How to Solo Road Trip
Preparation, Route Planning, Finances, and Staying Safe on your First Solo Road Trip
The author, Nicole Snell, showing excitement to start a solo road trip. Photo courtesy Nicole Snell.
As I put the last bag in the back seat of my rental car parked in front of my apartment, I stop for a moment to take a breath. The excitement has been building inside me as I think about my upcoming solo road trip journey and the amazing destination I’m headed to: Big Pine.
I eagerly head back into my apartment for one last check to make sure I have packed everything I planned on bringing and am not inadvertently leaving something behind. Once satisfied that both my eyes and the list on my phone are telling the truth, I lock up my apartment, stroll to my car, slide into the driver’s seat and adjust my rearview mirror. Looking back at me are the eyes of a woman who is ready for her next adventure on the open road!
Solo road tripping can be fun, adventurous, and safe while providing a unique way to travel to your destination, whether that’s camping or lodging. I have taken many solo road trips for solo hiking and camping excursions. I enjoy solo travel because it allows me the freedom and independence to make my own schedule, change my mind or plans at the last minute, make detours that interest me, and only have to check in with myself about the trip’s details. Plus, I love a good solo adventure!
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Solo road trips mean that you can visit the locations you want to see. I enjoy solo travel because it allows me the freedom and independence to make my own schedule, change my mind or plans at the last minute, make detours that interest me, and only have to check in with myself about the trip’s details.
1. Plan and Prepare for a Solo Road Trip
The idea of a solo road trip may be daunting for those who haven’t done one before. However, being on your own while driving through potentially unfamiliar areas to arrive at your destination and be completely self-reliant can bring excitement.
Our focus here is to ease any hesitation about taking a solo road trip through information and preparedness. We will provide detailed advice and tips for the first-time solo traveler while also offering expert tips and helpful checklists for more experienced road trippers. In addition, as a professional self-defense instructor at Girls Fight Back, I share self-defense techniques so we can do what we love.
Once you have a solo road trip plan, we’ll help you know how to take care of unexpected occurrences and have simple risk management skills so that you can be more confident and comfortable taking a solo road trip.
What qualifies as a road trip? How many miles or hours must you travel for your trip to be a “road trip?”
On TripAdvisor, posters vary in their opinions from describing it as “an all-day trip” while others said it is “a state of mind” or “an interesting way to get from place to place.” For this article, I will qualify road trips as any solo trip you take in a motorized vehicle, including a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, campervan, RV, etc., that you consider a ‘road trip.’ Let’s learn how to plan your trip, prepare, and stay safe!
National Parks make an ideal solo road trip destination because they often are well-designed for people visiting by car and have facilities like camping and hotels.
2. HOW TO PICK A SOLO ROAD TRIP DESTINATION
The first thing you need to do is decide where you’re going and what you plan to do (i.e., hike, camp, explore, etc.).
Road trip tip: These questions below can help a solo traveler or road-tripping group determine what the best destination is for the time allotted for the trip:
How far away is the destination?
How much time off do I have?
How many days do I want the road trip to be?
How long do I want to stay at my destination?
Will I have time to see and do what I want at the destination?
How comfortable am I driving for the amount of time it will take to get there?
Where will I stay each night? Will I stay each night at a friend or family member's house, at a hotel, or a campground?
Solo road trip tip: Consider choosing overnight locations within your comfort zone for your first road trip. For example, if you have never camped before, you may prefer to stay in more traditional lodging.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Car Camping Trip
Common solo road trip ideas include national park or monument destinations, which often have campgrounds, visitor centers, and other infrastructure for road trippers. State parks and national park destinations also have plenty to do and see, most within a convenient distance from campgrounds.
When should I drive and when should I fly to a destination?
I have a hard time driving more than 6 to 7 hours in one shot. If I wanted to visit a farther away destination, I’d have to either bring a friend who’s willing to share the drive or fly closer to my destination and rent a car for a shorter drive. For a cross-country road trip, I would consider breaking it into several days of 6 to 7 hours of driving. Drive time is one of the main factors that helps me decide my solo travel locations.
Road trip tip: The fact is that in some situations, flying to a location close to your destination and then renting a car to get there to camp or stay in lodging may be cheaper, especially if the destination is many hours away by car.
One factor in deciding what vehicle to drive is the quality of the roads on your route. During my road trip to Death Valley, seen here, some locations were only accessible by 4WD vehicle.
3. HOW TO CHOOSE A VEHICLE FOR A ROAD TRIP
Whatever vehicle you take should be in good working order and have up-to-date maintenance. It can be inconvenient and potentially hazardous having a car breakdown on a road trip!
Some mechanical failures are unpredictable, but taking charge of what we have control over can help ensure a safe and smooth solo journey.
Should I rent a car for a solo road trip?
The first thing a solo traveler should consider is whether to use their own car or rent one. Depending on the age, health, type of vehicle (which may hinder the kind of roads you can travel), and lease restrictions (like annual mileage limits) for your personal vehicle, you might opt to rent one or even borrow from a friend instead. Remember, you will be on your own, and you want to make sure that your transportation is reliable. Avoiding known mechanical issues and having the ability to take a spontaneous detour are both considerations when deciding your vehicle type.
In January 2021, I took a solo road trip to camp in Death Valley, and along the way, I came across the Trona Pinnacles and stopped to explore. However, the dirt road was too much for my rental sedan and I decided to turn around when the road became impassable for my car. However, I still want to explore them one day, and I’ll be sure to rent an SUV or 4WD vehicle to do that.
Road trip tip: These are questions to help you decide on your vehicle choice for traveling solo:
Will you need 4WD or high clearance on your way or at your location?
Are you concerned about putting mileage on a personal vehicle?
Are you concerned about getting good mileage to lower your gas budget?
Will you have enough room to accommodate the items for your trip?
Do you have the money in your budget for a rental car?
It’s also important to be prepared and self-reliant to handle your basic car maintenance needs on the road, such as changing a tire, especially if you end up far from service stations or others who can help.
Expert Travel Tip: Purchase a Roadside Assistance plan — I have AAA Roadside Assistance which gives me peace of mind that if I have a roadside emergency, help is just a phone call away. If you’re renting a car, purchasing a roadside plan is often an option. Your budget and the remoteness of your location may help you decide what is best for your trip. Some credit cards offer roadside assistance as a perk when you use that card to pay for the rental car.
Many road trip destinations are in remote locations. It’s essential that your car is up for the job before you head on your solo road trip.
4. How to Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip
Have a mechanic check out your vehicle before you leave
When I take my personal car for a trip, I stop at my mechanic for a checkup. If you do your own maintenance, make sure you’re up to date. If you’re renting, ask the company when the last tune-up happened.
Check your tire pressure and make sure the tires are properly inflated
The proper inflation pressure information is often found in your car’s owner manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. You can do this task at a gas station for free in many places.
Ensure you have a spare tire and that it is also properly inflated
Be sure you know how to change a tire in the case of a roadside emergency. Being prepared and self-sufficient is mandatory for solo road trips!
Be roadside emergency preparedness ready
I always have a few items with me on a road trip whether I’m in my car or a rental:
Jumper Cables- in case you need to jump-start your battery.
Air compressor — in case you need to inflate a tire or spare until you can get to a service station. I own a Stanley Portable Power Station Jump Starter which includes jumper cables, a compressor, phone charger, and emergency light.
Emergency Lights (Flares) and Hazard Cones — in the event of a breakdown in a lane of traffic or to the side of the road, these items help you remain visible to other drivers for safety. They can also help emergency service providers find you.
Purchase a Roadside Assistance plan — As mentioned above, I have AAA, which gives me peace of mind that help is just a phone call away if I have a roadside emergency. A single tow can pay for itself. They can also address common issues like a dead battery and fixing a flat tire.
Car Insurance — decide how much coverage you need and if you need any special policies for where you’re going. If you’re driving to another country, there are often insurance restrictions, and you might need a separate policy. When you rent a car, you usually have the option to purchase additional insurance. Sometimes credit cards also offer insurance for rental cars as well.
Be prepared for the weather in case you have a breakdown.
I like to keep an extra blanket in my car if I’m going somewhere with cold weather just in case my car breaks down and I’m waiting for help in the cold. Likewise, because it can get warm inside a car, always have some emergency water to drink.
Have extra water and food
For emergencies, I always have extra snacks (e.g. granola bars, snack mixes, etc.) and at least 1 gallon of water in my car. If you end up stuck in your car for a few hours (or longer) while waiting for help to arrive, these items could be incredibly useful.
Your solo road trip budget will differ depending on whether you camp or stay at hotels.
5. PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP FINANCES
Road tripping can be a less expensive option for travel vs. flying; however, gas, eating out, and unexpected mechanical issues can add up and have the potential to take a toll on your budget (reference).
To make sure you don’t have any unexpected money surprises, have a budget in mind when you’re planning your trip.
What to Budget for a Road Trip
Gas
Rental Vehicle (possibly)
Maintenance (if using your own vehicle)
Car Insurance
Roadside assistance package
Road snacks/meals
Water
Lodging (are you camping or staying at a hotel/motel/hostel/cabin?)
Activity/Entertainment fees
Entrance Fees (For example, Grand Canyon National Park is a popular road trip destination with an entrance fee of $35. If you plan to visit multiple National Parks on your road trip, a National Park Pass may pay for itself.)
Parking Fees
Music (e.g., subscription services like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Sirius, etc.) to listen to while you drive.
In addition, you should budget for any supplies you need for road tripping. See the Full Road Trip Checklist at the end of this article (jump ahead).
Road trip supplies
Camping gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad or mattress, cook stove, camp fuel, cookware, lighting, camp chair, etc.)
Trash bags
Clothing
Shoes
Toiletries & Medications
Food
Water
Beverages
Cooler and Ice
Emergency Items (e.g., car gear, personal items, emergency cash)
As part of your budgeting process, you should assess your contingency plans for an emergency with your vehicle or your destination expectations.
Make sure you have enough cash on hand or available credit on a credit card to deal with car problems, bad weather while camping (which would necessitate lodging), lost reservations, or other unforeseen events. The saying “plan for the worst and hope for the best” is very fitting for solo travel!
Researching logistics before you head on your trip makes it easier for you to focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about where the next gas, toilet, or food can be found.
6. HOW TO PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Sometimes Google Map/Apple Maps driving directions may not correctly navigate to your destination, and they are certain to not take you the most scenic route. Instead, make a map of your proposed route through a website, on an app, or with an actual paper map. You’ll need to know what roads, highways, and freeways to take in order to get to your destination safely and efficiently.
Do your research on logistics. Planning pit stops and mapping out your route has the added benefit of allowing you to identify points of interest along the way that you can stop and visit. Plus, when on a solo road trip, you can stop anywhere along your journey if something you didn’t plan for looks interesting.
Places to Include on Your Road Trip Map
Gas stations: Fill up your car before you go and make sure your route has places to fill up before long stretches of remote areas. Keep track of your gas and fill up before you need to along the way. Running out of gas (or worrying you may run out of gas) can suck all the fun out of a road trip. Trust me, this happened to a friend and me on a road trip to Arizona, and we had to think on our feet by flagging down a truck that we saw had gas cans next to the sand rails they were towing. Luckily, they were full, and the folks were nice enough to pull over and give us enough gas to get to the next small town, about 80 miles away. Talk about good Samaritans!
Bathrooms: Figure out where the facilities are along your route, so you don’t get stuck having to dig a cathole on the side of the road. This is even less fun than running out of gas.
Rest stops: If you have a long drive and want a safe place to rest, use the bathroom or take a nap, these can be very useful. In most areas, it is legal to take a nap at rest stops and most have 24-hour bathroom facilities.
Milestones: Make note of Points of Interest along your route that you’d like to see. Some Points of Interest, notably in national parks, may have toilets and water faucets.
A tripod or selfie stick can make it easier for solo road trippers to get the landscape photos they desire. Photo courtesy Nicole Snell.
7. How to create a road trip packing list
Once you’ve decided on the “where,” it’s helpful to make a list of all the items you need for your particular destination and activities. I use an app on my phone called Listomni to keep track of all the things I need to bring so that I don’t forget, but you can use pen and paper too!
Your packing list will look different depending on where you are going, what season you are traveling, and what you plan to do at your destination. If you’re camping, you’ll need different gear than if you are staying in traditional lodging. You may want a swimsuit if headed to a lake or river destination, but not necessarily if you go to the desert.
We’ve put together a full checklist for you at the bottom of this article (jump to bottom of article) to help you decide what you need for your road trip.
The author at the Ancient Bristlecones Pine Forest in the White Mountains. This area is a high elevation, remote area with limited cell phone coverage and no gas, water, or facilities. Road trippers need to be self-sufficient, so good planning and packing is essential. Photo courtesy Nicole Snell.
Before You Go: What to Do Before Your Road Trip
You’ve got your vehicle, route plan, and packing list. Here’s what you need to consider before you go.
Packing
Bring everything you’ll need for your trip based on whether you’re camping or staying in traditional lodging. See our Road Trip Packing Checklist at the end of this article.
Charge Electronics
Charge up your electronics before you go and make sure everything is in working order. Then, figure out where along your journey you can recharge (and plan to recharge in your car as well).
Expert Tip: Be knowledgeable about the locations you’re passing through
It’s wise to be aware of the demographics of the cities and towns you’ll be passing through and plan your stops accordingly. This would not be an issue in an ideal world, but racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and identity-based harassment are real concerns.
Knowing in advance that you’ll be driving through a town that could be problematic based on how you identify means you can prepare a solution that works for you. This could include stopping before or after that area if you need facilities, gas, food, etc. Remember, even if you have to stop in a less than ideal place, it doesn’t give anyone the right to harass, bully or hurt you.
Navigation System
Use the map on your phone and consider bringing paper maps to guide you on your route. Be sure to have a phone charger, so you don’t drain your battery while navigating.
Departure & Arrival planning
Plan what time to leave on your trip based on when you want to arrive at your destination. For example, if you are going to camp, you don’t want to set up a tent or campsite at night. One reason is it can be difficult to find campsites in the dark. Another reason is that lights and noise for setting up camp can be disrespectful to other campers. Instead, plan to arrive at your destination before sunset, so you have plenty of light to set up camp or find your lodging.
Complete independence means that you can’t rely on anyone or anything else to save you. You have to rely on your body and mind to protect yourself should a safety concern occur. Photo courtesy Nicole Snell.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF A SOLO ROAD TRIP
One of the most exhilarating things about solo road trips is the complete independence you have over your experience. Knowledge and preparedness are essential to being confident in your ability to be self-reliant. This also means that your safety will be up to you.
Whether you are a solo female traveler, identify with a marginalized group, or are new to solo traveling, we all deserve to be safe while traveling. These solo road trip tips are aimed to help keep you safe while on the open road.
Despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to rely on anyone or anything else to save you; you have everything you need on your body right now to protect yourself, and you can manage your safety effectively while on a solo road trip.
Here are some strategies to help prepare you for a variety of situations and feel confident in your ability to handle your safety like a boss:
1. Know how to handle encounters with strangers
First, not all strangers mean you harm, which means it’s not necessary to be hyper-vigilant of everyone you encounter. Instead, rely on your intuition and awareness of the current situation to decide what is happening. Keep your distance from those who spark your intuition, and remember your voice is a valuable tool. Set your boundaries as early and often as you need to feel safe. You don’t owe niceness to anyone, and your safety is more important than someone else’s feelings. Confidence and assertive body language can be effective deterrents.
2. Be smart about Social Media
For any trips where you’ll be away from your home, it’s best to avoid publicly sharing that information on social media, blogs, etc., before or during your trip. My best advice is to post when you return. This is what I do for every trip I take, solo or with a group.
3. Let someone know where you’re going
Just like for a solo hike or solo camping trip, you should leave your plans with someone you trust so that they know where to find you if there’s an accident or emergency.
Related: How to Plan Your First Solo Hike
4. Carry Emergency Contact Info
If you have friends or family in the area you’re visiting, make sure you have their contact information. If you don’t know anyone in the area, it’s a good idea to know where to get help locally if you need it. That could be emergency services, a hospital, an embassy, a ranger station, a city hall, a visitor’s center, etc. Write contact information down on paper in addition to having it on your phone.
5. Check Your Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, be sure to carry your card with you and be aware of any limitations your policy has about “in-network” and “out of network” care providers. Call your insurance company in advance to make sure you are aware of any limitations. Also, know how to use your card in the area you’re visiting.
6. Use Confident body language
Having confident body language can deter people you encounter who may have malicious intentions. For example, stand tall with your shoulders back and head up and remember to breathe. Even if you’re not feeling confident, putting your body in a confident stance like this can help you start to feel confident. It’s also ok to make eye contact with anyone who sparks your intuition. Gentle eye contact is acknowledging the other person and lets them know you see them.
7. Take a self-defense class before your trip
A self-defense class is a great way to learn the skills and develop the confidence you need to understand that you can defend yourself. Self-defense gives you options. It adds skills to your mental and physical toolbox that you can draw on anytime you need to address your safety. Learning how to use your voice and body to protect you can help you prepare for worst-case scenarios. These self-defense skills can open up your access to more activities and solo adventures. Plus, the skills you learn apply to everyday life as well.
You can learn more about self-defense tips in my article on How to Plan Your First Solo Hike.
As a professional self-defense instructor at Girls Fight Back, I share self-defense techniques, so fear doesn’t stop us from doing what we love.
Solo road trips are a great way to add another layer to your outdoor adventure repertoire. With the proper preparation, confidence, and skills, you can turn your next solo road trip into the start of a new way to experience the outdoors for years to come. See you on the road!
Solo road tripping means you can get to go where you want! It also means you need to be able to self-reliant when it comes to the items you bring and skills you have. Our solo road trip checklist can help! Photo courtesy Nicole Snell.
Solo Road Trip Essentials: Packing List for a Road Trip
Vehicle
Car Insurance
Roadside assistance package
Road snacks/meals
Water
Ice or Ice Packs
Cooler: See our Best Cooler Guide
Trash bags
Music (e.g. subscription services like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Sirius, etc.) to listen to while you drive
Phone chargers and chargers for other electronic items (e.g. headlamps)
Camping Gear (if not staying at a hotel)
Tent: See our Best Camping Tent and Best Backpacking Tent guides
Sleeping Bag: See our Best Sleeping Bag guide
Sleeping Pad/Sleeping Mattress: See the Best Sleeping Pad guide
Camping Stove and Fuel: See our Best Backpacking Stove guide
Cookware and Utensils: See our Best Camp Cooking Pot guide
Lighting/Lanterns
Camp Chair: See our Best Camping Chairs guide
Personal Supplies
Clothing
Sunglasses
Shoes
Swimsuit
Toiletries & Medications
Phone
Optional: tripod or selfie stick
Emergency Items
Health insurance card
Emergency contact info
Cash
Blanket or sleeping bag
Emergency water and snacks
About the Author/ Why You Should Trust Us
Nicole Snell is an international speaker, facilitator, and self-defense instructor who specializes in sexual assault and violence prevention education, gender-based violence prevention, personal safety, and empowerment. I am committed to ending violence in all of its forms by educating others and advocating for change. I believe in social justice, equality and that everyone has the right to walk through the world feeling safe, powerful, and confident.
As an outdoor enthusiast, solo adventurer/traveler, and hike leader, I want to use my skills to encourage others to expand their world, explore and do what brings them joy—without limits. I’m the owner of Girls Fight Back, a self-defense class awarded “Best Online Self Defense Class” by VeryWellFit, and winner of Tastemade Travel’s Best Resources for Solo Female Travelers.
At Girls Fight Back and Impact Personal Safety, I teach online and group self-defense classes for a variety of clients from K-12, colleges and universities, to the military, to BIPOC organizations, to hiking, running, and outdoor organizations. I’ve also spoken about how to safely solo run for Runner’s World and Women’s Running. You can read more on my website, on Instagram, and on my Outdoor Defense YouTube channel.
You can find my writing on Hiking Solo as a Woman in Adventurus Women and Self Defense for Hiking in the National Parks Experience. I’ve been a frequent podcast guest for talking about safety while hiking and have been featured on the: Nike Trained podcast, Tough Girl podcast, Jazzed About Nature podcast, The Mend podcast, Womxn of the Wild podcast, and the Almost There Adventure Podcast.
I’m also the author of the guide to Lightweight Hiking Boots at Treeline Review.
