Over several separate trips, I've managed to travel the distance of the Mother Road, Route 66—even revisiting familiar sites for different photo opportunities. I'll revisit other areas in the future for the same reason. If you're planning a Route 66 travel adventure, you owe it to yourself to do so—even if you need to do so in piecemeal as I have done! Visit my shop to see available prints.
The first thing to identify is your primary interest in traveling the route, and if you wish to do so with a travel partner or solo journey—I've done both. Also, I go as a photographer, not as much a tourist. Sometimes different people have different interests and it can be a challenge keeping pace with another person. If you've ever taken a road trip with a photographer, you'll learn quickly that the days or nights can be long, and there may be many random stops.
Though the route was designed for cross-country travelers before the convenience and efficiency of interstate highways, and was decommissioned in the mid 1980's— a considerable portion of Route 66 remains! Some towns and businesses have gone by the wayside since the road isn't as heavily traveled, despite present day Route 66 tourism. Individual states, towns and cities, local residents, and state associations work hard to keep historic sites and nostalgia alive—though some old buildings and businesses fall victim to time, and the times. Now, I'll spill the tea with some key points that may help you plan or inspire your own journey.
Navigating Route 66-
Not all stretches of the classic route exist in their original form- and there is little left of the original stretches of concrete road built starting in 1926. Navigation will keep you on your toes. For that reason, I'd recommend starting in Illinois. This isn't what I did, but it would have been a good idea in hindsight. Illinois does the best job with signage, and where to pick up and continue the route. Illinois also has the most active stretches of original road! Some remaining stretches in every state are not maintained or have been taken out of service.
With that said, you quickly learn how the route works. A fair portion of Route 66 is in form of a service road, near or alongside of the interstate that has taken its place. Some of the original route is now the nearby interstate, and you must use it until the route picks back up. Being diligent with signs or a using special Route 66 navigation app are critical. I will say that the Route 66 Navigation App is not perfect, and can be frustrating. Do research on which one.
Which stretches are the best?
Understand that weather and geography changes drastically throughout the course of Route 66. From the prairies of Illinois to the desert and beaches of California, you'll enjoy a unique experience in each state. I personally don't find the stretches though larger cities as interesting as I do the smaller towns and desolate areas. That may vary if you're traveling as a family and want to visit tourist attractions, etc. I liked the charming towns and farm country of the midwest as well as the plains and desert of the southwest—that diversity completes the experience.
Final Route 66 travel tips-
Almost all shops, restaurants, motels, etc. accept credit and debit cards—though carrying small to moderate amounts of cash is handy. Particularly if you run across a roadside produce stand or a smaller shop who is not set up for e-commerce. Most of the route, particularly outside of larger cities, is relatively safe. Still, keep your protective instincts about you, as you would anywhere. As I said before, I am less interested in tourist stops, and more interested in finding roadside ruins and classic neon, and other random photo opportunities. This next and final point I believe is universal.
To me, it's sad, and completely missing the point of Route 66 travel when people only eat at chain restaurants and only stay at branded hotels. Some of the most rewarding experiences of my Route 66 trips have been trying local restaurants and dives, meeting locals, and staying at classic mom and pop motels. These remaining businesses and local families need your support. One would hope that the appreciation of nostalgia and older things would inspire visitors most! Also keep in mind that gas gets expensive by the time you hit Western Arizona, and is astronomical in parts of San Bernadino County, California. Use an app like Gas Buddy. Let me know how your travels go, and please support my shop if you'd like some unique photography art on your walls!
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