Traveling your country or state by yourself is a good way to acquaint yourself with long periods of traveling alone. Now traveling your own country and traveling a foreign country are two completely different things, but the point of this post is for you to get your feet wet. If traveling by yourself is something you really want to try, this is a more comfortable means of doing so.
Always remember though that solo travel isn't for everyone. So, if you take a road trip on your own and you find you don't enjoy it or can't handle it emotionally, there's nothing wrong with that.
And now, let us begin!
Selecting Your Destination
There are a variety of places you can choose to go to, but if this is going to be your first time, perhaps you should try a place somewhat familiar.
Is there someplace your family visited when you were a kid that you wanted to return to as an adult? Do you want to visit a friend or family member who moved across country and make a journey out of it? These are some options that are a good place to start.
If you want to take it a step further, you can go somewhere you've wanted to go to but never have. Is there a city you've always wanted to check out but your family or friends never vacationed there? Is there a national landmark, museum, historical location, or a sight you saw in a movie or TV episode that you want to see for yourself?
When making your decision on where you want to go, consider a few things, such as distance, gas, if you know anyone near the area you wish to visit, the time of year you're planning to travel, and weather patterns at your destination. Let these considerations help you zero in on where you want to go. And if you already have a region picked out, then start making your plans!
Consider Renting a Car
For this portion, I'm going to use my own experiences for examples. I drove to Las Vegas and back again by myself a few times. Being from Northern California, it was a trip I was able to make in the space of a weekend, only taking about 7 hours to get there and about 8 to get back. Since Vegas isn't that far out, driving there in my own car wasn't that big of a deal.
Now, if I had wanted to take a road trip across the country to someplace like New York, I wouldn't take my car. With a few thousand miles between the West and East Coasts, that drive would take quite a toll on my poor little car!
If making a long road trip like this is what you decide on, seriously consider sparing your car and splurging on a rental. Here are a few reasons why:
Mileage
How many miles have you already put on your car? Do you have a newer car that you've driven over 100,000 miles already? Or do you have an older make and model that's barely over 50,000 miles? If the former, your car has already been through too much. If the latter and your car is from before 2010, potential car repairs are going to be more costly.
Take a good long look at how many miles you have on your vehicle and consider the terrains you've driven that car over. Only you know your car, so you need to judge for yourself if taking a trip that's over 500 miles one-way.
Tires
I'm sure you know this already, but I'm saying it anyways: tires are expensive. Before taking a road trip of any kind, you should make sure they are properly inflated, have been rotated within at least the last 5000 miles, and are at safety standards with the tread. When planning a long-term trip, you may want to replace those tires before you go.
The thing is, if you do plan a cross-country trip and replace those tires, depending on how far you go and the kinds of roads you'll be driving over, it's possible that you may need to replace at least one of them again when you get back.
In this case, we'll use a hypothetical scenario courtesy of Google Maps: you plan a road trip from Los Angeles, California to Miami, Florida, and you need your tires replaced before the trip. You will be driving 2802 miles for the shortest route, and that route will take you through the southwestern states where the roads are rough. By them time you return home, in just getting there and back again the round trip miles (not including any driving around any cities you'll need to stop in for food, gas or visits) is 5,604 miles.
For this hypothetical situation, we'll estimate that the tires you buy prior to the trip are good for 65,000 miles and use the average price provided here of $139, plus a protection plan of an additional $25. You're looking at forking out $581 for tires before your trip, and an oil change would be highly advised, or maybe even a tune up if your car hasn't had one in a few years (gotta make sure those spark plugs are still good!). That's a pretty high bill when you want to get out of town!
Now if you chose a rental car instead, for which case I selected that it would be picked up at LAX airport using Expedia, you can rent a decent car for as low as $5 (likely subject to go higher after the current Coronavirus situation). If your road trip goes 9 days, you're looking at a $79 including all fees and taxes but not including collision protection. Even then, the price is still a steal compared to the price of tires and any other maintenance or repair jobs needed beforehand.
Crazy at how much those tires can set you back, huh?
Gas
It's pretty nutty, but there's a huge difference in gas prices across the USA. Depending on the model of your car and how old it is, the variation on how good your gas mileage is cannot be calculated. One thing though: car rentals usually have decent gas mileage on them. When traveling through North Carolina with a friend for 5 days last year, we drove our rental car all over the western side of the state (and accidentally went to South Carolina at one point) and only filled up once. Had that been my car, we would have filled up twice at the very least.
Gas prices vary by the states, and if you're on the West Coast, you're looking at some of the most expensive in the country. Then there are remote states like Nevada where you can go 100 miles between gas stations. You may be driving a hybrid vehicle, but a rental would still probably decently match that type of mileage.
Try to calculate how many miles will be driven round trip when you're selected your destination. If your own car averages 30 MPG, holds 13 gallons of gas, and your round trip is estimated to be 2000 miles, you can expect to fill up at least 5 times. Let's say that the average for gas at the time of your trip is $2.59, you're looking at approximately $33.67 each time you fill up, with an estimated total of $168.35 for gas alone.
Using this website for our next example, the best rated rental car was a 2013 Nissan Altima averaging 42.5 MPG. If we go based on the gas tank reported to hold 18 gallons, you can expect to fill up at least 3 times for a 2000 mile round trip. As used in our previous example, if the national average for gas is $2.59, the amount you can expect to pay for gas is $139.86.
That amount may be just under $30 cheaper than if you had to fill up 5 times, but it also saves time. When your gas tank is getting low you need to actually find a gas station to fill up at, and if you're in an unfamiliar area it could take you a few minutes to find a place to refuel. When it comes to travel you want to spend as little time as you can on things that will detract from your trip, and filling up your gas tank is one of those things. If skipping time to fill up is doable, I say go for it.
Ultimately, a rental car may be better for you in manner of time and finances. Take the time to consider if this is the best course of action in your vacation. Time and money are most important when you're on holiday. And, in the unlikely event there's an emergency and you need to get home pronto, you can take your car to the local rental lot of the same company you got yours from and fly home!
Booking Your Lodging
If you're not used to being on your own, be prepared to experience some extreme loneliness. Driving by yourself can open your eyes to the loneliness of the open road and staying at an unfamiliar hotel so far from home can sometimes amplify those feelings. If you're lucky enough to have friends living along the route you're traveling, I'd definitely say go for it, but if you want to train yourself to become a solo traveler, the best way to become ready for that is to spend time in a hotel alone.
When booking your hotel, select your favorite booking site, but also open a few more tabs on your computer and pull up Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps.
Now that you have your tabs open, consider the type of lodging you want to stay at. There are several options available, and you'll need those tabs to help you with your research.
Airbnb
I personally have never tried Airbnb but I do plan to give them a try in the near future just so I can post about my experience. The only thing I would suggest doing since I have heard both rave reviews and complete horror stories about people who used Airbnb, I would highly suggest looking at all the comments on the property.
One of the major perks of this site though is that many of these properties offer the same amenities as hotels and you don't have to share with so many other people. You can even book entire homes through here if you're with a group! That kinda goes against the point of my entire blog, but it's still a cool tidbit of information. Moving right along...
Hostels
Hostels tend to be the cheapest of the options available, but it's mostly because that you're sharing one room with strangers. I myself have stayed in a hostel both on my own and with tour groups, and all the other solo lady travelers I've spoken to who have stayed in hostels had mostly positive experiences.
The accommodations are usually simple: the rooms usually house 4-8 people with bunk beds and secure lockers for your belongings, and a bathroom for each room. Hostels also promote social activities, and will often times have game rooms, rec rooms, bars, or even escape rooms (that one may just apply to the one I stayed in when I visited Rome though). Kitchens are also usually part of the experience.
Though it's very understandable to be iffy about hostels, they are almost always an extremely cheap alternative. If you're strapped for cash, consider a hostel as the primary option. For any additional questions about hostels, check out this website here.
Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
Now these are different from hotels and motels, mostly due to the fact that they are usually run independently and have a homier feeling about them. B&Bs are up front about what they're offering: a place to sleep and breakfast in the morning. Inns are much the same but also offer more services, such as more meals and options for local attractions.
Both types of lodging are perfect for a single overnight stay but tend to have fewer rooms available and can cost just as much as a regular hotel room. However, if this is your first time traveling alone, these options are more than just a business, they're family run. There's nothing wrong but being apprehensive about staying by yourself for the first time, so if you want to find a place to stay that is meant to feel a little more intimate, you may want to select one of these two options.
Camping and Cabins
If you're feeling particularly gutsy on your first even solo road trip, how about booking a campsite or a cabin?
Reserving a camp site by yourself is essentially the most hardcore you can go if you're looking to start solo traveling. If you have the room in your car, bring a tent! Or just a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars (yes, I've done that before!)! Or, maybe you've decided to rent an RV for your trip (why not?), book that site and experience nature firsthand. Just keep in mind that the bathrooms tend to be drafty, showers aren't always available, and there could be bears in the area. This is seriously badass if you opt to do this!
On the other hand, some camp sites offer cabins. Cabins are usually charged based on occupancy, so renting one for just yourself may be a bit costly, but it's private and remote, and there are usually facilities with decent plumbing and showers.
If your trip is going to take you through more remote areas, consider camping to fully immerse yourself in the feeling of being truly alone. This is a good way to mentally prepare yourself if you choose to travel by yourself outside of your home country.
Hotels and Motels
These two are the most popular options (which don't need much explaining) mostly because they tend to be cheaper in the long run and sometimes have rewards programs that can open you up to exclusive perks for your current or future stays. Motels tend to have fewer amenities and the rooms are easily accessed, whereas hotels have more security, nicer arrangements, and sometimes waffle makers. Waffle makers are always worth it!
For the most conventional choices, the tried and true lodgings are the standard hotels and motels. But seriously, it's the waffles that sell me every time.
And now, making the selection...
I'm back to the point I made earlier about using your computer and opening up tabs for Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google Maps. For the sake of this example, we'll go with a hotel as the choice for lodging on the road trip, and I'll continue using Expedia as the booking site.
One thing I would like to point out: there are several application extensions that you can use while searching for your ideal hotel stay. You can use Swagbucks, Honey, Wikibuy, or any other add-on to find the best deals and earn some rewards for yourself! For the record, some of these applications have access to the same booking sites, and you can only use one, so make sure to check all the discounts available to find which one will bring you the most savings.
So now, we take a look for a hotel on Expedia. The reasons why you'll want to extra tabs open is to double check on the reviews. No hotel, motel, B&B, etc. will have all glowing reviews, and sometimes there will even been hotels that will scam their lodgers. Check the reviews for your selected hotel on Expedia (or whichever booking site you prefer to use since Expedia's not paying me to promote them), then check them on Yelp, and next on TripAdvisor. This may take some time, but you want to get the best deal.
And no unexpected surprises!
The reason why you'll want Google Maps as well is to check on the location. You want to take into consideration any shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters, bars, clubs or other local attractions that are nearby depending on your tastes. You can also use Google Maps to see how close the hotel you're looking at is to the route you're taking and cross-reference to find if it's in a good or bad part of town.
If you must choose between location and reviews, I highly suggest opting for the reviews to make your selection. And make sure to look at both the positive and negative reviews. I've found that if an establishment is particularly well-received but has some bad reviews, sometimes those reviews are for petty reasons, such as there being construction happening at the time the person stayed and they didn't like that the hotel looked bad with all the work being done. Also, if someone did have a legitimately bad experience, better management will address the issue and respond with an apology and take their feedback to heart.
Once you've made your selection, most websites will also offer an optional protection plan. I would suggest purchasing this as it's similar to traveler's insurance (covered in my last post) and it's always better to be prepared in case the unexpected happens and you need to postpone or cancel your trip.
And always, always....check all the fine print. Make sure you know exactly what you are and aren't paying for!
Things to Consider Before You Leave
Your route is planned, your car's ready, your hotels are booked, what else should I be prepared for?
Driving by yourself is probably something you're used to, but if you're going across country for the first time, it'll soon become very evident that you're all alone. Everyone will have their own way of dealing with this intense loneliness in their own way; it could hit right away when driving, when you take your first top, bedtime at your hotel, a few days later, or it may not sink in too deeply and it's something you can manage. Be sure to be very aware of how you're feeling emotionally and be ready to experience emotions you're not used to. You will have a reaction of some kind, but the type and intensity can only be known by you.
Being away from everything familiar can be extremely disconcerting and you made need emotional support along the way. Here are a few tips on how you can stay mentally and physically healthy while on your first solo road trip.
Have a support team
Just because you're on your own doesn't mean you have to cut yourself off from everyone. If you're concerned about loneliness and whether or not you'll be able to handle it, talk to your family or close friends before you go. Let them know that you may need to talk as you're gone or ask them to check up on you.
Believe it or not, sometimes traveling by yourself does require some help from your loved ones. Not everyone is mentally equipped to handle solo traveling right away. Reach out to the people you love and trust most to be behind you 100%.
Don't drive for too long of periods at a time
If you're not used to driving for a few hours at a time, set an alarm or timer on your phone to find a place to pull over every 2 hours or so. Having your right foot in the same position for an extended amount of time can cause extreme cramping to your ankle that could also affect your knee and even your hip. Find a rest stop, park, or gas station to get out and stretch yourself out. Walk for a few minutes until your blood flow feels normal, and then continue.
Pulling over is also a good way to deal with any emotional responses you're experiencing. It's not safe to drive when your emotions are heightened, so it's best to get off the road and take the time and actions you need to bring yourself to a calm state.
I've said this multiple times in this blog, and I'll say it again: your safety is the most important part of solo traveling. Make sure that your body isn't stiff from driving too long, and if your feelings are taking over, find the nearest available area to get off the road and take care of yourself.
Snacking
I don't know about you, but when I get emotional, I tend to snack. Road trips are a perfect time to load up on junk food and munch with zero judgment.
While I would definitely discourage you from snacking while driving, I would still say to load up on a few snacks before you go so that you can save cash along the way. Whether you choose healthy or junk food, it's all up to you. Pack some of these and bring them out when you're pulled over somewhere.
I hate to say this though: beware packing chocolate. Chocolate melts too easily, so opt for chocolate pastries or candies that have chocolate chips in them, but don't bring any chocolate candy. Not only will it be melted, but it'll get all over your clothes. Ick!
Dress Comfortably
Since you'll be going somewhere new or unfamiliar, it'll be tempting to drive out dressed up nice. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. You're probably going to be sitting for a very long time and sweating, so wearing a cute top and jeans isn't the best thing to wear when cramped inside a car for hours or even days on end.
Instead, I would highly recommend wearing workout or yoga pants when you're driving. Workout pants tend to be made from synthetic materials that dry quicker and are airier for your lower body.
I would also highly suggest driving wearing a simple pair of flats. When driving for long periods of time your feet can start to swell which is exceptionally uncomfortable when wearing tennis shoes or boots. Wearing lace up shoes overall can constrict blood circulation in your feet causing additional swelling, which will lead to more stiffness.
When you get to your destination is when you can shower off and dress to the nines if that's how you normally dress. But until you get there, don't be afraid to look like a slob.
And finally...be ready for a life changing experience!
Your destination, what you do, and how much time you spend on your road trip is all up to you. That kind of freedom is rarely experienced and will either cause you to crave it more, or it will prove that solo traveling isn't for you. Either outcome is fine because you're at least taking the chance. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And don't be disappointed if you do your solo road trip and it's not for you; it's nothing to be ashamed about. You tried it, and that's more than many women can or will do.
As covered in my second post, there is a type of independent strength that can only be learned when you're on your own in an area foreign to you. Be ready to experience hardship, participate in activities that no one will ever witness, take in the sights and environments, and overall, have fun. Anything can happen, and if things don't go right, you can still find the fortitude to overcome the trials you endure.
I hope you enjoyed this post! It's a bit intense, but let's face it, solo travel is intense. I hope you've gleaned some helpful tips from this post that will better prepare you for your journeys.
In the meantime, since I have so much time on my hands right now, my next post will be about travel hacks. I'm sure you've read several articles or blog posts about these, so you'll probably see a few on this upcoming list that you'll recognize, but there will probably be a few unorthodox ones that you had no idea about! Keep on the lookout for it!
Stay safe out there and get ready to take on the world.
And always, always....check all the fine print. Make sure you know exactly what you are and aren't paying for!
Things to Consider Before You Leave
Your route is planned, your car's ready, your hotels are booked, what else should I be prepared for?
Driving by yourself is probably something you're used to, but if you're going across country for the first time, it'll soon become very evident that you're all alone. Everyone will have their own way of dealing with this intense loneliness in their own way; it could hit right away when driving, when you take your first top, bedtime at your hotel, a few days later, or it may not sink in too deeply and it's something you can manage. Be sure to be very aware of how you're feeling emotionally and be ready to experience emotions you're not used to. You will have a reaction of some kind, but the type and intensity can only be known by you.
Being away from everything familiar can be extremely disconcerting and you made need emotional support along the way. Here are a few tips on how you can stay mentally and physically healthy while on your first solo road trip.
Have a support team
Just because you're on your own doesn't mean you have to cut yourself off from everyone. If you're concerned about loneliness and whether or not you'll be able to handle it, talk to your family or close friends before you go. Let them know that you may need to talk as you're gone or ask them to check up on you.
Believe it or not, sometimes traveling by yourself does require some help from your loved ones. Not everyone is mentally equipped to handle solo traveling right away. Reach out to the people you love and trust most to be behind you 100%.
Don't drive for too long of periods at a time
If you're not used to driving for a few hours at a time, set an alarm or timer on your phone to find a place to pull over every 2 hours or so. Having your right foot in the same position for an extended amount of time can cause extreme cramping to your ankle that could also affect your knee and even your hip. Find a rest stop, park, or gas station to get out and stretch yourself out. Walk for a few minutes until your blood flow feels normal, and then continue.
Pulling over is also a good way to deal with any emotional responses you're experiencing. It's not safe to drive when your emotions are heightened, so it's best to get off the road and take the time and actions you need to bring yourself to a calm state.
I've said this multiple times in this blog, and I'll say it again: your safety is the most important part of solo traveling. Make sure that your body isn't stiff from driving too long, and if your feelings are taking over, find the nearest available area to get off the road and take care of yourself.
Snacking
I don't know about you, but when I get emotional, I tend to snack. Road trips are a perfect time to load up on junk food and munch with zero judgment.
While I would definitely discourage you from snacking while driving, I would still say to load up on a few snacks before you go so that you can save cash along the way. Whether you choose healthy or junk food, it's all up to you. Pack some of these and bring them out when you're pulled over somewhere.
I hate to say this though: beware packing chocolate. Chocolate melts too easily, so opt for chocolate pastries or candies that have chocolate chips in them, but don't bring any chocolate candy. Not only will it be melted, but it'll get all over your clothes. Ick!
Dress Comfortably
Since you'll be going somewhere new or unfamiliar, it'll be tempting to drive out dressed up nice. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. You're probably going to be sitting for a very long time and sweating, so wearing a cute top and jeans isn't the best thing to wear when cramped inside a car for hours or even days on end.
Instead, I would highly recommend wearing workout or yoga pants when you're driving. Workout pants tend to be made from synthetic materials that dry quicker and are airier for your lower body.
I would also highly suggest driving wearing a simple pair of flats. When driving for long periods of time your feet can start to swell which is exceptionally uncomfortable when wearing tennis shoes or boots. Wearing lace up shoes overall can constrict blood circulation in your feet causing additional swelling, which will lead to more stiffness.
When you get to your destination is when you can shower off and dress to the nines if that's how you normally dress. But until you get there, don't be afraid to look like a slob.
And finally...be ready for a life changing experience!
Your destination, what you do, and how much time you spend on your road trip is all up to you. That kind of freedom is rarely experienced and will either cause you to crave it more, or it will prove that solo traveling isn't for you. Either outcome is fine because you're at least taking the chance. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And don't be disappointed if you do your solo road trip and it's not for you; it's nothing to be ashamed about. You tried it, and that's more than many women can or will do.
As covered in my second post, there is a type of independent strength that can only be learned when you're on your own in an area foreign to you. Be ready to experience hardship, participate in activities that no one will ever witness, take in the sights and environments, and overall, have fun. Anything can happen, and if things don't go right, you can still find the fortitude to overcome the trials you endure.
I hope you enjoyed this post! It's a bit intense, but let's face it, solo travel is intense. I hope you've gleaned some helpful tips from this post that will better prepare you for your journeys.
In the meantime, since I have so much time on my hands right now, my next post will be about travel hacks. I'm sure you've read several articles or blog posts about these, so you'll probably see a few on this upcoming list that you'll recognize, but there will probably be a few unorthodox ones that you had no idea about! Keep on the lookout for it!
Stay safe out there and get ready to take on the world.
Images courtesy of Giphy.
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