What's included?

• 15 nights accommodation in STANDARD hotels

• Your digital roadbook (day-to-day program)

Not included

• Your international flight and car rental

• Optional excursions, tips, meals and drinks and personal expenses

Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Tailored travel

The tours in our brochures are just a few examples of travel itineraries possible. Our trips can be tailored to suit your specific needs. If you want to book a specific destination or combine it with a mini-tour then we will gladly make you a tailor-made offer. For a personalised day-by-day program please contact our destination experts.

Would you like to travel in a group; with your entire family, friends or colleagues? (min. 10 people required). Put our know-how to the test and send us your details and wishes. We will gladly turn the blueprints of your trip into a detailed quote and a lasting memory for you to cherish. Contact our Connections’ Group Service by e-mail at groups@connections.be or by telephone on +32 (0)2/550 01 65. We would love to hear from you.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.

• Low season from € 1629 p.p.

• High season from € 1679 p.p.

The history of Route 66

Route 66 was officially opened in 1926 and was one of the first transcontinental connections in America. This historic road originally stretched 2,448 miles and connected Chicago with Los Angeles right through the heart of America. During the Great Depression, the route became an important escape route for thousands of families seeking a better life in California. In the post-war years, Route 66 flourished as a holiday destination with colourful motels, diners and roadside attractions. Although the original route was officially removed from the American road network in 1985, Route 66's legendary status lives on in American culture and continues to attract travellers from all over the world.

Sights along Route 66

During your road trip along Route 66, you will discover countless special sights that reflect the history and culture of America. In Illinois, visit the iconic starting point in Chicago and the charming town of Pontiac with the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum. Missouri surprises with the impressive Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the historic Meramec Caverns. In Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum awaits your discovery. Amarillo in Texas is known for the colourful Cadillac Ranch, while in Arizona you can explore Petrified Forest National Park and the picturesque town of Flagstaff. The journey ends spectacularly in California with the famous Santa Monica Pier, where an official sign marks the end of your epic road trip.

The best time to travel Route 66

For the best Route 66 experience, timing your trip is key. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant temperatures along the entire route with blooming landscapes and fewer crowds at popular attractions. The summer months (June-August) provide perfect weather in the northern states, but in desert areas such as Arizona, it can get extremely hot with temperatures above 40°C. Autumn (September-October) is considered by many to be the ideal time to travel, with mild temperatures, beautiful autumn colours in states such as Missouri and fewer tourists. The winter months (November-March) can be challenging due to snowfall in the northern states and mountainous areas, but they do offer lower prices and a more authentic experience with fewer tourists at iconic stops.

Practical tips for your Route 66 road trip

Good preparation will make your Route 66 adventure even more enjoyable. Book your rental car well in advance and choose a comfortable model, as you will be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. Invest in a detailed road map or navigation app specifically for Route 66, as the original road has been replaced by motorways in some places. Allow plenty of time for your trip; although you can technically cover the route in two weeks, a longer period allows more scope for spontaneous stops and explorations. Don't forget to apply for an international driving licence to supplement your Belgian driving licence. For American cities, it is important to research parking options, especially in busy areas such as Chicago and Los Angeles where parking can be expensive.

Accommodations along Route 66

Part of the charm of a Route 66 road trip lies in the authentic accommodations along the way. From historic motels from the 1950s to luxury resorts in Las Vegas, there is something to suit every traveller. Many original Route 66 motels have been lovingly restored and offer a nostalgic experience with their neon signs and retro décor. In cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles, you can choose from international hotel chains with all modern facilities. For a special experience, you can stay in one of the iconic wigwam motels in Holbrook or San Bernardino. During the high season (June-August) and around American holidays, it is wise to book accommodation in advance, especially in popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

The Grand Canyon as a highlight

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular highlights of your Route 66 adventure. This wonder of the world is located a short distance from the historic route and offers breathtaking views that will stay with you forever. The South Rim is the most accessible and popular part of the park, with panoramic viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. For an unforgettable experience, take a walk along the rim or even descend into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. Getting up early pays off twice here: you avoid the crowds and can enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the majestic rock formations. Williams, a charming town along Route 66, serves as the perfect base for your visit to this natural wonder.