Smartphones have worked their way into our daily lives not only as a means of contact, but by replacing our cameras, calculators and maps. When it comes to touring Route 66, however, a mobile phone GPS might not be the best partner to bring on the trip – here's why.
Does satellite navigation work across all of Route 66?
At first glance, satellite navigation or GPS seems to map out many places and roads along the Mother Road. However, for those who haven't explored the twists and turns of Route 66, a GPS isn't the best guide to have in the car with you. For one, modern GPS's only display existing roads. An experienced Route 66 tour guide will have intimate knowledge of hidden gems tucked away on your voyage, taking you through to old sites that haven't been on public routes for decades.
Furthermore, a GPS won't be able to tell you how much time to set aside for an excursion, or geographical or customary quirks to look out for. To get the most out of your Route 66 journey, it's always best practice to put your faith in someone who knows the Mother Road like the back of their hand. This way, you'll be guaranteed the road trip of a lifetime.
What are the benefits of touring Route 66 with a guide?
With the internet and plenty of pockets of information at our fingertips, it's unsurprising that many people are choosing to create their own itineraries when travelling the world. When it comes to Route 66, however, this isn't always a good idea. With countless stops and tourist traps to fall into, it's vital that any trip is planned correctly for the best experience possible. Here's where a Route 66 tour guide truly shines.
Hotspots and hidden gems
For one, it's a Route 66 tour guide's job to live and breathe the Mother Road. They'll know all the hotspots worth making time for on your great American road trip . This includes the secret locations you might not know about, such as the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa – a natural swimming hole with underwater caves to dive in and explore.
Perhaps more importantly, a tour guide will know when certain spots get congested with tourists or traffic, as well as the best time for photo opportunities. The Grand Canyon, for example, had around 6.38 million visitors in 2018, according to Statista research. Your guide will know exactly what time of day is perfect to detour to the canyon, without getting trapped in a crowd of tourists.
You're in passenger mode
At some point or another, we've all had to experience the job of helping the driver out with navigation. While in today's world that might not mean fumbling with a map, spending time programming and focusing on the GPS means that you'll be spending less time taking in the magnificent sights of Route 66 as you travel. It's not just the stops that you should be keeping an eye out for. Route 66 winds through a range of terrain, from dusty red deserts to snow-dusted, alpine roads.
Having a tour guide behind the wheel means that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Even if you do decide to get behind the wheel of a classic car for your trip or a roaring Harley, the guide will show you where to go as you tour in convoy – nobody will get left behind or lost on a Route 66 tour.
What are you waiting for? It's time to book your great American Roadtrip. For more information on our adventures, get in touch with the team.
