How to Plan a Solo Route 66 Road Trip

A Route 66 road trip can be a memorable bonding experience for a family or group of friends. But have you ever considered going on your own? It takes some extra planning, but a solo Route 66 road trip can be a life-changing, soul-searching adventure. Here’s how to make the journey a success.

Things You'll Need

• Route 66 guidebook
• Reliable vehicle
• Cell phone
• Emergency supplies, such as food, water and flares
• Camera

Instructions

1. Buy a guidebook. Route 66 is no longer an official highway, so you must cobble together your itinerary on an assortment of roads, which often have new names. That can get tricky, so the guidebook is essential. Our hands-down favorite is the “EZ66 Guide for Travelers,” published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation.

2. Plan your itinerary. Use your guidebook to map out the route you want to take. Since Route 66 was re-drawn several times over the years, you’ll sometimes have several options for one leg of the journey. Also choose the landmarks you want to see, such as the Eisler Brothers General Store, the Route 66 Museum, the Devil’s Rope Museum, the Midpoint Café, the Wigwam Hotel, La Posada Hotel and the Hackberry General Store.

3. Decide on side trips. You’ll need at least two weeks to do Route 66 properly, but if you have extra time, why not take some detours? Some good options include the Grand Canyon, the Taos and Acoma pueblos, Monument Valley, Sedona and Canyon de Chelly.

4. Decide how you want to handle accommodations. Some people are more comfortable traveling with hotels reserved along the way. Others want the freedom to linger if they find something interesting. Either option will work for a solo road trip, especially if you bring a cell phone that will allow you to call ahead to the next town for reservations when you need them.

5. Seek out updates. Before you start your journey, check online Route 66 message boards to learn about hotel closures, road detours, high-crime areas or other issues that may affect your trip.

6. Pack. Don’t forget to stock your vehicle with emergency supplies, such as a cell phone, water and flares. Some parts of Route 66 get little traffic, and others are smack in the middle of the desert. Plan accordingly.

7. Travel smart, just as you would any time you’re traveling alone. Pack light so you can get in and out of your hotel room quickly, and make sure someone knows where you are and what roads you will be taking. Because you’ll be both navigating and driving, make sure your directions for each day’s journey are clearly written down and easy to access.

8. Have fun. Route 66 offers a true adventure, even more so when explored on one’s own.