Roll the window down, get some top tunes on, feel the wind in your hair, and embark on a trip you’ll remember for years to come. Who cares about the destination? This is all about the journey, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are 10 road trips around the world that you don’t want to miss.
Route 66: Image Broker/Rex Features
Route 66, USA
The granddaddy of all road trips, Route 66 is a seemingly endless stretch of road that connects Chicago to California. Although Route 66 was decommissioned over 20 years ago it still remains an important part of American culture, with many of the towns and food stops along its 2,450 mile expanse still relying on the road for the business it brings. The old two-lane highway is actually quite difficult to find on many current road maps, but trust us; it’s still there!
The Amalfi Drive, Italy
The Amalfi Drive is a narrow and twisting sightseeing road just south of Naples and Pompeii that was originally built by the Romans. There’s only a three-foot wall separating the road from a massive drop to the sea as you head on the 30-mile route, so the faint of heart need not apply. The road is arguably one of the most beautiful and thrilling routes in the world, with panoramic views at every bend and countless picturesque hillside villas perched on the edges.
Atlantic Road, Norway
This scenic five-mile stretch of road along highway RV64 opened in 1989, and passes over the Hustadvika; an infamous area of ocean which frequently sees breathtakingly violent weather. The storms are at their most severe in autumn, so steer clear of the road at this time if you aren’t in the mood for an adventurous drive. In calmer weather, there’s the chance to observe whales and seals off-shore along the way, and you can even stop off for some of the great fishing opportunities that are available.
The Causeway Coast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Easily one of the most spectacular routes in Britain, this road curves around the northeast corner of Ireland from Larne to Dunluce Castle. The route hugs the rugged shoreline and passes through idyllic villages such as the National Trust-owned Cushendun. Other sites to stop off at include Dunluce Castle, Slemish Mountain and Carnfunnock Country Park. The true star of the drive is of course Giant’s Causeway – a mass of 40,000 hexagonal stone columns on the coast that need to be seen to be believed.
