Have you ever just gotten into your car and start wondering “should I go on a spontaneous road trip alone?” If so, you aren’t the only one. So many people, specifically women, want to travel, explore and have new experiences but are afraid to do it alone. They feel that the only way to travel safely is to do it with other people. Well, that’s just not true!
Road Trips By Yourself – Is It Really A Good Idea?
When people hear of taking a road trip alone, their immediate response is usually whether or not it’s a good idea. Some may not even think there is a difference between going alone or with people. This is the furthest from the truth.
Some of the most amazing, life-changing, and self-discovery moments can happen when you spend that time traveling by yourself, alone with your thoughts.
Think about it: You don’t have to spend time worrying about anyone else’s needs. You can have all that time to reflect and focus on yourself.
Experience the Solo Journey of Self-Discovery
For some, this very concept of self-discovery and getting to know yourself can be fear-inducing. You suddenly become hyper-aware of your body. You feel how tense you are with nerves, the pounding in your chest, and the twisting feeling in your gut. The thought and fear of going alone, repeating itself in your head, making you feel like its impossible to do.
STOP.
Take A DEEP BREATH.
Inhale. . Exhale . .
Don’t let these thoughts spiral out of control. Instead, turn them around and think of all the benefits of spending that time with yourself and focusing on your needs for once instead of having to take someone else’s needs into account.
Along with self-reflection, there are so many other benefits you can experience when you go on a solo road trip. This includes gaining confidence in yourself and becoming self-dependent, which is especially true for females. Learning about these benefits will help you answer the main question, “Should I go on a spontaneous road trip alone?”
If you’re already having the confidence to go, skip this part and read how to go on a spontaneous road trip alone instead.
How to Feel Confident When Traveling Alone
Having a spontaneous road trip can seem a bit daunting and can rattle anyone’s confidence, but it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to be filled with any stress or anxiety over going on a solo travel trip.
Instead, think of it as an opportunity to learn your limits, while also challenging yourself. Remember, you don’t have to go on this huge cross-country road trip, you can go at your own pace and start small if you need to. Traveling alone means you set the destination and the pace.
With that in mind, here are a few things that you can do to boost your confidence and make sure that you have a successful solo road trip.
Essential Solo Road Trip Tips
With these travel tips, you will feel ready and confident to tackle any solo adventure your heart desires.
Do Your Solo Travel Research
Though this is a spontaneous road trip a little research beforehand will save you a world of headaches. This is especially true if you tend to get nervous before a trip. Doing a bit of research can help you feel more in control and help ease any restlessness you may feel of the unknown.
You don’t have to do anything too in-depth, just a general overview should suffice. Plus, you don’t want to waste any of your precious travel time researching while on the road when you could be using that time to sightsee and explore.
Where Are You Traveling
The main thing that you will want to research before your solo travel adventure is the locations you are going to go to. Remember to consider your comfort zone and sense of adventure when choosing a destination.
If you are new to travel and want to dip your toes into the world of solo travel, then you can definitely start off small. Maybe even go to a place you visited before, but this time alone. If you want to dive head first into adventure and go on a cross-country road trip to somewhere completely new, you can do that too! It’s your trip and you are in charge.
It is also important to get a general idea of what you want to do at your destination. For example, if you plan on going to Salem, Massachusetts, do you want to go on a tour of the Witch Town or head on over to the Peabody Essex Museum or both?
Knowing this type of info will give you a rough idea of how much time you need for each place you want to visit. This plan is completely adjustable, but doing this type of research is a great starting point to make sure you have a smooth trip.
You don’t have to have a full itinerary planned out, but just knowing a destination can help get you excited and pumped about the journey.
Essential Accessories that Every Solo Road Trip Must-Have
How many times have you traveled and realized that you either forgot to pack something or that you should have bought that one gadget that would make everything so much easier? This is such a common dilemma for full-time and part-time travelers alike. To help ease anxiety and stress here is a list of the top must-have accessories you will be thankful you packed for your solo road trip:
- Toiletries organizer
- You will be glad you have this organizer, whether you are getting ready at a rest stop or in your car. It makes the process so much easier.
- 2 in 1 Travel Blanket and Pillow
- This is such a great find, especially if you ever want to take a quick little siesta in your car.
- Electronics organizer
- I don’t know about you, but I hate losing my chargers and cables. This helps keep everything neat and accounted for.
- Basesus Portable Charger
- This is an absolute must-have to keep your phone charged when sightseeing.
- Travel Tripod
- BEST EVER! This makes taking pictures, especially when you are traveling alone, so much easier.
- Mobile HotSpot
- This is great for whenever you need wifi and there is none to be found.
- Reusable Water Bottle
- 22 oz, BPA-free, leakproof, and rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket. Stay hydrated!
- Portable Lock
- This is such an amazing safety tool, whether you’re home or traveling!
- Adjustable Door Stopper
- Another amazing safety tool, whether you’re home or traveling!
- Hand Sanitizer Spray (plant-based, essential oils)
- An essential thanks to our annoying friend Covid.
- Underarm deodorant wipe (all-natural, aluminum-free)
- Trust that you will be thankful for this one. You’ll be surprised how ripe you can get traveling all day!
- Sleeping bag sheets
- no more dirty hotel sheets!
You can find this list and more in my Ultimate List of Travel Necessities here.
So, Should I Go On a Spontaneous Solo Road Trip Alone? My Final Thoughts . .
My vote is YES! If you follow these travel tips, you are sure to have an incredible companionless journey. One that is unique to you and will help you grow and develop as a person. Will this put you out of your comfort zone? Most likely, yes, but this shouldn’t stop you from road tripping alone, especially if it’s an experience you want to have.
XO,
Anna
P.S. Still debating and wondering “Should I go on a solo road trip alone?” Come and read here about my spontaneous solo road trip experience as a woman.
Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!
