Road trips are one of the most iconic ways to holiday. The freedom to travel wherever you want and the romance of the open road combine to entice hundreds of thousands of people into their cars every year and head off in search of the most beautiful scenery, the best food and the most enthralling attractions.

The nature of road trips means everywhere can be a destination, but there’s no question that some routes are just made for road trippers. We choose out favourites below.

1. Route 66
Route 66 is probably the most iconic highways in the world, and the fly drive holiday that everyone must experience. Linking Chicago and Los Angeles via Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, this now decommissioned highway, once known as the highway of America, is a must for road trip enthusiasts.

Road trips along Route 66 offer travellers an all-American experience from the kitsch bars and diners to the rough and ready wildlife. Being such an extensive route, you will have the opportunity to visit important sites such as the Grand Canyon and experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, but much of the excitement is in discovering the unknown USA.

2. Banff and Jasper National Park
The Canadian Rockies are renowned for their stunning landscapes, glaciers, lakes and mountains. Starting in Banff, you can drive all the way up to the Jasper National park, exploring the wilderness, mountain lodges and spas littered across the way.
Be sure to visit the Banff Museum for a good introduction of the human history of the surrounding areas. If you’re looking to relax, head to the upper hot springs where you can visit the famous bathhouse as well as dine in style while enjoying stunning alpine vistas. Meanwhile, if its excitement you’re after, some of the world’s best skiing awaits.

3. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coastline is located in the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy. The steep and winding roads will take you all along the coast, where you can explore beautiful villages resting precariously on steep hills or go swimming in the crystal clear waters.
The Amalfi road trip is perfect for couples seeking romance, with the town of Ravello considered one of the most romantic spots in Italy. Be sure to enjoy a nice glass of the local limoncello as you watch the tides come in.

4. Provence
If you’re looking for a relaxed road trip that’s not too far away from home, look no further than a Provence road trip. Beginning in Avingnon, you can make your way to L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Roussillon for some of the most enthralling mountain roads in France.
For those of you with a distinguished palette, be sure to stop off at La Bastide de Moustiers, a gourmet inn that serves up some of the finest provencal food in the region.

5. Florida’s boutiques and beaches
For those of you wanting to explore Florida in style, the boutiques and beaches road trip is the ultimate holiday. Forget about tacky resorts and theme parks, this road trip is about staying in unique hotels on the magical Florida coastline. Starting in Tampa you can drive across to the Sanibel islands, Naples and Miami, all the time basking in glorious sun. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing.