Planning a Solo Road Trip Across the U.S.A

It’s the stuff that makes up many people’s dreams. A solo road trip across the United States of America. Just you and the open road with plenty of time to spare. Whether you're planning on traveling across the country visiting our National Parks, or simply ticking off all 50 states (49 accessible by road), you'll want to make sure to plan your trip in advance.                                                                                                                                                                                        If you love the idea of traveling by yourself and driving the duration of your trip, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the sights from the driver’s side window of your vehicle. Road trips aren’t as fast-paced as worldwide adventure travel but they are fully immersive if you have the time to spare.

What You Should and Shouldn’t Do to Prepare for the Trip

Before you set out on the trip of a lifetime, there are some things you should do to plan for the experience. You should also be aware of the things that you shouldn’t do as they can significantly put a damper on your day and your trip. Suggestions are listed below to help you enjoy your solo road trip unscathed.

Do

• Plan which area of the country you want to visit. Unless you expect to be traveling for months at a time, you’ll want to narrow your choices to one geographic region. That way, you have plenty of time to explore the area without missing out on some of the more important things you want to see and experience.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination safely.  If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, take a plane. If you want to take your time, drive.
• Keep your car in excellent working order.  You’re going to put a lot of miles on it, so you want it to be in great shape. Having it serviced before you set out on your trip is highly recommended.
• Have a back-up plan for accommodations.  Mishaps occur. The last thing you want to do after a long day of driving is learning that your hotel reservation got canceled.

Don’t

• Rely solely on GPS to get you where you’re going. Carry an old-fashioned road atlas with you. There are many tales of people who relied on GPS only to get lost or stranded while traveling alone.
• Go to a remote area without telling someone your whereabouts. Provide a trusted friend or family member with your location. Keep them updated, especially if your plans change.
• Forget to stock up on food and water. There are places on the road where it’s hard to find restaurants and convenience stores. Be prepared by keeping your cooler stocked.
• Try to rush getting to where you want to travel to. Take your time while driving. Rushing can cause you to get into an accident.

By following these tips, you’ll have a much smoother travel experience. You’ll be able to avoid many of the pitfalls that made solo travelers question their decision to road trip alone.

A Solo Trip Across The USA is an Experience Everyone Should Have

A trip across America alone can be incredibly liberating. It allows you to take a leisurely approach to travel because you’re driving from one destination to the next. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take an epic road trip by yourself, now it is time for you to discover how rewarding solo travel can be.

Being mindful of the things you should and shouldn’t do while traveling by yourself ensures your safety, allows you to make the most of your time on the road, and gives you plenty to talk about once you do arrive back home. Stay adventurous!