If you’ve always fancied Route 66 but thought you’ve not had the time or the money to do it, then think again! By choosing a city along the route, looking for cheap holiday deals and hiring a car you’d be surprised how much you’ll be able to explore.

The original Route 66 was 2448 miles long and connected Chicago and Los Angeles but was ultimately replaced by the Interstate Highway System in 1985, meaning it is no longer an official US highway. It is, of course, still a much-loved road and among the most famous in the world. For those with just a week or two away, it would be ambitious to drive the whole route and have enough energy to enjoy it, so a great way to ‘do’ Route 66 is to choose a smaller segment to explore. Those wanting cheap holiday deals might want to look into package holidays in one of the cities along the route – such as Santa Fe or St Louis – then taking shorter adventures with a hire car.

Santa Fe sits on the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains where there are plenty of green forests and perhaps a surprising amount of snow in the winter months to those who had thought that New Mexico was dry and arid state. Holidaymakers who decide to stay in this area and take short trips on Route 66 are likely to spend much time in and around Santa Fe Plaza which is a hive of activity – there’s always something going on in this park-like heart of the city. It is a National Historic Landmark and contains the oldest public building in America: the Palace of Governors. There are galleries, museums, hotels, shops and restaurants – although many prefer indulging in a fresh fajita prepared by one of the street vendors.

Those deciding to head to St Louis had better go prepared for lots of adventure as there is so much to do in this beautiful city, which is home to Forest Park, one of the largest public parks in America at 1371 acres! The park is open every day all year round and is free to enter. The park is a hive of activity, with a cycling, jogging and skating path, lakes, an Art Museum, a Science Centre, a zoo and much more! Another lovely St Louis attraction is the Shaw Botanical Gardens where visitors can see beautiful landscaping, historical structures, a Japanese garden, a tropical rainforest and the stunning Victorian home of founder Henry Shaw. After spending days in and around parks and gardens you might want to spend the evening listening to live blues music in a bar, hit one of the local casinos or see a Broadway show in the Fox Theatre. There is a huge variety of hotels available to suit every budget, from a cheap and cheerful stay at the Holiday Inn Express in South St Louis to the extravagant Four Seasons hotel which is just three blocks from the Mississippi River.