First ever Road Trip

[joz]

In April I'm travelling with my sister from Phoenix to Vegas via the Grand Canyon and Route 66. We have 2 weeks and are planning a week in and around Sedona and ending with 3 nights in Las Vegas. I will be the lone driver. We have never been to America before (we are English) so could do with some tips re our itinary and helpful tips for the road.

[RoadTripper Brad]

In April I'm travelling with my sister from Phoenix to Vegas via the Grand Canyon and Route 66. ... We have never been to America before (we are English) so could do with some tips re our itinary and helpful tips for the road.

Welcome to the Forum!

You certainly have chosen several of the best sites to visit in the Desert Southwest while here from the United Kingdom. With two weeks total, half of which will be in the Sedona area, you have time to do quite a bit. Depending on how much time you expect to spend at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to several days to explore Route 66.

April is a good time to hit the area, as it is not going to be excessively hot, but regardless, its always good to plan for desert conditions when you take a drive through Arizona. Route 66, although a wonderful roadway and a major historic area of the US, it isn't as well traveled as it once was (although it is picking up again), so planning for an emergency is key.

Visiting the Grand Canyon, as well as driving, carrying water is key. If you plan to leave your vehicle, take a bottle of water with you.

Plan to spend at least one day along Route 66 (which may be signed as Historic US 66 [as it should], or Arizona 66 [as it shouldn't], as both signage and markings on maps have been noted), so a rest in Kingman will probably be in order.

Many portions of the Route 66 alignment are now part of I-40, so watch for exits to towns like Williams and Ash Fork, so you don't miss those area's bits of Route 66. The longer section of the highway that still exists begins at exit 139 off of I-40, so watch carefully so you don't miss it. This will take you into Seligman the old fashioned way.

Regardless if you're taking a rental or a car someone owns, be sure to check the fluids, tires, etc. frequently, usually at gas stops. Be aware of changes in tire pressure, etc. Also, know where the tire changing kit is, and how it operates. Fixing your own flat can get you back on track quickly and effectively.

Hoover Dam is still open for visitation, and motorists can still cross the dam for the time being. Be ware that there will be an extended delay at the crossing due to heightened security, and that your vehicle may be selected for a random search. If you don't want to hassle with the wait, you can always take the back route via Laughlin.

So, enjoy your trip through some of the best representations of America in the region and enjoy your visit in the United States!

-Brad

[Mark Sedenquist]

In April I'm travelling with my sister from Phoenix to Vegas via the Grand Canyon and Route 66. We have 2 weeks and are planning a week in and around Sedona and ending with 3 nights in Las Vegas.

Welcome to American RoadTripping and this Forum! Is your total trip two weeks or is it in addition to the week in and around Sedona? Here is a great field report about that little traveled (by most people) section of Route 66 that goes over the famous Sitgreaves Pass via Oatman, California.

Also, we have written a number of essays about taking first road trips, and you might find some of them helpful or, at the least, amusing. Here is a list of the best of that group.

Plus there is a post this week for another road trip that closely parallels some of your planned trip -- that you might find useful!

Mark