Great Road trips
It might seem crazy to suggest going on a fly drive holiday when petrol prices are shooting up, but there are some places where you can still go a long way on £50 and see some of the world's most amazing sights en route. Here are five of the best (and most affordable) road trips.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Route: South from Melbourne along the southwest Victoria coast.
Distance: 250 miles, one way.
What to see: You'll be driving along one of the world's most scenic highways through historic Aussie towns like Port Campbell, gateway to the Twelve Apostles limestone formations, the Otways rainforest and traditional coastal cities like Geelong.
What to do: Strap a board to the roof because this route covers the Surf Coast; head to Bells Beach to catch the best waves, beginners should head for the gentler surf of Lorne Point.
Cost of petrol: About 66p per litre.
Cost of car hire: From about £132 for an economy car.
Pacific Coast Highway: Route 1, USA
Route: From Los Angeles to San Francisco, on what is arguable the world's coolest road trip.
Distance: 450 miles, one way.
What to see: Driving along this dramatic stretch of Pacific coastline, you'll pass through mission towns and surf beaches, twist along sheer cliffs high above the ocean, see volcanic rocks and spot sea lions, otters and whales before entering San Francisco via the famed Golden Gate Bridge.
What to do: Take a look around Santa Barbara, stop to marvel at the sand dunes at Pismo Beach, stretch your legs in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and surf in Steamer Lane.
Cost of petrol: Still only 80 cents a litre which, combined with the favourable exchange rate, will leave you smiling at the pumps.
Cost of car hire: From about £85 for an economy car, or splash out and get a convertible for about £160.
Garden Route, South Africa
Route: Mossel Bay in the west to Plettenberg Bay in the east.
Distance: 186 miles, one way.
What to see: The Garden Route is a compact stretch of coastline boasting white sandy beaches, crashing surf, steep dunes and glassy lagoons. You can zoom along the N2 highway or take the more leisurely option of travelling along the back roads.
At the heart of the route is Knysna where you can take a steam train to George or cruise on the lagoon.
What to do: There are lots of activities at Plettenberg Bay, such as visits to Birds of Eden and Monkeyland sanctuary, whale watching safaris and trips to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Cost of petrol: Only 58p per litre.
Cost of car hire: About £100 for an economy car.
Oriental Odyssey, Malaysia
Route: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan.
Distance: 814 miles
What to see: Start in the cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur and head north through the Cameron Highlands to Penang from where you drive back down the east coast.
What to do: One of the highlights is turtle watching in Rantau Abang, where they come ashore from May to September to lay their eggs. Explore the tea plantations, strawberry farms and nature trails in the Highlands, but leave some time to shop in KL and sunbathe in Penang or one of the other beautiful beach resorts.
Cost of petrol: About 31p a litre.
Cost of car hire: A 10-day package, including flights, 9 nights' accommodation and 10 days' car hire costs from £458 per person, based on two sharing, booked through Trips Worldwide.
Coast to Coast across Canada
Route: Toronto to Vancouver.
Distance: 3,100 miles.
What to see: Visit great cities like Vancouver and Quebec and the beauty spots of Jasper, Banff and Yoho National Parks.
What to do: You can try mountain biking, horse riding, take a guided glacier walk, go white water rafting or jet boating; when you've had enough of that, there's plenty of retail therapy waiting for you in Quebec, Toronto or Vancouver.
Cost of petrol: 64p a litre.
Cost of car hire: To really enjoy this trip you'll need to take at least three weeks for which a hire car would cost about £465.
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