This adventure of more than 4000km and 100 years of history is one of the most exciting and interesting journeys in the world. Are you up for it?
Don’t worry! We’ll provide you with all the details you need to know before embarking on your journey and immersing yourself in the most famous route in the United States.
Follow the original route
There are several ways to travel along Route 66. The easiest thing to do is just follow the signs and billboards on the road. Some sections of the motorway are a bit confusing, so it’s best to find a special Route 66 map and plan your accommodation and ‘must’ stop points along the route, so you don’t miss out on anything.
Another thing you could do is buy three or four books about Route 66 and mark the stops you don’t want to miss out on seeing.
There are also a few apps that have been specially created for this route.
First things first, get travel insurance
This is essential – take out travel insurance. Everyone knows that medical costs in the U.S. are extremely expensive, and even the slightest discomfort or sickness could affect your budget and stop you from making the most of the trip.
Several insurance companies offer discounts if you take out your insurance policy online. It only takes a few minutes, and then you’re covered in case anything happens along the way.
Fly to the U.S. to start
It’s best to fly to Chicago and start Route 66 from the windy city and then get the return flight back home from Los Angeles. Why? The goal of the trip is to travel this incredible route of more than 4000km, so your flights should be with a different destination and departure points, so you can cover the entire route.
Renting a car: essential
Renting a car is the most essential (after your travel insurance of course!). Bear in mind that you’ll be charged a “one-way” rate, which costs between 500 and 1000 dollars depending on the company you choose, but it also means you just have to pick the car up in Chicago and return it in Los Angeles.
In order to rent a car, you’ll need to have a valid international driving licence to rent a car in the U.S. And, if you travel with a group, you can cut down on some of the costs, especially petrol.
Where to stay?
Ideally, you should book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re travelling in peak season (June – September). This is most important if you’re some of the more traditional accommodation options on Route 66. You could be left without a bed for the night in some of these places as they’re incredibly famous.
We especially recommend booking accommodation in advance if you plan on staying in Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. There are plenty of hotels, but you might end up paying through the roof.
Estimated budget
The total cost of the trip, including flights, accommodation, food, travel insurance, car rental, petrol and entertainment will cost about €4500 for two people. However, you can do for less than €2000 per person if you cut back on spending and reduce your budget per day on Route 66.
What’s there to see
Here’s a guide of the days and places for you to visit and enjoy on Route 66.
Days 1 & 2: Chicago
Day 3: Chicago – St. Louis
Day 4: St. Louise – Tulsa
Day 5: Tulsa – Amarillo
Day 6: Amarillo – Santa Fe
Day 7: Santa Fe – Albuquerque
Day 8: Albuquerque – Holbrook
Day 9: Holbrook – Monument Valley
Day 10: Monument Valley – Page
Day 11: Page – Las Vegas
Days 12 & 13: Las Vegas
Day 14: Las Vegas – Barstow
Day 15: Barstow – Santa Monica
Days 16 – 18: Los Angeles
If you’re a beginner on America’s most famous route, there are other useful tips you could follow, like taking recommendations from locals, opening hours of shops and restaurants, or even finding out what time the sun sets in the state you’re planning on visiting. Oh, and make sure to have your passport up to date and carry it with you at all times.
Now with all this info, you ready to travel and make the most of this legendary route!
