A Route 66 road trip had been on my bucket list for years, but my husband and I kept putting it off. It was one of those iconic road trips that I felt needed to be planned perfectly. And then last summer, my husband and I decided to pack our bags, load the car, and spend two weeks exploring one of the most legendary highways in America!
2026 is the Route 66 Centennial, and there are many celebrations planned along the way. If you’re thinking of doing the road trip, this is definitely the best year to do it!
We followed the GoTimesharing itinerary on Roadtrippers, and you can too here!
Further reading...
My Secret to a Successful Road Trip?
The trick we used to make this road trip exciting, yet restful, was staying at timeshares! We learned that you don’t even need to be an owner to take advantage of so many amazing properties, three of which were situated perfectly along our Route 66 path. More on them later.
Three beautiful cities, three amazing resorts, and one unforgettable road trip that my husband and I are still talking about. Here was our journey!
Stop 1: Branson, Missouri
Our first stop of the trip was the historic Branson, Missouri, and we really enjoyed our time there. We were struck by the natural beauty surrounding the city and felt a bit nostalgic driving into the city despite this being our first visit.
We went to the Shepherd of Hills Adventure Park, which was truly a blast from the past, with its old-timey, historic theme. We went up the Inspiration Tower, which provided panoramic views of the surrounding Ozarks on a clear day, seeing up to 90 miles!
The highlight for my husband and me? Branson Landing! This stretch of shops and restaurants right along the waterfront was super charming, fun to explore, and great for relaxing. You cannot miss the Water and Fire Show at the Branson Landing Fountain! I can’t believe this show was free to be honest, definitely exceeded our expectations!
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Holiday Hills Resort, which was not too far away from all the action but far enough to be peaceful. There was an indoor and outdoor pool, a golf course, a movie theater, and plenty of dining options. After exploring Branson for a full day, it was nice to come back to a full kitchen suite and a comfortable bed to relax!
Stop 2: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Our next stop was Santa Fe, New Mexico, which was genuinely enchanting and, honestly, might have been my favorite city of the trip. There really is something about the pueblo architecture, the crisp air, and the creative energy everywhere that makes this city so special.
We spent a morning wandering around Canyon Road, which is an artistic road of galleries, studios, and gardens. We could have spent a lot more time here, just popping our heads into all the unique enclaves and chatting with the local artists.
We really didn’t know what to expect from Meow Wolf, which is where we headed in the afternoon. And it is still kind of hard to describe. It’s part art installation, part immersive story, part fever dream, and part problem-solving activity. We found ourselves wandering into secret rooms, climbing hidden stairs, and opening fridges that led to different dimensions. It was a wild experience. With that being said, you just have to go and experience it for yourself.
We stayed at the WorldMark Santa Fe, located within walking distance of the main plaza, and it is a stunning pueblo-style resort that matches the city’s aesthetic perfectly. This timeshare was the perfect launching pad for all of our artistic Santa Fe adventures.
Stop 3: Flagstaff, Arizona
Our final stop of the trip was the scenic Flagstaff, Arizona, and what a way it was to end our trip. We visited Meteor Crater, and I was not really prepared for how cool this experience would be. Not only was it awe-inspiring standing at the rim of the crater looking down into the massive impact site, but our tour guide also made the experience so educational and fun.
We stayed with the science theme and spent the evening at the Lowell Observatory. We hadn’t stargazed since our astronomy class in college, but with the help of the friendly and knowledgeable staff, we were able to use the telescopes to see so much!
We stayed at the Club Wyndham Flagstaff, which is a gorgeous 2,200-acre resort that is surrounded by nature on all sides! We loved hanging by the pool during the hot days and then lighting up the fireplace at night when it got chilly.
This is your sign to go on that trip you are dreaming about! There are endless awesome places out there to explore and many comfortable properties to experience. I would definitely recommend checking out GoTimesharing.com to find an awesome resort to stay at!
Recap: How Timesharing Made a Difference
Staying at timeshare resorts during our trip really elevated our entire experience! After long days of driving, hiking, shopping, and exploring, coming back to an actual suite that had a full kitchen, living room, laundry, and comfortable bed made such a difference. Being able to cook breakfast in your own kitchen, pack snacks for the day’s adventure, and use the entire property to relax was a total game-changer. I was often pleasantly surprised by all the extras like golf courses, multiple pools, tennis courts, and more! Plus, I know we’re getting the best value staying at properties managed by some of the most reputable hospitality brands!
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