What I Learned On My First Solo Road Trip
I recently went on a road trip to visit family, but this one was a milestone: it was my first solo road trip. (But is it really solo if you take your dog?) My dog Belle and I traveled 12 hours across three states — from Maryland to Georgia. I always felt these types of trips were a rite of passage, and I’m excited I finally got to do a solo one. The trip itself was short — only three days — but it taught me a lot about who I am and who I am becoming.
1. I don’t have to plan every detail.
In addition to it being my first solo road trip, it was also semi-spontaneous, which is another first for me. As someone who has a history of planning just about everything, not planning something for months before a trip was a change, but a welcome one. I didn’t feel stressed about having to be at a certain location by a certain time or by having to follow a specific route. I followed Apple Maps, stopped when we needed a stop, and I let us stretch our legs as needed. It meant I could enjoy the trip a little more.
2. But some planning is good.
Because I didn’t pre-plan the route, we didn’t get to stop to see some scenery like I had wanted. We would pass a sign for a specific site, but then I would miss the exit. While this didn’t ruin the trip by any means, next time I’ll look for some things to visit along the way.
3. I’m not as afraid of being on my own as I thought I was.
I only got nervous for the trip when my parents expressed their nervousness for my solo travel. And even then, it was a background nervousness. I thought I wouldn’t be okay being on my own, that the trip would dredge up too many memories that I couldn’t handle while driving. I thought I would be terrified every time we made a stop because I’m so conscious that I’m by myself. But none of that happened. Instead, I rocked out to my road trip playlist, I listened to podcasts, and I enjoyed the solo time with Belle. By the time I got home, I realized that I’m not as afraid as I thought I was.
Admittedly, I’m surprised by these. I thought I would be freaking out if I missed sightseeing or if I didn’t plan a lot or that I was on my own. I think I thought I was weaker than I am. And that’s a big realization in itself.
