The TravelSmart guide to US road trips, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway
This week, Independent Travel is putting the pedal to the metal to explore some of the very best road trips in the US.
Annabel Grossman and Benjamin Parker share insights into how to make the most of the open road across the States, from scenic routes to iconic stops, the classics to some of the hidden gems you'll find on four (or perhaps two) wheels. Get to know the Pacific Coast Highway, which winds its way along the west coast from California to Washington, or head inland to explore the Natchez Trace Parkway, stretching from Mississippi to Tennessee. And of course, we take a look at Route 66, which in 2026 celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
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The team are now being forced to consider launching a fundraiser to help cover the costs of the damage OWNERS of a tourist attraction along the North Coast 500 have hit out at visitors for their "disgusting behaviour" at a beauty spot. Bosses of Waterlines Lybster were left "genuinely heartbroken" after tourists destroyed their brand-new sign over the weekend. Advertisement 3 Owners were 'heartbroken' to fidn the sign had been 'demolished' Credit: FACEBOOK 3 They shared photos of the damage on Facebook Credit: FACEBOOK Waterlines is a restored harbour building with a heritage centre and museum upstairs and a cafe downstairs. It is located on the shore of Lybster Harbour in Caithness, in the Scottish Highlands. And because it is a charity, bosses say every penny that comes in goes towards keeping the attraction's doors open. This is why the team were very proud and delighted to show off their new sign, which was only installed a few weeks ago. Advertisement But bosses have today revealed that they have been left devastated to find it had been "completely demolished" by tourists overnight. They added that having to pay to have it repaired is "a real blow", and the team are now being forced to consider launching a fundraiser to help cover the costs. Waterlines Lybster took photos of the damage and shared them with followers on social media. In the post on Facebook, they urged anyone who may have seen anything to get in touch with management. Advertisement Images show the massive sign lying in pieces on the side of the road, covered in gravel and broken cement. The post was still lodged firmly in the ground, while the broken wood was scattered on the ground. Locals fury at NC500 pranksters The post read: "Very sad scene at Waterlines this morning. "Just a few weeks after our new sign was installed, completely demolished. No apology, no note left. Advertisement "This has been reported to the police, but if anyone has any additional information, we'd be very grateful. "As a charity, every single penny that comes in to Waterlines helps to keep us open, so having to pay for this repair is a real blow". In the comments, the owners explained that there were four white vans that looked like they had been converted into campervans that were travelling together and had parked overnight in their car park. Advertisement They believe that the drivers would have had to reverse out because of the way they were parked, and this would have caused the damage to the sign. However, bosses said they are reviewing CCTV footage to make sure that this was the case. The owners added: "Genuinely heartbreaking. SCOTLAND'S ROUTE 66 DESPITE its challenges, the NC500 is still one of the most popular road trips in the world. Earlier this year, the scenic route was voted the number one most searched for road trip in the UK and an astonishing fifth in the world-wide table. With its impressive 516-mile stretch of magnificent coastal views, it's not surprising it's such a popular route for travellers looking to explore. From castles to distilleries there is something for everyone to enjoy. It was also ranked as the most romantic drive in Britain after an influx of visitors took to the roads for 'staycations' in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. An English couple told how they loved the NC500 so much that they got it tattooed on their bodies forever. While a couple who travelled the route in an Audi convertible told how it was "one of the best holidays" they've ever had. "Even just a wee note in the letter box would have been something. Advertisement "We might need to do a wee GoFundMe to be able to replace it". Users quickly flocked to the comments to slam the tourists for their "disgusting" behaviour. One person said: "There are no words! This is appalling!" Another added: "That is awful. Some people have no respect for others." Advertisement Someone else wrote: "That's truly disgusting behaviour. Hope the police catch them". A fourth posted: "Appalling! Bad enough to have done it, but sneaking without acknowledging and paying for what they've done is disgusting. I hope they're caught. So distressing for you all. " While a fifth chimed in: "Oh no, this is awful!" 3 Waterlines Lybster is located on the harbour at Lybster in Caithness Credit: Alamy
