WHAT TO PACK

Compass and satnav (see Further Afield, right).

Walking boots and rucksack – a road trip is all about discovery on foot as well.

Waterproofs, stowed in the boot, just in case that weather forecast was wrong.

Ordnance Survey maps – the 1:50,000-scale Landranger version is invaluable for plotting back road routes; you’ll be surprised how often castles, lakes and National Trust properties shape your road trip when you spot them on the map.

Highlighter pen for plotting that obscure, twisting route.

Picnic rug for when you finally find that mythical, deserted, sunny viewing point.

Camera to capture all the memories.

Hamper – ask your hotel or a local deli to provide one, so that you can meander at will, unencumbered by restaurant opening times.

7 NEW ENGLAND, US

SUMMARY A breathtaking 1,300mile, two or three-week meander through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and back through New York State.

HOW TO DO IT Beat the jet lag in New York before hiring an RV (recreational vehicle) and touring leafy New England, overnighting in lavishly equipped camp sites. Connecticut’s open roads make the perfect introduction before pushing into fashionable Newport then the southern tip of Maine.

Next comes the forested wilderness of New Hampshire, where you might spot a moose, followed by the green pastures and clapboard houses of Vermont. Southern Massachusetts offers more classic New England beauty, with historic barns and churches, before you plunge back to New York via rugged New York State.

MORE AT discovernewengland.org

8 COSTA VERDE, BRAZIL

SUMMARY Magical islands, South America’s most romantic city and