Road trips are a great way to visit new places and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to plan your own itinerary. If you’re getting ready for your first solo road trip, you may be feeling a little nervous about what to expect — and that’s totally normal.
However, as long as you prepare well and pack all of the essential items, you’re sure to have an amazing time, no matter where you go.
There are many ways to make the most of your solo road trip, as you will be in charge of everything, meaning that you can take a detour or switch up the playlist whenever you feel like it. (Ah, the freedom!)
Here are 10 top tips in terms of how to plan a solo road trip that’s unforgettable.
1. Create A Schedule
Although it may seem obvious, people often underestimate the importance of creating a schedule. This is an important step that will help you determine which places you would like to visit, as well as the types of activities you want to get involved in.
Make sure you do some research ahead of time and remember to ask friends and family for recommendations.
Visitor information centres also provide plenty of useful resources, allowing you to find out more about the local area. As a result, you may discover some hidden gems, so you can make the best memories on your trip.
2. Consider Getting A Campervan
If you want to have access to all of your favourite home comforts on the road, you may want to get a campervan. It will provide you with the flexibility to explore new places on your own terms.
Having said that, it’s important to remember that it will be different than regular travelling, so you’ll need to take out specialised campervan insurance. Lancaster Insurance Services allow you to get campervan insurance in the UK so that you can have peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs.
It’s crucial to read policies carefully to understand what’s included, so be sure to speak to the team at Lancaster Insurance Services about getting cover that suits your requirements.
3. Stick To A Budget
It’s always a good idea to save money and set a budget before you leave for a road trip. Even if you believe that you won’t spend much because it will be just you, that’s not always the case. There are plenty of costs to take into consideration, such as fuel, accommodation, food and drinks, and activities.
Take a look at everything you are planning to get involved in for an estimate of how much you may end up spending on your solo trip.
However, be sure to build some leeway into your budget in case you incur some unexpected costs. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
4. Pack For The Weather
When it comes to packing clothing, you’ll want to ensure that you are prepared. Depending on what time of the year you’re travelling, there are different things that you might need to bring.
For instance, if you’re travelling in the winter, jackets and jumpers are essential to keep you warm in the cold weather. On the other hand, travelling in the summer means that you might need your swimsuit, sunglasses and hat.
Building a travel capsule wardrobe can help you maximise the number of outfits you take on your trip in a minimal number of pieces. This is especially ideal if your car or campervan doesn’t have enough space for a huge suitcase! (I’ve been there.)
5. Get Emergency Items
How to plan a solo road trip in terms of safety involves packing a few emergency items. For example, don’t forget to bring your first-aid kit, no matter how long or short your trip will be.
Make sure you have all of your important documents on hand, such as your ID, driving licence and insurance details. Take loose change, too, in case you need to buy something at a local shop.
Some other must-haves for a road trip include a road map, phone charger and torch.
6. Bring Entertainment
Travelling alone means that you’ll need to find different ways to keep yourself occupied on the road. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to explore nowadays, as you can play your favourite music or listen to audiobooks and podcasts while driving.
What’s more, a solo road trip can provide you with the perfect opportunity to practise some of your hobbies. For instance, if you’re interested in photography, bring your camera and take shots of the beautiful scenery that you encounter along the way.
7. Prepare Healthy Snacks
Make sure you bring plenty of healthy snacks and drinks so that you can provide your body with the energy it needs for travelling. For example, a variety of fruits would be ideal, such as apples, oranges, blueberries and bananas. It might also be a good idea to pair these with nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, cashews, almonds or chia seeds.
Have some extra time before you leave? Pre-chop some vegetables and combine them with your favourite dip, such as hummus or tahini.
Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and alert on the road.
8. Don’t Rush
Try to enjoy the experience as much as possible without rushing to go anywhere. Give yourself enough time to explore all the places on your list.
If you see something that sparks your interest, don’t hesitate to deviate from your schedule from time to time, as long as you stay safe. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a moment, talk to local people and appreciate the incredible views in front of you.
The best thing about road trips is that you never know what will happen. So, it’s always better to embrace spontaneity and see what you may discover. How exciting!
9. Stay Connected
I recommend that you keep in touch with friends and family throughout your trip so that you feel a sense of community even when you’re alone.
Share a copy of your route with someone at home and be sure to update them on your progress. Check in with them on a regular basis and send them pictures of your current location.
Also, let them know if you are planning to go hiking or get involved in other solo activities. This will ensure that in the event of an emergency there will be someone you can count on to send help.
10. Document Your Journey
Lastly, photos and journal entries can be a fun and meaningful way to reflect on your experiences. Whether you prefer a physical journal or an online blog, taking the time to document your journey will help you remember your trip for years to come.
Pin this article and share with friends:
Final Thoughts on How to Plan a Solo Road Trip
Planning a solo road trip can be an exciting and liberating experience. But without a companion to help with the planning, it can also feel overwhelming.
Hopefully, these tips have put your mind at ease so that you can have a successful and safe solo road trip, no matter where you’re headed.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the journey!
Do you have any other tips in terms of how to plan a solo road trip so you can have the best time? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply