The Top 10 U.S. Road Trips, According To Science

To help you find your perfect road trip, GoCompare, financial services company, has gathered information on everything prospective road–trippers need to know – from the cost of van hire, fuel, food and accommodation for the recommended duration of the trip to distance travelled, average temperature and even currency conversion rates.

A short but stunning trip through the park offers 14 different viewpoints across distinctive rock formations, ending up at the historical Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Top sights include the Badlands Wall. The ridge runs through the park and is ever changing due to erosion over time. Other spots are the Big Badlands Overlook, ideal for a photo opportunity; the Notch Trail for a chance to fully immerse yourself in the nature of The Badlands; and the Loop Scenic Byway, one of the most recognized scenic byways in the country.

The only U.S. state comprised entirely of islands, this trip is perfect for those ready to say "Aloha!" to the alluring paradise that is Hawaii. The Road to Hana will lead you through the island of Maui and all of the astounding beauty it has to offer. From enticing waterfalls and coves to unspoiled beaches and fresh-water caves to explore – you won't want to leave this idyllic island. Key stopping points include the Twin Falls; Kaumahina State Wayside Park, for picturesque views across Maui's North Coast; Wai'anapanapa State Park, so you can explore fresh water caves; and Hana Town , known to some as a place for the Gods.

From the bright lights of the Big Apple to the astounding natural beauty of Niagara Falls and back, this two-week trip will take you through an Amish Village, the beautiful American countryside and a few big cities on the way. Key sights on the way include NYC, Amish Village, Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Boston. Experience the word famous Falls by boat or helicopter and take in their astonishing beauty – a once in a lifetime experience; and go to an authentic American baseball game at Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox.

Follow the Columbia River Gorge through the awe-inspiring viewpoints, stunning waterfalls and dense forests that Oregon has to offer. With activities from hiking to water sports on offer, this trip is a nature lover's dream. Key stopping points include Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Rowena Loops and Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Take a picture perfect break at this cliff-top panorama 725 feet above the Columbia River – the fourth largest in the country. The byway covers the base of five spectacular waterfalls to enjoy, the largest of which, Multnomah, is one of the tallest in the U.S. at 620 feet.

The ultimate journey across America's Wild West taking in Old Western towns and picturesque national parks and peaks. With only two driving days across the 10-day trip, there will be plenty of time to explore the wonders of the San Juan Skyway. Stopping points include Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Lizard Head Peak Vista Outlook, and 11,000-foot high Red Mountain Pass. Make time to take a walking tour of the saloons and historic homes of Durango.

For beach lovers out there Ocean Drive is the ideal road trip. Covering four scenic and serene Oregon coastal towns, the journey makes times for water sports, hiking, whale watching and plenty of relaxation. The key stopping points can be found below Seaside, which is a family-friendly town, larger than Cannon Beach but less scenic, Cannon Beach, and Yachats, which is a small surfing village where the shoreline is made of basalt rock as a result of volcanic activity 50 million years ago.

This is the ultimate road trip for any music lover. Travel 1,430 miles up the Blues Highway all the way from the bustling New Orleans, Louisiana to the end point of Highway 61 in Wyoming, Minnesota. The stretch to the Blues City of Memphis is an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience for any blues fan. Key stops on the road include the claimed birthplace of the blues Clarksdale, Mississippi; Graceland, Memphis to see Elvis' house; and Nashville.

The classic road trip across America's "Mother Road" will take you from East to West covering some of the best cities in the U.S. Beginning in Chicago and ending at Santa Monica Pier, this trip is ideal for explorers who crave a true taste of America, taking in plenty of popular sites on the way. Some key stopping points include St Louis, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

One of America's most iconic drives, the route through Big Sur along Highway-1 will immerse you in some of California's most picturesque coastal areas, through bedrock cliffs with inspiring ocean views to gorgeous sandy beaches. One of the main stopping places is the Hearst Castle. Stop at Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls on the way for some beautiful photo opportunities and a scenic beach break before heading to Hearst Castle. The castle sits at the top of a hill by the highway, a great stop for a spot of history. You'll also drive by Malibu, Santa Barbara and L.A.

The daddy of all American road trips, the Pan-American Highway spans an impressive 30,000 miles and takes 281 days to complete. The world's longest driving route takes you from the Arctic to the Antarctic with a short break in the road at the rainforest area of the Darién Gap. Along the way you'll see one of Canada's most densely populated and ethnically diverse cities, Vancouver; California's beach city of San Diego; the capital of Mexico, which offers an expanding culinary scene, museums to explore, bold murals and boat trips along the ancient canals;  Darien Gap, Panama; and Lima, Peru.