USA Road Trip R66 etc
Discussion
We have decided that in order to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and the Mrs 50th birthday, we are going to do a road trip next summer - Route 66 but with a couple of "loops" to take in other "must sees".
We acknowledge to do this justice we will need to be away longer than the normal fortnight holiday - so have perhaps a month in our heads (maybe five weeks). Definitely us two, youngest daughter undecided - especially after I told her that she will not have access to snapchat TikTok while we are driving (and impressing we will be in the car a lot!!). She will be 17 next summer - I am not convinced she will want to come. I have offered we could take a mate if they paid their way - so it could be four of us - or just me & the Mrs.
If the latter, intent is to hire a convertible Mustang or preferably a Camaro or Challenger, just because we can. If more, then we shall look at one of the bigger US SUVs (a Tahoe, Yukon maybe) - regardless - the criteria is it has to be a car we cannot get in the UK (so sort of rules out a Mustang as our neighbour has one!!). Have ruled out RVing just because I foresee hassle in towns and cities.
The route will likely be Chicago to LA rather than the other way round - I have done some test costings for this summer and Chicago to LA seems to be a bit cheaper regarding flights and car hire.
Trouble is - I keep finding things I want to see or do that are not necessarily on Route66. Vegas, PCH, Pikes Peak, Death Valley, Million Dollar Highway, Royal Gorge Bridge, Loneliest Road, Yosemite, Grand Canyon (obviously), Monument Valley, Area 51 (or rather extra Terrestrial Highway), a 72oz steak challenge, and see some fun movie locations - Breaking Bad, in Albuquerque (lunch in Los Pollos Hermanos would be cool) and I see Longmire was filmed in Santa Fe and Las Vegas (the New Mexico one) for instance. I can see a route developing in my head!! However at severe risk of over doing this - so do need some sanity checks hence this thread starter.
Lots to see on YT - and lots of time to plan. I am a detailed planner - I get nervous when things are left to chance. Mrs is more into winging it - see where we end up. Some compromise is needed, but we have started compiling a list of must do, would like to do, and maybe we can do if we get chance! Also have discovered on YT .... road trip videos ... dash cam or GoPro videos of the route - finding these rather captivating. The real time vids can be rather tedious, but those that are speeded up are quite fun. Got me looking at action cameras though. GoPro 11 with screen mount.
It's a shame we don't have a proper classic motor - some real inspiration from Aircooled_Bug's 911 USA road trip thread where the photos of the UK plated 911 in deepest USA are so cool - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Also, RDMcG's threads are great reading: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...
So, all being well, this has the makings of a trip of a lifetime. A lot of unknowns - can the Mrs get the time off (she starts a new job next month), will the youngest come along. Also, have a bit of time to get my jabs sorted just in case America play silly buggers - I have neglected to have any boosters!
Will add more as planning develops!
We acknowledge to do this justice we will need to be away longer than the normal fortnight holiday - so have perhaps a month in our heads (maybe five weeks). Definitely us two, youngest daughter undecided - especially after I told her that she will not have access to snapchat TikTok while we are driving (and impressing we will be in the car a lot!!). She will be 17 next summer - I am not convinced she will want to come. I have offered we could take a mate if they paid their way - so it could be four of us - or just me & the Mrs.
If the latter, intent is to hire a convertible Mustang or preferably a Camaro or Challenger, just because we can. If more, then we shall look at one of the bigger US SUVs (a Tahoe, Yukon maybe) - regardless - the criteria is it has to be a car we cannot get in the UK (so sort of rules out a Mustang as our neighbour has one!!). Have ruled out RVing just because I foresee hassle in towns and cities.
The route will likely be Chicago to LA rather than the other way round - I have done some test costings for this summer and Chicago to LA seems to be a bit cheaper regarding flights and car hire.
Trouble is - I keep finding things I want to see or do that are not necessarily on Route66. Vegas, PCH, Pikes Peak, Death Valley, Million Dollar Highway, Royal Gorge Bridge, Loneliest Road, Yosemite, Grand Canyon (obviously), Monument Valley, Area 51 (or rather extra Terrestrial Highway), a 72oz steak challenge, and see some fun movie locations - Breaking Bad, in Albuquerque (lunch in Los Pollos Hermanos would be cool) and I see Longmire was filmed in Santa Fe and Las Vegas (the New Mexico one) for instance. I can see a route developing in my head!! However at severe risk of over doing this - so do need some sanity checks hence this thread starter.
Lots to see on YT - and lots of time to plan. I am a detailed planner - I get nervous when things are left to chance. Mrs is more into winging it - see where we end up. Some compromise is needed, but we have started compiling a list of must do, would like to do, and maybe we can do if we get chance! Also have discovered on YT .... road trip videos ... dash cam or GoPro videos of the route - finding these rather captivating. The real time vids can be rather tedious, but those that are speeded up are quite fun. Got me looking at action cameras though. GoPro 11 with screen mount.
It's a shame we don't have a proper classic motor - some real inspiration from Aircooled_Bug's 911 USA road trip thread where the photos of the UK plated 911 in deepest USA are so cool - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Also, RDMcG's threads are great reading: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...
So, all being well, this has the makings of a trip of a lifetime. A lot of unknowns - can the Mrs get the time off (she starts a new job next month), will the youngest come along. Also, have a bit of time to get my jabs sorted just in case America play silly buggers - I have neglected to have any boosters!
Will add more as planning develops!
RDMcG's threads are definitely a good resource, as you say.
I always feel that the large amount of 'nothing' in the middle would be a waste of several day's driving and we might as well just fly over it in a couple of hours in an aeroplane. Maybe the hours of driving through 'nothing' is part of the charm.
Otherwise I suspect the trick is finding the right mix of driving versus 'doing stuff'.
There's certainly no shortage of sites/sights in the west.
I always feel that the large amount of 'nothing' in the middle would be a waste of several day's driving and we might as well just fly over it in a couple of hours in an aeroplane. Maybe the hours of driving through 'nothing' is part of the charm.
Otherwise I suspect the trick is finding the right mix of driving versus 'doing stuff'.
There's certainly no shortage of sites/sights in the west.
Things change of course an some of the stuff in my threads need updating- Route 66 News is a useful resource:
http://www.route66news.com
Also the videos from Roamin' Rich are good if you browse through them:
https://www.youtube.com/@HookedOnRoute66/playlists
Albuquerque Breaking bad locations here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wfg6JwrpyA
http://www.route66news.com
Also the videos from Roamin' Rich are good if you browse through them:
https://www.youtube.com/@HookedOnRoute66/playlists
Albuquerque Breaking bad locations here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wfg6JwrpyA
I’ve recommended on other threads: Road Trip USA, book available on Amazon
Have done parts of the Route 66 and Loneliest Road routes, so much of interest to stop and see
Have done parts of the Route 66 and Loneliest Road routes, so much of interest to stop and see
Also the Route 66 guide and maps by Jerry McLenahan - both available on Amazon.
Here are a couple of recent side trips that may or may not be of interest:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Here are a couple of recent side trips that may or may not be of interest:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
For grand canyon we stayed here
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42505412
Really, really nice people. Its on a real working ranch too.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42505412
Really, really nice people. Its on a real working ranch too.
I'm currently in the US doing some of the things you've mentioned.
I'm on a Harley though so different experience. I did the loneliest road from Moab to Lake Tahoe the other day and would say it's a lot more interesting than the Arizona bit of route 66 that I've done before. I've taken in Zion, Arches NP and Monument Valley on this trip too. Currently in Death Valley with the thermometer at 107F.
My advice would be to avoid the temptation to over plan. Monument Valley is pretty much 'drive through...enjoy the view' whereas it's a travesty to go to Zion and not do some hiking. Stop where you like the look of. I've always chosen small one bar towns to stay in at weekends as that's when the the locals come out and have a laugh.
I'm on a Harley though so different experience. I did the loneliest road from Moab to Lake Tahoe the other day and would say it's a lot more interesting than the Arizona bit of route 66 that I've done before. I've taken in Zion, Arches NP and Monument Valley on this trip too. Currently in Death Valley with the thermometer at 107F.
My advice would be to avoid the temptation to over plan. Monument Valley is pretty much 'drive through...enjoy the view' whereas it's a travesty to go to Zion and not do some hiking. Stop where you like the look of. I've always chosen small one bar towns to stay in at weekends as that's when the the locals come out and have a laugh.
Edited by Rollin on Sunday 30th April 02:14
gotoPzero said:
For grand canyon we stayed here
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42505412
Really, really nice people. Its on a real working ranch too.
Some rough coatings based on this summer show hotels in the US can be mentally expensive. Airbnb definitely the answer, and probably get some better quality….. just like that place. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42505412
Really, really nice people. Its on a real working ranch too.
Bonus to daughter loves llamas and alpacas!
Thanks for that link. Little nuggets like this will be valuable.
Rollin said:
I'm currently in the US doing some of the things you've mentioned.
I'm on a Harley though so different experience. I did the loneliest road from Moab to Lake Tahoe the other day and would say it's a lot more interesting than the Arizona bit of route 66 that I've done before. I've taken in Zion, Arches NP and Monument Valley on this trip too. Currently in Death Valley with the thermometer at 107F.
My advice would be to avoid the temptation to over plan. Monument Valley is pretty much 'drive through...enjoy the view' whereas it's a travesty to go to Zion and not do some hiking. Stop where you like the look of. I've always chosen small one bar towns to stay in at weekends as that's when the the locals come out and have a laugh.
Thanks. Actually twitching at the thought of minimal planning even though on the face of it the romantic free nature of such sounds fantastic.I'm on a Harley though so different experience. I did the loneliest road from Moab to Lake Tahoe the other day and would say it's a lot more interesting than the Arizona bit of route 66 that I've done before. I've taken in Zion, Arches NP and Monument Valley on this trip too. Currently in Death Valley with the thermometer at 107F.
My advice would be to avoid the temptation to over plan. Monument Valley is pretty much 'drive through...enjoy the view' whereas it's a travesty to go to Zion and not do some hiking. Stop where you like the look of. I've always chosen small one bar towns to stay in at weekends as that's when the the locals come out and have a laugh.
Edited by Rollin on Sunday 30th April 02:14
That’s some work I need to do on myself!
As I said before, I watch loads of the road trip videos on YT…… a few that have done The Loneliest Road look so cool. Will have to share the links I have found.
Monument Valley…. Obvs seeing the Forrest Gump point would be a great photo, and of course sunrise. The View Hotel there will not have prices for 2024 until Xmas, but did find a small bar that did rooms just up the road…….. well 50 miles up the road! San Juan I think.
How are you finding Death Valley?
A couple of weeks from now we set off on our latest adventure, Coast to Coast, starting from Long Island and ending in San Francisco, we’ve crisscrossed the US many times, sometimes planned to the smallest detail other times like this one a lot more easy going, see what we see etc.
We both love driving, just ticking off the miles and watching America roll on by. We both share a love of music and will take any opportunity to visit an iconic location like Johnny Cash’s boyhood sharecropper farm house in Dyess Arkansas or as in this trip a tour of Paisley Park. We pass thru North Dakota and will be looking for Fargo locations and apparently Iowa has a James T Kirk monument so that’s got to be ticked off. Also the Gemini giant, passed on the interstate but this time we’re going to see it so that’s another great Rt 66 icon.
We’ve stumbled on some amazing places and as ever missed some corkers like the Tiger King “zoo” we passed but didn’t stop…..
Personally, I’m not a fan of the big cities, I generally don’t feel safe but that’s probably because I spend 99.9% of my time working outdoors in the countryside but the levels of homelessness and obvious social impacts of gang crime I do find disconcerting.
I have noticed an increase with hotel prices but it can average itself out over a trip, we did pay quite a lot for The View hotel but we had a room with an incredible balcony, brought our wine (dry county) and had a stunning star lit night with Monument Valley as the backdrop.
We’ve visited the Grand Canyon 5-6 times but personally I rate the North Rim as the best, beautiful lodge accommodation and a restaurant with a proper view. Also a lot quieter than the SR or the GC viewpoint towards the end of the canyon.
Later in the year we’re thinking about a smaller trip, LA, Palm Springs and a couple of nights in Vegas, normally we stay out at the Red Rock but fancy a couple of nights at the Bellagio with dinner looking out over the fountains then a Martini or two sat at the Piano Bar.
Whatever you do end up doing have a great time, you’ll never see it all but it’s great fun trying.
We both love driving, just ticking off the miles and watching America roll on by. We both share a love of music and will take any opportunity to visit an iconic location like Johnny Cash’s boyhood sharecropper farm house in Dyess Arkansas or as in this trip a tour of Paisley Park. We pass thru North Dakota and will be looking for Fargo locations and apparently Iowa has a James T Kirk monument so that’s got to be ticked off. Also the Gemini giant, passed on the interstate but this time we’re going to see it so that’s another great Rt 66 icon.
We’ve stumbled on some amazing places and as ever missed some corkers like the Tiger King “zoo” we passed but didn’t stop…..
Personally, I’m not a fan of the big cities, I generally don’t feel safe but that’s probably because I spend 99.9% of my time working outdoors in the countryside but the levels of homelessness and obvious social impacts of gang crime I do find disconcerting.
I have noticed an increase with hotel prices but it can average itself out over a trip, we did pay quite a lot for The View hotel but we had a room with an incredible balcony, brought our wine (dry county) and had a stunning star lit night with Monument Valley as the backdrop.
We’ve visited the Grand Canyon 5-6 times but personally I rate the North Rim as the best, beautiful lodge accommodation and a restaurant with a proper view. Also a lot quieter than the SR or the GC viewpoint towards the end of the canyon.
Later in the year we’re thinking about a smaller trip, LA, Palm Springs and a couple of nights in Vegas, normally we stay out at the Red Rock but fancy a couple of nights at the Bellagio with dinner looking out over the fountains then a Martini or two sat at the Piano Bar.
Whatever you do end up doing have a great time, you’ll never see it all but it’s great fun trying.
This all started with a wish to do coast to coast in a Winnebago…. Probably influenced by De Niro’s in Meet the Fockers!
That city element put me off the huge motor home: we like the cities as well as the countryside, and it just would stress me too much I think. Plus, I like hotels.
So we morphed into the hire car mode. Then, as we started to browse we soon realised how big the place is, so while an ambition exists to do a trip where we see all 48 states, that will have to wait till we retire in about ten years time …… I reckon we will need four to five months.
Route 66 and a “tamer” (one month ish) trip, came to light, to test the water so to speak, but also as it’s something we can do now, while we are still working. Am very conscious we don’t know what will happen in the future, and would hate to be missing out for not grabbing an opportunity!
So summer 24 is a definite go it seems. Daughter has a pal who is interested….. just need to estimate costs etc and that means a larger SUV, which will be quite cool!
Would like to find somewhere where these SUVs are for sale and can actually see how big they are!
Envious of you doing the trips this year!! I hope you keep us informed how it goes!!!
That city element put me off the huge motor home: we like the cities as well as the countryside, and it just would stress me too much I think. Plus, I like hotels.
So we morphed into the hire car mode. Then, as we started to browse we soon realised how big the place is, so while an ambition exists to do a trip where we see all 48 states, that will have to wait till we retire in about ten years time …… I reckon we will need four to five months.
Route 66 and a “tamer” (one month ish) trip, came to light, to test the water so to speak, but also as it’s something we can do now, while we are still working. Am very conscious we don’t know what will happen in the future, and would hate to be missing out for not grabbing an opportunity!
So summer 24 is a definite go it seems. Daughter has a pal who is interested….. just need to estimate costs etc and that means a larger SUV, which will be quite cool!
Would like to find somewhere where these SUVs are for sale and can actually see how big they are!
Envious of you doing the trips this year!! I hope you keep us informed how it goes!!!
On the subject of hotels, does anyone still 'make it up as you go along' and just book a hotel on the day?
On the first couple of trips to the USA I made in the early '00s we would pick up a booklet from a gas station that listed all the hotels and motels in the region and had money off coupons etc. You'd just turn up a buy the rooms from reception rather than have everything pre-booked.
I assume the internet has killed off such things.
On the first couple of trips to the USA I made in the early '00s we would pick up a booklet from a gas station that listed all the hotels and motels in the region and had money off coupons etc. You'd just turn up a buy the rooms from reception rather than have everything pre-booked.
I assume the internet has killed off such things.
We're planning a similar trip next year. We've done dozens of road trips across the States but never a coast to coast so want to do that with a few side trips. The difference is I'd like to ship my Boxster over and do the trip in that but need to look into the legalities and logistics.
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