Winter Road Trip Alone: Tips for Traveling Solo

Taking a winter road trip alone is a great way to get away from the stress of life and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Make sure to keep yourself safe and prepared for your solo trip by following these simple tips.

Set a Schedule

Make sure you plan out plenty of time for each of your destinations and factor in things like rush hour traffic if you’re driving near large cities. You want your journey to be as fun and relaxing as possible, not fraught with stress over having enough time in each place.

Prepare Your Car

Travelling in winter is completely different to any other season. The snowy roads make driving a challenge, and getting stuck on the side of the road is something all winter road trippers dread. Make sure you prepare your car for your journey by carrying out some simple checks such as checking your tire tread and pressure, checking your oil and brake fluid as well as your car battery. Here is a complete guide for preparing your car for a winter road trip.

Pack Like a Pro

When it comes to winter road trips, you can never be too prepared. Packing your car with a few essentials will keep you safe, whatever weather conditions you come up against. Make sure to pack the essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, a complete first aid kit, GPS, a shovel and sand.

Know Your Limits

When you’re driving solo, it’s important to know how long you can drive before you need a break. Driving when tired is extremely dangerous for you and other road users, and the last thing you want is an accident that ruins your road trip.

Official guidelines recommend driving for a maximum of 8 hours in a day, and stopping every two hours for a short break.

Keep in Touch

Before you leave, give a loved one a copy of your route and schedule. This will make sure someone knows exactly where you are at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep in regular contact and give updates on your trip. This will stop family members worrying and it gives you the peace of mind that someone knows exactly where you are should the worst happen.

Best Winter Solo Driving Tips

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This prevents skidding and helps you maintain traction as you drive. 
• When driving, the heel of your foot should be placed on the floor while the ball should be used to apply pressure on the brake. 
• Never stop when driving up a hill, or drastically accelerate. The former can cause you to slide down and lose control. The latter can cause your wheels to start spinning.
• Allow plenty of space when driving behind a car. Leave at least 8-10 seconds to come to a stop to avoid nasty bumps. 

Enjoy Your Trip! 

By following these simple steps, you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing it will be an adventure you’ll never forget.