Solo Road Trips for Women Ready to Hit the Road

There’s something powerful about taking the driver’s seat—literally—and heading off with no one but yourself to answer to. I’ve been on the road full-time since 2009, and I can tell you: solo road trips aren’t just about pretty views and van aesthetics. They’re about showing up for yourself, solving problems on the fly, and waking up wherever the hell you want. It’s freedom, but it’s also growth. And it’s worth every second.

Whether you're brand new to solo travel or already deep in van life, this post has your back with real-world advice, safety tips, and routes that will change the way you see the world—and yourself.

Solo Road Trips with Safety Tips That Actually Work

Let’s get this out of the way: safety matters. Not because women are weak—but because preparation is power. Here’s how I stay safe after more than a decade of solo travel:

• Plan your route and let someone know it.

• Keep your phone charged (and carry a backup battery).

• Park overnight in safe, well-lit spots like truck stops or campgrounds.

• Always trust your gut. If it feels sketchy, leave.

• Carry something protective—pepper spray, a safety whistle, a walking stick, or even better, a loud dog.

Smart Safety Apps

Tech can’t replace instincts, but it can be a lifeline when you’re out there solo. These apps are traveler-trusted and offer real value:

• GeoSure – Neighborhood-level safety scores based on crime, women’s safety, health risks, and more. Great for scoping out towns before arrival.

• MayDay Safety – One-tap emergency alerts that share your GPS location instantly with trusted contacts.

• My eBodyGuard App™ – Satellite-enabled emergency alerts, voice-activated SOS, and evidence capture, even when you’re off-grid.

• Noonlight – Press and hold if you feel unsafe. If you release and don’t enter your PIN, it alerts emergency services.

• Watch Over Me – Set a timer while walking alone; if you don’t check in, it notifies your emergency contacts.

• Citizen – Real-time 911-based alerts for urban incidents like fires, break-ins, or disturbances. Useful in larger cities.

• Safetipin – Provides safety scores for walking routes based on lighting, visibility, and crowd density. Helpful for urban areas.

These aren’t gimmicks—they’ve been developed for real-world use and are backed by data or active user bases. Just remember: nothing replaces your gut.

And I’ve got to shout out Starlink Mini here. I seriously don’t leave home without it. The new compact version is lighter, cheaper, and finally offers a flexible subscription that allows for emergency connectivity without paying full-time rates. Whether I’m parked in the mountains or way off-grid in the desert, having reliable internet—even just for quick check-ins or weather alerts—has become non-negotiable. (The image below is the original Starlink.)

Another app I rely on is iOverlander. It’s a community-driven map where travelers share info about free campsites, safe overnight parking, fuel stops, water fill stations, and even mechanics. It’s not always perfect, but when you’re in an unfamiliar town or hunting for a boondocking spot, it can feel like having insider knowledge from fellow nomads.

• bSafe – SOS alarm, fake calls, live tracking

• Kitestring – Sends alerts if you don’t check in

• Find My Friends – Share your live location with trusted people

• TripWhistle – International emergency numbers and GPS assistance

These tools won’t replace good instincts—but they’re useful backups when you’re off-grid or on your own.

Best Solo Road Trips Across the U.S. and Canada

Some places are just made for solo road trips—whether it’s the wide-open desert, coastal highways, or winding mountain passes. Here are my favorite picks based on safety, scenery, and solo-friendly vibes.

Top U.S. Routes

Pacific Coast Highway, California
Drive from San Francisco to San Diego along the rugged California coast. You’ll hit Big Sur, Malibu, and small towns with cliffside views. Great for solo travelers who love ocean energy.

Route 66
This historic route from Chicago to Santa Monica is full of quirky roadside stops, neon signs, and vintage Americana. Perfect if you like kitschy vibes and open skies.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina
Stunning fall foliage, lush Appalachian forest, and dozens of hiking pull-offs. This one’s a dream in October.

Grand Circle, Southwest U.S.
If you want the national park heavy-hitters, this is it. See the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches all in one epic loop. Make sure your camera (and tires) are ready.

Must-Drive Routes in Canada

Icefields Parkway, Alberta
This stretch between Banff and Jasper is unreal—glaciers, teal lakes, and towering peaks at every turn. Stop often. Soak it in.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton’s famous loop delivers rugged coastlines, seafood, and Celtic culture. It’s especially stunning in fall.

Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia
From Vancouver to Whistler, this route gives you a taste of coastal rainforests, fjords, and alpine peaks. Lots of trailheads and scenic pullouts.

Trans-Canada Highway
If you’ve got time, this coast-to-coast giant gives you the full spread—from mountain ranges to wheat fields to maritime coastlines.

Solo Road Trips and Van Life: The Real Deal

Van life and solo road trips go hand in hand. There’s no feeling like waking up in your own space, wherever you parked it last night. But it’s not all cute builds and wildflower pullouts—so here’s what to expect.

• Freedom: You’re in control. Full stop.
  
  

• Savings: Skip hotels. Camp for cheap or free.
  
  

• Flexibility: Change your route without asking anyone.
  
  

• Challenges: Empty black tanks, dead batteries, weird noises in the night.

  This is a picture of where my RV spent several months on winter. Parked right on the beach for free in Mexico!
  
  

Packing for Your Solo Van Trip

Don’t overdo it. You’ll learn fast what you actually use. Essentials include:

• Comfortable bed setup
  
  

• Cooking gear (one pot, one pan, decent knife)
  
  

• Portable toilet (it’s a game-changer)
  
  

• Safety tools and first aid
  
  

• A power solution (solar, battery, or generator)
  
  

If you’re shopping gear, I’ve reviewed options like the Anker Solix F1200 and the Ninja Blast portable blender for van-ready setups.

Budgeting and Workamping

Workamping—seasonal gigs that provide free camping and sometimes pay—is more common in the U.S., but I’m hoping Canada catches up soon. It’s a great way to make the road sustainable.

Look into sites like CoolWorks or Workamper News for job listings. Jobs range from campground host to seasonal retail to groundskeeping.

Final Thoughts: Just Drive

You don’t need permission to take up space on the road. You don’t need a partner to change a tire. You don’t need to explain why you’d rather wake up in a van than a condo.

Solo road trips are about you. Your pace. Your playlist. Your lessons. They’ll test you, thrill you, and shape you into someone who knows what freedom feels like.

Start small or go big—but start. The road’s waiting.

Want more practical tips and real talk? Grab my ebook Rolling Solo—it’s $5 CAD and written just for women who want to hit the road alone.

Author Bio:
I'm a Canadian solo female traveler living full-time in a Pleasure-Way Plateau Sprinter van since 2009—with my two rescue dogs as co-pilots. I created missadVANture.com to share the truth about life on the road: the good, the gritty, and everything in between.