More of this, please … February 18, 2010

While surfing at the London Telegraph’s site, I noted that the newspaper touted Complete North America for its Route 66 driving tours, namely because it worked out a deal in which travelers can rent a car from the starting point in Chicago and not have to pay steep one-way dropoff fees when they finish their journey in Santa Monica, Calif.

Sure enough, Complete North America’s site says it’s worked out a deal with Alamo to waive the one-way fee. The Telegraph estimates this saves travelers 300 British pounds, which converts to $462.

Based on what I’ve heard from other Britons, the dropoff fee cited is accurate. It’s so cost-prohibitive that after travelers finish their Route 66 trip, they often drive the 2,200 miles back to Chicago. This saves them a bit of money, but adds hassle and lessens their time on the Mother Road.

Let’s hope this waiving of the one-way dropoff fees for Route 66 travelers develops into a trend.