For more than a century, the beauty and power of automobiles has captivated the world. Despite the fact that cars are an everyday part of our lives, millions of people still flock to Formula One or NASCAR races, and destinations around the world attract countless tourists with car museums, production facilities, and other events designed to appeal to gearheads. Those who have an interest in cars can easily find a trip that will provide plenty of auto-centric excitement for any budget.
Of course, some of the best vacations for car lovers will involve major racing events. Few race fans would miss a trip to the Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, or the Monaco Grand Prix. However, even without a race, many tracks are worth visiting. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Daytona International Speedway, for example, nearly always have car and race-related museums nearby.
Other places to visit include the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Indiana or the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. This museum offers a wonderful way to learn more about automotive history as well as the way cars are produced today.
Many locations even provide the opportunity to get behind the wheel. The Land Rover Experience Driving School in Asheville, North Carolina, offers drivers a challenging outdoor course. There are also car rental firms that offer fancy European sports cars for driving on the Autobahn or around famous test tracks like the Nurburgring. As with racing, however, one can often find far cheaper alternatives closer to home, through regional classic car shows and other events that bring car enthusiasts together.