World's most Instagrammed road trips - two of the top five are close to home...
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
Instagram hashtag mentions: 695k
At number five is one of the road trips that's right on the doorstep of millions of Britons.
It's called the North Coast 500, which begins in Inverness and flows along the North Highlands' stunning coastal edges, offering glistening beach views, a selection of castles, monumental Munros and hundreds of scenic stops via the best undulating roads Scotland has to offer.
At 516 miles long - hence the 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.
The NC500 typically takes between 5-7 days to complete if you're planning to soak up the scenery and stopping regularly. Though it can easily be completed in a weekend, if you're willing to take in the scenery (like Dunnet Head Lighthouse, pictured) on the move...
At the time the study was conducted, the route had amassed almost 695,000 Instagram hashtag mentions, with #nc500 accounting for over 519k and #northcoast500 referenced over 175k times.
Securing a 4.7 rating on TripAdvisor, the North Coast 500 is one that fails to disappoint road trippers – especially for animal lovers on the lookout for otters, deer, seals and marine birds.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
Instagram hashtag mentions: 722k
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 travellers to take in the mountain vistas slowly and carefully.
Clocking up 6,998 reviews on TripAdvisor and a rating of 4.8 stars, the Blue Ridge Parkway has earned plenty of praise from road trippers for its adventure through nature – away from the busy highways – that changes with every season.
3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.6 million
Length: 150 miles
Duration: 2-4 days
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.
The road trip delivers dramatic cliff-edge views, pristine sun-soaked beaches, lush rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles - a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.
Travellers 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
Instagram hashtag mentions: 1.9 million
Length: 1,600 miles
Duration: 7-10 days
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
Instagram hashtag mentions: 2.4 million
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.
Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles long and takes at least two to three weeks to complete start to finish. Of course, it's best enjoyed in a convertible American muscle car, like a 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.
Landmarks en route include the Grand Canyon to art installations like the Cadillac Ranch.
With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5, Route 66 doesn't score quite as well as others in this list. However, with the most posts on the social media platform, it's number one here.
I've driven Route 66: Here's a top tip
Sam Sheehan, editor at Cinch says driving Route 66 is 'an experience that'll stay with me forever'.
He explained: 'The contrasting landscapes from urban Chicago to the desert approaching Los Angeles, combined with the incredible diners along the way, make it an unforgettable journey for so many reasons. Every mile tells a story.'
But Sam has one major tip to anyone considering embarking on the extensive drive in a vintage American muscle car.
'You might have your heart set on driving a classic Corvette but it's still worth thinking about the practicalities' he warns.
'Not to rain on anyone's parade but factoring in things like hire car prices, fuel economy and comfort will help you make the most of your journey, both financially and physically.
'Most of us have budgets and not everyone would want to spend eight hours a day in a hard-riding sports car.'
And while a convertible American favourite might seem the ideal motor for an iconic wind-in-the-hair driving experience, when temperatures soar you will want some escape from the blistering heat.
With many classics not having air conditioning, it's worth considering something a little more modern for the journey.
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