Interview: Véronique & Philippe’s hunger for discovery on Route 66

A Route 66 roadtrip is never just a line on a map. It’s a sequence of atmospheres: long straight roads, neon motels, sudden desert light, and the feeling that the horizon is always one bend ahead. Véronique and Philippe set off across the United States with their 14-year-old, choosing the freedom of a self-drive itinerary—while staying supported end-to-end. In this interview, they share why America felt “inevitable”, what moved them most (yes, the Grand Canyon from above), and the small real-life surprises that only happen once you’re there—like time zones inside the same town.

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.

Mini-guide: making a Route 66 roadtrip feel easy (without rushing it)

Keep your days breathable. Plan realistic driving time and remember you’ll stop often—sometimes because you want to, sometimes because the road demands it.

Expect patchy mobile coverage. Download offline maps before leaving cities and keep key addresses accessible without signal (hotel, next stop, rental contact).

Heat and fatigue are real factors. In desert areas, schedule breaks and avoid arriving late after a long day; it’s when attention drops that minor incidents happen.

Book the “big-ticket” moments early. Experiences like scenic flights can sell out depending on season and day of week; lock them in first, then build the road around them.

FAQ

How long do you need for a Route 66 roadtrip?

Long enough to avoid “highway-only” days. The best rhythm leaves time for stops, small towns, and occasional detours without driving late every night.

Is a 4x4 necessary on Route 66?

No. Most of Route 66 is paved. A comfortable vehicle with good luggage space and strong AC matters more than off-road capability—unless you’re planning specific dirt-road detours.

Can you do a Route 66 roadtrip with a teenager?

Yes—if you balance iconic highlights with flexible days. Shorter driving blocks, frequent breaks, and a few “wow” experiences (big cities, parks, viewpoints) keep everyone engaged.

À savoir aujourd’hui

The emotions of Route 66—its iconic towns, long horizons, and contrasts—remain timeless. What can change fast is opening hours, reservation rules for popular experiences, and local access conditions around major natural sites. Before you leave, double-check your key bookings, the seasonality of your planned stops, and your connectivity plan (offline maps and a working data solution).