Why are you here? I was asked this question multiple times on my travels through Romania.
Why not?
It’s true that Romania wasn’t a country on my radar, but then I found a flight from Greece to Bucharest for $35. Most tourists only use Bucharest as a starting point to explore the area of Transylvania to the north. I think Bucharest is worth exploring.
Take a free walking tour
I found this tour (and most of my free tours) on GuruWalk. Although my tour was rained out, and we sat in a coffee shop for 2 hours, it was still worth it. Bucharest still reflects its communist history. Although it isn’t the most aesthetically appealing, it was something I had never seen before. The history of Romania was fascinating, and it was interesting that the public opinion over communism changed depending on who we talked to.
Bucharest, Romania
Walk or Use Ride Shares (And Food Delivery)
I felt safe walking around at night in Bucharest. I was staying about 15 min outside of old town and I walked home most nights, but Ubers are plentiful and cheap. It was $4, including a tip for a ride across town. If you are hungry and lazy, they have multiple food delivery services such as Bolt and Glovo, although Glovo does not work with a US phone number.
Save Your Money
Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. It is part of the European Union but has not met the criteria to adopt the Euro. Instead, they still use Romanian Leu. I bought enough groceries for three breakfasts and snacks for $12. This included a large bag of cashews and nice mozzarella cheese—two costly items in the US.
Grocery Prices in Romania
Get a Tattoo
On my cruise to Greece last year, I met Christi. He was running the casino on our cruise ship. The only bar that had seating was in the casino. I have a goal of collecting tattoos throughout my travels. He wrote down a perfect quote in Romanian for me to get tattooed if I ever ended up in his country. I put it in my notes and forgot about it, thinking it would never happen.
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.”
Also known as the “Carousel of Light,” This is one of the most beautiful bookstores I have ever seen. It is a six-story, beautifully decorated bookstore with white columns and staircases. It is located in the old town and is worth a trip.
Night 1, I had a great time with new friends. Morning one, I was a little “under the weather.” My hostel (T5 Social) had a bar, and it was open mic night. No, I did not participate in the open mic part of the evening. Instead, I decided to do my part and support the bar.
Have a Craft Cocktail
Visit the club Expirat if you like good cocktails and music. These bartenders are so excited to make unique craft cocktails with so much detail. They kept asking how they compared to the United States and were thrilled to learn I felt theirs were better.
Cocktails at Expirat
Visit Old Town
I met two guys on a food tour, and we decided to go out in the old town. The old town is a walking area with shopping during the day and restaurants and nightclubs after dark. We met at the Green Hours Jazz Club. It is tiny, but if you are into Jazz, it’s worth checking out. Then we went and supported the local “dancers.” I am trying to keep this family-friendly, but if you are interested in learning how “dance” clubs work in Romania, message me.
Green Hours Jazz Cafe
Meet New Friends
My food tour was a bust, but I met Rahottie (it’s actually Rahat, but Rahat means bullshit in Romanian). He lives in Vegas and now works remotely. He had rented an Airbnb in Brasov for a month, and we were going to explore the area before I took off on my next adventure to the Merry Cemetery at the northern border of Romania. On the train to Brasov, I was able to pursue him into keeping a car for a week and join me on my mission. (Considering I was planning to end up in Cluj-Napoca and he had met a girl on Tinder from Cluj, it wasn’t very hard.)
Download these apps to help plan your ultimate summer road trip.
1. GasBuddy
I want to save money wherever I can when I travel, and I love any tool that helps with this goal. Gas prices can add up quickly during a road trip. GasBuddy allows people to search for the lowest fuel prices in the area. It also helps calculate the estimated fuel charges for your road trip before you even get in the car.
Additionally, there is a free option to save up to $0.25/gallon. You need to connect your checking account, and they will mail you a card to swipe at the pump for a discount. For $9.99/month, you can save up to $0.40/gallon and get roadside assistance. Available for Android and iOS.
2. HipCamp
I wish I knew about HipCamp years ago. The user interface resembles Airbnbs, but it is only for booking campsites, cabins, RV parks, public parks, and more. Landowners can advertise their private land as camp sites, much like homeowners can rent out their homes. HipCamp appears to be geared towards “glamping,” and many rentals are more expensive than your typical campsite, but there are cheaper options.
Since HipCamp mainly focuses on private landowners, it is a great alternative during the pandemic when many state campsites are closed. Get $10 in HipCamp credit by signing up with this link. Available for Android and iOS.
3. My Maps (by Google Maps)
Remember having to write down directions on PAPER to drive anywhere? Sadly, I bet many of you don’t. Trust me. It was a tough time.
You can use Google Maps for more than trying to beat the estimated time of arrival when driving. My Maps gives you the ability to create a custom map with your own landmarks, routes, and even the ability to add shapes and drawings. The best part is you can share the map with other people and give them the ability to add to the map if you want.
For example, I used My Maps to plan my Route 66 road trip. I added layers for accommodations and attractions. I shared it with my boyfriend, who was able to add attractions he was interested in, too. We used this map to navigate our whole trip. For an in-depth tutorial on how to make a custom map, check out this article. (Apple does not make a specific My Maps app, but the feature is available on the Google Maps app.)
4. Road Side America
Do you want to see the largest rocking chair or the tallest totem pole? Roadside America is a database of “Offbeat Tourist Attractions.” Anyone can add an attraction or update an existing one. The website is free to use. An app is available for iOS starting at $2.99, allowing you to download the maps to your phone. Personally, I check the website when I plan my road trip and then add the stops to my custom google map.
5. Flush
This is probably the most important road trip app on this list. Flush will locate any restroom in your area. It also gives you information on which ones provide accessibility access, charge a fee for usage, or require a key. Did you find a bathroom not on the list? Add it to Flush’s database. Available for Android and iOS.
6. TripIt
TripIt is my favorite road trip planning app. I hate searching through my email to find my car rental reservation number? Or the contact information for my Airbnb? TripIt helps me stay organized for any vacation. I can manually input reservations, but the best feature is TripIt will scan your emails and automatically import any travel-related information to its website. The entire trip itinerary is available in one place with minimal effort. TripIt also makes it easy to share/edit travel plans with your whole group. Available for Android and iOS.
Let’s face it. Our international summer plans are over. But with the US opening up, we will be able to (responsibly) explore the US and Route 66 during the pandemic. Route 66 has been on my bucket list since I saw the original Disney-Pixar movie, “Cars.” My boyfriend and I had the chance to take Route 66 from Chicago to New Mexico, and we wanted to share our favorite attractions.
Route 66 During the Pandemic
By no means is this list an all-inclusive guide to Route 66. Many attractions and restaurants are closed. And each state has different guidelines regarding COVID. All of the recommended attractions in this article are promoting social distancing. Many are outside and those inside are at low capacity. Please call before visiting these attractions as regulations are changing daily.
TRAVEL TIP:
Route 66 and the towns along it died with the building of a faster and more convenient route. Many of these towns are still there hanging on by a thread. Downtowns are almost empty. Hotels and gas stations closed and falling apart.
To get the true story of Route 66, don’t take any shortcuts. Drive through town, visit that one restaurant left and talk to the locals about the past.
Route 66: Illinois
(Due to Illionois state regulations, a majority of attractions were closed.)
Original Route 66 Brick Road
Original Route 66 Brick Road
After Springfield, there is a 1.40-mile long brick section of the original Route 66. Not very long but a great piece of history. Directions: Between the towns of Chatham and Auburn on Snell and Curran Road.
Although the businesses and attractions in this small town were closed, it was worth a stop. There are several giants including, The Nuyan Giant and The Giant Hotdog. Murals and historical markers cover the town. There were several Route 66 antique and collectible shops that looked interesting. The COVID shut down regulations really put a new perspective on “window shopping.” I will go back someday when the world returns to normal.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge was part of Route 66 from 1936 to 1968. It was built with a 22-degree bend to appease boat traffic. As the cars grew in size, the curve became a point of congestion and travel delays. A new bridge was built, and the Chain of Rocks Bridge was decommissioned. Today, it is a hiking and biking trail. It is a convenient point to stop and stretch the legs. We had a snack and enjoyed a glass of wine we had packed (passengers only).
If you want to follow the original Route 66, this is the guide. Written by a Route 66 historian, it contains turn-by-turn directions along the oldest sections of Route 66. It looks complicated at first, so I suggest you familiarize your self with it before taking it on the road.
The author gives his personal recommendations for the trip, including places not to go, unlike the Lonely Traveler or other big name travel guide who tend to recommend places based on hearsay instead of personal experience.
I do suggest getting a comprehensive guide book as a supplement. I used the Moon Route 66 Road Trip.
I am obsessed with Disney. I first got the idea to travel Route 66 after watching “Cars.” Please watch it before you start on your journey. Although “Cars” is based on a fictional town, Radiator Springs, many of the characters and locations are based on the real Route 66. Do you remember the Wheel Well Inn that Sally and Lightning McQueen re-open at the end of the movie? It was based on the Wagon Wheel Motel.
The rooms are small and basic but affordable and clean. Check out Missouri Hick BBQplace (located next door) for dinner and the Cuba Bakery and Delidowntown for breakfast. The donuts are amazing.
Wagon Wheel Motel (Missouri Hick in the background)
The Ozark’s through Missouri
I hope you plan to stick to the original Route 66 from Chicago to LA. But if you don’t (Shame on you), I highly recommend at least driving the section through the Ozark’s in Missouri. Beautiful green rolling hills away from I-40. A real sense of what Route 66 was about in its heyday.
If you are still not convinced to take the original Route 66 route, remember the road less traveled allows for social distancing. The goal is to navigate Route 66 during this pandemic safely.
Who doesn’t want to say they had fudge in Uranus? Uranus is a great place to stretch your legs and get a little laugh. See the world’s biggest belt buckle. Visit the strange museum or shop in the general store. There is even an escape room (closed due to pandemic). As they say, “Everything you need is in Uranus.”
Uranus Fudge Factory
Travel Tip:
Pack lunch and drinks. There were a lot of excellent places to pull over and eat. It saved money and our stomachs. Greasy roadside food is excellent but can get old. Remember, you need to sit in a car for hours with your road partner. Maybe frank and beans are not the best option.
We happen upon this stop by accident, but I highly recommend it—a 1930 Route 66 gas station recreation with restored cars, signs, and other memorabilia. Although Gary died in 2015, his son in law took over, and he was excited to answer any questions we had about Route 66. The attraction is free, but there is a small gift shop if you feel like contributing to the future of the Sinclair Station.
On the right when you enter the town, there is a great place to pull over and eat lunch that is decorated based on the movie “Cars.” Drive further into town and look out for “Tow Tater,” the inspiration for ‘Mater.
Picnic Spot in Galena, KS
Travel Tip:
Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas are well marked with Historic Route 66 signs. Oklahoma and Texas only had sporadic signage and did not always follow the original route, so be sure to have your guide book handy.
Awesome hotel downtown. It had a rooftop bar that overlooked Tulsa. The hotel was in a great area if you are looking for nightlife. It was surrounded by bars and restaurants. The staff was friendly. The hotel was clean. The food was excellent. Due to COVID, the included breakfast was delivered to our room. Free breakfast in bed. Yes, Please.
Original Route 66 Concrete Road
Even though Route 66 follows the interstate for a large portion of the drive, don’t cheat and take the I-40. A large section of Route 66 in Oklahoma is on the original concrete. The light yellow roads with tiny curbs give a sense of original Route 66. It is slowly being replaced with asphalt, so drive it while you can.
The owners have an extensive collection of old motorcycles, dirt bikes, and other memorabilia. Worth a stop even if you are not into motorcycles. It is free (they ask for a donation).
I met Sally from Disney-Pixar, “Cars!” If you saw the movie, you will understand my excitement. The character of Sally is based on Dawn Welch, owner of Rock Cafe. I recommend stopping for lunch. Get the bread pudding.
The Blue Whale is one of the first pictures that pop up when you google Route 66 attractions. It was built as a play area for the creator’s grandchildren and is an excellent spot for a photo and a picnic lunch. It was recently sold to the town and is being renovated (at time of writing). I spoke to the son of the original owner. We both hope the town keeps the original charm. Note: You can not swim in the pond.
You can’t drive by this restored art deco gas station without feeling like you have seen it before. If you have watched Disney-Pixar “Cars,” you have. Seriously, someone did stop because they recognized the building, but they couldn’t figure out where they had seen it. I am glad I was there to educate them. The U-Drop Inn was the inspiration behind Ramone’s House of Body Art. It is now a tourism office. Stop by for a photo and while in Shamrock, kiss a piece of the Blarney Stone.
U-Drop Inn
Amarillo, TX
First, stop and visit Crocodile Lile. His studio, Lile Art Gallery, is on 6th street. The day before, while driving, I was calling places on the route to see what was open. I called a number in the guide book, and I met Croc. I was just calling to see if his studio would be open the next day. After confirming it was, I went to hang up. Croc stopped me, “Wait, not so fast. Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you headed?” He said to call him if we had any questions about places to go or stay. He was serious. I felt like we were old friends by the time I made it to his gallery. After you visit him, have some lunch or a drink at one of the bars on 6th street. Also, check out the Bug Farm, which is a bunch of VW Bugs buried halfway in the ground. Less busy than the famous Cadillac Ranch.
NOTE: We planned to stay at The Big Texan Motel, a famous route 66 attractions. Croc told us that they, among other things, did not financially support Route 66. We decided to stay elsewhere. Please do your own research.
Congrats, you made it halfway on your Route 66 journey. Stop and take a photo at the official sign. Then visit the Midpoint Cafe for the coconut pie. The original owner of the MidPoint Cafe, Fran, was the inspiration for the “Cars” character, Flo. Look for a red truck covered in autographs. I didn’t find out about the truck until after my visit.
On the way out of town from Santa Rosa, on the right side, was a small brewery. Cliff spotted it, and the door was open. Screeching breaks. U-Turn. The brewery wasn’t open for dine-in, but they were selling growlers of their lager. Check it out and support local breweries.
Santa Rosa, NM is known for the Blue Hole, a popular diving spot. During our trip, it was closed, but we were able to get take-out from Joseph’s and sit in the park. Great Food.
If it weren’t for Croc’s recommendation, we would have driven right by this travel plaza. From the outside, it looks like your typical highway plaza with a gas station and convenience store. In the back corner of the store is a doorway that leads to a classic car and memorabilia museum. Free and worth a visit. Although, I was upset to learn that floppy disk’s, flip phones, and handheld TVs are now considered “classic.” The Travel Center also has a Route 66 Diner and a Chapel.
The Ghost Town of Cuervo, NM
We were following the original dirt Route 66 through New Mexico when we stumbled upon this Ghost Town. Many of the buildings, including a church and schoolhouse, are still intact and look like people just left a few months ago. Cuervo is one of the “newer” ghost towns on the route. It was an incorporated town until 2011 when the post office shut down and still has 58 residents.
Six miles east of Route 66 near Romerioville, NM is the town of Las Vegas. There are no casinos or flashy lights. But they do have a Moth Infestation. (Yes, moths) Despite the moths, I recommend staying at The Castaneda hotel. Originally built in 1898, it was recently restored and is beautiful. You feel like you are transported back in time. They also do tours if you don’t have time to stay the night.
REVENGE OF THE MOTHS
Now about the moths. Imagine. I am in a creepy old hotel. Due to COVID, we were one of the only guests. I am going to take a shower. Everything is pretty standard at this point. Until I turn on the water, and I see two moths flying around. I kill them. Then I turn around, and I see three more. As I try to kill them, two more appear and then two more. I don’t know where they are coming from. Clif hears the commotion and knocks on the door. He opens it to find me standing in the middle of the bathroom, crying and swatting moths. Long story short, I made him stand in the bathroom while I showered and then held my pee for the rest of the night.
Sadly, we ended our trip in Las Vegas, NM, and headed up towards Colorado but do plan to finish the route this summer. Please comment if you have any suggestions for the rest of the journey. I hope this article motivated you to explore Route 66 during the pandemic.
