Solo road tripping, yes you should

So you want to hit the road?

Maybe with someone, maybe solo? Never say no to solo travel.

There is something truly special about travelling with only you.

The fact that you’re toying with the idea already says you could potentially do it.

If you’ve developed a little resistance, here are a few counter arguments to that strong mind of ours.

A collection of the most common questions I get asked or find myself thinking…

Do you get lonely?

This right here is numero uno. The answer is yes, but no. There are people everywhere.

Have you ever been somewhere, filled with people and never felt more alone? Or completely alone in nature and never felt more alive?

This is the thing, you can be as lonely or surrounded as YOU choose to be.

It all comes down to perspective, how am I looking at this situation? If I feel alone, I can be in a packed pub and feel alone. If I feel surrounded, I can be in the middle of the bush and still feel completely content.

Perspective my darlings.

Do you get bored?

Not as common. Still an interesting one. The response?

Boring people get bored. Ouch. Take it back to perspective, 2 different people, the same beach.

Person 1: bored out of their brains, supposedly nothing to do, except sand, sun and water.

Person 2: they’re already getting fins and a snorkel set to explore the reef breaking a few metres out.

Point is – you will always find something out there, even if it is relaxing and taking it all in.

The p word makes an appearance again… all about perspective.

Why travel alone?

Got this one a few times. Short answer is:

I’d rather travel alone than not at all.

Not everyone can commit to your travelling timeframes, logistically getting people lined up can be a nightmare.

If you’ve got the time, do it.

Don’t wait for the perfect time, it never arrives.

And don’t wait on anyone.

Do you get sick of it?

There are days – absolutely. Incessant rain, gales blowing. It’s all part of it, you just get better at having a resilient setup.

A bad day doesn’t mean a bad trip. I like to use reverse psychology on myself.

Alright Jords, it’s really that bad hey? Pack your shit we’ll drive straight home, it’s 16 hours from here. 2 days you’re home. You ready?

That situation never actually came into fruition. I had that conversation once with myself.

I realised I loved being on the road so much, that a bad day wasn’t going to end my trip.

The other ‘scenario’ I played out in my mind was: If I do go back home, I’ll spend the rest of summer wishing I was on the road.

Doesn’t make much sense sending it home, after a bit of wind kept you up last night?

Be real with yourself, say it out loud. Sometimes you need to tell that little voice to keep it zipped.

Home Sick?

This is a funny one. I love being around the fam. How do I process the feelings of missing home?

I go straight to the worst case scenario. Is that a bad thing? Possibly. It certainly does help me though.

Worst case scenario in my mind would be death of a loved one. Not wishing it upon any of us, but hypothetically, you would either send it back as quick as possible OR park at the nearest airport and fly back home. The resilient and problem solving you will always work it out.

Now back to the most LIKELY scenario, you miss them, give them a call when they pop into your head. Believe me, not a lot changes from when you leave to when you get back.

That neighbour still doing the weird shit they do. Same story, with school and work for the family members. Except you on the other hand, just got back from the trip of a lifetime with an experience and a half to tell.

You’ll see them soon enough, worrying won’t change much.

You’re resilient. If anything were to happen, deal with it then. Don’t let the potential of something happening, spoil what is actually happening in front of you (your amazing trip)

Accommodation?

This kind of ties in with the feelings, while also planning the good shit. I really like getting a vibe for a place before actually committing to the spot. Not always possible particularly in the busy Christmas period.

If a place feels off, get packing. Book 1-2 nights max, if you love it extend. If it’s cactus, roll on and onto the next spot.

Some people don’t like taking the risk. Book a night or 2, if this is you. A little taste tester.

Wikicamps is great as you can check reviews. I wouldn’t take it as gospel though, everyone has different levels of acceptable and you know you best.