Matt Press is a car fanatic and the founder of The Drive Hive, a place where learners can book intensive driving courses.
As a car lover, you’ve probably thought of taking a road trip at some stage of your life.
After all, what could be better than pressing the pedal to the metal, being free and taking in breathtaking scenery and different cultural experiences?
The trouble is, where do you go?
The world’s a big place, so we’ve created a definitive list of the 11 top driving adventures to take.
Some could be on your doorstep, others might be further afield, but all are worth adding to your bucket list. Ready to dive in?
Trip 1: Route 66, USA
Let’s start with probably the most iconic road trip in the world: Route 66.
The main route is 3,940km long and most of the roads are abandoned, making this a very atmospheric experience.
There are actually quite a few paths to take and drivers are able to pick their own adventure to some extent.
However, we think the scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico and Arizona are the most impressionable.
Trip 2: The Cowboy Trail, Canada
From the lunar landscapes of the badlands through to where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains, there’s a load to enjoy with this trip.
How about the Dinosaur Provincial Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and the Hoodoos Of Drumheller for starters?
Click here to get ideas for a full itinerary.
Trip 3: North Coast 500, Scotland
See legendary castles, jaw-dropping lochs, ancient stone monuments and even whisky distilleries along the 500-mile single-track journey.
It starts in Inverness, takes in Ullapool, Durness, Orkney and John O’Groats, before heading back along the A99 back to Inverness.
Trip 4: South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand is so vast and under populated that you pretty much have to drive everywhere anyway. But do it properly by absorbing the diverse landscape of the South Island.
You’ll come across glaciers, mountains and more as you drive, but don’t miss out on seeing the truly spectacular Southern Alps.
Trip 5: Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Known for its striking sea views and numerous lookout points, the Causeway coastal route has over 40 destinations to explore between Belfast and Londonderry.
Just remember to take in the Dark Hedges, an avenue of trees which features in Game of Thrones.
Trip 6: Garden Route, South Africa
Variety is the spice of life as they say and you’ll definitely get this when you tackle the 120mile route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
With everything from colonial buildings to deserted beaches, deep forests to sprawling lakes, there’s plenty to keep you on your toes.
Trip 7: Ring Road, Iceland
This is one of the few adventures that takes in an entire country. You’ll be able to spot magnificent glaciers and untamed coastlines that will blow your mind.
Why not take your time with this one? There are plenty of places to stay, so you can take in everything that Icelandic culture has to offer.
Trip 8: Pacific Coast Highway, California
Not to be outdone by Route 66, this drive starts in Monterrey and heads down highway 1 to Los Angeles.
It’s a beautiful coastal drive with long stretches of beaches and the chance to checkout where the rich and famous like to hang out.
Trip 9: Snowdonia, Wales
If a remote road trip is your kind of thing, then pencil in Snowdonia for your pleasure.
This is a 70-mile adventure that takes in Snowdon itself, so you can always schedule a break in your holiday if you fancy climbing the great beast.
Trip 10: Brittany, France
This history 500-mile trip will take 4 or 5 days and take in medieval buildings and the craggy, rough coastline towns of Carnac and Douarnenez.
The roads are beautifully kept and this is an interesting journey that is very underrated amongst driving enthusiasts.
Trip 11: Trollstigen, Norway
Trollstigen means Trolls Path in English and this is a route that will leave your knuckles white and your heart pumping. In fact, it’s so precarious that it’s closed during winter.
You’ll find 11 hairpin bends down the narrow, twisty mountain road. Plus, there are plenty of breathtaking views to absorb when you’re 2,300ft up.
Trip 12: Costa Verde, Brazil
Head to South America’s most romantic city and enjoy a 5-day, 370-mile coastal drive that ends at the legendary Copacabana beach in the flamboyant Rio.
It could be the Atlantic forest, the Serra do Mar Mountains or the ambience of the cobbled streets. Either way, this is a beautiful road trip that most drivers only dream about.
Trip 13: Mongol Rally
Are you a hardened driver? Then how about tackling 12 countries and 2 continents on the same trip?
This is a charity rally that starts in London and ends in Mongolia, so as you can imagine, you’re going to make some spectacular memories.
It takes 3-8 weeks and includes Siberia, Prague and Kazakhstan. Just make sure you’ve got the right gear in your car for this one.
Phew, what a list.
That’s quite enough to be getting on with.
Ever since I was a young boy, I was desperate to drive. I didn’t want to spend ages taking driving lessons, so I took an intensive driving course because I wanted to hit the road and explore the beautiful, vast world we live in.
But pencil in one of these 11 great road trips for 2019 and take your driving experiences to a whole new level.
