Are you considering going on a solo road trip? You already know the basic tips? Like a well maintained car, proper insurance, broad plans, someone to keep informed of your plans, just in case something happens… You think you are all good to go? There might be a few extra things to consider. Let me share with you some advanced tips for a safe & unforgettable solo road trip!
You can find plenty of ‘regular’ tips in this section of RTatW. Road tripping is my thing so I have a lot to say about it! 😉
In this piece, I want to dig into specificities about traveling solo and some extra!
Road Tripping solo
I’m no stranger to traveling solo but for some reasons I had never planned a solo trip like this one. It was really exiting! I was going to be able to do all the things I love! Stay as long as I want, change plans as needed, do it at my own pace and take as many pictures as I wanted!
It’s easy to find list of benefits of solo travel. Freedom to chose usually comes first. Other reasons are quite obvious. What you may not realize until your first solo trip, is the peace of mind that comes with such freedom. Not having to worry for someone else’s feelings and needs is truly liberating!
That was exactly what I needed. It just didn’t last long enough for me to benefit from it. You can read about it here. I now long for a second round.
So if you want to go on a solo road trip, which I think you should! Let me share with you a few “advanced” tips. Maybe these aren’t so “advanced” but they are not like the conventional ones.
Advanced tips & mistakes to avoid
Again, I won’t go into the basic tips. Neither of solo travel or road trips. Instead I want to focus on smaller but mighty tips which will make a solo road trip better ans safer!
1- Plan your daily driving distance wisely
You’ll be driving alone. Know yourself and don’t plan to drive unrealistic distances. Stop and rest as needed. It may sound obvious but when you’re not used to drive long distance alone, you may not realize what you are capable of driving, whiteout being completely exhausted. And you don’t want to be exhausted, do you? You have other things to do than driving, on your road trip!
2- Have a good GPS and know your itinerary in advance
No co-pilot means you have to know where you are going. You should know at least the general direction, like the names of the main big cities to head toward to. Don’t hesitate to stop when you can, to check you are going in the right direction. Sometimes getting lost is a blessing. Most of the time, it’s just annoying!
3 – Keep everything at hand
Coffee, easy snacks, music… No buddy in the car means you’ll have to deal with yourself. Before starting the car, make sure everything you will need is easily reachable. Of course, you can always take breaks, you should actually, but having coffee at hand, makes the start of the day so much better! Leaning side ways, just to grab something is a no-no!
4 – Pack things that you can carry yourself comfortably
Is your suitcase too heavy? Take 2 smaller ones. If you are thinking that because your suitcase has wheel, you’ll be ok, don’t! You’ll still have to lift it to put it in the car or maybe carry it up the stairs, in your hotel.
5 – Don’t take things that take 2 to tango
Can you build your tent by yourself or does it require 2 people, so one can hold the poles, while the other does whatever is necessary? If so, before a solo road trip, get a new tent! The tent is just an example.
I have a small expresso machine that kills me to use. I just can’t press hard enough to get any coffee out. No reason to take it with me when traveling solo. Again, just an example. You get the idea? If you can’t use it by yourself, don’t take it with you!
6 – Think about your safety
Not just by driving safely but also when not driving. I recall this trip where I really needed to use the bathroom and stopped on one of those highway rest area, where there is no gas station. No one in sight apart from one guy in a tired van. He was totally shady and as he did not stop looking at me, I took off as fast as I could! I was maybe completely wrong to think he was shady, but I felt it in my bones. Had to drive over 50 km to stop to the next gas station (which was hard!) but I’m sure it was safer. Most people are nice, but some are not.
Safety when traveling is mostly common sense. Try to park your car in safe places, don’t leave stuff inside that, if stollen, will ruin your trip (another reason to pack light!). If you don’t feel safe in a place, then move on! But don’t be scared of everything!
7 – Fill up the tank regularly
Don’t wait for it to get empty. Whenever you can, refill. Because there will be areas where it’s not that easy. A good rule of thumb is to try to never let your tank get below half full.
8 – Pack lightly but do pack for emergencies
I probably won’t say it enough times to follow this rule myself: pack light!
On my last road trip, I’m totally guilty of not packing light! In fact, I had completely filed up the trunk! It was pretty organized though! Hiking gear in one bag, camping stuff in another one. One carry-on suitcase only for ‘city’ clothes… An extra bag for coffee, chargers, books, miscellaneous… where I would dig in as needed.
I’m trying to justify that the trunk was full! Can you tell?!
Ok so, it is still best to pack lightly! But also to pack for emergencies. Not that you need to be ready to go to a cocktail party, but you may want to be ready in case of car troubles, break down or injuries.
9 – Pay attention to single supplement fees
When booking a hotel or else, do pay attention to single supplement fees. It’s just so annoying to have to pay more because you’re single! Sometimes, I book a double room and show up by myself, with a smile but with disappointment in my voice, when I explain my partner couldn’t make it… Most of the time, I don’t get charged the supplement!
10 – Be ready to brush off side ways’ look especially if you are a woman
Some people will look at you funny if you’re a woman traveling alone. You’ve probably experienced that already. Sometimes it’s easy to brush off, sometimes it weights you down. Most times it’s just a matter of your perception.
If you’re a woman, you got to be extra careful. It’s like that. Some woman wear a wedding ring just to put off guys. It doesn’t always work. Generally it’s a good idea to not say that you are traveling alone.
“What are you doing here, by yourself?” “Waiting for my husband. He just went inside to get something”… A white lie that may get you out of trouble!
11 – Stay strong!
If you’re planning a small solo road trip, chances are that all will be well and you won’t have time to get into trouble or to feel lonely.
Planning a short road trip is highly recommended if it’s your first time!
If you’re planning a longer road trip, things could be different. Traveling solo means no one to help you & no shoulder to cry on, when things get rough.
Stay strong, breathe, call a friend… and remember tomorrow will be a better day!
