Awesome Solo Road Trip Tips: The Ultimate Guide
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A solo travel road trip might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a solo adventure, and to be honest, it’s not something I’d recommend for your very first solo trip! However, a road trip can be an incredible experience if you’re comfortable driving.
Road trips offer a unique sense of freedom and exploration, perfect for those seeking adventure. I’ve embarked on several road trips, both with friends and solo, and each has its charm. While having a companion can make long drives more enjoyable—sharing the driving duties and having someone to chat with—solo road trips are still fantastic in their own right.
Driving alone allows for complete control over your itinerary and the freedom to make spontaneous stops. It’s a journey that’s as safe and thrilling as long as you take a few precautions. In this guide, I’ll share all my tips and tricks for a successful solo travel road trip.
Get ready to embrace the open road, where it’s just you, your favourite road trip songs, and the sunrise ahead. There’s something truly special about the solitude and adventure of driving solo.
Choosing your road Trip destination
As with everything that involves solo travelling, especially for women travelling alone, your destination is the most important thing. We want to have our adventures, and we want to be safe!
Choosing the perfect destination is one of my favourite parts of planning a solo road trip. I start by thinking about what excites me the most. Do I want to explore mountains, relax on beaches, or dive into the energy of a bustling city?
Next, I consider the distance I’m willing to drive. How far am I ready to go for this adventure? I love using other travel blogs and social media to research scenic routes that match my interests.
A good destination has multiple attractions, so I can make the most of my trip and see various sights. Safety is a top priority, especially when travelling alone. I always check the safety of my chosen route and possible stops (more on that later). Reading reviews or actively asking other travellers for information gives me peace of mind.
Planning stops at interesting towns, parks, or landmarks is a great way to break up the trip. While I always have a basic plan, I leave room for spontaneous detours. Some of my best adventures have been unplanned! You’ll never know what or who you might run into!
Weather is another important factor. Driving through a snowstorm or heatwave isn’t fun, so I check the forecast and pack accordingly. Ultimately, I trust my instincts. If a place feels right, I go for it. The freedom to choose is one of the best parts of solo travel, which can surely be done solo in a car too!
Mapping out stops
Mapping out your stops is important in planning a solo road trip! It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoying your journey. I start by identifying the key destinations along my route using Google Maps. I also look at the map to determine if there are other exciting places to visit along my route.
I look for scenic spots, cool attractions, and local eateries. These stops break up the drive and make the trip more enjoyable. National parks, historic sites, and charming small towns are always high on my list!
Timing is important too. I consider how long I’ll spend at each stop and plan my driving in between accordingly. It’s helpful to note the opening hours of attractions to avoid disappointment. I also include rest stops to stretch my legs, grab a snack, and refuel.
Flexibility is key. I’m ready to explore if I see an unexpected sign for a beautiful viewpoint or a cool mural.
Get a reliable Rental
Choosing the right rental car is the first step to a successful road trip! If I were you, I’d choose an epic vehicle you’ve always wanted to drive or something you can’t drive at home! As a European, we’re used to small or mid-size cars. So when I rent a car in the USA, I prefer a bigger one! It makes me feel safer on the roads.
The last time in Los Angeles, I drove this awesome brand-new big-ass GMC something. I loved that car! When selecting a rental, consider the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you’re sticking to highways or off-road adventures.
It’s also important to ensure the car has enough space for your luggage and any gear you plan to bring. Always book your rental with reputable rental companies and read reviews. I love Discovery Cars.
Get accessories to Make the Drive Comfortable
Comfort is key on a long road trip, which means essential accessories, loads of snacks, and music. Sunglasses are a must when driving in bright conditions. Keeping a cooler with drinks and snacks within reach is always a good idea.
Bring a phone holder to keep your phone within easy reach but out of your hands while driving. We don’t want to text and drive! Most cars these days have Bluetooth, so you’ll easily connect your phone to your car.
A portable charger, power cord, or power bank is also essential, especially on long trips. You don’t want your phone dying in the middle of nowhere! I once had my phone die while I was sightseeing in Beijing. I was helpless without my phone in a city where English isn’t widely spoken. Can you imagine the stress when you’re out alone where there’s barely any traffic?
Remember to bring a power card with USB-C and USB-A ports; you’ll never know which outlet your rental has these days.
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Car Insurance and Road Assistance
Before hitting the road, make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Rental companies usually offer insurance, but I always check if it covers everything I need, including collision damage and theft. I prefer to be fully covered!
Sometimes, your credit card or personal car insurance offers rental car coverage, so it’s worth checking. Signing up for road assistance is a must, especially when driving in remote areas.
Services like AAA provide peace of mind with benefits like towing, tyre changes, and lockout assistance. Knowing help is just a phone call away lets me enjoy the trip without worry!
Stay Connected
First, make sure you’ve downloaded an app like Google Maps or Waze. These apps are great for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes, which are essential on the road. Before your drive, download offline maps if you travel through areas with poor signal.
Keeping in touch with family or friends is important for safety. Share your itinerary with someone you trust and link someone to apps like ‘Find My iPhone’. This way, someone always knows your whereabouts.
Driving safely is a top priority, especially when you’re travelling solo! Start by ensuring you are well-rested before hitting the road. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents, so plan your trip to include regular breaks.
The rule of thumb is to take a break every two hours or every 100 miles. Use these stops to stretch, hydrate, and refuel your car and yourself!
Weather can affect driving conditions, so check the weather forecast regularly and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary, especially if you’re driving in rain, snow, or fog. If the weather becomes too dangerous, find a safe place to wait it out.
I personally hate driving at night in places I don’t know. But if you must, make sure you’re well awake! Limit night driving to well-lit, well-maintained and familiar roads. Safety above all!
Personal safety measures
Keep your car doors locked at all times, and avoid stopping in poorly lit or isolated areas. If you need to take a break, choose well-populated, safe locations like a gas station or areas within city limits.
Always stay in reputable, well-established hotels along your route! While exploring the smaller, hidden villages and sleeping in a creepy motel might be adventurous, I wouldn’t recommend it. Maybe I’ve just seen too many horror movies!
I always carry a small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications. A multi-tool with a knife, scissors, and screwdriver is also handy for various situations. Do you remember those Swiss knives? They’re super handy!
I carry a safety whistle and pepper spray within easy reach for personal security. These items can provide peace of mind and a sense of security, especially when stopping in unfamiliar or remote areas. A portable charger ensures that my phone is always powered, which is vital for staying connected and calling for help if needed.
Food and Drinks
Packing the right food and drinks is necessary for a successful solo road trip. I always start my trip with a stop at the supermarket! I stock up on healthy snacks that are easy to eat on the go, such as nuts, granola bars, dried fruits, jerky, and chips.
You could also bring a cooler with ice packs and fresh stuff like sandwiches!
Hydration is key, so I always carry plenty of water. I have a few smaller and bigger bottles I use to refill. I also keep a big water bottle in my car, just in case. I also pack a few bottles of electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated and energized, especially on hot days or after long stretches of driving.
Stay Entertained
Keeping yourself entertained during a solo road trip is essential to making the journey enjoyable, especially when driving long hours. I always start with a great playlist. Curating a mix of my favourite songs, new releases, and road trip classics keeps the vibe upbeat and fun.
Remember to download your playlists on Spotify or Apple Music, which are perfect for areas with spotty signals.
Lately, I’ve been all into podcasts when I’m driving! They are fantastic companions for long drives. I dive into podcasts on topics I’m passionate about, like crime, mindset, and female entrepreneurship. Believe me, this entertains and makes the time fly by!
If you’d like to take notes or ‘work’ while you’re driving, use the Voicememo app to record any speaking notes!
Check out these other posts!
- Master The Art Of Travelling Alone For The First Time
- Must-Have Travel Beauty Essentials For Your Next Flight: TSA-Approved 2024
- The Perfect 7-Day Las Vegas Road Trip To Utah Itinerary
- 2024 The Ultimate Long-Haul Flight Essentials: How To Get Comfortable In-Flight
- Top 10 Fall Destinations Perfect for Female Solo Travel in 2024
- 30 Safety Tips Every Solo Female Traveller Should Know
- 10 Life-Saving Travel Safety Accessories for the Female Solo Traveller
Navigational Errors
Getting lost is another common challenge on solo road trips. Even with a GPS, it’s possible to take a wrong turn! It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with your route before your drive, marking down key landmarks and towns.
If you do find yourself off course, always stay calm. Pull over to a safe location to reassess your route. Use Google Maps to find the best way to get back on track. Sometimes, taking the scenic route can lead to unexpected discoveries, so try to see it as part of the adventure.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation on a Solo Road Trip
Hotels and Motels
Hotels and motels are a classic choice for road trippers. They offer simple convenience, comfort, and often great amenities like breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. When selecting a hotel, I look for well-reviewed options that fit my budget and include free parking.
Booking.com is great for finding deals and reading reviews from other travellers. Motels can be particularly budget-friendly and are often conveniently located near highways, making them perfect for quick overnight stays.
Airbnb
You could also use Airbnb for a more personalized experience. What I like about Airbnb is that they offer more unique stays! I saw this Airstream rental on a camping site near Joshua Tree National Park that I can’t wait to try out next time!
Staying in an Airbnb often provides a more local experience, as the host can offer great tips on hidden gems and local attractions. Plus, having access to a kitchen can save money on meals. I always read reviews carefully and choose Superhosts to ensure a reliable and pleasant stay.
Housesitting
Housesitting is an excellent option for longer stays. I haven’t tried this out, but I will try to as soon as possible! Because honestly, it just seems too good to be true! The deal here is that in return for free accommodation, you might water plants, take care of pets, or simply keep their house safe.
Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect travellers with homeowners who need someone to care for their homes and pets while they’re away. The arrangement is typically free, making it an economical choice. It’s a fantastic way to experience living in a different area while saving on accommodation costs.
I always ensure my stay is safe and comfortable regardless of the accommodation type. I read reviews, check for secure parking, and verify the location is in a safe neighbourhood. Communication with hosts or hotel staff is key, so I always confirm details before arrival.
Keep the Tank Full
Not every country has gas stations lined up on every road! I’ve noticed you can drive for miles in the USA without a gas station. You really don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere without gas!
I always refuel when the tank drops to half. This habit prevents any stress about running out of gas in remote areas. I use Google Maps to look for gas stations on my route, and it even gives me the average gas price!
During each stop, I take the opportunity to stretch, use the restroom, and grab a snack or an ice-cold Coke! This practice energises me and ensures I’m ready for the next leg of my journey.
Plan Your Trip
Start planning your trip! Use my travel planning roadmap with all my resources to book every detail of your trip!
While a solo road trip might not be for everyone, especially if you don’t like driving, don’t rule it out just yet! You don’t have to start with a 3-week road trip across Florida. Start small with baby steps. Maybe try a city trip, a beach getaway, or a hike in one of the National Parks.
These trips don’t have to be longer than 3-5 days. In some destinations, like the US, having a car to get around and easily drive from sight to sight or city to city is a must.
Personally, I really enjoyed the me time—listening to music, listening to a podcast, and taking in the scenic drives!
Great review