So you’re ready to brave the roads on your own? Solo female road trips are a symbol of personal growth, adventure, and self-discovery. They signify independence, the freedom to connect with the world around you. They’re an opportunity to move at your own pace, set your own itinerary, and maintain your safety and comfort throughout.
Car rental services and increased highway accessibility are bringing more women out on the open road without hesitation. But, it’s important to be prepared. That’s why I’ve compiled this ultimate guide for planning a safe and scenic road trip as a female driver.
You’ll learn everything from the ideal destinations, to ensuring you’re safe, to packing the perfect bag. And, of course, how to navigate everything in between.
Select the Ideal Destination for Your Comfort Level
There’s no such thing as the perfect road trip, or at least not for everyone. Some journeys are teeming with gas stations, rest stops, and attractions. Others are tucked into mountainous terrain or the remote desert. Start with routes that are:
Reliable
Well-signed and navigable
Paved with consistent fuel stops and rest areas
Friendly to families, with clean and well-reviewed accommodations
If you’re new to the road, these are good starting points. From there, you can venture into more isolated or adventurous territories.
Plan Your Journey in Advance (But Still Keep it Spontaneous)
While some road trippers prefer the idea of being spontaneous, a basic itinerary still keeps things manageable. Planning ahead can alleviate a lot of the stresses and anxieties of traveling solo.
Google Maps or a similar app can help you:
Guesstimate your total driving time
Know where to spend the night
Plan stops for food, fuel, or bathroom breaks
Identify locations for attractions or lesser-known finds along the way
Be realistic about how many hours you can realistically drive. A maximum of six to seven is ideal to give you time to explore and rest.
Travel During the Day
Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, daytime driving is the safest option. It’s easier to navigate, offers more visibility, and is generally less dangerous. Whenever possible, aim to:
Leave early in the morning and avoid traveling at night
Arrive at your accommodation before dusk
Drive through urban areas during the day, avoiding long stretches of mountain roads or deserts
Road trips during daylight hours offer the most safety and beauty along the way.
Choose a Reliable Vehicle with All the Right Features
Your vehicle is your anchor on the road. Whether you’re driving your own car or renting one from a service, you need the right ride.
Important features to consider:
Fuel efficiency for long-distance travel
Air conditioning or climate control
Room for luggage, food, and other essentials
A place to charge your phone
A way to listen to music and take calls (preferably hands-free)
You may need a 4×4 for mountain or desert driving. Test the brakes, lights, and wipers before you leave the parking lot. For rentals, inspect the vehicle before you leave the lot. Take photos before you leave.
Safety Essentials and Road Trip Necessities Every Female Driver Should Pack
No matter how long you plan on being on the road, you’ll encounter a few standard challenges, such as a flat tire or the stomach growls of hunger. Be prepared for those roadblocks with the following essentials:
Tire repair kit and jack
Flashlight and extra batteries
Jumper cables
Personal safety devices such as pepper spray or personal alarms
Roadway reflectors or triangles
If you’ve never been a road tripper, these items will ensure you’re ready for just about anything.
Dress Comfortably and Wear Appropriate Attire
As you probably know, comfort is a must when you’re driving for hours. However, your clothing plays a significant role in a safe trip as well. An outfit you should consider:
Breezy and breathable (make sure you can move freely)
Modest, especially if you’re traveling to a new culture
Appropriate for walking, depending on where you’re traveling
Sturdy enough to withstand unexpected hikes and sightseeing
Weather-appropriate (a layering technique is helpful)
You’ll also want to bring a change of clothes in your bag for the car. In case you spill on yourself, get dusty on a trail, or want to refresh yourself before arriving at your accommodation.
Follow Your Gut—It’s Your Most Powerful Tool
As a woman traveling solo, it’s okay to be cautious. Trust your gut. Listen to it. If something feels off, trust it.
Here are a few instances when it’s best to make changes:
A hotel or room you book feels off
A person you encounter on a stop seems nosy or sketchy
A stretch of road you drive on feels empty or is poorly lit
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to leave it. You don’t need to apologize for protecting your peace and sanity.
Stay Connected to the World—But Know When to Disconnect
While it’s easy to disengage from technology and disconnect on a road trip, it’s important to stay connected.
Ensure you’re reachable in case of emergencies:
Tell a friend or family member where you are
Check in on them frequently
Consider downloading an app that alerts you to road conditions or hazards
Consider disconnecting or muting notifications when on the road
Take short, specific breaks from social media and phones
Balance connection and solitude by establishing time limits for your phone use during the trip.
Find Accommodations Ahead of Time
Road trip planning is all about minimizing stress and worry. One of the easiest ways to ensure your safety is by booking a room before you go.
Look for:
Reviews and ratings for the accommodations
Centrally located or well-lit locations
Accommodations that are female-only or women-friendly (hostels, for example)
Basic accommodations that have safe door locks, a private bathroom, and onsite parking
After a long day of driving, you want to ensure you’re staying in a secure and safe environment. A good night’s rest can reenergize you and put your mind at ease.
Respect the Culture and Dress Code
Road tripping to locations with strict cultural rules? Parts of the Middle East, parts of South Asia, or destinations that are religiously-based can require specific clothing and behavior:
What you wear and how you dress at rest stops or gas stations
Where you can take photos or how you’re allowed to engage in group activities
Where you can drive (women-only parking in certain places)
Respect is earned, and respecting the people around you makes your journey better.
Bring Your Entertainment to Life (Without Touching Your Phone)
You’ll likely get bored on a road trip. Especially on long drives. Here’s what you should bring with you:
Various playlists to accommodate any mood (energetic, mellow, etc.)
A podcast or audiobook
Utilize voice commands and steering wheel control to operate everything hands-free
With a little background music, long drives can turn into a meditative moment or a solo karaoke session.
Stay on Alert for Unofficial Helpers or Side Road Scams
Even when you don’t see a stop sign or parking lot, you may be flagged down by a passerby claiming to have car issues. Take a few precautions:
If someone signals to you that you have a flat tire or have an engine problem, pull over in a well-lit area or in a public space
Politely say no if you feel uncomfortable with the help
Call the number from your car rental or roadside assistance provider
Choose a service that offers emergency numbers and breakdown services
If you’ve rented a car, this is when the service can truly be a life saver. Consider choosing a provider that has these features available.
Enjoy the Beauty of Slow Travel
If you’re a solo traveler or new to the road, it’s easy to rush from one destination to the next. It’s easy to forget to enjoy the ride. Remember that road tripping is about the journey, not the end result. Being a woman on the road is an opportunity to:
Take a moment to reflect on thoughts
Stop at offbeat locations and speak with locals
Take photos, journal, or draw
You can make your schedule as you please. Enjoy time for long breaks, as well as unexpected stops. It’s often where some of the best stories happen.
How to Deal with a Car Issue with Confidence
We can’t always predict when a tire will go flat or a car will die. But when it does happen, here’s how to navigate:
Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights
Use reflectors if it’s dark or low visibility
Contact your rental provider or roadside assistance number
Do not accept help from strangers, if you feel uncomfortable
Lock your car and keep the windows up while on the phone with roadside assistance
Some services have recently added mobile apps to make roadside assistance easier. These apps allow you to connect directly with roadside assistance from your car, which can provide added safety for women.
Final Thoughts: You Drive into Your Future
Solo travel is a unique experience for many women. It’s a chance to do something for themselves, connect with their surroundings, and heal. Each sunset witnessed from the backseat becomes part of your journey. Each bend in the road brings new perspectives. Each destination becomes a chapter of your story.
With preparation, a safe car, and a little bravery, there’s no end to where the road can take you.
Thankfully, thanks to more car rental services, something that seemed impossible in the past is accessible now. Whether you’re cruising past waterfalls, circling around deserts, or moving through mountains, you’re no longer just driving—you’re making progress.
