100 Years of Route 66: Why America’s Most Iconic Road Trip Still Captivates Travellers

There are road trips… and then there is Route 66.

As this legendary highway approaches its 100-year anniversary, it continues to hold a unique place in the imagination of travellers around the world. Not simply as a route, but as a journey through the heart, history and character of the United States. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 has long symbolised freedom, discovery and the spirit of the open road.

A century on, its appeal has not faded. If anything, it has evolved.

A Journey Through Time

Established in 1926, Route 66 quickly became one of America’s most important highways, connecting small towns and major cities across eight states.

During the Great Depression, it carried families west in search of opportunity. In the decades that followed, it became the backdrop for road trips, motels, diners and the golden age of American travel.

Today, while parts of the original road have been replaced by modern highways, much of its character remains intact. Travelling Route 66 is not about speed. It’s about stepping into a living piece of history.

More Than a Drive

What makes Route 66 so compelling is not the distance, but the detail.

It’s the neon-lit diners.
The independently owned motels.
The roadside attractions that feel untouched by time.

Stops such as Cadillac Ranch and the vast landscapes surrounding Grand Canyon National Park add variety and contrast to the journey.

Each stretch of the route tells a different story, shaped by the people and communities that line it.

The Enduring Appeal of the Open Road

In a world of fast flights and carefully curated itineraries, Route 66 offers something refreshingly different. It invites you to slow down. To take detours. To stop somewhere unexpected. To have conversations you didn’t plan.

There is a sense of nostalgia to the experience, but also a sense of freedom that feels just as relevant today as it did a century ago.

How to Experience Route 66 Properly

A journey like this benefits from thoughtful planning. The key is balance. Knowing when to follow the original road and when to take a more efficient route. Choosing stops that add depth rather than simply distance.

For some, that might mean incorporating time in cities like Las Vegas or Los Angeles. For others, it’s about focusing on the quieter stretches, where the character of Route 66 feels most authentic.

The most rewarding journeys tend to combine both.

A Journey Worth Taking in 2026

The 100-year anniversary of Route 66 is more than a milestone. It’s a reminder of a different way to travel. One that values the journey as much as the destination. Whether it’s your first time exploring the United States or a return visit with a different perspective, Route 66 offers a rare opportunity to experience the country in a more immersive and meaningful way.

Designing the Experience

At Novium Travel, we believe journeys like this are best approached with care and consideration. From selecting the right vehicles and accommodations to shaping the pace of the trip, every detail influences how the experience feels.

Because a journey along Route 66 is not simply about reaching the end. It’s about everything that happens along the way.