Are you thinking about solo travel and going on a road trip, but still feel hesitant? If you need inspiration and encouragement before you start, read my story about how my first solo road trip made me stronger.
My first solo road trip began
That was October 2023, right in the heart of fall. The trees in Bishop, California, were glowing in shades of gold, and I couldn’t stop thinking about capturing those colors. I had read that the Eastern Sierra was one of the best places in California to see mountains, lakes, and fall foliage. Which is why I started my trip in Mammoth Lakes to see fall colors.
How I started planning
It was very simple and inexperienced: I listed places I wanted to see and considered a few campgrounds. But, I didn’t book anything ahead of time.
Back then, I hoped a friend or someone from the solo female traveler Facebook group I’d just joined, would join me, and we could plan the trip together.
But finding a travel partner is not easy. I remember feeling frustrated and even thinking about canceling the whole idea.
I wanted to cancel the first trip
That’s when my grandma gently said, “Why don’t you just go alone? You’ll have a great time.” Her encouragement was exactly what I needed, even though I still didn’t feel fully confident.
The night before the trip, I packed my clothes, tested the air mattress in my SUV, and went to bed feeling both excited and nervous. The thought of leaving on my own filled me with questions.
“What if things didn’t go as planned? What if I wasn’t ready?”.
The next morning, I almost convinced myself to stay home. I didn’t get up early, I stayed in bed, trying to believe I didn’t really need this trip.
The little push I needed
But my sweet grandma knew me better than that. She knew I truly wanted to go.
She gave me the push I needed one more time. This time, her voice was firm: “LoAnn, just go!”
And that was the moment something shifted inside me. I got out of bed, packed the car with determination, and reminded myself why this trip mattered to me. At 12:30 pm on October 14, 2023, I finally backed out of my driveway and started driving.
That first stretch on Highway 395 wasn’t just the beginning of a road trip, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life: driving across States and Canada, exploring all the beautiful National Parks over the last 2 years. A chapter filled with journeys that taught me not only about new places, but about myself.
And now I’m here, writing to you, passing on the same inspiration my grandma gave to me. I’ll give it to you, and one day, you’ll pass it to someone else, another person, another generation. That’s how inspiration lasts forever.
Who Inspired Me?
When people ask who inspired me to start this journey, the answer is simple: my Grandma.
Without her encouragement, I honestly don’t know if I would have ever taken that first solo trip. Imagine if she was worry and said “No, don’t go.” Knowing myself back then, I probably would have crawled back under the covers, convinced myself I didn’t really need an adventure, and missed out on the life-changing experiences that came after.
Instead, she gave me something powerful: the belief that I could do it on my own.
She helped me become stronger, more independent, and those qualities I carry with me now and hope to pass on to anyone reading my story. I like to joke that she “trained” me, like I was getting ready for some kind of independence boot camp. But honestly, that’s exactly how it felt!
With every word of encouragement, she helped shape the woman I am today: happier, braver, and more confident than I ever imagined I could be.
My Inspiration to You
If you’ve been thinking about taking your first solo road trip but keep waiting for the right time, I hope my story gives you a little push.
I was nervous, worried, and made some mistakes, but I still did it. I got nervous and had moments where I questioned myself “Why am I doing it?”, but I kept going. And you know what? That’s how confidence is built: one small, imperfect step at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out; you just have to start. Every wrong turn and little challenge teaches you something new about yourself. The best part isn’t the destination, it’s realizing you’re stronger and braver than you thought. You deserve to feel proud, free, and alive on your own journey.
And if my story made you smile or feel inspired, share it with another woman who needs a little courage today, we’re all in this together.
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If you’ve already traveled solo, what’s your story? I’d love to hear about your first solo trip or any fun travel experiences. Please share below.
