BA - The Club - Five nature-tastic epic drives to double your Tier Points

Vancouver to Kelowna, Canada

Best for: chilled cruisers
The less hurried route from Canada’s coastal paradise to its gorgeous grape-growing region takes about five hours without breaks and is one of the most scenic in all British Columbia – a province that’s no stranger to a jaw-dropping landscape. From Vancouver, leave Highway 1 and exit on to Highway 3 (also known as the Crowsnest Highway), traversing dense forests and the Cascade Mountains. Stretch your legs in the subalpine meadows of Manning Park, where wildflowers bloom until late summer, then stock up on road-trip snacks at Keremeos, the ‘fruit stand capital of Canada,’ before lake hopping between the towns of Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls and Penticton, and then reaching your delectable finale at Kelowna’s star vineyards.

Take off to Vancouver

Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa

Best for: adrenaline addicts
Stretching for 300km along the Indian Ocean, the celebrated Garden Route on the N2 Highway is a road-trip triumph all year round, flaunting beyond blissful beaches, indigenous forests, secret lagoons and heart-in-your-mouth adventures. Start (and stop) at the harbour town of Mossel Bay, four hours east of Cape Town, for the longest over-ocean zipline in the world, and finish at Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park, making time to trek across the 77m suspension bridge above the rollercoaster rapids. Whether you have three days or two weeks, there are plenty of blood-pumping pitstops, from tandem paragliding in the city of George to canyoning (otherwise known as ‘kloofing’) around Plettenberg Bay.

Take off to Cape Town

Newcastle to Newry, Northern Ireland

The Mourne Mountains on this route are so majestic that they inspired CS Lewis to write his series of fantasy novels The Chronicles of Narnia. Where better to start the magic than in the shadow of the highest peak, Slieve Donard, in the seaside town of Newcastle, just 40 minutes from Belfast? Continue down the coast to the peaceful fishing village of Annalong, then head off the beaten track to serene Silent Valley for an otherworldly contrast of deep blue lakes against imposing granite summits (peak walking season is April to October). Return to the shoreline to rest at sandy Cranfield Beach, before calling it a day at the historic city of Newry.

Take off to Belfast

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Camden, Maine, USA

Golden-sand beaches, lighthouse-flanked fishing villages, hippy art colonies, boatloads of maritime history and long, warm summer days into late September: this three-hour route along the northern New England coast has it all. Get going at charming, crowd-free Portsmouth (a one-hour drive from Boston) on the Piscataqua River, before heading north on the I-95 for the Maine event – the sailing resort town of Kennebunkport is pushing past its preppy roots towards a cool revival and deserves a visit, while funky state capital Portland needs no renaissance and a boat ride at Boothbay Harbour to see puffins is a must. End at the seaside town of Camden, a rare combination of untamed wilderness and vibrant arts and dining.

Take off to Boston

Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park in Portugal

Vila Real de Santo António to Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

Portugal’s southern coastline is a dream for sun-seekers and surfers, and almost nothing tops the journey from the Algarve along the country’s west coast. You could start in Seville (only 150km away) but Vila Real de Santo António, near Faro, is an ideal point to head off towards the golden stone arches of Lagos jutting out of the Atlantic Sea. Then it’s up towards Praia da Amoreira beach, a secluded surf spot in Aljezur village with swells suitable for beginners from spring to autumn. Weave your way along the lush Vicentine Coast Natural Park before finishing up at the rustic white homes and cobbled squares of seaside marvel Vila Nova de Milfontes

Take off to Faro