first solo road trip and scared as hell....

hi
this is my first post here. As my title suggests, I am contemplating my first solo road trip and I am scared!! I am 43, female and planning on driving from North Carolina out to Idaho to visit my sister. I am planning on giving myself about 7-8 days to get out there- then will fly back with my mother, who will already be there visiting.
Needless to say, my whole family thinks I am crazy and are discouraging me. My husband and daughters are dumbfounded- cannot figure out why the woman who "always plays it safe" is planning this "crazy adventure". My parents and siblings are already taking bets on my chickening out and are , as stated, very very discouraging, not supportive at all.
A variety of reasons that I won't go into on this forum have led me to contemplate this solo sojourn. Mostly being that I am tired of being afraid to travel alone, to try new things- just tired of being held back by my fears of being ALONE and HELPLESS and DEPENDENT on others. My whole life, my family has viewed me as flaky and unpredictable ( even tho there is much evidence to the contrary and I now know this....) and I am ready to shed that once and for all...
Please, honest advice is needed. Am I crazy? Is it "dangerous", "crazy", as my husband and family think? My sister actually told me tonight, when I was talking about it, that I was " immature" and "deluding myself" about my abilities to do this.....
Would love honest feedback from you all
Thanks so much!
Birdybird

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Originally Posted by birdybird

I am contemplating my first solo road trip and I am scared!!

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Here is an article you might find helpful as you begin to plan this adventure. Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! It is my experience, that there are considerably more women who undertake solo trips than then men.

First of all, of course you can do it. The co-editor of RTA, Megan Edwards, does 1-2 a year -- she is doing one in July where she will fly to Atlanta and then zig-zay her way to Birmingham via the Great Smokeys National Park.

In the meantime, here are some thoughts from some of the other solo woman trippers who hang here. And I would suggest you write to Moderator Judy for some tips!

Mark

Driving across America is FUN! You'll love it. Don't worry, usually everybody is apprehensive to travel, for the first time, across the country alone. I was when I had to drive from Seattle to Florida. And you know what? That road trip made me a better person. And now I love driving across America! Eight months after that roadtrip, I drove solo from Key West to San Diego to Seattle. Just make sure to stop by some of the National Parks and sites of interest along the way. That way, you'll have more fun, which will hopefully reduce any stress you may feel. Remember, the biggest risk you take is not taking one, so go for it!

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Originally Posted by birdybird

My whole life, my family has viewed me as flaky and unpredictable

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I don't necessarily think there is anything wrong with that! Sometimes people that haven't experienced the joy of a road trip can feel this way. Frankly, I don't understand it.

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My sister actually told me tonight, when I was talking about it, that I was " immature" and "deluding myself" about my abilities to do this.....

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I'm sorry to hear that; already you've shown great sense by giving yourself 7-8 days to get out there. This gives you time to get out and enjoy the scenery. If you see something interesting, you can stop and explore. That can't be done on a plane!

I must say, early on, I heard similar quotes from my family. Many short and long trips and years later, they still think I'm a bit strange for my preferred method of travel, but that's about all. There's no longer a question that if I say I'm going to go somewhere, then I will.

You will find from just a cursory glance around this forum that there are many here that take solo trips, for various reasons.

Some just to get away for a few days, others are moving to a new home, still others are "soul searching", etc. I believe that anybody with a car and a will to do so can take a solo trip and enjoy it. The road is a lot safer than the movies would have you believe.

So, take a look around the forum and the site, check out our planning page, and when you're ready to go, enjoy! We'd love to hear back about the great time you had.

There are lots of women who travel in their RVs alone so you can do it in a car. You just need to make sure your car is in good shape, get AAA or a comparable road service (also good for maps and travel guides), and don't forget your cell phone. With a little planing you can pick a fun route that takes you through some amazing places.

Do you have any special interests or places you've always wanted to visit? There are some obvious "must sees" on your likely route. Unless you don't like scenery, you can choose from Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Badlands and Black Hills (Wind Cave or Crystal Caverns and Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park (wonderful herds of bison and pronghorn antelope that you can see up close) in South Dakota, Devil's Tower in Wyoming (did you see "Close Enounters of the Third Kind"?)

For city things there is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (take the ride to the top), Music City (Nashville) if you like country music, there's no place in the midwest to shop like the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. We like the art museums in both St. Louis and Kansas City.

If you like history there are a bunch such as The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home in Nashville), Custer Battlefield in Montana, Cahokia Mounds (biggest in the US) in Collinsville, east of St. Louis, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's "little house on the prairie" in De Smet, South Dakota.

That should get you started.

Good for you for making the decision to go for it. We're all proud of you!

I recently got back from my first solo trip outside of Europe. I was nervous at first but thought sod it and just went ahead and booked the flights. After that I couldn't change my mind else I'd be paying for the trip anyway! You know what? I loved it and I think it changed me somehow, made me stronger, I guess. Of course you'd need to keep the usual personal security issues in mind but to no greater degree than you would in your home city... just get out there and enjoy yourself!

I'm going to undertake my first long distance solo road trip this summer. I've roadtripped with others, doing all the driving, etc for years. However, I'm hearing the same things you are. I'm also viewed as the flaky and unpredictable one. Hmmm - are we related, maybe. :)

After lots of soul searching I've decided to ignore the naysayers and do what I need and want to do for myself. Luckily, for me, I've done a lot of short trips by myself so I'm probably not as worried about some issues as you are. I plan on making my driving days fairly short (no 15 hours days on this trip), being obsessive about the appearance of any hotels I stay in, and taking along a wifi capable laptop so that I can communicate with people even when cell phone service is not available. I always go with the rule of thumb that even though my gut is a bit paranoid about safety issues I will follow it anyway.

Good luck on your planning and have a happy trip.

Laura

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Originally Posted by lhuff

... and taking along a wifi capable laptop so that I can communicate with people even when cell phone service is not available.

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Laura, all excellent advice -- but gotta make one comment, I can't imagine such a place can exist in America -- it would have Wi-Fi but not cellular coverage. The Wi-Fi transceivers are often located on cell towers -- the only place I can think of where this might be possible would be the inside of large hotel (where cell service can not penetrate and the hotel is supplying the Wi-Fi feed).

Mark

No need to worry about driving solo...although I'm a male, I did a trip from CA to FL years ago by myself and was just as apprehensive...but as someone who has done several cross country drives with friends, I found it just as rewarding by doing it myself. There's a sort of spiritual awakening you'll get and theres also something hard to define but quite comforting in doing it yourself. Just play it safe...Try and drive during daylight for the most part, always have plenty of gas, charge your cell-phone etc....

People won't understand until they do it themselves, but trust me you are on a very rewarding and adventure of self-awareness...Enjoy!

I like driving solo. When doing that, you can do exactly what you want and when you want. You leave when you want to. My wife is the human leave delay. It always takes an extra hour or so to get going when she is with me. Although, I like her navigating skills as I tend to get lost a lot.

However, getting lost just means you'll get to see something you wouldn't have.

Keep soloing down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

What time will it be televised? I'd like to see it.Interestingly, I have written a column about solo roadtripping that will appear on MSNBC this Friday. Mark

Hey birdybird, sorry that your family is giving you grief about this. Many women travel solo all the time without a problem. I've done several trips myself over the years. Hope this advice helps:

* Use the same "personal safety radar" that you use anyway. If someplace doesn't "feel right", leave. If a person/people give you the heebie-jeebies, leave. Don't walk down dark alleys. In other words, most places in America are someone's neighborhood. People who live there do the same things you do in your own hometown. They go shopping, go for walks, etc. If they can, you can. Just use good common-sense and you should be fine.

* Spend some time before you leave planning your route. Ask us for advice on what to see and do. And then give your family a copy of your route. If they know where you're going, they might feel more comfortable and lay-off a bit.

* If you want, you could make motel reservations ahead of time. As a first-timer, that might make you feel more secure. BUT it's really not necessary. Unless you're stopping at a touristy-place that might be crowded, motels are easy to find along the road. And, sometimes, you might not want to drive as far as your motel that day. Or you might want to drive farther. So, if you make reservations, write down the phone number and the cancellation policy so you can cancel without a penalty if you don't stay there.

* Yes, having a cellphone is smart. You might have some areas with sporadic coverage but, for the most part, your cellphone will work most anywhere. You and your family might feel better if you establish a check-in time each day. Since my plan is free roaming nationwide, and since I don't get charged minutes for talking to my family, I might call home 2-3 times a day just to share something fun that I just saw or to let them know I'm changing my plans. Anyway, if you keep in touch with them so they know where you're at and where you're going next, this should appease them (I hope).

* I would suggest having AAA or some other roadside assistance program. AAA has been terrific a couple of times when I've had car trouble. The free guidebooks and maps can more than pay for your membership. And you will get discounts for some hotels, restaurants, and entrance fees.

* I've actually never done this but it is probably good advice that I should follow myself. When you stop to do some exploring, leave a note in your car about where you're going and when you plan to be back, and with contact information for you and your family. Don't leave this where people can read it. You don't want potential thieves to know you're gonna be gone until 3pm, for example! But if the rare, VERY rare "worst-case scenario" happens to you, then at least people will know where to start looking for you and how to contact your family. Don't sweat this or be paranoid.

It is really safe. I also think that your family are just chicken to do this themselves and probably jealous of you for being willing to do this. Don't let them get to you. When people tell me "you can't do that...", my tendency is to do it, and do it good, and show them they're wrong.

I do hope you'll go on this adventure. I think you have a lot to gain from it. Not only will you gain the wonderful experience of a good road-trip, but I think you'll get a bit of confidence, too.

So DO IT!!! Come here for more support and planning assistance, and come back to report about your trip when you've returned home.

Thank you everyone for replying to my post. I can't tell you how nice it feels to have encouraging words, instead of looks of incredulity and messages pertaining to how there is NO way I'll be able to do this alone.....That really sucks to hear, especially from family- though its no big surprise coming from them, as I mentioned in my initial post.
I think that safety really is my number one concern....and yes, I believe I have seen one too many movie where some mutant captures a poor unsuspecting traveler on some lonely country road...LOL! I have this sense that, as soon as I get out on the road, all the maniacs will automatically know I"m alone and traveling and track me down!!! How ridiculous!!!! It really helps to hear that, for the most part, folks here have experienced solo trips safely and without incident....

The advice to just trust my normal instincts regarding safety makes much sense...I mean, I have to keep reminding myself that I am traveling in the United States and that, basically, "folks are folks", as my friend would say, wherever you are. And right, wherever I am, it's somebodys home town and i need to remember that!!

I so much appreciate the support and will likely begin to post my initial, rough draft itinerary soon. I do want to see some of the sites- especially some of the sites in Wyoming, S. Dakota- I really need to start doing my research!!! So much planning to do!!

Thanks again one and all for your support. Keep sending it along because I'm going to need all I can get or I"ll chicken out and I really want to do this!!!
Birdybird

I really think there are few things more liberating than the feeling you get when you're traveling down the highway with only yourself for company. There are times when I even prefer it to traveling with somebody else.

Don't forget to use the search feature (in the green bar above) to find out more information on the places you want to visit.

South Dakota: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Hills, Wounded Knee, Badlands, Wall Drug (just watch for the "free water" signs!), Deadwood

Wyoming: Devil's Tower, Cody, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Cheyenne, Laramie

This certainly isn't an exhaustive list but it's some of the things you might enjoy. What part of Idaho are you ending in?

Hi Judy
I'll be ending up in Boise, Idaho. My sister and her husband have lived out there for several years now and they love it. I hear its beautiful.
I grew up part of my childhood in California, so I've roadtripped with my family up and down the west coast. We also moved from cali to texas, texas back to cali, cali to michigan, michigan back to cali and then- the final move- cali to NC- and we always drove those cross country treks, so I've definitely experienced long road trips.....just never alone and definitely not in the last 20 years. So, I"ve seen alot of the mid and southwest ( as a young teen, but still...) I am dying to see the northwest route.
I'm still scared but getting more and more excited as I post here, and talk to supportive friends. AS a matter of fact, I may even end up doing this trip with a very good friend, who heard about my plans and expressed some interest in joining me. And perhaps this may end up being OK too....I mean, while the "solo" part appeals to me on many levels, I"d also love to see some of the sites with somebody else there to experience it with me..
I don't know....but I am DETERMINED to make this trip one way or the other!!
Thanks for the tips on sites to see- I am clueless about that part of the country, but I know there is sooo much to see
thanks again!
birdy

Boise is kind of a strange city to approach, especially from the east where you'll be coming from. Miles of nothing and then, there it is, sitting out there in the middle of nowhere. Boise is a nice, little city. If you like music and people-watching, you might have your sister take you to the downtown area. There's a square where music plays a few nights a week and there are restaurants on the upper-floors (mostly 2nd and 3rd stories) with balconies where you can enjoy food/drink and the music. But get there early for a good seat!

The area north of Boise is astounding. The drive up through Riggins is amazing. If you're not too tired of driving just getting there, you might want to check it out.

There's nothing wrong with going with a good travel-partner. If that works out, it could be fun. But, yeah, go alone if it doesn't. I think you will really enjoy yourself.

I suggest you pour over some paper maps to get a lay-of-the-land and can visualize better the places you want to see. There are more things worth seeing than I listed. Once you get an idea of what you want to explore on the way there, and the potential route you're planning on taking, come on back and we'll try to help you make this adventure as good as it can be.

Take care!

So, I"ve come up with my initial, very rough draft itinerary. I'm still trying to find a partner, since I do think it would fun with someone to "share the sights" with...But, I still very much want to make this trip ( NC to Idaho) in July one way or the other...Again, never having driven alone for more than 3 hours before, I"m not sure whether I am being completely and utterly naive about driving 2500 miles!!!! Actually, I"m sure I am being a biti naive but.....as a magnet in my fridge quotes " Life is short and the world is wide"!!!!!
So, Here is my rough draft route:

Raleigh/Durham NC to Nasheville
Nasheville to St Louis
St Louis to Kansas City
Kansas City to .......??
?? to Denver
Denver to....??
?? to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City to Boise, Idaho

Again, given that I've never traveled all that far alone ( although I have driven many times with my husband from Raliegh, NC to Ocala Florida- about 9.5 hours) I'm not sure whether this is completely ridiculous or not. I actually think I might be able to do Denver to Boise in one day, but I"m not sure, that may be really overestimating my fatigue factor by that point, especially if I'm alone.
Any suggestion would be great- honest feedback needed, since I am a complete newbie. I am planning on giving myself 7-8 days to do the drive although I could extend it to 9 if need be, since I'm going only one way and then flying back from boise.
Also, any suggestions on rental car companies?? I do have AAA
thanks so much!!
Birdy

If thinking of this trip as one huge solo RoadTrip is giving you cause for concern. think of it as several shorter trips instead. And treat it as such. For example, on your first day, Raleigh to Nashville is a significant drive at 540 miles. But Raleigh to Great Smoky Mountains is only a little over 300. So treat this as a drive to the National Park. When you get there, reward yourself. Get out of the car, enjoy the scenery. take a hike in the fresh air. Stop Driving. After you've had an hour or so to recharge body and soul, make another short drive of around 230 miles to Nashville. Do the same each day. Find some place, even if it's only a small town, to take a real mental break from the driving aspect of the trip and enjoy the relaxation, sight-seeing, learning, and especially the enjoyment aspects. Less work, More fun.

Your choices for where to stay between Kansas City and Denver are a little limited, but towns that are approximately half way between them and have choices of places to stay for the night include Salina, Russell, Hays, and WaKeeny, with the edge going to Hays. Between Denver and Salt Lake City, your choice of overnight stop will largely depend on which route you take. If you take the Interstate route of I-25 north to Cheyenne and then I-80 west, Rawlins, WY is your only choice. If you go by the more direct, but largely non-Interstate route of US-40, Craig, CO and Vernal, UT are your only choices, but neither is really close to the halfway point. To be honest, Denver to Salt Lake City is not that much farther than Raleigh to Nashville, and you could probably make this segment in one day if you pace yourself and take a few 'mental health breaks' from driving during the day.

I've rented from just about all the major and mid-major rental car companies, and haven't found that much difference between them. So you can make your decision strictly on price and feel comfortable that it will be a solid transaction. Just be sure to read all the fine print regarding geographic restrictions, taxes, and any add-on charges so that you're comparing apples with apples and you'll be fine

AZBuck

I like that, AZBuck! I agree with some of what AZBuck wrote. That first paragraph is great advise. And I'm sure he's accurate on the car rentals.

But I disagree with him about the Denver-Boise leg. Do NOT drive Denver to Boise in one day. It's about 835 miles. Way too far for a novice road-tripper at the end of a roadtrip when you're probably a bit fatigued.

Raleigh to Nashville is about 535. Much more reasonable. Especially since it's the beginning of your trip when you're still fresh.

I also disagree with him on where to stay. If you take the I-25, then I-80, you can stay in Evanston, WY, which is just over the 1/2 way mark between Denver and Boise at 455 miles from Denver. This is a relatively easy day's drive and will only leave you about 380 miles to Boise the next day. Hotels in Evanston include the following chains: Motel 6, Howard Johnson, Holiday Inn Express, Economy Inn, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Best Western, and America's Best Value Inn. I think this sounds like an ideal stopping point.

I see no advantage to taking the alternate route through Vernal. It's only 5 miles shorter and, since you're not on the interstates, your driving speed will be a tad slower. Also, since you're a first-time road-tripper, I just think the peace-of-mind of being on the interstates where you're going to have services more often along your way would be worth doing the I-25/I-80 route.

Whenever you stay in/near a city, stay on the far side (that is the western side closest to Denver). The last thing anyone wants to deal with in the morning when trying to get on the road is heavy commuter traffic. So stay on the far side so that you'll be leaving the city when everybody else is trying to get in to go to work. It starts your day off much better.

Get all the guidebooks from AAA that you can that cover your route. Maps, too. You should be able to find hotels most anywhere along your route with them.

Please don't talk yourself out of doing this. You won't regret it. I have a feeling that you'll discover more than just the sights of America on this trip.

wow! thanks for all the information!
I do think that AZ was referring to the drive from Denver to Salt Lake, not Denver to Boise, though. Yeah...Denver to Boise in one day would be just tad bit too much for my travel fatigued fanny, me thinks... ; ) But, I could do Denver to Salt Lake, now that I think about it, since it really isn't much longer than Raliegh to Nashville.
I also really really like the idea of thinking about it as a series of short trips instead of looking at the whole picture. I think that is what tends to scare me the most- thinking about 8 days of driving, possibly by myself ....but thinking about it as a series of short trips seems much more do-able.I am very familiar with the NC mountains and it would be a good idea to stop in the Asheville area on my first day, get some lunch, see some sights, then take the "short" 270 mile trip to Nasheville! I like that kind of thinking...
I"ve got several possibilities for travel partners at this point, but either way, I am determined to do this....I really appreciate all the moral support from you guys. I've got several female friends, too, who have been wonderfully supportive and have given me the courage to undertake this.
I do believe that I can discover much on this trip- both about the external terrain I'll be traveling.....but also the internal terrain that I'll be exploring.
thanks! I'll continue to post as I get clearer about my itinerary.
Birdy

I'm glad that you're looking more comfortable with this trip idea. Why don't you try taking some 1 day trips before the many days of short trips trip? Like drive 200 miles away to something you've always wanted to stop and see, but never taken the opportunity and then turn around and go home. It will help you to judge what you're capable of in one day. Like - I know that I can drive from Keithville to New Mexico in one day, but can't sustain that type of schedule for more than one day. I'm just too tired the next day.

I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your itenerary. I've never really traveled in those parts of the country - but I'm really good at moral support. :)

Laura

i would definitely go for it as well....

before last october, the farthest that i had driven was columbus, ga to see my buddy down there (like extended family). i felt a bit apprehensive as well. the main thing is to always have a backup plan, in case you have car troubles.

be sure that you have plenty of money to go around, not just for gas and hotels, but also for places/sites that you would like to see on the way there and back.

above all else, have fun. you will enjoy yourself if you love driving. when i got back, i felt like a changed man myself. i felt very at peace with myself.

thanks again one and all for the moral support! I have, in the last week, talked myself in and out of this trip about 50 times!! sheeesh..... :b
I had some options for travel partners but they are falling through. I've considered the fatigue factor as well ( as laura talked about) and will think about taking some long "day trips" to prepare myself. My problem is, my husband always does the driving on long trips and he isn't coming with me for this trip. The longest trip where I've done all the driving was recently, when I drove from NC to mid-georgia- about 7 hours- stayed one day and drove back 7 hours. I was tired, but OK ( but also not alone on the trip)
Anyway....I continue to think of options for this first solo road trip....One option I just considered- in order to cut down on the solo drive time for my first time- is to fly out to Denver, then rent a car and drive the rest of the way to Boise. I'd give myself about 4 days so I could stop and see the cool sights along the way. One way tickets are pretty cheap and I can get a pretty good deal on some rental cars so......As you can see, I'm still in the planning stages but I'm still determined!!
As a matter of fact, I just purchased my one way ticket back from Boise to Raliegh, NC so I feel like I've made the first step towards making this a reality!!!
Any suggestions for the Denver area and the drive would be great!!
Birdy

I got my license when I was 20 (late bloomer here), totalled my parent's car in a serious wreck (not my fault) almost immediately and purchased my very first car in December after I'd turned 21. Guess what my first real drive in my car was? A 5 hour drive back to school in New Orleans in my brand new (to me) car. I was scared to death - never driven out of town alone, still in pain from the wreck, etc. But my Dad convinced me that I'd never go anywhere if I didn't go this time. Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet. I managed to put almost 8,000 miles on that car in the first 5 months I owned it. I think I managed to get over my fright. :)

So - I guess I'm trying to say - don't let your lack of experience and fright get the better of you.

Good job on the plane ticket. You seemed to have your heart set on driving to Boise, so don't give up on that dream yet.

Laura

Absolutely agree with Laura - just go for it - if the worst happend and you end up hating it (you won't) then it's an experience you can look back and laugh about in a weeks time, once you've arrived at your destination!

Don't worry too much about the fatigue either. Idon't mean just go out there and drive and drive, that's stupid - you need to keep it in mind when planning, but I found that I was having such a great time out on my own that I could have driven on and on and on!

Solo travel gives me an adrenaline rush that sustains me throughout the trip. It's when I get home that fatigue sets in. I need a day or two to recuperate because, yeah, I just keep going. The thrill of discovery makes it hard for me to stop for the night.

I think you've budgeted yourself enough days so that fatigue shouldn't be a factor. I think you need to average about 300 miles per day. We typically recommend that people don't go over 500/day so you're well below that range. Breaking the drive up is important, too. I typically get up early and drive for 3-4 hours when I'm fresh or until I get to something intriguing. Then I might explore for 2-3 hours, then drive 2-3 more hours, then stop for dinner and relax for awhile, and then drive for another hour or so. The trick is not to drive to do it straight-thru but, rather, alternate driving with playing. You won't feel so tired then. And, if you do get tired, there's nothing wrong with stopping in a nice park for a bit of a nap or, at least, some people-watching and relaxation.

(Oh, pack a blanket and pillow so you can stretch out for a daytime nap somewhere. Even 15-20 minutes can make a huge difference. And also pack a comfortable fold-up chair or chaise to lounge in.)

Flying into Denver and just doing that drive is actually a great idea. It might not feel so daunting for your first trip and will give you a good taste. I bet you'll love it so much that you'll start planning your next road trip as soon as you get home!

I do have my heart set on doing some kind of solo road trip this summer and you all have been tremendous support to me thus far! Thanks so much!
After talking to my hubbie last night- who would so do the road trip with me if he had the kind of job where he could take off without giving them a years notice...oy...( I am self employed so I have freedom to take off when i want) - I have reorganized my trip to involve some fun with him and then still a chance to do my first solo drive!! Here is what we are thinking...

Fly out to Denver ( I'd get a one way, he'd get both ways) spend a couple of days there touring the sights. Then, he'd fly back and I'd take off ( rent a car) to spend the next 3 days taking my time driving up to Boise, Idaho. Might even go up into Wyoming and see if I can hit Yellowstone, if it's not too far. If not, I"ll do southern Wyoming, down into Salt Lake and then a relatively short drive up to Boise. Then spend the rest of my time ( 4 days) there with sister and Mom- then fly back with my Mother ( I already purchased that plane ticket)
I am astounded at some of the cheap one way ticket deals I have found online!! wow! Rental car deals abound too, so I am feeling more hopeful about this trip now. It's a good combination of sharing some of the sights with my sweetie, while also getting a chance to do my solo road trip....
Any feedback would be great....Have NO idea about Denver, never been there, so I better get crackin' on my research!!
Birdy

My family always gets a little worried about me when I take solo trips too.


To calm them down I always leave a mapped route with them. And I call every evening (and morning too if that makes you feel better) to check in and let them know I arrived at the next stop alive. That way, if something does happen and I don't call in, they will know where I was supposed to be.

And if you are concerned about getting worn out you may want to schedule an off day. Pick a stop somewhere along the way that you might enjoy and take a day off. Sleep in late, do a little sight seeing and get to bed early. That will help re-energize you. Especially if you decide not to fly to Denver and drive the whole way instead.

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Originally Posted by birdybird

I do have my heart set on doing some kind of solo road trip this summer and you all have been tremendous support to me thus far!

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Birdy, I know you are not a teenager, but you might find this article helpful -- because you can adapt some of the ideas and use them with your family.

Mark

Hey birdybird,
I've never done a long solo trip before, but your trip seems perfect to me! In your case, Boise is just the destination, but you have enough to be excited about-your journey! I am sure you will enjoy your drive & remember it for a long time to come too!
Take lots of pictures & share it with us here:)

cool

This sounds like an ideal way to have some fun with your husband and still get that solo trip in.

I'm not familiar enough with Denver to give you any tips for there. I've only just driven through it. Didn't even stop for lunch.

I suggest you start a different thread asking for things to do in Denver and the new route you're planning. People might think this thread is just about your other, longer solo trip and might not see that you need help with a different itinerary.

Happy planning!

How much did that cost you to go from Key West to San Diego?

yes, good idea to post a separate thread at this point, since my initial 8 day solo trip has changed a bit!!
Thanks so much for all your support, your words have really given me the courage I needed to do this! I am so excited....and SO glad I found this forum!!
birdy

Hi, I'm another vote for the fly to Denver (or Salt Lake City) and drive from there plan.

Of course, the first question is "what kind of things do you like" but failing an answer to that question here are a few ideas:

A show at Red Rocks Park. This is the most amazing outdoor amphitheater. http://www.redrocksonline.com/index.asp When I lived in Denver we went to several concerts there (Linda Ronstadt, Loggins and Messina, Judy Collins, etc.) The sound is amazing and the site of the towering red rock walls and the city beyond is unforgettable. But even if you can't coordinate a time to see a show, it is an interesting place to go look around. The last time we were there you could park and walk through the amphitheater any time.

Drive to the top of Mount Evans. Just west of Denver is one of the 52 14,000+ foot mountains in Colorado, and the only one (anywhere) with a paved road to the top. It is an interesting drive, and of course, the view is tremendous.

Denver Art Museum. The new wing of the art museum is open. The architecture is "unsual" and dramatic. The entire collection is good, but we found the Asian and Native American art especially fascinating.

Coors Field. One of the new "old style" ball parks, where the Colorado Rockies play.

Larimer Square. One of the classic restored old market/warehouse districts with fun shops and restaurants. The downtown pedestrian mall, which goes for blocks, starts here. Free shuttles run all the time so you don't have to walk if you don't want to.

Central City and Blackhawk. Gambling is available near Denver. Take I-70 up to the Central City exit, but come back via Hwy 6 through Golden for a pretty/dramatic drive (assuming it isn't night time). Central City is an old mining town and kind of fun, even if you don't gamble.

Coors Brewery. In the middle of Golden is the Coors brewery. The huge building is undecorated, monolithic concrete, but for Coors fans it is "the source."

There are a couple of amusement parks. Elitch Gardens is the new fancy park right downtown, but I like Lakeside which is a classic old park with a wooden roller coaster that passes right next to the lake.

Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak. About 70 miles south is this famous tourist area. If you have time it is worth the drive. Get a guidebook on "The Springs" and you'll find lots to spend your time and money on. The drive up Pikes Peak, which goes to the top but is gravel most of the way, is fun. Alternatively, you can take the cog railway to the top, 14,110 feet, which is less stressful. There is Wind Cave, the cute little town of Manitou Springs, the Air Force Academy chapel, and much more that I can't think of right now.

After Denver. Allowing yourself just 3 days means a quick drive through the Tetons and Yellowstone, if you can fit them in at all. Google puts it at 12 hours going from Denver thru Cheyenne thru Rawlins thru Jackson to Yellowstone. As you can see, it takes two days just to get there, and while you can drive right through the Tetons and still get a good feel for them (do it before noon because they face east and you'll want morning light), you'll want to spend at least a day at the geysers and have some time to hunt down bison, bears, elk or moose while you are in Yellowstone. Then Yellowstone to Boise is another 6.5 hours. Sounds like 4 days to me.

Alternatively, the Salt Lake City area has some nice things to see and do, too, but I've rattled on too long as it is.

Hard choices!

Regardless, you'll have fun.

Go for it! I think you will do fine.Dont stop in anyplace that you get bad vibes from.I drove from South Carolina to California last year and had a ball.Stop and smell the roses,and good luck to you.

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Originally Posted by BadByron

I drove from South Carolina to California last year and had a ball.Stop and smell the roses,and good luck to you.

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Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! What places surprised you the most on your epic road trip?

Mark

Just answered the sticky that I take 2-3 solo road trips per year. But, most of these have been one dayers. I'm working on two solo road trips this year (Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix and my Minnesota and take a left trip).

I'm just trying to clarify my answers.

Laura

Laura's post makes me think I should clarify my answer as well. I said that I take one solo trip/year. But that's not true. I was just thinking of longer, multi-day trips I take for pleasure. But I also attend at least 4 meetings per year that take me on the road to various corners of WA state. I usually spend 1-2 nights (depending on how far away the meeting is) before coming home. So those are road-trips, too. I also have a couple of family members that I might go visit for a 1-night stay several times a year. And I do numerous 1-day trips, some solo and some with company. So, I guess, in an average year I do something like a dozen solo trips per year, and some years even more than that. I don't know what I was thinking when I voted in the poll.

I do hope we're going to stick to counting 'pleasure' roadtrips... otherwise I'll do something like 250 or 300 solo roadtrips a year :s

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Originally Posted by UKCraig

I do hope we're going to stick to counting 'pleasure' roadtrips... otherwise I'll do something like 250 or 300 solo roadtrips a year :s

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The limiting criteria for what transforms a car drive into a road trip is not pleasure v. business -- merely the perception of what it is. 100% of my roadtrips in the last decade have all been for work purposes, (which I find to be pleasurable).

Mark