canyon Outdoors and indulge in freshly made pizza at Escalante Mercantile.

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