Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on vacation. While there are plenty of places to visit in Europe by train or plane, there are equally as many incredible destinations you can visit by car. Road trips are one of the best ways to experience an area, and having your own transportation allows you the freedom to see and do more. Traveling solo is a great way to see a place in the comfort of your own car and own time. Here are some tips on road tripping solo that will keep you safe and ready to take on your next solo adventure in no time.
1. Check out your car before you leave
This seems pretty standard, but there are plenty of people who do not make sure their car is in good shape to make a long distance (or even short distance) trip. Checking essentials like the oil and tyre pressure pre-trip allow you to see what needs to be done. This way, you can book in an oil change or pump your tyres before you head out. If you don’t, you run the risk of running out of oil or getting a flat.
2. Make sure your license and registration is updated
Once again this seems like a no-brainer, but people do forget to make sure they are legally allowed to drive their car. Checking your expiration dates beforehand eliminates any troubles later on down the road if you happen to be pulled over or any other predicament.
3. Skip picking up the hitch hiker
Although you may be a vagabond traveler at heart, picking up a complete stranger on the side of the road is not the best idea. You don’t want to put yourself in any compromising situations that you can avoid while traveling solo.
4. Take breaks often
Because you won’t have a second driver, taking breaks when you need to stretch your legs is essential. Jump up and down, stretch, get a coffee or drink, take a cat nap, etc. This will breathe new life in to your system so you can pump out another few hours on the road.
5. Inform family & friends
Let people know your travel plans. It’s just another way to keep yourself safe and for others to know where you’ll be, just in case they need to contact you.
6. Document your trip
Leave time to stop at vista views, points of interest, and any other random spot that looks interesting. It will enhance your trip, and looking back at your photos, you’ll be happy you took the time stop and see that random place. But don’t forget your camera or phone!
7. Leave enough time
When you’re in a hurry, you’re not 100% focused on what’s going on around you. You’re busy thinking about being late, and majority of the time results in speeding to get to your destination. The solution is simple; leave enough time to enjoy being on the road. Like previously mentioned, you might have a few pit stops at some random view point or odd attraction, keeping you off the road longer than planned. It’s best to allow for extra time and leaving a little bit earlier for extra excursions will be worth it.
