With any overseas road trip, making sure you've packed everything you need is vital. It's much harder to turn around and grab something you forgot when home is all the way back in Australia!
Your packing list should already cover the bare basics – clothes, plenty of spare underwear and flight-friendly toiletries – but without a few more essentials, your tour just won't be complete. Here are four items to pack for your Route 66 tour.
1. A camera
The Route is one of the most scenic road trips in all of the United States. From the countless roadside attractions to iconic natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, there's plenty you'll want to photograph.
Your smart phone will certainly be sufficient, but you might also like to make your road trip photos a bit more special by packing a modern Polaroid camera and plenty of film.
2. Cash
You're bound to find unique private vendors selling souvenirs or homemade food in the many small towns on Route 66. While a card will cover most of your purchases, vendors in market places may only be able to accept cash.
Tipping is also an important part of etiquette in the States. Many servers' earnings are made up mostly of tips rather than wages. Cash is the preferred form of tip for many service staff because it's not taxed. You should expect to tip your waiter or waitress, bar tenders, taxi drivers and even housekeeping in motels. Often tips should be between 15 and 20 per cent of the total bill, but there is no fixed rule.
Be sensible with your cash. Don't keep it all in one place, and avoid carrying stacks. Load up a cash passport from your chosen Australian bank to cover the majority of your spending, and keep a supply of cash for tipping and kitsch purchases.
3. Weather protection
On the highway, you'll be passing through all manner of climates and no matter the season, it's possible you'll see both rain and shine.
Protect yourself against the hot American sun – particularly through the desert regions in Arizona and New Mexico. Pack plenty of sunscreen and a light jacket. If you're driving yourself, remember to slap some SPF on your left arm lest you end up with an awkward burn after driving with your elbow out the window.
It will also pay to remember a rain jacket and water-tight shoes in case a sudden downpour catches you while you're out and about.
4. Some tunes
A long time on the road can be exhausting without the perfect set of songs as background. Prepare for your Route 66 tour by putting together your ultimate road trip playlist! Don't forget must-have hits like Nat Cole King's "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66".
Bring a spare cable and a portable phone charger so you're never without your personal jukebox.
Don't let time pass you by – speed up with Route 66 tours! Get in touch today to find out more about our guided road trips.
