Route 66 was the first highway of its kind and since then has been hugely popular for people to tour parts of America. Touring Route 66 is great ways to visit 8 of America’s states starting in Chicago and finishing in Santa Monica in California just make sure you apply for your ESTA USA visa, have a plan of action and bring plenty of supplies.
Starting Point
If you’re planning a trip to travel Route 66 then you will need a somewhat organised plan to determine where you’re going to start and finish as well as know how long you want to take when touring. The most common starting point is Chicago in which you can drive the entire Route and finish up in Los Angeles. Driving the complete Route takes a total of about 37 hours which you can spread over a week or longer depending on how detailed you want your trip to be. It is a good idea to make a list of attractions you want to see in each state, just don’t go planning mad but don’t through caution to the wind either -a happy medium is best when touring Route 66.
Accommodation
If you have decided how long your trip is going to be which you should it is best to make reservations. Even if you are planning to camp in an RV it is still a good idea to check in to motels so you can have a good night’s sleep before carrying on with your driving. On Route 66 there are plenty of quirky old school motels off the highway to choose from. In New Mexico there is the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup which was a temporary home for many Western film stars including John Wayne and Gregory Peck- this can really add to your Route 66 experience.
Food
It doesn’t matter where you go in America there will always be a long list of fast food, diners and restaurants you will want to check out. Part of touring Route 66 is experiencing all the classical Route 66 diners that serve traditional American road food like hotdogs, fries and burgers.
Lou Mitchell’s restaurant in Chicago is highly recommended before you begin your Route 66 tour. It has been the most popular diner among millions of customers since it was founded in 1923. When you finish your Route 66 tour head to Santa Monica Pier as the pier features a sign that declares ‘Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail’ -a perfect picture opportunity too.
Attractions
The historical Route 66 is the most famous road in America and there will be lots of famous attractions to see and visit on your tour so make sure you make a list of ones to see and check them off as you go.
The most quirky and weird Americana kitsch you’ll see on Route 66 is the Cadillac ranch. In Texas visitors are encouraged to use the cars as a graffiti canvas. During your Route 66 drive you will also experience the most beautiful part of the road in Arizona where you pass the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon-from graffiti to the most iconic western landscapes Route 66 has it all.
Supplies
Those touring Route 66 will need a varied amount of different supplies depending on who they are going with and for how long. The basic essentials for most will include a guidebook, a camera or two to record memoires, sunglasses, plenty of water and some snacks. One of the most important essentials other than water and maps is sunscreen; even if you spend a few days driving you can still be exposed to the sun. As well as having your smartphone handy it is best to have a map with you in case you get lost. On days when you are continuously stopping be sure to refuel your car and yourselves and make sure you have enough money to see you through your trip.
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