The top 5 countries for road trips in 2022, out of 118 nations, are:

Some travelers are reconsidering air travel due to the highly contagious omicron variant of Covid-19.

Despite a rise in travel bookings this year, many individuals are still opting for the popular trend that emerged during the pandemic: road trips.

According to Anja Benson, public relations and marketing manager at Holidu, driving can significantly decrease your risk of exposure when interacting with large groups, making it a safer option.

Road trips provide travelers with the opportunity to "clear their minds," which many will be eager to do after spending nearly two years confined indoors.

Holidu has released a new list to motivate travelers to embark on road trips. The "Cross-Country Road Trip Index," published in December, examined factors such as road conditions, gas prices, and landscape variety in 118 countries.

The ranking of cities in the top 100 world ranking, as determined by BestCities.org, was influenced by the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a given country.

The ranking of countries considered multiple factors equally, including road infrastructure. In the event of a tie, the country with the best road infrastructure was given priority because "decent roads are crucial for road trips," according to Benson.

The top five countries with renowned routes are listed below.

1. United States

The United States is home to 29 of the world's top 100 cities, providing road warriors with a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, glaciers, and forests.

The country also ranked eighth in the world for road quality.

U.S. Route 66

• Popular route: Chicago, Illinois to the Santa Monica Pier in California
• Distance: about 2,450 miles

The original route of U.S. Route 66 spanned three time zones and eight states, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

In 1985, American transportation officials decommissioned Route 66, which was once known as the country's "Mother Road." Despite this, drivers can still follow much of the old route, with the highways now having new names.

St. Louis' Gateway Arch, half-buried cars at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and Route 66 relics along walking tours in Flagstaff, Arizona are visible to those who can see them.

The route is known for its old-school diners and vintage barbershops that reminisce of 20th-century Americana.

Pacific Coast Highway

• Popular route: San Diego, California to Olympic National Park in Washington
• Distance: about 1,250 miles

The Pacific Coast Highway, commonly referred to as "the 101," "Highway 1," or "PCH," stretches along much of the U.S. West Coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean coastlines.

The journey encompasses national parks, beaches, charming coastal towns, and cities such as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Portland's Oregon.

Visitors can bask in the sun at renowned beaches such as Long Beach and Huntington Beach, or marvel at the towering trees at Redwood National Park.

Driving from San Juan Capistrano to Leggett is a shorter trip that covers most of the California coastline.

2. Mexico

Mexico, renowned for its beach resorts and vibrant culture, boasts 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it seventh globally in terms of Heritage sites.

Mexico, like its northern neighbor, boasts deserts and mountain ranges, but it also has jungles, giving it an advantage in terms of animal diversity, making it a top destination for road trips.

Baja California Peninsula

• Popular route: Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas
• Distance: about 1,625 miles

A drive down Baja California, a Mexican state south of California, is recommended by many travel guides.

Along the peninsula, one of the most renowned diving sites is Cabo Pulmo, which offers a range of diving experiences for both experienced and novice divers.

During the months of January to March, it is optimal to visit Cabo Pulmo for whale watching, as both humpback and gray whales can be observed in the local lagoons.

Yucatan Peninsula Loop

• Popular route: Cancun, back to Cancun
• Distance: about 1,460 miles

Visitors who tour the Yucatan Peninsula can experience the area's history, culture, and renowned beach communities.

Visitors can select their own route, but popular options include a stop at Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World," as well as other Mayan monuments in Uxmal and the colonial harbor town of Campeche.

Travelers can visit the beach towns of Tulum and Playa Del Carmen on their way back to Cancun, or they can explore the stunning pink lakes in Las Coloradas, although swimming in the water is no longer permitted.

3. Canada

Canada ranks sixth globally in Holidu's study for its "natural assets," specifically its national parks.

Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal were among the cities that scored high for road infrastructure in the country.

Trans-Canada Highway

• The well-trodden path: St. John's, Labrador to Victoria, British Columbia
• Distance: about 4,860 miles

The Trans-Canada Highway, the world's second-longest national highway, spans all 10 provinces in Canada. It takes at least a month to fully appreciate the stunning views along the way.

Many road-trippers consider hiking in Glacier National Park a highlight. The park is open year-round, with campgrounds opening in late June, and ski season running from November to April.

Sea to Sky Highway

• Popular route: Horseshoe Bay to Whistler, both in British Columbia
• Distance: about 75 miles

An excursion along the Sea to Sky Highway, commonly known as Highway 99, offers a wealth of natural, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Road trippers often take longer to travel a short distance, allowing them to stop at attractions such as the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, which offers breathtaking views of the coastal mountains from 885 meters (2,900 feet) above sea level.

During winter, the gondola is filled with families seeking skiing, hiking, and snowboarding opportunities.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia, the only Asian country to rank among the top five for affordable accommodations, food, and fuel prices, allows money to stretch further.

"One advantage of road tripping in Asia over Western countries is the cost-effectiveness, as Malaysia is the seventh cheapest country in the world for gas at just $1.87 a gallon," said Holidu's Benson.

Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands

• Distance: about 125 miles

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands takes only half a day.

During strawberry-picking season, which runs from May to August, travelers can visit the municipality's bee and butterfly farms. However, those who visit outside of this time can still explore these attractions.

The rolling green hills and English-style cottages of Cameron Highlands are popular among visitors seeking a tranquil afternoon tea break.

Petaling Jaya to Langkawi

• Distance: about 300 miles

The road trip encompasses the majority of Malaysia's western coast, spanning from Petaling Jaya, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, to the Langkawi islands, which can be reached via ferry.

For a refreshing break from the heat, travelers can visit the Taman Eko Rimba Kanching waterfalls, which have seven tiers for swimming. Afterward, it's just a 30-minute drive to Selangor Fruit Valley, a 646-hectare tropical fruit farm with a petting zoo and tram ride.

5. Argentina

Travelers on a road trip who pass through Buenos Aires, which is ranked 63rd on the list of the world's top cities, can explore its cobblestone streets lined with mansions, busy boulevards, and a nightlife that lasts until dawn, according to Benson.

Those seeking a peaceful trip can explore the Yacutinga Rainforest, Andes mountain range, or Patagonian Desert.

Route 40

• Popular route: Cabo Virgenes, Patagonia to La Quiaca, Jujuy province
• Distance: about 3,230 miles

One of the world's most captivating road trips is reportedly Argentina's Route 40.

The Route of the Seven Lakes is one of the most significant attractions along the way. Visitors can spend their entire day exploring the picturesque mountain landscapes, charming villages, and stunning aquarium-blue waterfalls in the lake district.

Along the route, there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Los Glaciares National Park, the largest national park in the country, and the Cueva de las Manos, featuring cave drawings of human hands created between 9,500 to 13,000 years ago.

Buenos Aires to Salta

• Distance: about 925 miles

Typically, travelers on this route spend the weekend in Mendoza, Argentina's renowned wine region, famous for producing the country's signature wine grape - Malbec. A popular activity there is horseback riding to appreciate the stunning scenery.

The Mendoza River offers visitors the chance to experience an adrenaline rush through paragliding and whitewater rafting.