Time for a road trip? The top US routes to explore this spring

Road trips are a great way to explore more of a country, and where better to start than the good old US of A! The home of the road trip offers plenty for travellers of all ages, whether you're looking to take in quaint road-side museums and diners or enjoy the open road as you make your way from one major city to another. We take a look at some of the top US routes you can't afford to miss.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The California Coastline is stunning and offers one of the best driving routes in the USA. The Pacific Coast Highway spans almost the full length of the West Coast but the 94-mile stretch between Monterey and San Simeon is one of the most scenic spots, offering a variety of landscapes. Pretty towns such as Carmel and San Simeon have plenty to offer, and make sure you check out Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the finest in the area. Don't forget your gadget travel insurance before you set off - with your sat nav, smart phone and other gadgets on hand to help you navigate, you can't afford to be without insurance!

Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Virginia to Tennessee and has plenty to offer if you're looking to get back to nature. Depending on how slow you take things, the route can take a few days to traverse, and connects Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee). There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to abseiling, making this a great road trip route for active types.

Route 66

Undoubtedly the most famous route in the USA, Route 66 is the ultimate road trip for anyone looking to get a taste of vintage Americana. With its neon signs, quaint diners and kitsch American museums, this route is perfect as your first US road trip! Running from Chicago to LA, you'll find a varied range of scenery, from the Grand Canyon and deserts of Arizona to the gritty urban backdrop of St Louis and Chicago. Cheap gadget insurance means you don't need to worry if your sat nav is damaged or stolen - you'll be covered and back on the road in no time at all! The USA is the perfect place to head for a road trip, but make sure you have travel insurance in place to protect you - you'll be grateful if things go wrong and you are in the middle of nowhere!