Solo Road Trip Safety Tips
Staying Safe On Your Solo Road Trips
Road trips are such a great way to travel. You set your own budget and itinerary that group tours or other ways of travel just don’t let you do.
Even better – with a road trip, the whole trip is your destination. You set the rules, or no rules as to where and when you want to stop.
A solo road trip takes it to a whole new level. You get to see and do exactly what you want to. You don’t have to convince anyone else to join you, and you don’t have to compromise.
One of the most common responses I get though is around safety.
To be honest, while it is definitely important, it shouldn’t be a deterrent.
I firmly believe it’s all about planning and putting simple strategies into place. Then you really are no more at risk on the road than you are at home.
The core fear many have, especially women, when travelling solo, is being attacked and/or robbed. This cannot be prevented 100% anywhere. The risks can definitely be mitigated by being aware of your surroundings and not putting yourself into vulnerable situations.
My biggest fear is having a fall when I’m in an isolated area and not being able to call for help. I always have my mobile with me and emergency apps installed, they are of no use if I’m unconscious. There’s not a lot I can do about that. The same thing could happen in my own home, so it’s just not something I can control.
My experience with solo road trips is on the east coast of Australia and I stay in motels or cabins. If you’re looking for more tips on camping and travelling the outback this is not the guide for you. There are several websites and facebook groups dedicated to that.
Let’s look at the practical things we can do so you can have a fabulous solo road trip.
Section One – Before You Go
Planning
I know I go on and on about planning. That’s for a very good reason. The more planning you can do, the more you can relax and enjoy your trip when you’re on the road.
You can check out my complete guide to planning your road trip.
Here’s a summary though –
Research Your Destinations And Accommodation – Try to not stay in too isolated an area and take particular note of reviews.
Prepare Your Vehicle – It’s the most important part of the trip after you!
Make sure your service is up to date. An extra pre-trip safety check is also something to consider. I’m not going to tell you to become a mechanic, but do know how to change a tyre and refill the wiper water at least.
The same goes with your car insurance and roadside assistance.
Have the details and relevant phone numbers saved in your phone, and a printed copy with you.
Pack Everything – even if you don’t know if you’ll need it.
This is one of the best things about a solo road trip – you can’t overpack. Really. If it fits I put it in. I’d much rather have something than curse myself because I’ve left stuff behind I decide I want.
Have a packing checklist. You can download this solo road trip essentials guide to get you started. Actually go through the list, and check everything that’s relevant as you go.
I have everything packed and ready to go the night before I leave. This way I can just put it all in the car in the morning and your solo road trip adventure begins …
Decide How You’re Going To Keep Your Supplies Stocked Up – This is just part of my planning.
I note what the supermarkets and service stations are in the towns I’m visiting. That way I’m never caught short. Fuel, water and snacks in particular.
Oh and of course I would be remiss if I didn’t include coffee and cabernet here … I always research the best cafes and where the bottle shops are before I leave home.
Section Two – On The Road
Now you’re off on your solo road trip adventure, it’s time to enjoy. There are also a few things to keep in mind –
Stay In Touch
Without a doubt, part of the attraction of a solo road trip is being independent. But the unexpected can happen, so make sure someone knows where you are.
Arrange regular check-ins. These don’t have to be every day but do set something up with a family member, friend or neighbour before you go.
I often do this, particularly when photographing a sunrise or going for a bush or waterfall walk. I estimate what time I should be back from whatever activity and arrange to check in with a friend.
Avoid Driver Fatigue
Know Your Limits – everyone will be different here.
As a rough guide, I try not to go over five hours from one destination to the other. This can turn into eight or ten hours once I’ve stopped for meals, activities and photos. More than enough for one day.
I also try not to do more than two or three days totally on the road in a row. Staying two nights in one destination gives you a break from just driving. It’s a road trip yes, but it’s also a chance to explore the areas you are driving!
Get Enough Sleep – this is critical
Plan rest and recharge time – it’s not just your devices that need recharging. A solo road trip can be exhausting if you don’t map it out well. After all you’re it – there’s no one else to take over when you’re tired.
I tend to get up super early to go out and photograph sunrise. Even without that, I leave early as I like to arrive at my next destination in the daylight. This means that I tend to not go out at night too much. I can’t burn the candle at both ends these days!
It’s no fun being too tired so take your time and enjoy the journey. Make sure you have entertainment in the car for those long drives.
Pull over whenever you feel the need. Don’t forget, a road trip really is about the entire journey, not just the destinations. Make the most of it and chill.
Cover It Up
By this I mean not leaving any valuables in sight, both in your vehicle and on yourself.
Either have tinted windows and/or cover any gear that would otherwise be in view. I’ve always got my camera gear at the ready on the backseat. So what I always take is a black sheet to cover it when I’m leaving the car.
When it comes to yourself, try not to stand out. Think about what jewellery you’re wearing and try to carry as little as possible on you. Australia is generally a safe place to travel, but it’s good to minimise any risks wherever possible. Don’t set yourself up as a target if you can avoid it.
Daylight Is Your Friend
There really is nothing worse than getting lost in the dark. It’s much easier to find your accommodation and supplies in the daylight, so take advantage of this.
Be Aware And Don’t Overshare
This is where all your instincts kick in and remembering what you learned growing up comes into play.
Do Not Stop For Anyone On The Side Of The Road – No more needs to be said here. As much as you’d love to stop and help, just don’t.
Remember I’m not talking remote outback travel here. It sounds harsh but your safety has to come before anyone else, you just don’t know.
Don’t Let Anyone Know You Are On A Solo Road Trip – Sure it’s great to meet new people but you don’t need to share everything. If asked, I always just say I’m meeting up with someone later. You don’t need to set yourself up as a target and it’s only a white lie.
Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings – Trust your instincts. If you get a bad feeling about a place or your accommodation, don’t ignore it. If you’ve done your research you should have avoided this. But just in case, don’t hesitate to move on.
Sunrise Photography Tip
Earlier on I mentioned my fear of having an accident in an isolated area at sunrise. This can be particularly true in an unknown location.
My strategy to overcome this is to do a scouting mission the afternoon before if at all possible. That way I can decide on the safest approach to this and risk my chances of falling. If necessary I may even choose a different location, but that is pretty rare.
When you research, there are often locations that are easily accessible and not far from where you can park.
Section Three – Staying Organised
Keep Everything Charged
Living in a world of gadgets it’s important to have a good charging station set up, and charge every night.
This is especially important if you’re using your phone to navigate your trip.
For me it’s also about charging up the camera, laptop and tablet each night.
Have More Than One Payment Method
I LOVE using my phone to pay for everything but it has let me down a couple of times.
Always carry at least one back up card and some cash.
Stay Stocked Up
Now if you’ve done your planning (and I trust you have) then you’ll know where you need to get your supplies during your trip.
Make sure you know the opening hours of supermarkets so you can stock up when you’ll be in town.
I always top up my petrol the night before in case you do leave super early in the morning. In smaller towns the petrol stations may open after you leave town.
Final Words
While travelling alone does require some planning to ensure your safety, the benefits of this can’t be overstated.
I have done numerous solo road trips and have had very little problems. I believe this is because of the planning and the simple tips outlined above. Prevention really is key.
I start setting myself up to be safe long before I leave and then I can truly enjoy the trip.
It’s not that I don’t think about safety when I’m on the road. It’s pretty much second nature so I don’t have to think about it constantly. I’m confident that I’ve done what I can, and as long as I stay aware, it really does come down to common sense.
Don’t let fear stop you from taking that solo road trip. Stay safe with these helpful tips and have a fabulous trip.
I truly hope you’ve enjoyed this post.
Have I forgotten anything? Please share your tips in the comments below.
That’s it for now – Keep clicking and stay caffeinated
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Here’s some more articles and resources I think you’ll like:
- Solo Road Trip Planning Guide
- Thinking About Solo Travel
- Great Ocean Road Photography Locations
- Stunning NSW South Coast
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Note – This post does not contain any sponsored or affiliated links. All suggestions and opinions are mine. Unless otherwise stated, all photos are mine and remain my copyright images – Sam Wilson Photography.
