Road trips are often a top choice for travellers looking to immerse themselves in their country of choice, offering a sense of freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to experience new landscapes and cultures. They allow tourists to be more spontaneous, change plans on a whim, and enjoy the journey itself, not just the destination.
However, driving in other countries is not always as picturesque as it sounds. In fact, some countries have gained a reputation for being home to some particularly aggressive drivers, with a disregard for traffic laws. Now, a travel blogger who has driven in over 50 countries has revealed her five worst experiences.
Helene Sula is an American travel and lifestyle blogger who also runs the Instagram and TikTok page, heleneinbetween, offering travel advice from Christmas markets to packing lists. She has shared the five worst countries in the world to drive.
The first on her list was Greece, renowned for its aggressive driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules like using phones while driving.
“Lanes are just a concept. Everyone drifts and weaves – it’s less driving, more Fast & Furious: Greek Edition,” Helene wrote.
At number four is a country that, for us, comes as no surprise – the UK.
“Driving on the left is one thing,” the American said, “but the massive hedgerows and single-track lanes turn every country road into a high-stakes game of chicken. Watch out for sheep and pheasants!”
If country lanes in the UK are the travel blogger’s biggest concern, she should steer clear of big towns and cities and their seas of potholes, which could see drivers slapped with repair costs up to £9,000.
In third place was the North African country of Morocco. Cities like Marrakech and Fes are known for their high volume of traffic and a lack of organisation on its roads.
“No railings. Tiny winding roads. A casual drop-off into the abyss if you make a mistake.”
Next on her list was Italy, which has on Reddit forums been described as having drivers who act “like children, very impulsively.”
“Between the honking, tailgating, and hairpin cliffside turns, I was one swerve away from starring in my own action movie on Lake Como.”
The worst country for driving, however, was the island country of Malta in Southern Europe, home to narrow roads, roundabouts, one-way streets and many slow drivers, especially in Valletta.
“Surprise! You’re driving on the left. AND the roads are so tiny, I’m convinced they were designed for go-karts. Driving laws are merely… acknowledged not followed.”
