Route 66 yes or no

[Des Parrot]

Following on from the SF thread, we’re planning one final road trip.

Route 66 has always been on our bucket list but we realise it’s lost much of it's magic.

Anyone got any opinions, advice, alternatives? We did the Canadian Rockies a couple of years ago, absolutely loved it.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

Following on from the SF thread, we’re planning one final road trip.

Route 66 has always been on our bucket list but we realise it’s lost much of it's magic.

Anyone got any opinions, advice, alternatives? We did the Canadian Rockies a couple of years ago, absolutely loved it.

I have done a number of road trips in the States but Route 66 has never appealed to me due to much of it being in flat and boring areas.
The best road trip locations for me are Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California. Different types of scenery and incredible geology.

[Wozza16]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

Following on from the SF thread, we’re planning one final road trip.

Route 66 has always been on our bucket list but we realise it’s lost much of it's magic.

Anyone got any opinions, advice, alternatives? We did the Canadian Rockies a couple of years ago, absolutely loved it.

I've driven the Alaskan highway and it was incredible, highly recommend. BC/Alberta on the way up is just as amazing

[Joe Gillis]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

Following on from the SF thread, we’re planning one final road trip.

Route 66 has always been on our bucket list but we realise it’s lost much of it's magic.

Anyone got any opinions, advice, alternatives? We did the Canadian Rockies a couple of years ago, absolutely loved it.

A lot of the original Route66 doesn't exist anymore, the equivalent of the British 'by-pass' plus interstates make it difficult to follow the original road, it can be done but its not the most scenic journey

[NYCBlue]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

I've done it. As has been said not much left these days. But it's still Route 66 and there are still some interesting places. Tucumcari, NM being one. And Cadillac Ranch in TX.

[TWGL1]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

I’ve driven from Palm Springs to Vagas and back that’s a nice drive and you touch R66

[Optimistic Nick]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

I know there is a lot of romanticism around these American driving trips..... but honestly I find them tedious. It's long stretches in the car; or loads of little breaks that feel like a work trip where you live out of your suitcase. I'd much rather fly internally - it's quick, cheap and easy in the US. Our rule now is at least 2 nights in any one place. I remember we had one part of a trip which on the map looked great - driving across the sierra nevada. Roads seem to close in those sorts of places a lot, and it ended up being a full day in the car with little to break it up.

Of course if you enjoy driving then this doesn't really apply.

[The Bloop]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

The Hairy Bikers did a series travelling the route a few years ago.
Even if they're not you cup of tea, it's a worthwhile watch to pick up ideas on where to stop and ideas for decent places to eat.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

I know there is a lot of romanticism around these American driving trips..... but honestly I find them tedious. It's long stretches in the car; or loads of little breaks that feel like a work trip where you live out of your suitcase. I'd much rather fly internally - it's quick, cheap and easy in the US. Our rule now is at least 2 nights in any one place. I remember we had one part of a trip which on the map looked great - driving across the sierra nevada. Roads seem to close in those sorts of places a lot, and it ended up being a full day in the car with little to break it up.

Of course if you enjoy driving then this doesn't really apply.

You can make a stretch as short oraslong as you like and pick out places of interest that suit yourself. In my case, I did a few road trip that revolved around native american places of interest and incredible geological features where it was possible to get out of the car and do walks. Popping into obscure small settlements off the beaten track is interesting too, as is staying in independent motels in the middle of nowhere.

[Majorblue]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

Not the US but I can recommend the Cape Town Wine route in South Africa.

You can either drive it and book ahead accommodation or there are several tour companies who can sort everything out.

Stunning countryside but if teetotal or a vegetarian possibly not going to work for you.

[Des Parrot]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

Thanks for the feedback.

We love road trips, we’ve doe Oz NZ Canada, most of Europe & quite a few US states. I work a lot in Ohio so know flat boring featureless US

Recently watched the hairy bikers trip again, it’s what rekindled our interest.

Planning todo SAfrica in a few years but probably the Blue Train.

[RichardM]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

If route 66 isn't a good road trip then what about everywhere that Johnny Cash went?

"I've Been Everywhere"

I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road,
When along came a semi with a high and canvas-covered load.
"If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride."
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside.
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand.
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota,
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota,
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma,
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma,
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo,
Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla, I'm a killer.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana,
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana,
Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa,
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee to Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake,
Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika,
Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica,
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport,
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport,
Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina,
Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean-a.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado,
Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, El Dorado,
Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika,
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been everywhere.

[Rock_Flock_of_Five]

Re: Route 66 yes or no

If route 66 isn't a good road trip then what about everywhere that Johnny Cash went?

"I've Been Everywhere"

I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road,
When along came a semi with a high and canvas-covered load.
"If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride."
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside.
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand.
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota,
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota,
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma,
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma,
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo,
Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla, I'm a killer.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana,
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana,
Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa,
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee to Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake,
Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika,
Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica,
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport,
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport,
Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina,
Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean-a.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado,
Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, El Dorado,
Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika,
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been everywhere.

You can see why this song never caught on in KTV! :hehe: