Perfect for an unforgettable adventure, you can now get paid to go on a week-long cross-country road trip down the iconic Route 66 with a grandparent – and a baller $20,000 budget.
On April 7, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of applications for “The (Grand) Mother Road Trip” contest. The company is giving a sizable $15,000 to the winning grandchild. Meanwhile, the remaining $5,000 of the award is specifically designated as a “travel stipend to cover airfare, meals, car rental, and activities” for the winning duo. The pair will also receive Wyndham Rewards DIAMOND-level memberships and “Open Road Ambassador” goodies. Stays at Wyndham-affiliated accommodations, including Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta, Ramada, and Howard Johnson, will be complimentary. The two will need to choose a week between July and October 2026 for their Route 66 drive.
Wyndham notes that entries will be judged on “creativity, authenticity, and [applicants’] ability to bring Route 66 to life.” Duos with step or chosen family are also eligible to apply. Pairs hoping to be chosen will need to either send in a video or a written essay explaining why they’d make Wyndham’s best “Open-Road Ambassadors.”
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ ‘The (Grand) Mother Road Trip’
If you’re wondering if there’s a catch, it depends.
You and your grandparent will need to film unique and fun content of your experience for social media. As a duo, you’ll be responsible for documenting roadside experiences, the eats you consume along the way, and of course, tidbits from your Wyndham-affiliated stays.
The applicant must be 18 or older, a legal United States resident, and own a valid government-issued ID. Whoever will be driving the duo must be 21 or older and have a valid license.
Michael Shiwdin, Wyndham’s Global Vice President of Integrated Marketing, Loyalty & Digital, commented on The (Grand) Mother Road Trip experience in a press release.
“Route 66 is one of the most enduring symbols of American travel, and for decades, Wyndham’s iconic roadside brands have been part of that journey,” Shiwdin said. “As we celebrate its centennial, this incredible road trip brings that legacy to life, handing the keys to our open-road ambassadors for an unforgettable adventure that inspires travelers everywhere to hit the road, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories.”
