Holiday in Route 66

What makes Route 66 special as a destination?

Route 66, affectionately known as the 'Mother Road' or 'Main Street of America', is more than just a road — it is an American myth. Stretching nearly 4,000 kilometers, it connected Chicago (Illinois) with Santa Monica (California) from 1926 to 1985 and became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the American Dream. Although it no longer officially exists, large parts of the original route are still drivable and attract road trip fans from all over the world. The route crosses eight states and offers an astonishing variety: from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the endless plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, through the red deserts of Arizona and New Mexico to the Pacific coast. Along the way, you encounter retro diners with turquoise leather seats, abandoned ghost towns, kitschy roadside attractions (like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo or the Blue Whale of Catoosa), and neon signs from past decades. Those wanting to drive the entire route should plan for two to three weeks, but even partial sections are immensely worthwhile. The stretch through Arizona — from Holbrook through Winslow ('Standin’ on the Corner') to Oatman with its wild donkeys — is particularly atmospheric. In Gallup, New Mexico, you immerse yourself in the culture of the Navajo and Zuni. Motels like Wigwam Motel or Blue Swallow Motel offer authentic Route 66 vibes. The best times to travel are spring or autumn when the desert sections are not unbearably hot. Route 66 is not a destination — it is the journey.