Preparing for Route 66: 5 mistakes to avoid
Taking Route 66 is much more than just a road trip: it’s a teenage dream, a mythical adventure, a plunge into vintage America. But between the images of retro motels and the reality of the trip, there’s a world… often full of pitfalls.
So, before you rush headlong down this legendary road, here are 5 common mistakes to avoid if you don’t want your dream to turn into a race against the clock (or a logistical nightmare).
5 mistakes to avoid when planning Route 66
Mistake No. 1: Improvising your trip "by feel
“It’s a road trip, isn’t it? We’ll see when we get there…” That’s the best way to miss out on the hidden nuggets of Route 66. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t guess the route by GPS: some historic sections are poorly marked, or even absent from recent maps. Without serious preparation, you risk missing out on the very essence of the trip.
Things to do instead: map out your itinerary in advance with a specialized Route 66 map, note the stops you must make (and those you should avoid), and plan alternatives in case of unforeseen circumstances (roadworks, weather, fatigue).
The perfect idea: draw an itinerary on a map. You can add points of interest along the way, and always have your map at your fingertips – even if you don’t have internet access!
See also: How many GB for my GPS?
Mistake No. 2: Doing it all in 10 days
Route 66 crosses 8 states and almost 4,000 km. Attempting to do it in ten days means driving non-stop, skipping encounters, skimping on sightseeing… and ending up on your kneecaps. It’s not a rally, it’s an immersion.
Ideally, allow 2 to 3 weeks to really enjoy your trip, soak up the small-town atmosphere, and leave room for spontaneity (the kind that doesn’t make you miss your reserved motel!).
And it works even better if you have children!
A word of advice: don’t plan to do Route 66 if you only have 15 days in the USA (or don’t want to do it all).
Mistake #3: Not booking accommodation in advance
Want to sleep in a vintage neon pink motel? Good idea, but… they’re often rare, sought-after and not all on Booking. In high season (May to September), many are fully booked weeks in advance.
Our advice: locate and book the iconic accommodations (the Blue Swallow Motel, the Wigwam Motel…) as soon as your itinerary is set. You can keep a few nights free for the unexpected, but not all of them.
In any case, please bring an internet connection so you can book your hotels and restaurants as you go, for those places you’re not sure about!
Mistake No. 4: Renting the wrong car
The image of a convertible speeding down the road is seductive… but impractical for 4 suitcases + 2 children. Conversely, a sedan that’s too “modern” can break the charm a little.
Think practical AND atmospheric: a comfortable SUV or a muscle car (a typical American car such as a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger). These are often chosen for a road trip on Route 66, because they add a very “American dream” atmosphere to the trip, but they are less practical if you have a lot of luggage or if there are several of you. And above all: check that your rental includes unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance (the U.S. is not Europe).
You’ll also need a telephone package to reach the agency in case of a problem. Visit prepaid packages are ideal for this purpose.
Mistake no. 5: Believing that everything is "just like in the movies
Yes, Route 66 is all about Elvis, old gas stations and milkshake diners. But it’s also deserted stretches, ghost towns, areas forgotten by mass tourism. And that’s what makes it so rich.
Be prepared for contrasts: between nostalgia and reality, between assumed clichés and improbable encounters. It’s a human journey, as much as a movie set.
You’ll be in the heart of the USA.
Route 66 milestones: from Chicago to Santa Monica
Here’s an overview of the major stages of Route 66, to help you plan your itinerary, state by state:
1. Illinois (departure from Chicago)
Chicago: A mythical starting point, famous for its art deco architecture and vibrant jazz. Don’t miss Millennium Park and the Willis Tower.
Anecdote: Route 66 officially begins at the junction of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, marked by a sign often photographed by travellers from all over the world.
Pontiac: Small town famous for its Route 66 museum and street art.
2. Missouri
St Louis: Cross the Mississippi via the iconic Gateway Arch.
Cuba: Known for its ornate motels and more than 30 murals telling the story of local history.
3. Kansas
Baxter Springs: The shortest stretch of Route 66 crosses just 13 km here, but the town exudes an authentic, historic atmosphere.
Anecdote: Baxter Springs was the scene of several battles during the American Civil War, and you can visit commemorative sites on site.
4. Oklahoma
Tulsa & Oklahoma City: Rich in museums and the history of country and blues music.
Arcadia: The Pops station, famous for its gigantic illuminated soda bottle, is a must-see stop.
Anecdote: Pops offers over 700 different varieties of soda, enough to delight collectors and the curious!
5. Texas
Amarillo: Visit the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation where 10 Cadillacs are planted in the ground, covered in graffiti by visitors who are free to tag the cars.
Midpoint Café: Located in Adrian, it marks the exact mid-point between Chicago and Los Angeles. It’s THE mythical stop for travelers who want to immortalize their stopover in the heart of Route 66.
6. New Mexico
Tucumcari: A town of retro neon lights and vintage motels, famous for its illuminated billboards. The town has been the setting for several American films, including “The Getaway” starring Steve McQueen.
Albuquerque: Known for its adobe houses and Hispanic culture, Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival every October – a colorful spectacle not to be missed if you’re there during that period!
7. Arizona
Holbrook: The Wigwam Motel lets you sleep in concrete “teepees”.
Williams: Gateway city to the Grand Canyon.
Seligman: Considered the cradle of the road’s tourism revival, thanks to Angel Delgadillo, hairdresser and Route 66 advocate.
8. California (arrival in Santa Monica)
Barstow and San Bernardino: the last desert stages, where the solitude of the journey is fully felt.
Santa Monica: End of the trip on the beach with the famous pier, a symbol of the end of Route 66.
Preparing for Route 66 takes time, method and a little practicality. But well organized, this journey across the United States becomes an unforgettable experience, halfway between history, cinema and freedom.
And if you want to immortalize it all, think of our our solutions ! So, ready to hit the road?
