As the most iconic road trip of all, Route 66, nears its 100th anniversary next year, now is a great time to get your clients dreaming of an adventure across the pond and behind the wheel
In the latest edition of our Agent Insight series, Travel Counsellor Joanne Grogan explains what made her fall in love with the Great American Road Trip—and what to keep in mind when selling it.
"A trip to the USA can mean different things to different people. For some, it might be a shopping trip to New York, while others may focus on a visit to Disney World and all that Orlando has to offer. For a growing group of travellers, it represents the opportunity to explore a country they have seen, heard and read about in films, songs and books.
"Given the vastness of America, the choices and types of holidays available are immense, and the distances between cities can be difficult to comprehend."
"...the choices and types of holidays available are immense..."
"While flying between destinations is the most obvious solution, it can be much more enjoyable to explore alternative modes of transportation—making the journey part of the holiday experience. The challenge is knowing which options to recommend."
Start your engines...
"The first step is to determine the clients’ preferred pace and manage their expectations, as they may not be able to see everything. A year ago, my family and I spent three weeks traveling around California in an RV, and we still didn’t have time to visit Lake Tahoe, Napa, or Sonoma, among other destinations.
"An RV offers a fantastic experience and provides great value for money, as campsites are typically much cheaper than hotels."
Over 11 million US households own an RV. (Image Credit: Adobe Stock)
Switching gear
"Consider mixing different transportation options. If someone is planning a holiday on the East Coast, for instance, I suggest taking the train instead of flying and then renting a car. I personally enjoyed taking the ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ from New York, followed by leisurely driving from Savannah down to Key West."
Six-lane highways? No stress
"I love the idea of the open road. I know people are scared at the thought of six-lane highways, but once you are on it, it is no different to a three-lane highway. The roads in general are quieter outside of the cities and the landscapes are vast.
"What is not to love?!"
Joanne Grogan is a Travel Counsellor based in Stockport.
