I curated a trip several months ago - a Route 66 extravaganza. We visited Tucson, Silver City, Truth or Consequences, Santa Fe, Gallup, Winslow. South Rim, Las Vegas, Oatman, Wickenburg and concluding in Phoenix. We stayed in iconic hotels (no chains); ate at Route 66 eateries; visited Tombstone, Benson, old town Santa Fe and numerous pueblos; bathed in an old-fashioned mineral spring; saw the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Vegas; played with burros in Oatman; and experienced many, many more unique adventures along the way.

And, yes, this was under $1000. Yes, we shared rooms. Did we stay in high end chain hotels? No. Did we eat at chain, fine dining establishments? No. Was this all OK? Yes.

Take a look at our itinerary and costs - note some costs reflect two separate rooms and no costs reflect shared costs, just total costs. Let us know your thoughts.