Around the World in Cars

Ellie Dyer-Brown, 3 years ago

5 min read

  • Creative
  • Travel
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From the Italia 458 to the Hyundai Santa Fe, we're taking you on a journey around the world in cars this World Tourism Day.

Since many of us haven’t set foot outside the UK since the global pandemic began, World Tourism Day might feel like a bit of a damp squib. But that sunny beach holiday you’ve been dreaming of is right around the corner, and until then, we’ve set up a virtual trip around the world in cars to get you in the mood for travel. 

Take me to...

UK

Brazil

Monaco

Spain

America

Italy


UK

If a staycation is your cup of tea, we’ve got you covered. 

What better place to start than the capital? Incredibly, London’s Hackney Carriages can be traced all the way back to the 17th century. 

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The first taxi rank appeared in 1634 on the Strand (in those days the carriages were horse drawn), and since then, Hackney Carriages have become almost as iconic as the city itself!

Brazil

In a list of the top ten places we’d rather be right now, Brazil would definitely be up there.

Named after the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro - meaning ‘River of January’ -  the Kia Rio has been on sale since 1999 and is now in its fourth generation. Supposedly, the car’s bodywork is composed of flowing lines just like a river...but we’ll let you decide on that one.

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Either way, the car and its namesake both share one thing in common, which is their popularity. Every year, Rio de Janeiro’s famous carnival attracts almost five million visitors who flock to experience the extravagant dancing and music that has made this carnival the biggest in the world.

Rio Carnival 1

Rio is definitely up there on our travel bucket list. And while it’s slightly less flamboyant, we think the Kia Rio is a pretty good car too.

Monaco

Next we’re heading to glamorous Monte Carlo. 

Every year in May, the Monaco Grand Prix attracts thousands of visitors - but does the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, named after this luxurious haven on the French Riviera, live up to the same impressive standards?

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We certainly think so. Not only does the 1987 Monte Carlo boast an impressive NASCAR track record which came to define the Cup Series for almost two decades, the 1995 version also enjoyed race track success up until 2007.

Spain

Sunbathing, sangria and the Seat Ibiza.

Just as Ibiza is the most well known of the Balearic Islands, the fun and quirky Ibiza supermini is also the best-selling Seat model that helped to put this Spanish car manufacturer on the map. It’s currently in its fourth generation, having been around for 37 years. 

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In 1996, 1997 and 1998 the Seat Ibiza won the FIA rally championship, proving it’s just as fun as the island after which it’s named. It even has an engine that was developed with the help of Porsche!

America

New experiences in New Mexico.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is named after the capital city of New Mexico and has been dubbed by many as the perfect family car. Stylish and sturdy on the outside with a sleek yet spacious interior, this is an SUV that offers a lot but won’t cost the earth.

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Whether you’re inspired by the expansive, rugged landscape of New Mexico or the legendary history and culture of Santa Fe itself, the Hyundai Santa Fe embodies the unique essence of this part of the world.

Italy

Like an ice cold Aperol spritz on a hot summer’s day, the Ferrari Italia 458 is a truly iconic symbol of Italian culture.

We all wish we were lounging on a boat around the Isle of Capri or winding our way along the maze-like canals of Venice, but since we’re actually stuck in the rainy UK, we’ll have to settle for admiring the artistry of the Ferrari Italia 458 instead. 

It’s sleek, stylish and super fast - no wonder the 458 has won over 30 international awards to date.

OIP

Want to explore more of the world through cars this International Tourism Day? Check out our road trip guide to TV’s most iconic landscapes!