MAIN Travel Road Trips

With the prevalence of cell phones, GPS, and Internet resources - along with personal tips from online road trip experts - it has never been easier to plan and organize a world class vacation road trip.

Whether you're traveling solo, with a group of friends, or with the entire family, the call of the open road beckons with the added excitement of anticipation and discovery...

Road trip pros and cons

While gas and petrol prices around the world continue to remain high, it is a reflection of travel costs worldwide in general. So be sure to consider your budget beforehand, and weigh the pros and cons carefully before you decide on a full-throttle road trip.

Bright notes for traveling under your own steam include not having to wait in line at train stations or airports, no taking your shoes off at security checks and, if you lose your luggage you have only yourself to blame.

Another more positive consideration to take into account is, of course, "the road less traveled". In short, it might very well be worth the extra cost for an opportunity to find some little-known discovery not found in any guide book, or to experience an off-the-beaten-highway adventure that you can wax poetic about later.

Road trip tips

In addition to ensuring safety and road fitness (check out this car safety checklist) know that you'll be in your car for hours at a time. Therefore, roomy comfort is a key ingredient to any happy and successful road trip. Be sure to make enough space for everyone's luggage and carry-ons, as well as enough time for scenic stops, restaurant and rest room breaks.

If you have kids in tow, also be sure to pack sufficient drinks and snacks, toys, games or (see: holiday road trips with the kids), plus wet wipes and paper towels to clean up any unexpected messes.

Along with maps and travel guides, a cell phone is almost a necessity for any emergency that may arise while on the road. If traveling overseas, also be sure to obtain an international cell phone plan. Along with extra cash, a flush ATM or credit card comes in handy for major repairs or overnight stays that become necessary due to getting lost, changing a flat tire, heavy traffic, or bad weather en route.

Driving in Europe

The first thing Americans usually panic over is the left-side of the road dilemma. Not to worry, say the experts — the only places in Europe where you will encounter left-handed driving is in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

Still, one of the most popular places to take a self-guided tour by car is spectacularly scenic Ireland and Scotland. What to do? Plan your road trip accordingly, says one intrepid driver who recently returned from a tour of Ireland's West Coast. "Don't embark on a major jaunt for at least a day," he advises. "This will allow enough time for you to become acquainted with the other side of the road."

Also take comfort in the fact that, "as a general rule, UK and Ireland drivers tend to be more polite than American drivers and will usually yield to obviously confused tourists," he says.

Other scenic drives popular around Europe include the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Castle Road in Germany, the Cotswolds in England, the La Côte d'Or (Burgundy) wine tour in France, the Picos de Europa in Spain, the Via Mala and San Bernardino in Switzerland, and the Grossglockner Road in Austria.

While fuel is much more expensive in Europe than in either the USA or Canada, road trips through the Continent can still be economical due to the higher number of very fuel-efficient diesel-powered cars available.

Note that throughout the UK and Europe, gas is known as "petrol", diesel fuel is "gasoil", and prices are listed by the litre. There are approximately four litres in a gallon.

Driving in the USA

For European right-handed drivers there is little culture shock in the US and Canada besides the wider expanses and sheer speed of the highways (German drivers with experience on the Autobahn, exempted.)

Left-handed drivers from Britain and Ireland may also experience the same confusion as their American counterparts when driving on the "wrong side" in the USA. Add to that the new skill involved in mastering an automatic transmission, and driving in America can take a little getting used to.

Then there's the sheer size of the place, the different time zones, and starkly different weather patterns that are encountered on any North American road trip.

Little wonder, then, why most Europeans will opt for a guided tour. But for those who choose a road trip, there are wonders in store.

American road trips with almost universal appeal remain the spectacularly scenic 17 mile drive along Highway 1 in California, or the legendary and historic Route 66, with additional drives out West including the Grand Canyon and other Top Ten US National Parks.

The Eastern route usually beckons Europeans with road trips to world-famous Niagara Falls, tours of Boston, Massachusetts and the rest of New England.

Then there's the big grand tour - starting from New York City following Interstate 95 for the 1,000-mile trek all the way down to Florida with stops at Atlantic City, Washington DC, Savannah, Georgia and Orlando.

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More about road trips and self-guided driving tours around the Web:

Road Trip USA - Use the clickable map to go on major drive tours down the Pacific Coast, along the Mississippi, the Appalachian Trail, the New York - Florida route and more with directions, and information on major stops and attractions.

America's Byways - Explore the clickable map or the browseable menu for every major scenic route coast to coast, with complete directions and detailed maps, photos and related resources.

Trans-Canada Highway Trip & Vacation Planner - The whole of Canada explained from Quebec to the Yukon Territory with driving directions, itineraries, maps, and major roadside attractions.

Route Planner - UK & European Driving Directions - Helpful collection of tools and resources for planning a driving tour throughout the UK and Europe including directions, maps, hotel finder, mileage calculator, plus tips & advice on driving abroad.

Moto Europa - An extensive guide from a European car leasing firm with expert how to's on border crossings, fuel purchase, tolls, road trip travel phrases and a visual guide to road signs, with insider tips for individual countries from Andorra to the UK with related resources.

Australia's Sunshine Coast Driving Tour - Expert tips and advice from Frommer's with a complete itinerary, maps and directions with suggested hotels and restaurants, major attractions, and related forum.

South Africa Driving Tips and Info - Extensive one-page resource chock full of useful info including driving and traffic rules, negotiating the South African petrol station, night driving safety tips and related travel advice, with related resources pointing to South Africa maps and direction finders.