A Guide to Solo Road Trips for Women: Embracing Adventure with Confidence
There's something magical about hitting the open road alone – the freedom to chase your own horizons, the thrill of self-reliance, and the pure joy of following your own schedule. As a woman who loves solo travel, I'm here to tell you that those butterflies in your stomach? They're not just nervousness – they're excitement for the adventure ahead.
Let me tell you about the first time I set out on a solo road trip. I had paced around my apartment for hours anxiously packing, repacking, getting distracted. Then once I finally got myself and all my stuff out the door I sat in my car, hands gripping the steering wheel, wondering if I was crazy for doing this alone. But no one was there to go with me.. So what was I going to do?? Not to experience what I really wanted to in life??
Now, countless adventures later, I kind of laugh at how anxious I was. If you've followed me on social media you've probably heard bits of my story. I was raised very sheltered in a cult, in the middle of nowhere Washington. And then ended up married at 18 to a very controlling (dare I say) narcissistic man. Fast forward to me waking up, leaving that behind to find my own way and we land on the day of that first solo road trip.
I was legitimately scared. I had always had someone to (like it or not) lead the way and tell me what to do. I'm so grateful I woke up and decided to go. There's something incredibly powerful about being alone on the road, with nothing but your own thoughts and an endless horizon of possibilities and experiences in front of you.
Why I Fell in Love with Solo Road Trips
I still remember the moment it hit me – I was somewhere in the middle of nowhere, listening to my latest audio book, when I spotted a tiny coffee shop that looked too charming to pass up. Without having to consult anyone or compromise, I simply turned the wheel and pulled over. That's when it clicked: this complete freedom to follow my whims was exactly what I needed in my life.
Solo road trips aren't just about getting somewhere; they're about discovering parts of yourself you never knew existed. Like the time I successfully changed a flat tire in the rain (yes, it was as dramatic as it sounds), or when I navigated through a detour in a small town where my cell service decided to take a vacation. Each challenge turned into a story, and each story became a piece of confidence I carry with me.
Let's Talk About Planning (Without Over-Planning)
Navigation: Learn from My Mistakes
Oh boy, do I have a story about trusting GPS blindly! Picture this: It's dusk, I'm in the mountains, and my GPS confidently declares "Re-routing” NO! “Unable to reroute no service”. Since then, I've learned some crucial lessons that I wish someone had shared with me earlier.
Before any trip now, I obsessively screenshot my route. I study the maps to have a good sense of the roads I’ll be taking and I've learned that AllTrails isn't just for hiking – it's become my secret weapon for tracking my location when I leave a trail I have downloaded. (This trick has rescued me when I finish a hike and I don't know how to get back down the mountain roads.)
The Car Stuff: Embracing Your Inner Mechanic
Let's have a real talk about car maintenance. I used to be that person who called my dad or ex husband about every weird noise my car made. But here's the thing – the first time I changed my own tire I felt like I could conquer the world. It was empowering to prove to myself that I can handle situations when they come up. I’m more than capable. And so are you. Now, I'm not saying you need to become a certified mechanic, but knowing the basics isn't just about safety – it's about independence.
Has it always worked out perfectly? No. Was it empowering? Absolutely. Every woman should experience that feeling of solving her own car problems – trust me, it's better than any spa day for your self confidence.
Your Car's Emergency Kit: More Than Just a First Aid Box
My emergency kit has evolved with every trip, and honestly, it's like a security blanket now. Beyond the usual suspects (jumper cables, spare tire, etc.), let me share some less obvious essentials that have saved me:
- A really good blanket (that time I had to sleep in my car during an unexpected snowstorm made this non-negotiable) I love this one from Rumpl
- An air compressor (because partial flats always happen in the most inconvenient places) This mini one is perfect for keeping in the car for whenever you need it. Just make sure to check that it is fully charged before each trip.
- Emergency snacks (I keep protein bars and nuts) + extra water
- A paper map and/or downloaded map and directions
- A solid First Aid kit. (Not a flimsy one) I have and use this one from MyMedic and it is by far the best first aid kit I have ever owned.
- A portable battery pack (learned this one the hard way.. And if you want to make your own here's my YouTube video of how I did it.)
- A taser or mace (I have literally never needed this but it really helps when you feel spooked. It's like a teddy bear for grown up girls in the wild. Although feel free to bring your teddy to!)
- If you plan to sleep in the car and not a tent or whatever lodging I definitely recommend getting some privacy covers for your windows. The button below has a great option for a roll of window insulation you can cut to fit your windows. And its a super affordable option!
-Also I highly recommend making the investment in a Satellite Communicator or personal location beacon. This one item is a light piece of mind in a tiny package. Should the worst happen and you become stranded somewhere without service this will keep you in contact with your people and can send your location for help to find you.
Staying Safe While Staying Open to Adventure
Here's something I wish more people talked about: there's a sweet spot between being paranoid and being prepared. I've met some of the most amazing people on my solo trips, but I've also learned to trust my gut when something feels off.
That time at a gas station when a friendly conversation started to feel uncomfortable? I didn't hesitate to cut it short and leave. Your intuition is like a superpower – learn to trust it. You don't owe anyone your time, attention, or “niceness”. And being "rude" is better than being unsafe. As well as assertiveness and direct eye contact can be a solid deterrent.
Also believe me I almost never feel confident and strong when in a situation that puts me on high alert. But want to know something I figured out in High School..?
They don't know that.
This realization came about when I walked into the locker room during gym class to find my lesbian friend cornered by 5 small town bully girls. Literally cornered and surrounded. Harassing her, telling her she was disgusting and preparing to mess her up. I was so scared no one else was around. I knew we were both about to get our s*** rocked but there was no way I was going to walk away and ignore this. So I stepped up next to my friend and faced them. Maybe it was that I had accepted this was a losing battle or maybe it was my determination to not back down. But you know what happened… Nothing. They all backed down and walked out of the locker room squawking their insults. And that's when i knew, they had no idea how scared i actually was.
(Who would of thought such an awful situation could teach such a valuable lesson)
You don't have to feel tough or confident. You just have to show them your determination to not put up with s***. And a willingness to look like a bitch and walk away if they trigger your intuition.
The Joy of Solo Adventures
Some of my favorite memories are from unexpected moments on the road. Like when I pulled over to watch a sunset in the desert and ended up having an impromptu picnic on my car hood, or when I took a wrong turn and discovered a tiny town with the best coffee I've ever tasted. Or those solo nights dancing under the stars in these incredible places. Full of joy and appreciation to get to be living life. These moments happen because when you're alone, because you're more open to them. You're listening to your own heart and checking in with yourself. Learning to ask, what would make me happy? Instead of asking someone else “what do you want?”
A Few More Personal Tips
- Make playlists for different moods (my "Mountain Roads" playlist hits different than my "Desert Driving" one)
- Take pictures of everything, even the silly stuff (when I'm 90 I fully plan to be that annoying old lady that has a million stories and a million pictures to share.)
- Don't be afraid to talk to locals – some of my best adventures came from their recommendations and at the very least some of them will give you a good laugh, for better or worse.
- And for added safety let someone you trust know where you’re going. I literally drive my family crazy sometimes now when I take off and dont let anyone know where i’m at or what I’m doing. And they’re right! Those are the people who have your back and are looking out for you even if they cant join you for the adventure.
The Road is Calling
Here's the thing about solo road trips – they're not just about the places you go, they're about the person you become along the way. Every time you figure something out on your own, every time you face a fear, every time you make a decision just because it feels right – you're growing. Does it always work out beautifully and perfectly? Almost never. Does that change or make the beautiful moments less worth it? Absolutely not.
Remember that nervous girl I mentioned at the beginning? She's still part of me, but now she knows that being nervous doesn't mean you're not ready. It just means you're about to do something awesome.
So do it scared, check your tires, and hit the road. The adventure of a lifetime is waiting, and guess what? You've absolutely got this.
Safe travels loves! 🚗✨
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