There's something about road trip travel that always captures the imagination. You can take it all at your own pace, choose where to go and set off with a true sense of freedom and adventure. Thanks to the good old invention of the road (we have the Mesopotamians to thank for that!), we have access to plenty of landscapes on many travellers' bucket lists simply by sitting behind the steering wheel. Here are some of the best countries for a road trip - and of course, each one of our suggestions is bookable as a Rough Guides tailor-made trip. All you need to do is get in touch Dropdown content and we can sort out your dream self drive holiday.
Perhaps nowhere else in the world is there a road trip destination that takes you through such varied and brutal landscapes while remaining safe and enjoyable.
Trekking across glaciers or volcanoes is a jaw-dropping way to stretch your legs outside the car, and unique activities like snorkelling between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates raise the adventure quotient.
The Ring Road in Iceland has spectacular mountain views © Mathias Berlin/Shutterstock
The UK and Ireland have some great opportunities for a fulfilling and exciting road trip – especially if you head away from the major traffic-clogged routes. For incredible mountain views, there nothing quite like a self drive holiday in Scotland, with its North Coast 500 route. Make sure to complete the experience with a whisky distillery visit.
For the ocean lovers, surfers and wannabe hippies, there's the UK's Atlantic Highway, taking you along the Devon and Cornwall coast (and inland for a portion to Exmoor National Park).
Ireland offers the craggy landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, and there are several Game of Thrones locations for the TV fanatics to explore in both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Those wanting a short but spectacular road trip, the Welsh Black Mountain Pass through the Brecon Beacons won't leave you disappointed. Or, simply get in the car and drive your way aimlessly through the ales and cheeses of Yorkshire.
A rural road through the rolling hills of the Cornish countryside © Marcin jucha/Shutterstock
With so much to do in
In Costa Rica you can take things as easy or action-packed as you like, seeking out relaxing eco-lodges in the forest or trying adrenaline-inducing zip-lines, and then there's the beaches, where you can swim, chill, surf or go horse-riding. The country's many national parks can be explored at a leisurely pace by car, from Manuel Antonio to Monteverde. There's not a moment of boredom when heading to Costa Rica for a self drive holiday.
Driving in Costa Rica is a great way to see the country at your own pace © Guadelupe Polito/Shutterstock
South Africa is destined to charm with its vineyards, mountain views and lush scenery. It's most well known for the Garden Route, located in the Western Cape province – a perfect introduction
Of course, we can't forget one of the main reasons people visit South Africa: a safari. The best way to do enjoy the experience is by joining a guided trip in a 4x4 so you can get up close and personal to the wildlife while learning about the environment and animals within it.
Bloukrans Bridge on the Garden Route in South Africa © LMspencer/Shutterstock
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Sticking with the vineyard theme,
Lavender fields in Provence, France © Flystock/Shutterstock
Tuscany's iconic cypress trees © Pawel Uchorczak/Shutterstock