Do you want to swap the crowded airports for the freedom of the open road this summer? With the recent surge in solo travel, we’ve come up with five essential tips to get the most out of this summer’s road trip, from picking the best solo travel destinations to visit to the ultimate road trip snacks to pack.
With stunning solo travel destinations in every corner of the U.S., (check out our top picks for 5 Places for Solo Travel), you can’t get to them without passing many others. Some of the best solo trips in the U.S. incorporate pit stops at other national parks, landmarks and sites of outstanding natural beauty. Adopting a well-researched road trip planner can maximize your road trip experience.
This summer, turn off the freeway and take the scenic routes instead. Make the journey interactive by dropping in on local farm stores, stopping to check out a roadside waterfall or having lunch by a stunning lake along the way.
Allow for rest days during this summer’s road trip. Find a beautiful spot to stop or a town you want to spend more time in.
Occasionally the breath-taking scenery might not be enough, so create several different music playlists before you leave for this summer’s road trip. Research and download several podcasts and audiobooks, too; they’re a fantastic way to pass the time when you’re traveling alone.
Make your road trip more immersive, visiting iconic music landmarks en route to your solo travel destinations! For example, detour to Music Row and Graceland in Tennessee, Motown in Detroit or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland if you’re passing through.
For longer road trips, prioritize staying hydrated and eating well. Invest in a robust drinking container and a picnic set with cutlery. Solo travel destinations can be several days apart, so always allocate time to stop and eat a healthy lunch.
Nutritious road trip snacks such as mixed nuts, yogurt and pre-cut fruit are great at filling the gaps between meals and keeping you alert on the road!
If you’re looking for tips on how to travel alone safely, then preparing your vehicle is paramount. Remember to check the essentials before leaving, including the engine oil and tire pressures. In addition, sign up for roadside assistance and always carry a torch, spare tire and some jumper cables just in case.
As you’ll be your own road trip planner, always plan your route with gas stations in mind. Purchase a map book for this road trip – phone map apps are great, but not when there isn’t any internet service or GPS available!
You may be traveling alone, but why not share your solo travel destinations experience? After all, solo travel doesn’t mean you can’t take your pet with you this summer!
If you’re bringing your furry friends along, remember to plan lots of breaks. Keep them safe by ensuring they’re wearing a tag just in case you get lost and buy a seat belt harness or travel carrier for the journey. That way, you can share the views, the memories and your favorite road trip snacks along the way.
We love pets as much as you do! We lead the hotel industry for pet-friendly overnight stays, so plan your road trip around our Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ pet-friendly venues and gather inspiration from our Destinations for a Pet-Friendly Vacation article.
After a long day on the road, kick back in one of our hotels across the U.S. each night. Get a fantastic night’s sleep and start every day of your solo travel road trip with a skip in your step!
Remember, you pick the solo travel destinations, and we’ll make sure we look after you! So start planning your 2023 solo road trip with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts today!