Route 66 Road Trip Checklist

15 items · Travel · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

Plan your ultimate Route 66 road trip with this practical, safety-first checklist.

• Choose start city (Chicago or Los Angeles)

  Pick start/end to set total distance and pickup/dropoff logistics.

• Map daily driving segments and set mileage limits

  Aim for 3–5 hours driving per day to enjoy stops.

• Identify key Route 66 stops and attractions

  List must-sees like Cadillac Ranch, Wigwam Motel, and Route 66 museums.

• Book accommodation at planned end-of-day towns

  Reserve motels or hotels near your final daily stop to avoid late drives.

• Reserve car rental or service your vehicle

  Choose unlimited miles and add roadside assistance if available.

• Plan gas and charging stops along the route

  Mark long stretches with few stations and EV chargers if needed.

• Download offline maps and navigation apps

  Save maps in Google Maps, Maps.me, or your GPS app for no-signal areas.

• Assemble emergency roadside kit list

  Include spare tire, jack, jumper cables, water, flashlight, and first aid.

• Pack emergency roadside kit

  Store items in an easy-access trunk spot and check expiration dates.

• Verify insurance, roadside assistance, and travel documents

  Print or save rental agreement, registration, insurance card, and ID.

• Create a photo spots list and timing plan

  Note sunrise/sunset times and parking options at landmarks.

• Select must-try roadside diners and local eats

  Pick diners with strong reviews and local specialties to sample.

• Check diner hours and payment methods

  Call or check online to confirm current hours and whether cash is preferred.

• Save diner addresses and add them to your route map

  Add each location as a stop in your navigation app for easy detours.

• Prepare entertainment: playlists, podcasts, and offline media

  Download music and podcasts for long stretches with no cell signal.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.