With gas prices skyrocketing, doesn the future of Route 66 look grim?
Hardly. Route 66 tourism has increased each year, and the release of Pixar’s “Cars” in 2006 only gave the road increased visibility worldwide. It’s true that the roadtrip is a more expensive proposition than in years past, but when the road is the destination Americans can save money by not spending tons on theme parks and other attractions. Also, much of the tourism is foreign in nature; Europeans love traveling the Mother Road and since much of the reason gas is more expensive is because of the falling dollar that means that for foreigners to take the trip down 66 actually costs them less than in years past. This has helped tourism keep steady along the highway even in a down economy.
