Description
Holiday like never before with this historic, iconic road trip, but this time, we’re going a bit more off-piste!
Experience complete freedom as you explore the areas you want, and for how long, enjoying space and comfort in your outstandingly equipped RV.
We’ve decided to flip this classic journey on it’s head this time, so you’ll be flying into LA and back out of Chicago.
We’ll book you into a hotel for the first night so you can rest before collecting your RV the next day and setting off on your trip.
Here are some of the places we recommend you take in on this reimagined variation of Route 66:.
Santa Monica, California – Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city in California known for its beautiful beaches, iconic pier, and lively downtown area. It offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and shopping, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The city also features a strong emphasis on sustainability and urban planning, with scenic parks, bike-friendly streets, and a thriving arts scene.
Grand Canyon, Nevada – The Grand Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located in northern Arizona, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is renowned for its immense size, intricate landscape, and diverse layers of sedimentary rock, which reveal Earth’s geological history. The canyon stretches approximately 277 miles (446 km) in length, up to 18 miles (29 km) in width, and over a mile (1.6 km) deep, attracting millions of visitors annually for activities such as hiking, rafting, and sightseeing. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Grand Canyon National Park, offering diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history, including Native American heritage.
Kingman, Arizona – Kingman, Arizona, is a historic city located in northwestern Arizona, serving as the county seat of Mohave County. Known for its rich history tied to the railroad and Route 66, it offers attractions such as the historic Route 66 Museum, outdoor activities like hiking and boating on nearby lakes, and scenic desert landscapes. Kingman also acts as a gateway for travelers exploring the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Mojave Desert, blending its Western heritage with modern tourism.
Albuquerque, New Mexico – Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage, popular arts scene, and stunning desert landscapes. Located along the Rio Grande, it boasts a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The city serves as a hub for science and technology, with institutions like Sandia National Laboratories, and offers outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring nearby natural attractions like Petroglyph National Monument and the Sandia Mountains.
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, fantastic arts scene, and stunning adobe architecture. Nestled in the southwestern United States, it boasts a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, reflected in its art galleries, historic sites, and annual events like the Santa Fe Indian Market. Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby desert landscapes, making it a popular destination for both cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Amarillo, Texas – Amarillo, Texas, located in the Texas Panhandle, is known for its history rooted in cattle ranching and the railroad industry. It serves as a regional hub with attractions like the Cadillac Ranch art installation, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and scenic parks such as Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and a strong community spirit, making it a notable gateway to exploring the Texas Panhandle’s unique landscape and culture.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and southwestern hospitality. It features notable attractions such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1995 bombing, as well as the Bricktown entertainment district, filled with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The city also boasts a growing economy driven by sectors like energy, aerospace, and healthcare, along with a strong sports culture highlighted by teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team. Additionally, OKC offers a blend of western heritage and modern urban development, making it an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike.
Memphis, Tennessee – Memphis, Tennessee, known for its musical heritage, is a famous city situated along the Mississippi River, famous for its contributions to blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, with iconic landmarks like Beale Street and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. The city boasts a diverse cultural scene, a strong musical history, and a significant role in American history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Memphis also features a thriving economy centered around transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare, making it a dynamic and historically significant city in the southeastern United States.
Nashville, Tennessee – Nashville, Tennessee, known as “Music City,” is renowned for its significant country music scene, cultural history, and thriving arts community. It is the capital of Tennessee and a major hub for music, entertainment, healthcare, and education, with notable attractions including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the historic Broadway district. The city also boasts a diverse culinary scene, numerous parks, and a growing economy, making it a dynamic place to visit or live.
Louisville, Kentucky – Louisville, Kentucky, is a city known for its history, cultural attractions, and its famous Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs. The city boasts a diverse economy, a lively arts scene, and numerous parks and outdoor activities along the Ohio River. Known for its bourbon distilleries, historic neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, Louisville also offers a range of culinary delights and sports events, making it a dynamic place to visit or live. Perhaps the biggest claim to fame here is that Louisville was the birthplace to arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Cassius Clay, otherwise known as Muhammed Ali!
Chicago, Illinois – Chicago, Illinois, is known for its diverse culture, iconic architecture, and major contributions to music, arts, and finance. As the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago boasts landmarks like the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, along with a renowned culinary scene featuring deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. The city is also a hub for transportation, commerce, and education, with institutions like the University of Chicago and many Fortune 500 companies headquartered there. Its neighborhoods offer a mosaic of cultures, making Chicago a dynamic and influential American metropolis.
WOW what an adventure, what memories created!
Of course, with the freedom your RV gives, ultimately you decide where and when you want to go, so if our suggestions don’t match yours, no problem, we’ll leave it to you to create your own path.
Once you drop your RV in Chicago you’ll spend a final night here, giving you a chance to rest and reflect on what you’ve just done, before flying back home the next day.
If you would like to book or enquire about this fantastic RV Adventure Holiday, give travelplanners a call on 020 3542 8888 or enquire online.