Roaming for Relocation: Plan your road trip to find your new home
It might be time to hit the open road and discover all this world offers when you’re considering new places to move. With so many distractions in today’s world, a road trip adventure promises a break filled with freedom and excitement. “Great road trips begin with curiosity; we love that they provide the freedom to discover what’s beyond the familiar. They can arise from mundane drives interrupted by spontaneity or structured itineraries,” says Liann owner of The Freedom Adventure. “One of the best tips for making a road trip unforgettable is to stay open to unexpected surprises along the way.”
Road trips appeal to our inner sense of adventure and curiosity, calling us to adventure. Whether you are out exploring homes in Nashville or looking for potential relocation destinations in San Diego, or apartments in Seattle, our Redfin article prepares you with making sure you enjoy your trip and destination. Ready to begin?
First, set a plan for your road trip
“As a road traveler, you have made some anchor decisions, who is going, where, when, and why. You also have some preferences — budget, duration, style. You need to discover your options for what you see and do, and lodging within those constraints,” says Vas from Curiosio.
Establishing these decisions will start your road trip in a more organized way, leaving not only plenty time to explore multiple relocation destinations but also space for the commotion that will come. You have your destination, now you must look into what you want from the trip. Erik Gauger from Notes from the Road says, “When people plan for a road trip, they will often study reviews of restaurants in the cities and towns they will visit. But those restaurants are just a fraction of the road trip experience, and you should collect the same kind of intelligence on the actual in-between parts of your road trip — what you see and experience on the road itself. The more intelligence you can collect about the road itself, the more fulfilling the road trip itself will become.”
Sasha Lezhnev, founder of Off the Beaten Travel, adds, “A cross-country road trip can be the memory of a lifetime if you do it right. First, plan for the experience(s) you most want to have – is it kayaking the Colorado River, visiting amazing national parks, or exploring cities you haven’t been to? Second, find the hidden gem areas away from the big crowds, and ask locals what they recommend in the area. Usually, the best-hidden gems come from local tips!”
When traveling with other members, Krista Taylor from Our Wild Wanderes suggests, “One of my best pieces of advice for planning a memorable road trip is to ask each person what they’re hoping for out of the trip. Base your activities and stops around that. This ensures everyone is included and has something to look forward to on the road trip!”
After everyone shares their hope for the trip, “Make a plan for where you’re going, including which parks you want to see, restaurants along the way, and a route that makes sense for your vehicle and the weather. To avoid disappointment, make reservations for national park entry, campsites, or guided tours well in advance of your trip,” shares Liz Thomas of Treeline Review.
It is important to plan in advance to not be in a rush or unable to participate in certain aspects of your trip. Lucie Charpentier from The Mindful Traveller agrees with Liz Thomas when she claims, “For a great road trip, I recommend planning your route in advance with your different stops, budgeting to be prepared, and booking your accommodations early, especially during peak seasons.”
Additionally, be sure to use tools to make your travel easier. Noovo shares, “To ensure a great road trip, we plan our route in advance but always leave room for spontaneity. We use apps like iOverlander to discover hidden gems, Hipcamp for unique camping spots like treehouses and beachside tents, and Harvest Hosts to connect with local farms and wineries for one-of-a-kind regional experiences.”
Plan the essentials for your relocation road trip
With all the excitement of road-tripping and potentially moving building up it’s easy to forget about minor things that can cause issues down the road. Before you depart make sure to check off the essentials off your list. Life With a Van shares, “Pack essential supplies like a first-aid kit, plenty of water, and snacks. Keep a mix of destinations, including hidden gems and popular spots, to keep your journey exciting.” Basic planning is necessary because as Chasing Trail’s Taryn states, “Whether it’s a quick weekend trip a couple hours from home or you’re driving across the country, there are three things you should always have on a road trip: a paper map or atlas, a compact water filter, and a couple of freeze-dried/backpacking meals.”
Tory Mather from My Trails Are Many agrees with Taryn stating, “The key to road trip success is planning, but not over planning. I highly recommend packing your own food (saves money and keeps everyone happy), downloading offline Google maps (to avoid getting lost), and packing the car efficiently so that all the essentials are handy.”
The road is as mysterious as wonderful, in order to be prepared for the trip its a good idea to think of what could go wrong. Samantha Burmeister Founder & Lead Copywriter of 9 to 5 Nomad shares, “If you’re traveling somewhere with no signal like the mountains, or to an area outside of your service zone (like another country), download your Google Maps for offline by opening the app in your phone and clicking the dropdown in the upper right corner. Go to offline maps, then download the area that you’ll be traveling to. Do this before leaving home. This way, you’ll be able to navigate the area, even without a cell signal!”
Madalyn Meyers of Discovery Detour supports Samantha’s advice by saying, “I firmly believe that the quality of any road trip begins with the quality of your preparation. That is why I make sure to download the maps of my trip route to my phone before I hit the road which allows me to not only save data but also navigate offline in particularly remote destinations.”
Jacqueline Krawiecki, founder of The Adventures Atlas adds, “ Make sure your car is road trip ready by checking oil levels, tire pressure, and packing an emergency kit with jumper cables and first aid essentials. If it’s a rental, double-check that there’s a spare tire and a jack before you leave the parking lot. Then plan an interesting route, but don’t try to clock too many miles in one day; you’ll enjoy the trip a lot more if you slow down and allow time for spontaneous stops and fun detours.”
Traveling with kids
A relocation road trip trip creates lasting memories and helps you get more input on potential homes,, but being prepared is crucial to prevent a good memory from turning sour. Keri Baugh from Bon Voyage with Kids shares, “When families are planning a road trip, I always recommend bringing your own road trip meals and snacks, as it’s a great way to save money on the road and save time. A cooler filled with portable road trip meals like pasta salad, sandwiches, quiche, muffins, and even little “bento box” style meals in a compartment-type lunch box can make planning for road trips much easier.
We always allow our kids to have some snacks and drinks easily accessible to them so they can help themselves when they are hungry or thirsty, and we make sure they have plenty of road trip activities (I created my own road trip activity pack with a license plate game, road trip travel games, and fun puzzles to keep them busy.) But audiobooks, magnetic games, road trip bingo, or family word games keep my kids busy and screen-free. If you plan to have overnights on your road trip, we “pre-pack” outfits in freezer bags that are complete with the next day’s clothing, from undergarments to socks to tops and bottoms. Then, we pack a duffle bag so rather than bringing in our entire suitcase into each hotel, we just grab the freezer bag of clothing, pajamas, and toiletries, throw it in the duffle, and that’s all we have to bring into the hotel.”
Being organized with your kids helps lower the dress for everyone and keeps the trip organized.
Marisa Lonic, the founder of Mama Work It, adds, “Being prepared with plenty of snacks, drinks, and stuff to do is a surefire way to beat boredom and complaints from kids when road-tripping. With four kids here, we make sure each one has their own backpack filled with snacks, water, and activities. This also allows for you as the parent to not have to consistently reach back to hand items off to your crew, which could be extremely dangerous if you’re driving.
If you’ve got young kids along for the ride, schedule your road trip around nap time. This will ensure a stretch of your drive will be peaceful and quiet, at least for those who are asleep. It’s also a good idea to pack a portable potty if you’re road-tripping with littles. You’ll want this for emergency bathroom stops or if you can’t find a restroom that’s clean enough to your liking.”
Motorcycle alternative
If you choose to take a more liberating alternative, motorcycles promise a great adventure, giving you an open-air feel of your next potential home.. As Austin Rothbard, founder and CEO of Twisted Road shares, “Planning a memorable road trip starts with meticulous preparation and a spirit of adventure. Ensure your motorcycle is in top condition, plan your route flexibly for spontaneous detours, and pack essentials like snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. Download offline maps and playlists to keep entertained even in areas with poor signal. Most importantly, stay open to the unexpected — often, the best experiences are those you don’t plan for.”
Ed Stiley from Moto Machines adds, “In order to have a great motorcycle trip you need to be prepared, but not overprepared! It is always recommended to check your tire pressure, chain tension, and oil levels prior to setting off. Getting the preliminary checks out the way will help ensure you can be worry-free, so you can focus on the road and enjoy the sights along the way. Proper packing for motorcycle touring and a helpful checklist is essential in making sure you don’t forget the vitals.”
Consider a conversion van for your relocation road trip
If you are considering converting a van or if the budget allows, a conversion van is an amazing vehicle to travel in, especially since it will give you a home-like feel for a new place.. These vehicles transform travel into a seamless adventure, blending the convenience of home with the freedom to explore anywhere. Marta Perestrelo from the Indie Campers share that, “Traveling by campervan offers unmatched freedom and flexibility — allowing you to wake up to new scenery each day. Plan your route but be ready to deviate; campervans make it easy to explore hidden gems spontaneously. Ensure you are familiar with the features in your vehicle and make sure to download essential apps to help you find overnight parking spots along the way. Pack versatile clothing and food supplies to make the most out of your mobile home-away-from-home.”
Brian Haase from the Piqua-based dealership, Paul Sherry, says, “For an exceptional road trip experience, consider a conversion van like the Ram ProMaster over an SUV. Conversion vans offer superior interior space, ensuring a comfortable journey that prevents exhaustion during long drives. They come equipped with built-in entertainment systems, including a 32″ HDTV and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for video streaming and games. Conversion vans often feature center console coolers for keeping items chilled, making them ideal for extended trips.”
Don’t forget to explore the off-the-beaten-path
Outside your planned schedule there is adventure awaiting. Even in the midst of looking for a potential new place to live, you should also figure out how to have fun in the process. As David from The World Travel Guy shares, “For me, planning a memorable road trip is about going slow and taking the scenic route. Make a flexible itinerary with some must-see landmarks, and then you can use any leftover time to explore places off the beaten path and look for hidden gems. Sometimes the best memories happen in places you wouldn’t expect.”
Justice Stewart, Executive Chef for Gourmet Deconstructed, adds “When road-tripping to a location be sure to explore the surrounding areas for fun mini-road trips. For example, We road tripped from NYC to Montreal, CA, and after a couple of days, we took a 2 hour roadie day trip to the Canadian capital, Ottawa. Same thing with Memphis, we drove to Clarksdale, MS, to explore the famous Blues Trail. Remember to not be afraid to ask local citizens the must-sees of the area, especially when it comes to food.”
Slow down
Slowing down and enjoying the trip can not be overstated. As Josephine Remo shares, “My top tip for when planning a road trip in the U.S. is not to underestimate the distances – sometimes it’s better to cover less ground and really enjoy your destinations compared to spending many hours stuck behind the wheel.” With a set destination in mind and many miles to go, “It can be easy to get into the groove of a road trip and spend all your time driving rather than getting out and enjoying the nature and sights that you set off to appreciate in the first place,” states Geena Truman from Beyond the Bucketlist.
Jessica cofounder of The Fioneers, adds to Geena by stating, “When planning a road trip, we believe less is more. Fewer locations, shorter drive days, and longer durations in each location allow you to really experience a place rather than feeling like you are constantly on the run”
To enjoy the road trip, you must learn to slow down. Listen to the advice that expert travelers share about the importance of taking it slow:
Eddie of The Vanabond Tales says, “When it comes to planning a road trip our number one tip is not to over plan. Have an outline of where you want to go with primary destinations and major attractions but leave room and flexibility in your itinerary to add a spontaneous detour or to spend a night in a charming town you stumble upon. Additionally, try to avoid the temptation of squeezing too many miles or attractions into your itinerary. You can always add more stops, but if you’re madly rushing from one place to another you might miss out on the best bits along the way.”
Colby from The Engineers Who Van Life claims, “Our most impactful tip for a successful road trip would be to leave room for spontaneity and not be afraid to pump the brakes (literally) if something catches your eye! Some of our best memories on the road are random trails that lead to the unknown, or stunning lunch break stops that we never would have found online. Don’t be too tied to your itinerary and keep your eyes peeled for unique experiences where you least expect them.”
Recommended destinations
The world is beautiful and offers natural wonders all around the world, and these landscapes might inspire where you want to move next. Many people miss out on beautiful places due to the scope of what the US has to offer. We have asked expert travelers for their top recommendations to ensure you don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime and maybe even find a place that calls to you in the process.
Carrie Salter from The Daydream Drifters shares, “My top tip for ensuring an unforgettable road trip is to keep your itinerary flexible for spontaneous detours. My favorite road trip destinations are California and the Florida Keys. In California, drive along the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Santa Monica, Big Sur, and Napa Valley’s wine country. In Florida, the Overseas Highway to the Keys is a must-see, with stops at Bahia Honda State Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park along the way!”
Paula Barnes of Truly Expat shares that her favorite destination is in Upstate New York: “The drive from New York to Niagara Falls, which showcases the breathtaking beauty of the countryside and is a must-see for nature lovers. The journey from New York City to Washington, DC, is also a great option as it is rich in history and culture, with significant landmarks such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. These routes offer unique attractions that make for unforgettable adventures.
Consider a road trip through California, which offers diverse landscapes and attractions. From the stunning coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway to the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park, California has something for everyone. You can also explore the unique charm of cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, each with its distinct character and attractions.”
Richard Schneider from Picture Correct suggests, “Consider heading to Boca Chica, the southern point of Texas, a burgeoning destination thanks to its rapidly increasing rocket launch activities. Enjoy the thrill of a rocket launch alongside the stunning beaches. On your way, don’t miss the chance to explore San Antonio, a city rich with beautiful landmarks, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a beach lover, this trip offers something for everyone.”
Serenity Lesley of Manifesting Serenity shares that, “My favorite is taking a road trip (up and down) through Washington, Oregon, and California. It’s filled with so many memories from places along the way like Mount Rainier, Cannon Beach, Umpqua Hot Springs, Glass Beach, and Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. They each hold their own sense of beauty, and look completely different! Not to mention, all the states are along the sea, and the coastline was captivating.”
Charlie and Dale, co-founders of Nohma add, “We spent six months on a U.S. road trip, and many of our favorite spots were on BLM land. ‘Bureau of Land Management’ land is free to access, and you’re able to spend up to 14 days in each spot. Often, there are toilets, picnic benches, and firepits, and they’re usually in stunning, remote locations. Another tip would be to explore State Parks and Tribal Parks as well as National Parks – these were some of our favorite spots. We loved Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in California, Monument Valley in Arizona, and City of Rocks in Idaho.
Austin Rothbard of Twisted Road claims, “Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Rock Store is a legendary biker hangout perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic rides through winding canyon roads, and when you arrive, soak in the history and camaraderie at this iconic spot frequented by celebrities like Jay Leno and bikers alike. Another great option is the Hoover Dam, in Nevada. After renting a motorcycle in Las Vegas, a ride to the Hoover Dam offers breathtaking views and an impressive engineering marvel. The route provides a mix of desert landscapes and the shimmering waters of Lake Mead, making for a picturesque and exhilarating journey.”
Leo Cuesta from Uncharted West says, “Determine how much time you have for your trip, and that will determine how far you can travel from the city that you start from. You can see and do plenty in a few days if you focus on a relatively small area, but if you try to see too many things in a short amount of time, you won’t see much at all because you’ll end up spending most of your time on the road.
If you have three days or less (not including flight days), stay within two hours of the city that you fly into. Many cities are surrounded by spectacular attractions. Las Vegas, for example, has Red Rock Canyon, the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire all within an hour’s drive, and Death Valley is within two hours.
If you have four to seven days, stay within five hours of your arrival city. You could visit Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite from Los Angeles or Olympic National Park, the San Juan Islands, and the Cascades from Seattle.
If you have more than a week then you can go on an extensive driving vacation and flying into one city and out of another is a good option. You could fly into Las Vegas or Saint George, visit Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks — Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands — and fly out of Moab or Grand Junction.”
Kelly and Jonathan of the Road Trip Locals state, “If you’re looking for spectacular road trip destinations to get started, we highly recommend road-tripping between Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, driving Seward Highway in Alaska, exploring ‘The Mighty 5’ in Utah.”
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