Route 66, USA
Route 66 — 'The Mother Road' or the 'Will Rogers Highway' as some like to call it — was one of the original federal routes designed as a cross-country connector between Chicago and Los Angeles. Opened in 1928 and retired in the early 80s, Route 66 remains one of the essential icons of America, and a living testament to thousands of farmers whose lives were shaped in the wake of this great road.

The average traveller can complete this historic journey in less than 10 days. Follow the footsteps of farmers seeking refuge from the Great Depression. Enjoy barbeques, pig roasts and real American hamburgers. Explore villages and gift shops that haven’t changed in decades. And finally return home with some good memories and a trunk full of souvenirs for your friends.

17-mile drive, USA
The 17-mile drive is one of the greatest ways to experience the idyllic serenity of the California coastline. From Monterey to Carmel, this winding road will lead you through exclusive neighbourhoods, scenic coastal views and the world's most stunning golf courses.

Passing through the Central Coast be on the look out for migrating Gray whales, rare birds and wildlife, and some of the most extraordinary views of the Pacific. The Lonely Cypress at Point Lobos is one of many photographic stops along the drive, and having endured nearly two centuries of solitude on a rocky perch, it has become the icon of Pebble Beach and a popular subject for artists of many disciplines.

Early afternoon is the best time to travel the 17-mile drive, and if you’re not in a hurry you’ll have plenty of time to catch the sunset from a quiet spot on the beach, enjoy a meal at one of local restaurants, or explore the exquisite art galleries and gift shops of Carmel.

Great Ocean Road, Australia
Spanning 300km between Torquay and Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road is considered one of the greatest wonders of the state of Victoria. Originally constructed in the 1930s as a Memorial to the servicemen of the First World War, the road passes through spectacular coastal scenery including great surf beaches, tranquil bays, small towns and the mountainous forests of the Otway Ranges.

The town of Lorne is a must see for any music lover. Located in a spectacular natural amphitheatre, Lorne has become a popular outdoor music destination, especially during the Falls Festival, one of the largest and most anticipated New Year's celebrations in Australia. The highlight of this drive for the nature lover however, lies at Port Campbell where some of the world’s most extraordinary natural rock formations are located, most famously The Twelve Apostles and the London Arch.

Autobahn, Germany
For those with a need for speed, the German Autobahn has become something of a legend. Considered a right of passage by many drivers, most visitors to this famous roadway are looking to put the pedal to the metal.

The Autobahn began as an experimental highway in the 1930s and quickly grew to over 12 000 kilometres, making it the third largest superhighway in the world. While the size and structure of the Autobahn is impressive on its own, it is the absence of enforced speed limits that attracts visitors from around the globe. Signs along most routes suggest speeds of 130km/h, while busier urban areas have limits as 'low' as 100km/h. Needless to say, if you’re driving the Autobahn you’ll be 'living in the fast lane'.

Amalfi Coast, Italy
Driving the Amalfi coast of Italy is not for the faint of heart. It is a technical passage with narrow lanes and sharp corners, but for those who brave the journey, the reward is well worth it. Renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty and picturesque towns, the Amalfi Coast will leave your mouth open and your film exposed.

Working up an appetite isn’t hard to do in this part the country, and between majestic mountaintops and spectacular seascapes you’ll find plenty of fine dining experiences. Quaint roadside trattorias serve up delicate pastas with fresh basil and fine wine, while in towns like Sorrento and Ravello bustling markets offer such culinary delights as ruby red tomatoes, plump juicy strawberries and olives picked fresh from neighbouring farms.

West Coast, New Zealand’s South Island
Fly into Queenstown, New Zealand and follow State Highway 6 north from Wanaka — past Mt Aspiring National Park — to the coast. Continue north, passing the Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph Glacier to your right, with the rugged, windswept beauty of the west coast shoreline on the other side. Make sure you stop a while at Okarito, the scenic beach and forest area that is also home to a large number of kiwis.

Hokitika, further north, is home to the annual Hokitika Wildfood festival, where you can sample everything from venison goulash and possum paté to whitebait patties.

Continue with the coastline at your side until reaching the famous pancake rocks of Punakaiki, where you head inland following State Highway 6 north through the spectacular mountains and forests of the Nelson Lakes region and end in the city of Nelson, known for its fantastic climate and only a short drive from the amazing Marlborough Sounds, which are also worthy of a few days exploration.

For packages to any of these destinations, visit www.flightcentre.co.za.