Solo Road Trip: Tips for Road Trips Alone

A road trip alone can be one of the most empowering and energizing things that you can do. Going on a road trip by yourself means that you can go where you want, when you want, and stop as many—or as few—times as you want to along the way. 

Tips for Your Solo Road Trips

Here are eight tips and bits of advice for long road trips alone.

Pack a Map

Road tripping is all about taking the scenic route. Sometimes that means you may be out of signal range. Mobile apps are super convenient, but when you are in remote locations, you may not have a signal. One of your solo road trip essentials is a paper map that you can use in an emergency to plan your route.

Plan Things to Do at Each Stop

What do you do on a road trip alone? Well, whatever you want! Spend some time before your trip to research the places you plan to make stop. This will help you determine how long you want to stay in each place. Once you arrive, you can also chat with locals in the shops or restaurants to ask about interesting things to do and see in town.

Enjoy the Time 

If music is your thing, take time while planning your solo road trip to put together an awesome road trip playlist. If you love reading, download audiobooks and load your Kindle with books you want to read during stops. Enjoy the time away from your everyday and take in the little things along your journey—from soaking up remote sunsets to discovering quirky cafés.

Take Pictures

Don’t forget to take plenty of photos! With no one else in the car, you don’t have to feel guilty about how many times you want to stop to take a picture of the beautiful scenery. To capture yourself with an awesome backdrop, invest in a selfie stick or tripod.

Make a Schedule

You don’t have to stick to a schedule 100% of the time, but it’s a good idea to have a rough estimate of how far you plan to travel each day and where you will be heading. 

Know Your Limitations 

Taking a long trip alone means that you must do all the driving, which can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Know your limits regarding how much time you can spend behind the wheel in one day. If you can only manage four hours of driving a day, then you need to choose your destinations accordingly. 

Get Travel Insurance

Make sure that you’re covered in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance is essential for a solo road trip. If you’re driving your own vehicle, your auto insurance should cover you if something goes wrong with your car. However, your health insurance may not cover you if you're out of state, or provide less reimbursement for out-of-network providers.

Did your sunglasses drop into the Grand Canyon while you were taking a souvenir selfie? Travel insurance may also cover lost or damaged property while you’re on your road trip alone. Do some due diligence to find a policy that is best suited to your needs.

Places to Stop & Stay on Your Solo Road Trip

Once you’ve mapped out your route, it’s time to look for places to stay. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers everything from beachfront resorts to highway hotels in big cities and small towns across the United States.

Best Solo Trips in the U.S.

A road trip by yourself is about the journey—not just the destination. Where can you take road trips alone? Here are five solo road trips to take in the U.S.

NYC to the 1000 Islands

This 350-mile journey is an ideal solo road trip for several different kinds of travelers. You can choose peace and quiet with an off-the-grid itinerary, or you can plan your solo road trip with plenty of popular activities. The list of things to do in New York City is endless. Eat at famous restaurants or go on a group walking tour to see the sights. Enjoy the outdoors with a walk in Central Park or go hiking on Randall’s Island or at Fort Tryon Park.

En route to 1000 Islands, there are many interesting places to stop. Visit the beautiful parks of Oswego County or go hiking in Lawrence County. Stopover in Corning to see the Museum of Glass and make time to visit the Boldt castle when you reach the 1000 Islands.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

The trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is only 270 miles and can be done entirely on interstate highways. You can make a stop at the Hoover Dam to check out the man-made wonder. For spectacular views, you can cross the glass-bottomed Skywalk Bridge once you get to the Grand Canyon National Park’s West Rim. Take a drive around to the South Rim and spend a night or two in the Grand Canyon Village. 

Maui’s Road to Hana

For plenty of Instagram-worthy travel pics, traveling through Maui on Hana Highway is a solo road trip must. Start your 60-mile journey at the Northside of the island from the surfing town of Paia. For a taste of Aunty Sandy’s famous banana bread, stop off at the Keanae Peninsula. Maui’s most picturesque black sand beach is located within the Waianapanapa State Park. Make a stop at the Haleakala National Park to hike the famous Pipiwai Trail.

Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

If exploring the great outdoors is your idea of a great time, this is the solo road trip for you. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles, linking the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Stopover in Boone, North Carolina for some awesome hiking trails. Other landmarks to add to your itinerary include Grandfather Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, and Julian Price Memorial Park.

San Diego to Los Angeles

The 120-mile route from San Diego to Los Angeles is perfect for beginner road trippers. You don’t have to spend hours on the road, and the route won’t take you out of cellphone coverage. There is no shortage of places to see along this route. Visit galleries and view wildlife in La Jolla, north of San Diego, before making your way to Orange County. Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach is a must-see if you want to experience a diversity of marine wildlife. For whale watching, the small seaside town of Dana Point is recommended. 

Is it Safe to Go on a Road Trip by Yourself?

With a bit of planning, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way. Read up on other travelers’ experiences about the places you want to visit, take time to plan your itinerary, and leave a copy of your itinerary with a loved one while also sending daily updates of your location. Avoid having to find last-minute accommodations in an area that you don’t know. With their wide range of options for the everyday traveler, you can easily book your overnight stays through Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.