“I wondered why it was that places are so much lovelier when one is alone,”
opined famous author and novelist, Daphne du Maurier. And she couldn’t have been more spot on about it.
Travelling solo definitely doesn’t come easy even to the most avid explorers; and it’s particularly tricky for women travellers. But an acquired taste as it may be, the art of letting yourself out of your comfort zone and into the big, blue expanse of the world outside has its rewards.
Anybody who has ventured out on their own will vouch passionately for the sheer freedom the experience offers. There is something almost magical about being on the road alone. Your former self fades into the background, taking the chaos of daily life along with it, as you discover new facets of your personality – completely unshackled from your life and the people in it.
While the above holds true for men and women alike; female travellers are expected to have far more to counter and prepare for before embarking upon that great solo road trip to newer lands. But as Helen Keller rightly pointed out, “Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.”
So, here are a few pointers to keep in mind if you are one plucky lady looking to undertake a rousing road trip, just for the simple pleasure of doing so.
- Assign a ‘check-in mate’:
Although being on your own is a total power trip, always let someone know where you are. This ensures that there is one person who is always aware of where to find you in case of emergencies.
- Pack light:
Make sure to carry only the items you absolutely need. Having to protect stuff you may not even use on the trip is an additional stressor you may as well avoid. That being said, do not forget to carry extra essentials like sanitary napkins and portable chargers for instance.
- Have some cash on hand:
It’s important to always have cash on hand when on a road trip. But be wary of carrying too much, and also avoid letting others know exactly how much cash is it that you are travelling with.
- Be insured:
Any long road trip deserves a good insurance policy that will have your back in exigent circumstances. Make sure you have all the details about your service provider and their emergency contact information in your possession.
- Spruce up your vehicle:
Take your car in for a thorough service a few days before the beginning of your trip. Your vehicle must be completely ‘road-ready’ even if you have all checks and balances in place.
- Be aware and in control of your situation:
Practice common sense and make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. Being attentive to details has proved to be helpful to many in tricky conditions. Protect your vitals, like IDs etc, and make sure you have multiple navigation tools tracking your journey.
We at Adventures Overland welcome travellers from all walks of life! Whether travelling alone, or as a couple with kids, or even senior citizens looking for adventure – nothing matters to us but your zeal to explore while we ensure you are provided with the utmost convenience, luxury and grandeur. So, count on us the next time you wish to discover this wonderful world of ours a little bit more..
