Best family road trips: from Scotland’s breathtaking north coast 500 to Tuscany’s picturesque countryside

Family road trips have come a long way since folded maps and the back-seat chorus of “Are we there yet?” Around the world, some routes have quietly proved themselves to be as good with children as they are with scenery. These are roads that encourage detours, reward curiosity and take the pressure off with the promise of a decent lunch and ice-cream stop. From nostalgia-laced highways to coastal loops and glacier-lined parkways, each of these epic family road trips offers far more than a way of getting from A to B. Fuel up, keep plans loose, be realistic (let’s face it, there will be some kind of meltdown along the way) and expect the best moments to arrive somewhere between stops.

The Historic Route 66Getty Images

USA

Roadtrip: Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica
Recommended time: 14-18 days
Top tip: Book accommodation early in peak months and don’t forget to plan rest days.

Few journeys are as steeped in nostalgia as Route 66. A ribbon of road woven into the mythology of America itself, it conjures visions of neon-lit diners, movie-worthy horizons and small towns frozen in time. It’s often imagined as a family road trip, windows down, playlists pumping, everyone piled into an RV, but the reality is a little less romantic. RVs and young children aren’t always the easiest pairing, and the key to getting this classic journey right, especially with minis in tow, is to slow the pace and manage expectations. The original Route 66 is no longer fully continuous or easily navigable, making careful planning essential. Begin in Chicago, where world-class museums and lakefront parks provide an easy win. From there, trace the route through Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma before the landscapes open out across Texas and the Southwest. Children love the sheer theatre of it all: roadside icons like the Gemini Giant, the technicolour spectacle of Cadillac Ranch, petrified forests and classic diners all peppered along.

Break days into short, manageable stretches, punctuated by splashing around motel pools, day trips to museums and national parks. Detour to the Grand Canyon via Williams to avoid meltdowns, then continue west to Santa Monica, where the pier marks the official end of the road, and the Pacific delivers a well-earned watery finale, with ice cream from Dolcenero Gelato to boot.

Where to stay: The restored Blue Swallow Motel offers oodles of retro charm and family-friendly rooms. In Santa Monica, beachfront favourites such as the newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach or Shutters on the Beach soften the landing.