By Anna Blount VP, Research & Marketing, Datafy

The increase in gas prices has a lot of destinations wondering if this is going to impact Route 66 travel this summer, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. And it’s a fair question. Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the country, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Meanwhile, gas prices are also one of the most visible cost signals travelers respond to. However, the data suggests the relationship is not as simple as higher gas leading to fewer road trips.

Start with traveler behavior. Road travel remains highly appealing for domestic leisure trips, with Hilton reporting that 71% of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation. Even as costs fluctuate, travelers continue to value the flexibility and control that driving provides. That aligns with broader sentiment. Future Partners research shows travel remains a near-term budget priority even as consumers grow more cautious, and AAA reports strong interest in milestone travel in recent travel outlooks. The 250th anniversary adds another layer, creating a meaningful reason for travelers to prioritize a trip like Route 66.

Where gas prices do matter is not whether people travel, but how they travel. Fuel costs vary significantly along the Route 66 corridor. According to AAA, prices range from roughly $3.44 to $3.74 per gallon across Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas to $4.64 in Arizona and $5.86 in California as of April 16. That nearly $2 spread concentrates cost pressure in the final third of the route, and the impact is as much psychological as financial. Seeing $5 to $6 gas in California compared to low $3 prices in the Midwest can shape how travelers pace their trip, where they stop, and how far they go.

At the same time, the broader fuel outlook does not point to a disruption. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts prices peaking in the spring at around $4.30 per gallon and averaging more than $3.70 in 2026. Seasonal demand and summer fuel blends will create pressure, but not necessarily a shock.

So, what does this mean for summer 2026? Demand for Route 66 is likely to hold, but it will be more selective. Travelers aren’t necessarily opting out. They’re optimizing. That shows up in a few clear ways:

· Shorter Route 66 segments instead of full end to end trips

· More regional road trips anchored around key destinations

· Greater focus on value, clarity, and planning

This isn’t a demand problem; it’s a conversion opportunity. Travelers shows strong interest in Route 66 travel tied to its cultural significance. The challenge is helping them see how the trip fits into their budget and their time.

For destinations, this is the opportunity. Route 66 is inherently flexible. It can be experienced in pieces, at different price points, and at different speeds. That’s exactly the type of product that performs well in a cost-sensitive environment.

The destinations that win this summer won’t be the ones that inspire the most. They’ll be the ones that make the trip feel most doable. Some promising approaches include:

· Packaging clear 2 to 4 day itineraries instead of promoting the full route

· Leading with value and transparency, not just inspiration

· Connecting the experience to the 250th anniversary in a tangible way

· Providing practical planning information such as fuel stops, distances, and sample budgets

· Focusing on experiences, not miles

The bottom line is simple. Higher gas prices will shape behavior, but they are unlikely to stop Route 66 travel. Destinations that remove friction and make the trip easy to understand, easy to plan, and easy to justify will be the ones that capture demand this summer.

Anna originally published this post on LinkedIn, 4/16/2026.