You'll all be pleased to hear that Birdybird made it back in one piece - read her updates here on the field report forum.
Printable View
You'll all be pleased to hear that Birdybird made it back in one piece - read her updates here on the field report forum.
I took my first solo trip from Indiana to Virginia when I was 18. I love to travel by myself! (I don't get to do it to often now)You can stop when and where you want, great for soul searching and praying, listen to what type of music you want.
First map out your trip and I keep a small list of roads I am looking for within easy reaching distance. I have also found if I think I am lost to stop at a busy gas station and ask, people are usual very helpful. Just always remember if it doesn't feel right go on. Don't put yourself in harms way. I have never had any problems as a woman traveling by myself, but I always look around and check things out too.
Stay in hotels close to the interstate, easy on and off and are usually safe. Also they are close to where the food is. You can also take a cooler and snacks, save some money and time.
I love to travel and I think with the right planning you will love it to.
Alice Zyetz has listed some great resources for anyone considering taking a solo road trip adventure in her latest column, published a few moments ago.... Look at reason #8 for that list.
Mark
Sounds like you are planning a great trip. Just also wanted to encourage you about travelling solo. I am female 44 yrs old, and have done many driving trips throughout North America without incident. I sleep in my car at truck stops, etc. No problems whatsoever. Of course, my family thinks I am nuts and worries about me. Some great tips have been provided.Another suggestion if out hiking in the desert or on a walk through town - attach a whistle to your key chain or waist pouch. There may be many areas your cellphone will not have a signal.Have fun. Be sure to post a trip report when you get back.
Go Go Go Go Go! Do not stop!
This summer I will be taking my first solo road trip from San Jose, CA to Cleveland, OH. I wanted to do the trip with someone but not many people I know in California have much interest in a one-way ride to Cleveland, and no one I know in Cleveland has the time or money to fly out to California and spend a couple weeks on the road with me. So I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll be making the trek alone.
The part I'm most worried about is lodging. I want to sleep for cheap but I don't want to end up in sketchy roadside motels where I don't feel safe. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to find cheap, secure hotels? I plan on taking Route 66 all the way up to Chicago and then I-90 after that into Cleveland. So if you have any suggestions for specific places to stay along that route that would be awesome, too!
Any other advice for a 20-something female first time road tripper that you might have would be similarly appreciated. Thank you!
Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum!
For me it really comes down to instincts. If I'm in an area that I don't feel safe in, then I don't consider lodging there. In earlier days, I did occasionally stay in areas that weren't the most desirable, but even then I didn't have a problem. Now, however, I'm more diligent before settling in for the night. It can be rough, especially if it has been a long day, to keep the guard up, which is why I recommend stopping well before reaching the point of exhaustion to keep your wits about you.Quote:
Originally Posted by clevelandchica
This current thread is definitely a good place to start.Quote:
Any other advice for a 20-something female first time road tripper that you might have would be similarly appreciated. Thank you!
Hello!
I'm heartened that my original post is STILL active!!
while i'm not a 20-somethinger any longer, I hope I can still be helpful re: advice about traveling alone.
Lodging was DEFINITELY my biggest concern. I didn't want to risk staying in places that made me feel unsafe in any way, thereby possibly dampening my overall experience. So, while I tried to stay on the "cheap" side of lodging, I also had to weigh the $$ issue with what I was trying to achieve- which was to have a fabulous time on my first ever solo road trip. So, after mulling everything over, I decided to err on the side of caution and look for hotels/lodging that were a little bit more of the mid-higher grade type. Yes, I had to readjust my budget, which was pretty tight to begin with. But the peace of mind that I had, knowing that my destination for that days travel would be safe, by my standards anyway, was invaluable.
I got most of my lodging info by going on to trip advisor and seeing what hotels were available along my route, and then checking on the feedback/reveiws that folks leave. My experience with trip advisor has only been good so far. The feedback has been almost 100% right on every time i book something based on their reviews. So, use them as a guideline when booking for your trip. There was a pretty low priced LaQuinta Inn that I stayed at on my trip that I would have otherwise overlooked, due to it's location next to the freeway, and that there were other "higher end" hotels right near it. AS it turned out, that was one of the best places I stayed on my trip! Clean, friendly and I felt ultra safe there.
As others have said, in the end, you don't really need more than the basic commen sense that you always use in daily life. As somebody said to me here on this board last year, wherever you are, you are in somebody's home town, and most places ( with a few exceptions) are safe- just use normal common sense and that will be enough.
Good Luck planning your trip!
I think one answering option is missing: I have not tried a solo trip yet, but I want to in the future.
This is true for me!
Of course you can do it. It is important to do. Don't just do though because you want to overcome something do it because it is a wonderful journey and experience. Just be smart and careful about it too. I joined this site looking for and hoping to contribute basic recommendations. So here's what I have for you:
1. Never stop for gas/food unless you can see the station/restaurant from the road. The only exception is if you are stopping for scenic stops.
2. If you think about filling up for gas as you get low do it. Don't "hope" for gas stop at the next exit. Invariably the next exit will be 30 miles away without services.
3. Be friendly but trust no one.
4. Finally, comedy cd's go a long way.