Must-Have Guide for a Solo Female Road Trip: How To Stay Safe

A solo female 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 for women travelling alone if you’re comfortable driving!

I’ve been on several road trips with friends and solo, and each has its charm. While having a friend can make long drives more enjoyable—sharing the driving duties and having someone to chat with—solo road trips are still fantastic!

Driving alone allows for complete control over your itinerary and the freedom to make spontaneous stops or even overnight stays. It’s a solo trip that can be safe and fun as long as you take a few precautions. In this guide, I’ll share all my tips and tricks for a successful solo female travel road trip.

I love how a solo road trip gives you the total freedom to go where you want to go, stop where you want to stop, play your favourite road trip songs, and eat all the road trip snacks you want!

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 female 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 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 stops and 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.

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 (I will always look for an In&Out). These stops break up the drive and make the trip more enjoyable. National parks, historic sites, and cute 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 Car

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.

Always book your rental with reputable rental companies and read reviews. 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.

I love Discover Cars for car rental!

Get Car accessories for the drive

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 cord with USB-C and USB-A ports; you’ll never know which outlet your rental has these days.

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 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 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!

Road Trip Safety Precautions

Use the same safety precautions you would at home! Trust your gut, and if something feels off, don’t do it. 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 Army 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 important for staying connected and calling for help if needed.

You should always apply the basic travel safety precautions for women travelling alone, and check out my solo female travel safety accessories!

Get food and Drinks before your road trip

Packing the right food and drinks is a must for a great solo female 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.

Especially when planning on hiking in hot weather, you’ll need lots of water!

Stay Entertained while driving

Keeping yourself entertained during a solo road trip is essential to making the journey enjoyable, especially when driving long hours. 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!

getting lost

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.

I always check my route on Google Maps before leaving, just to get a basic idea of what cities or towns I’ll encounter. Or, even better, get yourself an old-school map!

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.

Solo female Road Trip accommodation

I always make sure 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 on Google.

Always check driving distances on Google Maps and places to eat near the accommodation.

Hotels and Motels

Hotels and motels are a classic choice for road trippers. They offer simple convenience and comfort and often great amenities like breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. When selecting a hotel, I look for the best accommodation 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 your best budget-friendly option and are often conveniently located near highways, making them perfect for quick overnight stays. Just read reviews and make sure it’s safe!

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! Unfortunately, it was unavailable when I was in the area!

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.

The downside of an Airbnb is that there is no reception or even other hotel guests to contact in case of anything! Most of the time, you’re alone in your Airbnb and don’t know anything about the host. Keep this is mind when choosing an Airbnb.

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!

While a solo female 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.

I took a fantastic 7-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah, visiting the national parks. The driving was super easy and enjoyable as soon as I got to Utah!

These road trips can also be great for 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.

I enjoy the me time—listening to music, listening to a podcast, and taking in the scenic drives! Once you’ve had a taste of your first solo female road trip, you’re up for more, and it does expand your options on what type of solo trips to take in the future!