How to travel solo and safely in the Western USA if you're a 20-year-old

by Renee
(Indiana)

I've always wanted to travel out West on the road. Whenever I mention it to my parents they always say that It would be a stupid thing to do for a single 20 year old girl to do. So I suggested that I take one of my friends but since she's the same age and a girl they said that would be dumb too (plus she wouldn't be able to come because of school).

And I understand where they're coming from but I can't find anyone that would come with me due to school or money. I think its dumb that people think I can't do it unless I either go with a lot of people or a guy. And I wouldn't mind going with a guy but I don't have one and I don't want to go with a bunch of people. So I'm kinda stuck on deciding what to do. Do you have any suggestions? Is there a safe way that would allow me to travel by car out west alone (due to the lack of not having anyone to go with)?

Answer: Safety is always relative, and having a guy with you isn't necessarily safer than having a girl - or going by yourself.

If you do decide to travel on your own, you'd have to take certain safety precautions. Here are just a few of the things I'd do if it were me:


  • Get the right maps and map your route ahead of time.

  • Reserve your lodgings along the way - before leaving.

  • Keep your cellphone on at all times and check in with your family at regular intervals. Don't forget to take a phone charger for your car.

  • Stick to the most traveled roads and don't wander off into unpopulated areas.

  • Make sure your car is in absolutely perfect shape to minimize the risk of breakdowns along the way.

  • Join your local automobile association and make sure you have an emergency number in case of breakdown.

  • Stick to family diners for food and stay away from bars or other places where men might be looking for entertainment.

  • Basically, use your common sense. Your parents sound like caring people who have probably brought you up sensibly. Keep their teachings in mind.


These are significant precautions and if you stick with them there's every reason your trip should be a smooth one. That said, there is no such thing as a safety guarantee. Everything carries at least a small risk - as does crossing the street in front of your house.

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How to travel solo and safely in the Western USA if you're a 20-year-old

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I did it!
by: Sara

I'm from Cincinnati Ohio, and I am 25 years old... 3 years ago I did just what you are wanting to do! I drove from Cincinnati to Colorado Springs, across to Moab Utah, down into Monument Valley, AZ, then through Sedona and down into Tombstone, across to White Sands, New Mexico and back home. I camped a few nights and stayed in hotels the other nights. I had my collie, Molly with me.

Maybe I got lucky, but I never had one problem. Having a dog with you might help. Camping alone in the middle of nowhere was a little bit scary, but again I had no problems. I had mace and a giant pocket knife with me... people tell me I was crazy... maybe I am! But I would do it all over again.

So IMO, go for it!! Just be careful, don't tell anyone you're traveling by yourself, and make sure you have a GPS or a good map so you don't get lost. :)
I'm not 20, but....
by: Anonymous

I travel full time solo in an RV. (I'm in my 30s.) Lots of people were certain I was going to fall prey to criminal harm.

My experience is that people who stay locked in their houses watching too much TV think strangers are dangerous. People who are out in the world exploring, think strangers are kind.

I have a group on Yahoo called Women Go Solo for women who are traveling solo full time in the US.

I blog about my solo travel here:
www.livinginmycar.com

Good luck!

Jennifer

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