A US road trip: remembering Route 66
There’s something about the words ‘road trip’ that gives me instantly itchy feet. To me, that conjures up empty roads snaking off into the distance, the promise of what might lie around the next bend – rather than ‘car journey’, which comes with a lot of less welcome assumptions.
And while you can road trip anywhere, the USA has to top the list – partly for its classic routes, partly its wide open highways (ideal for nervous drivers like me) and partly because this really is a country made for cars.
Now Minnie is three and can cope with a bit of driving (if she has her tunes on), I’m busy plotting one for this year. My husband is a complete car nut and with his own vintage Mustang, I know the promise of a classic American automobile is the best way to get him on board.
I’m currently pushing for the Pacific Coast Highway – aka Route 1 (although with so many things to do in Portland and some amazing coastal scenery, I wish we had longer to head up to Oregon as well).
He’s already driven north to south, from Wisconsin to New Orleans during a year living in America – with so many things to do in New Orleans, I was tempted to persuade him to go back there too, while a Lake Michigan road trip with kids is always tempting.
Otherwise a Midwest road trip would be another contender, while Florida is always a winner with kids too – but with a bit (lot) more time and an older daughter, I’d be very tempted to follow the old Route 66.
Crossing from Chicago right across to California, it passes through eight states and the American heartland as well. I got a small taste on a trip to Arizona a few years ago, staying in Sedona and making a few day trips.
On one, we headed to Flagstaff tracing some of the old route as we headed to the fascinating Lowell Observatory and cruised through the town.
And while we were there, we couldn’t miss the Grand Canyon, driving up to the South Rim. Words really can’t do it justice, staring down into the canyon to the Colorado River snaking through the depths below.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, I’d love to make that twice… not least because there is so much to do there. We did some walking, some driving, some gazing and spotted a few coyote.
But with more time, I’d definitely fancy whitewater rafting or a helicopter tour, although a Grand Canyon jeep tour might be a more family-friendly option.
Check out these suggestions for attractions along Route 66 with kids
When we were in Sedona, we took a Pink Jeep tour for an incredibly fun off-road drive through the astonishing red rock formations.
I remember the jeeps effortlessly (and bumpily) navigating down almost sheer drops and the fantastic guides telling us about the scenery, revealing some of the best tricks for a great photo, and keeping us hugely entertained.
And as they run Pink Jeep tours in the Grand Canyon too, I can only imagine how much fun it would be.
The only question now? Where can I rent a Mustang with space for a car seat in the back? And can I persuade my husband and Minnie to put the Beach Boys on the playlist…
For more great ideas of road trip activities with kids, as well as the best road trip snacks for kids, and tips on planning a road trip with kids, check out my other posts
Steering wheel image courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER
I would love to go to USA on a road trip and travel through the desert canyon’s. Beautiful photos too.
Thanks – the landscape really is stunning
I have never been to US.. but I have heard from many of my friends about how awesome it is.. I love road trips too.. though our trips have reduced after having a baby..It still is the most liberating experience for me..
you photos are awesome and I know why you want to experience the once in a lifetime experience twice
Thanks – road trips have definitely been off the cards for a few years (not something I fancy with a baby) but I do love the freedom of them.
This is my ultimate dream too – I want to do New England first starting from Boston and then another one from San Fran and of course the Grand Canyon! Love then photos
I would love to do a New England drive too – ideally in autumn, although of course that’s when everyone else does! I loved Boston when I visited. But San Fran is definitely in top spot for now. I’m sure I could do a road trip a year without running out of US itineraries though (now, there’s a plan!)
There is something incredibly romantic about going on a big US Road trip I think! My other half would love to do Route 66 (he also wants to do it on a Harley but I think I’d much rather a convertible!), and I’d also love to do the Pacific Highway too.
Those Grand Canyon photos look amazing – do you really get to stand right on the edge where behind you is just….plop! The Canyon? I’ve always wondered about that!
I think I’d rather be in a convertible too! And yes, there’s rock and then a great big hole, or was when I was there. A few of the photos of me have a rather nervous smile on my face…
Eep, not sure how I’d get on with that then, I get antsy standing on a rocky ledge in Cornwall, LOL.
Not that it stops me from wanting to go though – just viewed a safe distance from the edge 😉
I was definitely careful about where I stood! And plenty of safe viewing points to take in the immensity, without teetering too close…
I love road trips, you’re right car journeys are predictable but road trips hold so much promise. I would love to take the route 66 or 1 in the states it would be a dream come true
They both sound so tempting don’t they – and so much to see.
see for me driving anywhere abroad is a scary scenario. I need to overcome this irrational fear of driving on the ‘wrong side’ and just do it.
Me too, although I have driven in the USA a few times and it’s definitely a good starting point – very big wide roads (so loads of room if you’re used to the UK’s little twisty lanes), all the signs are in English and away from the cities it’s not so busy. Plus this time I’m taking my husband who adores cars and loves driving.
Wow – sounds like the ultimate road trip! I would love to do something like this one day. Fantastic photos. Kaz x
Thanks! I think a road trip is on a lot of people’s lists 🙂
I love driving with the freedom that comes with it so can just see me doing a road trip like the one you describe. It would be amazing x
It is a tempting thought to grab the keys and just drive, isn’t it.
Aaah this is such a fabulous travel post! Route 66 is so famous and iconic, it would be incredible to experience it for yourself. x
Thanks – it really is *the* road trip, isn’t it.
This sounds like a brilliant idea and I love the look of the photo of you hanging off a cliff… I am sure theres a secret to it? We are thinking of going on a little road trip in the Summer potentially to the South of France as I have never been and we will need to pack up the car with all the bits for a 6-8 week old. But the States sounds like it would be a better venue but maybe in a couple of years… xx
Thanks – and yes, a little trickery involved in that photo 😉 The South of France sounds a lovely idea for the summer, and definitely think that would be easier than the USA with a baby! Although hopefully you’ll be at the ‘sleeping all the time in the car’ stage then… Start them early!
Hurrah finally some pics of you Cathy! Great post:) We love exploring the USA via road too, so much more fun than attempting to drive any long distances in the UK!
Haha – doesn’t happen often! (Then four come at once) And definitely, a long car journey in the UK tends to fill me slightly with foreboding unless I can do it while my daughter is asleep, but the US is a lot more tempting.
This road trip sounds so fun! I have only been to the Grand Canyon once, it was by plane though. But of course, driving along route 66 is probably a dream of every U.S. lover :).
It’s the big one, I think – even just saying Route 66 gets my feet itchy!