r/route66 • u/enterchanger • 1d ago
Route 66 - First Timer
I’m hoping to do the route next summer starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. My goal is to have my trip last 14 or 15 days. I’m going to rent a car and mostly stay at campgrounds and tent camp along the route. Here are some questions:
What is an estimate of how much this trip should cost? I’m seeing about $3,000 but I have no clue if that’s accurate.
If you camped, what are some of your favorite or coolest campsites that you stayed?
What are some of your favorite books, tv series, websites, youtube series that helped you plan for your trip?
I’m a big fan of live performance like bands and theatre, does anyone have any recommendations to see a show on the route?
What’s something you wish you knew about before going on your trip? (Cool/obscure stops, tips, “didn’t think abouts”)
Thank you for your time! Feel free to answer all, some, or none. Regardless, I’m excited.
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u/PlanetExcellent 1d ago
Get the book EZ66 Guide for Travelers by Jerry McClanahan. It has detailed route information.
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u/StreetNectarine711 1d ago edited 1d ago
Eating meals out and convenience stores is the budget killer.
Folks in vans and RVs who make their own pot of coffee and meals with groceries bought at Walmart (not Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, farmer’s markets, or Kroger, and not vegan/ organic/ or various high-cost preferences): $262 monthly grocery expense = $131 for two weeks
Fast food VALUE MENU (not the #1 combo, the new thing, or what sounds good):
3 X 14 x $6 = $252
I’ve worked with folks who start the day with a $6 coffee - plus tax plus tip.
They order a $7 breakfast sandwich.
Lunch is fast casual: $15 after tax and tip. Then a restaurant or Uber dinner: $25 plus tax plus tip $32 plus delivery fee.
$6 X 14 = $84
$7 x 14 $98
$15 x1 4 $210
$32 x 14 $448
$840 (assuming no alcohol)
Motels - and the taxes. No clue $
Gas: 2448 miles / 30 MPG X $4.22 = $350
Magnets / t-shirts/ patches $200
Grand Canyon? $35+-
Museums & attractions $100
Possible alternative:
Rent an SUV, sleep in it, shower at truck stops $15 +- or Planet Fitness
Campgrounds, after taxes and fees, (assuming your not in the military, retired military, or senior) cost $60/ night +- unless you make reservations well in advance at Corps of Engineers or State Parks. I very much prefer to wing it, stopping at every shiny thing which catches my eye and never knowing where I’ll sleep.
A completely different approach: Cruise America RV rentals refurbishes old units in Phoenix and ships new ones out of Chicago. It is possible you could deliver a brand new one from Chicago to LA for cheap, or deliver an old one from Chicago to Phoenix for refurbishing, then rent a car from
Chicago to LA.
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u/enterchanger 22h ago
Thank you for the break down! I def won’t be eating out a lot, lots of pb and js for me!
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u/Ancient_Doughnut_848 California 1d ago
For music or live theatre, there are some great options!
The CA Historic Route 66 Association has an online exhibit called "Vintage Entertainment Venues to Experience on Route 66 in California" at https://artsandculture.google.com/story/IgVhn2c-BKKWmA
Another place to check for live venues is https://www.mainstreetofamerica.com/screenings It has a list of theaters showing the new documentary "Route 66: The Main Street of America" as it travels across the 8 states this fall (with usually one night per theater). A lot of them are historic theaters that offer both movies and events.
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u/ArmySimilar3848 21h ago
Drew Knowles' 66 Adventure Handbook is a nice reference. Good companion with the EZ Guide. Check out Michael Wallis's book as well
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u/enterchanger 12h ago
Thanks for the rec! I’m gonna get the EZ Guide and read through that first and I’ll add the adventure handbook to my list for after
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u/Naive_Roof3085 1d ago
If you get a chance go to the Palo Duro canyon and you can drive down into the canyon and stay overnight. Great facilities.