The world's best road trips
Discover unforgettable self-drive adventures, from iconic highways to hidden European gems.
Travelling with a car means you can venture beyond the guidebooks, discover hidden viewpoints, stop in charming villages and travel entirely at your own pace. This guide features some unforgettable itineraries, from foodie favourites in the Basque Country and Portugal to scenic escapes in Ireland, Slovenia and Montenegro. You'll find the best time to visit, must-see highlights and practical advice on where to fly and collect your hire car. These routes are designed to inspire your next holiday while showing how easy it is to make car hire part of your journey, whether you're planning a long weekend or a two-week adventure.
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September 2026
Published by Avios
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Iconic road trips
Some journeys are just as memorable as the destination. From America's legendary Route 66 to Iceland's dramatic Ring Road, these iconic drives combine spectacular scenery, fascinating history and unforgettable experiences.
Route 66, USA
Why this road trip is worth doing
Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is America's most iconic road trip. Classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, desert landscapes and historic towns make this a bucket-list journey that captures the spirit of the open road.
Best time to go
April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is popular but temperatures can soar across the Southwest.
How long do you need?
3 days – Drive a classic section, such as Chicago to St Louis.
5–7 days – Experience the route's most famous highlights.
10–14 days – Complete the full journey from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Highlights along the route
Chicago – Start your journey with world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza and Millennium Park.
Gateway Arch, St Louis – Enjoy panoramic views across the Mississippi River.
Cadillac Ranch – One of Route 66's most iconic roadside attractions.
Petrified Forest National Park – Ancient fossilised trees and striking desert scenery.
Santa Monica Pier – Celebrate reaching the Pacific at the famous 'End of the Trail' sign.
Suggested itinerary
Chicago → St Louis → Oklahoma City → Santa Fe → Williams → Santa Monica
Approximate driving distance
2,400 miles (3,900 km)
Getting there
Fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport to begin your journey at the official start of Route 66. When you reach the Pacific coast, you can either return your hire car in Los Angeles before flying home from Los Angeles International Airport or enjoy a few extra days exploring Southern California. British Airways operates direct flights between London Heathrow and both Chicago and Los Angeles.
Insider tip "The scenery along Route 66 is breathtaking and changes so dramatically, you can feel like you're driving through an old Western movie one day, and in an episode of Baywatch the next. Take the time to park up, soak in the views and take plenty of photos along the way. There's nowhere else quite like it." - Nic Hopkirk, Avios.com content designer
Icelandic Ring Road
Why this road trip is worth doing
Circling Iceland's coastline, the Ring Road is one of Europe's most spectacular driving routes. Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes are all within easy reach, making it the perfect way to experience Iceland's extraordinary natural beauty.
Best time to go
June to August offers long daylight hours and the easiest driving conditions. September and October are ideal for fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
How long do you need?
3 days – Explore Iceland's famous South Coast.
5–7 days – Drive around half the island.
7–10 days – Complete the full Ring Road.
Highlights along the route
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – Two spectacular waterfalls, including one you can walk behind.
Reynisfjara – A dramatic black sand beach framed by basalt columns and sea stacks.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Watch icebergs drift towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Lake Mývatn – Explore geothermal landscapes, lava fields and bubbling mud pools.
Goðafoss – One of Iceland's most beautiful and photographed waterfalls.
Suggested itinerary
Reykjavík → Vík → Höfn → Lake Mývatn → Akureyri → Reykjavík
Approximate driving distance
830 miles (1,330 km)
Getting there
Fly into Keflavík International Airport, Iceland's main international gateway, around 30 miles (50 km) from Reykjavík. Collect your hire car at the airport and begin your journey around the Ring Road, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most travellers complete the route as a circular drive, returning to Keflavík for their flight home. British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Reykjavík, making Iceland an easy destination for a long weekend or a longer self-drive adventure.
Insider tip "If you're planning to visit the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the southern end of the ring road, make sure you take some time to check out the hidden Gljúfrabúi which is just 10 munutes walk away. Off the path, there is a wet, slightly rocky path that leads to a cave entrance to Gljúfrabúi. There’s a large rock at the base and a towering waterfall surrounded by rock face, spray, moss and the roar of the water." - Tare Biu, Avios.com trading manager.
Foodie road trips
The best way to discover a destination is often through its food. These road trips combine beautiful scenery with exceptional local cuisine, from bustling food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Biarritz to San Sebastián
Why this road trip is worth doing
This short but flavour-packed journey through the French and Spanish Basque Country combines dramatic views of the Atlantic coastline with one of Europe's greatest food destinations. Expect fresh seafood, traditional Basque dishes and world-famous pintxos.
Best time to go
May to October offers warm weather for coastal walks and outdoor dining, while September is a great time for seafood and local food festivals.
How long do you need?
3 days – Explore Biarritz, Bayonne and San Sebastián.
5–7 days – Add Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hondarribia and Getaria.
7+ days – Continue into the Basque countryside or Rioja wine region.
Highlights along the route
Biarritz – Elegant cafés, fresh seafood and sweeping Atlantic views.
Bayonne – Famous for artisan chocolate and traditional Bayonne ham.
Hondarribia – A colourful fishing town with outstanding seafood restaurants.
San Sebastián – Home to Michelin-starred restaurants and iconic pintxos bars.
Getaria – A charming coastal village renowned for grilled fish and local Txakoli wine.
Suggested itinerary
Biarritz → Bayonne → Hondarribia → San Sebastián → Getaria
Approximate driving distance
Around 90 miles (145 km)
Getting there
Fly into Biarritz Airport and collect your hire car just minutes from the terminal. Alternatively, begin your journey from San Sebastián or Bilbao.
Insider tip
"Though it’s hard to beat the world famous pintxos in San Sebastian’s Old Town, accommodation there can be expensive. Try staying at the nearby neighborhood of Gros where the bars tend to be quieter and the food more experimental. Zurriola Beach is the local hub for surfing and draws a young and trendy crowd." – Fong Chau, Avios.com content manager,
Porto to Lisbon
Why this road trip is worth doing
Portugal's west coast blends historic cities, beautiful beaches and exceptional food. Along the way you'll discover riverside wine cellars, traditional bakeries, bustling seafood restaurants and charming medieval towns, all connected by an easy coastal drive.
Best time to go
April to June and September to October offer warm weather, fewer crowds and ideal driving conditions.
How long do you need?
3 days – Porto to Lisbon via Coimbra.
5–7 days – Add Aveiro, Nazaré and Óbidos.
7+ days – Include the Douro Valley or spend longer exploring the Atlantic coast.
Here's the second half of the article, continuing from the Porto to Lisbon section and finishing with the conclusion.
Highlights along the route
Porto – Explore riverside wine cellars, traditional tascas and sample the city's famous Francesinha sandwich.
Aveiro – Wander colourful canals, enjoy fresh seafood and try the local ovos moles pastries.
Coimbra – Discover Portugal's historic university city and its welcoming family-run restaurants.
Nazaré – Known for giant Atlantic waves and some of Portugal's freshest seafood.
Lisbon – End your journey exploring bustling food markets and enjoying a freshly baked pastel de nata.
Suggested itinerary
Porto → Aveiro → Coimbra → Nazaré → Óbidos → Lisbon
Approximate driving distance
Around 235 miles (380 km)
Getting there
Fly into Porto Airport and collect your hire car before heading south. Alternatively, begin in Lisbon and drive the route in reverse.
Insider tip
"Portugal has a lot of coast, so people most commonly associate it with fresh seafood. That's fair – Portugal's seaside towns really do excel there! But the country has much more to offer. Further inland, you'll find hearty meat dishes, and classics like the Bitoque (thin steak, fried egg and garlicky gravy) and Alheira (a type of smoked sausage) are a daily tasca staple. There's more to the pastries than just the pasel da nata, too. Do as the locals do and pop into a local cafe, grab a gallo (like a latte) and ask for whatever's just come out of the oven. You won't be disappointed!" – Lucie Pitcher, Avios.com content lead
Hidden gems
If you're looking to escape the crowds, these lesser-known road trips reward you with spectacular scenery, charming towns and unforgettable experiences. They're best explored by car, giving you the freedom to discover places many visitors miss.
Slovenia's Julian Alps
Why this road trip is worth doing
Slovenia's Julian Alps combine crystal-clear lakes, alpine villages, emerald rivers and mountain passes, all within a compact and easy-to-drive region. It's an ideal choice for travellers looking for spectacular scenery without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Best time to go
May to September is ideal for hiking, sightseeing and enjoying the lakes, while autumn offers colourful landscapes and quieter roads.
How long do you need?
3 days – Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
5–7 days – Add Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley.
7+ days – Continue into neighbouring Italy or Austria.
Highlights along the route
Ljubljana – A compact capital with riverside cafés, leafy squares and a charming Old Town.
Lake Bled – Slovenia's postcard-perfect lake, complete with an island church and medieval castle.
Lake Bohinj – A peaceful alpine lake surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Triglav National Park.
Soča Valley – Famous for its striking turquoise river and spectacular mountain scenery.
Kranjska Gora – A picturesque alpine resort with easy access to the scenic Vršič Pass.
Suggested itinerary
Ljubljana → Lake Bled → Lake Bohinj → Soča Valley → Kranjska Gora → Ljubljana
Approximate driving distance
Around 200 miles (320 km)
Getting there
Fly into Ljubljana Airport and collect your hire car before heading into the Julian Alps.
Insider tip:
"Between Bled and Bohinj you will pass through the hamlet of Nomenj, worth a stop if you fancy taking in a waterfall which is a bit more off the beaten track. 'Slap' (waterfall) Grmečica is about half an hour on foot through picturesque buttercup meadows and over the rushing Sava Bohinjka, dropping out of a hidden gorge in the Jelovica. Smaller and less commercial than some of Slovenia's other waterfalls, Grmečica offers an escape from the coaches and an opportunity for a dip if the mood takes you. Best visited in Spring and eary Summer when the pool is at its fullest." – Katy Taylor, Avios.com content manager
Montenegro's Bay of Kotor
Why this road trip is worth doing
Montenegro offers dramatic mountain scenery, medieval towns and one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. A road trip around the Bay of Kotor lets you discover hidden beaches, historic villages and panoramic viewpoints at your own pace.
Best time to go
May to June and September to October offer warm weather and quieter roads, while July and August are perfect for beach holidays.
How long do you need?
3 days – Explore Kotor, Perast and Budva.
5–7 days – Add Lovćen National Park and the Luštica Peninsula.
7+ days – Continue south towards Lake Skadar.
Highlights along the route
Kotor Old Town – Wander medieval streets and climb the ancient city walls for spectacular bay views.
Perast – A picturesque waterfront village famous for Venetian architecture and the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Lovćen National Park – Scenic mountain roads lead to breathtaking viewpoints across Montenegro.
Budva – Relax on sandy beaches before exploring the lively, historic Old Town.
Luštica Peninsula – Discover secluded coves, olive groves and peaceful fishing villages.
Suggested itinerary
Tivat → Kotor → Perast → Lovćen National Park → Budva → Luštica Peninsula → Tivat
Approximate driving distance
Around 125 miles (200 km)
Getting there
Fly into Tivat Airport (TIV) and collect your hire car just minutes from the Bay of Kotor.
Insider tip *"For unforgettable views and Instagram-worthy pictures, definitely visit Sveti Stefan during the sunset. This fortified 15th-century island village is just 6 kilometers southeast of Budva and well worth the short detour." *– Mihir Badiani, Avios.com product owner
A road trip closer to home
Sometimes the best adventures are a little closer to home. These scenic drives are within easy reach of the UK and are perfect for a long weekend or a relaxing week away.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Why this road trip is worth doing
Stretching along Ireland's rugged west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world's longest coastal driving routes. Expect dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, sandy beaches and warm Irish hospitality, with plenty of opportunities to stop for seafood, traditional pubs and unforgettable views.
Best time to go
May to September offers the best weather and longest days for exploring the coastline, while spring and early autumn are generally quieter.
How long do you need?
3 days – Explore Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and County Clare.
5–7 days – Add Connemara, Dingle and the Ring of Kerry.
10+ days – Drive much of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal to Cork.
Highlights along the route
Cliffs of Moher – One of Ireland's most spectacular natural landmarks, rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean.
Connemara National Park – Mountains, lakes and scenic walking trails showcase Ireland's wild beauty.
Ring of Kerry – A classic circular drive featuring rugged coastlines, charming villages and mountain scenery.
Dingle Peninsula – Colourful harbour towns, ancient sites and breathtaking coastal roads.
Slieve League Cliffs – Less visited than the Cliffs of Moher but even higher, offering spectacular views and quieter walking trails.
Suggested itinerary
Galway → Connemara → Cliffs of Moher → Dingle Peninsula → Ring of Kerry → Cork
Approximate driving distance
Around 500 miles (800 km) for a week-long itinerary.
Getting there
Fly into Shannon Airport or City of Derry Airport for easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way, or start from Dublin or Cork depending on your preferred route.
Insider tip
"Smaller airports like City of Derry can be much more efficient to get through meaning less time going through security and more time spent on your actual holiday. You can fly to Derry direct from Heathrow with Loganair and collect Avios, or spend your Avios on your flight. The Avis rental kiosk is in the airport too, so you'll be able to pick up your car and hit the road as soon as you land." – Fong Chau, Avios.com content manager
Ready to hit the road?
Whether you're dreaming of an iconic American adventure, discovering hidden corners of Europe or exploring closer to home, a road trip offers the freedom to travel at your own pace and uncover places you might otherwise miss.
Booking your car hire through Avios makes every journey even more rewarding. You can collect Avios with Avis and Budget, helping you get closer to your next reward, or spend your Avios towards your road trip, reducing the cost of your next adventure.
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