There's nowhere in the world quite like America for hitting the open road. From the world-famous Route 66 to the coastal drives of California and Florida, there are some amazing sights to see. If you want to experience the best of the USA, car hire is a great way to do it.

America is as diverse as it is massive, with around 3,000 miles separating its east and west coasts. In between you'll find everything from deserts to forests and mountain ranges, along with countless famous vistas you'll recognise from the big screen.

If you're planning a trip across the 'land of the free', there are so many amazing sights, landmarks and cities to see across the 50 states you'll be spoiled for choice.

Whether you catch the Mardi Gras celebrations in the Deep South's New Orleans, marvel at the USA's past presidents carved into Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or take a trip to the Hollywood Hills in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, there's something to see and do at every turn.

Depending on which area or states you decide to visit, you won't have to worry too much about traffic slowing you down; as there are miles of open highways stretching as far as the eye can see in some cases. Route 66, otherwise known as the Mother Road, stretches for nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, for example. However, make sure you have some small change on you when driving as many motorway-style roads (the “interstates”) have tolls.

America is the home of the road trip, so what better way could there be to embrace the culture than by hiring a classic American car and hitting the road? American cars tend to be larger than those in the UK and are generally automatic so bear this in mind when you pick your car up. Also remember that you should drive on the right-hand side in the USA and that speed limits are low at around 55mph - the last thing you want to pick up on holiday is a speeding ticket. And, be prepared to buy “gas” not petrol and to buy it in gallons, not litres.

Popular destinations for Brits picking up their pre-booked hire car include Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford (SFB), Miami International Airport (MIA), Tampa International Airport in Florida (TPA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Las Vegas McCarran (LAS), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark (EWR), and Boston's Logan Airport (BOS).

For a taste of real American life, why not take yourself off the beaten track and enjoy some famous Southern hospitality? Or, if you're a nature-lover, why not take a trip to one of the US' lesser-known National Parks, such as Washington's North Cascades?

For breath-taking scenery, try the Desert View Drive - a 25-mile scenic route to the east of the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Along the route you'll find six canyon viewpoints where you can take in the sheer scale of the landmark.

Of course if you're taking the family to the States there are classic destinations and attractions like Orlando and Disneyland which could keep you all entertained for the duration of your holiday, but why not hire a car and take some time to drive down to Miami - just four hours' drive away and enjoy its white sands while you're in Florida?

Wherever you decide to go, the USA is a great place for a driving holiday. To find the best price on car hire in the USA, compare prices online now and save money on walk-up prices by pre-booking.

And, remember you can make further savings on car hire excess insurance