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Car-nival: 10 best attractions for car lovers across the US

Best Attraction for Car Lovers (2023) April 21, 2023

If you’re a car fanatic, the U.S. is packed with places that celebrate these marvels of engineering. From car museums and factory tours to behind-the-wheel driving experiences and live auctions, these 10 attractions should be on every automobile enthusiast’s bucket list.

No. 10: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum - Birmingham, Alabama

More than a quarter million people pass through the doors of the Barber Motorsports Museum each year to enjoy the collection of some 1,600 vintage motorcycles, of which more than 900 are on display at any given time. The collection includes around 100 Harley-Davidsons and more than 50 vintage Lotus cars. 

No. 9: Mullin Automotive Museum - Oxnard, California

This privately owned automobile museum in Oxnard, California showcases the personal collection of philanthropist Peter W. Mullin, with a focus on French coachbuilders. The 46,000-square-foot museum is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, and tickets should be purchased in advance.

No. 8: Marshall Steam Museum - Yorklyn, Delaware

Auto enthusiasts can travel back in time at the Marshall Steam Museum, where they can peruse the world's largest operating collection of Stanley steam cars, as well as a 1916 electric car and two 1930s Packards. Train fans can even check out the Auburn Valley Railroad with its 1/8th-size coal-fired steam trains that circle the property.

No. 7: Revs Institute - Naples, Florida

The automobiles showcased at the Revs Institute in Naples are among the most important and rarest built, almost all meticulously restored to peak operational condition. Visitors can see more than 100 vehicles from 1896 to 1995, including a 1939 Mercedes-Benz W154 Grand Prix, 1896 Panhard et Levassor Wagonette and the first Porsche 550-01. 

No. 6: America's Transportation Experience / AACA Museum - Hershey, Pennsylvania

America's Transportation Experience / AACA Museum Inc., an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, celebrates the automobile through a series of vintage cars on display and interactive exhibits covering cars, motorcycles and other automobiles from the 1890s to the 1980s. It's also the home of the most extensive collection of Tucker automobiles and memorabilia in the world.

No. 5: America's Car Museum - Tacoma, Washington

America’s Car Museum celebrates the automobile with a collection of some 250 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history, as well as another 100 automobiles on loan from private collections. Visitors can easily spend a day exploring their 12 galleries and 9-acre campus.

No. 4: National Corvette Museum - Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Corvette, America's legendary sports car, is manufactured only in Bowling Green, and the city also plays host to the National Corvette Museum. Automobile enthusiasts will find a collection of more than 80 Corvettes in period settings alongside numerous interactive exhibits. Visitors can even get behind the wheel of a C6 Corvette in their Corvette Simulator. 

No. 3: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia celebrates “The Spirit of Competition” with a collection of more than 75 historically significant cars, ranging from Ferrari and Bugatti to Corvette and Ford, collected by Dr. Frederick Simeone over the course of five decades. 

No. 2: Savoy Automobile Museum - Cartersville, Georgia

The Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia is the "Southeast's new automotive hangout," says expert Joel Kokoska. The museum routinely changes out exhibits to showcase the variety of automobiles past and present that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Past exhibits have included iconic wood-paneled vehicles, muscle cars, British cars and much more. The ever-changing collections is a key reason why you'll want to visit again and again. 

No. 1: Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed - Lincoln, Nebraska

The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed showcases history-making cars, from Indy 500 racers to one of the world’s largest collections of exotic and historic American racing engines. Museum exhibits cover several topics, including toys, pedal cars and driving safety. 

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The Experts

Joel kokoska.

Like so many in the automotive industry, my...   Read More

Like so many in the automotive industry, my passion for all things automotive started at an early age with memories of Hot Wheels and car shows! As I grew up in a car culture family my automotive path started like many with an afterschool job at a local hot rod shop. Working in a small business, I saw many sides to the business which helped shape my understanding of the highs and lows a business owner goes through to meet the demands of the business. I have been involved in the hot rod industry for over 33 years now and continue to help ensure the continuation of the industry and expand its footprint to the next generation of hot rodders by currently serving on the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) committee for SEMA. Stay connected with me through my channels on Instagram or  LinkedIn .

Lee Spencer

An award-winning motorsports journalist with more...   Read More

An award-winning motorsports journalist with more than 25 years experience covering NASCAR racing, Lee Spencer has distinguished herself in a variety of roles including lead NASCAR writer for  FoxSports.com , the first female beat writer for  Sporting News  and senior NASCAR writer and editor for  Motorsport.com . Currently, Spencer is a regular contributor to  RacinBoys.com  and also serves as a guest host on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.  

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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10 US destinations every car lover should visit at least once in their life

Posted: November 9, 2023 | Last updated: November 9, 2023

10 destinations across the US for car enthusiasts to add to their bucket list

They move us through the world, but automobiles play an even more significant role in our daily lives and culture.

More than simply a mode of transportation, a car can be a form of self-expression, a marker of social and economic status, and a reflection of the times. Dating back to the 15th century when Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci was creating designs and models for the world's first self-propelled vehicle, the automobile has a rich history that can't be traced to a single inventor or point in time. From steam, electric, and gasoline vehicles, as well as countless styles, makes, and models—the world has seen many iterations of the car.

They've played a pivotal role in shaping American culture and have particularly been used as forms of self-expression and a way to build camaraderie and belonging in communities of color.

A quick drive through predominantly Latino, Black, or Japanese American communities in Los Angeles will open your eyes to a world of elaborate paint jobs and the over-the-top hydraulics of the lowrider car clubs that have served as a cultural touchstone for these folks.

Smithsonian Magazine tracks lowriding in L.A. to the 1940s when car culture began developing in the U.S., particularly in Southern California where people were adapting to a "postwar urban landscape," in which cars were more necessary to get around broadening cities.

But the Latino community and their lowriders—typically consisting of Chevrolet Impalas, old school Fords, and vintage Cadillacs, among other types of cars—isn't the only prominent car subculture around. Japanese American auto enthusiasts have also played pivotal roles within the car scene since the 20th century, especially in Southern California.

In Los Angeles around the 1970s, Japanese American cruisers would roll out their freshly detailed vehicles and descend on the annual Nisei Week Festival, according to the Japanese American National Museum .

Cars have not only helped us go from point A to point B, but they have been cultural touchstones in society, which is why car-centric destinations may also provide unique insight into the history and making of the United States of America.

To help aid car enthusiasts, CoPilot scoured news articles, tourism sites, social media platforms, and the web to compile this list of travel destinations for people who love cars. Admission prices are subject to change, so please check their websites for the latest information.

National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada

Head over to Reno to peruse through a collection of more than 200 cars at the National Automobile Museum, displayed amid lifelike facades and artifacts from their respective time periods. Recognized as one of the 10 best automobile museums in the U.S. by Galerie magazine, the Reno car museum opened up in 1989 from the seed of gaming mogul Bill Harrah's car collection.

Split into four galleries, the museum features cars built in the 1890s and onward. Car lovers will get a glimpse of different exhibits, including celebrity automobiles owned by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and John F. Kennedy. Exhibits include the 1907 Thomas Flyer car, which won a race from New York to Paris in 1908, and a medley of speedy cars that have raced competitively on places like the roads of Mexico and the manicured tracks of Indianapolis.

Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for youth.

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, California

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum is a hidden gem you won't want to miss. The museum, which boasts over 130 antique, vintage, and hot rods, is a one-of-a-kind experience as you can actually sit inside some of the classic beauties on display.

If that's not enough, the museum hosts weekly Sunday Rides where they are able to ride alongside the museum's drivers around town. Car lovers can also rent a vintage automobile from the museum for film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, or private events.

Admission or suggested donations to the museum are also fairly affordable at $5 for children over 10, seniors for $10, and adults for $15.

Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia

Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, opened in December 2021 and has since drawn flocks of car lovers from around the world to ogle at the four-wheeled beauties housed in here.

Located on a nearly 40-acre property, the Savoy Automobile Museum features four galleries for temporary exhibitions and a fifth gallery for its permanent holdings. Called the Savoy Collection, the permanent collection houses a 1932 Buick Model 67, a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr, a 1955 Willys Bermuda, and a 1967 AMC Marlin, among others.

Other rotating exhibitions through 2024 include the evolution of Bigfoot, an automobile that started life as a 1974 Ford F-250 pickup and eventually morphed into other large-size creations; an exhibit on Tatra, a Czech vehicle manufacturer founded in 1850, produced in collaboration with the Lane Motor Museum in Tennessee; and a showcase of TV producer Bryan Fuller's unique custom car and motorcycle builds over 20 years.

The one-story Savoy Automobile Museum, which easily accommodates wheelchairs, costs $15 for general admission and $5 for youth.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Carmel, California

Over the beautiful coast of Monterey County in California, automobile fans gather each year for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been a highlight. It was first a social event associated with the Pebble Beach Road Races, which ended in 1956.

Today, it is a flagship event of Pebble Beach Automotive Week. During the event, car collectors gather on the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links and vie for the title of Best of Show. Judges critique their vehicles based on elegance, technical merit, and history.

Other events and showcases on the grounds include the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic and the Pebble Beach Retroauto. The Pebble Beach Motoring Classic is an annual road trip of about 1,500 miles as proud car owners drive down the Pacific coast to finish at the Concours d'Elegance. Meanwhile, the Pebble Beach Retroauto is a show of collectibles and memorabilia for past auto eras, as well as art and luxury items.

Tickets for the event are available months in advance and will be released in November 2023, but prices are typically close to $500 and increase the closer one gets to the event date.

Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona

The Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona, was founded in 2005 by owner Mel Martin, an expert mechanic who can also fix the cars in the collection.

The museum features over 160 vehicles and hosts a large collection of auto memorabilia, antique gas pumps, and signage. Its building also has three rooms for special events. Events booked will have access to the museum's carousel, game room, and outdoor patio.

Considered a nonprofit organization, the museum asks guests for a $10 donation.

Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles

Located in Los Angeles along Miracle Mile, the Petersen Automotive Museum is just as stunning and grand outside as it is inside, where it displays over 400 vehicles. One of the world's largest automotive museums, it features over 100,000 square feet of space. It chronicles the evolution of automotive engineering achievements and its impact on American culture over the past 120 years.

Whether you're into vintage and old school cars, are more of an Ecto-1 aficionado, or prefer the big bucks cars like Ferrari and Bugatti, there's something at this museum for everyone.

Museumgoers can view different iterations of Teslas to date, famous cars from film and television like the 1989 Batmobile, and Porsche cars from the 1950s onwards.

Admission costs $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for youth.

Bonneville Salt Flats Raceway in Wendover, Utah

More experience-oriented travelers who prefer being behind the wheel may consider the Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway in Tooele County, Utah. The flats formed thousands of years ago when Lake Bonneville covered most of Utah. As the large lake drained, it left the Great Salt Lake by Salt Lake City and the Bonneville Salt Flats behind.

The Salt Flats were a hard surface that went on for miles, perfect for racing, according to Autoweek . Vehicles on the flats could reach up to 600 miles per hour.

In recent years, however, the salt on the flats has been reduced to a fraction of the thickness it was at its peak. Consequently, the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association has canceled its World of Speed event two consecutive years since 2022. However, if you're in the area, people can still scope out the area and imagine the cars racing on the Salt Flats.

Land Rover's Rock Crawl in Moab, Utah

Ready for an adventure that'll last more than a few hours at a museum? Buckle up for Land Rover's Rock Crawl in Utah. Expert Land Rover instructors will guide you through an incredible Moab desert landscape as you partake in desert off-roading from behind the wheel of Land Rover vehicles.

The four-day excursion begins with a stay at the Red Cliffs Lodge, where you'll meet others who have signed up for the same adventure. Over the next two days, explorers will see breathtaking rock formations and sloping rock layers that will test their driving skills. The final day is for rest. Explorers can trade wheels for horseback—or a bit of TLC.

Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago

Over 300 award-winning and historic vehicles dating back from 1909 are on view at Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago. The museum was founded by World War II veteran and entrepreneur Larry Klairmont, whose passion for cars started as early as 5 years old. Some vehicles on view are a 1906 American Motors Tourist and a 1924 Pierce-Arrow Series 33.

Nestled halfway between Chicago O'Hare Airport and downtown, the car museum is ideal for travelers visiting out of town and locals looking to explore their backyard.

Adult entry costs $21.95, senior admission $19.75, and youth tickets $15. But if you're coming with the whole family, the museum also offers a discount admission package for $49.95.

LeMay - America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington

Much like many car museums, LeMay - America's Car Museum began as Harold and Nancy LeMay's personal collection, which eventually grew to 2,400 vehicles. Harold LeMay, founder of Washington state's largest trash removal companies, generously opened his collection to the public once a year, drawing as many as 10,000 people even without advertising.

After his passing in 2000, plans were made for the 165,000-square-foot museum, which opened in 2011. MSN named the attraction one of the world's 10 best automotive museums.

The museum includes exhibitions on NASCAR history, custom coaches from the 1930s, and British cars that came to the United States from World War II through the 1960s. Adults pay $22 for admission, seniors $20, and youth $16.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on CoPilot and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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15 Affordable Destinations All Car Lovers Should Visit

For a lot of people, a car is just something you use to get from point A to point B. For auto enthusiasts, however, they are marvels of engineering, or even works of art. Just as auto lovers span the globe, so do landmarks, festivals, shows and museums dedicated to cars.

If you’re a true car lover, there are a handful of destinations you need to visit before you die. Here are 15 of the best destinations to see rare and beautiful cars.

Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles

Named the 2016 Museum of the Year by International Historic Motoring Awards, the Petersen Museum is a haven for gearheads. Situated on the third-most traveled intersection in Los Angeles, the museum anchors the far end of the city’s famed Miracle Mile.

Exhibits in the car museum include The Art of Bugatti, Harley vs. Indian, The Unconventional Canvases of Keith Haring and Cars Mechanical Institute. Entry is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $7 for children and free for active-duty military, personal care attendants and children under 3.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

Stuttgart, Germany

Few countries boast an automotive tradition as rich and storied as Germany, and the name Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with German engineering. With a visit to the auto icon’s namesake museum in Stuttgart, tourists will travel through the 130-year history of the automobile industry.

The museum is home to 1,500 exhibits and 160 vehicles spread over nine levels. The tour, which lasts about two hours, transports visitors from 1886 to the present. Although several packages exist, a single adult day ticket costs 10 euros, or about $10.80.

Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway

Tooele County, Utah

Completely devoid of life and so flat that the curvature of the Earth is visible to the human eye, Utah’s mythical Bonneville Salt Flats stretch more than 30,000 acres. Moreover, the greatest land speed records in history have been set and broken in this land of salt, which borders Utah’s famous lake of salt. There’s a reason the site bears the nickname “automotive heaven.”

A global destination for motorheads since 1896, Bonneville saw racers set the official land speed record of 141.73 mph in 1914. In the ensuing decades, the 300, 400, 500 and 600 mph records were also broken on site, as was the sound barrier. Anyone can visit this destination for free.

The Autobahn

It’s impossible to craft a list of automotive meccas without mentioning Germany’s legendary Autobahn. Although it’s known around the world as a vehicular free-for-all, the Autobahn has suggested speed limits in many places. Additionally, the frequent traffic jams enforce de facto limits.

The German superhighway — which is actually a network of limited-access freeways that let drivers jaunt from city to city — traces its roots to 1913. Although it was built over several generations, it is most commonly associated with Adolph Hitler, who greatly expanded the Autobahn after realizing its military potential. There is no cost to ride, but a German driver’s license can cost up to $3,000.

Check It Out: The Cost of a Car the Year You Were Born

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis

Arguably the most famous racetrack in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is host to three of the greatest contests in the racing world: the Brickyard 400, the Indycar Grand Prix and the Indy 500. Known as “the racing capital of the world,” the speedway opened in 1909 to accommodate the growing popularity of the sport. The same year, 22-year-old Alice Huyler Ramsey became the first woman in history to drive 3,800 miles across the U.S.

The speedway still beckons race fans from around the world. Ticket prices vary depending on the event.

North American International Auto Show

Although Michigan is the most expensive state to own a car, it is home to Detroit. The Motor City is the location of the world’s largest exposition of vehicles and auto-related technology. In 2016, most of the show’s 61 vehicle debuts were exclusive global firsts. Additionally, 5,000 journalists from 60 countries attended the event, as did the world’s most significant concentration of auto engineers, executives, designers and builders.

The show consists of six separate events wrapped into one spectacular festival. Ticket prices vary by event, but you can expect to pay $500 for The Gallery, $110 for the Industry Preview and $400 for the Charity Preview, $390 of which can be written off.

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach, Fla.

Few names in the automotive world are more recognizable than the Daytona International Speedway. Home of iconic events like the Daytona 500, it’s the hallowed ground where racing giant Dale Earnhardt Sr. won 34 titles — that’s more than any other driver in history.

Tours include a tram that lets visitors experience the speedway’s legendary 31-degree banks. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $12 for kids and are free for children 5 and under. Pricier all-access tours and VIP options are also available.

Shelby Factory Tour

The late Carroll Shelby’s impact on the evolution of American race cars is immeasurable. Shelby guided the design of legends like the AC Cobra and Ford’s line of high-performance vehicles, which culminated in the Shelby Mustang.

Shelby’s legacy lives on at the Shelby Factory in Las Vegas. Guided tours are available for free every day except Sunday, and visitors are welcome to check out the Shelby Heritage Center and Carroll Shelby’s Store, as well. The showroom is a great and affordable place to visit with kids.

National Automobile Museum

One of the top five American museums dedicated to cars, the National Automobile Museum in Reno places more than 200 vehicles against life-like street scenes. Exhibits are as varied and inventive as Cars on Mars, the 1908 U.S. to Paris Auto Race, the Bill Harrah 1911-1978 Collection, and permanent collections like the Celebrity Autos exhibit.

The museum charges $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children. Kids 5 and under can enter for free.

Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction

Known for providing “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions,” Barrett-Jackson is the gold standard of the collector car industry. Barrett-Jackson auctions take place throughout the year in Scottsdale, Ariz., Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Fla., and at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Half a million people attend the company’s four auctions, and millions more watch on TV.

Adult tickets cost $70 in advance or $80 at the gate. For military personnel and students, those prices drop to $60 and $70, respectively. Children’s tickets cost $25 at the gate.

Ferrari Factory and Museum

Maranello, Italy

In the world of luxury sports cars, there is Ferrari and then everything else. Visitors to the Ferrari factory and museum can see the famous Ferrari track, which has hosted every road test for every Ferrari vehicle since 1972. Additionally, guests can board luxury shuttle buses that wind along the Fiorano track and coast Viale Enzo Ferrari Boulevard in the famed factory itself.

Tours are available every day excerpt Christmas and New Year’s Day. Tickets are 13 euros ($14) for adults, 11 euros ($11.87) for students and seniors, and 5 euros ($5.40) for minors.

Concours d’Elegance

Pebble Beach, Calif.

Automotive appreciation at its most upscale, the Concours d’Elegance epitomizes high-end taste. The competition includes 200 of the world’s most valuable collector cars showcased on a famous fairway: the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Living the luxury life will cost you, however. General admission tickets are $325 if purchased prior to Aug. 1 and $375 after. VIP tickets will run you $750, and the Chairman’s Hospitality Luxury Package costs a cool $2,500.

National Corvette Museum

Bowling Green, Ky.

The National Corvette Museum in Kentucky pays homage to one of the world’s most instantly recognizable vehicles. More than 80 Corvettes are on display, trapped in time in displays that match their historical eras. Visitors can ogle mint-condition classics, test their knowledge of trivia, see emerging prototypes and even take a lap at the adjoining Motorsports Park.

Plant tours are $10 for adults and $5 for students ages 10 to 16. No one under 10 is admitted, and combo packages are available.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, Texas

A unique tribute to the legendary Caddy can be found in the desert of Northwest Texas, along a lonely stretch of the iconic Route 66. The unique and free roadside attraction is a tie-die monument built by San Francisco hippies. The artistic altar to the unmistakable Cadillac tail fin consists of 10 partially submerged vehicles, all with their noses down and facing west in a line.

From the 1949 Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville, the chronologically ordered cars are buried at the same angle as the Giza Pyramids, or so the legend goes. It’s free to visit, and you can join other tourists in leaving your mark on the monument in spray paint.

Havana, Cuba

Havana is a living time capsule of America’s automotive past. In 1960, during the height of the Cold War, the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on the Caribbean island. Out of necessity, the Cuban people found ways to keep their motors running. While the old vehicles don’t always get the best gas mileage, they’re certainly fun to look at.

Now that U.S. residents can legally visit Cuba, head to the island and see these classics before the inevitable wave of modernity hits. Mercedes diesels, pink ’55 Dodges, ’54 Buicks and red-and-white ’56 Chevys are all common sights on the island.

If you’re considering a trip to Cuba, plan to spend about $72 per person per day, not including airfare.

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The Ten Ultimate Vacations For Car Lovers

You can enjoy even the worst road trip , but there are some drives that every gearhead wants to experience. We got Jalopnik readers to put together the ten ultimate destinations for the motoring soul.

Welcome back to Answers of the Day — our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!

If you don't want to click through the gallery you can see the post in a single page right here .

Photo Credit: Eric Ward

10.) Rally school

Suggested By: bryantwhite , Triborough

Why it's on the bucket list: You get to go sideways in a rented rally car for three days. That's pretty much the best way to spend a long weekend ever. While other trips leave you with pictures and memories, rally schools like Dirtfish in Washington State and Team O'Neil in New Hampshire leave you with improved car control.

Photo Credit: Dirtfish Rally School

9.) The Goodwood Festival of Speed

Suggested By: cooterbaldwin , ThatDamnDrunk

Why it's on the bucket list: Now that you've honed your driving skills, it's time to see them put to shame by some of the greatest drivers and the greatest cars in the world. You'll have to fly to England, but it's the only place where you can see vintage grand prix racers, Group B rally cars, and modern F1 cars all charging up the same hill. The beautiful grounds in the Goodwood estate in England host a true Festival of Speed for four glorious days in the end of June.

If Goodwood has too much pomp and circumstance for you, you could always slog up to some godforsaken mountain to watch some guys in souped-up Opels charge through a forest . We totally support that, too.

8.) The 24 Hours of LeMons

Suggested By: rawtoast

Why it's on the bucket list: You're back from England now, but seeing all those competition cars driven in anger has given you the itch for racing.

It's great to go on road trips and see the world, but what you really need to be doing is some wheel-to-wheel racing. If you're not familiar with the 24 Hours of LeMons, what you do is buy a $500 car and then prepare it with safety gear and then race it around some local road course with a couple dozen other teams like yours. You're fighting for a prize of $500 in nickels. It's all very silly, but it gets you on track with a car you can truly call your own.

If you don't like all the weird penalties and such, there's always ChumpCar .

Photo Credit: Telstar Logistics

7.) The 24 Hours of Le Mans

Suggested By: evoCS

Why it's on the bucket list: Now that you've actually run a race team and competed against a bunch of other amateurs, it's time to see what the greatest endurance race in the world looks like. You'll have to book another flight back to Europe, but it will be worth it to see and hear the endless, blaring, roaring symphony of Le Mans prototype and Ferrari, Aston, Corvette, and Porsche grand touring cars tearing around the Circuit de la Sarthe through the night and into the next day.

Oh yeah, and there's a massive party going on at all times around the track.

Photo Credit: Russell Trow

6.) The Tail of the Dragon

Suggested By: CobraJoe

Why it's on the bucket list: So the hangover from Le Mans has finally worn off a few weeks later and you can get on with the next leg of your trip. A big part of the Le Mans mystique is that the race is held on public roads. It's time for you to go sample some of the best driving roads in the world. Just drive down to North Carolina and Virginia and look for these signs: Tail of the Dragon, Diamondback, Devil's Staircase, Moonshiner, and Blue Ridge Parkway. The curves will speak for themselves.

5.) Indiana's Museums and the Woodward Dream Cruise

Suggested By: hemihotrod402 , Startle a Thompsons Gazelle Ltd.

Why it's on the bucket list: You've driven the greatest roads of the US, now you can go see the country's greatest cars. You're going to start your drive going to the outstanding Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, and then you'll jump over to the National Corvette museum in Bowling Green. From there you can drive over to the Indy Hall of Fame, the legendary Auburn Cord Duesenberg museum in Auburn, Indiana, and the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. There is no finer tribute to the world-beating automobiles we built before World War II than the collections in those museums.

Having paid your dues, you can finally take your car on the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, the greatest convergence of outstanding cars in America.

Photo Credit: Mark Nielsen

4.) Southwest Germany and the Nürburgring

Suggested By: Nibby4WD, robertfoster

Why it's on the bucket list: After that complete Amerigasm, you'll be needing to get back to Europe. Book a flight to southern Germany for three more museums and another epic drive.

It's in the south where Germany keeps all its really legendary carmakers: BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche. The Germans are committed to preserving their history, so they've all set up car museums there, and they could well be the greatest in the world. Start in Munich for the BMW Museum (and perhaps the Munich Technical Museum for even more classic cars), then over to Mercedes and Porsche around Stuttgart. From there, well, you're just a few hours away from the Nürurgring. Rent a racer for a few hundred euros and take a few laps. Hell, you could try and squeeze the whole thing under a grand now that a Euro is just $1.26.

3.) The Stelvio Pass to Monaco

Suggested By: AndreaGentile13 , rawtoast , teampenske3

Why it's on the bucket list: Now that you've gone through Southern Germany and the ‘Ring, it's time to get back into your rental car and migrate further south to the twisting passes of the Alps, perhaps the greatest driving roads in the world. The Stelvio is slow and frankly overrated, but there are tons of epic roads as you trace the path of the Monte Carlo Rally to your next destination: the Monaco Grand Prix.

No other race challenges it for sheer opulence and grandeur , and the sound of F1 cars echoing through the narrow streets is incomparable. You can even do it on a budget, as our own Peter Orosz found out this year .

Photo Credit: Døgen

2.) Pikes Peak to the Bonneville Salt Flats

Suggested By: waveridin1959 , $kaycog

Why it's on the bucket list: You've had the fairy tale trips in rental cars and budget racers, now it's time to take your own car to the limit. Jet back to the States and point yourself towards the greatest hillclimb there ever was, Pikes Peak. Head back down from the summit to the Bonneville Salt Flats. There are few other places in the world that can match it for otherworldly beauty, certainly, but there is little better than seeing your speedometer twitching at your car's top speed, flying through the salt.

1.) Touring Northern Italy

Suggested By: heavyearly76 , EndrasBMW

Why it's on the bucket list: You've saved the best for last. Northern Italy might be the one place in the world combines all the hallmarks of your other destinations. You have high speed runs on the Autostrada. You have the unbeatable museums and factories of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani. Finally you have the legendary circuit of Monza. It will take some planning to get to either the Italian Grand Prix or a trackday, but it will be worth it.

Of course the whole time you'll be in Northern Italy, just about the finest vacation spot in the world. You really can't do better.

Photo Credit: Damian Morys Foto

The Best Destinations for Car Lovers

The world's top race car drivers, and the gamblers who love them, convene in Monaco this week for the annual Grand Prix . From May 23–26, the winding roads of Europe's glamorous principality will be overtaken with automotive enthusiasts of every stripe.

While the Grand Prix is arguably the world's most famous Formula 1 race, Monaco isn't the only global destination car lovers should consider. From Germany's legendary Autobahn, to Model T mash-ups in Cuba, here are four other spots where fans can get their fix.

Havana, Cuba : For the majority of the 20th Century, Cubans only had access to cars purchased before the country's 1959 revolution. As a result, drivers got creative, trading and repurposing vintage car parts to make existing vehicles last for some 50 years. These elegant, one-of-a-kind Model T mixtures now chortle through modern-day Havana in a moving museum of automotive ingenuity. Thanks to licensed tour operators like Insight Cuba , Americans can now legally see it for themselves.

Stuttgart, Germany: The birthplace of the automobile, Germany has plenty of automotive attractions to boot. Cruise the high-speed Autobahn to Stuttgart, where the Mercedes-Benz museum has two-hour tours amongst the hillsides of Germany's picturesque Baden-Württenberg. In the north of the city, the Porsche Factory is a veritable altar to analog assembly, where vehicles are produced entirely by hand. Porsche also has a small, recently remodeled museum displaying 80 vintage cars.

Detroit, Michigan: Motor City is an imperative stop on any automotive itinerary. Check out the Henry Ford Museum and its accompanying Ford Rouge Factory to understand Detroit's significance in both automotive production and the industrial history of 20th Century America. The museum houses 200 vehicles, including the Goldenrod racecar and the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which JFK was assassinated. The Rouge plant, now a tourist attraction, was once a 15 million-square-foot assembly complex, with 93 buildings and 120 miles of conveyor belts producing a new car every 49 seconds.

Modena, Italy: Every year, almost 200,000 car lovers trek to northern Italy to see Ferrari's birthplace and bat cave corporate complex. While the official museum, Galleria Ferrari , has 40 contemporary and vintage vehicles, the real attraction is the exclusive Maranello company headquarters. Designed by Jean Nouvel and Renzo Piano, the company headquarters is open only to employees, the Ferrari family, and customers looking to create their own, entirely customized new car. Hey, all you need is $200,000 and a dream.

What are your ultimate automobile destinations?

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Car Lover’s Guide to Germany

By Jennifer Dombrowski 26 Comments

Germany is famous for its Autobahns being some of the few public roads in the world without speed limits. Mercedes, Porsche, and BMWs zip right down the Autobahn and bring out the race car driver in just about anyone (especially Tim, but Honey, the Honda is NOT going to win). And if racing that Porsche in the other lane makes your heart race just a little too much, just being in Germany is a thrill for any auto enthusiast. The automobile was, after all, invented in Germany in 1886 by Carl Benz. Ready to get your motor running? Head out on the highway with our car lover’s guide to Germany:

Porsche Museum

Visit Car Museums

Automobile museums display the evolution of engineering and design. And what car enthusiast doesn’t love ogling the classics? Germany has no shortage of car museums to do just that.

Ice climbing at BMW World

1. BMW World Munich<

The BMW Museum is located in the sprawling BMW World complex in Munich and is complete with show rooms, restaurants, cafes, and even an ice climbing wall. The museum showcases more than 90 years of BMW heritage, including how BMW actually started out manufacturing airplane engines in 1916.

The BMW Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 6pm. Tickets are €9 per adult and €6 per child. There is also a reduced military ticket for €6 per person.

Porsche 356 A 1600 S Coupe at the Porsche Museum

2. Porsche Museum Stuttgart

Porsche, the oh-so-exclusive sports car producer comes from Stuttgart, so it’s no surprise that there is a Porsche Museum located there. I think a Porsche 911 is one of the sexiest cars out there and the museum is full of interesting things to learn about the brand. And even though most museum cafes are over-priced, we found the Boxenstopp Restaurant to be both delicious and affordable.

Related: Porsche: Five Things You Didn’t Know

The Porsche Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 6pm. Tickets are €8 per adult and children under 14 are free.

3. Sinsheim Car and Technology Museum

The Sinsheim Car and Technology Museum has over 300 classic cars from Corvettes, ’55 Chevy’s, and a Delorian,  to one of the first electric cars ever made. It is a 1904 electric car made by the Columbia Automobile Company, owned by the Rockefeller Family in New York. And you’ll find more than just cars at the museum – they even have a Concorde on the roof!

The Sinsheim Car and Technology Museum is open daily from 9am – 6pm and until 7pm on weekends. Tickets are €14 per adult, €12 per child ages 6 – 14, and children under 6 are free.

Tim racing at Nurburgring Photo courtesy of Nordschleife Pics

Be a Race Car Driver at Racetrack Nurburgring

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve no doubt heard of the Nordschleife track at the Nurburgring. If you haven’t, it’s a world famous challenging racetrack just under 13 miles of hills and challenging blind corners. It is most famous for the 24 hour race it hosts each year and has also featured in countless Top Gear episodes from testing various cars to unique challenges to entertain viewers. Nurburgring also has track days where you can be a race car driver for the day !

A lap on the track costs €26 if you’re driving your own car; otherwise the laps are included in most packages with Rent Race Car , which start at  €99.  

Driving our Trabi along the East Gallery

Take a Trabi Safari

Produced by former East German auto maker VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau, the Trabant was the most common type of car in East Berlin during communist times. The Berlin Wall may have come down and the Trabant is no longer produced, but you can still experience the car that German families waited 8 – 10 years to own. A Wild Trabi Safari around East Berlin is a really fun and unique way to explore the sprawling city and there are plenty of photo opportunities.

The Trabis hold up to 4 passengers. The cost of the Wild East Trabi Safari is €40 per person for 2 passengers, €35 per person for 3 passengers, and €30 per person for 4 passengers.

Go for a Scenic Drive

If you want a little slower pace than racing around the Nurburgring or zipping around East Berlin in a Trabant, you could take a road trip. Germany has many scenic drives past quaint villages, medieval castles, and through unspoiled countryside. Tim particularly enjoyed a Fall drive through the Moselle River Valley , with it’s rolling vineyards and charming riverside villages.

Just be sure to know the rules of the road when driving in Germany. Laws can be vastly different from those in the US, like you can’t turn right on a red light and there are in fact posted speed limits. Check out Amateur Traveler for things to know before driving in Germany .

My favorite room: Gas Station

Sleep in a Car Themed Hotel

Seriously one of the most fun and unique hotels we’ve ever stayed at, the V8 Hotel in Stuttgart is a car lover’s dream! There are a number of theme rooms rooms decked out to look like a camper, Route 66, and a car wash, just to name a few. There is also a car museum and dealership right inside the hotel, and all the theme rooms overlook the museum for a garage-like feel. If you don’t want to sleep in a car-turned-bed, there are also regular rooms available that still have fun automobile themed touches like car-shaped soaps.

Double rooms at the V8 Hotel start at €155 per night and the theme rooms start at €175 per night.

Frankfurt International Motor Show

Attend the Frankfurt International Motor Show

No car lover’s guide to Germany would be complete without mentioning the every-other-year Frankfurt International Motor Show. Not only can you check out the fastest, latest, and most sustainable in new car technology, true car enthusiasts love that they can even get behind the wheel for a free test ride. There’s even an outdoor go-kart track and off-road courses available.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Kenin Bassart says

October 11, 2013 at 3:54 PM

Love It! I’m such a car nerd. I had my first race track experience a few months ago in Miami, looks like Germany is next on my list.

Jennifer says

October 16, 2013 at 6:58 PM

How fun! Tim loved his race track experience at Nurburgring, so no doubt you would love it too!

Teresa says

October 11, 2013 at 6:35 PM

I’m not a car nerd but I would love to stay in that room!

October 16, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Isn’t is such a fun hotel room?! I seriously loved all the details of feeling like you were at a 5* gas station.

October 11, 2013 at 8:26 PM

Great summary, Jennifer! If I may, I’d like to add the following:

Audi Museum, Ingolstadt

VW Museum, Wolfsburg

Daimler-Benz Museum, Stuttgart

Jennifer Dombrowski says

October 15, 2013 at 12:59 AM

Thanks, Henry! We still have a few more car museums to visit in Germany and will definitely update our guide after we do.

Val-This Way To Paradise says

October 14, 2013 at 12:48 AM

That’s a very unique theme for a hotel room!! The Trabis look fun…

October 15, 2013 at 12:37 AM

The Trabis were a lot of fun and a unique way to explore Berlin!

Cheryl Howard says

October 14, 2013 at 11:14 PM

Driving down the Autobahn is the best. I once drove a nice car at 200 KM’s between Hamburg and Berlin and it was …. amazing! Def got to check out these museums sometime. 😀

October 15, 2013 at 12:35 AM

Fun! We shipped our Honda over when we moved to Italy. It has a governor, so it tops out around 200 kph. I’d love to drive a sports car like a Porsche or an Aston Martin on the Autobahn!

Heather says

October 14, 2013 at 11:20 PM

Thanks a lot for taking time to compose “Car Lover’s Guide to Germany – Jdomb’s Travels”. Thanks a ton yet again -Zandra

Cathy Sweeney says

October 15, 2013 at 1:15 AM

As much as I have a sweet spot for Porsche and Mercedez, I’d love to take a spin in the Trabi Safari. I didn’t know that you could rent these in Berlin. Next time!

October 15, 2013 at 1:16 AM

October 16, 2013 at 7:46 PM

The Trabi Safari is a lot of fun, Cathy! We laughed SO much during ours!

Rhonda Albom says

October 15, 2013 at 6:40 AM

I am honestly wondering if I visited a different Germany than you did. LOL – I have no idea how we managed to get through the country without seeing a single one of these museums, especially with my BMW loving hubby, and 4 days in Munich.

October 16, 2013 at 7:47 PM

Oh no, Rhonda! Just reason to go back then! 😉

Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says

October 16, 2013 at 9:06 PM

Ah the infamous Nurburgring, I’m sure James May is somewhere in the world ranting about it’s ruination of sports car handling on real roads.

Sand In My Suitcase says

October 17, 2013 at 2:09 AM

Oh, that car-themed hotel looks like so much fun! But we’d want a bed bigger than a Porsche :-). Great post…

October 18, 2013 at 1:39 AM

It was a lot of fun and the beds were actually quite spacious for being part of a car!

elaine schoch @ CarpeTravel.com says

October 19, 2013 at 10:44 PM

Love the car bed. I had know idea Germany was such a car lovers mecca. =)

October 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM

It really is! There is certainly no shortage of car themed fun to be had in Germany.

October 25, 2013 at 2:55 PM

Germany and cars seem to go together so well. I just visited the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart. It was so different than I was expecting: http://travelsofadam.com/2013/10/unusual-car-museum/

October 26, 2013 at 5:52 PM

Great post, Adam! I must admit I kind of groaned the first time Tim wanted to visit a car museum. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed them. You don’t have to be a total car fanatic to appreciate these museums.

December 8, 2013 at 2:37 PM

Oh, these are on my list for a long time – especially since I can get to Germany by car and I am a BMW fan 😉 Loved he photos!

Daniel Warner says

December 9, 2017 at 11:51 AM

Really it’s great information for me. I love BMW car always time. Thank you for shear a beautiful and helpful information.

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10 Best Things to do in Japan for Car Lovers

David Meskens is an intern from Belgium. He is a last-year International Business Management student from Thomas More in Belgium. He came to Japan to learn as much as possible from the Japanese culture and to get some work-ready experience. He is a big sports fan. Basketball is his favorite, and he recently became passionate about Sumo wrestling after attending an event in Japan.

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you .

Japan is known for its technological prowess and attention to detail. It is a dream destination for car enthusiasts. From iconic Japanese car manufacturers to meticulously crafted sports cars and the vibrant car culture , Japan has a lot to offer to those passionate about the automotive world. In this article, we’ll guide you through a trip designed specifically for car lovers in Japan, highlighting must-visit locations and experiences that will leave you craving more.

1. Nissan Crossing

2. honda collection hall, 3. mazda museum, 4. subaru visitor center, 5. nissan heritage collection, 6. super autobacs, 7. visit a race track, 8. tokyo car culture, 9. nissan gallery global headquarters, 10. toyota museum, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might like.

Located in the upscale Ginza district of Tokyo , Nissan Crossing offers an immersive experience for Nissan fans. The showroom features an array of both current and concept vehicles, showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge technology and design. Be sure to check out the virtual reality zone for an interactive glimpse into the future of automotive technology.

Situated at the Twin Ring Motegi race circuit in Tochigi Prefecture , the Honda Collection Hall is a must-visit for fans of the renowned Japanese automaker. This museum showcases a vast collection of Honda vehicles, motorcycles, and racing machines, highlighting the brand’s rich history and engineering achievements.

Take a trip to Hiroshima , the birthplace of Mazda, and visit the Mazda Museum located at the company’s headquarters. Embark on a guided tour to learn about Mazda’s history, design philosophy, and innovative technology, such as the rotary engine. You’ll also get a rare opportunity to see the assembly line where Mazda cars are manufactured.

Located in Gunma Prefecture , the Subaru Visitor Center offers a fascinating insight into the world of Subaru. Enjoy exhibits showcasing the brand’s history, rally racing heritage, and advanced engineering. You can also take a factory tour to witness the production of iconic models such as the Impreza and the Forester.

Housed within the Nissan Technical Center in Kanagawa Prefecture , the Nissan Heritage Collection is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. With more than 300 cars on display, this collection chronicles Nissan’s evolution over the decades, from classic Datsun models to legendary sports cars like the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Be sure to add this place to your must-see list.

Super Autobacs is a popular chain of automotive superstores in Japan that cater to car lovers and tuners alike. With a wide variety of aftermarket parts, accessories, and car care products, Super Autobacs is a one-stop shop for all your car needs. Don’t miss the in-store garage, where you can watch professional technicians working on custom car modifications.

Experience the thrill of Japanese motorsports by attending a race at one of the country’s famous tracks. Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway, and Twin Ring Motegi regularly host both domestic and international races, including Formula 1 and Super GT events. If you’re looking to get behind the wheel yourself, many circuits offer track days and driving experiences for enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant car culture by attending a car meet up or visiting the famous Daikoku Futo parking area in Yokohama , where car enthusiasts gather to showcase their unique and modified vehicles. Keep an eye out for local events like the Tokyo Auto Salon or Tokyo Motor Show, which offer incredible displays of custom cars and cutting-edge technology.

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s bustling metropolis, the Nissan Gallery Global Headquarters serves as a contemporary showcase for the renowned automaker’s cutting-edge innovations and designs. This captivating space offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the latest in automotive technology, witness the evolution of Nissan’s iconic vehicles, and engage with interactive exhibits. At the Nissan Gallery Global Head Square, one can truly immerse themselves in the visionary spirit that drives the company’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility.

The Toyota Museum in Tokyo showcases the rich history and innovative achievements of the world-renowned Toyota Motor Corporation. Visitors can explore the fascinating evolution of automobiles, from classic models to cutting-edge technology, through interactive exhibits and displays. This captivating destination offers an engaging experience for car enthusiasts and curious minds alike, providing insights into the past, present, and future of the automotive industry.

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

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The Best Automotive Gifts for Car Lovers in 2022

Check out our picks for the best automotive gifts for Dad.

Let’s face it, finding great car gifts for loved ones can be a difficult task. And as much as they might enjoy getting socks every year, you can bet gifting one of these automotive suggestions will get a more genuine reaction.

What better way to show your love than getting them one of these automotive-related gifts?

The Best Gifts for Car Lovers

If you’re looking for an automotive gift for your Mom, Dad, siblings, friends, and/or loved ones check out these great options. This list has products for every type of car lover in every price range. No matter which one you select, you’re sure to delight the auto-enthusiast in your life with the perfect gift.

Audible Subscription

If the car lover in your life spends too much time in the car and wishes they had more time to read, here’s the perfect solution. A subscription to Audible gets them unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks and podcasts. What’s nice is the 30-day free trial period, so there’s no commitment.

Retro Outlaws Apparel

Tastefully showing off your devotion to historic rides with the right apparel is the way to go when a car lover is hanging with their buddies. A cool way to express devotion to their favorite classic car is to wear a T-shirt, hat, sweatshirt, or hoodie from Retro Outlaws.

Check out the brand’s catalog, which covers Mustang , Porsche, British Classics, vintage JDM models , and more.

Check Price at Retro Outlaws Check Price at Amazon

Chicane Speedster Driving Shoe

A hallmark driving shoe is lightweight, supportive, and stylish. Small details like a rounded heel, smooth edges, and a soft forefoot for maximum feel are essential when selecting a driving shoe.

If your car lover likes to literally connect with the driving experience , the best footwear will inspire their feet to dance across the pedals. Slip them a pair of Chicane Speedsters, and they’ll become more than just their favorite driving shoes.

These are available in black, blue, and red.

Exotic Supercar Driving Experience

Memories last a lot longer than a pair of socks. If driving an exotic supercar is on your car lover’s bucket list, sign them up for an afternoon drive behind the wheel of a Corvette Z51 , Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracán, or 911 GT3 RS.

Services such as Xtreme Xperience, Velocity Driving , and others offer programs on America’s illustrious backroads or at a racetrack from one of several locations across the United States.

‘ Drives of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Road Trips ‘ by Nat Geo

Whether it’s viewing the Northern Lights , skydiving out of an airplane, or hiking Machu Picchu, we all have things we’d like to achieve during our time on Earth.

Wrap up this awe-inspiring travel book to help create that ultimate road-trip adventure by discovering enchanting destinations or sampling imaginative culinary delights. This handy book will help build an inventory of dreams and galvanize them into focus.

Garmin Overlander GPS

Your parents gave you plenty of direction in life. Now give them some by gifting a Garmin Overlander GPS. This product uses satellite GPS route guidance and works where cell phone signals are weak or out of range.

Skillfully, It maps out backcountry areas if mom ever wants to hit the trails and get off the beaten path. The 7-inch color touchscreen provides turn-by-turn directions for on-road navigation and topography maps for off-road guidance.

For mapping routes ahead of time, use the Garmin Explore app to download additional maps and USGS Quad sheets onto the internal 64 GB of storage. They can also sync their data between devices over Wi-Fi. The Overlander comes preloaded with points of interest (POIs) and public campgrounds so that mom won’t need a cell signal to route to campsites.

Now go on and take your mom on a trip! No need to stop and ask for directions.

Tile Bluetooth Tracker

We all experience cases of forgetfulness — some more than others. If your car lover is the type to spend 15 minutes in a frantic panic trying to locate their keys before leaving the house, we suggest the Tile Bluetooth tracker. It’s about the size of a nickel and can stick to his valuables that always seem to run away and hide.

Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

This Ember smart mug is ideal for road trips, weekend camping , or everyday use at the office. The heated travel mug will maintain your loved one’s coffee, tea, soup — or much-needed Hot Toddy — at her preferred temperature for up to 10 hours.

Loved ones can get that just-right temp by changing the mug’s heat settings using the Ember smartphone app or by tapping the mug’s touch display. It includes a charging coaster for the battery, which should last around three hours before needing to be recharged. The 12-ounce mug also comes with a leakproof lid.

Now go make your Mom or Dad a cuppa tea, would you?

Travelambo Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet

Downsizing Dad’s, your friend’s, or loved one’s wallet is much easier than trying to pare down his waistline. Gifting a slim, stylish, leather RFID-blocking wallet, will not only improve posture, but it will also protect your car lover’s driver’s license and credit cards from bad actors scanning for sensitive information. 

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Audew 1000A Car Battery Jump Starter

This jumpstarter from Audew needs to be in every car! Sure, your car lover would rarely let their own car get to a state where it needs to be jumped, but this way, they can be ready to help anyone and everyone in need of a battery boost — including you.

This product is fast, reliable, and extremely user-friendly. Above all, this powerful 2,000mAh car jumpstarter also doubles as a portable power bank to charge phones, tablets, and more. To top it off, it also has a flashlight and compass . The Audew 1000A is easily rechargeable, compact, waterproof, and has built-in safety protections.

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1UP USA Equip-D Double Hitch Bike Rack

There are plenty of car lovers that like to pedal, either for recreation or sport. Getting her the 1UP Equip-D double hitch bike rack makes loading a bike onto the rack a breeze, and it’s also plenty adjustable. This rack is compatible with tiny kids’ bikes and 5-inch fat tire bikes alike. The carrying capacity is 50 pounds per bike (but the add-on third bike is limited to 35 pounds). A single-bike version is available if mom is more of a solo rider.

Click the link to see more choices in our list of Best Hitch Bike Racks .

Rechargeable LED Headlamp

Keep your car aficionado’s hands free to do the hard work . This rechargeable headlamp will light the way utilizing its broad beam, long battery life, and built-in motion sensor. Its 350-lumen LED is bright enough to dominate the darkness for close-up work indoors or outdoors.

Joyroom Bluetooth 5.3 Car Adapter

Your parents might be driving while listening to their oldies on CD and classic rock radio, but they’re missing out on a whole world of music that this Bluetooth device can offer. Maybe they aren’t going to give up their classic car anytime soon, so get them this Joyroom Bluetooth Receiver to provide the gift of unlimited music.

Not only is this automotive product the best value, but it’s also easy to use and provides top-quality audio — making it one of the best gifts for car lovers. Unlike other Bluetooth devices, this device also contains a speaker so that they can also use it for hands-free calling and navigation.

Just plug this baby right into the aux port and let the dad jams begin! Trust us, he’ll be unstoppable.

iOttie Car Mount Phone Holder

Of course, we don’t want anyone holding their phone while driving, even though some are master multitaskers. With one touch, they can use this hands-free device to optimize both their driving safety and driving experience.

This car mount from iOttie easily suctions onto the dashboard or windshield and is able to support and hold all smartphones. Car lovers can easily lock or release their phones using one hand. This is a particularly excellent gadget if your car lover uses a phone for navigation. No matter what kind of car-lover they are, this is one car gift that is sure to impress.

Snailax Heated Massage Seat Cushion

If your car lover likes a massage, get them this Snailax massaging seat cushion with heat, and they can have one in the car! With 10 massage motors, three heating elements, and memory foam, it might be hard to get them out of her vehicle.

The cushion has five vibration modes, three intensities, and two heat levels. If they don’t want the vibration on, heat only is an option for those chilly mornings. These cushions include a 12-volt car adapter as well as a plug for home use.

Mom carted you around for years as a kid. Don’t you owe her back a little soothing relief?

Garmin Dash Cam 47

This is the car gadget of every car-loving dad’s dream. Not only will the Garmin Dash Cam 47 record potential accidents for optimal safety, but it also has 140-degree field-of-view optics and voice control, and it automatically uploads to a secure vault when connected to Wi-Fi — all in 1080p resolution, of course!

It can also capture Dad’s scenic long drives or footage of him  racing on the track if that’s what he’s into. If you’re looking for a high-quality, great-value dashcam for your pop’s truck, car, or SUV, this is the one for you.

Keep your car lovers driving safely and happily with this automotive gadget. They deserve lifelong memories of their favorite moments in their beloved vehicle. Don’t you agree?

Remember to purchase a 128GB (or larger) microSD memory card to complete this gift.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Garmin

Chemical Guys 16-Piece Complete Car Wash Kit

Keeping a car lover’s pride and joy shiny and pristine is super important to many. However, many are resourceful and have been using the same old rags for years. So treat them to this carwash kit this holiday season. It has everything to keep their ride flawless and give it that beautiful shine.

The 16-piece carwash and detailing kit from Chemical Guys contains the brand’s Signature Series Glass Cleaner, the Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash Cleanser, and 100% Wax Free Detailing Spray. The auto wash is designed for use in the included Foam Wash Gun for a carwash like no other. In addition, this kit comes with two Miracle Dryer microfiber towels, a wash mitt, a spray bottle, and a bucket with a dirt trap.

If your loved one is a car enthusiast, get them this incredible carwash kit to give them a ride worth bragging about. Perhaps you could even wash their car — if they let you touch it. After all, they deserves it!

Rent a Cool Car from Hagerty DriveShare

Maybe you’ve made it to the bottom of this list and realize your car lover quite literally owns all of these things already. If they are the kind of car-lover who already has every gadget under the sun, give them the gift of an experience!

Want to give them a day to cruise around in a 1957 Ford Thunderbird? Or maybe a bright-blue Chevy Bel-Air? They can relive their glory days and cruise around the town in the car of their dreams with one of the most unique gifts for car lovers.

Head on over to DriveShare to give them a memory they won’t soon forget. On both the DriveShare website and the DriveShare app, the process is fast and easy, with endless options and prices ranging from $150 to $600 per day. Give your loved one the dream car driving experience, even if it’s just for the day.

To sum it up, with this gift, your car lover loved one will become the coolest person in town, guaranteed! Isn’t that every kid’s dream?

Impress The Car Lover In Your Life With the Best Automotive Gifts

These best car gifts are sure to go down in history as the best ones yet. Whether it’s the unforgettable driving experience, a book to inspire his bucket list, or electronic gadgets, don’t hesitate to gift something that will show your car-loving friends and family — and their beloved ride — how much you love them.

Looking for more gift ideas? Here you go:

10 Best Overland Gifts: Great Products for Off-Road Adventurers in Your Life

Get ready to get off road and make big miles with our favorite overland gifts. This gear will make a great present for off-road enthusiasts. Read more…

The Best Outdoor Gifts for Mom

Spring is here, and with it comes hikes, trail runs, time on the water, and other outdoor activities. These gift ideas are sure to put a smile on mom's face and inspire more memories together Read more…

Outdoor Adventure Gifts for Dad

Summer is here, and with it come cookouts, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. These gift ideas are sure to put a smile on dad's face and inspire more memories together. Read more…

Joybeth is a brand new resident of Denver, Colorado, recently graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in English and Entertainment & Media Studies. You can find her anywhere outside with beautiful sights alongside her German Shepherd companion, Jasper. She loves all things photography, film, and poetry. And, hopefully, she’ll be hiking a fourteener the very near future!

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Stuttgart for Car Lovers Who Want to Experience it All

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Are you planning a trip to Germany? Will you be traveling with a car lover? If so, Stuttgart is the place you want to be!

My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander, from ByLanderSea , shares her experiences on a trip to Stuttgart for car lovers. After reading this, Alan’s already packed his bags !

Table of Contents

Things to do in Stuttgart for Car Lovers

For many, a trip to Germany evokes images of Octoberfest and beer gardens, castles on the Rhine, and German sausages, but Stuttgart revs up car enthusiasts. The city is home to both the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche factories, their two magnificent automobile museums, and MotorWorld with the adjacent V-8 Hotel.

Anybody with a passion for auto history, vintage cars, or sinking into a bed where you must turn out the headlights will find Stuttgart, Germany, hums.

Your Stuttgart car experience starts at MotorWorld Stuttgart

The essential lodging choice for auto enthusiasts becomes the V-8 Hotel . Both the V-8 Hotel and MotorWorld Stuttgart reside at the site of the former Wurttemberg state airport in Boblingen.

During World War II, Wurttemberg served as the manufacturing site for military engines, making it a target for devastating allied air raids. A building where forced labor helped arm the Third Reich still stands. History buffs find the renovated location includes old airplane hangars and the former airport tower in the distance.

Today, the sprawling MotorWorld property (over 64,000 square ft.) showcases vintage, historic, and classic automotive rarities and showstopping collector’s vehicles. You’ll find these automotive treasures housed in ultra-modern, stacked glass-sided garages. Think Maserati, Ferrari and McLaren.

You can spend hours drooling over these beauties. You can even feed your need for speed by arranging daily rentals of a sports car through the V-8 Hotel.

Best of all, MotorWorld is free. Leave yourself plenty of time to browse the salesroom and enjoy the sophisticated combination of a classic car museum, an exhibition of sports cars, and excellent food.

You’ll also find a preponderance of BMWs, Porsche, or Mercedes on the streets; after all, Germany is their home.

Boomer Travel Tip

MedjetAssist Members who are hospitalized 150 miles from home receive medical transport to a home-country hospital of choice. Memberships from $99 .

Stay at the V-8 Hotel

The V-8 Hotel complex carries out the auto theme in clever ways, such as a vintage Dodge truck that separates space in the Pick-Up Restaurant and rear car seats used as lobby benches. Look for clever touches on napkins, bath soap, ceilings, and more.

The design of the 26 individually themed V-8 double guest rooms will bring out your inner child. Beds feature actual front ends of vintage cars complete with working headlights.

My boyfriend, John, said, “When I saw the bed was in the shape of a car, I felt like I should be wearing little-boy Spiderman pajamas. Finding out the bed was from an actual mini Cooper body gave the concept a lot more appeal, and fun.”

Hand-painted murals and crafted furniture also add to the theme of the Hotel. For example, the Jaguar room, painted in British racing green, features the Jaguar XJ2 body and murals depicting various angles of the cat hiding in the jungle.

The ‘Drive-In Cinema’ themed room provides a cinematic experience under the stars. The snuggly bed is faithful to the original, converted Cadillac Coupe de Ville – – the ticket booth now the wardrobe. When the lights go out, a fascinating starry sky shines above.

Explore the Mercedes-Benz Museum

Star power reigns at the stunning Mercedes-Benz Museum (built at the staggering cost of $192 million between 2003-2006). The building appears as a double-helix of sleek rounded glass and metal, like a sexy curved piece of a car bumper. Miles of exterior polished aluminum and hundreds of sparkling geometric windows create an award-winning building measuring 178,000-square-feet.

Visitors ride elevators to the top floor, then wind their way down nine levels and 130 years automotive history. Stuttgart is where the automobile began, the pioneering invention of Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz.

In 1886, Gottlieb Daimler developed the first fast-running light engine that became a cornerstone for automobile development. The top floor displays the priceless early inventions and models, and biographical highlights of Daimler and Benz.  They helped me understand the progression of the engine and auto designs.

Even non-car buffs love the easily digestible history lesson. Essential world events, especially both World Wars, as well as the development of the Daimler-Benz company, are depicted through large photos or video screens with minimal label reading.

Each area correspondingly showcases vehicles, more than 160 in total, some dating back to the very earliest days of the motorcar engine. Crowd favorites include the Popemobile and Princess Diana’s sexy red SL and Lewis Hamilton’s racy 2014 F1 World Championship car.

The Museum’s curators have done a magnificent job of putting the company’s development into the context of local, national, and world developments. The lower floors display futuristic concept models and an extensive gift shop. This impressive facility lives up to the company’s high standards.

In today’s travel climate, trip insurance is a must. Compare policies and rates at InsureMyTrip .

Dream at the Porsche Museum

The newer Porsche Museum , finished in January 2009, at the cost of over $110 million, also offers an architectural gem of design that matches the grace and power of its vehicles. The building appears to hover off the ground. The visual showpiece, standing 78-feet high, wows with three stelae, each mounted by a different version, and full-size model of the Porsche 911.

The Porsche Museum takes a more technical approach to present the racing legacy that underpins the brand’s appeal. You’ll see 80 legendary racing cars, such as the 1971 Le Mann’s entry, 917/20, called the Pink Pig.

Look for its body parts outlined as butcher cuts. Also exhibited are series production vehicles such as the 356 or 911, and many interactive displays. The Museum is not static; it rotates in-house exhibitions of 80 cars and 200 smaller items.

Of course, you’ll find an all-embracing Porsche gift shop as well.

Tip for visiting Stuttgart’s MotorWorld

Don’t try to see both museums on the same day; each brings an auto history overload and requires much walking. Be sure to inquire ahead of time if interested in Porsche Factory Tour.

While visiting Stuttgart cars is the goal, a visit is not complete without a stroll down the pedestrian shopping district. The city supports two art museums and a triple-branch theatre.

You’ll find many casual and elegant dining restaurants, including some with Michelin stars. No doubt, the city of Stuttgart will keep your motor running.

Visit regional attractions near Stuttgart

Visitors to the Baden-Wurttemberg area should plan to explore the nearby Baroque palace and charming town of Ludwigsburg or Heidelberg, with its famous castle, just 50 miles away.

A trip in December brings all the delights of the iconic German Christmas Markets. The biggest, Stuttgart Christmas Market, fills downtown Stuttgart with over 300 stalls featuring handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, smokers, nativity sets, and other holiday décor.

The stalls incorporate fancifully decorated roofs and an immense rotating pyramid with the nativity figures. Gluehwein, or hot mulled wine served in a mug, ranks as the favorite drink at the nighttime markets.

You’ll find a Baroque Christmas Market with more than 175  illuminated stalls in Ludwigsburg. I fondly recall a medley of holiday songs performed by young school children on an outdoor stage.

The colorful Esslingen Medieval Market remains my favorite. Merchants in historical costumes demonstrate and sell traditional crafts. Blacksmiths, glass blowers, woodcarvers, and minstrels engage the crowds.

One section offers fun midway-like games and jugglers, fire eaters, and performers. The historic district of Esslingen lies on the Neckar River, and every building is an architectural gem. Don’t miss it; I wish I could go every year!

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Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Car Lovers, As Chosen by Our Editors

No matter the occasion, we've got you covered with these editor-picked gift ideas for auto enthusiasts.

This article was updated with new products and information in November 2023.

They go by many names: gearheads, garage gurus, speed freaks, horsepower junkies, and more. But to sum them all up, we like to call them "car lovers." Easy, right? What's not easy is buying gifts for these people. Additionally, each car lover loves a different car—it's tricky to find a "one gift does all" option. However, that doesn't mean some hidden gems aren't out there ripe for the gifting. Here's what we found.

We dug deep into our car-loving treasure trove and found some fantastic gifts that'll make any car-lover smile. Whether it's a birthday, graduation, or the holiday season, here are the top gifts for automotive enthusiasts, as chosen by Hearst Autos editors.

Forza Motorsport

Forza Motorsport is the newest entry into the storied Forza franchise and boasts an overhaul of the driving experience. Sound, physics, and grip have all been reworked to let gamers immerse themselves on the track. There are 500 cars available at launch, and 20 circuits are ready for you to explore. Truly, this is a sim racer developed from the ground up.

LEGO Technic Ferrari Daytona SP3

From the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept series: Your favorite car lover will be able to recreate the features of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 in classic red with chrome-painted rims. Features include steering, an eight-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifter, a V-12 engine with moving pistons, and opening butterfly doors.

Created especially for adults, the completed 1:8 scale model will make a fantastic display piece for any auto enthusiast's office or workspace.

Relentless Drive 20-Piece Car Wash Kit

If you're starting from the ground up and need an all-in-one kit on a budget, you won't find a better solution than the Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Wash Kit. This 20-piece kit includes nearly every tool, accessory, and cleaner you'll need to make your car look good as new, short of a car vacuum.

Road & Track Premium All-Access Membership

Give your car-lover a behind-the-scenes look at Road & Track magazine with a Road & Track All Access membership. They'll receive unlimited digital access to RoadandTrack.com including exclusive content, Road & Track magazine delivered to their doorstep, invitations to virtual editor roundtables hosted by R&T editors, inclusion on Road & Track’s member-only R&T Insider newsletter, and discounts and free shipping on the Road & Track online shop. It’s the perfect gift for the ultimate enthusiast.

Porsche Design Barrel Seat

If you're buying for a Porsche fan, a custom barrel seat will really add a nice touch to their garage. Constructed with a refined oil drum and an upholstered seat, it's comfy and well-built. We tried one ourselves and can attest to its comfort. If the style isn't quite right, there are multiple choices—and there isn't a bad option.

Tinggly Driving & Motor Experiences

If you're struggling to find a gift on a shelf, consider picking an adventure instead. These driving and motor experiences from Tinggly offer thousands of adventures ranging from cruising through Miami in a supercar to a dune excursion in Dubai. You can choose between single adventures or a collection box–which allows your giftee to choose their own experience. Better yet, these adventures don't have an expiration date, so they can go whenever works for them.

Cobra RAD 700i Radar Detector

Radar detectors can be a godsend for folks who prefer to push the speed limit rather than abide by it. These cop spotters can cost a pretty penny. But not the Cobra RAD 700i —it's meant to be a budget option. The cost does reflect some shortcomings, though, notably a lack of 360-degree radar detection. It performs fine detecting from the front but is blind from behind. This actually helps filter out a lot of noise, so some might find it preferable. At this price point, you can't go wrong—it'll pay for itself in no time.

Piloti Avenue Driving Shoes

Handcrafted in Portugal from smooth burnished leather, the Avenue driving shoe from Piloti offers the perfect balance of dressy and casual style. Featuring an anti-microbial lining, this luxurious sneaker includes a cork or compressed recycled foam and EVA insole for added comfort and breathability for all-day wear.

Piloti's patented Roll Control 2.0 heel technology provides smooth movement in the pedal box and equal distribution of downward force. A soft forefoot results in an enhanced pedal feel and feedback, and rounded sole edges avoid catching while transitioning between pedals.

Ember Tumbler

Ember's largest mug yet, the Tumbler is the ideal travel mug for road trips, allowing you to set your coffee or tea to an exact drinking temperature and keep it there for up to three hours. The Tumbler can hold up to 16 ounces of liquid, and its textured finish allows you to feel the warmth of your drink through the premium, easy-grip finish. Includes two lids: a leak-proof Handle Lid and a Sliding Lid for quick access to your hot drink.

Manly Bands

Whether you're looking to switch up a bland wedding band or on the hunt for some cool new rings, the folks at Manly Bands offer a staggering variety. Featuring bands made with dinosaur bones, meteorites, and everything in between, choosing is the toughest part. Manly Bands even offers collections, like Lord of the Rings and DC for those who love themed rings. They sent one for us to try, and we were impressed with the fit accuracy, and overall quality of the ring—enough that we fully recommend them to you!

Porsche Design AOC Agon Pro PD27S Gaming Monitor 27"

Whether you're a fan of Forza , Gran Turismo, or something in between, racing games are plentiful and rewarding these days. To fully experience these virtual rides, an upgraded gaming monitor can make a world of difference. We tried the PD27S from Porsche Design and were impressed not only with the specs, but the build quality as well.

We had a slight hiccup with the power cord, so if you buy it, make sure yours comes with the proper plug. Once we were up and running, the monitor tilted, rotated, and swiveled easily to just about any position. For specs, check these out:

• 170 Hz refresh rate (overclocked), QHD display resolution, DisplayHDR 400-certified, and wide color space of 95 % DCI-P3.
• Ports: 2x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.0, 4x USB 3.2, 1x headphones, 1x microphone.

If you're looking for a monitor upgrade with a car-centric focus, it's tough to beat this one.

Michelin Optimum+ Premium Beam Wiper Blade

A new set of wiper blades is a perfect gift for the winter season. We put these Optimum+ blades from Michelin to the test and were pleased with how easy installation was, and how quickly they seemed to settle in—no squeaks or streaks. For a nice stocking stuffer, these are worth a try.

Car and Driver Road Patrol Dash Cam

An affordable dash cam makes a great gift for any driver. Car and Driver 's Road Patrol Dash Cam features 1080p HD video and a supplemental in-cabin camera, and it mounts easily via a suction cup. The 3.0-inch touchscreen is a cinch to use, and the 150-degree wide-angle front camera and a 110-degree interior camera simultaneously capture the road ahead and your vehicle's cabin. The built-in GPS automatically records your driving route, location, and speed, ensuring your favorite car lover has all the information they need for every journey.

For the complete package, including a hardwired rearview camera, opt for the Nextbase 622GW front and rear camera kit. It's a gem.

Road & Track Smoky 600 Experience

Give the gift of the ultimate automotive experience! Smoky 600 is a four-day adventure through Appalachia curated by the editors of Road & Track . Guests can expect curated group drives led by editors, track time at NCM Motorsports Park, distillery tours and tastings, and stays at boutique hotels—culminating in a spirited grand finale drive down the iconic Tail of The Dragon.

Porsche Design Crest Keyring

For a touch of class on any Porsche owner's keychain, this keyring is perfect. Featuring a stunning Porsche crest seated proudly on leather (there are different color options as well), we checked one out ourselves and were impressed by the quality. On the back is a slogan: Driven by Dreams. Fitting, we think.

AO Original Pilot Sunglasses

American Optical's Original Pilot sunglasses become the perfect companion for your eyes on the road. They're comfortable and avoid putting pressure in the wrong spots. We recommend the bayonet temples, which help keep the shades in place and allow for easy on and off. Style is self-explanatory, having been used by the likes of Apollo 11 crew members and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few. Truly iconic.

Solo Stove Ranger

The most portable backyard/campsite firepit made by Solo Stove, the Ranger 2.0 fits easily in a trunk or truck bed. It's great as a bonfire or even as a camp stove; just load it up w/ the cooking accessories and it's ready for wherever adventure takes you. We love using ours.

Taschen Porsche Racing Moments

Nobody does impressive coffee table books like Taschen, and this one is a doozy. We got our hands on a Porsche Racing Moments test copy, and immediately knew it was special. Featuring tons of photographs captured by Rainer W. Schlegelmilch, it's a unique look at Porsche Racing in what some might call its heyday. Schlegelmilch's trademark "zoom" effect is in full force here, coaxing the cars to fly right off the page. It's a beautiful behemoth and something that's definitely worth adding to your collection.

Govee Interior LED Lights

Corny? Depends on your POV, but at this price point, you can rationalize these interior LED lights as a gag gift. Thanks to a built-in mic, the colors and light speed adjust automatically to any music type. The app lets you access 16 million colors, a host of dynamic light effects, and an easy-to-use DIY mode. The strip lights boast a two-line design, which is ideal for the cockpit of any car, truck, or SUV.

Road & Track T-Shirts

Make a statement with these ultra-soft tees from Road & Track or Car and Driver. Whether your favorite car lover is the type to go for a quippy slogan or something more understated, one thing is for certain—they’re an enthusiast through and through.

Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more.

Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

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5 Museums for Car Lovers in Japan

Appreciate all things automotive at these 5 unique spots

If you're an automobile aficionado, there are a range of fantastic museums across Japan where you can learn more about cars and see many models up close. Here are five of the best car-related museums from across the country, and some information on what you'll find at each venue.

Shikoku Automobile Museum, Kochi

Opened back in 1990, the Shikoku Automobile Museum in Kochi is home to a range of domestic and international car models, with a specific focus on race cars and classic cars. For fans of things on two-wheels, there's also a sizeable collection of motorbikes. Some of the car models on display include the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Cobra to name just a handful.

896 Otani, Noichicho, Konan City, Kochi Prefecture 781-5233

Motorcar Museum of Japan, Ishikawa

The Motorcar Museum of Japan is located in Ishikawa Prefecture, and boasts an impressive collection of around 500 different vehicles. There are Japanese, European, and American models at the venue, with many of them being extremely rare. One of the most noteworthy cars on display is the Rolls-Royce that transported Princess Diana during her visit to Japan.

40 Ikkanyama, Futatsunashimachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa, 923-0345

Toyota Automobile Museum, Aichi

Possibly the most well-known of Japan's car-related museums, the Toyota Automobile Museum aims to highlight the evolution and culture of automobiles from around the world. The museum prides itself on the fact that the vehicles here are pristinely maintained, and almost all of them are still in roadworthy condition. Free guided tours are also available in English at the museum, making it easy for those who may not speak Japanese.

41-100 Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118

Honda Collection Hall, Tochigi

The Honda Collection Hall in Tochigi spans three floors, with sections dedicated to regular and racing motorcycles, racing cars, and car parts. There's also a reading room which has a wide variety of car-related books, videos, and pictures to peruse, and the museum shop has a host of limited edition goods that you can't find anywhere else - perfect for collectors!

120-1 Hiyama, Motegi, Haga District, Tochigi 321-3533

Nissan Engine Museum, Kanagawa

The Nissan Engine Museum is located in Yokohama, and has a range of displays including historic engines and vehicles. There are 28 different engines on display, each of which had an important role in Nissan's engine development. The engines are grouped into "eras", such as engines from the 1960s and 1970s when full-scale motorization began in Japan, and engines from the 1980s and 1990s when Japanese automobile production grew rapidly.

2-番地 Takaracho, Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8623

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20 Best Gifts for Car Lovers to Keep Them Riding in Style

Unique, luxury and last-minute gifts for the car enthusiast who has everything.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Maintaining a well-oiled machine is no easy feat, so they're going to need the right products to keep their baby running smoothly. We've included a mix of practical accessories (a car seat organizer, for instance) and some fun gifts, too. Some of these presents, including a must-have leather cleaner, have also been vetted by the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Whether you're shopping for Christmas , their birthday, your anniversary or just because , we have tons of useful accessories they'll need for their pride and joy. We promise they'll thank you every time they hit the road.

Tire Water Bottle

Help your favorite car enthusiast stay hydrated with this cute tire water bottle. The stainless steel design is leak- and spill- proof, making it great for protecting their car's interior.

Lusso Gear Car Seat Organizer

Their car will always stay organized with this sweet mesh seat holder. It has nine storage compartments that can hold everything from pens to snacks — perfect for road trips.

This hilarious dip clip would be an excellent Secret Santa gift. They can simply clip it on and enjoy all of their favorite dipping sauces, mess-free.

Trash Can With Lid and Storage Pockets

At under $20, this handy little mesh and canvas trash can will keep their car garbage-free. It features a built-in lid and side pockets, and can be hung on the passenger seat headrest for easy access.

Engines of Change: A History of the American Dream in Fifteen Cars

If they're a car lover and a history buff, they'll love this book. Written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, it goes deep into the history of 15 game-changing cars and their impact on the American landscape.

Godinger Car-Themed Glassware

This car-themed glassware is the perfect gag gift for a car (and whiskey) lover. He can pump the liquor right into his glass with the attached hose, and we promise it'll be proudly displayed in his man cave.

Safety Hammer

This safety hammer isn't just cute — it also serves a practical purpose. It comes in either pink or black and is great for breaking glass windows and cutting seatbelts in case of an accident.

"Drive Safe" Keychain

This stainless steel keychain will keep you in their thoughts every time they turn on the ignition. One Amazon reviewer raved about it: "It’s the perfect size to go on his keys and not get in the way."

Magnetic Phone Holder

They'll have easy car access to their phone at all times with this magnetic holder. It'll keep their phone attached, even on bumpy roads, plus it's great for using a GPS.

Cleaning Gel for Cars

It might look like silly putty, but hear us out, this gel can clean with the best of them. It's especially great for air vents and other hard-to-reach areas ... not a bad buy for under $10.

Apple AirTag

Before they can hit the road, they have to find their keys. Eliminate the hassle of looking for them with this device, which can instantly connect to their iPhone or iPad so they'll never lose them again.

I'll Be in the Garage Guys Funny Car Lover T-Shirt

If dad is always working on his car, this is the t-shirt for him. Most of the available colors are made of 100% cotton, and it can also be purchased in women's sizes.

Leather Cleaner

If their leather interior is their pride and joy, then this cleaner would be very useful. It's water-based, so it won't damage the leather while removing stains. Our labs liked it so much, it even earned a Good Housekeeping S eal of Approval from the GH Institute .

Uncommon Goods Lacorsa Grad Pix Game

Here's a gift any car enthusiast can enjoy with the whole family. This tabletop racing game includes a wooden model race track, a die and different playing pieces for hours of fun. The rules are easy to learn, too.

ThisWorx for Car Vacuum Cleaner

With over 289,000 ratings, this car vacuum cleaner is extremely popular on Amazon. It has an extension tube for getting into cracks and crevices, a brush cleaner for carpets and a flathead attachment for other hard-to-reach areas. It'll even pack up nicely in the included travel bag.

Rear View Mirror Dog Accessory

The swaying motion of this adorable pug rear view mirror accessory can help tired eyes on the road. It's made of resin and the dog is even decked out with cute glasses and a gold chain.

Car Windshield Sun Shade

Of course, the interior of their car will get really, really hot in the summer months. Eliminate the problem with this sun shade, which is lightweight and under $20 to boot! And when it's not in use, all they have to do is fold it up and store it in the provided pouch.

Bluetooth Aux Receiver for Car

If they're driving an older car, this bluetooth aux receiver would make a perfect gift. Once it's installed, they can enjoy their smartphone wirelessly for a hands-free experience.

Dizzy Retro Personalized Name Sign

Whether they have a vintage car or just like a retro feel, this personalized name sign will look good on their baby. It's made of metal and very easy to install — simply peel the sticker off the back and the glue will keep the sign attached.

Personal Prints Car Mechanic Name Art

This personalized name art would make a great gift for a mechanic or the enthusiast who never stops working on their car. It's made of wood and can be customized on Amazon with just the touch of a button. Plus, it's available in a few different sizes.

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Everything you need to satisfy the gearhead in your life, starting with options under $15.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Cars can be an expensive hobby, but there are plenty of affordable options to indulge that passion. If someone spends a lot of time wrenching on cars, an inexpensive work light or pair of gloves can genuinely make their day better. Our gift recommendations start at about $15, with plenty more available under $60. If you want to go premium with a gift for the car lover in your life, we’ve included some higher budget products as well.

Do auto maintenance and detailing pique your interest? Consider checking out our more in-depth selections for paint buffers , car jacks , and electric vehicle chargers .

Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaning Wipes

This portable pack of 50 single-use wipes is great to quickly wipe off any dust and dirt from your car’s interior surfaces. It's safe for plastic, leather, wood, and glass.

AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Consistent tire pressure is an important but often overlooked part of auto maintenance. This digital gauge gives you a clear pressure readout without any guesswork. It has a backlit screen and nozzle, making it easy to use on dark winter mornings.

Mechanix Wear Work Gloves

With all the hot and sharp objects in an engine bay, auto repair can wreak havoc on your hands. These protective Mechanix gloves prevent burns and cuts without interfering with articulation. They’re also conductive enough to use touch-screen controls while wearing.

Bridgestone Bridgestone Blizzak Winter Tire

Snow can be a car owner’s best friend or worst enemy, depending on the gear they’ve got. The proper snow tires make it easy to glide through winter weather and with eBay Motors , you’re certain to find the right wheels at the right price. After gifting a set to the car lover in your life, it’s perfectly fine, (read: encouraged) to ask for rides everywhere.

Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

This fabric spray uses a gentle hydrogen peroxide formula to fight stains on cloth seats and carpets without bleaching the material. Combine it with a sturdy scrub brush for deep-cleaning action.

KOBRA Products Scanner Car Code Reader

When a check-engine light comes on, use this inexpensive scanner to read your car’s computer through the OBD-II port, and get a quick idea of what repairs may be needed. It works on all major models after 1996.

GEARWRENCH Magnetic Fender Cover

Fender covers are great for auto maintenance because they protect bodywork from stains and scratches while you’re working in the engine bay. This GearWrench cover also features integrated magnets to prevent it from slipping while installed.

Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax

After washing and drying your car, spray is a great addition to seal the paint and prevent new dirt from sticking to it. It also comes in handy to wipe away small contaminants in between washes and maintain shine. Apply it using a clean microfiber cloth.

Amazon Echo Auto (1st gen)

This nifty device will bring Alexa in their car. It connects via their phone’s Alexa app and has all the same features as the traditional speakers. The car lover in your life can use their voice to play music, get directions, add items to their to-do list, and more.

RoWood DIY Model Kit

This inexpensive model kit is made of lightweight wood board, and requires no tools or glue. Once assembled, it resembles a vintage Grand Prix racer with an impressive level of detail. Parts can also be painted to add a personal touch.

STANLEY LED Work Light

This portable lamp can be used as a regular flashlight, but it also has three arrays of flip-out LEDs for up to 600 lumens of extra brightness. Built-in USB charging is versatile on the go, and a strong magnet in the light’s base makes it easy to stick to the underside of your car’s hood while working.

Satechi Magnetic Wireless Car Charger

Compatible with iPhone 12 models and up to the latest iPhone 14 iterations, this magnetic wireless charger is the perfect car accessory for those on the road. We like the simple design, meaning it won’t take up too much space on the dash.

Mothers Clay Bar

When combined with spray wax, this dense clay compound uses light adhesive properties to pull dirt particles off of paint without scratching the coat underneath. It's perfect for a quick detail between washes.

Adam's Polishes Ultra Plush Drying Towel

This large microfiber cloth combines softness and absorbency to remove water from paint without leaving any swirls or residue behind. It's perfect for finishing up after a car wash, and it’s machine-washable.

BlipShift Auto Art

BlipShift is a great source to get creative art designs based on some of the most iconic sports cars in the world. Items available include poster prints, T-shirts, socks, and wall clocks.

Armor All 2.5-Gallon Utility Shop Vacuum

Keep your interior dirt-free with this mini car vacuum cleaner . It has all the capabilities of a wet/ dry vac, but in a smaller form factor to easily fit inside the vehicle. Electricity is supplied with a 10-foot-long power cable.

Carhartt Seat Organizer

Great for kids and passengers, this back seat organizer has multiple deep pockets to hold phones, tablets, pens, water bottles, and most other small items. It’s also made of thick, water-resistant fabric to keep all its contents safe and dry.

Electronic Arts Grid Legends

This newest racing game from Codemasters is available on all current systems, and lets players take control of over 100 different race cars. Its 22 unique tracks available are also based on real-life circuits and cities across the globe.

AstroAI Air Compressor

This lightweight, portable compressor makes it super easy to maintain tire pressure on the go. Charge it off of your car’s 12-volt outlet, and then just hook it up to your tire’s valve and let it pump in air to a preset value up to 100 PSI.

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set

A 3/8 ratchet set will always come in handy when it comes to oil changes and other basic auto maintenance. This Craftsman comes with all of the most common metric and imperial-sized sockets, along with extensions to get those hard to reach bolts.

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Moscow travel guide

Moscow tourism | moscow guide, you're going to love moscow.

Moscow is sometimes known as "The Third Rome" and it doesn't disappoint. With the amazing architecture and history behind some of the buildings, it's the perfect combination of contemporary mixed with historic.

Everywhere from the Moscow Business District to the Red Square will have some beautiful building or park and a plethora of delicious Russian food options. You'll be immersed in history everywhere you go, but you'll also see the signs of modern-day tsars.

The people of Moscow are welcoming and kind and can't wait to show you everything their city has to offer.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Moscow

1. it's a history buff's paradise.

Moscow has a rich history, and not just from the time of the USSR. If you love history than the stories behind every building, landmark, and road in Moscow will have you chomping at the bit for more. Be sure to take a historic tour of the city.

2. It's an Architectural Dream

Moscow's architecture is unmatched, and the design and colors of every building are breathtaking. Visit the Kremlin, built in the 15th century, or Saint Basil's Cathedral from the 16th century.

3. Art Galleries and Museums Aplenty

There's nothing quite like Russian art, and Moscow is home to some of the world's most impressive collections. Be sure to visit the Tretyakov State Gallery or if you're into something more modern, the ARTPLAY Design Center and Flacon Design Factory.

4. The World-Renowned Subway Stations

Not many cities can claim their train stations as a drawcard, but the Moscow subway, built in 1935, is truly like walking through a royal castle. You can only imagine the engineering that went into building something so complex and impressive.

5. The Russian Theater

Probably the biggest draw to Moscow is the Russian Theater, which hosts everything from plays to ballet. The Bolshoi Ballet Company is among the most well-known symbols of Russia and experiencing this in person is incredible.

What to do in Moscow

1. moscow kremlin: russia's must-see.

The first stop in Moscow is the Red Square - home to the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral with its multicolored domes, and the gateway to the Kremlin. Just past Lenin's Mausoleum, this fortified citadel was built for royalty. Overlooking the river, it boasts a density of cathedrals and palaces behind thick walls. Step into the State History Museum and the Museum of Fashion for contrasting but equally enthralling Russian learning opportunities, or enjoy a stroll through the Aleksandrovsky Garden.

2. Bolshoi Theatre: The Show Must Go On

The Bolshoi Theater is a historical gem. This grand institution has hosted the famous Russian opera and ballet for centuries, and the performances have never lost their grandeur. The most talented opera singers and ballet dancers keep coming from Russian schools. Naturally, it is the ultimate venue to immerse yourself when it comes to traditional performance. The little sister to the Bolshoi, Maly Theater, is just across the street.

3. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour: A Worthwhile Reconstruction

This Orthodox Christian church was one of the tallest in the world until it was demolished by Stalin in 1931, as he planned to have the "Palace of the Soviets" built. Of course, this idea never came to fruition, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was certainly significant enough to rebuild. Since 1997 it has become a huge attraction for its beauty as well as a symbol of the country's tumultuous history. The golden domes shimmer from across the city, and the interior is fabulously colorful.

4. Gorky Park: Where Everyone Comes out to Play

This "Central Park of Culture and Leisure" lives up to its self-proclaimed title, boasting newly renovated recreation zones for visitors of all ages. For the ultimate experience, hop on the Sokolnicheskaya Metro Line and get off at Park Kultury to walk over the Crimean Bridge - the first thing you will see is the Main Gate of Gorky Park. From amusement rides to ice skating rinks, activities abound. Not to mention the simple delight of strolling by the river or lounging on the grass.

5. State Tretyakov Gallery: One Thousand Years of Art

The largest collection of Fine Russian Art in the world is found in Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery. National glory is celebrated across the halls of this museum, giving artists a platform when their work is often overlooked in foreign collections. Particularly telling are the modern art galleries, which exhibit political art created largely in response to the fascinating and tumultuous history of Russia over the 20th century.

Activities & attractions in Moscow

Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is great for food of all types. There are high-end dining restaurants, some of which are world renowned, but there is also a lot of tasty street food and mid-range dining as well. For a luxury experience, try Savva in the city center, but expect to pay anywhere from ₽1,590 to ₽3,200 for a main. If you opt for street food, you'd be looking at paying around ₽400. For some lovely mid-range dining experiences great for solo travelers, couples, or families, check out Chaikhona No. 1 in Pushkin or Mari Vanna in Tverskaya. Mains here will be around ₽700 to ₽900. Drinks vary in price, but a beer will usually cost somewhere around ₽300.

When to visit Moscow

Deciding when to visit Moscow depends a lot on your budget and your durability. Russian winters are incredibly harsh with temperatures that reach below zero on some days and winds that will chill you to your core. This kind of weather isn't for everyone, but in the summer the temperatures can reach the high 80s. Shoulder seasons are a great time to experience Moscow because the temperatures are mild enough to enjoy the sights. Summers will always cost more because it's a peak travel period.

How to Get to Moscow

Most visitors come into Moscow by plane. The main airports are Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Domodedovo International Airport (DME), and Vnukovo International Airport (VKO). Sheremetyevo International is approximately 20 miles from the center. The best way to get into Moscow is by the Aeroexpress, which costs ₽500. Domodedovo International is around 28 miles away. To get into the city, take the train from the Paveletsky Rail Terminal for ₽470 rubles. Vnukovo International is about 19 miles from the city, and you can take the train for ₽470.

Although there are quite a few trains into Moscow from other European cities, it's not a particularly popular mode of transport since the journeys are quite long. There are nine train stations in Moscow, but the main one is Leningrad Station. The main train route is the overnight train from Warsaw on Russian Railways, which costs around ₽9,000.

The M1 goes into the city from the west and the M7 goes into the city from the east. Moscow has two circular highways around it, the Third Ring Road and MKAD. This makes it easy to approach the city from any angle once you get in from the M1 or M7.

Similar to the train, approaching Moscow by bus isn't a very common way to get there. However, Lux Express has many routes to Moscow. You can travel from Riga, Tallinn, Berlin, Warsaw, Minsk, Budapest, and more.

Airports near Moscow

Airlines serving moscow, where to stay in moscow.

When it comes to accommodation, Moscow has a little bit of everything. It does luxury beautifully, with stunning 5-star hotels dotted around the city with breathtaking views, such as the Ritz Carlton in Tverskaya, or the Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel in the city center. If you're after budget options, there are plenty of mid-range hotels such as the Hilton, and many excellent hostels, such as the Davydov Hostel in the Arbat district.

Popular Neighborhoods in Moscow

Tverskaya Street - this area north of the business district is one of Moscow's most popular. Famous for its amazing cafes, nightclubs, and overall nightlife, this is the suburb to be in for a fantastic party time.

Petrovka - east of Tverskaya lies this district, which is a perfect upmarket area for boutique shopping. You'll also find lots of historic sights here like two ancient monasteries.

Arbat district - although this district is very touristy, its colorful appearance and cute eating establishments make it a lovely area to pass some time without spending a fortune.

Where to stay in popular areas of Moscow

Most booked hotels in moscow, how to get around moscow, public transportation.

The public transportation routes in Moscow are excellent with a very well-connected subway network, trams, and buses. You can buy tickets ranging from a single journey all the way up to 60. One journey only costs ₽28.

Unlike other large cities, taxi prices in Moscow are relatively reasonable. You can expect to pay a base fee of around ₽150, and then about ₽90 per mile. There are plenty of taxis around Moscow, so you shouldn't have any problems flagging one down.

With multiple Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Elite outlets, you'll have your pick of rental companies, and you can expect to pay around ₽2,403 a day. Rates become cheaper the longer you rent. For a three-day rental, expect to pay around ₽6,310.

The Cost of Living in Moscow

Shopping streets.

Moscow is great for high-end luxury shopping, but it also has many popular international stores that you would expect to see as well. The street for top-of-the-line jewelry and items is Tretyakovsky Proyezd, located in the city center. At Izmailovsky Park you'll find a large open-air bazaar where things will be much more affordable, but you will have to pay an entrance fee of ₽50.

Groceries and Other

Moscow is filled with cheap markets to find all kinds of delicious food at affordable prices. However, for your other grocery or personal needs, you'll find the big chain Auchan or the more upmarket Perekrestok. A loaf of bread will cost around ₽50, and a dozen eggs will cost about ₽109.

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Top 10 things to know before traveling to Ireland

Mar 27, 2024 • 9 min read

From pub etiquette to catching public transport – here's what you need to know before you to Ireland © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

A lifetime of living in Ireland has given me some insight into the vagaries of my home country, beginning with the number one rule: never assume anything. This is a country that delights in confounding even your most comfortable expectations about pretty much everything, from the weather to the quality of the wifi.

Here are 10 tips that I’m pretty comfortable giving anyone who plans a visit, whether for the first time or the fifth. I’ve got some practical tips around VAT refunds and the most efficient ways to get around, but then there’s a bunch of suggestions on how to crack the mightiest nut of all – the Irish themselves. Because be in no doubt, while Ireland has gorgeous landscapes, a rich history and the best pubs in the world, your visit will only be truly memorable if you get to know the people – friendly and welcoming but often contradictory and inscrutable.

1. Plan on at least seven days to start making sense of the country

Ireland is small, but there’s an awful lot to it. Luckily, distances in Ireland aren’t huge so you can get most anywhere in a few hours, but the list of where to go can get very long, very quickly.

It’ll take you a couple of days to even begin to make a dent in Dublin , but once you go beyond the capital you’ll need at least five days to make a lightening stop tour of the major highlights of the west: Galway and Connemara, Clare (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher and the most authentic traditional music in the country), Kerry (you’ll need a whole day just for the Ring of Kerry and another for the Dingle Peninsula ) and Cork , only it’s time to go home so you can only make enough time for Cork City .

Clearly the only solution is to plan for a month; at the end of it, you’ll be wanting to stay a year. 

2. Keep it to casual wear

The Irish aren’t big on formal wear and only pull it out for very specific occasions (a wedding, a ball, the opening of a parliamentary session). Which means you can wear pretty much whatever you want: smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre or the concert hall.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want something extra when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. Ultimately the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket should never be beyond reach for the almost-inevitable rain. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking – in cities or on hills – a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, will do the trick.

Add these top beaches around Ireland to your travel itinerary. 

3. The land of a 100,000 welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – literally, 100,000 welcomes. The famous Irish greeting suggests a country that is big on displays of affection, but nothing could be further from the truth. A firm handshake – with eye contact – is the appropriate greeting when meeting men, women and older children for the first time. Once a friendship is made, then all bets are off and anything goes, from a hug and a kiss on the cheek (primarily amongst female friends) to an air nod and a casual "hey".

Younger Irish are less formal than their older counterparts, but even they generally eschew effusive greetings: more often than not, a quick handshake and a casual nod is the best way to say hello for the first time.

4. The Irish love to talk, until they don’t

The Irish are renowned for their chat, but with people they don’t know particularly well they generally like to keep it to topics that are light and not likely to embarrass. Despite their gregarious nature, the Irish tend to be reserved when it comes to life’s more serious issues and are very mistrustful of "oversharers". 

The old adage that the Irish will talk about anything except sex, religion and politics is something of an over-simplification, but if you do find yourself steering into deeper waters around sensitive topics it’s always better to listen: locals aren’t shy about getting into heated discussion amongst themselves about all kinds of topics but take a dim view of outsiders who express (even legitimate) criticisms of Ireland or the Irish.

5. You’d better learn about the rounds system

It’s a firm rule of drinking with locals. If someone buys you a drink, you’re obliged to buy them one back – this is the bedrock of Irish pub culture. Nothing will hasten your fall from social grace here like the failure to uphold this pub law. 

The time to repay the drink you’re drinking? It’s when the person you’re drinking with is just about to finish theirs. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through your own drink at that moment: you can’t let your drinking buddy sit in front of an empty glass. Your greatest challenge will probably be trying to keep up with your fellow drinkers, who may keep buying you drinks in every round even when you've still got a collection of unfinished pints in front of you and you're sliding face first down the bar.

6. The best way to visit cities is on foot or by public transport

Driving and parking in Irish cities is a nightmare. There’s no free parking anywhere; the unrelenting traffic will test even the most patient of drivers; and the one-way systems in major urban centres will confound you to the point of madness (although map apps are pretty good at pointing you in the right direction).

The good news is you don’t need a car to visit any Irish city. Dublin, the biggest by far, has a pretty decent system of public transport, but even then most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Same goes for Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway, which are more easily explored without a car.

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7. The easiest way to explore Ireland is by car

If cities are best experienced without a car, the most effective way to explore the rest of the country is with one. The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive, though journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served. The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you'll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat. 

Cars can be hired in every major town and city. The Irish drive on the left hand side; distances and speed limits in the Republic are measured in kilometres, but once you cross the invisible border into Northern Ireland everything switches to miles.

8. Ireland is good cycling country

Ireland's compact size and scenic landscapes make it a good cycling destination, albeit one you need to prepare for. The weather is unreliable, roads can be very narrow and Irish drivers tend to drive quickly, even on those narrow roads. A growing network of greenways, such as the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Royal Canal Greenway that runs through the midlands, are a great and hassle-free way to see the country from two wheels. A good tip for cyclists in the west is that the prevailing winds make it easier to cycle from south to north. 

Buses will carry bikes, but only if there’s room. Intercity trains will also carry bikes, but you’ll need to book a space in advance as there’s limited capacity. Suburban rail services in Dublin won’t take bikes during rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). A number of Irish companies arrange cycle tours, including Go Visit Ireland  and Cycling Safaris .

9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland

June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country – Dublin , Kerry and the southern and western coasts – are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.

Rates drop off from mid-September as the crowds start to thin, but most tourist spots are still open to take advantage of the last weeks of the season. Although weather can never be predicted with any degree of accuracy, the weather can be surprisingly lovely right up to mid-October.

Low season runs from November to the middle of March; Irish winter days are short, damp and cold, but the upside is fewer visitors and some terrific accommodation deals. A lot of the west coast goes into winter hibernation, though, with a lot of attractions and hotels closing down; if you’re planning to visit during this time you should check what’s open before you travel.   

Ready to head to Ireland? These are the best times to visit.

10. Claim your VAT back if you’re visiting from outside the EU

Most goods come with value-added tax (VAT) of 23%, which non-EU residents can claim back as part of the Retail Export Scheme, so long as the purchase was made with a credit card. Visitors from the UK can also benefit from this, but not visitors from Northern Ireland.

Before making a purchase, check with the retailer that they operate the scheme. If they do, you will be issued an export voucher for the purchase, which you need to get certified by customs when you leave Ireland. The voucher is sent back to the retailer who then refunds you the VAT (minus any processing fee). 

Rather than operate the scheme themselves, many retailers use VAT-refunding agencies, whereby you go through the same process of presenting the agency’s own certificate at customs. Some agencies, though, operate a scheme where you don’t pay any VAT upfront, but if you don’t file the paperwork correctly (either sending it back to the agency or presenting it to customs) your card will be charged later. Some goods such as books, children's clothing and educational items are excluded from VAT.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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If You’re A Beverage Lover Who Drives A Lot, You Probably Need This Cup Expander

Shopping Writer, HuffPost

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

If you drive a lot and like to bring your coffee or water along, you may have noticed an inconvenient fact: A surprising amount of cars have cup holders that are too narrow to fit reusable bottles, thermoses and to-go mugs.

It’s an issue that quickly turns into a mess. Too many times to count, I have tried to sidestep my too-small car cup holder by balancing my coffee on my console, on top of my tiny cup holder or on the floor of my car. Inevitably, my precariously perched drink would fall over.

Finally, my coffee spilled one too many times. I had had enough, and it was time to search for a solution. It turns out the threat of wasting one’s daily coffee can really inspire action.

Amazon offered up a welcome fix: The “Seven Sparta” car cup expander , which sits inside a car’s existing cup holders. The Sparta accommodates bottles up to 40 ounces — that includes Yetis , Hydro-Flasks , Nalgenes , Stanleys and Owalas , according to reviewers and the brand. Plus, it has a cut-out that allows mugs with handles to fit comfortably inside. I was sold and snagged it immediately.

A year later, I have not looked back since. As silly as it feels to say, I feel grateful that I took the plunge on the expander: It’s been a true quality of life upgrade for me, since my beloved drinks now never spill. I’m convinced it’s a no-brainer for people who spend a lot of time driving.

I found that the Sparta was impressively easy to set up, even for someone like me, who is wary of overly long or complicated product instructions. Its body twists and expands to fit securely in whatever size cup holder you have, and it’s generously sized to fit a variety of to-go beverages in it, including mugs with handles. It also comes with flexible rubber arms that can hold more petite drinks securely in place. For larger bottles , the arms lay flat against the sides of the holder like they were never there at all.

The Sparta is available is available in gray and black, as well as in packs of two. Grab a Sparta car cup holder expander from Amazon now, or check out what reviewers have to say about it:

“ Possibly one of my favorite things I have purchased on Amazon. I always have a water bottle with me and I was so tired of it rolling around my car, this cup holder attachment was the perfect solution. I loved it so much I got one for my dad too!” — Broooke0699 “ This is one of those products I wish I purchased sooner. I carry a Nalgene around all the time and I always just let it roll around randomly on the ground or the chair. I’ve also avoided buying/bringing certain bottles/cups with me because it was such a hassle for the drive...well this definitely solved the problem. It’s almost dumb that I waited so long. This product is well made, it fits all my large bottles/cups. It comes with a rubber pad to protect the bottom and also an expanding ability to lock it in the cup holder itself. Huge fan of this product and how it solved an annoying problem for me. ” — khang “I have a brand new 2023 Toyota ... with tiny cupholders. Doesn’t hold anything larger than a can or average disposable water bottle. I have a 32-ounce bottle that I take basically everywhere with me, and it was making me crazy with nowhere to put it. Balancing it on the passenger seat when I was alone, putting it inside the center console and listening to it rattle around ... there was no good option! Then I randomly stumbled across a cupholder expander and knew I needed one. This one is great because it can be ‘offset’ since my cupholders are directly next to the shifter. It was easy to install, is solid and sturdy in place even when my bottle is full. COMPLETE gamechanger and honestly makes me so happy! ” — Kristen W “For years, I had this hydro flask that I could not place in my car cup holder. After my son decided on getting a side job delivering food to people, we realized that he would need something to help him deliver large drinks. We got this and WOW ... very very sturdy and super simple to install. Also has a slot on the side to accommodate handles on the flask or mugs (if needed). Why I didn’t buy this earlier, I dunno, but I’m sure glad I have it now!! ” — Roselyn McMahon “Got this for my husband who loves his travel mug but hate that it doesn’t fit in the cup holder. This is the perfect solution for that problem. Works like a charm. ” — Jennifer Patterson “ I never write reviews but I had to says this is one of best investment for my car. I loved coffee so riding with it and putting it in my cup holder, I was always making a messed. Now really easy just place it in holder now —it works” — Eva Stocker

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Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 5:01 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.   

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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New York Takes Crucial Step Toward Making Congestion Pricing a Reality

The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to approve a new $15 toll to drive into Manhattan. The plan still faces challenges from six lawsuits before it can begin in June.

By Winnie Hu and Ana Ley

New York City completed a crucial final step on Wednesday in a decades-long effort to become the first American city to roll out a comprehensive congestion pricing program, one that aims to push motorists out of their cars and onto mass transit by charging new tolls to drive into Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

The program could start as early as mid-June after the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that will install and manage the program, voted 11-to-1 to approve the final tolling rates, which will charge most passenger cars $15 a day to enter at 60th Street and below in Manhattan. The program is expected to reduce traffic and raise $1 billion annually for public transit improvements.

It was a historic moment for New York’s leaders and transportation advocates after decades of failed attempts to advance congestion pricing even as other gridlocked cities around the world, including London, Stockholm and Singapore, proved that similar programs could reduce traffic and pollution.

While other American cities have introduced related concepts by establishing toll roads or closing streets to traffic, the plan in New York is unmatched in ambition and scale.

Congestion pricing is expected to reduce the number of vehicles that enter Lower Manhattan by about 17 percent, according to a November study by an advisory committee reporting to the M.T.A. The report also said that the total number of miles driven in 28 counties across the region would be reduced.

“This was the right thing to do,” Janno Lieber, the authority’s chairman and chief executive, said after the vote. “New York has more traffic than any place in the United States, and now we’re doing something about it.”

Congestion pricing has long been a hard sell in New York, where many people commute by car from the boroughs outside of Manhattan and the suburbs, in part because some of them do not have access to public transit.

New York State legislators finally approved congestion pricing in 2019 after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo helped push it through. A series of recent breakdowns in the city’s subway system had underscored the need for billions of dollars to update its aging infrastructure.

It has taken another five years to reach the starting line. Before the tolling program can begin, it must be reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration, which is expected to approve it.

Congestion pricing also faces legal challenges from six lawsuits that have been brought by elected officials and residents from across the New York region. Opponents have increasingly mobilized against the program in recent months, citing the cost of the tolls and the potential environmental effects from shifting traffic and pollution to other areas as drivers avoid the tolls.

A court hearing is scheduled for April 3 and 4 on a lawsuit brought by the State of New Jersey, which is seen as the most serious legal challenge. The mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., Mark J. Sokolich, has filed a related lawsuit.

Four more lawsuits have been brought in New York: by Ed Day, the Rockland County executive; by Vito Fossella, the Staten Island borough president, and the United Federation of Teachers; and by two separate groups of city residents.

Amid the litigation, M.T.A. officials have suspended some capital construction projects that were to be paid for by the program, and they said at a committee meeting on Monday that crucial work to modernize subway signals on the A and C lines had been delayed.

Nearly all the toll readers have been installed, and will automatically charge drivers for entering the designated congestion zone at 60th Street or below. There is no toll for leaving the zone or driving around in it. Through traffic on Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive and the West Side Highway will not be tolled.

Under the final tolling structure, which was based on recommendations by the advisory panel, most passenger vehicles will be charged $15 a day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The toll will be $24 for small trucks and charter buses, and will rise to $36 for large trucks and tour buses. It will be $7.50 for motorcycles.

Those tolls will be discounted by 75 percent at night, dropping the cost for a passenger vehicle to $3.75.

Fares will go up by $1.25 for taxis and black car services, and by $2.50 for Uber and Lyft. Passengers will be responsible for paying the new fees, and they will be added to every ride that begins, ends or occurs within the congestion zone. There will be no nighttime discounts. (The new fees come on top of an existing congestion surcharge that was imposed on for-hire vehicles in 2019.)

The tolls will mostly be collected using the E-ZPass system. Electronic detection points have been placed at entrances and exits to the tolling zone. Drivers who do not use an E-ZPass will pay significantly higher fees — for instance, $22.50 instead of $15 during peak hours for passenger vehicles.

Emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances and police cars, as well as vehicles carrying people with disabilities, were exempted from the new tolls under the state’s congestion pricing legislation .

As for discounts, low-income drivers who make less than $50,000 annually can apply to receive half off the daytime toll after their first 10 trips in a calendar month. In addition, low-income residents of the congestion zone who make less than $60,000 a year can apply for a state tax credit.

All drivers entering the zone directly from four tolled tunnels — the Lincoln, Holland, Hugh L. Carey and Queens-Midtown — will receive a “crossing credit” that will be applied against the daytime toll. The credit will be $5 round-trip for passenger vehicles, $12 for small trucks and intercity and charter buses, $20 for large trucks and tour buses, and $2.50 for motorcycles. No credits will be offered at night.

Grace Ashford contributed reporting.

Winnie Hu is a Times reporter covering the people and neighborhoods of New York City. More about Winnie Hu

Ana Ley is a Times reporter covering New York City’s mass transit system and the millions of passengers who use it. More about Ana Ley

How to escape if your car goes underwater

Exiting the car in the first minute it begins to sink improves your chance of survival.

It’s a nightmare scenario for drivers: Your car leaves the road and plunges into water, transforming your vehicle into a sinking trap.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge into the Patapsco River early Tuesday may have stoked fears that you could encounter a similar catastrophe in your own car. Officials with the Baltimore fire department said sonar has detected vehicles submerged in the water, but it was unclear whether anyone was inside.

A distress call from the freighter that crashed into the bridge and caused the collapse gave officials time to halt more vehicle traffic over the bridge, said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). As of midday Tuesday, two workers had been rescued from a crew that was repairing potholes on the Key Bridge; six workers were still missing.

In the right conditions, drivers who stay calm have a chance to escape an underwater car. In 2013, a 22-year-old woman from Calvert County, Md., survived after her car went off the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and fell 27 feet into the water.

One minute to get out

Thermal physiologist Gordon Giesbrecht, a retired University of Manitoba professor with an expertise in vehicle submersion and hypothermia, said passengers have one minute to rescue themselves from a sinking car. Once the vehicle becomes even partially submerged, the odds of survival are slim.

“A minute is kind of an average number,” Giesbrecht said. “So the windows will certainly work for 60 seconds, but if you know what you’re doing, you can open that window in 10 or 15 seconds.”

He said travelers should memorize the acronym SWOC:

• Seat belts off.
• Windows open.
• Out immediately.
• Children first.

“A lot of people think you should open the doors, which you shouldn’t,” Giesbrecht said. “The car is just going deeper and deeper, and once the water gets up against the window, then you won’t even be able to open the window. So you’ve got to get that window open as soon as you can.”

Giesbrecht said electric windows should still operate within a minute “because your ignition was on.”

When helping children, push the oldest out first so you can help the youngest passengers. Giesbrecht said it is easier to push than pull passengers out, so remain in the car until your dependents have safely evacuated.

Cars in deep water typically sink nose first, so you can buy a few more seconds by exiting out a back window. If there’s a release button in the front seat for a rear hatch, then you can escape through the back, but don’t waste time trying to locate it.

Once the car begins to sink nose down, the passengers will start to run out of air. Any air bubbles will escape out the back. In shallower water, a car might descend horizontally, so passengers could sustain themselves on a trapped air pocket, but Giesbrecht said this scenario is “very rare.”

Tools don’t work on laminated glass

According to Giesbrecht, smashing a car window is not feasible. Cars that have laminated windows instead of tempered glass are resistant to hard force; not one of the six tools tested in a AAA study were able to break through. A label on the bottom corner of a side window will identify tempered or laminated glass, but that helps only if you have it memorized.

Giesbrecht said that, when you have only a minute to save yourself, it’s not worth the time to search for an instrument.

“Very few people could ever break a window in the first place,” he said. “Once the physics of the water changes, you can’t break the window anyway, even if you had a hammer.”

Once you’re in the water, Giesbrecht said, you need to control your breath, assess your surroundings and climb onto or cling to the vehicle while it is afloat.

“You can hang on to the vehicle as long as you can,” he said, “or until you determine the closest or easiest place you can get to.”

Hypothermia is not an immediate problem, Giesbrecht said, because it takes an hour for someone to become cold enough for the heart to stop. However, drowning is a real concern, especially if you panic or go into shock after plunging into the water.

“The first thing that will happen when you’re in cold water is a cold shock response, which is gasping and hyperventilating or heavy breathing,” he said. The cold could incapacitate your muscles and nerves, and you could lose your ability to swim.

“We have the 1-10-1 principle,” Giesbrecht added. “You have one minute to get your breathing under control. Ten minutes of meaningful movement. And about an hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia.”

Make yourself visible

Andy Blair, director of the National Outdoor Leadership School Teton Valley, offered several survival tips for after you have escaped the car and are in the water. He said to keep your shoes on. They can be helpful when swimming in open water and scrambling on rocks or other sharp terrain.

“If they’re really big, heavy boots, they might be more of an impediment,” he said, “but once you get to shore, you’re going to want to have some shoes on.”

Blair said wearing street clothes in cold water that is moving downstream and not having a flotation device is “probably one of your worst-case situations.” However, he recommends securing any loose garments that could snag in the water. He said more form-fitting clothes will reduce your surface area and your exposure to the water.

If swimming to shore is not an option because of the distance or your stamina level, grab a piece of buoyant debris or hoist yourself up on a larger object if you can. Also, hold up an eye-catching item that could attract the attention of a search-and-rescue crew or a bystander.

“For the average person in that situation, their best bet is to find something they can stay afloat with and make themselves as visible as possible,” he said.

Baltimore bridge collapse

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship , sending at least eight people from a construction crew into the water. Follow live updates and see photos from the scene .

How it happened: The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers recovered the bodies of two construction workers who died , while finding other vehicles trapped and probably containing the other victims, officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . The entire crew aboard the container ship Dali survived . First responders shut down most traffic on the four-lane bridge after the crew issued an urgent mayday call. It saved lives, Moore said.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge, which severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, adds a fresh headache to already struggling global supply chains . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

History: The Key Bridge was built in the 1970s and spanned the Patapsco River. Rebuilding the bridge will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, experts said.

Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, which left from Baltimore on March 23 , will return to Norfolk instead on April 4. "Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements," a spokesperson said in an email.

The ship's April 4 and 12 cruises will leave from Norfolk, too. "Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations," the spokesperson added. "After returning from the April 12 cruise, Vision will head to the Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance."

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

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Insurance for leased versus owned car: What you need to know

Leased and financed cars both require full coverage, but there are some key differences..

About one in five motorists lease rather than own their car, according to data from Cox Automotive .

Leasing can mean less money down and lower monthly payments than with a financed vehicle — not to mention spending less on repairs because they're covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Insurance premiums for a leased car may be higher, however, because of thedealership's coverage requirements.

If you're considering leasing a car, here's what you need to know about insuring it.

Insuring a leased car

The difference between leasing and buying a car, what type of insurance do i need for a leased car, how much is insurance on a leased car, should i lease or buy a car, bottom line, find the best car insurance.

While leasing and financing a car both involve putting money down and making monthly payments, lease payments are usually lower than car loan payments. That's because a lease is for a set term, most commonly for three years . When the term ends, the vehicle is returned to the dealer.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the average lease payment was $606, according to Experian , while the average car loan installment was $738.

When your lease term is over, you can walk away, renew the lease or pay for the residual value of the car (with a lease buyout loan, if you need).

When you buy a car, you can either pay cash in full or take out a car loan. If you choose to finance your vehicle , you'll put a portion down and make monthly payments plus interest to cover the rest. When your payments are done, you'll own the car free and clear.

Most lease contracts require the lessee to take out full coverage auto insurance , which bundles:

• Collision coverage :  This pays for damages to your car caused by colliding with another vehicle or object, like a mailbox or guardrail.
• Comprehensive coverage :  This pays for damage not caused by a collision — like theft, vandalism or an animal encounter.
• Liability coverage : This pays for medical expenses and property repairs due to damage caused by your vehicle. Most states mandate some type of liability coverage, though leasing companies may require higher limits.

You may also need a separate gap insurance policy , otherwise known as guaranteed asset protection coverage.

Since most cars lose 20% of their value in the first year, according to Kelley Blue Book , you could quickly find yourself owing more on your loan or lease than you'd get from a standard policy if the vehicle is stolen or totaled.

Gap insurance can make up that difference.

You may be able to get a gap insurance policy from your car dealer, but according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insurance companies typically charge lower rates.

"In some cases, it's included in the lease payment already," Kelley Blue Book executive editor Brian Moody told CNBC Select.

In February 2024, full coverage car insurance cost about $2,545 a year, according to Bankrate data , or about $212 per month.

Adding gap insurance to collision and comprehensive coverage adds about $20 a year to the annual premium, according to the III.  

Does it cost more to insure a leased car?

Since a leased car always belongs to the dealer, you'll have to keep full coverage for the duration of your lease.

If you've financed your car, you'll most likely have to take out full coverage, as well, but your dealer may require higher liability limits on a leased car, according to III.

And once you've paid off a car loan, you can drop full coverage in favor of minimal liability insurance . That's something to consider if your car depreciates to the point that it's worth less than ten times your monthly premium.

The average cost of a minimum liability insurance policy is only $741 a year, according to Bankrate, or about $62 a month.

Whatever kind of policy you need, Geico is a top pick for budget-minded drivers , with low rates and 16 discounts — including up to 22% off for good drivers who have gone five years without an accident.

Geico Auto Insurance

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

App available

Policy highlights.

Geico coverage and services are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and there are 16 different types of discounts available. In addition to the standard coverage options, Geico offers various optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.

Terms apply.

Read our Geico Auto Insurance review.

Amica has earned high praise for its customer service, including top ranking for claims satisfaction on J.D. Power's 2023 auto insurance study. The Rhode Island-based insurer also had fewer complaints than expected for a carrier its size, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Amica Auto Insurance

Amica offers a variety of auto insurance policies to fit your coverage needs. The company also offers a total of 18 discounts, including discounts for bundling and for students.

Whether to lease or buy depends on a lot of factors, including your personal preferences and financial situation.

Lease payments tend to be lower than loan payments, but you won't own the vehicle when the lease is over the way you would when you finish paying off your car loan.

And, since you don't own it, you have to keep a leased car in excellent condition or hit with fee for dings, scratches or stains when at the end of the lease.

A lease contract also includes an annual allotment of miles — usually between 12,000 and 15,000 — with excess mileage costing an average of between $0.10 to $0.25 per mile. Most leases are for three years or less, so it might be an attractive option if you prefer driving a new car or you don't want to deal with the maintenance issues that mount as a vehicle gets older.

New cars usually have bumper-to-bumper warranties that last long enough to cover a lease term.

Since it's rare for banks and traditional lenders to offer a car lease loan, you would need to work with your dealership or a specialized auto-financing company to finance a car lease.

If you decide to buy, the car-loan marketplace  MyAutoloan  has options for those with FICO scores as low as 575. Applicants can review up to four prequalified offers without their credit taking a hit.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Starting at 5.49%

Loan purpose

New vehicles, used vehicles, refinancing, private party and lease buyout

Loan amounts

Starting at $8,000 (or $5,000 for refinancing)

24 to 72 months

Credit needed

FICO score of 575 or greater

Early payoff penalty

Varies by lender

Capital One Auto Financing is open to borrowers with credit scores as low as 540 and approval can be made within 24 hours. You can only get financing for an automobile purchased at a participating dealership, but the Auto Navigator tool allows customers to shop online first and get preapproved.

Capital One Auto Finance

Depends on credit profile

New vehicles, used vehicles, refinancing

Starting at $4,000

36 to 72 months

Not specified

Depends on the lender

Shop for the best car loan

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Is car insurance higher on leased cars?

Whether you lease or take out a loan you'll need full coverage insurance, but dealerships generally require higher liability limits. Once you pay off a loan (or if you pay cash), you can switch to minimum liability insurance, which is significantly less expensive.

Do car leases include insurance?

The cost of full coverage auto insurance is not included in the terms of your lease. Some dealers may include gap insurance, however.

Do I need gap insurance for a leased car?

Gap insurance is typically required for a leased car.

Both leased and financed cars usually require full coverage auto insurance. But because coverage requirements for leased vehicles are greater, you'll probably end up paying more. The monthly payments on a lease, however, are usually lower.

Meet our experts

At CNBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. For this story, we interviewed Brian Moody, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book, the highly regarded vehicle valuation and research company.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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