Travel the iconic Route 66

Established in 1926, Route 66 is one of America’s most famous roads. Stretching more than 3,900 km and covering eight states and three different time zones, this is the real deal.?

Once referred to as the Main Street of America, Route 66 was the first all-weather highway that linked Chicago to Los Angeles, and travelling Americans embraced it with much enthusiasm. When drivers eventually moved onto the national highway system, the historic road became obsolete. However, this famous road still captures the hearts and imagination of travellers who find driving down Route 66 is still a magical experience.

Route 66 is very much a 14-night holiday with driving every day. If you have extra time to spend, you can plan drive-free days and slow it all down. Three weeks will allow you to soak up America's heartland. If time is a factor however, you can opt for a shorter holiday forgoing a Chicago start for Oklahoma.

Route 66 is blessed with some truly incredible locations, landmarks and landscapes, but there are parts of this stretch of road that are much more appealing to visitors than others. Every state has something to offer and it’s worth doing some research to see their highlights and must-sees, especially if you are a bit short on time.

Some of the (many) sights and attractions along Route 66 to consider include:

Chicago

In Chicago you will find Chinatown and Little Italy which are both, well worth a visit. You will also find The John Hancock Centre where a 360 Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago from 1,000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile. The observation deck is the home of TILT – Chicago's highest thrill ride.?

Illinois

Home to Memory Lane, an old stretch of Route 66 where replicas of old signs will take you back in time. Imagine what it was like to drive Route 66 100 years ago, this is a truly memorable experience! You can also visit the former home of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois.?

St. Louis

St Louis is America’s great ‘gateway city’ and home to one of the best blues scenes in the US.?

Check out the amazing 630-foot Gateway Arch which dominates the city’s skyline and visit Scott Joplin’s House where the ragtime innovator penned such hits as ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ and ‘The Entertainer’.

Oklahoma City

Home to mile-long riverwalk-style canal, AAA baseball stadium, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Remington Park Racetrack, Stockyards City, Frontier City Theme Park, and the Red Earth Indian Centre. Each attraction reflects the strong ties this area has with its western heritage.

Amarillo

Amarillo survived the death of Route 66. As you follow Amarillo Boulevard east, there are more and more ghost remnants, bits and pieces of the now legendary Mother Road. Defunct business with vintage cars parked out front, occasional arrows pointing to a shell of a store, also the Historic and National Park Service Preserved Triangle Motel (circa late 1940s) which was named after the odd-shaped lot where Highways 60 and 66 met.

Albuquerque

A trip on the Scandia Peak Tramway transports you high above the deep canyons and spectacular terrain surrounding Albuquerque. An observation deck over 10,000 feet up affords a panoramic view over the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment

Holbrook

Visit the Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook, one of the world’s largest and most colourful concentrations of petrified wood.

Grand Canyon

Take the free shuttle bus from the Canyon Plaza Visitor Centre to some of the best viewpoints along the South Rim. Alternatively, you can enjoy a helicopter ride over the North and South Rims of the Canyon for thrilling bird’s eye views of the Colorado River more than a mile below.

Las Vegas, NV

The city created to provide non-stop entertainment, wander The Strip, enjoy shows, or catch an adrenaline rush on the Stratosphere. Alternatively, for a break from the action, tour the world-famous Hoover Dam, or drive through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.?

Los Angeles

Whilst there is a great debate about where the actual ending point is located, Route 66 is said to end a block away from the pier at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave. A bronze plaque dedicating Route 66 as the Will Rogers Highway is located across the street in Palisades Park, a few feet from the Santa Monica Visitor Centre Kiosk.?

Attractions in Los Angeles include Sunset Strip where you can check out the entertainment hot spots on Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.?

Transport

When you’re driving from one side of the USA to the other - a roomy, comfortable and powerful car is essential. Don't forget, US roads and cars are bigger than in the UK, and you don't want to feel vulnerable or cramped - the SUV is the ideal vehicle.??If you have your heart set on a convertible, we suggest you incorporate this for part of your journey with a swap in Vegas!??Route 66 is also a perfect Harley-Davidson country! All you need is a valid UK motorcycle licence, and you can choose between a self-drive or guided tour.??

Another popular option is a motorhome. This does mean you miss staying in classic or quirky accommodation along the way and typically you are driving at a slower pace, but it's a great way for a family or larger group to travel.??

Most travellers plan journeys with a budget in mind. Organising a road trip can be more complex than budgeting for a package holiday or an all-inclusive break.

Cost

The cost of a Route 66 road trip can vary depending on vehicle rental options from car hire, vintage classics and motorhomes to different types of accommodation which range from motels and guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Therefore, whatever your budget, there’s a Route 66 itinerary that’s suited to you.

To book your perfect Route 66 trip, contact me?[email protected]?Using a Travel Counsellor means you get a personalised itinerary and security of having me at the end of the phone, should you have any questions or concerns.?