Where Should We Go First?
There are so many choices when traveling the world full-time! Maybe you can help us.
Last weekend, we made a huge announcement on our Facebook page — our home of 14 years was listed for sale. We accepted an offer just two days on the market and it’s officially sold! Our closing date is July 15, 2020, and while we’re stoked, we now have a dilemma.
We knew the goal was to sell the house and hit the open road, but we never talked about packing up and deciding where to go first. Now that we’re 30 days from being homeless, it has all become a mad dose of reality.
HOLY SMOKES BATMAN!!!
Where should we go first?
I was sure we’d ride off west into the sunset. Well, actually, sunrise, because we both are too blind to drive at night. But between so many awesome friends inviting us to couch surf their place and this damn pandemic, it’s made the decision extremely difficult.
The pandemic-friendly states.
The most significant consideration is whether a state is open to travelers and whether COVID-19 is running rampant there. Alaska requires proof of a negative coronavirus test; Hawaii requires 14 days of self-quarantine; and New York is a no-go. Choosing a destination requires research and may be a game-time decision given these factors. Each state and its counties have different travel restrictions.
Right now, there are some good prospects like Florida, Missouri, Montana, and Nevada. Other states are reopening for business this week.
Our pandemic-friendly friends.
We’re fortunate to know so many amazing people around the world thanks to business and personal connections, so we have some great options.
We’re excited to finally meet Brent and Michelle in Nevada, get in trouble with Spencer and Kristie in Nebraska, and eat some lobster with Courtney in Maine. We also can’t wait to enjoy more beers with family and friends in the Netherlands. But
While we want to reconnect with all of them, they must also be comfortable with our visiting, given the pandemic challenges.
Plus, we need to establish how long we’re welcome, since we’ve been known to make an extended 14-month stay with friends ... sorry, and thanks to Nelson and Susie.
Deciding where to go first hinges on these two significant factors.
North. West. South. East.
Sounds like a Kanye baby naming convention. There are so many great places to go, and honestly, there are no wrong answers. Any direction will lead to smiles and a journey of a lifetime. But there has to be a starting point.
At this current moment, as I sip on a Watermelon Truly Hard Seltzer (don’t judge me), there is one way I’m leaning. FYI, it’s not because I’m drunk and can’t sit up straight.
Southeast towards Gulf Shores, then east and north before going west and south.
Donetta and I’ve talked about going to Gulf Shores for a while. We love being at the beach and kicking off our tour on some white sand sounds so appealing. It would work well for my new favorite song, and maybe they even had a nude beach for me to enjoy. LOL
I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today, life is good today - Zac Brown Band
From there, the plan would be to surf with the sharks in Florida before trucking it up to South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maine. Then haul ass back to Nevada and Arizona to stay in the warmer weather for the winter. However, since I am directionally challenged, it might not go as planned, and we’ll end up in Mexico.
Either way, we plan to travel for at least a year, so hopefully we can visit every state and Europe in that time.
What is your recommendation?
Some of our friends have made some fantastic recommendations, and many have offered us a place to crash. Thank you all for that!
It’s hard to believe the day is almost here. There is a little fear in doing something so crazy, but we’re optimistic it will all work out. And who knows ... maybe our first stop will be your place.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go first?