Take a trip on Route 66?

Question

We want to save up (might take a few years) to travel to the US, hire a car and drive the full length of Route 66 (yes, we are suckers for the film "Cars"). How much money do you think we would need to save (we are in the UK)?

Answer 1

Ahhh.... Route 66 isn't what it used to be. Many of the old diners and things that made Route 66 quaint are closed up and gone... and, just like in Cars, the main highway has all the good stuff. I don't want you to be disappointed!!! However, it is still a "fun" drive if you have plenty of time. Start from the east and move towards Los Angeles in California.... and plan on taking a couple of weeks to see everything... plan on going "off course" a few times to get to interesting points.... but plan on seeing a LOT of desert, long drives with nothing much to look at.... have a car with a good radio AND good air conditioning. And make it your goal to see the U.S. - not just travel Route 66... movies and music have romanticized it beyond recognition (grin).

But you asked about cost didn't you? Plan on airfare to the U.S. (make sure your arrival point is different from your departure point in the U.S....this might cost extra).

Good hotels are going to run you about $150 per nite....some are less than that (Try a large chain like Motel 6 or Best Western... they are cheaper and are still small, clean, and give you exactly what you want... a bed to sleep in and a shower... don't expect room service or special amenities!!!).
Car rental is going to be about $50 per day PLUS mileage (try to find a car rental agency that doesn't charge mileage...and make sure that you can drop it off at the end of your journey not where you rented it from!).
Food? Depends on how hungry you are... but plan on about $3-5 per meal if you are going to "picnic" basket the drive... otherwise, plan on about $10 per meal (more for dinner) if you are going to eat at diners/restaurants.
Gasoline (petrol) is going to be the pain!!! Gas right now is about $2.50 per gallon. Most cars have about a 15 gallon tank and the more economical the better... but you'll probably get 25 miles to the gallon. You can calculate the distance and figure out how much gas you will need.
THEN you have to plan on the incidentals... parks, sights, amusements for your journey..... Disneyland alone is about $60 per person just to get in!!!

It is an expensive undertaking but well worth it, I feel, to drive across America and see the country up close and personal.

Of course... make sure you LOVE the person you are travelling with... even the best of friends can have their courage and friendship tested being stuck in a car for so long.

Answer 2

Bekka was pretty much right on with the estimation of money, but it certainly is a trip many would like to take. I live along Route 66 in Illinois, and here there has been a lot of effort made to preserve some of the history along the Mother Road. Make sure to check with the state tourism bureaus along the route, they will be able to help you with siteseeing and finding lodging. You may be able to save some money if you are willing to camp out along the way.

Definitely make sure to allow a few days to visit St. Louis. There are lots of freebies that are well worth taking time for! Also, Meramac Caverns in Missouri is a must see - absolutely gorgeous! Cost about $15 for an hour tour last time I was there.

Good luck, and have fun!