He may have millions in the bank, but Paul McCartney isn't above carrying his own luggage. And with his smiling girlfriend Nancy Shevell by his side to help share the burden he looked happier than ever as he arrived at Heathrow Airport today.

The heavily loaded couple were returning from a romantic month-long road trip around the U.S.

Shunning luxury hotels and ditching their entourage the no-nonsense pair fulfilled Paul's lifelong dream of travelling the remains of the legendary Route 66 highway.

Give us a hand: Paul McCartney arrives at Heathrow Aiport with partner Nancy Shevell

They made the trip in an old Ford Bronco truck - the vehicle in which they were first spotted kissing.

The former Beatle and his heiress girlfriend set off from the rocker's home in The Hamptons, New York, joining the Route 66 in Illinois. They then followed the route, which was decommissioned in the mid-1980s, through seven states to Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles.

As the pair stopped for a re-fuel in the Illinois state capital of Springfield, Sir Paul was happy to pose with a group of fans for photos.

As Nancy took the photo, a group of young males posed alongside Sir Paul, who gave his girlfriend a thumbs up.

Trip of a lifetime: Paul McCartney poses with fans outside a petrol station in Springfield, Illinois

C.J. Lowder, the man wearing sunglasses in the photo, said: 'They looked totally in love. No one could believe it was really him - he was so laid back and ordinary. They seemed a great couple.'

The month-long road trip is believed to be the couple's longest holiday - they previously vacationed together in the Caribbean in April.

Sir Paul and Nancy have been dating since November, but only went public as a couple in May when the singer picked up an honorary doctorate in music from America's prestigious Yale University.

The Beatle divorced second wife Heather Mills in March following a nasty court battle.