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The Travel Tinker · Drives

Epic Road Trips &
Scenic Drives.

Windows down, playlist sorted. From coastal highways to winding mountain passes, here are the routes genuinely worth the mileage.

30+ Countries driven
100+ Curated routes
Tested Safety & practical advice
Endless Miles of inspiration

Quick Tips

Before you even put the keys in the ignition, run through these essentials.

Tinker's Tip: Navigation

Always download offline maps on Google Maps before you set off. Phone signal drops exactly when you need to make a crucial turn.

Good to know: Tolls

Many European countries require a vignette sticker for motorway driving. Research this before crossing borders to avoid hefty fines.

Fact: Fatigue

Driving tired is just as dangerous as driving over the limit. Swap drivers every two hours or pull over for a proper break.

10 Ways to Cut Your Road Trip Costs

Fuel prices might be out of your control, but there are plenty of other ways to keep the budget tight without ruining the trip.

1

Avoid toll roads. Tell your map app to 'avoid tolls'. It usually adds a bit of time but takes you on much nicer, completely free scenic routes.

2

Pack a proper cool bag. Supermarket lunches save a fortune compared to buying sandwiches and snacks at motorway service stations.

3

Check your tyre pressure. Driving on under-inflated tyres drastically reduces your fuel efficiency. Check them before you load the boot.

4

Use a fuel comparison app. Prices fluctuate wildly depending on the region. Apps like Waze or local fuel trackers show you the cheapest petrol stations nearby.

5

Don't rent a sat nav. Rental companies charge a premium for GPS. A phone mount and offline Google Maps work perfectly.

6

Travel in shoulder season. Accommodation along popular routes is 20-30% cheaper in May or September compared to July and August.

7

Get a national park pass. If you are hitting multiple parks in the USA or Canada, an annual pass pays for itself after the third visit.

8

Book campsites early. If you are camping or taking a van, the cheapest and best pitches go first. Turn up on the day and you will pay premium rates.

9

Drive smoothly. Harsh braking and aggressive acceleration burn fuel fast. Stick to the speed limit and use cruise control on the long stretches.

10

Bring reusable cups. Many independent coffee shops and chains offer a discount if you hand over your own travel mug.

Classic Routes

The legendary drives that live up to the hype. Perfect for when you want to plan an entire holiday around the journey itself.

UK & Ireland Road Trips

From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the dramatic coastal routes of Ireland. World-class scenery right on the doorstep.

European Road Trips

The Amalfi Coast, the Romantic Road, and the high Alpine passes. Driving in Europe is an experience all of its own.

North American Road Trips

Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Canadian Rockies. The ultimate destination for the classic open road.

Asia Road Trips

Vietnam, India, Japan etc

Africa Road Trips

Morocco, South Africa etc

Oceania Road Trips

Australia, New Zealand etc

Road Trip Playlists

Because handing over the auxiliary cord is a huge responsibility. Soundtracks engineered for the open road.

🔥

Nick's Playlist

"The editor's picks. Yes, it's all bangers."

Best for: Any drive, any country, any time you need the mood lifted immediately.

🎸

Classic Anthems

"The ones that were built for this"

Best for: Long motorway stretches, US highway drives, anyone who wants zero arguments.

🌊

Coastal Vibes

"Sun, salt, and something with a decent bassline"

Best for: Amalfi Coast, PCH California, South Africa Garden Route, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

⛰️

Mountain & Epic Scenery

"Big landscapes need big music"

Best for: Austrian Alps, Norway fjords, Swiss mountain passes, Transylvania.

🎺

Country & Region-Specific

"When the music should match the map"

Best for: Any European road trip where immersion matters.

🎙️

Podcasts & Audiobooks

"Not everyone wants music for 8 hours straight"

Best for: Solo drivers, long motorway sections, overnight hauls.

Related Resources

When the Trip Doesn't Go to Plan

Even the best-planned trips can go sideways. Here is what to do when they do.

FAQ

Road Trip Planning Answers

Practical tips to keep you on the road and out of the mechanic's garage.

How many hours should I drive per day?
Keep it under 4 to 5 hours of actual driving time. Anything over that turns a holiday into a chore. Factor in stops for food, viewpoints, and stretching your legs, and a 4-hour drive easily takes up most of your day. Leave room for the unexpected detours.
Should I rent a car or take my own?
If your car is reliable, has recently been serviced, and has enough boot space for your gear, take it. You save on rental fees and know exactly how it handles. If you are flying in, or your current car is struggling, definitely rent. Just make sure you read the fine print on cross-border travel if you plan to switch countries.
What are the essentials for a road trip?
Always carry a physical map (GPS does fail in remote areas), a first aid kit, plenty of water, a torch, and a portable battery pack. It is also wise to check your tyre pressure and oil before setting off. Do not forget snacks; hanger ruins a good scenic drive faster than a flat tyre.
Ready to hit the road?

Time to start mapping it out.

Grab our free Travel Starter Kit and use our planning tools to map out your next road trip, block by block.