Route 66: The cure for the common destinationist

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 19, 2009 -
The American Family has undergone an unfortunate transformation in recent decades.  We are increasingly focusing on getting more, doing more and accomplishing more.  In the midst of this social flock we find ourselves with less time to enjoy life.  The rat race we all run can influence the way we vacation or relax.  The typical vacation goer will find themselves running around just like they do during their regular day to day activities.  Our grandparents and some of our parents were never burdened with this kind of conduct.  So what is the solution you ask?

Let’s make things simple.  Become a tourist, not a destinationist.  Get back to the basics by taking a road trip.  Pack up the family into your car or mini-van, unplug the DVD player, turn off the cell phone and hit the road.  Point the kids’ attention in the direction of the window.  Throw out your schedule, take a long deep breath, and open your mind to experiencing anything that crosses your path.  If you want to submerge yourself in nostalgic Americana, you should start by avoiding the interstate and take a trip down Route 66.  Route 66 offers an experience like no other that promises to surprise, relax, and create a bond between people.  

Since 1926 people have been traveling Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles or vice-versa.  It has been dubbed the “Mother Road” for many reasons.  Millions of lives have been affected by the rise and fall of this beloved slab of pavement.  People used it to escape poverty, to explore the country, to start new livelihoods, and many other reasons.  It was the source of many vacations that our troops took right after the end of World War II.  The last section of actual Route 66 was decommissioned in 1984.  Route 66 has since been superseded by the Interstate system.  The interstate came to relieve our country of all the congestion and safety issues that eventually plagued the old Routes.  The inherent problem with the Interstate system is that it totally cut off access between merchants and tourists.  Accessibility was limited to off ramps, which in turn killed business for most vendors because motorists would feel inconvenienced if they had to travel very far from the Interstate highway.

Despite the “conveniences” of the Interstate highway, the Mother Road still lives on.  Many “Mom and Pop” merchants are still serving tourists traveling Route 66.  You’ll find many store fronts rich in history.  Anything ranging from civil war era to famous gangsters like Al Capone.  There is so much left to see and do along Route 66.  You’ll be subjected to the unique individuality that molded the Mother Road into what it was, and is.  What you won’t see is corporate chains.  You’ll be free from the growing generic blandness that is spreading across this country.  When you and your family drive Route 66 you will be able to remember what city and state you were in when you ate that homemade apple pie, or when you stopped and had a conversation with the actual owner of a small store.  You can’t find this sort of atmosphere at franchises or chains.  Small merchants are passionate and dedicated to their livelihood, which almost always guarantees your family will have a great time.  So many other fascinating nuances lurk along route 66, like the world’s largest totem pole, rattlesnake farms, and even the Cadillac Ranch.  Even a short tour of Route 66’s portions will offer up unique opportunities.

America has a chance to get back to its roots.  Even in tough economic times families can take road trips without great expense.  Lose the mentality of having to do it all and see it all.  Lose the mindset of “getting there” to the final destination.  Be happy with just being able to relax and take in the scenery.  Don’t let your normal routine influence your vacation.  Take your time and have fun.  And to think you will be supporting the economy where it counts, directly with other American Families just like yours.

There are literally hundreds of sources dedicated to preserving and publicizing Route 66, its vendors, and travelers.  For more information about traveling Route 66, please visit www.HookedOnRoute66.com