Driving through the badlands of Arizona
One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences you can have is taking a solo road trip. It’s a time for reflection and introspection. It’s a time with no distractions and only the road ahead of you. Just put on an epic playlist and watch the terrain change as you head on to your next destination.
The author, reflecting on life in the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
This past spring I took my first solo road trip through the southwest — Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
I had reservations (figuratively, not literally) and I was incredibly excited to see all the beauty that the southwest has to offer. I planned to drive 4-6 hours a day and very loosely made a list of places I wanted to see. That was pretty much it. I didn’t book any hotels or reserve campsites. I figured I would see how things went and make plans on the fly.
As it turned out, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. There is so much freedom in waking up, setting a destination and finding a place to camp or stay along the way.
So here’s what I learned that might help make your own solo road trip a success.
Here are my six tips to make your first (or next) solo road trip a success:
1. Drive early in the morning and know your limits with driving.
Driving is safe when you’re more alert, and if you plan for around 4 hours of driving per day it still leaves plenty of daylight to go hiking and explore. Remember that a road trip is about the journey; not the destination. Enjoy it.
2. Find and set up your lodging before dark, if possible.
It’s just common sense. You sleep better and more securely.
3. Be mindful of your gas tank.
I never went below half a tank, there were many roads where the nearest gas station was hundreds of miles away and I didn’t want to be stuck on the side of the road with an empty tank.
4. Keep plenty of snacks and water on hand.
Granola bars, oranges and water were my jam while driving to my next destination.
5. Keep in touch and let others know where you are on a daily basis.
It’s not only good practice, but others love to share in your adventure! Stay in touch by phone, text, email, Facebook, Instagram or heck, even carrier pigeon. For me, my iPhone kept me connected, but use whatever works for you.
6. Take time to soak it all in and take lots of pictures or journal your experience.
Enjoy each moment, but capture your memories. Looking back at my photos and journal entries let me take a virtual road trip whenever I need it.
Walking through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado
Buffalo outside Zion National Park in Utah
Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
What are your favorite road trip tips?
Nice tips, Bethany. I do a lot of solo traveling and generally enjoy it – I feel badly for people who won’t venture out alone.
.Well done Bethany.
I did my best solo from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles and never regretted one bit…. took 3.5 days.. but wish had more time to pause more but had to join work right away.
lot of videos… Just one advice(not the one I followed much)… when u feel drowsy.. take a break and nap.. cheers
great article! thanks, I will take note! By the way, great photos!
Just finished my first solo trip up the California coast! Explored the coast from San Luis Obispo, through Big Sur, up to Monterey. The bit about gas is vital… No reservations might be ok depending on where you go, but I’m glad I reserved campsites in Big Sur because of the limited availability in the area. Thanks for the tips!
I generally like traveling with one or two like minded friends, but there is something special about those solo road trips that I wouldn’t trade for the world!
I’m taking a solo road trip next month, and couldn’t agree more!
Wonderful read Bethany. Tips to keep in mind as I branch out. Thank you.