Born Free: What You Should Know About Taking a Solo Female Road Trip

Do you feel confined to your couch because you hesitate to explore alone? Remaining within your four walls offers safety but robs you of the chance to see all the world has to offer. You deserve to truly live, and the right preparation keeps you safer on a solo female road trip. Whether you “choose the bear” and rough it in the wild or enjoy a luxurious stay at an indulgent spa, having the gear and attitude you need opens doors to enjoying the time of your life. 

Outfitting Your Ride

There’s good news and bad for those on a solo female road trip. The good thing is it’s not only you who feels baffled when looking under the hood. Many newer cars have complex engines requiring specialty parts and tools to repair. While that sounds awful, in practical terms, it means that few outside licensed mobile mechanics whom you call can play white knight. 

Your best insurance against breakdowns is a roadside assistance plan, letting you assure passersby who may or may not be well-meaning that help is on the way. Contact your insurer to check your coverage or consider a third-party plan like Triple-A. Some policies only cover a certain number of miles from your home, which won’t help much if you break down in Kansas City on your way to L.A. from New York. 

That said, you’ll feel more comfortable if you know a few auto mechanic basics. Investigate signing up for non-credit courses at a community college or technical institute if you can’t tell a radiator from a lugnut. If you’re lucky enough to know someone with mechanical skills, you can ask them to give you a rundown on how to change a tire and check your oil and fluids. 

The right gear also makes your ride safer. Carry the following in your car: 

• A tire kit, including a spare, flares and triangles, a lug wrench, a jack you can use — test the one included with your car — headlamp, and a yellow safety vest for nighttime visibility.
• Small tools include a ratchet and socket set, various wrenches and screwdrivers, a mallet and clamps. 
• Extra fluids, including antifreeze and oil. 
• Plenty of water — one gallon per person per day. 
• Extra snacks, blankets and comfort items to make the wait for roadside assistance more bearable.
• A spare phone charger in case your battery dies so you can communicate with emergency services and others concerned about your safety.
• Protection. While a phone for calling emergency services may be your best safety gadget, training in self-defense with your weapon of choice can help you feel less vulnerable while awaiting help roadside. 

Choosing Lodging 

The right hotel makes you feel at home away from home. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your lodging to stay safe on your solo female road trip: 

• Read reviews: Go online and research the hotel’s safety record and what previous guests have said. Look up the crime rates in your chosen destination and understand the risks. 
• Understand the check-in procedures: Do they offer a keycard via their app if the lobby closes at a certain time? Does your Airbnb have a keycode to admit guests after hours, and what is the host’s policy on changing codes after each visit? 
• Check upon arrival: Does the establishment provide phones, posted exit procedures, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors? Are there any odd-looking electronics that may signal cameras? Report these to the host or front desk. 

Special Considerations for Car Campers 

You might skip the reservation and camp in your car or van. If so, finding safe parking is a must. While BLM lands in the west offer solitude for happy campers, reserving a campsite is ideal for those on a first-time solo female road trip who want the comfort of other families nearby. 

Stealth camping — basically, crashing in your car to sleep in a place not intended for that purpose — is another option, but recent crackdowns against homeless populations have made it trickier. However, you might find safe overnight parking at the following locations. Communication and remaining respectful are key. Talk to management when appropriate and get an okay first before catching some Zzzs at locations such as:

• Truck stops — do not park in the trucker’s spots. 
• Certain Walmart, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, Home Depot and Lowe’s locations 
• Rest areas — heavily patrolled ones are safer but often set a time limit. Be respectful.
• Many casinos operate 24 hours and allow overnight parking for a nominal fee. 

Stocking the Right Gear 

A few handy gadgets keep you safer and increase your confidence on a solo female road trip. Consider investing in the following: 

• A portable door lock installs on top of the one the hotel already uses, preventing a distracted employee from swiping a misguided or nefarious guest into your suite. 
• An under-the-door screecher alerts you if someone tries to enter your room while you sleep. 
• A hidden passport and money holder to keep your ID, high-limit credit cards and spare cash close to your body and hidden from pickpockets. 
• A satellite communicator is a must for solo female road trips that take you into the wild. 

Adopting the Mindset

The most important “tool” you need for a solo female road trip is the right mindset. First of all, forget the victim mentality. As Gavin de Becker writes in “Protecting the Gift,” you are a creature of nature, fully equipped to defend yourself, so stop pretending you’re helpless. Reading this book and “The Gift of Fear” before departing is perfect for getting in the right mental space. 

For example, Becker advises teaching your kids to actively seek help, preferably from a woman, not wait for someone to extend an offer when lost or in need of aid. Predators may seek potential victims, but your child is less likely to select such an individual when they decide who to approach. Guess what? This tip works for you, too. It puts you in charge instead of having to repeatedly say no to someone whose pleas of “just wanting to be nice” hide an ulterior motive. 

Practice situational awareness. Stay tuned into the moment and avoid losing yourself in your phone, even when looking up directions. Doing so keeps you safer from accidental injury, too, such as stepping off a curb into traffic. Avoid overconsuming alcohol in public and leaving your drink unattended — it’s better to order a fresh one than to risk a sip after returning from the restroom. 

Remain alert, but don’t let paranoia ruin your journey. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, follow your gut. Otherwise, remain open to new experiences while keeping a sober head on your shoulders.

Preparing for a Solo Female Road Trip

You were born free and deserve to get out there and experience the world. Taking the right preparatory steps before your first solo female road trip goes far toward keeping you safe and increasing your peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Gear up, remember your worth and hit the road to adventure.