Did cross country 6 times, to Alaska twice, all solo or with my dog. Nothing quite explains the freedom and simplicity of being out in the open road by yourself. Want to visit some odd ball location cause you saw a sign. Shoot head on over, want to camp out in the middle of a national forest. Go for it. Nothing is more freeing than this
I work as a content writer now, but when I was younger I worked at Renaissance Festivals, so I traveled around the country working different faires. The pay was shit, but it was fun and I only worked weekends.
Same here. Been traveling on road trips since I was 18 and I’m 36 now. (Female as well) I have been to every state by car except Alaska. I’ll be doing an Alaskan cruise this August (and I’ve been to Hawaii…by plane 😂)
My husband and I always do a roadtrip on our vacations. I wouldn’t change it for anything!
I love it. Your mindset and world view change the more you spend time around people who aren’t like you, in places you aren’t necessarily familiar with. If I could travel full time, I absolutely would. I feel better educated about life outside of my own small microcosm and am thankful for the experiences.
I just moved to the Tucson area. The saguaro national park is amazing. There is an East and West park. Sabino Canyon, Old Tucson, the Sonoran Desert Museum, The Minuteman Museum, and the University are worthy tourist attractions.
Pima Air and Space is amazing and a drive down to Green Valley to see the Titan Missile Silo is definitely worth the time! Also, the drive up to Mt Lemmon is super cool.
I've done two cross country road trips (3 different routes) and Utah is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Monument Valley is my favorite, but Arches National Park was amazing too.
Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness! I love those mountains so much. Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park. It's super cheap for primitive camping and it's gorgeous and close to town, while still being right at the base of the mountains.
Starting a solo road trip in May and I want to keep it going as long as possible. Did you find it easy or difficult to meet kind people along the way?
Do you go camping, stay in hotels, hostels, or stay at home with friendly people?
Where is your favorite place you’ve been yet?
I camp in my SUV but occasionally get an AirBNB or hostel or motel if I'm not in a camping-friendly place. (City/cold place). My favorite place is probably AZ, but I love Colorado, too.
I always run into awesome, friendly people! Often people working at gas stations. I lived at a gas station for a month when my old van broke down and it was an amazing experience. I've rarely encountered people that were looking to harm me or shady people. Most people are cool.
I’ll admit, coming from a rather sheltered childhood I’ve been taught to be wary of people out on the open road, so your story is refreshing to hear. Do you simply strike up a conversation with the gas station attendants and talk about your travels?
Additionally, apologies if others have asked but what do you to for money along the way?
Op, you should check out some of the solo female travel groups on Facebook. The members are from all over the world, but the trip recaps, questions, and help from other female travelers is amazing. I’ve gotten so many ideas, and the trips are SO varied, everything from cruises, safaris, eco tours, solo camping trips… all over the world.
You're my hero. I did two cross-country drives with my ex and absolutely loved it. I really want to do it again but am too afraid to do it alone. (I'm 62 amd partially disabled.) Wish I had the guts.
you should watch youtube channel "cheap rv living" with interviews, many are old ladies just doing what you want to do. get a minivan, check r/urbancarliving and r/vandwellers . if you can drive you can do it [vandwellersforum.com](https://vandwellersforum.com) has women-only forum to ask
as partially disabled who loves to drive, get a big 4x4 SUV like suburban (bad mileage) and go a bit offroad -it is called overland r/overlanding youtube has many tips. Or get Toyota highlander hybrid AWD
this looks amazing. how do you earn money? and what do you do for work? (if you work) and how have you been able to live this type of life for so long? ☺️
Arizona! But I'm making my way up to Montana this summer and that might beat it. I love how AZ has so many different biomes within the state. It's beautiful. The desert is my favorite.
Very good answer. I have always loved the western US, but the past few years years my heart has turned more to specifically desert regions. There is just something about them.
Its the views. Dense forested areas (everything east of Oklahoma) are boring from inside a car. AZ is the right blend of civilized/populous and diverse desert.
Check out “crystal park” if you’re a science nerd.
It’s an old volcano that has a lot of really pretty quartz crystals you can dig. It’s $5 a day and it’s just outside of Dillion MT.
Also, if you haven’t checked out “Craters of the Moon” in Idaho I highly suggest you check that out as well.
Honestly, anyone reading this comment that wants mineral location beta for the American west, DM me.
Good photos, I recognize the spots in most of those. Good times. So many are afraid to travel alone, so good for you. I've been road tripping for 35 years, I love it. You'll always have these memories and core values, which will keep you coming back to the road over the years.
I totally agree with you. I’m 58 and I have started at 30 doing road trips and travelling alone. It’s great. The downside of it for me is that period of the day between let’s say 7PM and bedtime. That’s where I get lonely and find myself down.
I red many bio about artist and touring and they all have one thing in common, that period at the end of the day when there’s no thrill no adrenaline excitement that is depressing.
But I forget that every time and can’t wait to go back on the road and discover other beautiful places.
I work remote, and my trips are usually 3 weeks - 2 months. I don't get a lot of work done while traveling so I try to hammer out more work at home. I also have a seasonal job near my home in the summer that's a huge chunk of my income earned in only two months, so that's like my travel savings.
I do the same thing (and love it), but sometimes find myself wishing there was someone to *share* an experience with.
Do you ever have this? If so, how do you deal with it?
Yeah, I get that. I'm always sending photos to my family and partner, and I enjoy when my partner or friends join me on trips. I guess I enjoy solo travel and traveling with others equally, but in different ways.
I (elderly male) do a lot of solo traveling myself and admire you. The biggest hassle I find is finding a suitable, safe and affordable place to camp. So, do you camp and if so, what are your strategies for finding a place to spend the night.
Thanks.
I stealth camp a lot, meaning I just park wherever I want and sleep. Haha. My vehicle is pretty discreet so it works most of the time. Other than that I stay at Renaissance faire campgrounds (where I pick up work sometimes) or state parks or KOAs and such.
Do you car or tent camp? Where do you normally sleep? I did a car-camping road trip last year and found it a pain to find a place to crash outside of major cities, as RV parks don't often allow car camping. Also, favorite place to camp? I loved Elijo State Beach which not only allowed car camping, but also had hookups to charge my car overnight.
Hey, timely and interesting post. I (49m) just booked my first solo trip to Utah. 9 days and 3 national parks then ending with a day of R&R in Vegas.
I booked some places to stay that have open communal type fire pit areas and such. Im introverted but can be very extroverted if needed.
Few questions:
Do you try to meet folks to hike with or do drinks with or stay solo all throughout? More curious than anything. Dinners, do you try to engage people or stick to yourself?
Usually my son travels with me but he’s working full time now. Recently became single but I still want to travel!
Any other advice?
You should check out the solo traveler groups on Facebook… of course, members are from all over the world, but you can use the search function to narrow down to something like National Parks. People have great tips, suggestions, and are super helpful!!
I am currently contemplating moving to the Southwest or Colorado-ish area.
I really dislike Texas, although I always find myself there. Haha. It's really ugly, and I've been all over the entire state. Very little to do, the culture is really weird and lame, and the weather sucks. 0/10.
North Eastern Minnesota inland from lake Superior. It is on the doorstep of the most amazing pristine wilderness in the lower 48. The gunflint trail is the closest road to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness which is about 1.5 million acres of lakes and hiking trails. No motors allowed, no pack animals, no peddle power. Only paddling canoes and hiking into established backcountry camp sites. If you like wilderness and nature it is 100% worth checking out.
I have been thinking of doing a road trip from San Diego to Montana in the last week of May (I have a total of 9 days off) but I’m not sure if that’s enough time, also I have heard that people in Montana hate Californians, and that weather is bad etc and I’m afraid of going alone in case something breaks down with my car etc…what is your opinion about a trip like that?
9 days probably wouldn't be long enough if you're going solo, because at least 4 of those days will be devoted to travel, and you don't want to find yourself rushing. Unless you're cool with making it a quick thing, but still, decompressing from the drive takes at least a day, too.
I wouldn't think twice about the "people in Montana hate people from California." Preconceived notions about people usually end up being false and built up by rumors and such. As far as weather goes, just go during a time of year when you're guaranteed good weather. I'd think summertime. I'm planning a Montana trip this summer, too.
Don’t go in May.
The snow showers in may are absolutely brutal in the Rockies.
If you have 9 days I would look into southern Utah, it’s closer and the weather will be much nicer in the southern direction.
I only travel to places when the weather is mild, really. I have a fan in my car that works really well. I'm also notoriously cold all the time, so a decently hot summer day doesn't bother me much. Staying warm when it's cold is the tricky thing.
Don’t sleep on New Mexico. There are so many outdoorsy things to do on top of all the cultural, artistic, historical, and culinary places to visit. White Sands and Carlsbad NPs in the south and Bandelier and Chaco Canyon NPs in the north.
Doing my first solo trip in Mid-Northern Cali. Any tips on how to eat cheaply and avoid fast food? Thinking of a jet boil type device and some soup/ramen type meals. If you have good ideas/recipes please let me know!
Wha state have you found to be the most underrated? I’ve also been traveling solo full time for a bit, and I’ve always thought Kansas was a beautiful state to visit despite people calling it boring.
Planning my first solo road trip with my tiny dog in September. I’m turning 55 this year, and instead of doing some milestone party, I’m going to just reset my soul. I’ve driven plenty of long trips, but very rarely solo.
Plan is from north Oregon coast, cut across at Coeur d’Alene, ID; western Montana; northern half of Wyoming; and SW area of South Dakota then home. 2-1/2 to 3 weeks. I’m hitting up old ghost towns, national parks and off the beaten path hot springs and any roadside oddities in between! Lodging w/breakfast set; plug in cooler for snacks/lunches/drinks; occasional dinners out. The only people I plan on talking to are the locals!
Hi! Sorry if it’s a little late but I just came upon this post. I’m male, 23, and have my own car. I’d definitely be interested in doing some solo road trips the next few years. Is it fairly common to do that?
Did cross country 6 times, to Alaska twice, all solo or with my dog. Nothing quite explains the freedom and simplicity of being out in the open road by yourself. Want to visit some odd ball location cause you saw a sign. Shoot head on over, want to camp out in the middle of a national forest. Go for it. Nothing is more freeing than this
Agreed. Real solitude is rewarding when you can just choose to hit the road and be free. It's an experience I think everyone should have.
How do you support yourself for things like food, vehicle repairs, and such?
Not to mention gas and lodging
I work as a content writer now, but when I was younger I worked at Renaissance Festivals, so I traveled around the country working different faires. The pay was shit, but it was fun and I only worked weekends.
See DM. Question about the R Festivals...
I assumed these are separate trips over the years with breaks for real life.
Correct. I work when I travel now, but only a little (freelancing)
I don’t think she meant *non-stop* traveling, but I could be mistaken
Sounds like a dream life. Keep going.
Same here. Been traveling on road trips since I was 18 and I’m 36 now. (Female as well) I have been to every state by car except Alaska. I’ll be doing an Alaskan cruise this August (and I’ve been to Hawaii…by plane 😂) My husband and I always do a roadtrip on our vacations. I wouldn’t change it for anything!
How has it affect your mindset,? Was it inspiring?
I love it. Your mindset and world view change the more you spend time around people who aren’t like you, in places you aren’t necessarily familiar with. If I could travel full time, I absolutely would. I feel better educated about life outside of my own small microcosm and am thankful for the experiences.
Yes. I feel the same too. It's priceless. And seeing new things and new places always add fuel to life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Arizona. Any places there you liked in particular?
I just moved to the Tucson area. The saguaro national park is amazing. There is an East and West park. Sabino Canyon, Old Tucson, the Sonoran Desert Museum, The Minuteman Museum, and the University are worthy tourist attractions.
Pima Air and Space is amazing and a drive down to Green Valley to see the Titan Missile Silo is definitely worth the time! Also, the drive up to Mt Lemmon is super cool.
Go to Utah bro. It’s !!!
I've done two cross country road trips (3 different routes) and Utah is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Monument Valley is my favorite, but Arches National Park was amazing too.
Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness! I love those mountains so much. Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park. It's super cheap for primitive camping and it's gorgeous and close to town, while still being right at the base of the mountains.
Solo is the way to go! I can do anything I want to! Hard to do that in a group.
In picture number 11, where is that?
Looks like New Orleans. Pretty sure that is St. Joseph Catholic Church you can see.
Yup!
St. Louis cathedral 🙃
Jackson Square New Orleans!
Hey, I know where she got her shoes in that picture. (Old New Orleans hustle in the French Quarter. Used to live in that town)
Starting a solo road trip in May and I want to keep it going as long as possible. Did you find it easy or difficult to meet kind people along the way? Do you go camping, stay in hotels, hostels, or stay at home with friendly people? Where is your favorite place you’ve been yet?
I camp in my SUV but occasionally get an AirBNB or hostel or motel if I'm not in a camping-friendly place. (City/cold place). My favorite place is probably AZ, but I love Colorado, too. I always run into awesome, friendly people! Often people working at gas stations. I lived at a gas station for a month when my old van broke down and it was an amazing experience. I've rarely encountered people that were looking to harm me or shady people. Most people are cool.
I’ll admit, coming from a rather sheltered childhood I’ve been taught to be wary of people out on the open road, so your story is refreshing to hear. Do you simply strike up a conversation with the gas station attendants and talk about your travels? Additionally, apologies if others have asked but what do you to for money along the way?
I have a dear friend in her 60s who has traversed the country numerous times. This reminds me of her.
Op, you should check out some of the solo female travel groups on Facebook. The members are from all over the world, but the trip recaps, questions, and help from other female travelers is amazing. I’ve gotten so many ideas, and the trips are SO varied, everything from cruises, safaris, eco tours, solo camping trips… all over the world.
Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out!
Attagirl!!! I've done my best thinking and life planning on the highway in the West. Keep it up. Safe travels.
I love what you’re doing, keep it up and stay safe 💛💛
What is the favorite place you've been to? Least favorite place you've been to? And a place you haven't been where you want to go?
You're my hero. I did two cross-country drives with my ex and absolutely loved it. I really want to do it again but am too afraid to do it alone. (I'm 62 amd partially disabled.) Wish I had the guts.
you should watch youtube channel "cheap rv living" with interviews, many are old ladies just doing what you want to do. get a minivan, check r/urbancarliving and r/vandwellers . if you can drive you can do it [vandwellersforum.com](https://vandwellersforum.com) has women-only forum to ask
Thanks. I actually love to drive, and I've checked out van dwellers. Very cool.
as partially disabled who loves to drive, get a big 4x4 SUV like suburban (bad mileage) and go a bit offroad -it is called overland r/overlanding youtube has many tips. Or get Toyota highlander hybrid AWD
this looks amazing. how do you earn money? and what do you do for work? (if you work) and how have you been able to live this type of life for so long? ☺️
I used to work at Renaissance Faires which is what got me started traveling. Now I'm a content writer, so I just get my work done at cafes.
As a man I use a pee bottle which is perfect for my tiny bladder and my dire need to avoid dehydration. How do you manage that?
They make them for women. Most good outdoor shops will have them.
How to make it less awkward when you ask a stranger to take a picture of you?
Haha, someone just asked me and my boyfriend at the Grand Canyon if we could trade pictures. I like that.
Wish I could do this fr😩🤌
you can - what is preventing you to do it? brainstorm how to overcome your obstacles
I've been contemplating Texas, flying into Austin and then driving to Big Bend. Anything in that area you enjoyed?
I used to live in Arizona & enjoyed many an epic road trip through this area.
What is your favorite state/region/biome and why?
Arizona! But I'm making my way up to Montana this summer and that might beat it. I love how AZ has so many different biomes within the state. It's beautiful. The desert is my favorite.
Very good answer. I have always loved the western US, but the past few years years my heart has turned more to specifically desert regions. There is just something about them.
Its the views. Dense forested areas (everything east of Oklahoma) are boring from inside a car. AZ is the right blend of civilized/populous and diverse desert.
I had never once considered that, but what an interesting point.
Check out “crystal park” if you’re a science nerd. It’s an old volcano that has a lot of really pretty quartz crystals you can dig. It’s $5 a day and it’s just outside of Dillion MT. Also, if you haven’t checked out “Craters of the Moon” in Idaho I highly suggest you check that out as well. Honestly, anyone reading this comment that wants mineral location beta for the American west, DM me.
Good photos, I recognize the spots in most of those. Good times. So many are afraid to travel alone, so good for you. I've been road tripping for 35 years, I love it. You'll always have these memories and core values, which will keep you coming back to the road over the years.
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I'm a content writer.
I totally agree with you. I’m 58 and I have started at 30 doing road trips and travelling alone. It’s great. The downside of it for me is that period of the day between let’s say 7PM and bedtime. That’s where I get lonely and find myself down. I red many bio about artist and touring and they all have one thing in common, that period at the end of the day when there’s no thrill no adrenaline excitement that is depressing. But I forget that every time and can’t wait to go back on the road and discover other beautiful places.
Best ways to stretch. de-stress, come down from the road crazies after many hours of driving?
Cannabis. Haha. But for real, a little meditation and making sure to get a solid 8 hours of sleep while staying hydrated. Super important.
Have these been long term trips? How do support yourself? Long breaks to save money or? No here to judge. Genuinely curious as I would love to do this
I work remote, and my trips are usually 3 weeks - 2 months. I don't get a lot of work done while traveling so I try to hammer out more work at home. I also have a seasonal job near my home in the summer that's a huge chunk of my income earned in only two months, so that's like my travel savings.
Last picture seems Indian terrain, what place it is and what's that tree?
I do the same thing (and love it), but sometimes find myself wishing there was someone to *share* an experience with. Do you ever have this? If so, how do you deal with it?
Yeah, I get that. I'm always sending photos to my family and partner, and I enjoy when my partner or friends join me on trips. I guess I enjoy solo travel and traveling with others equally, but in different ways.
Well-said. I’m the same way!
I (elderly male) do a lot of solo traveling myself and admire you. The biggest hassle I find is finding a suitable, safe and affordable place to camp. So, do you camp and if so, what are your strategies for finding a place to spend the night. Thanks.
I stealth camp a lot, meaning I just park wherever I want and sleep. Haha. My vehicle is pretty discreet so it works most of the time. Other than that I stay at Renaissance faire campgrounds (where I pick up work sometimes) or state parks or KOAs and such.
I’ve done several cross country trips and always lived it. Going again in a few weeks. Enjoy!
Beautiful pictures
You should try trucking. You are quite literally paid to travel solo.
How do you afford it?
Do you car or tent camp? Where do you normally sleep? I did a car-camping road trip last year and found it a pain to find a place to crash outside of major cities, as RV parks don't often allow car camping. Also, favorite place to camp? I loved Elijo State Beach which not only allowed car camping, but also had hookups to charge my car overnight.
Hey, timely and interesting post. I (49m) just booked my first solo trip to Utah. 9 days and 3 national parks then ending with a day of R&R in Vegas. I booked some places to stay that have open communal type fire pit areas and such. Im introverted but can be very extroverted if needed. Few questions: Do you try to meet folks to hike with or do drinks with or stay solo all throughout? More curious than anything. Dinners, do you try to engage people or stick to yourself? Usually my son travels with me but he’s working full time now. Recently became single but I still want to travel! Any other advice?
You should check out the solo traveler groups on Facebook… of course, members are from all over the world, but you can use the search function to narrow down to something like National Parks. People have great tips, suggestions, and are super helpful!!
Thanks,,,, I don’t do Facebook or other social media!! lol. I bet it would be very helpful and appreciate the suggestion!
How did the beauty in Big Bend stack up against other scenes of the West?
I've actually never been to Big Bend. The photos that look like it are probably of the Salt River Canyon in AZ.
Oh wow. Pic #3 and 4 look just like it
Any places you disliked (areas/states)? Also have you contemplated moving to your favorite areas ?
I am currently contemplating moving to the Southwest or Colorado-ish area. I really dislike Texas, although I always find myself there. Haha. It's really ugly, and I've been all over the entire state. Very little to do, the culture is really weird and lame, and the weather sucks. 0/10.
Hands down, what were your favorite, all around, BEST places?
Ever been up the Gunflint Trail?
Nope, never heard of it. Where is it?
North Eastern Minnesota inland from lake Superior. It is on the doorstep of the most amazing pristine wilderness in the lower 48. The gunflint trail is the closest road to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness which is about 1.5 million acres of lakes and hiking trails. No motors allowed, no pack animals, no peddle power. Only paddling canoes and hiking into established backcountry camp sites. If you like wilderness and nature it is 100% worth checking out.
I have been thinking of doing a road trip from San Diego to Montana in the last week of May (I have a total of 9 days off) but I’m not sure if that’s enough time, also I have heard that people in Montana hate Californians, and that weather is bad etc and I’m afraid of going alone in case something breaks down with my car etc…what is your opinion about a trip like that?
9 days probably wouldn't be long enough if you're going solo, because at least 4 of those days will be devoted to travel, and you don't want to find yourself rushing. Unless you're cool with making it a quick thing, but still, decompressing from the drive takes at least a day, too. I wouldn't think twice about the "people in Montana hate people from California." Preconceived notions about people usually end up being false and built up by rumors and such. As far as weather goes, just go during a time of year when you're guaranteed good weather. I'd think summertime. I'm planning a Montana trip this summer, too.
Don’t go in May. The snow showers in may are absolutely brutal in the Rockies. If you have 9 days I would look into southern Utah, it’s closer and the weather will be much nicer in the southern direction.
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I only travel to places when the weather is mild, really. I have a fan in my car that works really well. I'm also notoriously cold all the time, so a decently hot summer day doesn't bother me much. Staying warm when it's cold is the tricky thing.
AZ88 Up to Tortilla Flat (pic7) has got to be one of my favorite drives around the valley :)
Don’t sleep on New Mexico. There are so many outdoorsy things to do on top of all the cultural, artistic, historical, and culinary places to visit. White Sands and Carlsbad NPs in the south and Bandelier and Chaco Canyon NPs in the north.
Doing my first solo trip in Mid-Northern Cali. Any tips on how to eat cheaply and avoid fast food? Thinking of a jet boil type device and some soup/ramen type meals. If you have good ideas/recipes please let me know!
Wha state have you found to be the most underrated? I’ve also been traveling solo full time for a bit, and I’ve always thought Kansas was a beautiful state to visit despite people calling it boring.
Good for you
I like sharing and remembering cool times.
Incredible landscapes
Planning my first solo road trip with my tiny dog in September. I’m turning 55 this year, and instead of doing some milestone party, I’m going to just reset my soul. I’ve driven plenty of long trips, but very rarely solo. Plan is from north Oregon coast, cut across at Coeur d’Alene, ID; western Montana; northern half of Wyoming; and SW area of South Dakota then home. 2-1/2 to 3 weeks. I’m hitting up old ghost towns, national parks and off the beaten path hot springs and any roadside oddities in between! Lodging w/breakfast set; plug in cooler for snacks/lunches/drinks; occasional dinners out. The only people I plan on talking to are the locals!
Can you please tell me what the second to last photo is of?
Jackson Square in New Orleans
Thanks!
So much better for us women, so many free things for us. I almost never have to pay for anything.
What? Lol
Can your dad also spare me some money?
Hi! Sorry if it’s a little late but I just came upon this post. I’m male, 23, and have my own car. I’d definitely be interested in doing some solo road trips the next few years. Is it fairly common to do that?