Ulster Gazette - Features - 5 great road trips

Features

5 great road trips

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Life on the road can be an experience never forgotten, whether you are travelling the roads of the UK or a far-flung foreign highway, a road trip can be one of the best ways to experience the rich tapestry of life and some of society's hidden gems. Before we examine five great road trips, key to any successful trip is carefully preparing your vehicle, as without it, you won't be going very far.

So before you head out, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and legal. If you are using your own vehicle, a good service should help identify any problem areas before you head out onto the open road. It is also worthwhile taking time to compare motor insurance to ensure that if your vehicle is involved in an incident, you are fully covered and can have the damage repaired, or a replacement vehicle with you, expediently.

If you are travelling abroad and renting a vehicle, then ensure you rent from a reputable provider and check your travel insurance will cover the amount of driving you intend to do on your trip.

With your vehicle ready, the only decision now is where to head:

1. The Whisky Trail: Edinburgh - Pitlochry - Inverness - Dufftown - Fettercairn

If you like a drop of Scotland's finest export, then this is the road trip for you. Taking in the distilleries of Blair Athol, Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Fettercairn along majestic Highland roads, this four-day trip combines great driving in magnificent Highland settings, with some of the world's finest single malt whisky.

2. South-west Ireland: Limerick - Tralee - Waterville - Killarney - Cork

To see rural Ireland at its best, head to Limerick and begin this jaunt around the beautiful south-west coastline. Whether it's dolphin-spotting in Dingle, fishing in Lough Currane or enjoying the magnificent mountains and seaside scenes around the Ring of Kerry, this is a road trip that matches unparalleled beauty, with the famous Irish hospitality. To get the most out of this trip, plan to spend three to four days in this beautiful part of the country.

3. The Overseas Highway: Miami - Key Largo - Key West

The Florida Keys span out 105 miles into the Caribbean Sea and they are linked by U.S. Route 1, a majestic feat of engineering that snakes out into the sea, linking the islands by road to mainland USA. Begin your journey in the art deco splendour of Miami before heading down Route 1 to experience the pace of life in the beautiful Florida Keys. Traffic can be heavy during busier times so it may be prudent to plan this trip out of the main holiday seasons.

4. Pas de Calais, France: Calais - Boulogne - Le Touquet - Hesdin - Saint-Omer

Jump on the ferry or Eurostar to enjoy this trip skirting around the beautiful Parc Naturel régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale. The initial drive takes in some breathtaking coastline, while the inland drive from Le Touquet to Hesdin is rated amongst the best in France. This is a great road trip around an unspoilt region of France that is close to the UK and Ireland and which can be completed in two to three days.

5. Gibb River Road, Australia Derby - Kunnura

If you want a road trip with a real difference then the Gibb River Road in Australia is well worth considering. Conducted on unsealed roads in the Australian outback, the trip involves driving over 700 kilometres on dust roads and dried riverbeds, staying at local homesteads and cattle farms while enjoying some of the most unspoilt scenery and spectacular driving in the world. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for the trip, as is careful planning and an excellent map, but the rewards are enormous for those willing to make the effort.

Once you and your vehicle are ready, it is time to head out onto the open roads and any one of the five routes from across the globe shown above, are well worth exploring.