Few countries are as well-suited to long drives as the United States, where scenic highways, varied landscapes, and countless small towns connect in one vast network built for exploration.

For solo travelers, a road trip in the USA offers unmatched freedom — the ability to set your own pace, change plans on a whim, and truly experience the country on your own terms.

Of course, that freedom comes with a few responsibilities. From choosing the right vehicle to planning your route and staying safe on the road, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Here’s how to make the most of your solo road trip across the USA.

Ultimate solo road trip USA guide

So, let’s get started with our solo trip USA guide.

Choose the right car

Different parts of the country call for different kinds of vehicles. A car that’s suitable for the sunny California coast will struggle with a Wisconsin winter.

So, it’s important to pick the right car for your trip. If you’re covering multiple regions, consider swapping cars through rental or car-sharing services along the way.

For example, if you rent a car to take you through the stormy Georgia mountains and then struggle with the humidity when you hit south Florida, you can always check out rental cars in Miami and find a cooler, breezier ride to take you down the coast.

Plan your route

In order to match your vehicle to the terrain and climate you’re driving through, you need to have at least a rough route mapped out. While one of the great things about a US road trip is the freedom and the opportunity to be spontaneous, it does pay to have a general idea of where you’re going. 

So, think about what you want to see, get your maps out, and plot a route.

For example, if you want to visit the Washington Monument and the Hollywood sign, you might plot a route down the Pacific Coast, with plenty of flexibility built in to explore interesting spots you encounter in Oregon and north California. 

Make sure to consider the driving distances between rest and gas stops. How long, realistically, can you drive for before getting fatigued? How far will a full tank of gas take you? And where do you plan on spending each night?

If you’re not sure where to start when planning your route, here are some classic American road trip routes:

• Route 66. Highway 66 was one of the first highways built in the USA, and it’s known as ‘The Main Road of America’ for good reason. The route starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica. Along the way you’ll find plenty of mid-century Americana, classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and sights like the Gateway Arch and Cadillac Ranch.
• The Pacific Coast Highway. This is much shorter than Route 66, but still takes several days to complete (assuming you schedule in plenty of stops). It runs along California’s Pacific Coast, and is perfect for those seeking sunshine and spectacular ocean views.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway. This mountainous route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The views along this route are hard to beat, and the towns along the way will give you a unique insight into Appalachian culture.
• Highway 50. Also known as ‘The Loneliest Road’, this route cuts through some of the most remote and wild landscapes the USA has to offer. It crosses from Maryland to California, passing through the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin National Park, and vast Nevada desert landscapes. One to try if you want even more solitude in your solo trip.
• The Oregon Trail. This route roughly follows the trail taken by settlers heading west at the birth of the USA. It offers a fantastic blend of incredible scenery and historical sites, including Chimney Rock and Fort Laramie.
• The Alaska Highway. If the wild north is calling to you, head for the Alaska Highway, which runs from British Columbia in Canada and through the Yukon into Alaska. Ideal for wildlife-spotting and unbeatable icy sunsets.
• The Great River Road. This follows the Mississippi through the heart of the USA, from Minnesota to Louisiana. On the way, you’ll see the St Louis Arch, and get great cultural experiences, from the Memphis blues scene to New Orleans French Quarter.

Safety considerations

General safety varies around the USA. Vermont is statistically the ‘safest’ state, and Louisiana the most dangerous, but crime rates and road safety varies significantly within states, cities, and even neighborhoods.

To stay safe, be vigilant, keep your wits about you, and don’t get out of the car if something feels ‘off’. Also remember to keep valuables out of sight when you park the car, and keep people updated on your route.

Perhaps more important, make sure that you are road-safe. Make sure that your car is thoroughly checked before hitting the road; inspect the tires, fluid levels, lights, and brakes.

If you’re renting, most companies will take care of this, but a quick inspection never hurts. Drive carefully, change tires if the terrain demands it (for example, apply snow tires in icy conditions), and respect the rules of the road.

Also pull over and rest if you get tired. You may feel tempted to push on through fatigue, but it’s really not worth the risk of nodding off at the wheel.

Pack smart

Road trips are generally more comfortable if you pack light. It’s not much fun to be stuck in a luggage-crammed car cabin for hours on end.

So, focus on essentials, such as:

• A good first-aid kit
• A spare tire (if not already provided)
• A flashlight
• A car charger for your phone
• Maps
• Emergency contact numbers
• A portable cooler for snacks and water 

When it comes to clothing, pack multipurpose items that you can layer as temperatures and weather conditions change.

For example, light t-shirts, a couple of sweaters, and a waterproof jacket can be layered to keep you both warm and cool, and will take up less room than a wardrobe full of bulky knitwear and summer dresses.

It’s also a good idea to pack some comfort items like neck pillows and blankets to make the drive feel more pleasant, and don’t forget to load up your entertainment systems with a good playlist, podcasts, audiobooks and the like.

Stay connected

A solo road trip is a great opportunity to get away from the stresses of everyday life and connect with yourself.

But it’s still important to not completely disconnect from the rest of the world. Check in with your loved ones regularly, and let them know where you’re heading – perhaps by sharing your location via an app. This is good for their peace of mind and your own. 

Make sure that you have relevant emergency numbers for the locations you’re driving through. While 911 is the major emergency number throughout the USA, different numbers cover individual sheriff departments, recovery services, and so on. Keep a list of useful numbers on hand and update it regularly.

It’s also a good idea to pack a car charger and a portable power bank to keep your phone charged and ready when you need it.

Enjoy the drive

Road trips are a rite of passage for many Americans, and a great way for visitors to get to know the country on a deeper and more personal level than the traditional tourist trail.

So, while organizing well and keeping safe are very important, it’s also important to relax, let loose, and enjoy the drive.

Be curious about the towns you pass through. Don’t be afraid to take detours to catch a fantastic view or follow up on a restaurant recommendation. If you’ve woven enough flexibility into your schedule, you can fully enjoy the freedom of the road without having to worry too much about missing scheduled stops.

Remember not to push yourself too hard. Take breaks to stretch your legs whenever you need to. Pull over for a rest if you get tired. Take plenty of photos, hunt for interesting souvenirs, and indulge yourself if you spot something interesting that bears further investigation.

Try the local cuisine in the towns you pass, and get chatting to with the locals – you’d be amazed at the hidden gems that people in the know will recommend to you.