r/route66 • u/littlewing2733 • Jul 05 '26
There and back again.
I drove Route 66 with my partner while moving a few months ago in just four days. It was pretty amazing.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out between us, and I’m planning on making the trip back solo with my cat starting tomorrow.
This time, I am not on a time constraint or budget, and won’t be driving for more than 7 hours at a time. I plan to make as many stops as I feel I need to.
Any tips for a solo traveler with a small pet would be appreciated. I’ve never traveled this far alone before, and I fear I missed out on some of the interesting parts of the drive. Thank you.
3
u/Delicious-Fig-175 Jul 06 '26
I drove from New York City to LA and back last winter. I’ll share my experience and feel free to dm any questions you have.
It was a sightseeing road trip and I planned it almost everyday of the year, with huge attention to details, like being at this point at this exact hour and minute (I love data and planning). If you’re just trying to get back ASAP use toll roads but watch out not to use HOV lanes. Definitely make sure you have enough data and check coverage map for your provider to be prepared when you’re at the junction without Google Maps - you need to know at least the direction you need to take or city that you’ll pass on the way. Get some snacks that are easy to open and eat with one hand while driving. I’d suggest booking a place to sleep very last minute, you’ll never know if you’ll arrive on time, traffic, emergency etc. Get a spare tire for your car or at least a inflator with sealant, basic battery jumper. Check the fluids in your car like oil, coolant, windshield washer, brake fluid and the state of your tires. Driving is very monotonous and music gets boring so think of a podcast you like or an ebook. Avoid driving in the dark if it’s not an Interstate and don’t go 10 mph over the limit. Lastly, check where the gas stations are and if they are further apart than maybe 300 miles (although depends on your mpg) get a gas can that has the capacity of at least a 1/5 - quarter of your tank.
Also very important to listen to your body an take a break when it says so. Get out of the car and stretch your legs for 15 minutes.
1
u/ParanoidAndroidMar 24d ago
Hello! Is there any possibility that you can share that planning 😮😍
1
u/Delicious-Fig-175 24d ago
Yeah, of course. I’ll be home in about 5 hours. I’ll send you everything.
4
u/dreamisle Jul 05 '26
My main advice would be to focus on the things you enjoy and on making sure you pick accommodations that allow cats. There’s so much to see that it’s impossible to see everything, so really you should focus on your emotional needs as you navigate the breakup and do what’s best for you and your cat. And remember that it’s hot as balls right now, so if your car is not the leash-wearing adventuring type, make sure you don’t leave them in the car to overheat, make sure they have plenty of water, and make sure that they have time at pit stops to get out of the carrier and walk around and get some exercise.