ROUTE 66 ROAD TRIP RECAP: Planning, tips, timing, must do stops, itinerary, how much does it cost?

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Mike and Heather

Mike and Heather

День тому

We road tripped the entire length of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles in our Ford Transit Connect micro camper van. In this video we talk about the things we wish we new before traveling Route 66 including the must do stops, things we would skip, the cost of the trip, how we navigated Route 66 and our overall opinions of Route 66 itself! If you are looking to travel along Route 66 we hope this video helps in your trip planning!
So, we totally forgot to say how long we took to road trip Route 66 ourselves.... it was 2 weeks! Hope that helps!
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The travel credit card we use: capital.one/42dsoD4
Where to buy the Route 66 passport: shop.route66navigation.com/pr...
Must have Route 66 travel guide:
Navigation app we used to stay on Historic Route 66: www.route66navigation.com
Helpful books:
Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers: amzn.to/3AZyAmN
The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road: amzn.to/3PYMkm2
Looking for a travel guide? Check out the GyPSy Guide! They have audio tours for locations all over the world. We especially love using them in National Parks: gypsyguide.com/?afmc=MIKEHTHR...
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www.amazon.com/shop/mikeandhe...
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links in this video we may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you if you do! Thank you for supporting our channel!
#route66 #route66roadtrip #route66travelguide

КОМЕНТАРІ: 80
@davidrogers9931
@davidrogers9931 22 дні тому
My daughter and I did Route 66 including all dirt parts and side roads Santa Monica to Chicago I live in Bakersfield and she lived in Minnesota We did it in 4 days I drove she followed in the baby books I have. Over 80 Rule 1 we only stay at motels pictured in a Route 66 book Rule 2 we only ate at places outlined in Route 66 book We had a great time I liked going by blues brothers prison with all the movie bill board stuff and the statues on the drive in just before prison ❤ I bought a side car Ural and will go again with my standard Poodle. This next summer.
@kaykrochet9099
@kaykrochet9099 Рік тому
Thanx for taking us along. On my list of things to do.
@jandjibaronehoag1012
@jandjibaronehoag1012 Рік тому
Hi I really enjoyed the recap. Thank you for the update.
@jazziered142
@jazziered142 Рік тому
Thank you so much for the recap, I'm super excited to watch it. I know it's going to be great! You are going to love the Pacific Coast Highway!!!!
@christinaw6
@christinaw6 Рік тому
I'm super excited to follow you on this next adventure up the PCH! Route 66 was a great trip! Safe travels from the jersey shore ❤️
@wren888
@wren888 Рік тому
Perfect video thanks 😊
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 11 місяців тому
You are too kind! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
@MICHELLE-gu2qc
@MICHELLE-gu2qc Рік тому
Well done guys. We really enjoyed your trip down Route66. Now you have the passport you need to plan for a second trip to get the stamps. It wasn't too bad for your gas. If you priced airline tickets, they probably same price and you miss out seeing the real America. How did the van go during the night during the heatwave? We can't wait for Pacific Coast Highway videos. My son and I love American road trips seeing places we wouldn't normally see. I am excited to see those massive beautiful redwoods and Big Sur. Much Love from Melbourne Australia.
@llorylloyd
@llorylloyd Рік тому
What a great trip. Thanks for your insight.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you! We really appreciate the kind words and you watching!
@larryboles629
@larryboles629 Рік тому
EPIC! Thank you for your time and effort in making this video. Be happy, be safe
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it!
@oliviaschwan4362
@oliviaschwan4362 Рік тому
Loved this video!!! This was so helpful and I’ll definitely be referencing it while planning my trip these next few months!!
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! Best of luck in your trip planning, that is so exciting!
@tnambrizzi
@tnambrizzi Рік тому
It was amazing. I just watched all the videos that u guys did of the route and can‘t wait to do the trail. Me and my son will be doing the next year and u guys helped us a lot. Thanks...
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it and wish you all the best on your Route 66 journey next year! Don't forget to put your feet in the ocean after you get your certificate of completion 😊 We are so excited for you!
@anikindall
@anikindall Рік тому
Very much enjoyed watching your Route 66 trip. I just found your channel today and watched all of your Route 66 playlist and your PCH videos. Looking forward to watching your older videos and your future content. All the best on your travel adventures. Thanks for taking us along.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words, we really appreciate it and you watching! Happy to have you along with us on the journey :)
@glennh3855
@glennh3855 Рік тому
Thank you. Your videos are exactly what I was looking for to plan my Rt 66 trip. Already took your advice and ordered my passport.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! We are so excited to hear about your upcoming trip! You are going to have an amazing time, don't forget to put your feet in the water at the pier 😊 Travel safe and take it easy!
@chevdiver
@chevdiver Рік тому
Thank you for sharing your trip. We are leaving soon and really appreciated your Route 66 videos. They were very informative and fun.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words, we really appreciate it! We hope you have a fantastic time on your trip, you will have to keep us updated on how it goes! We would love to hear all about it! Safe travels & don't forget to stick your feet in the ocean! 😊
@karjurassic8364
@karjurassic8364 Рік тому
Hi, guys! Great recap of your trip. Also, a great reference tool if anyone is planning on doing the Route. Thank you! ✌🏻💕
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for your kind words and for your continued support, we really appreciate it!
@roadtripmitch
@roadtripmitch Рік тому
This is excellent. You went through costs but didn't mention duration, I don't need it but others might. As well time of year - you guys aren't used to elevated temps 100+F, LOL. I'm waiting for the coast drive, great time of year. Safe and wonderful Travels!!
@glennh3855
@glennh3855 8 місяців тому
Thank you for your videos and information. They were really helpful, and I did purchase my passport before I left. I got into making videos of my adventures and posted them on UKposts. Already planned my next trip
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 8 місяців тому
That is so exciting! Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! We are envious you already have your next trip planned, we hope to get back on the road soon too 😊 Best of luck in your travels!
@sjwautotech9648
@sjwautotech9648 2 місяці тому
Hi guys. Just binged all your 66 , brilliant thank you. My wife and I are doing it starting may 30th , Steve & Georgie , UK.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 2 місяці тому
That is so exciting! You and your wife are going to have an amazing time! Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really do appreciate it. Safe travels!
@user-ky1ns3rk8r
@user-ky1ns3rk8r 6 місяців тому
I really enjoyed your videos of route 66. and your channel has reached Belgium 😉
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 6 місяців тому
Belgium?! That is so exciting! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it and you!
@bigoil7
@bigoil7 Рік тому
Fab guys, good for you. I did most of the trip on a Harley with a couple of buddies last may, started in Tulsa though. Lost one guy due to bike failure in Kingman, but it was a great trip regardless. Planning on doing the Chicago to Tulsa next June (South Dakota to Nashville, then back up to Chicago to complete the missing part). Probably the best vlog coverage of the trip on the Internet, keep it up and enjoy all your travels. BTW, I see South Dakota hasn't been crossed off yet on your map, you should really consider coming through during the Sturgis Rally always the first week of August. :)
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! Both our dads ride and have been trying to get us to get our motorcycle licenses for years haha They have both been to Sturgis as well! They would love to do something like you did, traveling Route 66 on their bikes, maybe the next time we travel the Mother road it will be on bikes instead of our van lol We actually went to South Dakota over the Summer and were there just before the rally so we did get to experience a little bit of the motorcycle takeover! Best of luck on your next Route 66 trip, safe travels! (order the passport now haha)
@CaddyOnRoute
@CaddyOnRoute 7 місяців тому
I just found you guys. New subscriber! Just finished ✔️ your Route 66 UKposts videos. Excellent job. So glad you finally found the Passport. We just got our NPS passport this summer also. Can’t wait to get those cancellations. Keep traveling.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 6 місяців тому
Thank you so much for the kind words and for subscribing, we really do appreciate it and you!
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 6 місяців тому
We are still waiting to fill our passport with stamps, maybe we will see each other on the road 😉 Best of luck in your travels as well!
@DancingNancio
@DancingNancio 6 місяців тому
Loved this! Lots of great information for planning our drive. If you're into roadtrips, I suggest you look into US Rt. 20 which starts in Boston and goes all the way to Newport, Oregon. Full of real history and amazing places...and it follows the expansion west of our country. It goes past 4 presidents homes, through Yellowstone, along the Oregon Trail and part of Louis & Clark's route. It may be best done in more than one or even two phases.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 6 місяців тому
Thank you for the kind words and for the awesome suggestion! Route 20 would be an awesome roadtrip, we are from a small town in western NY that Route 20 runs right through so we are very familiar with the stretch of road in NY. It would be a fun idea to take it the whole way 😃
@DancingNancio
@DancingNancio 6 місяців тому
Yay! Which town? I actually walked the route from Boston to Newport OR.@@mikeandheather
@sloneygrl4550
@sloneygrl4550 Рік тому
Well if you are traveling the coast north and going in the Big Sur direction, do try to stay at the Kirk Creek campground- spectacular ocean views, wild and nicely remote (you can even see the Hearst Castle on your way).
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
That sounds amazing! Unfortunately we are rather behind in our videos and have already left California but we will have to add that to our bucket list for next time. We love finding great camping spaces/campgrounds. Thank you so much for the suggestion and for watching, we really appreciate it!
@ruckinehround6965
@ruckinehround6965 2 місяці тому
Planning this trip with my son after high school graduation 2025…… planning 3-4 weeks thanks for the tips.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Місяць тому
That is so exciting! Early congratulations to your son! We are envious that you will spend 3-4 weeks on the Mother Road, when we inevitably travel down it again, we hope to spend longer on the roadtrip too. You are going to have such an amazing time! Best of luck in your journey and safe travels 😊
@MrZocor
@MrZocor 3 місяці тому
I was in Winslow Arizona. Didn't even know that it was part of Route 66. LOL can't stay in one of those teepees. I have a Cpap machine.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 3 місяці тому
No worries! There is no shortage of amazing motels along Route 66 that may work better for you! When we inevitably travel down Route 66 again, it is our goal to stay in as many of the motels as possible. The next time you are in Winslow, Arizona we hope you get a chance to check out some of the Route 66 stops 😊 Thank you for watching, we really do appreciate it!
@rachaelwood7474
@rachaelwood7474 3 місяці тому
So glad I found your chanel we uk and plan on doing 66 with our teenage boys. Especially arizona as this is where my grandparents lived when i was little so it will be even more special. Just worried we wont be able to find the original 66 and end up on the highway instead 😂 is there plenty of signs?
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 2 місяці тому
That is so exciting! You and your family are going to have an amazing time! In our opinion, Arizona was one of the best stretches along Route 66 too 😀 There are signs but to be honest, in some of the spots it can be a bit tricky to know if you are still on Route 66 or not. We used the Route 66 navigation app to stay on Route 66. It basically acts like Google Maps but keeps you on Route 66. It is a little bit glitchy and sometimes has trouble when you first open it being able to find you. We usually would just close down the app and open it again and it would work. But, without it I am not sure we would have been able to stay on Route 66 as easily as we did! Here is the link if you are interested in learning more (we are not sponsored): www.route66navigation.com Hope that helps! Best of luck planning your roadtrip! Thanks for watching, we really do appreciate it!
@timhahn2428
@timhahn2428 3 місяці тому
I enjoyed tagging along with you guys on your trip, 🎉 what time of the year did you do this trip🤔
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 3 місяці тому
Thanks for coming along 😊 We really do appreciate you watching! We traveled down Route 66 in June!
@windinnohair33
@windinnohair33 3 місяці тому
Love your video. What was the book? EZ?
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 3 місяці тому
Thank you for the kind words! We really do appreciate it and you watching. The book is called, Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers. We really regret not having it on our trip. Here is the link if you are interested in checking it out: amzn.to/49dPOuQ Best of luck on your Route 66 journey 😀
@RoseOriginals
@RoseOriginals Рік тому
We thoroughly enjoyed this series! We're planning our Route 66 trip for September 2023. We'll be towing our Casita when we get to Santa Monica pier. My question is did you see any parking that would accommodate our truck and small trailer? We would love to go to the pier and get our certificate. Thanks, I'm off to check out your trip for NY to FL.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words, we really appreciate it! We are so excited for you! There is a parking lot right by the pier that we parked in, there were full sized RVs parked there as well so it is definitely doable. We just googled the closest parking lot because we were running late but we passed several other parking lots on the way there so if for some reason that one doesn't work for you there did seem to be many other (& possibly cheaper) options! Best of luck on your road trip & safe travels! Hopefully this year will fly by for you and you will be on the road in no time 😊Don't forget to put your feet in the ocean!
@tiguanman1170
@tiguanman1170 Рік тому
Really good video and you've had a great trip! My Transit Connect is my business van here in the UK so it's diesel but yours will be petrol and automatic, I'm sure. I don't quite know how to compare gas costs with you. Unleaded fuel is at £1.50 per litre now or $1.83 so if there's 3.7 litres in a US gallon then that's $6.77 so that looks about right. I'm not sure what gas mileage your van does but you seem happy with it. I fancy converting a Connect one day to a camper. We have a Tourneo which is glass in every panel so that would be excellent. Enjoy your travels!
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
You are right! Ours is an automatic and not a diesel. Unfortunately it's hard to even compare gas prices from state to state as it can differ so much. We probably get around 20 miles (about 32 km) per gallon so we can't complain, especially when we hear how much bigger vans/RVs get! When researching for our own van build we did see a few people who use their van for business so they do not have a permanent build in the back but one they can take in and out as needed. That may be something to consider doing in the meantime :) You will have to keep us updated when you do build out your van, we would love to hear all about it! Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
@smudge67er
@smudge67er Рік тому
Hey! We're gonna drive route 66 this year! Can't wait. Can you recall which bit in Missouri you'd get on the highway for? 100 miles is a long way if I can take an easier route and not miss anything.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
That is fantastic! We are so excited for you! You will have to let us know how your trip goes, we would love to hear all about it! We don't remember the exact section but, if we remember correctly, it was the portion after the Meramec Caverns. Don't worry, when you get to that section, you can't miss it so you will know the exact section we are talking about and can hop on the highway. Not sure if you have considered using the Route 66 Navigation app but it can navigate to the different spots via the highway as well. You can pick if you want to stay on the original Route 66 or, if you would prefer, the quicker highway route. It will tell you when to get off the highway to make it to the attraction on Route 66 you are looking for. It will also show you the difference in time between sections depending on what Route you go, Route 66 vs the highway. The app is a little glitchy but we would recommend it if you are worried about missing something! (when it glitches we just restarted the app and it worked well again haha) Here is the link if you are interested in learning more (we aren't sponsored by them): www.route66navigation.com Hope that helps! Best of luck in your travels! Stay safe and most importantly, have fun!
@reba1030
@reba1030 Рік тому
Really enjoyed your R66 series. Just curious how frequently you found gas stations? I’d like to travel the entirety of Route 66 on my next vacation but my SUV isn’t the best when it comes to gas mileage. Were there any areas that fuel stops were sparse? And same question for hotels/motels. I won’t be staying in my vehicle. Thanks again for all the info. It’s great to be able to check out places and develop your own personal “must see” list and you’ve done a lot of the work for me.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! There are plenty of gas stations and motels the entire length of Route 66 so you shouldn't have any issues finding either! You are never too far away from the actual highway when you are on Route 66 so you can always pop off for gas if you get desperate :) We would suggest calling ahead if you are wanting to stay at some of the iconic motels like the Blue Swallow or the Wigwam Motel as they may be full on the nights you are passing through. Best of luck on your travels, that is so exciting!
@reba1030
@reba1030 Рік тому
@@mikeandheather Thanks for the info. So nice to hear from someone who has actually done the trip before. I’m really looking forward to seeing your new adventures. Wishing you all the best and safe travels!
@lillianrobins3205
@lillianrobins3205 Рік тому
Some really great tips. We're from Aus and thinking of do this trip with my sister. A little bit worried about left hand drive and driving on the opposite side of the road. I would definitely download the app you suggested. We would start in Chigago and end in Santa Monica. Where do you get the Route 66 passport? That's something I'd like to do. Any helpful tips for Aussie travellers would be much appreciated. Great video guys 👍👍
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
That is so exciting! You and your sister will have an amazing time! If there was any road in the United States you could get away with accidentally driving on the wrong side of the road it would be Route 66 haha Just kidding! But, there are not many people on the road (after you get out of the Chicago area) and most of the road you can see for miles/kilometers ahead of you so you should be good! Our advice would be to also get the EZ Guide book, it was recommended by the Route 66 store in California and if we could do the road trip again we would 100% purchase it ourselves. The other thing we like to suggest is to make a list of must do stops and make sure you plan the days you will be in those areas to make sure they are open. (it seems simple but some of the stops have really irregular hours) Most importantly talk to the locals when you stop and enjoy the ride! Here is the link to find the passport: shop.route66navigation.com/product/route-66-passport/ We have now included it in the description of the video to help other people, thanks! Here is the EZ Guide Book link if you are interested: amzn.to/3AZyAmN Hope that helps! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it! You will have to keep us updated on your trip, we would love to hear how it goes :)
@charlesbernius8065
@charlesbernius8065 7 місяців тому
Hey guys. I’m not a van lifer or rv’er. So my overnight stays would have to be in some of the historic hotels along the way. My concern tho is that I want to do this in a sports car with a low ground clearance, but after seeing some of the road conditions you guys encountered, I’m now considering doing it in a small pickup truck instead. Any thoughts are appreciated. Enjoyed the videos. Tia!
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 7 місяців тому
Even as van lifers we wish we could have stayed in some of the historic hotels! That is a bucket list thing to do for sure! The type of vehicle you drive will probably depend on how much of the historic route you want to stay on. If you are wanting to stay on the original road, there will be some rougher areas but the smooth new highway that runs along side of Rt. 66 is never to far away, for better or worse lol Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it! Best of luck in your travels 😊
@AprilJohnson34
@AprilJohnson34 Рік тому
maybe I missed it but how long did you take to do Route 66? Nice recap video.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
You didn't miss it, we just totally forgot to include it, sorry! We took two weeks to complete our Route 66 road trip. Hope that helps! We added it to the video description now to hopefully help other people too. Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
@llorylloyd
@llorylloyd Рік тому
Question: what time of year do you think would be the best to start in Chicago?
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Honestly any time of year! But if we could travel Route 66 again, it wouldn't be in the Summer. Not because of the weather in Chicago but because of the weather in the south west. When we were traveling it was really hot, and it wasn't the most comfortable to sleep in our van with no air-conditioning. We also couldn't do some of the activities like the Amboy Crater hike because of the excessive heat warnings. But if you have AC or are planning to stay in some of the really cool motels then the summer may not be an issue! It's really all a preference thing but Route 66 and Chicago are a fun time no matter when you decide to travel :)
@windinnohair33
@windinnohair33 3 місяці тому
In your opinion. How long would it take from Chicago to St Louis. Stopping at the big sites? I would be on a motorcycle. Want to stay Mostly on 66.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 3 місяці тому
The great thing about Route 66 is you can really customize it and spend as much or as little time on it as you want! We would recommend, even in the smaller states, to budget at least one day to really have the freedom to stop at places and "take it easy." It's only about 5 hours from Chicago to St. Louis but after stopping for Chicago Pizza, getting a photo with the Gemini Giant, stopping at a diner or two and taking in the sights, it may be closer to 8-10 hours. Hope that helps! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
@RajdipPyne
@RajdipPyne 11 місяців тому
Hi I'm Rajdip Pyne from India & this is my dream trip, I'll watch your entire series of Route 66. 1 question can i drove by bike on Route 66?
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 11 місяців тому
Hi, thank you for watching, we really appreciate it! If by bike you mean motorcycle then absolutely! There were just as many motorcycles on Route 66 as there were automobiles, it is a very popular thing to do :) As far as a regular bicycle, you may be able to do so but it will take you a long time haha
@MonsterKidCory
@MonsterKidCory Рік тому
How much time to spend on Route 66? More like how much time do you got? :) My ideal trip seeing everything I want to would take about a month, so it really is about customizing your trip to the amount of time you have. And I've already done some sections of it!
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
So true! The more time the better! Doing it in sections is a great way to devote a lot of time to certain areas of Route 66 as well. We hope to travel Route 66 again in the future and take it even slower. Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it! Best of luck traveling down Route 66, take it easy :)
@danielsmith2447
@danielsmith2447 Рік тому
Where did you shower?
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
We mostly showered at Planet Fitnesses. We have a membership that allows us access gyms across the country. We did also use our Yakima Road shower when boondocking at the Grand Canyon and the campground in Missouri! Hope that helps! Thank you for watching!
@knockknockbusted
@knockknockbusted Рік тому
You can't see Las Vegas in three days, stay on course.
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather Рік тому
Totally agree! Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
@thecraftncastle
@thecraftncastle 10 місяців тому
Thank you for all the great info. My husband and I are taking a road trip next year to Mt. Rushmore and then headed to Route 66. 💜🩵💜
@mikeandheather
@mikeandheather 10 місяців тому
How exciting! You are going to have an amazing time! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it! Best of luck in your travels :)
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