The best summer holiday home doesn’t only mean an ocean view or hidden local swimming holes passed down from one generation to the next. It’s more about finding a seasonal lifestyle that suits you and your family’s relaxation needs.
A good way to ensure you’re completely comfortable in your A-frame in the woods or beach cottage is to have the same family vehicle available. For some, that is a large van with plenty of room for guests and luggage. For others, hiring the best car transport companies ensures the custom Porsche 911 is safely delivered to the vacation property.
Here are six simplified tips to help you make the most of your new summer holiday with your favorite ride safely tucked away in the driveway.
1. Decide on the Best U.S. Summer Retreat Spots
Everything about your summer holiday home begins with selecting the perfect location. The right region of the states will support the type of lifestyle, logistics, property costs, and transport carriers you choose.
You’re looking for a place where the activities, culture, and amenities match your holiday goals. That may include:
- Beach Escapes: Waves and sand outside of overdeveloped tourist traps (Outer Banks, NC, or Gulf Shores, Alabama).
- Mountain Hideaways: Cooler air with natural resources and artisan shopping (Lake Tahoe, CA, or Asheville, NC).
- Lakeside Retreats: Peace and local wildlife watching without the high price tag of the ocean (Finger Lakes, NY, or Lake of the Ozarks, MO).
- Desert Getaways: Dry heat and summer sun for the perfect tan (Sedona, AZ, or Santa Fe, NM).
You can even search for a holiday home near the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, Oregon, if you prefer summer skiing. It all comes down to the size of the property you need to accommodate guests, the cost of living in the area, your budget, and the availability of domestic transport for your car.
2. Selecting the Best Car Transport Companies for a Hassle-Free Move
Once you have a good idea of the location for your holiday home, you’ll need to secure fleet management services to move your vehicle. Driving across the country might seem romantic, but when you’re sacrificing vacation time for 8 to 10 hours in the car, you might think differently.
Start by looking for legitimate transport companies with easy-to-verify reputations. They should carry shipping insurance, be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
The best car transport companies will offer several options for shipping, including open and enclosed. Open pickup and delivery means your car is exposed to the elements, but it tends to be a more cost-effective option. Enclosed is harder to book, but ensures your vehicle is safe from weather, road debris, and animal droppings.
Finally, be sure to look at the timing. Summer is the peak season for a car shipping quote or estimate. You’ll want to book your trip as early as possible to secure the best routes to coastal towns, mountain hideaways, and desert escapes. A quality company will help walk you through these steps and offer strong communication (including updates on your car’s location during transport) so you have complete peace of mind that your vehicle will be at your vacation home when you need it.
3. Financial Planning for Your Dream Holiday Home
About 40% of people have a vacation home or secure some sort of holiday housing. That is a massive part of the population rushing to lakes, rivers, oceans, and sand dunes when the weather gets hot.
The result is high demand driving up housing prices. You’ll need to plan appropriately to ensure your family has the dream vacation you want. Set a budget at the start and decide if you’re buying or renting. If you’re only there for a few weeks out of the year, renting might be more your speed. However, you could buy and run a rental business on the side to provide the income for your annual vacations.
While you’re planning, don’t forget hidden costs that include:
- HOA fees
- Waste management, water, and sewage
- Home maintenance funds
- Insurance premiums
- Utilities (phone, internet, electric, gas, etc.)
- Furniture and décor
Always talk with a reputable lender about second home loans. Most will require a 10-20% down payment, and you want to know what prime lending terms are available before jumping into a mortgage.
Pro tip: Never skip out on a home inspection for a prospective buying opportunity. You want all the info you can get.
4. Gathering Essential Information for a Seamless Vacation Experience
You’ve got the home and secured the best auto transport services. Now you need to sort out how to get everything there for your summer holiday.
Local ordinances will determine utility setup, and you can always talk to a property management company to give you a solid “heads up” about maintenance schedules. The more important process is managing your vehicle’s specific logistics.
Someone moving from NH to Florida for the summer might have to pay excise tax on the vehicle’s registration. The same is true for emissions testing or if you have to declare a car as a “historic” ride. Always contact the DMV in the area where your vacation home is located. They can probably recommend a good mechanic in the area as well, should anything need repair while you’re relaxing.
If you have an EV, be sure your rental or new property has a charging station and a breakdown plan if you go on longer trips.
Pro tip: Keep a list of essential services in the area on your vacation home’s fridge, including a mechanic, urgent care, veterinarian, pharmacy, and property manager.
5. Timing Your Purchase and Transport for the Best Results
How you time your holiday home purchase and vehicle transport matters. The best time to purchase a home is when demand is low. That will be late winter and early spring (Feb to May). You’ll have more negotiating power if you start early. For rentals, shoot for booking 6 to 9 months in advance.
The best car shipping company will recommend the same advice. The earlier you can book, the better. Summer is the most competitive time of year, as well as the “move-in/move-out” period for college students. Try to book before price hikes kick in.
You should also pay attention to regional weather patterns. If you’re vacationing in the West, you need to be aware of the fire season. The same is true if you’re in Florida during hurricane season. A good strategy is to buy, rent, and secure transportation in the “shoulder seasons” of late spring or early fall.
6. Preparing Your Vehicle and Home for Arrival
All that is left to do now is prep your vehicle for the best car shipping service. Clean it (inside and out) before pickup. That will make any imperfections easier to note. Take photos during the pickup inspection to document the vehicle’s condition.
Remove any personal items and leave the gas tank around ¼ full. Double-check that all fluids and oil are topped off, as well as ensuring the battery is charged and the tire pressure is set to the correct level.
You can confirm your delivery details, such as time, place, and authorized driver, over the phone before pickup. However, it’s helpful to have all your documents in one place if you get nervous. Be sure to have copies or originals of your:
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license)
- Vehicle insurance (including shipping insurance if you have it)
- Proof of ownership (registration, bill of lading, etc.)
- Car shipping contract
- Condition checklist/report
A little prep work goes a long way to overcoming any interstate transport laws or local ordinances.
Final Suggestions to Make Your Summer Home Vacation Amazing
Beyond tips and checklists, you want some insider recommendations that ensure your summer is a lasting memory full of joy and relaxation. Think about:
- Using a local real estate agent with insider knowledge of the market (schools, HOAs, sound issues, etc.)
- Decide on self-maintenance or hiring a property management team
- Always shoot for one more bed than you need, just in case
- Consider local amenities and attractions that will boost the value of your vacation
- Set a firm budget so you have more money during your vacation
- Verify internet speeds and cell coverage of your vacation home
- Avoid any high-risk areas (flooding, wildfire, frequent lightning)
- Invest in remote security options (cameras, smart thermostats, home automation, etc.)
The best way to know if the area you love is an excellent fit for a new vacation home is to rent first. Spend a summer exploring the area and getting familiar with the culture. That will tell you if it’s a good future investment.
Wrapping Up
Before you clean out your car and hire the best car transport companies for your big summer move, make sure to do your due diligence. Preparing well for a rental engagement or buying a property goes a long way in ensuring you get a full return on your investment.
Coordinating with a reputable car shipping company ensures you can enjoy all the amenities, day trips, and local attractions in your vacation wonderland. You’ll feel safe and comfortable as you explore a hike in the woods, relaxing by the lake, or unloading your recently shipped vehicle for a romantic beach picnic at sunset.
Journalist Chloe Rivera studied at the University of Missouri and has covered mindful, stylish living since 2013. She joined us in 2025 to curate realistic routines, budget-friendly décor, and community stories that help readers craft balance without perfection pressure. When offline, Chloe volunteers at urban farms, photographs street style, and hosts weekend swap parties for preloved clothes and books in her neighborhood.
