It’s hard not to think about Route 66 when you think about planning a road trip. This is the ultimate road trip adventure with a route stretching across almost 2,500 miles. Route 66 is, after all, the best symbol of freedom, adventure, and classic Americana we can imagine. No matter what the current political climate may be, there is still a part of us that dreams of being caught in the Easy Rider’s landscapes of Route 66.
The problem is that if you are not 18 anymore, chances are you are travelling with your family. This instantly means you can ditch the motorbike dream, but with a little planning, you can still have a fantastic time cruising down the open road.
Start Planning Ahead
The planning process needs to start well before you step onto the plane. Alongside booking flights, as a UK traveller, you also need to check entry requirements for the United States. You and your family will be travelling under the current visa waiver program, ESTA, which you need to complete at least 72 hours before departure. Bear in mind that the ESTA is valid for 2 years once it’s been authorised, so if you recently travelled to the States, you may not need a new one.
Of course, you also want to plan the route itself. Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, so it may be easier to focus on short sections and mix the trip with a few city breaks. You may not be able to complete it all, but realistically, this is the best option for families. Take the time to research and book comfortable, child-friendly accommodations along the way too.
Keep Everyone Happy On The Road
If you are travelling with children, you want to plan some entertainment for them. It’s a good idea to pack some of their favourite games, books or tablets for long stretches of driving. Travel versions of family games are a great way to share entertainment for everyone sitting in the back of the car. It’s a much better solution than disappearing behind a screen for long hours.
Also, you want to start looking for yummy local snack. Thankfully, the USA have no shortage of options, including goldfish crackers, beef jerky, trail mix, and so many more.
The Right Car Makes The Experience
Which vehicle are you going to pick for this trip? You can hire roomy vehicles, such as large SUVs or minivans, which have both plenty of luggage space and comfortable seating. If you prefer something easier to handle, large crossovers may be the best option for families.
But then, you could also hire the most iconic option. Route 66 has a strong connection with classic US motoring culture, so what better than a Mustang convertible to explore the classic journey?
What if you end up falling in love with the car? Some people genuinely wish they could keep their American road trip car forever. Buying and importing a classic American vehicle into the UK is possible, but you need to plan for shipping costs, taxes, and registration. Something else you’ll need to sort out soon is finding a reliable classic car expert for maintenance and looking into specialist American classic car insurance covers for imported vehicles to protect your investment.
After all, you never know. You might come home with photographs and anecdotes, but you might also bring back your dream car, too.
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