Guide to Solo Road-Tripping
My guide to solo travel as someone who is constantly asked “aren’t you scared to go alone??” & “Do you bring a weapon?”
Make a “Plan A” and then a “Plan B”
As someone who prefers car camping over getting hotels, picking a good camping spot is a lot of work. However, I always find multiple camping sites and put the GPS coordinates onto my plan. There have been too many times where I get to a camp site and it is full, it’s further than I want to drive, or something about the site doesn’t make me feel safe. Having a backup has been a savior, especially if service is spotty.
This goes for trip planning in general…I account for extra time to get to places, plan additional activities in case weather becomes an issue, etc.
Things can always go wrong, and likely - they will. Having a Plan B can help ensure that one bad thing doesn’t ruin the whole trip.
Note: Something I have been guilty of is OVER planning due to wanting to fit a lot of things in. I have learned I have more fun when I “plan” for more flex / downtime, it helps calm me if timing is not on my side, or if I find something on my adventure that I want to do instead.
Bring Cash
I know this is typically outdated advice… but bring cash, especially if you are driving through rural areas.
I THREW away my credit card by accident at a gas station when trying to get rid of trash. After some mild dumpster diving, I decided to call it quits and cancelled my card. Thankfully I had cash with me and knew I had enough for the rest of my trip, so I truly didn’t have to jump into a gas station trash can.
Back to point #1, anything can happen, this is a good backup. I also recommend keeping your cash in a separate location than your credit cards (risk mitigation).
Pack Smart
Obviously recommend being prepared for small car troubles (Spare tire & jack, portable air compressor, tire gauge, etc.).
When I road-trip my must haves are:
Air mattress / pump for the back of my car
Headlamp
Re-usable 5 gallon jug of water with a spout. (Drinking water and spout lets me wash my hands, face, dishes, etc.)
Propane Camp Stove
Cooler
Mini table and a chair
Coffee!! Nothing better than waking up to a beautiful view and drinking coffee before getting back on the road.
Download maps
I use Apple maps, but I’m sure other maps have this too. I try to download the map areas on my phone and save the GPS coordinates for locations if I am unsure if I will have service.
Let someone know your plan & check in occasionally
Classic advice but seriously, this helps ensure people know where you are / are going and can help if needed.
Be aware of your surroundings
I put this last but ultimately this is the most important. If something feels off, get out of that situation. I’ve left camping spots early, turned around on trails, changed conversation topics abruptly, when a situation felt off. I’ll never know if a situation could have been worse but I trust my gut and stay aware of the people / animals around me as best as I can.