Solo road trip: The ultimate planning guide

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 want, 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 a road trip—especially when you’re traveling alone—preparation can help make the journey smoother, safer and more enjoyable. We cover everything you need to know, including packing essentials, safety tips, and road trip destination ideas.

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

Setting a budget is the first step in successfully planning any trip. Factor in the cost of fuel, food, and accommodation for every day you’re traveling. Also be sure to leave room for some spontaneity – whether it’s 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 realistic daily driving limit and build in breaks so you don’t feel rushed or overtired. 

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. Check local road rules, access restrictions, and weather conditions before setting off, particularly when your route includes remote or unfamiliar areas.

4. Build in breaks

Road trips involve long stretches of driving, which can become even more pronounced when doing it alone. Take regular breaks during the journey so you can rest, stretch your legs, eat, and refuel. Follow local road-safety guidance and stop driving if you feel tired. 

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 personal essentials 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. If you prefer not to rely on digital navigation, bring a physical map as a backup.

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:

• The tires are correctly inflated and have sufficient tread, with no visible damage.
• The oil, brake fluid, and coolant meet the levels recommended in the vehicle manual.
• Brakes, lights, wipers, and battery are all working properly.

If your car is overdue for servicing or repairs, organize these before you travel to reduce the risk of a breakdown during your trip.

2. Decide if you should hire a car 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. Using your own car also removes the need to arrange a rental, although it still needs to be suitable for the route and in good condition.

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 a car, you can avoid adding excessive mileage to your own vehicle and be better equipped to handle unfamiliar terrain depending on your chosen hire car and destination. Before choosing a rental, check the vehicle’s permitted roads, insurance terms, fuel policy, and roadside-assistance arrangements.

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

A vehicle with higher ground clearance may be suitable for some unsealed roads, while a smaller car may be easier to maneuver and use less fuel. Check the local road conditions and the rental agreement before choosing, as well as the amount of luggage you’re carrying and how long you’ll be driving. Before setting off, check the vehicle’s condition and report any damage or mechanical concerns to the provider.

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. Before booking, check the property’s location, parking arrangements, check-in times, and distance from your planned route.

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: Layers for changing weather, lightweight items for warmer days, and waterproof clothing where appropriate.
• Shoes: Comfortable footwear suitable for driving, walking, and any activities on your itinerary. 
• Chargers: Phone chargers, car adapters, and power banks are all useful.
• Toiletries: Basics like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant to help you feel fresh.
• Food and snacks: Non-perishable items like cereal bars and fruit can be useful between stops. Check local rules before carrying food across borders.
• Cooler: Useful for keeping food and drinks cool and store any leftovers.
• 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: Include basic supplies and any personal medication you regularly need. Check medicine rules if you’re crossing a border. 
• Car emergency kit: Consider locally required or recommended warning equipment, a flashlight, a phone charger, and tools suitable for the vehicle, like a tire-inflation or repair kit. 
• Camping gear (if applicable): Lightweight essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, and portable stove. Check local camping rules and any restrictions on stoves or open flames before you travel

When planning a solo road trip, there’s more to picking a destination than simply 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

The time you need depends on the destination, the distances between stops, and the activities you want to include. A weekend may be sufficient to see a major city, while more remote destinations may require additional days to explore. 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.

1. The Pacific Coast Highway, U.S.A.

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. 

Check current road conditions, access restrictions, and local driving requirements before setting off, as routes and conditions can change.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Covering roughly 150 miles 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. The time needed to drive the route depends on your pace, stops, and activities, so plan an itinerary that allows time for rest and changing conditions.

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. Check park access, activity requirements, and local conditions before traveling, particularly if you plan to hike or drive in remote areas.

When traveling alone, it can help to share your route, accommodation, and expected check-in times with someone you trust, particularly if your journey includes remote areas. Before and during the trip, check official weather updates, road-closure information, and travel alerts, and allow time for breaks or delays. 

Carry supplies suitable for your route and likely conditions, save relevant emergency and roadside-assistance numbers, and follow local road rules and official instructions. If you feel tired or conditions change, pause and reassess your plans rather than continuing with an unsuitable journey.