Route 66

Simon1963

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819
2023 sees both myself and Mrs. 1963 turning 60 and to soften the blow we thought that we would like to drive Route 66. Has anybody on the forum done it? As I see it there’s 3 ways to do it, by car and hotel, in an RV or as part of an official tour on a coach. I’ve ruled the coach out straight away. If it was by car it would have to be something special. I’ve reached out to a couple of specialist agents but in the mean time has anybody on here done it and can you recommend an agent to book through.
 

zagatoes30

Member
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20,759
We did R66 in 2017 backwards, we started in Santa Monica and drove to Chicago. Best trip we ever did, enjoyed all the up front planning, R66 changed over years so there are different routes and there is loads to see. Some towns along the way really go for the nostalgia others ignore it completely and the same is true of the people you meet.

There are a couple of good guidebooks that are worth a read, I will dig them out later. I have hundreds of photos and it was great experience and we would do it again just in something better than a knackered V10 6.0 Ford motorhome
 

zagatoes30

Member
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20,759
No RV experience but I wouldn’t do it in one. The motel, diner, small town hotel is all part of the experience, that’s what R66 and most US routes were built around.

Worked well for us as we had 3 small children but agree next time it would be muscle cars and motels
 

zagatoes30

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20,759
Must admit we had as much fun doing the research and planning, it really focus's your mind when you have lots of material to mull over and its quite an interesting subject with lots of historic details along the way.

When we were over in 2017 we did a bit of Highway 1, San Francisco to Los Angeles but were on a mission only had 3 days so we are already discussing doing another trip in a year or two down the whole West Coast from Vancouver to Tijuana
 

zagatoes30

Member
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20,759
Thank you. I’ll have a look out for those. Did you go with an official itinerary or did you sort it all yourselves?

As we had an RV we sorted it ourselves only booking a day or so ahead. R66 was part of a massive US trip taking in Washington, Hawaii, San Francisco, LA, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and R66 we were away for 6 weeks. There are lots of places along the route that you can book last minute, some better than others, which gives you more flexibility if you find some where you want to spend more time. It depends on your timeframe and what you want to see
 

Simon1963

Member
Messages
819
As we had an RV we sorted it ourselves only booking a day or so ahead. R66 was part of a massive US trip taking in Washington, Hawaii, San Francisco, LA, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and R66 we were away for 6 weeks. There are lots of places along the route that you can book last minute, some better than others, which gives you more flexibility if you find some where you want to spend more time. It depends on your timeframe and what you want to see
Sounds like a good idea. I must admit looking at some of the travel company itineraries it’s a tight schedule. I’ve ordered the guides so we can look through those and get some ideas. Thanks for the info.
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
I did this with a group from the Mustang forum, organised by one of the members, we were in 11 cars including convertible Mustangs - it was awesome.
Chicago to Santa Monica ending with a celebration dinner and overnight on the Queen Mary.
We did it over 12 days but could easily have filled twice that time.
However you do it, it will be fantastic.
I also have some books I could loan you.
 

schell70

Member
Messages
313
I've done most of it in a few stages as and when I was over there for work or holiday - don't do it in an RV, it's nicer to do in a car and then you can choose to have different hotel experiences from 5 star to Motel 6 or a TeePee!

Car wise, well I've done it in a convertible Mustang but got a sunburnt head, also a Chevy Suburban to feel like the FBI and an Impala which was a bit pimpish - all standard Hertz/Avis fare - best rental we ever had though was an Infiniti QX70 which ate the miles and was quite entertaining.

I think you can still rent an old banger from the 60's/70s too if you do a search
 
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Simon1963

Member
Messages
819
I did this with a group from the Mustang forum, organised by one of the members, we were in 11 cars including convertible Mustangs - it was awesome.
Chicago to Santa Monica ending with a celebration dinner and overnight on the Queen Mary.
We did it over 12 days but could easily have filled twice that time.
However you do it, it will be fantastic.
I also have some books I could loan you.
Sounds great fun doing it as a group. That’s very kind of you which books do you have Sam, I’ve ordered to two that Zagatoes pictured. First decisions made are 3 weeks a muscle car and probably roadside motels. I’ve got a couple of companies pricing something up for me then it’s down to loads or research and see what we can work out to do it independently.
 

Simon1963

Member
Messages
819
I've done most of it in a few stages as and when I was over there for work or holiday - don't do it in an RV, it's nicer to do in a car and then you can choose to have different hotel experiences from 5 star to Motel 6 or a TeePee!

Car wise, well I've done it in a convertible Mustang but got a sunburnt head, also a Chevy Suburban to feel like the FBI and an Impala which was a bit pimpish - all standard Hertz/Avis fare - best rental we ever had though was an Infiniti QX70 which ate the miles and was quite entertaining.

I think you can still rent an old banger from the 60's/70s too if you do a search
I can see your point as I’m folically challenged to say the least:)
 

midlifecrisis

Member
Messages
16,102
The UK has a route 66 too but only takes a morning/afternoon. Probably good if you're in Teesside and fancy a Sunday lunch in Workington or vice versa. Jokes aside there's some stunning scenery in the middle. I give you the A66.
 

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Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
Sounds great fun doing it as a group. That’s very kind of you which books do you have Sam, I’ve ordered to two that Zagatoes pictured. First decisions made are 3 weeks a muscle car and probably roadside motels. I’ve got a couple of companies pricing something up for me then it’s down to loads or research and see what we can work out to do it independently.
It was great fun, and someone else did all the planning and bookings, it’s quite a challenge staying on the old road as soon may pf the signs take you on new roads that follow a similar route.
One of the guys bought a Route66 memory card for his satnav that was great to help planning.
We stayed in trditial motels of various quality which added to the fun.
When you visit William make time for the train trip up to the canyon. So much to do, I want to go back with my wife and do a 3 week trip.
These are the books - happy to loan them on a promise that they will be returned at some point
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