Thousands of military families face the challenge of sacrificing their summer for another PCS season. While summer should be a fun and exciting time, service members often change duty stations between May and September. Instead of dedicating your entire summer to packing and unpacking, why not turn it into a memorable adventure?

One of Life’s Top Stressors

A 2020 study by OnePoll (commissioned by North American Van Lines) revealed that 64% of participants ranked moving as one of the most stressful experiences of their lives. Military families, however, often have no say in these significant life events.

Packing your life into suitcases, moving to an unknown location every 2 to 3 years, and trying to settle down again are inseparable parts of military life. The pile of boxes, broken furniture, and housing uncertainties are factors we often cannot control. While the destination may be uncertain, the journey can be an incredible adventure.

Top Tips for Turning a PCS Move into a Cross-Country Road Trip

Many military families choose the fastest route to their next duty station. However, planning a cross-country road trip can be rewarding. Here are our top 5 tips for turning a PCS move into an epic adventure!

1. Take Leave

Military members usually get a set number of days for PCSing to their next duty station. This is an excellent opportunity to request additional leave and extend your trip. Planning is crucial — coordinate with your command to understand the leave policies and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed. Remember, you will most likely have a date to “report by” the service member must not miss.

2. Map your Route

Planning your route can be time-consuming. Start by inputting the start and end points in Google Maps to understand the states and cities you will pass through. Since we love nature, I look for a national park, state park, or preserve to visit. For example, one military family recharged at the Grand Canyon National Park.

Aim to find at least one point of interest in each state you drive through. Don’t shy away from taking a longer scenic route, even if it adds a day or two. Prioritize quality over quantity.

3. Take Your Time

If there’s one thing that motherhood and having a child have taught me is that we should slow down, take our time, and be as present as possible in every moment. During our PCS moves in the past, my husband and I used to overload our itinerary and maximize every minute of the day. Nowadays, with a small toddler, we take our time. Whether it’s looking at every flower in a garden, climbing every bench in the park, or picking up the best wooden stick on the trail, we embrace every moment of our trip.

I’ve also noticed that my son does much better when we travel at his pace. This is why we prefer not to drive more than 6 hours per day and always find a playground for him to run around and burn off energy. Slowing down transforms the journey into a series of enjoyable experiences rather than a rushed trip.

4. Have a Loose Plan

Having a loose plan works well for us. I organize half of our trip and leave the rest open for options along the way. I also don’t book all of our hotels in advance. Some days we would drive for two hours or so and as we stop to stretch our legs and take a break from the drive, we would pick the city along the way to stay at. We then quickly look up hotels in the area and book at that point. This approach allows us freedom based on how we feel each day.

Note: This can be overwhelming at first. Keep track of planned dates and have a printout of your travel information in the car for easy reference.

5. Take Advantage of Military Lodging

Few military families utilize military lodging during their PCS moves or regular travel. Not only are they more affordable, but they’re often safer and more convenient than hotels. It’s common for your vehicle to be packed to the brim when PCSing. Lugging all your suitcases and boxes every night just to check in that night and check out the next morning is not only daunting but quite exhausting as well. Since military lodging is usually on base, you wouldn’t necessarily feel the need to bring all your items inside just for the night.

We’ve had great experiences with military lodging, like the Navy Lodge in Monterey, California. If you ever go overseas, the Edelweiss Lodge Resort in Germany offers a luxurious resort atmosphere.

Discover Your New Community

Once your cross-country road trip ends and you’re at your new duty station, it’s time to settle in and explore. Find new activities for your children, stock up your pantry, and get to know your new surroundings. Visit your local Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) to discover their outstanding programs and services, which include support networks, family events, and educational programs. Engaging with the ASYMCA can help your family adjust to the new environment, meet other military families, and create a sense of community in your new home. Embrace this opportunity to start fresh and make the most of your new location.

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