Have you felt that pull towards the open road, the desire for independence and discovery, but found yourself hesitant to embark on a solo adventure? You’re not alone. Many dream of hitting the highway solo, soaking in new landscapes and experiencing places on their own terms. Becoming a confident road trip girl is a journey in itself, one that starts with a little preparation and a lot of courage.
For years, I too let anxieties about traveling alone hold me back. But gradually, through smaller trips, I built up the confidence that eventually led me to drive cross-country solo. It was an incredible, eye-opening experience that taught me the true meaning of self-reliance. While the idea of a solo road trip can feel daunting, especially for women, the freedom and personal growth it offers are unparalleled. This guide compiles my best insights and practical tips for the road trip girl looking to explore the world safely and confidently.
Road photo with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range in the background
Why Embrace the Solo Road Trip?
Stepping out solo on the road allows for an unmatched level of freedom. You dictate the pace, the stops, the soundtrack, and the itinerary. Want to spend hours admiring a view? Go for it. Crave a specific local dish? Your call. The solo road trip girl crafts her own unique narrative. It’s a powerful way to connect with yourself, test your problem-solving skills, and build immense self-confidence. It’s about proving to yourself that you are capable, resilient, and ready to take on the world.
Is It Safe to Travel Alone as a Road Trip Girl?
This is the question that looms largest for many. The truth is, safety is a complex issue with many variables. While no travel is entirely risk-free, solo female travel is often portrayed as more dangerous than it is. Sensationalized stories can fuel fear, but millions of women travel solo safely every year. The key is not to live in fear, but to be informed, prepared, and always aware of your surroundings. As a road trip girl, your safety is your top priority, and taking proactive steps significantly mitigates potential risks.
Essential Safety & Planning Tips for the Road Trip Girl
Being a prepared road trip girl isn’t about anticipating every single negative scenario, but about having systems and habits in place that empower you to handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively. Here are fundamental tips gleaned from experience.
#1: Plan Your Route and Stops in Advance
Spontaneity is part of the road trip charm, but having a general plan, especially for overnight stays and major legs of the journey, is crucial for the solo road trip girl. Book accommodations or campsites ahead, map out your major destinations, and research activities. Tools like Roadtrippers can be incredibly helpful for visualizing your trip. This reduces last-minute stress and minimizes opportunities for finding yourself in an uncertain situation late at night.
- Finding the best bbq in austin or any other local eatery is part of the fun!
#2: Share Your Itinerary and Location
Designate a trusted friend or family member who knows your general itinerary. Share your daily route, planned stops, and expected arrival times. Utilize phone features to share your real-time location with this person. Check in regularly, especially when you arrive at your destination for the night. This provides a safety net and peace of mind for both you and your contact. Always carry a power bank to keep your phone charged.
Woman hiking the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park
#3: Be Discreet About Traveling Solo
While you might be bursting to share your exciting solo journey, exercise caution when talking to strangers you meet on the road or even during check-in at hotels. Avoid announcing that you are completely alone. A simple, casual mention of meeting a friend later, or having family nearby, can be enough to deter unwanted attention. You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation of your travel companions (or lack thereof).
#4: Limit Driving After Dark
Driving in unfamiliar areas is inherently more challenging at night. Limited visibility, potential for fatigue, and increased difficulty in navigating or dealing with unexpected car trouble make it less safe. As a solo road trip girl, aim to reach your destination before sunset. Plan your driving legs accordingly, waking up early if needed to cover distances in daylight hours.
#5: Secure Important Documents and Valuables
Never keep all your essentials—cash, credit cards, ID, passport (if applicable)—in a single location. Divide them and keep them in separate, secure spots. Carry a small amount of cash and one card on you (a hip pack can be discreet), while leaving the rest locked securely out of sight in your vehicle or accommodation. This minimizes your risk in case of theft.
#6: Keep Photos of Important Documents
Before you leave, take clear photos of your driver’s license, passport, credit cards (front and back, note the emergency contact numbers), and insurance information. Save these images to a secure cloud service or email them to yourself. If your physical documents are lost or stolen, having these photos can significantly expedite replacement processes and provide crucial information in an emergency.
Woman hiking at Dante
#7: Vary Your Daily Routine
If you are staying in one place for more than a day or two, avoid falling into a predictable pattern. Change the time you leave your accommodation, take different routes for walks or errands, and visit different coffee shops or restaurants. This makes it harder for anyone to observe and anticipate your movements.
#8: Maintain Situational Awareness
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted by navigation apps, music, or your own thoughts. Always be aware of your surroundings, whether you’re at a gas station, a rest stop, checking into a hotel, or walking around a new town. Pay attention to who is around you, where the exits are, and trust your gut feeling about people or places. Make eye contact to show you are aware.
#9: Trust Your Instincts
This is perhaps the most important tip for any solo traveler, including the road trip girl. Your intuition is a powerful protective mechanism. If a person or situation feels off, it is off. Do not worry about being polite or hurting someone’s feelings. Your safety is paramount. If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation immediately. Crossing the street, walking into a busy store, or simply saying “no thank you” firmly and walking away are perfectly acceptable responses.
#10: Carry Personal Safety Items
Decide what personal safety items make you feel most secure. This could include pepper spray, a personal safety alarm, or a stun gun (research local laws regarding these items in the states you’ll be visiting). Know how to use them effectively and keep them easily accessible, especially when walking alone or in potentially vulnerable situations.
#11: Be Ready to Dial Emergency Services
Keep your phone charged and the emergency services number (911 in the US) easily accessible or on speed dial. If you feel threatened or witness something suspicious, do not hesitate to call. Even having the call screen open can be a deterrent or save precious seconds in an emergency.
White Jeep Grand Cherokee in Canyon Campground in Yellowstone National Park
#12: Embrace Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Despite the best planning, unexpected things happen on road trips. A road closure, a missed turn, or an issue with accommodation can throw you off. As a resilient road trip girl, being flexible and trusting your ability to problem-solve is key. Don’t panic. Access your resources (phone, maps, trusted contacts) and calmly find an alternative solution. Sometimes the best adventures come from unplanned detours. HotelTonight can be a lifesaver for last-minute stays.
#13: Choose Your Stops Wisely (Especially for Restrooms)
Avoid isolated or poorly lit rest stops, especially late at night. Stick to well-trafficked gas stations or truck stops like Love’s or Pilot. A handy trick many solo female travelers use is to pop into hotel lobbies for restroom breaks. They are usually clean, safe, and the front desk staff won’t question a visitor using the lobby facilities.
#14: Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Make a habit of refueling when your tank reaches half-full or even a quarter. This prevents you from being forced to stop at a potentially unsafe or isolated gas station out of desperation. Plan your fuel stops in larger towns or at busy, well-lit stations, ideally during daylight hours.
#15: Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable, especially in remote or scenic areas popular with road trip girl adventurers. Before you lose signal, download offline maps for your route and destination area on apps like Google Maps. This ensures you can navigate even without connectivity, preventing stressful situations where you’re lost and unable to get directions.
Download offline maps in Google Maps tutorial
#16: Invest in Roadside Assistance
Vehicle trouble is a common road trip issue. For the solo road trip girl, being stranded with a flat tire or engine problem can be particularly stressful. Investing in a roadside assistance program like AAA provides peace of mind, knowing that help is just a phone call away, no matter where you are. Check if your car insurance or credit card offers similar benefits.
#17: Start Small to Build Confidence
If a cross-country epic feels too daunting, start with a smaller adventure. A day trip to a nearby town, an overnight stay a couple of hours away, or a weekend getaway can help you get comfortable with the logistics of solo travel and build confidence in your abilities before tackling longer distances. Each small trip is a step towards becoming a seasoned road trip girl.
Female hiker at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada
#18: Remember to Relax and Enjoy the Ride
While preparedness and awareness are essential, don’t let potential worries overshadow the joy of your solo adventure. The open road is about freedom, discovery, and making memories. Put on your favorite music, sing along, stop for photos, savor the local food, and soak in the experience. Being a prepared road trip girl allows you to relax because you are prepared. At the end of it all, you’ll have incredible stories and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Becoming a road trip girl is an empowering decision. With smart planning, vigilance, and a readiness to trust your instincts, you can safely explore the world on your own terms. The independence and self-discovery waiting on the open road are truly priceless.