As Route 66 prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, veteran RV journalists Mike and Jen Wendland — publishers of the popular RV Lifestyle travel blog, YouTube channel, RV podcast, RV Community, books and newsletters — have released a comprehensive new travel guide designed specifically for RVers who want to experience the historic highway with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
The RV Lifestyle Guide to Route 66: The Centennial Edition (2026) is a 21-day, 2,400-mile RV itinerary that traces the entire route from Chicago, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif. Designed as a practical route-planning resource, the guide provides structured daily drives, carefully selected overnight stops, campground recommendations, and curated attractions along the way.
“This is more than a nostalgia trip,” said Mike Wendland, longtime RV reporter and co-founder of RV Lifestyle. “Route 66 is about history, culture, small towns, roadside America, and the freedom of the open road. For the centennial, we wanted to create a guide that makes the journey easy and unforgettable for today’s RV travelers.”
The Centennial Edition breaks the route into 14 overnight destinations, with two-night stays in key locations, allowing travelers time to explore without feeling rushed. Each section includes 5 suggested campgrounds near each stop, daily mileage pacing, iconic landmarks, scenic detours, and lesser-known stops that many travelers would otherwise miss.
The guide covers all eight states along the historic highway:
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Arizona
- California
In addition to campground recommendations, readers will find practical planning advice tailored specifically for RVers, including fuel strategy, seasonal considerations, road conditions, and pacing tips designed to reduce travel stress.
The Centennial Edition also highlights special Route 66 events expected throughout 2026 as communities across the country commemorate the highway’s 100-year legacy.
Mike and Jen have spent more than 15 years traveling North America by RV, producing weekly podcasts, YouTube videos, and digital travel guides through their RV Lifestyle brand. Their audience includes hundreds of thousands of RVers seeking practical, experience-based guidance.
“We designed this guide to remove the guesswork,” said Jen Wendland. “You do not have to piece together information from dozens of websites. We have already done the research, built the itinerary, and selected the stops. You can simply follow the plan and enjoy the journey.”
The digital guide is available through RV Lifestyle’s online store at RVLifestyle.com/route66 and includes detailed planning sections, daily route outlines, attraction highlights, and campground suggestions for every overnight stop.
The release coincides with growing interest in Route 66 travel as the centennial approaches. Tourism officials in multiple states have reported increased planning activity for 2026 road trips, festivals, and commemorative events.
The RV Lifestyle Guide to Route 66: The Centennial Edition (2026) is available now for instant download at RVLifestyle.com/route66
