Véronique and Philippe chose a self-drive USA trip with their 14-year-old, travelling in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. From Route 66 to the landscapes of the American West, they share their memories, their choice of vehicle and how the trip was organised. This is their family SUV travel experience, rather than an account of a motorcycle tour.
1/ Why did you choose the United States?
Véronique & Philippe: We both love wide-open spaces and the contrasts you can feel from one culture to another. The United States is a must-see destination, and we were curious to experience legendary cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas. This Route 66 trip felt just right in terms of duration and budget—and there was an incredible amount to see.
What stood out: the scale. Distances look “simple” on a screen, but on the ground, you quickly understand why Americans plan in driving hours rather than kilometers.
2/ Why a self-drive trip instead of a guided one?
Véronique & Philippe: We chose to do Route 66 with maximum freedom. Our 14-year-old joined us, and we wanted to organize ourselves and drive at our own pace to enjoy every moment.
Planet Ride pro tip (pace & safety): on a Route 66 roadtrip, the trap is to stack too many stops in one day. Even on good roads, you’ll lose time at viewpoints, diners, small museums, and those “five-minute” detours that become an hour. Building a flexible buffer into the day keeps the ride enjoyable—especially with a teenager onboard.
3/ What vehicle did you use for this USA roadtrip?
Véronique & Philippe: We drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. It’s very well equipped and powerful. That said, the extra power isn’t essential—unless you enjoy going off-road.
On the ground: most of Route 66 is straightforward tarmac, with occasional rougher sections depending on detours. Comfort, air conditioning, and luggage space matter more than raw horsepower—particularly in hot stretches where you’ll be in the car for several real driving hours.
4/ Your best memory?
Véronique & Philippe: Las Vegas is a city you should experience at least once in your life—its excesses match its reputation. We also have an unforgettable memory of a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. And Bryce Canyon charmed us with its landscapes and its range of colors. Route 66 itself made us vibrate—sometimes even moved us.
Two iconic stops they mention that frame the mood: Grand Canyon (sheer scale, silence, vertigo) and Bryce Canyon (textures, light, and those color shifts that change throughout the day).
5/ Any anecdotes from the road?
Véronique & Philippe: One day we wanted to see two places only about 300 meters apart. But they were on two different times in the same town. Our hotel was on one time, and the big store next door was still on daylight saving time. Not ideal when you’re just trying to know what time it really is!
Reality check: these little frictions—time changes, opening hours, queues, check-in windows—are what can throw off a day if your schedule is too tight. Having a clear daily “must-do” and keeping the rest optional makes the trip smoother.
6/ What did you think of “Made in America”?
Véronique & Philippe: During our trip in the United States, we noticed that everything is XXL! Natural panoramas are splendid, spaces are gigantic, and roads hold plenty of surprises. As for food and drinks… let’s not even talk about it!
What “XXL” means on a roadtrip: bigger portions, bigger parking lots, bigger interchanges—and longer gaps between services once you leave major areas. Keeping water in the vehicle and topping up fuel earlier than “necessary” is simply good practice, especially when you’re stretching the day to catch sunset viewpoints.
7/ What’s next?
Véronique & Philippe: After traveling in Africa, Europe, and now the United States, we’re thinking about Asia. We haven’t had the chance to discover this incredible continent yet, and Thailand really sparks our curiosity.
How did it go with Planet Ride?
Véronique & Philippe: Overall, we’re truly delighted to have traveled with Planet Ride. This Route 66 roadtrip was a real success. Our American contact was attentive, reachable at any time, and very professional. Throughout the journey, we had no issues with logistics (flights, hotels, 4x4 rental). We felt safe from the first day to the last. Happy with the experience, we’re ready to go again with Planet Ride.
Planet Ride advice: planning your family trip
Published in 2018, this interview describes a personal experience. The vehicle, stops and services mentioned are not an offer guaranteed to be available in the same form today.
To plan your own journey, start by comparing trips on Route 66. Tell the expert how many people are travelling, the children’s ages, your dates, your preferred vehicle and the places that matter to you. Then confirm feasibility, daily pace and services before requesting a tailored quote.