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Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

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Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

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Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

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Dates, distances and directions

Always wanted to travel across US but were not sure if you have enough time for that? Did you ever try to figure out how long it takes to drive from Yosemite to Yellowstone or from Lisbon to Rome?

Start clicking on the map. Choose your destination and have Furkot calculate how much time you need to get there. Set daily limits on the travel time so none of your sightseeing has to be done under moonlight — unless, of course, that's what you want.

Don't worry about putting stops in order. Furkot attempts to plan a route for your trip in the most efficient way. If you don't want efficient, you can drag your stops around or even reverse your itinerary .

Tell us how long you want to drive every day, and we will show you where to stop for the night Furkot suggests overnight stops along the route based on your schedule and preferences.

Furkot can help you with all your travel plans: a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a continent-crossing road trip. And driving is not the only option . You can also schedule motorcycle rides, biking excursions and walking tours with Furkot.

Read more …

It's not just about driving

It's also about all the things you do on the way. Leave your car parked for a couple of hours and hike one of the trails from the vast Everytrail collection.

Need some hints? Make sure to check interesting places described on Wikipedia . They are one click away from ending up on your road trip stop list.

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Are you after fresh powder? Or maybe shredding corduroy is your thing? Trees or bowls? Skis or snowboard? Regardless of the answer, you can use Furkot to find ski resorts — courtesy of Liftopia .

You can even plan meal stops and add gas stations to your itinerary. Not to mention biking paths, museums, monuments, climbing routes , national parks, scenic views — add as many as you want. Furkot will keep you on track. You just need to show up.

Campgrounds? Motels? Hotels? Staying with friends?

Whatever your lodging preference is — hotel, campground, apartment — Furkot will show you scores of accommodations on the map and will help you find the perfect place for every night of your trip.

Furkot makes it easy to decide which hotels offer the best combination of cost, amenities and convenient location. Whenever available, Furkot displays exactly what you are going to pay (including taxes and service fees). You are in charge of what they charge.

When you are ready to book, Furkot will take you directly to your favorite booking site and pre-fill the check-in and check-out dates so that you don't have to worry about reserving that hard found lodging on the wrong night.

Booking all hotels for your trip can be a daunting experience: multiple cities, multiple booking sites and many dates and details to mistype? Let Furkot help with that. We will take you through the whole process page by page and hotel by hotel. All you need to do is to keep pressing Next until you are Done .

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The 10 Best Road Trip Planner Apps for 2024

Save time, money, and energy with these apps so you can focus on the fun instead

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We love road trips! Planning them can be fun but, let's be honest, also stressful. The right road trip planner apps can take some of that stress away by helping you plan, organize, and manage travel before and during your trip. We've researched and tested these apps to help give you peace of mind so that you can spend more time enjoying your trip.

The Ultimate Map App for Planning Your Route: Roadtrippers

Access to free and convenient travel guides.

Share-ability so friends can join in on the planning process and suggest places to visit.

The app can use up the battery life of your device quickly. Take a car USB charger with you.

Built for travelers, Roadtrippers helps you create your route while allowing you to discover great places as you plan it out. Add a new place to your itinerary to work it into your trip.

The app features an easy-to-use interface. In addition to covering the U.S., it also covers Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Download For:

Automate Your Trip Planning and Organization: Google Travel

Automatic trip organization via Gmail integration. 

Offline access so you can see your trip information even when you don't have an internet connection.

Limitations with customizing some day trips exactly the way you want.

You can count on Google to make your trip planning a breeze. Pre-constructed day plans are available for hundreds of the world's most popular destinations, which you can customize to your liking.

It's one of the most versatile travel planner apps out there, giving you one convenient place to see your hotel, rental car, and restaurant bookings.

Find and Book a Last-Minute Place to Stay: Hotels.com

A fast, easy-to-use booking feature.

For every 10 nights you book through Hotels.com, you get one night free, provided it's the average daily rate of those 10 nights.

No option to easily cancel if you change your mind.

Whether your road trip itinerary changed, or you haven't decided on a place to stay yet, Hotels.com can help you find a place and book it when you're on the go, even when it's super last-minute. You can sort and filter hotels, see the amenities they have to offer, compare prices, and catch a glimpse of how many rooms are available.

This is the app you'll want to have handy if you want to see in-depth hotel details at a glance and need to find a place to crash ASAP without breaking the bank.

Find Local Restaurants, Read Reviews, and Make Reservations: OpenTable

Lots of great filter options and suggestions.

Access to gorgeous, high-quality images of menu items and informative reviews from other users.

Reported problems and inconveniences with their built-in reward system.

Searching for specific restaurants is more difficult than simply looking at what's around in the area.

Deciding on a place to eat in a new area is quick and hassle-free with OpenTable. See what's nearby, filter restaurants by cuisine, see photos of what's on the menu, make reservations, and get personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

OpenTable is known to be one of the top  location-based food apps  available, so you know you can trust its information when you're dying for something to eat.

Navigate Like a Local: Waze

Hands-free navigation with voice commands.

Alerts-only mode for road hazards and police.

Share up-to-date ETA with friends.

Spotify and Apple Music widgets get in the way.

Cluttered maps can be confusing.

Higher battery usage than Google Maps.

Waze  is a community-driven travel app that shows you the shortest possible route to your destination. Like Google Maps, Waze makes real-time adjustments for traffic jams and other obstacles—but Waze is often more accurate since it caters specifically to drivers.

The app syncs with your Google Calendar and can tell you when you should leave for appointments based on traffic. There's also a cool option to record your own voice and use it for directions .

Know Exactly When and Where to Make a Pit Stop: iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Access to detailed summaries of what's at the next exit (including gas prices at nearby gas stations).

Search for the next 100 exits from your location.

The app can only be used on major U.S. exit-based highways.

No offline access, so you'll use your data plan while you're on the road.

Making a pit stop for food, gas, or a bathroom break is easy when you have the iExit app. Using your device's GPS, the app offers helpful suggestions for when and where to stop based on your location along the highway.

Whether you're looking for well-known franchises like Starbucks and Walmart to convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and truck or trailer parking, this app has you covered.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Nearby: GasBuddy

An in-app gas payment feature.

Opportunity to save 10 cents per gallon on your first fill-up and five cents per gallon on every fill-up after.

The app can take up a lot of data and battery life as it runs in the background.

GasBuddy is an app specifically designed to find nearby gas stations and save money on gas. Use it to find the cheapest gas in your area and filter gas stations by amenities like car washes, restaurants, and bathrooms.

It's the app you want to have if you're serious about finding the cheapest gas around. Information comes from users like you, so you have the most up-to-date prices.

Download For :

Never Forget an Item: PackPoint Premium Packing List

Access to a built-in library of items to pack with the ability to add or remove items as needed. 

An elegant, intuitive app interface.

Can't input multiple destinations for a single trip.

Not a free app.

PackPoint helps you make sure you have everything you need based on where you're going and what you're doing. In addition, the app takes into consideration the length of your trip and the expected weather conditions. Perhaps best of all, this app turns a mundane chore into something that's actually quite fun.

Find Out Where to Park and How Much It Will Cost: Inrix ParkMe

ParkMe is the only app that also includes street parking and parking meter rates where available, in addition to parking lots.

Real-time updates on available parking spots.

Rates and hours may be inaccurate in some areas.

ParkMe claims to be the world's largest and most accurate parking database. It allows you to purchase your parking spot through the app and compare prices across parking providers to help you save more money.

If you're road tripping around major cities in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, this app can be a huge help. You can even compare parking options and prices so that you always get the best deal.

Automate Your Itinerary: TripIt

Automatically creates itineraries from your inbox.

Widget displays trip details on your home screen.

Annoying amount of alerts by default.

If you're planning a trip, you'll likely have a lot of confirmation emails for hotels, appointments, restaurants, and attractions. TripIt syncs with your inbox and uses that information to compile an itinerary so that you don't have to scramble for it.

The free version is fine for road trips, but if you ever fly, the premium version gives you the option to upgrade seats and track reward miles.

In addition to your phone, laptop, and tablet, other travel tech essentials include chargers, headphones, travel adapters, cameras, luggage trackers, and off-grid communications

Yes. You can use Google Maps as a trip planner through the “Places” and “My Maps” features. Both the Google Maps website and app let you save locations to lists and get directions.

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Intelligent Routing

Plan your perfect route, then navigate it hands-free in app. Available now for iPhone, iPad, Mac & CarPlay.

Powerfully Easy

Plan optimal routes between many locations, or chart your own course using weather, elevation, curves and more. Handsfree voice-guided navigation using your CarPlay® or iOS device.

Testimonials

inRoute is a solid entry in the free GPS app realm, on par with the also-free Scout. It’s nearly as good as our Editors’ Choice, Google Maps . . .

I used inRoute for planning six world record attempts. No weather app gives you more information, period.

When I didn’t have the app I’d pass an address sometimes 3-4 times not knowing I have that stop . . . When I first started using the inRoute app, I cut my time by 2/3.

This app offers detailed data on many levels, such as Elevation, Curviness, Temperature . . . adding to both the safety of the ride and the pleasure of knowing beforehand what to expect

Plan your perfect route, trip or adventure, and navigate it right in the app. Traffic-aware routes and layovers provide stunningly accurate ETAs, with severe weather alerts for safe travel. 

Find the fastest route between up to 150 stops.

Create routes based on weather, curviness, elevation and more.

Find stops along your route by miles/hours to drive (gas, hotels, food and more).

Sync & Share

Sync between devices, share to others, export to GPX.

Import routes from XLSX, GPX and KML files.

Turn-by-turn voice navigation on your CarPlay or iOS device.

$3.33 /mo paid annually

$4.99 /mo paid annually

Any Questions?

We’re happy to help asap! For app support, please contact us through the app.

Route to Drive

The route planner app helps you find the best interstate highway among all the possible routes to optimize your cross country road trip. You can find out which route goes through bigger cities with more traffic, or look for the most scenic roads. Plan your trip better by doing the research ahead of time. Don't just pick the fastest route, pick the best route to drive.

Driving Route 66? Here Are 19 Historic Restaurants Worth a Pit Stop

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

Get Your Kicks

The famous American highway Route 66, which ran all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, was established in 1926 as car culture was taking over the nation. As more people started using the route for travel, restaurants and attractions along the way became destinations in themselves. Many restaurants and taverns that were opened in the heyday of Route 66 — or even before the route came to be — are still operating today. Here are some of the most interesting and long-lived restaurants worth a stop on the mother road.

1. Roy's Motel and Cafe

Amboy, California

Roy's started as a gas and service station in 1938, an oasis on Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. It soon grew to include a cafe and cabins for overnight rentals, and supported a small community of 700 people in the town. At its peak in the 1950s, it was operating 24 hours a day, but eventually fell into disrepair after Interstate 40 was built in 1972. The entire town — all 950 acres — was sold for $425,000 in 2005, and many buildings have been restored, including the iconic 1959 arrowhead neon sign that's the main attraction. Potable water is a problem here, so the cafe isn't operating, but you can still see the diner's counter, stools, and plenty of history inside.  

2. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

Yermo, California

The decor at Peggy Sue's 50's Diner is kitschy and over-the-top, like many other 50s-style diners. The difference is that Peggy Sue's really did open in 1954. Back then, it had nine counter seats and three booths and was constructed in part with railroad ties and mortar from the nearby railyard. At some point, it was closed, but reopened in the 1980s when it got most of its pop culture memorabilia. After a cheeseburger and shake, head outside to the Diner-saur park and its 10-foot tall metal dinosaur — and King Kong — sculptures.

3. Del Taco

Barstow, California

This is the oldest operating Del Taco location, a fast food chain that started when Ed Hackbarth rebranded his Taco Tia — a Glen Bell restaurant, of Taco Bell fame — and split from the company in 1964. That's not to say that it's the oldest, because the original one was demolished. But you'll find a wall mural of the history of the restaurant in the dining room here, and it's still one of the locations owned and operated by Hackbarth. 

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4. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Willowbrook, Illinois

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket has a quaint origin story. One day in the 1930s, two local farm women were at a gas station lunch counter and heard the owner talking about how he wanted to sell more food. The entrepreneurial women offered to teach him how to make fried chicken in exchange for buying his chickens from them, and the fried chicken was so popular that the restaurant expanded to a new building next door in 1946, the same one it's in today. Don't miss the corn fritters, fried chicken basket, or classic neon sign.

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5. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes has been a summertime institution in St. Louis since 1930. It sells frozen custard, a treat that's denser, creamier, and just plain better than ice cream. The Route 66 location opened in 1941, and it still serves sundaes and concretes — that's like an extra-thick blended sundae served upside down — from walk-up windows that have long lines, especially in the summer heat.

Related:   Route 66: Then and Now

6. Midpoint Cafe

Adrian, Texas

Midpoint Cafe got its name because it's the geographic midway point between Chicago and Los Angeles on historic Route 66 — both cities are 1,139 miles away from the cafe. It was built in 1928 and expanded in 1947, and though it has changed hands and names many times over the years, it's been continuously operating. Flo's V-8 Cafe in the animated movie "Cars" was inspired by Midpoint, and you can sign your name on an old Ford parked outside. Don't miss the "ugly crust" pies, named because they might not look beautiful, but they sure taste good. 

Related:   Charming Retro Diners in Every State

7. Ariston Cafe

Litchfield, Illinois

One of the longest operating restaurants on Route 66 is Ariston Cafe . The restaurant actually predates Route 66 since it was built on the road's predecessor, Route 4, in 1924. The business was moved to Route 66 in 1935, and it's been there ever since. Today you can order everything from Greek salad and nachos to halibut and patty melts on the menu in a casual setting with white tablecloths. 

8. The Berghoff

A legendary restaurant in Chicago, The Berghoff is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66, and the oldest in Chicago. It first opened in 1898, and while there's been some temporary closures, it's still owned by the same family. During Prohibition, they started brewing root beer, and after Prohibition ended, the bar got Chicago's first ever liquor license which is still on display. You can still stop in and order the restaurant's German specialities, like sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and apple strudel. 

Related: Oldest Restaurant in Every State

9. Original McDonald's Museum

San Bernardino, California

McDonald's started out as McDonald's Bar-B-Q in 1940 before changing the menu to include burgers and fries and dropping the Bar-B-Q in the name in 1948. The original building is gone, but on the same Route 66 spot is the McDonald's Museum, a homage to the chain's early years before Ray Kroc. It's owned by Juan Pollo Restaurants, a small local chicken chain whose owner has an affinity for fast-food history. 

10. Cozy Dog Drive In

Springfield, Illinois

Known almost as much for its adorable hot dog couple logo as its corn dogs, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been in operation since 1949. Original owner Ed Waldmire developed the cozy dog while in the Air Force, and opened the restaurant after being discharged because the corn dogs, with batter that actually stuck to the hot dog, were so popular. They only cost 15 cents originally, and today they'll still only set you back $3.  

11. Mitla Cafe

Established in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez, Mitla Cafe is historic in its own right, but it's more famous for who it inspired. Glen Bell had a hamburger stand across the street from the wildly popular taco-slinging spot, and got his way into the kitchen by befriending the staff. He copied the crispy tacos dorados that people lined up for in his new venture, Taco Bell, in an age-old story of appropriating minority cuisine. The original Milta Cafe is still going strong, run by Lucia's grandson and great grandson, and still serves the infinitely better version of the crisp ground beef taco. 

12. Western View Diner and Steakhouse

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Opened in 1937, you'll still feel like you're walking back in time when you step into the Western View . Its retro diner interior isn't original, but it's cozy and welcoming. The mosaic tile on the wall behind the register area is original, though, so keep an eye out for it. The cuisine served includes diner favorites, steaks, New Mexican, and Greek, thanks to a succession of Greek owners. Don't miss the homemade biscuits and gravy, breaded steak fingers, or the savory stuffed sopapilla smothered in red or green chile.  

13. Sycamore Inn

Rancho Cucamonga, California

The restaurant now known as the Sycamore Inn has an incredibly long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s when an inn and tavern was built by "Uncle" Billy Rubottom on the Santa Fe Trail, which eventually became Route 66. The building that currently stands, along with its name, dates to 1920, and it's been a popular stop for travelers as well as celebrities since. It's an upscale spot that serves steak, oysters, and a large wine list in its chalet-style two-story wooden building. 

14. Maid Rite Sandwich Shop

Not to be confused with the Maid-Rite chain, this Maid Rite Sandwich Shop opened in 1924. It claims to have the first drive-thru window in America, and while those claims are hard to verify, it makes sense that it would be located on Route 66. It serves Americana on a bun, but not in the form of a hamburger. Instead, it serves a popular item in this part of the Midwest: the loose meat sandwich. It's like a sloppy joe but without the sauce, so it's more like a sloppy hamburger with mustard, pickle relish, and onions. 

15. Rock Cafe

Stroud, Oklahoma

Rock Cafe has survived some serious setbacks since it opened in 1939. In 1999, an F3 tornado ripped through the town and damaged the iconic neon sign. Then in 2008, a fire destroyed everything but the four outer rock walls and Betsy, the 200-pound griddle that had been in the kitchen for 75 years. Betsy was restored — as were the walls — and she's still used to cook up Buffalo burgers and chicken fried steaks. The "Cars" character Sally Carrera was modeled after Rock Cafe's owner, Dawn Welch , a tireless advocate for Route 66.

16. Luna Cafe

Granite City, Illinois

Luna Cafe , a small restaurant that opened in 1924, has an interesting history for one main reason. Al Capone used to meet with local mobsters at the restaurant after driving down Route 66 from Chicago, and it was reportedly one of his favorite hangouts. He may have enjoyed the supposed illegal gambling operation in the basement, or the illicit entertainment that allegedly took place upstairs (legend has it that the red cherry on the sign would light up during those times). Now it's a local dive bar.

17. Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe

Victorville, California

Built in 1947, Emma Jean's is named for one owner's wife, who worked at the cafe as a waitress. It’s their son, Brian, who now runs the busy daytime-only diner. He was the one that the menu's "Briancakes" and Brian burger are named after, and that burger, with its thick hamburger patty, roasted green chiles, melted Swiss, and grilled sourdough crusted with Parmesan, is the main draw here. Though it's just made out of cinderblocks, the aqua building is photo-worthy.

18. Jamil's Steakhouse

Oklahoma City

In the early 1900s, Lebanese immigrants came to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. They brought their cuisine with them, of course, and a number of Lebanese supper clubs popped up, including Jamil's Steakhouse , which opened in 1964. The menu is an interesting mix of expensive steakhouse eats — we're not far from the Oklahoma capitol — Southern, and Lebanese fare. Every entree comes with an assortment of appetizers, including tabouli, hummus, stuffed cabbage, fried bologna, and a baked potato for an incredible mix of cultures.

19. Sultana Bar

Williams, Arizona

Open since 1912, there's a lot of history packed into Sultana Bar . There are tunnels under the building which were rumored to have been for running drugs, but most definitely were for hiding booze during Prohibition. There's a passageway to the former theater next door that used to screen silent films, and a police chief was murdered by a drunk patron in the bar in 1947. That, along with animal mounts like the cougar behind the bar, gave the tavern an air of intrigue and edginess that has never really gone away.

Related: 30 Historic Dive Bars Across the Country

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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9 of the best road trips in Europe

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If you've got wheels, wanderlust and a spot of time, a road trip in Europe offers the chance to see the continent at a relaxed pace. From the sunny shores of Portugal to the dungeons of Dracula's castle in Transylvania in Romania , the following itineraries can be easily combined, shortened or altered to suit your wayfaring tastes. Here are 9 of the best road trips in Europe.

1. From the glamour of Paris to the glorious grit of Berlin (France to Germany)

2. surf and sun in the basque country and beyond, 3. the arctic fjords from bergen to trondheim (norway), 4. the unexplored east: bucharest to vienna (romania to austria), 5. to portugal and beyond.

• 6. High-altitude adventure on Germany's Alpine Road

7. Godly beaches and ancient highways in Greece

8. london to edinburgh and the highlands, 9. the secret shores of sicily and calabria, planning your european road trip, travel ideas for spain, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2468 USD

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

4 days  / from 643 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

10 days  / from 3791 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

5 days  / from 1480 USD

Made for Madrid

Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.

4 days  / from 1399 USD

A Madrid getaway

Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.

18 days  / from 4590 USD

Hidden Spain - From Barcelona to Basque Country

Do you want to explore highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.

Leaving Paris , cruise through the gentle hills of Champagne and Reims to the quaint capital of Luxembourg City, and explore the small country’s many fairy-tale castles.

Trier , Germany’s oldest city, is less than an hour’s drive north-east, where ancient Roman baths and basilicas stand marvellously intact.

Spend a night in the medieval village of Bacharach in Riesling wine country, before wandering the riverside streets of Heidelberg . Onward to Nuremberg , and then to Leipzig for a strong dose of hot caffeine with your Cold War history, classical music and cake. Make sure to check out the complete guide to the UNESCO world heritage sites in Germany to visit some of the palaces and gardens , industrial heritage sites or historic town centres along the way.

Detour to Dresden , restored after the ruinous bombing in WWII, before ending in one of Europe’s coolest cities: the creative paradise of Berlin .

For a longer trip, start in London and take the ferry or channel tunnel to France , transforming this road trip into a pilgrimage between Europe’s holy trinity of artistic hubs.

• Best for: Culture vultures looking for bragging rights.
• How long: 1–2 weeks.
• Insider tip: If you’re driving in France, you’ll legally need to keep safety equipment in your car (a reflective vest and hazard signal). Additionally, be prepared with a cash or credit card to pay the French road tolls on the way.

Panoramic aerial view of Trier featuring the famous Trierer Dom © S-F/Shutterstock

Begin in Bilbao , where the surrounding beaches boast world-class surf, then drive along the Atlantic to San Sebastian : watersports wonderland and foodie heaven. From there venture south through the rugged wilderness of the Pyrenees to Pamplona . Climb the Roncesvalles Pass before looping back to the coast. Or continue along the Bay of Biscay to the attractive seaside resort of St-Jean-de-Luz.

Travellers with a little extra money lining their pockets will be happy to spend days lingering on boho beaches in Biarritz, while those looking for gargantuan swell can do no better than the surfer hangouts in Hossegor.

Finish the trip northward in Bordeaux – the Pearl of the Aquitaine – where café-strewn boulevards and world-class wines are your trophies at the finish line.

Bilbao to Bordeaux

• Best for: Sun-seeking surfers and foodies.
• How long: 1 week.
• Insider tip: Check seasonal surf forecasts before you go, and look into coastal campsites if you're on a budget.The Basque roads beg for a convertible – or a colourful camper van with surfboards strapped to the roof.

Biarritz City and its famous beach © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Kick off in the city of Bergen , on Norway’s southwest coast, and make way past mighty fjords to Voss and the colossal Tvindefossen waterfall. Then check the world's longest road tunnel off your to-do list, a cavernous 24.5km route under the mountains.

Catch a quick ferry across the Sognefjord and carry on to the Fjaler valleys, a land of glaciers and snowy mountain peaks, to the waterside towns of Stryn or the mountain village Videster.

Work your way northward to the well-touristed towns of Geiranger, down the death-defying hairpin turns of Trollstigen (literally “The Troll Path”).

After the descent, ferry across the Eresfjord to Molde and Kristiansund. For the final stretch, drive the iconic Atlantic Road with its roller-coaster-style bridges, and conclude with some well-deserved downtime upon the still waters and stilted homes of Trondheim .

• Best for: Thrill seekers and landscape junkies.
• How long : 5–7 days.
• Insider tip : This route is best tackled from late spring to early autumn. If you plan on road tripping during Norway’s winter months, be sure to check online ahead of time for road closures due to snow and ice.
• Ready to explore Norway? Start preparing by finding out how to get there .

The idyllic surroundings of Stryn in Norway © Mikolajn/Shutterstock

Start from Bucharest , travelling northward through the Carpathian mountains to Transylvania, and make a mandatory stop at Bran Castle (claimed to be the old stomping grounds of Dracula himself).

Take the Transfagarasan mountain road, one of the most scenic routes in the world, towards the age-old cities and countless castles of Sibu, Brasov and Sighisoara. Then set course to the unexplored architectural gems of Timisoara.

Carry on towards the tranquil hot springs and hip ruin pubs of bustling Budapest, and be prepared to stay at least a few days. Depart for Bratislava – a capital full of surprises – from where it's only an hour further to the coffeehouses and eclectic architecture of Vienna .

• Best for: Anyone looking for a break from the conventional tourism of western Europe.
• How long: 7–12 days.
• Insider tip: Exercise caution when driving through tunnels. Though the weather outside may be fine, tunnels are often slippery.

Bran (Dracula) castle in Transylvania, Romania © Kanuman/Shutterstock

Start in Braga , before driving south to the medieval town of Guimarães , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then it’s onward to the breathtaking "second-city" of Porto , though it's nothing less than first-rate. Check here for the best places to stay in Porto .

Drive east to the vineyards and steep valleys of Penafiel and Amarante before hitting the coastal road to the vast white beaches of Figueira da Foz - among the best beaches in Portugal . From here it’s on to Peniche, Ericeira and then Lisbon : the country's vibrant capital that's on course to beat out Berlin for Europe’s coolest city. Check out the best areas to stay in Lisbon as well as the best places to eat to match your taste.

Drive south to Sagres , Arrifana and Carrapateira. After soaking up the sun on the picturesque shores of the Algarve, wrap this road trip up in the Mediterranean dreamland otherwise known as Faro .

If you’ve still got itchy feet when you reach Faro, take the ferry from nearby Algeciras in Spain to Morocco . Imagine the satisfaction of parking your ride in the desert village of Merzouga, before exploring the Sahara – that's right, it would feel awesome.

• Best for: Beach bums and oenophiles.
• How long: At least 10–14 days.
• Insider tip: As Portugal is among the more affordable destinations in Western Europe, this can be an especially great trip for travellers on a budget . 

Oliveira Square, Guimarães © Patricia Henriques Barros/Shutterstock

6. High-altitude adventure on Germany's Alpine Road

The Alpenstrasse, or Alpine Road, is your ticket to a bonafide Bavarian odyssey: a safe route through the unforgettable vistas of Germany 's high-altitude meadows, mountains, crystal-clear lakes and cosy village restaurants. Start lakeside at Lindau on the Bodensee and head to Oberstaufen for a therapeutic beauty treatment in the country’s “Capital of Wellness”.

Venture eastwards to the Breitachklamm gorge, where the river Breitach cuts through verdant cliffs and colossal boulders. Carry on to the town of Füssen – famous for its violin makers – stopping along the way at any quaint Alpine villages you please. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle , the same structure that inspired Walt Disney to build his own version for Cinderella, isn’t far off either - one of those places even more beautiful in winter.

Speaking of winter, hit the slopes of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for some serious skiing if the season’s right. Stop at Benediktbeuern on your way to the medieval town of Bad Tölz, then up through the stunning wilderness scenes of the Chiemgau Alps before ending in the regional capital of Munich . If you’re missing the mountain roads already, carry on to Salzburg in Austria and stop in the ice caves of Werfen on the way.

Lindau to Oberstaufen

• Best for: Outdoorsy types.
• How long: 5–8 days.
• Insider tip: Give your road trip an extra purpose and pack your skis or snowboard. Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski season starts early December and ends early May. In the summer months, you can go hiking or climbing instead.

Church in Benediktbeuern © FooTToo/Shutterstock

Start in Athens and take the coastal roads south through the Athenian Riviera to Sounion, situated at the tip the Attic peninsula. Watch a sunset at the Temple of Poseidon, then drive northward through mythic mountains to the fortress of Kórinthos before posting up in the legendary city of Mycenae (home of Homeric heroes).

If you’re craving a luxurious seaside stay, look no further than the resort town of Nafplio. If not, carry onwards through the unforgiving landscapes to Mystra, the cultural and political capital of Byzantium.

Want more? Then it’s on to Olympia, sporting grounds of the ancients, and the mystic ruins of Delphi. Loop back towards Athens, approaching the city from the north.

• Best for: Sun-worshippers,and anyone who’s ever read Homer or watched overly action-packed flicks such as Troy and 300 .
• How long: 5–10 days, though it’s easy to trim a version of this road trip down to a long weekend.
• Insider tip: If you’re parking in central Athens keep an eye out for coloured parking spaces – these are reserved for locals, so if you park here you’ll get a ticket.

Aerial view of Nafplio city in the summer © Olga Kot Photo/Shutterstock

Leave the hectic pace of England ’s capital London behind. Make for Oxford, home of the world’s oldest English-language university, and a place of storied pubs where the likes of J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carrol regularly wet their whistles.

If you’ve got the time, it’s a quick drive to the cottages of the Cotswolds - check our guide to the prettiest villages to visit . If not, cruise up to Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare.

Take the two-and-a-half-hour drive north to Manchester for a city fix and watch a football match. Carry on north to the Lake District National Park, one of the most beautiful places in England . Drink in the scenery that inspired England’s finest romantics, then head across the Yorkshire dales to the quirky medieval lanes of York, founded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.

From there it's north again past tiny villages to the majestic wonders of Edinburgh . If you’re craving the rugged comforts of the highlands go to Stirling, Inverness, or the Western Isles – worth the drive indeed. And if you are going by electric car, check out this great guide to plan your electric car road trip in Britain .

London to Inverness

• Best for: Locals that want to feel like foreigners, and foreigners that want to feel like locals.
• How long: 5–10 days.
• Insider tip: Destinations like Stratford-Upon-Avon and York (not to mention London) are true tourist hotspots in the summer. Plan your road trip for spring or autumn and you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery along with fewer crowds.

Catbells  in The Lake District © Michael Conrad/Shutterstock

Hit the gas in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, the biggest historic centre in Italy after Rome and arguably the country’s most chaotic metropolis.

Adventure onwards along the Tyrrhenian coast to the golden sands of Cefalù – a great holiday spot for families, with a mellow medieval town centre to boot.

Get to the island’s heartland and the ancient city of Enna. Surrounded by cliffs on all sides, and built atop a massive hill, you'll feel as though you've walked on the set of Game of Thrones . Head southeast to the shores of the Ionian Sea and dock in Siracusa, once the most important in the western world while under ancient Greek rule with much of its historic architecture intact.

Then it’s up to Catania for a trip to molten Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano on the entire European continent.

Finish the trip in Messina, or ferry across into the Italian province of Calabria where rustic mountain villages, friendly locals and the idyllic sands of Tropea and Pizzo await – refreshingly devoid of foreigners.

• Best for: Anyone looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, and of course, hardcore foodies.
• How long : 6–12 days.
• Insider tip: Remember that southern Italy can get very hot in July and August. Avoid the heat of the day with a leisurely lunch (go easy on the wine if you’re driving!) and travel in the early morning or evening instead.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.

Cefalù on a beautiful day with clear skies © Cezary Wojtkowski/Shutterstock

Planning for the perfect trip to Europe can take hours of research. Why not allow us to take can of the planning and booking, allowing you to make the most of your trip? Our tailor made trips are created by local travel experts and are completely customised to your preferences.

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I've traveled 18,000 miles in an electric car. Here are the 4 things that surprised me about long-distance EV road trips.

• Gia Mora bought the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an EV with a 250-mile range, to reduce her need to fly.
• She and her partner have traveled 18,000 miles in the electric car on multiple road trips. 
• Mora was surprised by how temperature affects charging times and how often she charges at Walmart.

When I decided I would fly only once every three years for environmental reasons in 2021, my main concern was how to tackle long-distance travel.

My partner and I live in Los Angeles, but my family is in Colorado, and my adventurous other half fretted over the limitations on our holidays.

We compromised last June when we traded in our hybrid SUV for the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 . With its fast-charging 350-kilowatt capacity and 250-mile range battery, the Ioniq 5 allows us to travel long distances for a third of the emissions of our hybrid. 

We paid the sticker price of $54,000, before the $7,500 federal rebate. 

Our first EV excursion to Scottsdale, Arizona, from LA was a success. We've since gone to San Diego, visited family in Colorado, and did a mountain-bike road trip through Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, racking up over 18,000 miles. 

The Ioniq 5 also came with two years of free charging at any Electrify America charging station — the largest public-charging network in the country. 

We can charge the car at any station or at home, but we plan around Electrify America locations. We only charged somewhere else three times last year. According to the Electrify America app, it's saved us over $2,600 in fees. 

Initially, I was skeptical about owning an electric car, let alone road-tripping in one. Fears of long charging times at isolated stations or getting stranded with a dead battery are enough to stop anyone from switching to electric.

A year after purchase, I'm sold on long-range EVs.

Here are four things people should know if they're planning to travel long distances in an EV.

Plotting out charging is a breeze

Because charging stations aren't as ubiquitous as gas stations, traveling long distances in an electric vehicle requires more planning than a traditional road trip.

The Electrify America app makes finding and getting directions to chargers easy. Plus, it's compatible with Apple Maps and Hyundai's Car Play system, so we can view the route on our dashboard display.  

We arrange to fill up at an Electrify America station every 150 miles or so. The network offers 3,500 fast chargers at 800 stations in 47 states. 

We've never had trouble finding a station and never had to drive more than a mile or two off a major highway to access one.

If we are driving on a Sunday afternoon, we build extra time into our plans, because that's when charging stations are the busiest. 

Related stories

In all our travels, we've only encountered one situation when we had to wait 20 minutes for an open charger. With proper preparation, we can avoid charging during peak hours and reduce any delays to our adventures. 

It's faster to travel long distances in the summer in an EV 

EVs are the opposite of gas cars when it comes to temperature regulation. All electric cars, including the Ioniq 5, use more energy to heat than to cool.

That's why EVs experience range loss in colder weather . By our estimates, the Ioniq 5 travels about 15% fewer miles on the same charge in the cold as it does in the heat. It also drastically affects charging times. 

In moderate temperatures, with the 350-kilowatt Hyper-Fast chargers, the Ioniq 5 can go from 10% to 80% charged in under 20 minutes. But on days when the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it can take as long as 30 or 35 minutes.

Because we charge so frequently, the distance we can cover in a day isn't affected by the cold, but it does mean that we have to be prepared to spend more time waiting for the car to charge.

Conversely, cooling the Ioniq 5 has very little effect on range and charge time.

Last summer in the Phoenix heat, it only took an extra minute or so to reach full charge, and it's much more comfortable to wait 20 minutes in air-conditioning than it is to spend five minutes outside in 100-degree temperatures filling up at the gas pump. 

I gained a newfound appreciation for Walmart

Walmart plays a bigger role in our road-tripping than I ever anticipated.

The vast majority of our charging stops are at one of the 280 Walmart and Sam's Club locations that host Electrify America and EVgo stations. 

I feel safe charging in Walmart's well-lit parking lots, even at night. While charging, we can use the sparkling-clean restrooms or take advantage of the store's extended operating hours to grab any necessities. 

It felt like a serious upgrade from grungy gas-station toilets and limited convenience stores typical of highway pit stops. 

Last month, Walmart announced plans to quadruple its network of chargers. Since 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart , this expanded infrastructure could make road-tripping easier and make EV adoption accessible to more people.

More remote charging stations can be adventures in themselves

Plenty of charging stations look exactly as you'd expect, but when we ventured outside of major metropolitan areas, we discovered some unique stops. 

Green River, Utah, is home to 847 people, one Tesla Supercharger, and four Electrify America stations located beside the tiny, quirky Green River Coffee Company . A painting of the establishment's mascot — a scraggly but disarming vulture holding a steaming cup of coffee — keeps watch over the chargers which are available for use 24/7.

One night just outside of Yosemite National Park, we pulled in to charge at a small lodge. Seeking respite from the rain and a public restroom, we went into the Lucky Buck Cafe . 

The locals at the bar welcomed us and were delighted when I sat in with the live guitarist to sing a few country classics.

Road-tripping in the Ioniq 5 is enjoyable 

Despite any challenges, road-tripping along the Electrify America network in our Ioniq 5 is an enjoyable option compared to costly airline tickets and pollution. 

With more charging infrastructure on the horizon, I'm excited to see more people opting for all-electric travel plans.

Watch: Why it's so hard to recycle electric-car batteries

• Main content

The 7 best road trips in Thailand

Oct 30, 2023 • 10 min read

The roads in Thailand are relatively well maintained, but driving rules are often flouted © Thattaphon Sukborwornophat / Getty Images

If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, you might feel a little apprehensive about the idea of taking to the highway on a road trip. In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles duel for space with pedestrians and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules. But breathe easy: Bangkok is not all of Thailand.

Escape the capital and traffic conditions calm considerably, though you’ll still need to be cautious of speeding trucks and buses and the steady throng of motorcyclists. The good news is that Thailand’s roads are mostly well-maintained, car and motorcycle rental costs are moderate and there’s so much to see that even a short road trip takes on an air of adventure.

The smart way to road trip in Thailand is to start outside Bangkok, renting a vehicle in one of Thailand’s smaller towns. The further you go off the tourist trail, the quieter the roads and the more there is to discover in the towns and villages you pass through on the way. For inspiration, here are our favorite road trips in Thailand.

1. Mae Sa Valley

Best road trip for first-timers Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles), allow one day

A great taster trip to get you used to driving or riding in Thailand, this circuit through the forested mountains north of Chiang Mai will introduce you to village life and the jade-green rainforest landscapes of northern Thailand. After leaving Chiang Mai, the crowds drop away as you get closer to Nam Tok Mae Sa , a natural swimming pool that makes a lovely picnic spot. 

Continue to the Queen Sikrit Botanical Gardens , a collection of plantations, walking trails and greenhouses, with a family-friendly natural history museum. From here, you enter a part of the country that was once used to grow opium poppies before hill tribe farmers were persuaded to switch to fruit and flowers by the Thai royal family.

Experience village life with a detour north to the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where local restaurants at Mon Cham serve tasty village food and Thai fruit liqueurs in pavilions overlooking the valley. The loop back to Chiang Mai on the 1269 passes Samoeng village and a series of spectacular viewpoints where you can pause for photos, before swinging back into the Northern Thai capital.  

Planning tip: Get an early start to make the most of this day-long road trip. Grab a portable breakfast at the Talat Thanin food market before you set off.

2. Phuket to Satun and back

Best road trip for island adventures Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip, one week

Because of political unrest in Thailand’s far south, the Andaman Coast is best explored as an out-and-back road trip starting from Phuket , avoiding the troubled east coast. With hundreds of idyllic islands offshore, you’ll want to stop regularly for overnight sojourns on tropical islands along the way.

Starting with a seafood feast in Phuket, follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, stopping for a boat trip around the otherworldly karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park . Keep following the bay south to Krabi and the epic rock-climbing cliffs around Railay , one of the world’s most enjoyable adventure sports hubs.

Let the coast call you south to Ko Lanta for more time on the sand, then return to the mainland to reach Trang , gateway to its own collection of idyllic karst islands. The final leg south passes through townships that feel almost Malaysian in character. Turn around at Satun and take a couple of days to snorkel and hike on the unspoiled islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before you retrace your steps to Phuket.

Planning tip: The seas off the Andaman Coast can get very choppy from May to October and many ferry routes and some national parks close for the season, so it's best to avoid this time of year.  

3. Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Best road trip for history Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles), three to four days

If you’re brave enough to start from Bangkok, the drive from the capital to Chiang Mai packs in a lot of history and some of Thailand’s most spectacular ancient sites. The hardest part is the beginning, escaping Bangkok’s gravitational pull on route 347. Fortunately, it’s only 90 minutes to Ayuthaya , the first stop on the route.

Explore the ruins of the imperial city that was Siam’s capital from 1350 to 1767, then continue north on route 32, making a detour east to view Lopburi’s monkey-thronged Prang Sam Yot temple. Back on the highway, it’s a sustained slog north to Phitsanulok , where you can pay your respects to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images at Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat .

The next stop is stunning Sukhothai , whose ruined stupas and temples were the hub of a powerful Thai kingdom from the 13th to the 14th century. Break the journey north with a homestay at Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight (or longer) stop in hip Lampang , where cool cafes throng with more local movers and shakers. Lamphun is another worthy stop before you roll into Chiang Mai and head straight for the night markets to feast.

Detour: To add some contemporary history to the trip, tack on a detour to Kanchanaburi between Bangkok and Ayuthaya. Made infamous by the Burma-Siam Railway, this town on the Mae Nam Khwae Yai river is today a hub for encounters with history and day trips to splash in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park .

4. Mae Hong Son Loop

Best road trip for traveler vibes Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles), four days

A more ambitious road trip from Chiang Mai meanders through the green hills to the southwest, following Route 108 and Route 1095 through the lively traveler town of Mae Hong Son . This twisting loop is famous for having 1864 curves and the Chamber of Commerce in Mae Hong Son issues souvenir certificates for drivers who complete the circuit. On the way, you can swing into some of the most interesting townships in northwest Thailand.

Leaving Chiang Mai on the 108, the first stop is Doi Inthanon National Park , a lush, green mountaintop that is one of the few places in Thailand to see temperatures dip below freezing. You’ll want to pause for a day or two at Mae Sariang, a relaxing riverside town that’s a great base for hiking and sustainable adventures in the hills. 

There’s time for another stop at Khun Yuam to explore wartime history before you roll into Mae Hong Son, one of northern Thailand’s best hubs for monastery-hopping and treks to hill tribe villages. On the loop back to Chiang Mai on route 1095, make stops at the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung and the bustling traveler hub of Pai , where you can kick back for a while, enjoying everything from treks to yoga classes and cooking schools.

Planning tip: Be ready for cold temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park; chilly fog can swirl around the summit year-round so bring a warm layer. 

5. Hua Hin to Surat Thani

Best road trip for low-key beaches Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one-way, three to four days

Southern Thailand’s long, slender profile doesn’t lend itself to looping road trips, but there’s plenty to see by drifting along the coast. Start in Hua Hin , Thailand’s original beach resort, where one-way car rentals can be arranged through Thai Rent a Car . Slide south through the low-key, locals-oriented beach towns of Prachaup Khiri Khan, Ban Krut and Bang Saphan Yai to Chumphon , where the Muslim culture of southern Thailand starts to surface. Before ending the trip at Surat Thani , duck inland to Khao Sok National Park , a 160-million-year-old rainforest that provides shelter for bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants and tigers, myriad birds and the enormous Rafflesia kerrii – the world’s largest flower. The fun doesn’t have to stop at Surat Thani; the town is a jumping-off point for the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, where you can bask, party and enjoy some of the world’s cheapest scuba diving.

6. Chiang Rai to Phayao

Best road trip for dramatic vistas Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles), three days

Chiang Rai is northern Thailand’s second great city – crammed with temples and cultural sites like Chiang Mai, but with less of a backpacker vibe. A stop at the “white wat” of Wat Rong Khun is almost obligatory if only to view the pop culture murals showing such diverse subjects as the 9/11 attacks and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.

To reach the Lao border town of Chiang Khong , follow back roads through a region that was once notorious as the heart of the opium-growing Golden Triangle. Take your time drifting through villages tucked along forest-cloaked ridges, then stop for a day or two in Chiang Khong to soak up the Lao influences seeping in from Huay Xai across the Mekong River.

Divert south on the 1020 and follow routes 1093 and 1155 through dramatic emerald hills to epic viewpoints such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Pause to enjoy the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before you roll onwards to finish up in leafy Phayao , an overlooked northern Thai town with pretty wooden houses, wetland scenery and a lost-in-time mood that will give you a sense of what all of northern Thailand was like before the arrival of mass tourism. 

Planning tip: This route follows many back roads off the main highways; turnings are usually signposted, but if not, ask at roadside cafes and petrol pumps.  

7. An Isaan loop

Best off-the-beaten-track road trip Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles), one week

Travelers gush about Thailand’s Isaan region – the tract of land running northeast from Bangkok against the Lao and Cambodian borders. In this gently slumbering corner of the country, the cuisine is spectacular, the pace of life unhurried and crowds are rare… in other words, conditions are perfect for a slow road trip by motorcycle. Spare yourself the drive out of Bangkok by taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and pick up some wheels there.

Hit the trail and meander east through Phanom Rung Historical Park , a striking Khmer temple complex atop an extinct volcano. Track the Cambodian border eastward to reach Ubon Ratchathani , an off-the-tourist-track town studded with handsome monasteries and balanced beside the Mae Nam Mun river.  Loop through Yasothon (worth a stop during the rocket festival in mid-May) and lake-centered Roi Et to reach Prasat Puay Noi , a fine Khmer Hindu temple complex from the 12th century. Keep the Khmer theme going at Phimai , a grand temple ruin fusing Hindu and Buddhist motifs, then close the loop back in Nakhon Ratchasima, grazing on Isaan delicacies at RN Yard .

Planning tip: A big part of traveling in Isaan is sampling the food. Essential Isaan dishes to try include laab (a zesty ground meal salad with lime, mint, chili and toasted rice), som tam (a pounded salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts and shrimp) and sai grok isaan (a sour, smoky, fermented pork sausage).

Tips for driving in Thailand

Thailand officially drives on the left, though be wary of locals flouting the rules, particularly motorcycles, which often ride against the traffic flow on the hard shoulder. Always give way to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks, and watch out for pedestrians. Driving slowly is always sensible. You can hire cars, motorcycles and scooters with a home driving license; take out as much insurance as is available and keep your license and passport (or copies of the identity pages) handy for police checks. 

This article was first published Oct 14, 2022 and updated Oct 30, 2023.

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