Legendary route 66: Chicago to Los Angeles

The city of Springfield is best known for its most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln, and the many city monuments which revolve around him. Also the capital city of the state of Illinois, Springfield does have some other sights to offer, such as the Dana-Thomas House and the Illinois State Museum. An interesting stop for history-enthusiasts and to learn about the life of the former US president.

The ‘Gateway to the West’, St. Louis, is a vibrant, modern and cultural city characterised by its iconic Gateway Arch. The city is beautifully laid out with the perfect mixture of old and new, filled with green spaces and framed by the Mississippi and Missouri rivers which influenced much of its history. With a brilliant range of free activities and cultural attractions and affordable restaurants and hotels, St. Louis is an often overlooked city which is definitely worth visiting.

Known as the birthplace of the famous Route 66, Springfield is a Midwest city with an interesting history, unique landscape and vibrant atmosphere. The city celebrates its history with the annual Route 66 Festival, commemorating the most symbolic road in the US. Springfield is also home to a thriving arts and live music scene, holding an annual jazz festival and with live bands playing in its downtown area throughout the year. To the south of the city are the ozarks, a scenic area of mountain ranges and plateaus not to be missed.

Although known as the oil capital of the world, the city of Tulsa has a diverse offering from history, art and culture to scenic nature. Tulsa holds an impressive density of Art Deco architecture in its centre, as well as world-class attractions such as the Philbrook Museum of Art, the Gilcrease Museum and the Tulsa Zoo. A metropolis filled with excellent options for dining, nightlife and shopping as well as stunning natural surroundings of rolling hills and vast prairies, Tulsa has something for everyone.

The capital of its namesake state as well as the cultural, political and economic hub of the region, Oklahoma City is constantly developing while retaining its traditional heritage. The city’s downtown is home to the artistic Bricktown area, an eclectic mix of canals, renovated warehouses turned into shops and chic cafes and bars. Oklahoma City also has a great art museum as well as a stunning botanical garden, and mixes its Native American roots and cowboy culture with the attractions of a modern and vibrant city.

A city where cowboy culture still lives on, Amarillo is a unique mixture of the old and the new situated in the Texas Panhandle. It may appear like time stands still in this city, yet Amarillo offers a vibrant culture with a thriving creative scene, excellent dining and entertainment options and welcoming locals. Also nearby is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the USA which offers hiking trails, ziplining, horse-riding and panoramic views which can’t be missed.

Set at the foothills of the spectacular Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a city of scenic beauty, cultural diversity and rich history. The pulse of the city can be felt in the Plaza, a bustling area filled with attractions, narrow streets and stunning colonial architecture. With numerous galleries and museums showing off its creative side, a diverse culinary scene as well as hiking and cycling trails in the beautiful surroundings, Santa Fe really is a unique destination that cannot be missed.

A small city stretching through historic Route 66 and surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, Gallup is authentic and unique. The city is characterised by its western shops, numerous trading posts and Indian-themed gift shops, where visitors can pick up a variety of wares from silver jewellery to cattle feed. The city is also the gateway to the Navajo Nation, and the Native American culture plays an important part in the city’s heritage and culture with attractions such as the Gallup Cultural Centre and the Red Rock Museum.

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it's not hard to see why the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors each year. The census-designated Grand Canyon Village serves as a base with its location on the South Rim of the Canyon, and has excellent amenities for those looking to explore the park and its many activities. The village itself holds some of the best viewpoints of the stunning natural landscape, which are sure to leave visitors breathless.

The first words that come to mind upon hearing Las Vegas are casinos, gambling and bright lights, but the world-famous Sin City has so much more to offer. Listen to renowned musicians, marvel at the stunts of the Cirque du Soleil or take a guided tour through the museum of history and crime, and of course make sure to experience the buzzing nightlife in its lavishly decorated resorts.

The City of Angels - known worldwide for its movie industry, the towering Hollywood sign and its celebrity culture. Modern Los Angeles is a city of sharp contrast with a mixture of cultures, as well as an important centre for business, media and arts. The city draws in visitors with its Mediterranean climate, excellent beaches and laid-back atmosphere, and wows with its diverse culinary scene and exciting nightlife.