Hit the Pavement and Take the Ultimate Road Trip

(NewsUSA) - Nothing is more exhilarating than packing your bags and heading out on a care-free road trip that is sure to be an experience you will remember forever. What better way to take your mind off of the daily grind than by hitting the 3.9 million miles of open road in the United States -; or even heading across the pond? The following road trip ideas should put you in the mood for a one-of-a-kind driving adventure.

* Hop on the Hana Highway. Much of Maui, Hawaii, is a 24-hour tourist trap. But if you know where to look, the area offers a beautiful experience that's devoid of picture-snapping sightseers. The area's 52-mile Hana Highway is the easy ticket for taking in clear blue ocean views and acres of undeveloped rainforest. Take a secondary road to Hoomanu Bay, where you can take a deserted dip in your own personal swimming hole and bask in complete relaxation.

* Head overseas to grab your keys. A far cry from your average trip to the beach, the European Delivery Program, offered by Mercedes-Benz, gives car buyers the opportunity to combine the excitement of driving a new Mercedes from the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, with an unforgettable European vacation all in the same week.

Additionally, the company's distinct program provides the chance to explore countries like Austria and Switzerland, dine on authentic European food and drive a Mercedes on the most famous highway in the world, the Autobahn, with many of the expenses paid for by the program. For more information, visit www.mbusa.com.

* Put the pedal to the metal in the desert. Feel like you've jumped into a scene from "Lawrence of Arabia" when you visit one of the driest and hottest areas in the United States -; Death Valley, Calif.

With your air conditioning pumping, drive through the picturesque Eureka Dunes, and make a point to stop at Badwater Basin, an area of salt flats that sits at 282 feet below sea level and holds the title of lowest point in North America.

So, whether you're looking to stay close to home or heading on an international adventure, you can experience an ultimate road trip by making a list of points of interest in the area you want to visit and using city and state Web sites for ideas. Then, pack your bags, grab your map and head out onto the open road.