So in October at some point I will be driving (and relocating) to Orange County CA. I think I can do it easily over three or four days. Has anyone done a Chicago to OC drive before? Looks like it's approximately 2000 miles. Google maps shows two primary routes one being more southerly than the other.

Any tips or good apps are appreciated. I did download roadtrippers. Not sure it's good or not.

Just don't take the Hastings Cutoff.

Not exactly but I've driven coast to coast three times now taking various routes. I will not be driving through Texas again. Had a blast each time.

I think one routing takes me through the panhandle. Sounds interesting.

Haven't done that specific route, but moved across country before and did a 17 day road trip in the process. My suggestion:

Take the northern route, the southern route on I40 will crush your spirit and make you want to drive off a cliff (fortunately there aren't many). Shouldn't be weather issues in the mountain passes in October, check before leaving. Shoot for Denver on day one (almost 1000 miles - but very boring). Drive until you can't tolerate it, then find a place to spend the night.

Colorado
Utah



Split the rest over 3 days. Take your time through CO, UT, AZ (lots of different routes - get off the interstate); downside is there isn't really a good halfway point (Moab might be depending on how close to Denver you actually get on day 1). Last night in Vegas, then an easy 4-5 hour drive to get to the OC and you should have enough energy to unpack.

Audiobooks are good for staying awake. You're brain is much more engaged than just listening to music.

I've done (most of) both routes.

One June I drove the Iowa-Nebraska-Colorado-Utah-Nevada-California route. I think we stopped for the night in Grand Island, NE; Grand Junction, CO; and Las Vegas. Gorgeous drive with beautiful scenery. Though I'm not sure when you need to start worrying about winter weather through the Rockies.

The following January, the friend I'd taken the westbound trip with drove did the California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas leg and I met him in Oklahoma City. We then drove together for the Oklahoma-Missouri-Illinois leg in two days, with an overnight in Tulsa (thank you, ice storm). There's not much of interest in that portion of the drive--clearly, I missed the more scenic portion of the route. From a weather perspective, that route is probably a bit better, though there's still the possibility of storms, including tornados.

My son did it in three easy days. Northern route is more scenic.

Oooh the Panhandle. Is the Cadillac Ranch still there, or has it rusted away?



October is a great time to make the trip. Nice weather and fewer tourists.

Speaking of weather, congrats on your relocation

It would be far more pleasant to have your car shipped and to fly, instead of spending days on end driving. I've down it twice, and it was utterly terrible.

NB: I absolutely hate driving and detest cars, so YMMV.

I've got about $5k to use from my company. It's just me and moving will cost 3K so I'll be able pocket some $$. I actually want to do the drive. Never done it before and looking forward to it.

so what hotel programs might you be looking to earn/burn?

Not an issue. I have to use CLC direct booking for hotels and most are non qualifying rates.

so can think about things like food and or sites rather than specific hotels

I'm looking for a route that is less mountainous. Southern route?

Day 1 : Chicago to Tulsa
Day 2: Tulsa to Albuquerque
Day 3: Albuquerque to Kingman
Day 4: Kingman to Irvine

First two days are 600 approx miles each. Then it goes down from there. No time pressure. Seems like a doable routing. Really don't want to have to f' with the Rockies.