My husband and I are planning a trip from Missouri to Southern California (Bakersfield)to visit our daughter. We have never been west of Oklahoma City. We will be taking our time to sight see. I would like suggestions on what we should stop to see along the way. We will be traveling through Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico on our way out. We will be coming back through Las Vegas. Should we make reservations or take our chances? Also, any suggestions on places to visit near Bakersfield, CA.

So Vicky, are you planning to take the Mother Road as much as possible? Lots of fun sights to see if you are, I recommend a book called "The Mother Road" by Michael Wallis for some great history and lists of things to see and do along Route 66.

If I-40 is your primary route you might consider the following. Head to Santa Fe for a day or so. From there head north into Colorado and then west to Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez. Then continue west visiting Monument Valley followed by Grand Canyon and a visit to Sedona before heading to Bakersfield. If you want to skip Santa Fe the above can be done as follows. When you get to Gallup, NM head north about 140 miles to Cortez, Co and a visit to Mesa Verde. Then continue on to Monument Valley and Gr. CAnyon. If this sounds interesting more information can be provided on routes to follow. Advance reservations would be a good idea at places close to heavily visited tourist attractions.

If going to Vegas, check to be certain there is NOT a major convention in town while you plan to be there. If you get there at the same time as a convention, you'll be LUCKY to find a room at El Fleabago Motel for $200. Also, try to be in Vegas on a weekday, as room rates drop by 50% from the weekend.
As noted earlier, you'll probably need reservations at major tourist sites like the Grand Canyon (an absolute MUST SEE!!). If you travel early in the summer, you'll probably have little trouble finding places to stay.

I know it's corny, but we really enjoyed the tipi hotel. When you do a Route 66 search you will see it. How often do you get to sleep in a stucco tipi? My teenager wanted to hate it, but even he was smiling as we went to sleep!