Solo road trip: The ultimate planning guide

• Smart road-trip planning steps include driving the right car, following a budget, and taking breaks to rest and refuel
• Safety first: Solo road trippers shouldn’t travel without phone chargers, power banks, and essentials like food and water
• Popular solo road trip ideas include coastal US, Australia, Iceland, Scotland, and South Africa

Embarking on a solo road trip can be an exciting and empowering adventure. You have the freedom to plan your route, stop as little or as often as you wish, eat wherever and whatever you choose – ultimately, experience the world on your terms. Because the possibilities are endless, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed during the planning process. From deciding what to bring to choosing the destination and the best car to drive, there’s so much to consider.

When it comes to hitting the road—especially by yourself—preparation is key to ensuring your solo road trip is as smooth, safe, and enjoyable as possible. We cover everything you need to know, including packing essentials, safety tips, and road trip destination ideas.

How to plan a solo road trip: 6 top tips

1. Make a budget plan for food, gas, and accommodation

Setting a budget is the first step in successfully planning any trip. Factor in the cost of gas, food, and accommodation for every day you’re traveling, and be sure to leave room for some spontaneity – be it an enticing roadside attraction or a charming diner that catches your eye.

Unromantic as it may sound, budgeting helps keep your expenses in check so you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time worrying about how much everything will add up to.

2. Decide how far you want to drive each day

Solo road-tripping means you decide just how far you travel each day. Above all, it’s important to pace yourself. Set a daily driving limit so you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed.

3. Map out your route

Your driving route is one of the most significant factors of your trip: It determines what terrain you drive on and what sights you see along the way. Mapping your journey keeps you on track and helps incorporate detours you hope to take during the ride, like cutting through a national park or passing a local landmark.

4. Build in breaks

Road trips involve long stretches of driving, which can become even more pronounced when doing it alone. Be sure to take lots of breaks during the ride—ideally every two or three hours—so you can rest your eyes, stretch your legs, fuel up on snacks, and sightsee. In addition to staving off fatigue, breaks allow you to stop and enjoy your surroundings, even if it’s just a brief pause to catch the sunset or grab a warm drink from a local café.

5. Make a packing list

Creating a checklist is one of the easiest ways to stay organized while packing. Among the must-haves on a solo road trip are travel documents, a camera, a hat or sunglasses, and can’t-live-without-it items like a pillow and a music playlist.

6. Download offline maps

Losing service is never expected, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Consider downloading an offline map of your route to avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar place. While temporarily off the grid, you’ll have the means to navigate and stay on track wherever your GPS loses signal. Not tech-savvy? Bring a map.

How to prepare for a solo road trip

1. Check your car

If you’re using your own vehicle for your solo road trip adventure, do your due diligence and check that everything is in working order before officially setting off. This process includes confirming that:

• All tires are properly inflated and have been recently rotated.
• The oil, brake fluid, and coolant are at optimum levels.
• Brakes, lights, wipers, and battery are all working properly.

If your car is overdue for repairs or a maintenance check, take care of it to prevent breakdowns from becoming one of your trip highlights.

2. Decide if you should rent instead

Using your own car for your upcoming trip maximizes both comfort and convenience. With a personal vehicle, you know exactly how to operate it and what to expect. A personal car also doesn’t require additional planning or a reservation.

That said, if your vehicle isn’t reliable or suitable for a long-distance trip, it may be worth renting a car for the adventure ahead. By renting, you can avoid adding excessive mileage to your own vehicle and be better equipped to handle unfamiliar terrain depending on your chosen rental car and destination.

3. Choosing the right car for a road trip

Choosing the right rental car for a road trip is about more than just personal preference. You need to consider even more important factors, including:

• Destination and terrain
• Comfort
• Fuel efficiency
• Space

An SUV can navigate rugged terrain more easily (and safely), while an energy-efficient compact car can save you gas costs, especially over long distances. If you plan on being in the car for extended periods, a comfortable interior with enough room for your personal belongings can make all the difference.

Consider these models for a solo road trip:

1. Compact/economy vehicles

Examples: Honda Civic, Nissan Versa.

Pros: Budget-friendly, fuel efficiency, easier to maneuver and park on paved roads, lower insurance fees.

Cons: Limited interior and cargo space, potentially less comfortable, bumpier ride due to low ground clearance.

Best for: Cities, highways, paved roads.

2. Full-size/all-terrain vehicles

Examples: Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Pros: Spacious, comfortable, off-roading capability, additional ground clearance, increased safety features.

Cons: Reduced fuel economy, more challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, more costly.

Best for: Off-roading, camping, trips that require additional luggage space.

3. Mid-size vehicles

Examples: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-70, Volkswagen Atlas.

Pros: Slight upgrade from compact cars (better mileage, more space, smoother ride)

Cons: Don’t quite meet the specs provided by a large vehicle.

Best for: Travelers who want something in between the first two options.

Whatever model you choose, ensure the vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition at pickup time by quickly inspecting for damage and checking essential functions, likes whether the lights and wipers are working correctly.

4. Choosing accommodation

Where you sleep between driving days depends as much on your route as your budget. Some destinations feature an assortment of five-star resorts and hotels, while more remote locations may be limited to roadside motels and campsites.

When in doubt, consider your preferences as a solo traveler. If you anticipate craving interaction after spending hours alone, a hostel or B&B can offer a more social atmosphere, including the chance to mingle among fellow travelers. If you’re looking to connect with nature, it doesn’t get more immersive than a cabin or campground.

Solo road trip essentials: What to bring

Packing the right gear on your solo road trip can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free adventure and a trip interrupted by detours and pit stops to buy things you need or forgot to bring. Here’s a list of essentials that will help you feel comfortable and prepared along the way:

• Clothes: For all weather conditions, including layers to combat the cold, lightweight clothing during warmer days and rain gear.
• Shoes: Sturdy, comfortable footwear for driving, walking, and hiking is best.
• Chargers: Phone chargers, car adapters, and power banks are all useful.
• Toiletries: Basics such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant to help you feel fresh.
• Food and snacks: Nonperishable items like granola bars and fruit boost energy mid-drive and don’t require refrigeration.
• Cooler: Great for storing perishables (like fresh produce for lunch) and leftovers and keeping drinks cool.
• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important no matter what kind of trip you take, and you can use it to refill along the driving route.
• Blankets: Handy for cold nights, stargazing, and extended time spent outdoors.
• Offline navigation system, maps, etc.: A physical map may feel antiquated, but you’ll be glad you have one when your navigation devices encounter weak or no service.
• First aid kit: Stay safe with a stock of bandages, pain relievers, antiseptics, and personal medications.
• Car emergency kit: Roadside emergencies can happen to anyone; stay prepared with jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, and tools to repair tires.
• Camping gear (if applicable): Lightweight essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, and portable stove.

How to choose a solo road trip destination

When planning a solo road trip, there’s more to picking a destination than just pointing to a map. Here are important things to consider:

1. The distance to the destination

A quick weekend escape within driving distance and a cross-country adventure are two entirely different trips and require entirely different approaches when it comes to logistics. First, decide how far you wish to go, then let that shape the rest of your plans.

2. How many days you want the road trip to be

Think about how much time you want to spend both on the road and at your final destination (and other destinations along the way). Be sure to set aside enough time for rest, sightseeing, and opportunities for spontaneity without feeling rushed.

3. How long you plan to stay and sightsee

A weekend is usually sufficient to see a major city, while more remote destinations often require additional days to experience properly. Set a realistic timeline, prioritizing the activities you’re most interested in doing.

4. How long you’re comfortable driving for

Some people aren’t bothered by driving long distances for consecutive days, while others are only interested in driving short distances at a time. Know your limits and plan accordingly.

5. Where you’ll stay each night

For peace of mind, consider planning and booking all accommodation in advance. If you’d rather leave room for spontaneity, have a backup plan in case a property is fully booked when you arrive.

Solo road trip ideas: Five popular destinations

1. The Pacific Coast Highway, USA

This iconic road stretches for 656 miles along the coast of California and passes some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. During the drive, you’ll encounter secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, scenic viewpoints, major hubs— Los Angeles, San Francisco—and quieter destinations, including Big Sur and Monterey.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Covering roughly 149 km from Torquay to Allansford, Australia’s Great Ocean Road is just that – a scenic route that winds its way along the coast of Victoria. Popular stops include surf towns, rainforests, beaches, and the Twelve Apostles, a group of UNESCO-listed rock stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean.

3. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Misty glens, ancient castles, and historic villages can all be part of a road trip itinerary in Scotland’s Highlands. A favorite route includes passing through Inverness, stopping at Eilean Donan and continuing to the Isle of Skye – a Hebridean island famous for its scenery.

4. The Ring Road, Iceland

Iceland’s 828 mile long Ring Road circumnavigates the island and links some of its top attractions, including waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, fjords, fishing villages, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Most travelers dedicate 7–14 days to experience it in full.

5. The Garden Route, South Africa

Follow the 186 mile Garden Route on South Africa’s southern coast for a chance to experience a safari in Gondwana Game Reserve, see dramatic limestone cliffs at Knysa, surf and sunbathe in Plettenberg Bay, and hike the trails of Tsitsikamma National Park.

Safety tips for solo road trips

1. Make a detailed itinerary, tell others, and stay in contact

Map out your driving route, accommodation, and key stops. Then, keep your friends or family informed of your plans – particularly if you’re traveling to a remote area. Don’t let days pass without checking in with someone. Remember to keep your phone charged regularly so you can contact others and remain reachable in emergencies.

2. Check the weather and road conditions

Safety should be your number one priority, no matter what kind of trip you plan. Before any type of road trip, it’s important to research the conditions you’ll be driving in so you can make informed decisions and avoid potential danger brought on by inclement weather, unfamiliar terrain, and road closures. Staying informed also allows you to pack appropriately and adjust your route or travel times if need be.

3. Bring extra food, water, clothes, etc.

An additional reserve of water, food, and clothing go a long way in keeping you safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient when faced with the unexpected. Extra clothes can help you adapt to long days in cold or hot weather, while food and water keep you fed and hydrated if you get stranded or take a detour far from civilization.

4. Have a backup plan

Preparing for anything ensures you remain safe and stress free. A backup plan, be it planning an alternate route or a different place to stay, can help you pivot instead of panic if and when you encounter road closures, inclement weather, fully booked accommodation, or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s also useful to keep a list of emergency contacts and nearby medical centers – just in case.