Route 66 road trips are trending again—here’s how to do it for less

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, travelers are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the country’s history—and few experiences feel more quintessentially American than a Route 66 road trip.

Now, as the “Main Street of America” marks its 100th anniversary, the iconic highway is having a major resurgence. Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 has long symbolized freedom, exploration and classic Americana—and its centennial is expected to draw road trippers from across the country.

For many travelers, there’s one way to experience it fully: an RV road trip—and right now, there’s an opportunity to save on that journey.

Why Route 66 is a perfect RV travel experience to celebrated USA250

The overlap between Route 66’s centennial and America’s 250th birthday isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a rare cultural moment.

For travelers ready to plan their journey, using an RV—and taking advantage of available savings—could make the experience more accessible and memorable.

• Route 66 represents the rise of modern American travel
• It’s woven into pop culture, from roadside diners to neon-lit motels
• It tells the story of migration, growth and reinvention

As the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years, Route 66 offers a way to experience that history firsthand—not in a museum, but mile by mile.

Why an RV is the best way to do Route 66

While travelers can drive the route in any vehicle, an RV creates a more flexible and immersive experience.

RV road trips let you:

• Travel at your own pace without strict hotel bookings
• Stay closer to nature and roadside attractions
• Easily accommodate families or groups
• Turn the journey itself into the main event

With gas stops, scenic overlooks, and quirky roadside attractions along the way, Route 66 is less about the destination and more about how you experience it—and an RV makes that easier.

How to save on your RV trip

Right now, travelers can save on their Route 66 adventure with an exclusive RVshare rental deal:

• Save $80 on RV rentals of $700 or more
• Use promo code: USATODAY80
• Applies to rental price only
• Excludes taxes, fees, upgrades and insurance

A few popular Route 66 road trip itineraries

Travelers don’t need to tackle the entire route to experience its charm. Because the route isn’t one-size-fits-all, travelers can customize their experience—whether that’s a full Chicago-to-California adventure or shorter regional trips. Popular routes include:

• Chicago, IL → St. Louis, MO (Midwest roots)
• Amarillo, TX → Albuquerque, NM (desert landscapes + culture)
• Flagstaff, AZ → Santa Monica, CA (iconic western stretch)

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