Route 66 Centennial: Wanderlab and Choice Hotels Team Up for Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Route 66, America’s most iconic highway, is celebrating its centenary. The milestone will be commemorated through the launch of a special interactive guide created by Wanderlab and Tripadvisor’s creative studio and Choice Hotels International. The new partnership enables travelers to create their ideal road trip experience which includes a journey through the historic Route 66 that extends more than 2500 miles across eight states from Illinois to California. The “Century of Route 66” guide provides complete support for road-trippers who want to find unique roadside attractions and genuine diners and comfortable accommodation.

Interactive Map and Route Planning

The new map offers a rich, immersive experience, integrating Choice Hotels’ wide array of accommodations along Route 66 with must-see historic sites and unique roadside attractions. This guide lets travellers plan their Route 66 journey step-by-step, whether stopping to admire the famous Route 66 Mural Trail or indulging in local cuisine, like the iconic horseshoe sandwich in Springfield, Illinois.

Choice Hotels’ Strategic Locations Along Route 66

With over 7,400 properties worldwide, Choice Hotels ensures that travellers can enjoy a comfortable stay, regardless of where they are along Route 66. From Comfort Suites in Rolla, Missouri to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Bolingbrook, Illinois, Choice Hotels provides a variety of options that combine convenience and local charm. These accommodations are conveniently located near top attractions, allowing guests to easily explore Route 66’s vibrant history.

A Century of Stories on the Open Road

Route 66 has always been more than just a highway; it’s a symbol of American freedom, opportunity, and exploration. From its origins during the Great Depression as a lifeline for struggling families to its status as an enduring symbol of American culture, the road has shaped countless stories and adventures. The centennial celebration provides an opportunity to revisit these stories, bringing the spirit of the road to a new generation of travellers.

Experiencing Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip

Illinois, the birthplace of Route 66, offers several must-see stops, such as the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience and Polk-a-Dot Drive-In, a retro diner. Moving into Missouri, travellers will cross the legendary Chain of Rocks Bridge and stop by the nostalgic 66 Drive-In Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. Kansas, with its brief 13-mile stretch of Route 66, packs in some unique charm with the historic Old Riverton Store. Oklahoma boasts the longest stretch of Route 66 and iconic landmarks like the red Round Barn.

Texas offers the larger-than-life Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, where travellers can take on the 72-ounce steak challenge. The New Mexico stretch of Route 66 is a desert wonderland with vintage memorabilia at the Route 66 Auto Museum, while Arizona provides dramatic landscapes, including the Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum. Finally, the Route 66 journey ends at California’s Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic “End of the Trail” sign, symbolising the completion of a long and memorable road trip.

The Growing Popularity of Route 66 Travel

According to Tripadvisor data, interest in Route 66 has surged by 20% from 2023 to 2024. With more travellers looking to experience this historic route, Tripadvisor forums are filled with stories, reviews, and advice on the best stops and hidden gems along the way. This collaboration with Choice Hotels makes planning the journey easier, providing not only the logistical tools for road-trippers but also bringing the historic significance of Route 66 to life through interactive features.

An Unforgettable Journey Awaits on Route 66

The 100th anniversary of Route 66, which started in 1926, provides travellers with a new interactive map and guide from Wanderlab and Choice Hotels to explore this famous American road traveling route. The partnership provides road-trip travellers with a practical solution that also delivers a nostalgic experience through its combination of essential travel needs and historical travel elements. The present moment serves as an ideal opportunity to experience 100 years of historical travel while you begin your Route 66 exploration.

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