Route 66 turns 100 as travelers plan centennial road trips.

Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary and interest in the route has grown; Tripadvisor reports a 20% year‑over‑year rise and, with Choice Hotels, launched a 'Century of Route 66' interactive map highlighting stops across the eight states the highway crosses.

Route 66 marks its centennial this year and travelers are planning celebratory road trips. The highway runs nearly 2,500 miles across eight states, beginning in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. Established in 1926 to connect isolated rural communities, Route 66 is linked with neon signs, diners and classic cars. Interest in the route has risen, and Tripadvisor reports a 20% year‑over‑year increase in searches related to the highway. Key details: - Route 66 stretches almost 2,500 miles and spans eight states, beginning in Chicago and ending at the Santa Monica Pier in California. - The road was established in 1926 to connect isolated, rural communities and later became associated with mid‑20th century American road culture. - Tripadvisor reports a 20% year‑over‑year increase in interest in the famous highway. - Tripadvisor's in‑house creative studio Wanderlab partnered with Choice Hotels to launch an interactive "Century of Route 66" map that highlights points of interest and nearby Choice Hotels. - The guide organizes notable stops by state and cites examples such as the 66‑foot soda bottle at Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Oklahoma and the Cadillac Ranch installations in Texas. Summary: The centennial has renewed attention on Route 66 and inspired a mapping resource intended to help travelers explore notable stops and nearby accommodations. The interactive map compiles traveler‑rated attractions across the eight states the highway crosses. Undetermined at this time.