Five Rad Vacation Ideas for 'Car People'

Car fanatics, rejoice: it’s easier than ever to experience the thrill of the open road in a whole new way.
Summer screams “road trip,” with the energy of a teenager, conjuring images of bare feet sticking out of an open passenger window and a live stream of black asphalt unfolding in the rearview mirror. Americans in particular have a long and historic love affair with auto travel (check out Route 66 getting some fresh love lately in New Mexico), and even when planes can get us there faster, there’s something about a drive that plucks our heart strings.

Luckily for us, a few of the world’s best automotive companies are helping travelers slide behind the wheel of their top vehicles for incredible driving experiences around the globe. Adrenaline junkies might want to investigate Land Rover’s off-road Atlas Mountain trip in Morocco or visit Patagonia with Jeep Rubicon. Those looking for romance and the historic sites of Europe can now drive one of the most famous cars in the world thanks to Ferrari’s mind-blowing Tuscany package.

Discover Patagonia in an Open-Air Jeep Rubicon
Quasar Expeditions is a great choice for the intrepid traveler—especially one who doesn’t want to sacrifice luxury in the process of getting up-close-and-personal with some wildlife. This year, they are offering three ways to discover the Patagonia’s natural, rugged paradise. The first two options: expert tour guides double as drivers, or will move over and let you drive a portion of the trail. The third choice is eschew the guide and steer the entire, hair-raising route yourself. A GPS Ranger is installed in each vehicle to help navigate, and the gravel-chewing Jeep Beast will get you to the wildest terrain Patagonia has to offer, including the famous National Parks of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares and the jaw-dropping Perito Moreno Glacier. For more information, visit the official site.

From Plane to Porsche
Flying Lufthansa this year could mean the opportunity to leave the airport in a Porsche 911 or Panamera, sliding effortlessly through the streets of Munich or the countryside of lower Bavaria. The airline and car company have come together to launch the Porsche First Class Excitement. To sign up, contact the Lufthansa First Class Personal Assistant, who will accept your reservations in the First Class Lounge and arrange your car rental. Passengers can book their choice of sports car online before the flight or make a spontaneous booking, as long as the chosen offer is available. The deal is open to all Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines passengers, Lufthansa HON Circle members and Lufthansa Private Jet guests who possess a valid first-class boarding ticket for that day. Book here.

Tim Graham / Getty Images

Off-Road with Land Rover in Seven Different Countries
The mechanics at Land Rover are pretty confident. They are putting their new vehicles in the hands of adventurous travelers to tackle some of the most forbidding, beautiful, and remote landscapes in the world. These journeys pack a lot of luxury too, thanks to a partnership with elite travel agency Abercrombie & Kent. The itineraries include tackling the desert sand dunes of Morocco, off-roading in the British or Scottish countryside, and even learning to swerve around grazing giraffes in Namibia and Botswana’s wildlife preserves. Prices start at $8,650 per person, double occupancy, including meals, accommodations, and a range of exclusive experiences. More info, this way.

Courtesy of Land Rover

Hot Red Romance with Ferrari in Italy
Driving a Ferrari is a dream for a lot of people. Driving one through Italy’s dramatic landscapes after staying at a gorgeous resort in Bologna, Italy? It’s the package of a lifetime. Picture this: you check into the 18th century Italian residence, the Palazzo di Varignana Resort & Spa. Your “Red Experience” starts the next day, as you slide behind the wheel of a perfect Ferrari F430 Spider for a half-hour drive through the countryside. You want a different Ferrari? It’s no problem. They have a range available for additional prices. The package also includes a private tour of the Ferrari Museum, located in nearby Modena, and a visit to a working balsamic vinegar producer for a light lunch. Act fast. This deal runs out of gas in December. Rates start at 1,126.00 EU for two people for two nights. Head to the official site for more information and reservations.

Take Supercars Back to Your Hotel
Across Europe, North America, and the U.A.E., luxury hospitality brand Waldorf Astoria offers a package that let's guests get behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia, a McLaren MP4-12C, a Porsche GT3, a Lamborghini Huracan, and a Lamborghini Gallardo. The Driving Experiences package is now offered at 12 of Waldorf Astoria's 26 properties worldwide. More details, right this way.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia