A road trip down Route 66 can be an unforgettable adventure! Here are tips to help you have the ultimate experience along the Mother Road; be sure to plan a stopover in Cuba Missouri:
1. Plan your route. Route 66 has changed over the years, so plan your route. Use a GPS or a reliable road atlas to help you navigate the iconic stops and attractions along the way. Here are several great books to help.
2. Take your time. Don’t rush the journey. Route 66 is about the experience, not just the destination. Take the time to explore the quirky roadside attractions, museums, and small towns along the route. There are over 2,448 miles to cover.
3. Embrace the nostalgia. Route 66 is full of retro charm. Seek out vintage motels, diners, and gas stations to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the old road. Pull up to Shelly’s Route 66 Cafe in Cuba MO – for breakfast. Visit Shelly’s Cafe on Route 66
4. Pack essentials. Bring all the necessary supplies like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, maps, and a tool kit for minor car repairs.
5. Capture the moments. Be sure your phone camera is ready to document your adventure. The landscape, unique landmarks, and encounters with locals will make great memories and snapshots that followers will envy. Here are 5 selfie spots in Cuba to check out!
6. Be open to detours. Some of the best experiences on Route 66 come from unexpected detours. Be open to exploring side roads and hidden gems. Only about 85% of Route 66 is still driveable so prepare for creative connections in between the interruptions.
7. Respect the locals. Route 66 passes through many small towns, and the locals are proud of their heritage. Be respectful, and friendly, and engage with them to learn about the area’s history and culture. Seek out museums and historical landmarks. Every town has them. Visit the Cuba Visitor Center
8. Budget wisely. Although road trips can be budget-friendly, expenses can add up. Plan your accommodation, meals, and attraction visits carefully to maximize your resources. If you make stops, support small business owners when possible. Ask about Route 66 discounts or deals.
9. Stay in classic motels. To fully immerse yourself in the Route 66 experience, consider staying in classic motels that date back to the “heyday of the mother road”. Like the Historic Wagon Wheel, in Cuba, MO, the oldest operating motel on Route 66. Visit the Wagon Wheel Motel
10. Try regional cuisine. Each state along Route 66 has its unique cuisine and specialties. Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes and iconic Route 66 eateries. Visit our local restaurants!
11. Prepare for the weather. Route 66 covers a diverse range of climates, from hot deserts to cooler mountain regions. Pack appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during your journey. Always wear comfortable shoes.
12. Check out iconic landmarks. Be sure to catch famous attractions like the Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Santa Monica Pier at the end of the road. Or even the lesser-known attractions like a giant rocking chair, or a tribute to the Osage Nation.
13. Learn the history. Get familiar with the history of Route 66, including its significance during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. Knowing the road’s background will make your journey more meaningful. Route 66 has numerous museums and information centers that provide background and history. Visit the Crawford County Historical Society Museum .
14. Have a flexible itinerary. While planning is essential, be flexible with your schedule. Sometimes the best experiences come when you allow room for spontaneity.
15. Enjoy the drive. Finally, remember that the road trip itself is an adventure. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and savor every moment of this unique journey.
Follow these tips and be well-prepared for an amazing and memorable road trip down Route 66! On the way, stop off in Cuba, Missouri, the Route 66 Mural City, for a day or weekend and explore our great attractions! Learn more at visitcubamo.com