Single women are more independent than ever before. Many women take cross-county trips without any reservations. However, females preparing to trek it alone should take a few precautions when driving the nation’s highways alone.
Vehicle Readiness
Women should make sure their vehicles are in tip-top shape. Get tires and fluids checked. Also, have a mechanic give the vehicle a stamp of approval before hitting the road. Get a membership in a roadside assistance, plan such as AAA, before taking the trip.
Directions
Print directions from Google Maps, to and from the destination. Don’t deviate from the directions, looking for a shortcut could backfire.
Use a GPS navigation system to avoid getting lost. If renting a car, pay the additional fee for a navigation system
Clothing
Non-restrictive, athletic wear is usually comfortable for driving long distances. Dress in layers that can be removed or added. If driving during fall or winter months pack a heavy coat, boots, hat, and gloves.
Affix a spare car key to a zipper on a sweatshirt, to make sure there is no chance of getting locked out of the car.
Weather
Check the local weather before leaving home. Also, check the planned route's weather on The Weather Channel, they will have weather conditions on the road ahead.
Currency
Bring a credit card and at least $200 cash as a back up. This will be enough to get a hotel room or gas, incase something happens to the card. Keep half of the cash in a wallet and the other half hidden in the car.
Communication
Communication is vital when traveling alone. Having a cell phone is imperative. Make sure to have a cell phone, car charger, and a hands free device for talking.
If the telephone’s battery goes down and there is no car charger available. Stop in a well populated hotel and sit in the lobby, to charge the phone.
Leave an itinerary of the trip with a family member, and check in with them often. Keep an emergency contact list of famly members, in the vehicle’s glove compartment.
Break the Monotony
Listening to a music CD or an audio book will break the monotony. An audio book can also be an opportunity to learn something new while driving. Buy an audio book on finance, real-estate, stocks, or learn a foreign language while driving.
Instead of going through the drive-thru, stop and eat inside a restaurant. This allows for a change of scenery and a chance to eat a decent meal on the road.
Gas
Don’t stop for gas at places that look or feel uncomfortable, or intimidating. Look for gas stations that are populated with families.
Don’t let the gas needle go below ¼ a tank. In certain rural areas gas stations can be spread out long distances.
Food
Pack sandwiches, chips, fruit, and nuts. Keep an ice cooler in the car with juice, sodas, and water. Packing these items will cut down on making stops, which will save time and money.
Hotels
Stop at a hotel to get a good night sleep. For safety check into the hotel before it gets dark. Double check all window and door latches. Do not check into a hotel where the doors face the outside; Make sure that people can only enter the hotel through the main lobby.
Before leaving home make sure to bring these essential items for the trip:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Extra car key
- Spare tire and jack
- Blanket
- Coat, hat, and gloves
Safety should come first when road tripping alone. Therefore, single females should make sure their car is in good condition, be observant of surroundings, and stay connected with family while driving. Driving long distance solo will leave women with a feeling of accomplishment. Following this advice, can make the road trip a pleasurable experience to be remembered for years to come.
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