The free Ultimate Route 66 Guide, available in eight languages, is a first step in planning a Route 66 trip.
Ready, set, go. In this weeks blog post about the gear we use, and recommend, it’s planning guides and tools, and some of the things you need to get the most from your Route 66 adventure.
The Basics
Planning a Route 66 trip begins with two basics. The first item that I recommend is EZ 66 Guide For Travelers by Jerry McClanhan. McClanahan is an author, an internationally acclaimed artist, and a pioneer in the Route 66 renaissance movement.
This guidebook is a throwback to the 1950s. But the simplicity, the attention to detail, and the trivia make this book ideal for planning the trip. Even though I have been traveling this old road since 1959, and make an annual end to end trip, we still travel with this guide.
Next
Next, download the free Ultimate Route 66 Guide from the Route 66 Navigation app. Availabe in eight languages the guide book is designed with the first time Roue 66 traveler in mind. But even the seasoned adventurer will find tips that they can use.
Then, while you are on the website, get a subscription to the Route 66 Navigation app. The point of interest file, and event calendar is free, but there is a small cost to use the navigation features. So, the app is ideally suited for planning the trip, and for ensuring that you stay on Route 66 while following the storied old highway. Trust me, that can be a challenge. Route 66 followed several different alignments in its history, and in some places it is not well signed.
Ready, set, go. This guidebook is a first step towards planning, and enjoying, a Route 66 adventure.
The app can be used offline. That is another plus as there are dead zones in the Mojave Desert and in rural areas. And that is another reason why this app is given the Jim Hinckley’s America seal of approval.
Don’t Forget The Passport(s)
Several state Route 66 associations have created passports that highlight select stops, provide some trivia and tips, and other information. These are highly recommended.
But I also suggest picking up a copy of the Mother Road Route 66 Passport. All of the passports make great customizable souvenirs. But this is the only passport for the entire route from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Created by the developers of the Route 66 Navigation app, the Mother Road Road Route 66 Passport was conceived as a means to increase foot traffic at visitor centers and enhance the travelers experience. This passport is indicative of the developers passion for the Route 66 community.
Finish The Tool Kit
- Pick up a copy of 100 Things to Do On Route 66 Before you Die. As with the first edition, my greatest challenge in writing this book was determining what to include. After all, I have several thousand places and events on my list of Route 66 favorites.
- Become a follower of Coffee With Jim on Podbean, the audio podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America. Guestson the live, interactive Sunday morning program include tourism directors, business owners, author, and event organizers. Archived programs are available on the Coffee With Jim website as well as on Spotify and most major podcast platforms. There is also an embedded player on the Jim Hinckley’s America website.
- In advance of your trip contact the state Route 66 associations. Most of them offer free guides that updated annually.
That about does it. Ready, set, go.
