Why drive? The USA is a big country, so there is a reason road trips are so popular – you get to visit small towns, meet local people you miss when embarking on a traditional fly-and-stay holiday, plus you have the freedom to stop wherever – and whenever - you want. Ideal for families craving adventure – and smartphones jammed-packed with jaw-droppings pics.
The drive: Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1 hugs the Californian coast for over 650 miles, but it’s the stretch from San Francisco to Santa Barbara that is the most captivating. Give yourself at least a week, travel south so you’ll be right at the ocean’s edge to take advantage of the view, and stick a classic American playlist on the stereo. The area around Big Sur, Monterey and Carmel (the latter is ideal for lunch, you may even bump into Clint Eastwood, the former mayor) is particularly beautiful, and it’s well worth deviating on to 17-mile drive, which takes you through the plush environs of Pebble Beach. Undoubtedly a road trip to ‘find yourself again’, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Dream wheels: Chevrolet Camaro convertible - the classic American road trip car
Why drive? By going directly to the Alps or Côte d'Azur, you are missing the historic story and beauty in between. Stop whenever you can to take pictures of the glorious scenery, and learn about the French Revolution as you go. All the brood will enjoy the education, and you’ll find the best family-friendly slopes in the Alps.
The drive: If you’re in the French Riviera (lucky you), the Route Napoleon is a must see. It is the journey Napoleon took back to France following his 1815 exile in Elba, Italy. Starting in Cannes and landing in Grenoble 150km later, this route snakes through the Alps and combines fast, sweeping roads with perfectly-smooth tarmac. This is where the car manufacturers go to test and launch their cars, because the roads, weather and cuisine is unrivalled (we recommend you stop and sample a proper Salade niçoise while you are there) and, at the right time of year, Grenoble is a perfect skiing destination.
Dream wheels: Lamborghini Aventador – an epic car for an epic road
Why drive? Northern Ireland contains pockets of splendour often difficult to reach other than in a car. So this road trip really does open up the country and the thought of seeing new places plus some famous landmarks means your car is very much your best friend. Romantic vistas mean this could be the perfect anniversary gift.
The drive: Start in the magical glens of Antrim, with its valleys framing wonderful vistas of the North Channel and forests of oak and sycamore trees. Head north, passing romantic towns from a bygone era, towards Giant’s Causeway. From here the road widens and the view becomes a breath-taking panorama as you hug the Atlantic coastline towards the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart. Spend the night in Bushmills to sample the local whisky, while Game of Thrones fans will recognise Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges, a tunnel of interlaced beech trees. This is a relatively undiscovered road trip and you must try the local delicacies: Ulster Fry, Irish Stew and dulse (a type of seaweed) while enjoying a romantic, off-the-beaten-track trip.
Dream wheels: camper van - there are dozens of friendly camping sites along the route
Why drive? Chalk it up as a reason to hire a cool car, get some mates together, drive to Wales and enjoy that sense of exploration that only a more remote road trip can bring, while experiencing a blast of a drive.
The drive: So called, because this section of driving nirvana is a favourite test route of Evo magazine, it starts in the picturesque town of Betws-y-Coed in north Wales and, as the name suggests, forms a triangle, comprising the A5, A543 and B4501. A ‘lap’ will take you about 30 minutes and is a real test of man and machine. Watch out for the sheep, slow down through the towns, be wary of snow in winter, and you will be guaranteed a blast. This is the place to go if you love getting in touch with nature, so pack some walking boots (the waterfalls are particularly picturesque) and stay at the Ty Gywn hotel and restaurant in Betws-y-Coed for beautiful vistas and top food.
Dream wheels: Pagani Huayra – a car to get your heartbeat racing
Why drive? An excuse for a mighty road trip through Europe, taking in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary before reaching Romania, this is as much about the journey as the destination. A real adventure for friends who share an enthusiasm for discovering new places to visit.
The drive: Made famous on Top Gear, this virtually-unpronounceable road links Transylvania and Walachia in Romania. The surface is smooth, you can see through corners for miles and it is so remote, you are unlikely to be held up by other traffic. This is supercar country but can be enjoyed in any car, given you’ll get to drive where many others haven’t and never will – a truly unique experience. Our top tip to end a day’s driving - the Transylvanian vegetable soup with pork is legendary and will warm you up after a mountain drive.
Dream wheels: Porsche 911 GT3 - the best driver’s car, in our humble opinion
Why drive? Sometimes a road trip is all about the road in question, and this is one of the few places you won’t want to stop along the way. Getting similarly-minded car lovers together is key, as is sharing stories about the drive afterwards.
The drive: Arguably one of the world’s greatest driving roads, and definitely the most photographed, the Stelvio Pass is a series of hairpin bends that take you to one of the highest altitudes in the Alps. It’s a friendly place, where everyone has the same goal: to get to the top and back again safely. The 48 switchback turns will test your brakes and your nerve, but when you are finished, visit Bormio and take a dip in its rejuvenating thermal springs to relax those limbs.
Dream wheels: Ferrari 488GTB - Ferrari’s latest supercar in its natural environment
Why drive? Family holidays to once-in-a-lifetime destinations deserve to be fulfilling, so get a car while there. The inside of your vehicle may end up containing life-changing conversations (no eye-contact = easier for kids to open up), singalongs and general chatter and laughter you may not experience during the routine of home life.
The drive: A 24-hour plane ride might not sound like the ideal start to a driving adventure, but the wait will be worth it. The Great Ocean Road in Australia embraces the coastline of the Southern Ocean and takes you past world-class surfing spots, tropical rainforest and chilled seaside towns. This 151-mile stretch of road starts in Torquay (no, not that one) and ends in Allansford. Look out for the Twelve Apostles, the formation of eight limestone stacks poking precariously out of the sea. Take your time to visit each town along the way - the best tips come from the locals. But as a start, the town of Lorne is a seafood lover’s paradise.
Dream wheels: Mercedes SL – top-down cruising in style
Why drive? To explore Japanese culture outside of the major cities, a road trip is the chance for usual-passengers to take the wheel. The local drivers are polite and offer you space beyond your wildest dreams, so even nervous drivers will feel a Zen-like calm. It also represents a trip of a lifetime for those with amorous persuasions.
The drive: The roads taking you to the top of Mount Fuji in Japan are steeped in history. It is here where, several decades ago, the sport of drifting was born. Young men in ridiculously powerful rear-wheel drive cars would tackle the famous roads to the top, sliding their cars around the countless switchbacks and turns. You don’t need to follow in their footsteps. Take it easy, enjoy the view and look out for the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees that look magical when in full bloom. If you feel like leaving the car at the bottom, it should be noted the mountain is only open for hikers between July and September.
Dream wheels: Nissan GT-R - power and grip for those challenging roads