I recall reading that Star Trek was pitched as 'Wagon Train to the Stars'. 'Wagon Train' being a popular Western TV series at the time: the recurring cast of characters, running a wagon train heading west, dealt with different people and problems ever week.
And, why wouldn't 'The Journey West' make an excellent format for a YA trilogy? Show the MC's life back East, let the reader grasp what she's giving up/hopes to gain because the family needs/wants to leave. Then the trip, adjusting to changes, meeting people, perhaps types of people she would never have mixed with in her old life. Then, the new home, seeing new sights, learning new skills. Settling in.
So many variations.