Freedom and flexibility are two of the best things about planning a road trip alone. You can go where, when, and for how long you want. Nobody dictates your stops, itinerary, or route. You can spontaneously pull over at that roadside attraction you have always been curious about or take a detour to explore a new town.
Enjoying new dishes and local cuisine is part of the travel experience for many people. Solo trips allow you to stop at roadside eateries and local restaurants. Visiting local plantations and farms is also a great way to enjoy the area you are visiting.
One of the best things about driving solo is taking your time. You can spend an entire day exploring a single attraction or town. No need to worry about sticking to a schedule or ensuring everyone is having a good time. You can go at your own pace and take as much time as you need.
Here are six road trips to try on your next solo adventure.
1. The Overseas Highway – Florida
How much time do you have? Driving the Overseas Highway from Key West to Miami is an excellent solo trip for a week. This stretch of highway is 113 miles long and includes 42 bridges. You can enjoy gorgeous views of the Florida Keys, stop at beaches and parks, and explore the towns of Key West, Marathon, and Islamorada.
This trip requires a robust vehicle and some extra cash for tolls. Be sure to bring sufficient sunscreen, insect repellent, and water, as there are limited services along the way. Also, invest in a ford ranger roof racks to ensure your belongings are safe and secure. This trip is best attempted during the fall or winter when the hurricane is over with cooler temperatures.
2. The Beartooth Highway – Montana
This 68-mile stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful in the country. It takes you through Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, with 11,000 feet of elevation, and includes views of alpine lakes, forests, and meadows.
This route is typically only open from mid-May to mid-September. It can be challenging to drive, so you must have a vehicle with good clearance and four-wheel drive. Carry warm clothes, enough food, water, and a first-aid kit. Carry some cash, as there are no ATMs along the route. This road trip is not for beginners. Never attempt it if you have never driven in snow or on icy roads.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most attractive road trip routes. It is the longest linear park in the US. This scenic route takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. The 469-mile parkway is full of overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and charming small towns.
The entire parkway is not always open, so you must check the status before planning your trip. Be sure to pack plenty of food and water because there are limited services along the route. Carry cash on hand to pay at the attractions that require a fee. This road trip is best attempted during the spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
4. The Lincoln Highway – Nebraska
The Lincoln Highway is the oldest in the country, passing through the Sierra Nevada, the Great Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains. The route also takes you through small towns and big cities, including Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York City. In total, this 3,100-mile road trip will take you through 12 states.
Prepare well for the haul if you intend to complete it. Since you will cross several states from coast to coast, you must budget for different weather and road conditions. This trip is best attempted during the summer when the weather is more consistent.
5. The Columbia River Highway – Oregon
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Image source: tripsavy.com
This route is a beautiful but short road trip. The 73-mile road takes you through the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Along the way, you will pass waterfalls, forests, and mountains. The route also takes you to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
This trip can take a day, but it is best to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Prepare enough food and water to avoid the inconveniences of limited services along the way. Also, carry some cash to avoid inconveniences when paying for attractions.
6. The Pacific Coast Highway – California
This iconic road trip takes you through many towns and cities in Oregon, Washington, and California. The route hugs the coastline giving you beautiful ocean views. You will pass through forests, mountains, and beaches.
Your trip can be as long or short as you want. From Washington to California, the Pacific Coast Highway is 1,675 miles. But there are many places to stop and explore along the way. Set apart enough time to explore, rejuvenate, and take in the sights. And never forget your camera to snap some beautiful memories!
Summary
Your vacation cannot be complete without a road trip. Many scenic routes across the country offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Discussed above are six of the best road trips for self-driven exploration. Ensure you check the conditions of the routes before embarking on your journey, and always drive safely.
Author Bio – Lisa D’Souza is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding of the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the health industry. Her belief is that health is real wealth, and she wants to spread it throughout the world. Besides writing, she likes to travel and cook.
