Vicki suggests driving through LA
We usually have a holiday to take a break from our daily routine of early mornings, running errands and driving around.
Yet new research, commissioned by Insurance4carhire, has revealed that almost two thirds of Brits are either planning or considering a driving holiday in 2012 - whether at home or abroad.
Motoring expert and Fifth Gear presenter, Vicki Butler-Henderson, comments: “Driving is one of the best ways to take in the scenery through some of the most beautiful routes around the world. However, it is important to plan ahead - from selecting the right vehicle for the terrain, to reading up on the local road laws and signs to researching routes. While we don’t plan for mishaps, it is equally importantly to ensure you have sufficient insurance and excess cover as a small prang, could end up costing as much as the holiday.”
So where exactly are the best places to go on a driving holiday?
Vicki shares her knowledge and tips:
1. Dordogne region, France - a long time favourite for camping holidays, the beautiful Dordogne region is around a day’s drive from Calais, so consider breaking the journey up with an overnight stay. The region’s stunning scenery represents the best of rural France, with plenty to see and do.
2. The Peak District, UK - The Peak District National Park is the oldest national park on the British Isles. It is also thought to be the second most visited national park in the world, only after the Mount Fuji National Park in Japan. It is highly accessible but offers some spectacular scenery whilst driving.
3. Route 66, Chicago to Los Angeles – An amazing 2,448 mile journey through eight states and three time zones. The drive should ideally start from Lake Shore Drive passing through Illinois covering some of the USA’s most famous landmarks including, The Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Ozark region, Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon National Parks, Meteor Crater, and The Strip in Vegas.
4. The Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa - incorporating the picturesque stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Nature's Valley, the Garden Route is aptly named for its greenery and the vast Tsitsikamma Forest. The coastal route includes the towns of Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley - each with their own attractions.
5. Tuscany, Italy - Val d'Orcia in Southern Tuscany has some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe, making a perfect driving holiday destination. There are various villages en route that make great stop off points, giving you the chance to venture off around dirt roads and explore fantastic walking routes.
6. Cornwall, UK - with so much history and beautiful costal landscapes, Cornwall makes for the perfect UK driving holiday with great options for surfing, hiking and general sightseeing.
7. Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada – Drive through the mountain scenery whilst passing through Banff and Jasper National Parks, taking in the breathtaking scenery of forests and glaciers.
8. The Col de Turini, Monte Carlo - an iconic twisting piece of tarmac that cuts across the Alps, and is also one of the most hallowed stages of the legendary Monte Carlo rally. There is no better work out for a road car.
9. A82 towards Glencoe, Scottish Highlands – Approach the beautiful Glencoe Glenn from the south, via the A82 road and experience the rolling slopes and enthralling scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
10. Flower Route, Netherlands – Experience the plethora of Holland’s blooms and its aesthetic beauty. Pass along the route from Haarlem to discover the flower auction houses, public gardens, museums and private gardens that are rich in colour and beauty.
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