3 Tips for a Successful Solo Adventure
Ever since writing my book, Wanderful: The Modern Bohemian’s Guide to Traveling in Style, I don’t spend long in one place before venturing out on a cross-country road trip or hopping a plane to get back out there.
On my solo road trips I experience this meditative emotion that can only be felt in the company of no one, music blaring, on some path in the great outdoors. I'm not trying to get all Into The Wild on you guys, but honestly, it's a whole lot easier to plan an adventure alone and my creativity rises differently when it’s just me and the sights and sounds of a new place.
I've gotten pretty good at knowing what to pack and how to prepare (and I've shared a lot of that with you here), but, it's a bit different when going solo. Here’s how to get started:
1. Pack Maps & Guides, Charge Up, and Inform Your Friends of Your Plans
It doesn't matter how experienced you are, out in the wild it's easy to get turned around. GPS and phone service is often non-existent so a paper map can be your best friend. Battery power can drain quickly (especially if you're using your phone GPS) so having a back-up source is necessary too.
In regards to routes: there are many trail tracking websites and apps that provide recommendations from others that have gone before you. It’s helpful to get some perspective on the landscapes (and creatures) you'll be meeting along the way. Example: on one particular trip, while hiking Topanga Canyon in California, I came face to face with a coyote for the first time... hi Wiley, don't take me out please. His presence was definitely scary, but I knew from what I'd read he wasn't very interested in me.
And while you might be in the mood to go all Thoreau-rogue (and I highly recommend you do!) it's important that someone knows where to find you if you don't report in. A bee sting or a slip and fall might be nothing at home, but out in nature those things can make easy-trekking difficult fast.
2. Protect Yourself, You Delicate Flower!
Conditions can change fast and you'll be glad you've got extra gear if the rain kicks up or the temperature drops at night.
Here's a few things you should never travel without:
Water, and lots of it. The recommendation is a gallon per day per person, but I always go with a bit more than that. You never know when you'll need it to clean up too, and if for some reason you stay out longer than planned, extra water is the #1 necessity.
Extra cotton T-shirts and lots of layers. If you're hiking long distances, the cotton will wick away your sweat and extra layers in case the weather turns chilly.
Rain gear, and potentially mosquito repelling clothing or sprays (rain + heat is a mosquitos favorite condition!).
A sun hat, to keep yourself face protected and keep critters from getting in your hair (yep, that's real).
Plenty of sunscreen, SPF-rated lip balm and sunglasses with UV protection.
3. Let the Creative Muse Flow
Okay, so now that we've talked about the practical things that will keep you healthy (and alive)... here's a few ways to invite in creativity while traveling alone.
I (and so many others before me) find that time out in nature alone lends to brilliant creative moments. I always pack my cameras, extra polaroid film for quick moments, a journal, and a favorite read.
And if I'm being super real... I pack a pretty vintage dress and take a few photos documenting me in my element. Why not?! You'll always have the memories, of course, however, the photos make for lasting keepsakes too (and who doesn't want that instagram moment?).
Wanderfully yours,
Andi
