5 of the world's most picturesque road trips
Road tripping is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world at your own pace and freedom. Whether it's driving your own vehicle or renting an iconic car in the country you're visiting, a road trip offers the flexibility and control to see as much of stunning locations as you can. They often represent good value for money, especially when you're going off the beaten track to find unearthed beauty spots, quiet areas not overrun by tourists, and sights you simply wouldn't experience on a guided tour.
But which roads trips are the most picturesque of all? A study by used car retailer Cinch looked at the 40 most iconic driving routes spanning six continents, then rattled the order down to the top five that have accumulated the highest volume of photos posted on Instagram - with the most snapped of all clocking a massive 2.4 million hashtag mentions. And while three of the standout picturesque road trips are a long-haul flight away on the other side of the globe, two are much closer to home - and the reality is you could jump in your car this weekend and enjoy their breathtaking views.
5. North Coast 500, Scotland
At 516 miles long - hence the NC500 name - it will take between five and seven days to complete if you're really soaking up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery while on the move.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
The Blue Ridge Parkway secures fourth place with 722,047 Instagram hashtag mentions, with the majority from #blueridgeparkway. This 469-mile scenic route connects Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
While the full journey takes approximately 10 hours of driving time, visitors typically allocate between three and five days to fully explore the parkway's scenic views and natural wonders. And the leisurely 45mph speed limit (with some stretches at lower speeds of 25 or 35mph) encourages travelers to take in the mountain vistas slowly and carefully.
3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
With over 1.6 million hashtag posts - #greatoceanroad accounting for 1.5 million and #greatoceanroadtrip over 113k - Australia's Great Ocean Road is a worthy entrant in our list of most picturesque road trips. This 150-mile route spans from Torquay to Allansford is one of the shorter journeys on the list. But visitors recommend taking between two and four days to soak in everything it has to offer.
Travelers who have taken it in recommend driving from east to west to stay on the same side of the road as the ocean. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8, the Great Ocean Road lives up to its name.
2. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Another of the world's most amazing - and most snapped - road trips is the second on our list that's extremely close to home. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way secures second place in this list with over 1.9 million Instagram hashtag mentions, mostly driven by the #wildatlanticway hashtag alongside breathtaking coastal imagery.
This amazing 1,600-mile stretch takes holidaymakers from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, claiming the title of the world's longest defined coastal route. Those who can secure long holidays or those who are enjoying retirement can extend the trip to weeks to enjoy everything this road trip has to offer. Though, it can be done in just days, if you're willing to miss out on some of the attractions Ireland's most picture-perfect route offers.
With a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating, this route continues to blow visitors away. Many said they were surprised by how pristine the beaches are - while the emerald green rolling hills are never ending in parts.
1. Route 66, USA
It might sound like a cliché but Route 66 is by far the world's most Instagrammed road trip, amassing a whopping 2.4 million posts by visitors who have driven it in full - or just parts. The latter is understandable, given the entirety of Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish.
For the true experience, it's best completed in an American muscle car, like a convertible Ford Mustang. The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting right through America's heartland. Route 66 attracts adventurers seeking authentic American experiences, from major cities to ghost towns and everything in between.
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