While traveling with a companion may be easier and safer, it’s not always possible. Sometimes the best thing for us is to hop in the car, fill up on fuel, and head out on a solo road trip.
However, you should always prioritize your safety when traveling. Choosing your travel destination wisely is extremely important to stay safe while traveling solo.
Today, we’ll share 10 safe travel destinations perfect for a solo road trip. Let’s get started!
Are Solo Road Trips Safe?
Solo road trips can make it challenging to stay safe. The driver is responsible for every aspect of the trip. They need to manage navigating while driving and won’t have an extra set of eyes to help check blind spots.
In addition to an extra set of eyes on the road, they lose additional security when out in public.
You must know what’s happening around you when in an unfamiliar area. The more eyes you have, the more your group can remain aware of any potential sketchy or seedy behavior around you.
Traveling solo puts you at a significant disadvantage for protection and security compared to traveling with a group.
However, solo traveling can be extremely safe if you take the proper precautions. It may take a bit more effort and planning, but a solo road trip can be safe and may be just what you need.
How Many Miles Per Day Is Safe to Drive?
Everyone will have limitations regarding how many miles they can drive in a day. However, a general rule for most drivers is never to go more than eight hours a day.
This typically equates to approximately 500 miles under normal driving circumstances. However, it can greatly depend on traffic or weather conditions.
Additionally, knowing when to stop can be tricky as you might not be anywhere near a safe place. Try planning your trip, rest areas, and other factors so you can take control of any situation.
You may find no availability if you don’t book hotel rooms or campsites in advance. This would force you to keep driving until you find a safe and suitable place for the night.
How Do You Stay Safe While Traveling Solo?
You can do several things to stay safe while traveling solo. No one rule is more important than the other, but following all of these tips can greatly enhance your safety.
Plan Your Route Wisely
The route you choose can make or break your road trip. If you don’t enjoy driving in major cities, going through the middle of Atlanta during rush hour probably isn’t a good idea for you.
You can either plan your route to avoid the major city or plan to leave at a time with less traffic. This will typically either be early in the morning or late at night.
Also, consider where you’ll get fuel or stop for the night. You don’t want to find yourself in an unsafe location. Consider using an RV-safe GPS navigation unit to avoid roads with low clearances or weight limits if driving a larger rig.
Lock Your Stuff
We understand that locks aren’t always 100% effective and that if thieves want to get to your stuff, they usually will. However, locks can cause them to think twice.
Breaking a lock to gain access to a vehicle or storage compartment will take time and draw attention. Most criminals will look for a quick way to make a few bucks and want to minimize any chances of getting caught.
Whether sleeping in your vehicle or a hotel room on your road trip, secure your valuables and keep them out of view. Lock your stuff up and avoid being an easy target for thieves.
Get Sleep
Driving can be exhausting, especially in an unfamiliar area or battling crazy drivers. Stop with plenty of time for you to get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road in the morning.
You may not want to spend the money on a hotel room for the night, but it can be money well spent if you can hit the road fresh in the morning and stay safe.
If you feel tired, pull over at a safe place and take a nap. Rest stops are typically relatively safe to get an hour or two of sleep to help you recharge. Some of these places will even have security that patrols the property to keep away anyone up to no good.
HOT TIP
Are truck stops better than interstate rest stops for a quick RV stop?
Be Aware of Others
You should always have your head on a swivel when alone in public. Be aware of what is happening around you and how others behave. If you notice any odd behaviors, avoid the situation.
If someone lingers near a door or suspiciously walks through the parking lot, change your path. Remain in the open as much as possible. You can say no and walk away if someone approaches you in a parking lot while you’re alone.
You could put yourself in a compromising situation by trying to help someone who may try to fool you and lure you into a dangerous situation.
10 Safe Travel Destinations for a Solo Road Trip
It’s important to understand that unsafe situations can happen anywhere, anytime. There’s no way to predict where or when something horrible could occur next. However, several fantastic travel destinations have a history of being relatively safe for solo travelers.
Let’s see what safe travel destinations you might want to consider for your next solo road trip.
Boise, Idaho
What to See and Do:
Boise is the #14 safest place to live in the country and is a great place to visit. The natural beauty of Idaho is under-appreciated. So many travelers fail to visit this beautiful area.
Boise is the place to visit if you enjoy hiking, biking, or skiing. While you can enjoy epic adventures all year, the slopes come alive in the winter with world-class skiing at some top-notch ski resorts.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Boise will depend on what you hope to experience. If you want to hit the slopes with some fresh powder, you obviously won’t want to visit in the summer.
Consider visiting from mid-November to mid-February. However, the late summer and early fall can provide incredible temperatures to get out and enjoy any outdoor activities.
Boston, Massachusetts
What to See and Do:
Do you want to go somewhere where everybody knows your name? If so, you might as well visit the pub that inspired the hit TV show “Cheers.”
Boston is a large city but with a much smaller feel to it. The city is very walkable and makes it easy for a solo traveler to stay safe while moving about. It’s ranked as the #13 safest place to live.
Boston is a great place to visit for sports lovers, history buffs, and everyone in between. You can hop on one of the city trollers and cruise around and see parts of the city or attend one of the major sporting events.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Boston is typically between June and October. Summer is great because the city comes alive with outdoor dining and events. And the fall foliage paints the whole city with an array of new colors.
Nashville, Tennessee
What to See and Do:
Nashville has experienced tremendous growth in recent years as it has become a hotspot of tourism in the midwest. If you’re a solo traveler, simply walk through any honky tonk bar on Broadway Street and be welcomed with open arms.
However, the Music City is so much more than country music. It has various sporting events, historic sites, and events always taking place. It’s the #1 place to live in Tennessee and the #25 best place to live in the country.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer is the best time to visit Nashville. The warmer temperatures allow the honky tonks on Broadway to open their windows, and the sounds of country music fill the air. There’s a certain buzz around downtown throughout the summer in Nashville.
Boulder, Colorado
What to See and Do:
Boulder is an incredible spot for a solo traveler to experience. It has plenty of mountains and hills to fulfill any sense of outdoor adventure you might have. You can hike for days and not do the same hike twice.
If you want to brush shoulders with locals and other travelers, head to Pearl Street Mall, where you can enjoy the pedestrian-only street filled with some of the city’s best food, bars, and shops. The city was ranked the #4 best place to live in the United States.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit Boulder in the spring or fall. The temperatures are cool, and you can enjoy a tremendous amount of festivals.
For example, October is home to World Singing Day Boulder, Open Studios, and the city’s Munchkin Masquerade. Boulder knows how to have a good time all year!
Sedona, Arizona
What to See and Do:
Sedona offers so much natural beauty and tranquility. When you visit Sedona, you may get mesmerized and lost in the beauty of the red rocks and incredible landscapes. It’s a sight to see, and it’ll sometimes feel like you’re on another planet.
However, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the many resorts and spas in the area. If traveling solo, jump at the chance to pamper yourself and put all the rest of your cares behind you.
A tremendous number of spas and wellness centers in Sedona are worth exploring. However, if you want to sweat or find more adventures, try some trails and off-roading opportunities to get a little more on the wild side.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Sedona is in the spring, between March and May. You can enjoy the cooler temperatures while exploring this beautiful area and have fewer people to deal with while traveling.
HOT TAKE
We’re going to be honest, we think Sedona is for weirdos. But like, good weirdos!
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
What to See and Do:
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fantastic beach town ripe for solo travelers to explore. Take an exit off the Pacific Coast Highway, an adventure that never gets old.
Try some delicious foods and local wines while relaxing to the sounds of crashing waves with the sand between your toes. However, the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium is a short drive and worth visiting.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea is in the fall, especially after school starts. The area experiences increased levels of sunshine.
And the massive summer crowds die down in the many small towns along the Pacific Coast Highway. Finding parking spots and enjoying meals without fighting the masses is always more enjoyable.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What to See and Do:
Jackson Hole is just down the road from two of the best national parks in the country, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. You can’t visit Jackson Hole without visiting these two parks.
However, do yourself a favor and purchase your America the Beautiful National Park Service pass because you’ll want to go multiple times, and it can save you money. Jackson Hole is a small town with a whole lot to offer tourists.
Best Time to Visit:
Enjoying the outdoors is one of the most popular things to do in Jackson Hole, so you’ll want to visit in the spring. Visiting from April to May means temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day and flirting with freezing at night.
It’s the perfect type of weather to enjoy a long and grueling hike to see some of the most incredible landforms and landscapes in the country.
Asheville, North Carolina
What to See and Do:
Asheville, North Carolina, doesn’t get the respect it deserves from tourists. The city is full of natural beauty and the opportunity to explore it through hiking and biking.
However, at the end of a long hike or bike ride, you can visit one of the incredible breweries that have nearly perfected their craft. This area can present some incredibly challenging and grueling opportunities if you’re a cyclist.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Asheville is from March to May and September to early November. The weather is almost as good as it gets for enjoying the outdoors and relaxing on a patio.
Visiting in the winter can get too cold, and the summer months can have southern humidity. It can feel like a punch in the face when you step outside.
Salt Lake City, Utah
What to See and Do:
If you’re in the northern portion of the state, away from the national parks, you might as well swing into Salt Lake City. It ranks as the #23 best place to live. Here you can enjoy some downtown nightlife or the history of the city.
However, if you want to enjoy nature, you can head out to Antelope Island State park or the Great Salt Lake to enjoy nature and experience the natural beauty of Salt Lake City. Or head to one of the world-class ski resorts or state parks nearby.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter, spring, and fall are the best times to visit Salt Lake City. Coming in the summer is can be a terrible decision, as it can get incredibly hot and which makes most activities pretty miserable.
Charleston, South Carolina
What to See and Do:
You can’t come to Charleston without visiting at least one art gallery. The city is home to more than 50 art galleries and dealers and 17 art museums.
Head down to the city’s French Quarter to get inspired and watch as the city shows off its southern hospitality in the restaurants and when navigating around. Charleston knows how to look out for each other and make those passing through feel as if they belong.
Best Time to Visit:
Charleston’s best temperatures and weather conditions range from March to May and September to November. Summer can be so humid that it makes you question your sanity.
Additionally, the mosquitos come alive during the summer and are basically the size of pterodactyls. Play it safe and stick to spring and fall for visiting this beautiful city.
Hit the Road for a Safe Solo Road Trip
You can never be too cautious regarding your safety while on a solo road trip. If you take the proper precautions, you can stay safe while still having an unforgettable experience.
Always share your travel plans and stay in contact with your friends and family as much as possible.
Take other safety precautions and enjoy a vacation on your own. You might find yourself in the process.
However, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures during your adventures so you can look back and remember how incredible your solo road trip was.
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