Driving Route 66 is a classic bucket list goal, and if you’re planning to undertake this iconic road trip, then you are in for a treat. You get to see a real slice of American history and culture and get to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. However, a little forward planning can help you enjoy your journey even more, so here are some things you need to know before tackling Route 66.
1. It’s longer than you may think
When people think of driving Route 66, they may picture desert scenery, but the truth is you’ll pass through a lot of states. Route 66 is nearly 2,500 miles long, starting in Chicago and stretching all the way to Los Angeles. Therefore, most people recommend allowing at least two weeks to get along the route. However, if you want to enjoy staying in the cities along the way such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City, you should allow for a slower pace.
2. There can be long stretches of nothing
Although Route 66 has a lot of interesting attractions, there are areas where you don’t see an awful lot along the way. Many people choose to pick up an RV rental in Chicago to start their journey, from Cruise America, as this means they can simply find RV parks along the way rather than have to find accommodation in busy motels.
3. Certain months are better than others
Unless you’re driving Route 66 in a convertible, the weather doesn’t really matter as you’ll have air-con or heating in the car, but certain months are better for travel. June to August are the most popular months and the combination of stifling heat, busy restaurants and accommodation that’s solidly booked can make it challenging. It’s nice to be able to roll down your windows and enjoy the empty roads, so pick quieter months like April, May, September or October and you’ll still get long, light days.
4. You may need to pack a map
While paper maps are a thing of the past, they can actually be quite useful on Route 66. If you try to navigate via GPS, it’ll take you to the modern, faster roads, so you miss out on the charm. You need to download a map of Historic Route 66 for offline viewing or invest in a paper map and guidebook, so you’re covered if your GPS loses signal. A lot of Route 66 is well signposted, but it’s good to have a backup.
5. It’s a step back in time
If you love vintage Americana and appreciate old-fashioned motels and diners, then Route 66 will be a lot of fun for you. If you expect modern chain hotels, then not so much. A lot of Route 66 feels like it’s stuck in the 1950s and 1960s, which is great for lovers of vintage, but it’s worth remembering that accommodation will be fairly basic. However, if you have an adventurous spirit, then you’ll love the quirky places you’ll find along the way.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
