Massive price increase! Applying for your ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorisation in preparation for your dream holiday for the first time or simply renewing it for two more years! As part of the incumbent administration’s Big Beautiful Bill the cost has changed. As of 27 September 2025 an ESTA will cost each individual a whopping $40! Increasing from $21 for each application is nearly … Continue reading ESTA – Visiting the USA?
America is gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026 and it is hoped that a new transcontinental train will be operating in time for the festivities. Introducing the ‘Transcontinental Chief’ that will carry you from New York City to Los Angeles in 72 hours. The proposed start date is 10 May 2026 which happens to be America’s National Train Day but it has … Continue reading New Train Route: Celebrate America’s 250th with the Transcontinental Chief
There is a town in Illinois who is determined to get you to make a diversion from exploring Route 66. So most people know that Route 66 starts (and ends) in Chicago and travels south through Illinois into Missouri and St Louis and that there are murals, curios and sights to see. If you consider a two hour diversion to a little town called Casey … Continue reading Casey – Illinois See Big Things
In search of the Route 66 – Albuquerque ‘Musical Road’ NM‘ just outside of Albuquerque on my recent visit to my 49th state I had no idea that I might have had something in common with the carrot chomping rabbit ‘Bugs Bunny’. I always thought that Bugs Bunny’s most known catchphrases was ‘What’s Up Doc?’ The animated rabbit was drawn by Tex Avery and made … Continue reading Route 66 Albuquerque – NM: Should I have turned left?
I have ticked off States 48 and 49. Just Hawaii 50 to visit. I had to fly to achieve the dream because the distances by road are just too great in one visit to America. I still had to fly into Austin and fortunately Delta offer a connection to Albuquerque via Salt Lake City. Whilst in Austin the temperatures were 99 degrees (37 C) for … Continue reading UTAH and NEW MEXICO Ticked Off !
I received a marketing piece from Visit Austin with a special offer on Cabana Rental on selected rooftop pools in the city. The definition of Cabana is ‘a hut, cabin or shelter at a beach or swimming pool but it seems to be the trendiest ticket in town at the moment. After getting my breath back looking at the Austin prices even after the 15% discount … Continue reading Cabana Day Rentals
After 2024’s vacation to America I will have crossed off both New Mexico and Utah from my bucket list. It took a lot of discussion between myself and daughter to find a compromise and a solution to the objective. My ideal flight routing was London – Albuquerque – Salt Lake City – London but what has been booked is a London – Austin return with … Continue reading Planning Complete – States 48 & 49 2024
On Route 333 before it joins Route 66 is a quarter of a mile stretch of road that will play ‘America the Beautiful’ to you. Located Eastbound on Route 33 between markers 4 and 5 close to exit 170. There used to be signage with a musical note to show the start of the experience and that you had to slow to 45 mph to … Continue reading Route 66 – Albuquerque ‘Musical Road’ NM
Chicago Illinois is the start or end of Historic Route 66 and there are signs that officially show the BEGIN or END of the 2448 mile long journey. So for that ‘must’ have memory please see below!
Location: E Adams Street near the junction with Michigan Avenue opposite the Art Institute of Chicago.
There are a few reserved car parking spaces in the No Parking Zone outside of the Consulate General of the Philippines that outside of operating hours you can park for a few moments to take a photo or stick a sticker on the sign.
In fact there is a second Begin sign just at the crossing of E. Adams Street and Michigan Avenue by the traffic lights that has hardly any stickers on it. So don’t be disappointed that the Begin sign a few yards further back is virtually obliterated by previous Route 66’ers embarking on the 2448 mile road trip.
Location: 98-66 E. Jackson Street.
Located on the second light pole west of the intersection with S. Michigan Avenue the End sign has more parking opportunities for a short stop to take a photograph. The sign is positioned higher up and is relatively free from stickers.
Continue reading “Chicago, IL – Historic Route 66 Begin/End Sign”
Today was an early start and the parting of our waves. My daughter was to be dropped off at Terminal 1 O’Hare for her United Airlines flight back to London Heathrow. After driving together for 1300 miles and across Illinios, Iowa and Nebraska today was going to be all about the ‘Windy City’ of Chicago. ‘Our kinda town Chicago is!’ I travelled out with two … Continue reading States 46 & 47 (Chicago IL – Kenosha WI) – Day 6
USA Road Trips by Max 
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