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For many people around the world, driving the historic Route 66 route through the US is a bucket-list dream. Not just because of the possibility of spotting some aliens along the Extraterrestrial Highway, but because of the sheer amount of places you can visit and experience.
Route 66 is approximately 2,400 miles long, spanning 8 states and a total of 3 time zones – that’s right, you’ll literally be travelling in time! The route goes all the way from Chicago in the east, to Santa Monica in the west, taking you on a wild and unique journey through small town America.
So how do you make the most out of this journey? Well, below we have compiled a few tips and tricks to make sure that your Route 66 journey is a successful one, and you don’t get zapped up by any aliens along the way.
Firstly, Plan An Itinerary
It cannot be understated how important it is to plan this journey before you put the pedal to the metal. Route 66 is a long, long drive. 3 time zones long, for goodness sake. Any time you plan a trip, it’s important to do so carefully, so it makes sense to plan one like this just as thoroughly.
Research The Best Places To Stop
With this being such a long trip, it’s important to research exactly where to stop and take a little bit of a break. You don’t want to be stopping in a small town with not a lot to do. Either stop somewhere with a bit of a buzz – there is a great nightlife scene in Las Vegas, of course – or somewhere beautiful and scenic to really take in where you are. Some of the best places in this instance include Downtown Springfield in Missouri, Dale’s Ole 66 Barber Shop in Joplin or the Cadillac Ranch in Texas.
Bring The Correct Supplies
For some reason, when people plan car trips, they don’t tend to really think about the supplies they will need along the way. Perhaps it’s the romanticism behind “flying solo” or perhaps it’s just an oversight. Whatever it is, it’s something you will regret very soon into your journey. Make sure you have all the best accessories for a driving vacation: sunglasses, suncream, souvenirs, water, food, maps, playlists. You name it, bring it!
Budget, Budget, Budget
As it is with every holiday, your budget is one of the most important factors when it comes to having a good time. Make sure you have budgeted everything out carefully – down to a tee – and you wont hit any unexpected snags along the way that might ruin the whole experience.
Focus On Fun!
Lastly, make sure you have fun! You might be thinking, well, duh! But actually, when it comes to “road-trip vacations”, it can be easy to put your focus into where you’re trying to get to, without focusing on the actual reason you’re travelling in the first place. Make sure to savour every moment, don’t get too stressed about arriving at a destination on time, and simply let Route 66 take you where it wants to go.
