What Keeps us moving?
Every adventure starts long before we turn the key.
Life on the road has taught us that a little preparation goes a long way. Whether we're searching for our next campsite, navigating unfamiliar roads, staying connected while we work, or simply knowing help is available if something goes wrong, having the right tools makes traveling a whole lot less stressful.
These are the services and apps we use most often while traveling. They're not perfect—and every traveler has different needs—but they've earned a permanent spot in our travel toolkit. Below, we're sharing what we like, what we don't, and why each one helps keep us moving toward our next adventure.
Harvest Host: Unique RV camping.
Harvest Host: $$ Annual
What We Love
Stay at unique locations like wineries, breweries, farms, museums, and more.
Many hosts offer same-day bookings before 5:00 p.m., making it a great option for last-minute travel plans.
Easily connect your Boondockers Welcome account for even more overnight stay options.
The Road Trip Planner makes it easy to find host locations along your exact route.
Things To Consider
While overnight stays are included with your membership, many hosts encourage guests to support their business with a purchase or donation (around $30 is common in our experience). If you're traveling on a tight budget, be sure to factor this into your plans.
Canceling a stay less than 24 hours before check-in without communicating with your host could result in account restrictions or removal from the platform.
Membership is limited to self-contained RVs and camper vans. Car and truck campers aren't eligible, which we'd love to see change.
We haven't found much value in some of the additional member perks. For example, campground discounts have been limited, and mail-forwarding services still require an additional fee for even the most basic options.
Why We Use It
We love slowing down and experiencing the places we travel through, not just passing by them. Harvest Hosts has introduced us to family-owned wineries, local restaurants, and small businesses we probably would have missed otherwise. Those stops have become some of our favorite memories on the road, and supporting local businesses is something we're happy to build into our travel budget.
Starlink Satellite Service
StarLink: $$ Upfront cost/Monthly Subscription
What We Love
Service that gives us confidence we'll have internet access almost anywhere we travel.
Low power consumption, making it a great fit for our van setup.
The ability to pause service when we don't need it, so we're only paying for the months we use.
Things To Consider
The upfront equipment cost may be a deciding factor for some travelers.
If you only take an occasional trip, the investment may not make sense compared to using your existing mobile hotspot or cell plan.
Why We Use It
Reliable internet isn't just about work—it's about staying connected to family and friends, managing our website, paying bills, and taking care of everyday responsibilities while we're on the road. For our lifestyle, Starlink was a non-negotiable investment that gives us the freedom to travel without feeling disconnected.
AAA Roadside Assistance
AAA Auto Club: $Annual Membership
What We Love
Towing services when you need them most.
Emergency fuel delivery.
Vehicle lockout and locksmith services.
Our Premier Membership includes additional travel and roadside benefits that we're still exploring.
Things to Consider
If you're traveling in a remote area, response times may be longer or service options may be limited.
Before heading somewhere remote, we make note of nearby towing and repair shops—just in case.
The annual membership is an added expense, but we view it as an extra layer of protection beyond our insurance.
Why We Use It
Life on the road comes with a few extra unknowns, and we've learned that being prepared is just as important as being adventurous. AAA gives us peace of mind knowing we have someone to call if we ever find ourselves stranded or dealing with an unexpected vehicle issue.
Love’s Travel Stop
Love’s Travel Stop: As Needed
What We Love
Save on fuel by using the Love's Connect app.
Convenient access to showers, laundry facilities, and full-hookup RV sites.
A reliable stop for fuel, snacks, and travel essentials.
Things to Consider
Amenities like showers, laundry, and RV sites come at an additional cost.
We typically only use the showers and laundry when we really need them.
Overnight RV sites can be expensive. If we're looking to save money, we'll usually choose Harvest Hosts instead.
Why We Use It
When you're constantly traveling, there's something comforting about a place you know and trust. As new vanlifers, Love's has become one of those familiar stops—a reliable place to fuel up, refresh, and regroup before heading to the next adventure.
The Dyrt Trip Planner
The Dyrt Trip Planner: $ Annual Subscription
What We Love
Access to dispersed camping opportunities on BLM and National Forest land.
PRO membership perks, including discounts on campgrounds, gear, and services.
Offline maps that help us navigate even when we don't have cell service.
We're still exploring all the benefits that come with our PRO membership.
Things to Consider
The free version may feel limited for experienced campers, RVers, and vanlifers. Many of the features we find most valuable, including discounts and certain camping opportunities, require a PRO membership.
PRO membership is an additional annual expense, but they frequently offer promotions. We were able to get our membership for $30/year.
Why We Use It
We love exploring National Forest and BLM land, and The Dyrt has helped us discover some incredible remote campsites we may have never found otherwise. For us, the biggest value is the ability to find unique places to camp and explore areas beyond traditional campgrounds.
All Trails
All Trails: $ Annual Subscription
What We Love
Access to trail maps across cities, states, and national parks.
More than just hiking—discover scenic drives, biking routes, paddling adventures, and more.
The trail community allows you to connect with other outdoor lovers, share experiences, and discover new places.
Offline maps help us stay prepared when we're exploring areas with limited service.
Things to Consider
The free version is available, but many of the features we find most useful require a PRO membership.
PRO memberships go on sale often, making it more affordable to upgrade.
Why We Use It
AllTrails has been with us from our very first hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks to backpacking adventures in Yosemite National Park. It's become our trusted sidekick when we're looking to try something new, explore with confidence, and find outdoor experiences without needing to plan a guided tour.
These are just a few of the services that help keep us moving and make life on the road a little easier. If there’s a service or app you think we should try, drop it in the comments—we’re always looking for new tools to add to our adventure toolkit.
Until then, don’t forget to take time to explore and exhale.