Before I moved to Texas and got married I LOVED hitting the road by myself when my schedule allowed. A solo road trip – for a day or a week – was the perfect way to unwind, explore and spend some time enjoying life!
Sure, it was exciting, I could do and go and see what ever I wanted, but it could be daunting at times. A solo road trip – with all the moving parts and factors, can definitely be scary. This is especially true for women. So, in addition to making destination, lodging and meals, there are definitely some things you need to know before you hit the road on your own.
Itinerary
While you’ve got some flexibility, having a rough outline of the when, where and what is a really good idea. Leave a copy of it with a family member or close friend. Include addresses and telephone numbers of the destinations you’ve got in mind. Plan to check in regularly to let your “safety” person know that you are okay.
Your Vehicle
Prep your vehicle with a full tune up at your local dealership. Tire treads and air pressure are top priorities. The oil should be changed. Ensure that your window washer is filled and that you have an extra bottle in the car, along with an emergency/first aid kit… it never hurts to be prepared! The last thing you want is a damaged car, so make sure you take your pre-travel car maintenance seriously!
GPS
Unless you enjoy the adventure of getting lost and then finding your way to the main roads, a GPS is a must. If you should hit a detour, road closed or major traffic problem, the GPS will come in handy for adjusting your route. Besides directions, the GPS will provide information concerning lodging, shopping, gasoline station, emergency locations, banking and restaurant choices.
Cell Phone
I’f you’re one of the 3 people left on this planet without a cell phone, I highly recommend you consider getting one for your solo road trip. If you only want one to use on the trip, get a “burner” and pay for only the minutes and data you think you’ll use.
Lodging
When traveling solo, consider a room on a second or higher floor for safety purposes. Someone is less likely to break into a higher level floor. Should your lodging be at a one floor motel, be sure to use all of the locks. If there isn’t a bar lock inside, push a heavy item against the door at night. Getting a door stopper/wedge is a handy idea to help ensure your safety too! Just wedge it snugly into the closed door.
Be Alert
In this day and age, its just wise to be alert when you’re traveling solo. Pay attention to any vehicle that may appear to be following your car. Should you suspect that you are being followed, note the car’s make, color and license number and go somewhere public. If you feel unsafe do not hesitate to ask for help or call the police. It might seem extreme, but its better to be safe than sorry.
On your solo road trip you can go where you want, when you want and stay until you wish to leave. It is the ultimate way to experience the world around you, on your terms. Keep these tips in mind and your trip will be one you’ll never forget!
Ready to start planning your solo road trip? Check this post out!
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