Road trips are a fantastic way to see more of a country or continent. All you need is a vehicle, a companion (or you can go it alone), a great playlist and you're good to go.
1. Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand
Hands down the best way to see New Zealand is via a road trip. At only 994 miles in length, New Zealand is compact but full of beautiful scenic drives. The best of these is the Southern Scenic Route. This 379 mile road will take you through tourist hotspot Queenstown and through Fiordland to the stunning Milford Sounds.
With deserted beaches, native bush, rolling hills, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and lakes to take a dip in, your eyes will be spoiled for choice.
2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Driving anywhere in Ireland and Northern Ireland will deliver some absolutely stunning views, but the Causeway Coastal Route is especially gorgeous. The route follows the coast between Belfast and Londonderry and totals 130 miles.
Along the way you'll get to see Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge (where you can see the Scottish mainland) and the Dark Hedges - sure to tickle the fancy of any Game of Thrones fans.
3. Icefields Parkway, Canada
Justin Trudeau isn't Canada's only national treasure. The country is filled with sublime scenery and Icefields Parkway will showcase the best they have to offer. The 144 mile road winds through two national parks and offers views of pristine clear lakes, waterfalls and limestone cliffs.
The route runs from the alpine town of Jasper to Lake Louise and you'll find wildlife such as mountain boasts, elk and bighorn sheep scattered along the way.
4. Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland's Highway 1 circles around the coast of the island and is one of the most desolate, beautiful drives in the world. If offers a landscape of active volcanoes, towering waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and glacial lagoons.
Make sure you stop and check out some of the famous Icelandic horses on your 837 mile drive and if you travel between August and April you may be able to glimpse the Northern Lights.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
A world heritage site, the Amalfi Coast consists of the picturesque towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. The route runs from Sorrento to Salerno and consists of typically narrow and winding roads.
Be sure to catch the ferry over the the celebrity-favoured island of Capri and pick up a bottle of Amalfi's famous limoncello.
6. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia is home to many Pinterest-worthy landscapes. From Ayers Rock to the white sand beaches of Broome, there's always something to see. Yet the Great Ocean Road is something to behold.
The 170 mile road covers the coastline between Geelong and Warrnambool (west of Melbourne) and takes you through rain forests and the rugged coastline. It can easily be done in a day and you'll get to catch a glimpse of the Twelve Apostles.
7. Trans-Andean Highway, Chile to Argentina
This 226 mile road runs from Santiago in Chile to Mendoza in Argentina and will take you through the spectacular Chilean Andes. If you suffer from motion sickness, this may not be the best route as the road winds up through mountains.
You will get to view Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in the southern hemisphere before you head through a two-mile tunnel where Argentina waits for you on the other side.
8. The Alaska Highway, Canada to Alaska
Once you've finish Canada's Icefields Parkway, why not head on up to the Alaska Highway? Covering 1,346 miles, the route covers towering mountains, clear lakes and, if you're lucky, a grizzly bear or two along the way.
Make sure you take your hiking boots to take advantage of some of the trails and hidden treasures like Muncho Lake and Liard River Hot Springs. Seriously though, watch out for the bears.
9. Route 66, United States
Possibly the most famous drive in the world, Route 66 begins in Chicago and ends in L.A, showcasing America over 2,448 miles, eight states and three time zones. It will take you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Be sure to stop at the retro petrol stations and old school diners along the way.
10. La Route Des Grandes Alpes, France
This spectacular route winds its way north beginning in the French Riviera and ending in Lake Geneva by way of the French Alps, 17 dramatic mountain passes after the other.
Be sure to visit during the summer months as the route is covered in snow come winter.
11. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
It took villagers six years to hand-carve this 0.8 mile tunnel road through the edge China's Taihang Mountains and now you can drive along it in use 10 minutes. The road sits about a gorge hundreds of feet below so be sure to drive safely a log it and get your passenger to do the photo taking.
12. North Coast 500, Scotland
The newest route on this list, Scotland's North Coast 500 was launched earlier this year and has opened up a fresh tourist market in the region. The 500 mile road (hence the name) runs from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast before looping back to Inverness along the east coast.
Along the way you'll be presented with stunning mountain ranges, Ardvreck castle ruins and unprecedented views of the highlands. Perfect for any Outlander fanatic.
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