Vacations are a whirlwind of sightseeing, last-minute dinner reservations, and trying to squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase. While this was the norm for years, travel trends are changing. The emergence of the gig economy and work-from-home culture means that digital nomads and long-stay travelers are approaching things a little differently.
Instead of racing against the clock to tick off a long list of landmarks and experiences, these travelers have the luxury of taking things slower. With the ability to avoid weekend crowds and work from anywhere, digital nomads can stay longer and go further. The United States is one of the best countries for this type of travel with its diverse landscapes and cross-country routes.
While some travelers choose to drive everywhere, others prefer to mix flying with services like cross country car shipping to relocate between different regional hubs. A road trip is one of the best ways to experience must-see landmarks in the US, especially those located outside of major cities. In this guide, we’re spotlighting these must-see landmarks with tips on how to navigate long-term travel.
What Must-See US Landmarks Fit a Long Stay Travel Lifestyle
“Quietcations”, road trips, and nostalgia travel are some of the biggest travel trends of the year, and they fit perfectly into a long-stay trip. If you’re a digital nomad or planning an extended vacation, you’ll want to choose destinations that suit this lifestyle.
Cities can be expensive, and some areas may not have enough activities or landmarks to fill your ideal schedule. It’s also important to consider your day-to-day lifestyle. Short-term rentals and co-living spaces are a great way to stay on budget, while you’ll also want access to reliable internet and everyday essentials like groceries.
Some regions, like the Southwest and Northeast, have established nomad communities, offering both culture and accessibility. The Pacific Northwest is also popular with digital nomads, especially those with a love for the outdoors.
You can start planning your travels by choosing your ideal base for a long-term stay. The Olympic National Park in the Pacific Northwest is a short drive from quiet towns like Port Angeles and offers access to coastal trails. By comparison, the Mount Rainier National Park is close enough for a weekend trip to Seattle, with plenty of affordable towns nearby to help save on accommodation.
Your miles can clock up fast in the Pacific Northwest, so it’s worth looking into options like an auto transport in Washington State when relocating to your next destination.
In the Northeast, the Hudson Valley is a great base for ticking off some must-see destinations with its easy access to New York City and attractions like The Met, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. You can balance day trips to the city with longer stays in towns like Hudson and Beacon for a slower pace schedule during the week.
What makes these regions suitable for long-term travel is their livable towns, making it easy to balance remote working with sightseeing. Most hotels and rental properties offer tiered discounts for long-term stays, and traveling with your car can make regions like Washington and Arizona, which have limited public transport, more accessible.
How Vehicle Relocation Supports Digital Nomads Visiting Iconic Landmarks
While it’s easy to curate your dream itinerary when visiting must-see landmarks in the US, the logistics are what catch people out. Burning out is a genuine concern for digital nomads and long-term travelers. It’s important to be realistic about this type of travel, from the time it takes to drive between states to the cost of car maintenance, accommodation, and food.
Most digital nomads will choose to fly longer distances and use an auto transport company to move their vehicle to their next destination. This strategy makes it easy to drive shorter regional routes with the flexibility of experiencing a new area like a local.
Vehicle relocation services make it easy to move between different bases across the country, whether you’ve got work commitments or you’re planning a seasonal relocation. Auto transport companies are a practical way to adapt long-term travel to suit your needs and avoid the stress of a cross-country road trip.
Outside of major cities, it’s not uncommon for must-see US landmarks to be hard to reach. National Parks are best explored with a vehicle, and it’s always more comfortable to have the familiarity of your car, rather than hiring a new vehicle at each destination.
Everything You Need to Know About Staying Mobile Without Road Fatigue
We’ve all come back from a vacation feeling exhausted – and the same can happen during long-term travel. Even the most experienced travelers can underestimate how exhausting constant driving is. Digital nomads are in a unique position as they’re continuing to work while traveling at the same time.
Road fatigue can be fatal and is the leading cause of road accidents. If you’re struggling to focus or feeling burned out, it’s a sign to stop driving. It’s best to limit your driving to no more than 400 – 500 miles per day and to build in rest days into your schedule.
Digital nomad travel requires smart thinking, especially when traveling long distances. Incorporating auto transport services into your travel itinerary can reduce your risk of fatigue and make it easier to move between different locations. You can avoid a multi-day drive by flying instead and sending your car ahead to your next destination.
As a digital nomad, you’ll get the best experience visiting popular US landmarks when you take things at a slower pace. Planning early and opting for the right logistics to suit your schedule, like using a car shipping service, can help you explore your dream destinations without burning out.
Having your own car means you don’t have to rely on public transport and have the flexibility to do something different every day. Areas like Washington State are best explored by driving, especially when visiting must-see landmarks like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
