Solo Travel Advice

On my adventures, I discovered a deep love for solo travel. The experience has been incredibly rewarding and empowering. Transitioning from living at home with my parents to traveling the country alone was a huge leap, but the freedom and lack of serious responsibilities have been so liberating. However, it's crucial to safeguard your safety and peace of mind.

Trust your instincts

My most important piece of advice, though it might sound broad, is to trust your instincts. I have a tendency to see the best in people, which can make me pretty naive at times. But on the road, you learn to recognize and trust that uneasy feeling in your gut. Listening to that inner voice, when it signals something is right or wrong, safe or unsafe is so important.

During my travels, there were numerous times when I had to move on from a place because something didn’t feel right. And let's be real, it’s never fun to pack up and leave, especially late at night, but it’s always better to deal with tiredness the next day than to risk being in an unsafe situation. Here are a few ways to stay vigilant to protect your peace; 

1. Situational Awareness: Pay attention if a place feels off, whether it's a street that's too quiet or someone who's overly persistent. Your brain processes subtle cues, alerting you to potential issues. 

2. Decision-Making: When faced with choices, like whether to join a group for dinner or take a different route, your instincts can help weigh the risks and benefits. If something seems too good to be true or doesn't sit right, reconsider.

3. Safety and Comfort: Your instincts help you prioritize safety. If a situation or place feels unsafe, even if you can’t pinpoint why, your instincts are alerting you to potential danger.

4. Reading People: Instincts can gauge others' intentions. If someone seems overly friendly too quickly or their behavior makes you uneasy, it might be wise to be cautious.

5. Adapting Plans: Sometimes, your instincts might prompt you to alter your plans, like leaving a place earlier than planned or avoiding certain areas. Staying attuned to your surroundings allows you to adjust as needed.

In essence, trusting your instincts means tuning into your feelings and reactions. It’s a mix of past experiences, personal knowledge, and subconscious signals that guide you through the world more safely and effectively.

Stay Connected

During my travels, I used various methods to keep my loved ones informed. I love apps like Life360 which allow people back home to track my location 24/7. This free app provided peace of mind, knowing that if something happened, my family and friends could pinpoint my location. However, it’s crucial to remember that these apps don’t work without reception.

When I did anticipate losing reception and couldn’t be tracked, I would send a text to someone at home with a rough plan of my whereabouts. This way, even if I couldn’t reach out or be tracked, my loved ones had a general idea of where I would be and for how long they wouldn't be able to see my live location. 

I also suggest using technology to update loved ones in other ways. For example, there was a time when I was heading into a national park with someone I had just met and knew I wouldn’t have cell service. Before leaving, I shared details like the number plate, car model, and name of this new person. While it turned out to be a safe experience, having that extra layer of security was valuable.

Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible

When I first started traveling, I meticulously planned my itineraries and had a clear list of what I wanted to see and do in each place. However, as I became more comfortable on the road, I found that sticking rigidly to those plans often gave way to spontaneous adventures. That said, having a rough idea of your destination, including an understanding of local customs, transportation options, and accommodations, remains crucial. This basic groundwork helps you navigate more smoothly and adapt more easily.

1. Adapt to Changing Circumstances: Travel often comes with surprises, weather changes, unexpected closures, or altered schedules. Approach these challenges with a positive attitude and adjust your plans as needed. Flexibility can turn potential setbacks into exciting new adventures.

2. Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and updates that may affect your plans. Being aware of current events, local holidays, or any changes in travel advisories can help you adjust your plans accordingly.

3. Reflect and Adjust: Periodically review your plans and experiences. If you find that certain aspects are not as enjoyable as expected or if new interests arise, don’t hesitate to adjust your itinerary. Travel is as much about discovering new things as it is about exploring planned destinations.

Here are some additional tips for a safe and enjoyable road trip

1. Keep an Extra Car Key: Store a spare key in a lockbox on the outside of your van. I had one on top of my roof basket, and it came in handy when I accidentally locked my keys inside the van lol. It’s a real lifesaver if you find yourself without reception and are unable to get help and need to get back into your vehicle.

1. Avoid Staying in the Same Spot Too Long: While it’s fine to stay at campsites for multiple nights, when stealth camping, try not to stay in the same spot for too long. Moving around regularly helps avoid drawing unwanted attention.

2. Keep Valuables Out of Sight: This is a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. Keep your valuables hidden to avoid attracting thieves and reduce the risk of theft.

3. Design Your Setup for Quick Access: If possible, arrange your vehicle's interior so you can get into the driver’s seat without exiting the vehicle. I designed mine so I could move from the bed to the front seat easily. This setup gives peace of mind if you need to drive away quickly.

4. Move to Another Campsite if Alone: If you find yourself at a campsite with no one else around, consider moving to another site. My mom suggested this, and I followed her advice most of the time. Safety is often found in numbers, and it’s better to drive a bit further to a safer spot.

5. Reverse into Parking Spots: When parking overnight, reverse into your spot so you can drive away quickly if needed. This simple maneuver can make a big difference in an emergency.

6. Keep the Passenger Seat Empty: Leave the passenger seat open to create the appearance that someone else is traveling with you. This can help deter potential intruders.

7. For Female Travelers: If you’re traveling alone, try not to make it obvious. Consider leaving men’s items, like underwear or work boots, visible in your van. It can create the illusion that you have a traveling companion. I know a lot of people also like to have two camping chairs set up instead of one. 

8. Store Items Away at Night: Put everything away before bedtime so you don’t have to pack up in a hurry if an emergency arises. Keeping your space organized helps in a pinch.

9. Delay Social Media Posts: Avoid posting your real-time location on social media. I wait two weeks to share my travels online. While it might be inconvenient, it offers added security.

10. Handle Unsettling Encounters Wisely: If you meet someone who seems off, mention that you’re meeting someone in the next town. This can help protect your safety and avoid uncomfortable situations.

11. Install an Alarm System: Consider installing an alarm system in your van. Many solo travelers use key fob alarms that can trigger a loud noise to deter potential intruders. This added security feature not only helps scare off anyone with ill intentions but also provides peace of mind while you sleep.

Solo travel can be incredibly rewarding and empowering. Enjoy the freedom and the chance to discover new things about yourself and the world but stay safe and vigilant at the same time x