A Beginner’s Guide to Solo Road Tripping!
This post should come with a warning label…because you might get hooked!
In 2021, I did my first major solo road trip. I flew to Seattle (from Florida), rented a car and drove along the west coast, visiting waterfalls in Oregon and then driving along the Oregon Coast, through the Red Woods in California, to San Diego to visit a friend and then up to Las Vegas, where I caught a flight back to Florida.
Since then, I have been obsessed with road tripping!
Though I have done many road trips since then and have covered more than 20 states, my first road trip holds a special place in my heart.
Let’s get you ready for yours!
Here are the steps I use to prepare for my road-trips:
1. Decide on a destination
Chances are, you already have an idea of some places you’d like to visit. If not, a quick google search for “things to do near ________” will do the trick. I am a waterfall lover and usually try to find waterfalls wherever I’m headed. My planning normally starts with a google search like ” Waterfalls near me” .
For your first road trip, you may consider doing a day trip, or a 10-day trip!. TOTALLY up you! I’m in full support of any kind of road-trip. Either way, the internet is full of great suggestions! You can also check out my Instagram page for ideas!
2. Decide on a route
I generally use my trusted Google Maps (but please use the navigation app of your choice) to map out the route and play around with the “trip options”- generally trying to avoid tolls and sometimes highways.
Unless you’re really driving just for the sake of driving ( it’s OK, I’ve done this), I would recommend staying below 4 hours of driving per day and venturing off the highways when possible to fully enjoy your trip.
You can also do a quick search for attractions along your route or a google search for scenic drives in the area you’re headed.
3. Plan stops for fuel and food
Use your navigation app to find gas stations along the route. It’s always best to top up whenever you can! For electric vehicles, this requires even more planning!
How often you stop will be up to you! Some road-trippers prefer to stop at every rest stop for bathroom breaks and snacks. I’m personally not a big rest stop gal. I stop when I need to.
I would suggest bringing loads of snacks and planning stops for warm meals.
4. Plan for overnight stops
If you plan to do an overnight trip, planning accommodation will be most important (well, this really depends on your level of anxiety).
There are a whole host of options. I have personally stayed in hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, hostels, car camped. The latter two have been frowned upon by loved ones 😅but have had great experiences with all.
You may want to start with finding reasonable accommodation at a hotel or Airbnb if you have any reservation about the other options.
I generally try to book in advance for my first 2 nights and then play it by ear after. Booking in advance can be limiting, because your plans can change during the road-trip. After a night or two, you’ll realize it is a lot less daunting that it seems.
5. Pack list
Create your personal pack list to use for all your road-trips with essentials such as:
- Your Driver License
- Car Charger
- Portable Power Bank
- Money/Credit Cards
- Toiletries
6.Create playlist
You want to include a mix of your favorite tunes as well as pod-casts/audiobooks. Is there a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about? or a language you want to learn? Road-trips are the best time to do it all. Create a playlist on Spotify that should cover the duration of our road-trip.
THIS, my friends is my favorite part. I normally return from my road-trips inspired and renewed😂 .
7.Additional Tips
- Get you car serviced (if using your own car).
- Consider signing up for a road-side assistance service in the event that anything unexpected happens. I’ve never had anything happen but having a AAA membership gives me some peace of mind when on the road.
- Share your plans( or even your location) with a friend!
- It may be best to download offline maps for the areas you will be visiting, just incase you lose cell service.
Happy solo road tripping!
You’ve got this!
– Chloe ❤
Here are some reels I posted from my first road trip (if you’re interested):