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Route 66 Holidays

Get your kicks on Route 66 as you travel from Chicago through the heart of continental America to Los Angeles. Iconic and nostalgic, follow America’s beloved ‘Mother Road’ on a memorable journey combining spectacular scenery, famous landmarks and quintessential American cuisine.

Stretching 2,448 miles, crossing eight states and three time zones, Route 66 was one of the original US highways and played an integral role as the main route for migrants travelling west to California during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. With sections of the road now protected and numerous landmarks, hotels, diners and signs preserved, experience the culture and diversity of this great nation on an epic cross-country road trip of a lifetime. Journey from the plains of the Midwest, through farmland, desert and mountain to the sun-kissed Californian coast.

This is your chance to live the great American dream as you capture the culture and diversity of this great nation during your cross-country road trip of a lifetime. Take it at your own pace with a self-drive tour or, for those seeking a little more independence without wanting to drive, then our Route 66 rail holiday might be the perfect twist to your trip.

 
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US ROUTE 66 - THE MOTHER ROAD

 

Your Route 66 Holiday with Pettitts Travel

Each Route 66 trip we arrange is unique and can be tailored to your exact needs and wants. As one of the greatest road trips in the world, most people choose to hire a car and drive this iconic route, however it is also possible to experience Route 66 by rail. Our Route 66 travel experts can offer advice on all aspects of the trip from car hire and accommodation to the best things to see and do.

One of the most common questions we are asked is ‘how long does it take to drive Route 66’? The entire route between Chicago and Los Angeles can be completed in a little over two weeks but, for those with less time, the journey can be shortened by starting in Oklahoma City. Alternatively, if you wish to stay longer, extend your holiday by following coastal Highway 1 to beautiful San Francisco spectacular Grand Canyon and dazzling Las Vegas are not part of the classic Route 66, but many people decide to include these iconic stops on their trip.

Things to see and do on Route 66

With its neon retro signs, classic roadside diners, memorabilia museums, iconic landmarks and breathtaking national parks, there is plenty to see and do whilst driving Route 66. The ‘Mother Road’ bisects the heart of the US providing a glimpse into the individualism and idiosyncrasies of American society and culture.

There are many quirky landmarks to see whilst driving Route 66 which often form an important part of the trip. See the graffiti-covered Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, the Milk Bottle Grocery Store in Oklahoma City as well as Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole and the Gemini Giant in Illinois.

For natural beauty and scenic landscapes there are many national and state parks to visit en route including Arizona’s Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, Palo Duro Canyon Park in Texas and California’s Mojave Desert.

 

Tailor-Made Route 66 Holidays

 

Route 66 Travel Guide

Route 66 Travel Guide

We have many years’ experience in creating tailor-made Route 66 holidays. We base our recommendations on tried and tested hotels, regular client feedback and over 30 years of knowledge and expertise of this iconic route. Our Route 66 guide is packed full of useful information and insights including what to see and do along the route and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Place a Route 66 enquiry with us and we’ll send you a free copy in the post!

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Common Route 66 Questions

A1 - A trip along Route 66 can be taken at any time of the year but heavy snowstorms and icy roads can severely interrupt travel plans during the winter months. Also bear in mind that during early spring and late autumn, some attractions will be closed or only open for reduced hours. May to October is the optimal time to drive Route 66, with May, June, September and October being our preferred travel months. July and August are extremely popular months to travel but do bear in mind that the western states experience extremely high temperatures.
A2 - As long as you want it to! Remember, the joy of the Route 66 experience is the journey itself, not the destination. We recommend you allow at least 14 days to travel from Chicago to LA if you want to sample a true taste of Route 66 and its many attractions, plus a few more days if you’re planning to add the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas to your trip.
A3 - Accommodation along Route 66 is extremely varied, from luxurious and boutique city hotels to quirky motels and charming lodges. You will also find a wide range of international hotel chains to choose from. Be prepared that outside of the big cities, accommodation choices can be limited and more basic, but there are always comfortable and characterful places to choose from and we can advise at the time of booking. At Pettitts Travel, we tailor-make your Route 66 itinerary and can offer hand-picked accommodation suggestions to suit you.
A4 - There are an extremely limited number of convertible vehicles available to rent in Chicago and many car hire companies will not permit trans-state rentals. Convertibles are also not particularly practical. It is possible however to experience part of the journey in a convertible between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. A standard car or even an SUV can be arranged from Chicago to Las Vegas or similar, then a convertible can be collected for the rest of the journey across to Santa Monica.
A5 - Depending which car hire company you choose and which route you drive, you may or may not have to pay a one-way car hire fee. One of our experienced Travel Consultants can discuss your options with you during the planning stage.
A6 - The simple answer is no. Motorhome rentals charge for mileage packages and when covering a distance as great as Route 66 (over 2,400 miles), this can work out at almost $1000 or so. Add to this the vehicle hire charge, campsite fees for each overnight stop, the fuel required for the journey and a hefty one-way drop-off fee, it is far more cost-effective to rent a car and stay in hotels and motels along Route 66. It is also quite difficult to find and pre-book campsites to stay in along the route.
A7 - You will find gas stations at least every 30 miles or so along the majority of Route 66 and the surrounding roads. In more remote areas such as Arizona, there are fewer gas stations so be certain to fill up as often as possible and avoid the fuel gauge dropping below the halfway mark. If you are heading out to the Grand Canyon on a side trip, it is worth refueling in Kingman to avoid paying premium prices in the desert area. Fuel is usually paid for before filling up at most gas stations in the USA.
A8 - Yes, if you do not want to drive Route 66 another option is to go by train. Travelling by rail creates the perfect opportunity for you to explore some of the best spots on the classic route, including a visit to the mighty Grand Canyon, without the need to drive. Starting in Chicago, you will travel by Amtrak rail through Saint Louis, Albuquerque, Williams and the Grand Canyon with the final stop being Los Angeles. Accommodation will be a mix of hotels and overnight sleeper trains, which are comfy and allow for long journeys to be completed overnight, thereby maximising sightseeing time.

HOLIDAYS WITH PETTITTS TRAVEL

With over 30 years' experience, Pettitts Travel specializes in creating memorable holidays around the globe. As an independent tour operator and travel agency, we can help to both craft or source your perfect holiday and pride ourselves in providing the very highest level of service and advice.

Whether you are looking to travel closer to home or further afield, on a short break or a longer adventure, looking to simply relax beside the beach or undertake a once in a lifetime cultural tour, our experienced team will be delighted to assist you.
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