Driving Route 66 as a Tourist

Planning a road trip on the famous Route 66?

It's a good idea to rent a van rather than a car. This is especially true if you're traveling with several people or the whole family. It'll give you a lot more leg room and space for luggage!

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind while planning your road trip on Route 66 as a tourist.

1. Be mindful of your budget.

Some people fall into the trap of thinking that because this is a road trip, it must be quite inexpensive. Remember that there are lots of hidden attractions that you need to keep in mind if you want your vacation to be a successful one and for you to get the greatest number of amazing memories out of it. 

You want to spend your time enjoying the open road and the many attractions available along Route 66, not worrying about money! Below are some of the expenses that you need to keep in mind:

Flights: It's advisable to arrive in Chicago and leave at Los Angeles International Airport or Long Beach Airport.

Cost of renting a vehicle: Remember that a road trip along Route 66 takes a minimum of two weeks (and can take up to a month, at least). This is a 2,400-mile road trip! Don't underestimate how much it will cost you to rent a vehicle for this endeavor.

Travel insurance: It's essential that you protect yourself (and your family, if you're traveling with them) by securing reliable travel insurance that will cover for medical and other expenses, if needed. Remember that medical care in the United States is extremely expensive. You will not want to find yourself without coverage in an emergency.

Gas: Make sure to calculate the cost of the gas you'll need for the 2,400 miles of Route 66.

Accommodations: Do your research and find hotels and motels that you think will be suitable. Find out their costs and do your calculations.

Food: Don't forget about food. This cost will add up more than you probably imagine while you're on the road.

Admissions fees for attractions: Some or many of the attractions you'll come across on your road trip will have admissions fees of some sort. Make sure to find out how much they are and be ready with your budget.

2. Remember to make it a one-way trip.

Find a vehicle rental agency that will allow you to make this a one-way trip. In other words, you don't want to find yourself forced to drive your rental vehicle all the way back up Route 66 after you are finished! There are plenty of agencies who allow this. You just have to find out who and make sure everything is set in advance.

3. Safety First!

Don't plan on driving too many hours of each day. You don't want to find yourself driving, especially in a foreign country, while drowsy or fatigued. That could lead to an accident.

Have a fantastic time on the legendary Route 66!