And no matter the destination, half the fun will be in the journey because the open road will offer you a myriad of options – whether you want to travel on a shoestring budget or leave no expense spared.
When you plan your summer road trip, be sure to include these hot spots in your itinerary.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The road winds along sheer cliffs for about 30 miles (48km) from Sorrento to Amalfi village and offers spectacular views around every corner.
Drive southbound from Sorrento and pass through the resort towns of Positano, Prajano and Amalfi. Stay for as long as you want and your budget allows before continuing to Ravello and the Ionian Sea.
This trip promises picture postcard memories.
Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
From the city of Larne to Dunluce Castle, the Causeway Coast drive is best known for the fact that the “70” road signs do not indicate the speed limit, but rather the number of sites you will see within a mile!
Travel this road if only for one reason: Giant’s Causeway, a mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns packed tightly together. The tops of these columns form steps that lead from the cliff into the sea. Scientists blame it on a volcanic eruption. Locals believe the columns were formed by a Scottish giant after being tricked by the Irish giant, Finn McCool.
Not that it really matters – it’s an awesome sight to see.
Madeira, Portugal
Even though the island is quite small, one needs a full day to drive around the entire island and really appreciate its beauty, ranging from green mountains to flower-covered valleys, sprawling vineyards and charming villages.
Start your trip at Funchal and drive counter-clockwise up the southern coast to Porto Moniz in the northwest, where you can swim in the natural tidal pools in the volcanic rock shoreline.
Follow the north coast road and drop your hood if you’re driving a convertible because this road tunnels through cliffs, skirts the ocean AND passes through a waterfall!
The Romantic Road, Germany
There is much more to German road travel than the Autobahn.
Take the A-7 exit and be transported to a medieval world, complete with walled cities, age-old churches with carved wooden altars, Bavarian beer halls and gothic cathedrals – all while the Alps form a formidable white wall in the background.
The Romantic Road – or Romantische Strasse – is a 220 mile (350 km) journey from Weurzburg to Fuessen. This is a route steeped in history, complete with spectacular views and a castle or three!
You could complete this route in 10 hours. But rather stretch it over a few days (or as far as you can stretch your budget) and really enjoy the ride.
These roads, and many more, are just waiting for you to explore. Visit your nearest travel agent and start planning your road trip today.
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