The great American road trip, with the legendary Route 66 leading the way, is the dream of many life-on-wheels enthusiasts. Over there, RV culture (the big American motorhomes) is in its element, with huge infrastructure and cinematic scenery. Since you won't be bringing your own motorhome, renting one there is the natural choice. Here's the essentials for planning the adventure.
Route 66
The "Mother Road" once linked Chicago with Los Angeles through the heart of the United States. Today it's more of a nostalgic journey (much of it replaced by motorways), but driving its preserved stretches, its vintage motels, its diners and its culture is a unique experience. The spirit of the American road trip.
Beyond Route 66: the national parks
The real treasure of an RV trip across the USA is its national parks: the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Monument Valley, Death Valley... Nature on a colossal scale, with campsites set up for motorhomes in or near the parks.
How it's done
- Rent an RV there: there are large rental companies; the vehicles are huge (get used to driving them).
- Driving licence: a Spanish licence is usually enough, sometimes with an international permit; check the requirements by state.
- Enormous distances: plan realistic daily stages; the country is vast.
- Book campsites in high season, especially in popular national parks.
Practical tips
- Fuel and size: RVs use a lot of fuel; watch out in car parks and on mountain roads.
- Full insurance: essential.
- Mix city, road and nature for a varied trip.
In summary
An RV trip along Route 66 and the USA's national parks is the great American road trip, renting the vehicle once you get there. The step you can take today: if you're planning it, don't fixate only on Route 66; combine its nostalgic stretches with the national parks of the west (Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite), which are the most spectacular part. And when you come home, the motorhome spirit stays with you (see routes through Spain).