We made it to Vermont… Jamaica, Vermont. Really, the only Jamaica I’d ever be interested in visiting. Luscious, tropical oases were never my thing. This part of the trip was the hardest to schedule. Even now, I don’t have a permanent home, but this will give us the ability to get a local Vermont address to get mail. Yay, mail!

My realtor is frantically searching for a home to close on before The Child’s 18th birthday (August 31). At 18, I have to qualify for the USDA Loan all over again with different income thresholds and such. No one wants to fuss with that racket.

I asked a few people where I should visit on my drive. I received two answers, Smoky Mountains and Asheville, NC. This stop will satisfy both requirements.

Waynesville, NC FAQs

Q: What’s in Waynesville?

A: Not a clue. It was the least expensive stay on the way to VT on the southern path going eastward that was within an 8 hour drive.

Q: Are you going to have North Carolina BBQ?

A: Let’s be honest, I probably started eating BBQ in San Antonio and I wouldn’t stop in North Carolina.

Tennessee? You’re the only Ten I See! ;)

Back in fourth grade I did my state report on Tennessee. I don’t remember anything about the state other then how to spell Tennessee. We will be driving up through Memphis. I don’t anticipate having the opportunity to experience Tennessee so I decided to take this opportunity to stay a bit.

Jackson, TN FAQs

Q: Now hold on one minute, I thought you were going to Georgia next? Did I miss something?

A: You aren’t wrong. The next stop WAS Georgia, but I severely underestimated how long a USDA home loan takes to close (45+ days at the moment). This was the most cost-effective stay for a week.

Q: Will you visit Graceland?

A: Uh… probably not. If it’s on the way, I’ll drive by, but I’m not going to spend time there. Elvis has some bangers, but I’m not going to put money into a dead man’s pocket. Ya know? Who even gets Elvis Money now? His kid? I don’t want her having it either. I want my money for me and my kid.

The next leg of our journey will bring us to Luling, LA. We will spend the weekend relaxing and taking in the sites and sounds of Louisiana!

Luling, LA FAQ

Q: What’s in Luling?

A: No idea, but we’ll find out.

Q: Will you go to New Orleans?

A: Maybe, but for daytime sightseeing. I won’t be partying over the weekend; I have a teenager with me.

Q: Where are you staying?

A: In an Airbnb. Surprisingly, Airbnbs seem to be less expensive than hotels once you factor in the food. Airbnb allows me to grocery shop for the stay and cook as needed.

Q: What if you aren’t on schedule? Can you get your money back?

A: Yes, all of our reservations have a 100% refund policy with a generous timeframe.

We will be staying at an Airbnb in San Antonio for a week while I work remotely. This will allow me to fulfill my obligations to work while catching up with old friends in San Antonio.

San Antonio FAQ

Q: That seems like a long drive, are you sure you can make it?

A: It IS a long drive. It’s close to 14 hours from my house to the Airbnb. Yes, I can make it. I’ve driven to San Antonio from Phoenix twice and one to Austin. The alternative is to stay overnight in New Mexico or possibly El Paso. Both just seem like a waste of money to me. There’s nothing for me in southern NM and nothing in El Paso for me either. I know I can get to the Airbnb in one go. This will be the longest drive on the journey.

Q: Six days in an Airbnb, won’t that cost a lot?

A: Frankly, my finances are none of anyone’s business. Just know, I am working the entire move. I will still be collecting a paycheck. I can afford it. It is not a luxury. Every expense has already been thoughtfully planned for.

Q: What about Fiddle?

A: She’s coming with, of course. All of the Airbnbs are pet friendly.

U-Haul will be dropping of U-Boxes on April 26th between 8am - 12pm. We will have them until Friday, April 30th. This will be more than enough time to pack at our leisure and coordinate any add-on furniture from other households.

U-Haul FAQ

Q: Why U-Haul Boxes? Why not PODS?! I hear those are great!

A: PODS are great! I looked them up first, unfortunately, PODS aren’t in Vermont. Same goes with any of the other big-name container companies. Vermont is small, they don’t have the same luxuries as bigger states.

Q: How long will it take for U-Haul to move the containers to your new home?

A: Because I don’t know the exact date of move in or if I’ll even get the house I currently have an offer on. I will be storing my boxes while I wait for closing. It takes U-Haul 16 days from Chandler to Plattsburgh, NY. Plattsburgh the closest shipping container storage to Vermont. Once I get a closing date, U-Haul will drop the containers off at my new home.

Q: Wouldn’t it be better to rent a truck?

A: No.

Q: What happens if U-Haul loses/breaks everything you own?

A: The great thing about being poor, I really don’t have many belongings. That said, I have insurance on the containers. Material possessions can be replaced. It will be OK.