Pre-planning for first long duration trip upon retirement

bgum wrote:
Don't tie your selves down with a schedule.

That's much harder to do these days, especially if you want to go to the more popular state parks, which tend to book up far in advance.

You don't need to pre-book every night, but you'll probably need to map out a general schedule for some of the more significant stops so you can reserve a spot in advance. Things *might* get better next year, but I think it'll take a few years for the crowds to subside.

Be adaptive, flexible and change as wanted or needed. With all the recent RV sales and hence CG availability are recent consierations.

The virus may still be causing restrictions which could include border closures. In recent summers and expecially this year there have been very significant western fires and smoke in the US and Canada to consider. Have a plan B if not C.

Take I-80 across and the obvious stops are Badlands, Black Hills, Devils Tower, Yellowstone/Tetons and up to Glacier. Cross into Canada Est of Glacier. There are many other places to visit along that route. Take your time, travel 200 miles or less a day. Stay multiple days in one spot. Fulltiming is a whole new game.

I'm still not convinced Canada will be open next year. Lot's of people thought the border would be open earlier this year, they grudgingly opened it on the 9th but with all sorts of restrictions. I have not heard a report from anyone crossing it yet.

Suggest you take 2-3 months and see as much of the west and Alaska as is possible. You will not regret doing so but if you don't you will almost certainly will. That period in your lives will be an exciting time and should be enjoyed. Old age and with it will bring infirmities that won't permit that type of trip.

Go and enjoy. Limit your daily mileage to about 300 miles. Limit your travel days to about 4 days per week. Don't tie your selves down with a schedule. That's why you're retiring. Be safe.