18 Unique Tips and Tricks for Solo US Road Trips
There is so much to learn when you live on the road. Most of it is so exciting and new, and other things have to be learned the hard way. Hopefully I can alleviate some of that! If you want to learn some unique tips and tricks as a new camper traveler, here's some helpful ideas! How not to get lost, helping with boredom while driving, and some hygiene ideas!
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Not All Who Wander are Lost
(But I am)
Location- Have you and your loved ones download Life360 so they can always see where you are. Just in case you wander a bit too much.
Road atlas- Go ahead and buy one! The more maps the better. If you love boondocking, and going off the beaten path, it's better to have it then not. You WILL lose service at some point!
Filling up on gas- Never, ever, ever continue to drive *until you see the next gas station* when your dial shows ¼ tank of gas. (I'm mostly yelling at myself. Today I was in BFE West Texas and literally pulled into a gas station with my gas light on). I usually start planning my next gas stop as soon as I see it dip below 1/2 tank.
Where to get gas- Love’s, Flying J’s, TA Travel center, and Bucees are great places to pull in and get gas! Also, many of them have a dump station for a fee! (Showers if you need one too!).
Roadside assistance program- In case you get in a bind! Mine actually came with the warranty on my teardrop. It covers me, camper, and my car. Also it covers any tows if I am in the car with someone else. The warranty will still last me a total of 3 years.
Driving Solo for Hours, and Hours
Download books- I recently joined Audible and have LOVED having a great book to keep my mind focused on something. Oh and maybe it was the spicy book that got me a little distracted and made me almost run out of gas. Oops,
Podcasts- Personally, I have Spotify. If you love learning, there's just so much out there! Most recently I've been listening to Money, Mindset, and Manifestation by Marley Rose and Fake Doctors, Real Fans (if you love scrubs, it's absolutely hilarious). There are literally endless possibilities for podcasts. Oh, and Stuff You Should Know!
Phone calls- This may seem obvious but call your mom. Or a friend or family member. Having a nice chat on long roads make it go by so much quicker when there's just not much to see.
Stop and stretch- Yes it eats up time, but that's what rest stops are for. Your dog is silently begging you to let them out. Just a few minutes for me and Penny helps so much. Take a picture or two of how cute the random rest stop is. Appreciate using a toilet you don't have to dump.
Don't slouch- Try to have a supported upright sitting position. Pay attention to how stiff you are, how your head is being held up or down (tension headaches anyone?), and where your legs are positioned. Your body will thank you later.
Hygiene Ideas
Firstly, realize you absolutely do not need a shower daily. It’s totally possible to feel nice and fresh while on the road. Here’s some ideas to help you to feel great!
Face Pads- One of my absolute favorite things I bought. Cotton pads that are reusable and super soft! I am actually better about washing my face now and wash it twice a day using the pads and my face wash. Reusable Cotton Pads
Face Serums- I had to include this because I absolutely love how fresh my face looks since I started using them daily. I’ve also been breaking out a lot less too! Tree of Life Serums
Body Wipes- I have used a few different brands. There are many, but my favorites tend to be deodorizing natural body wipes, that are also biodegradable. When I can’t shower daily, I use one on my pits first, and then downstairs.
All-natural Deodorant (without aluminum)- If you buy the right ones, they work really well! Yes, you will still sweat, but you won’t be stinky! Also, natural deodorants wipe off really easily. My favorite is Schmidts Coconut Deodorant
Dry Shampoo- Although I personally don’t use it, I know so many people who SWEAR by it!
Planning Where to Stay for the Night
Apps! (Harvest Host, IOverlander)
BLM Lands
State Parks
..and way more (with so many details) I wrote in another article!
I wrote a whole article on my favorite free and low-cost places to stay overnight for campers! There’s so much information I’ve compiled over the last year. Go to this article to read all about it! Top Free and Low-Cost RV Parking!
