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I live in NE Ohio, my brother lives in North Carolina 12 hours away. I would really like to go visit him this summer, but have never driven more than 3 hours alone in a car. I have been in the car for 10 hours straight, but i was w/2 other people that time. I"m just wondering if you all think it's smart for a 28 yr. old single woman to make this drive alone. I've asked several friends to go w/me, but they are either too busy or can't afford it. Also, i'm afraid of flying, so that's not an option. I know my bro has made this drive alone and he says it's not a big deal. I think it would be a good experience for me to do this alone, but i'm a little scared about it too. What do you all think?
12 hours is do-able, I think. Just don't drive at night if you plan on making this a 2-day trip. Find lodging before it gets dark. Always stay in well-lit areas. Make sure you always have your keys ready before you walk to your car if you get out (ie rest stop, gas station, whatever).
If you plan on driving it all in one day, I would go way early in the morning ... like a 5am-5pm trip. That way you get to your destination before it gets dark. Don't pick up hitch-hikers (duh!) and stay near the highway when you need to get gas!! I'm 28 female, too, so I understand your concerns. I've never done a 12 hour trip by myself but I have travelled by car extensively and always take precautions. Good luck!
I think you should use caution at all times when driving by yourself! Going on the trip for 12 hours will not change anything other then you should be more aware of your surroundings at all times. Be sure not to get too low on gas, stop only in well lighted areas, look at your tires and make sure they are not going flat or low on air. All those things that should be common sense and good judgment are the things that you should be doing. Also have a map of the area with you so you can figure your way there and back, and if you get lost you can look for some help on getting back to the route. Take a cell phone with you and report in with a phone call every couple of hours letting other people know where you are at.
Get your oil changed before you go too. And plot your trip on mapquest so you have a good feel for where you are going. Interstate driving is pretty simple if you read the signs.
Bring some good music and enjoy the scenery. You should have some lovely mountains on that trip!
I've just driven about 4800 miles alone. I don't drive as long and as hard as I once did, and generally pace myself on hours not miles. I haven't had any serious trouble, but some things to remember:
- mapquest is not fool-proof; take a good map, a flashlight, and even a magnifier
- have a pre-road check-up on your car and make sure you have extra fluids, a spare set of wipers, a tire-kit, and a battery charger
- join a road association, like but not necessarily AAA
- take a cell phone, and if possible get a recharger for your car
- follow major highways, or secondary roads with visible markings (especially after dark)
- take some fluids for yourself, a cooler and some easily consumable eats while your hands are on the wheel
- most of all "enjoy"
All of the above information is good for planning any trip.
Stop at busy gas stations and rest areas that have many around. I travel about 5,000 miles by myself a year and I just follow good common sense. You will be so glad you did the trip by yourself. Enjoy it.
Jane
I know summer's about over, and you've probably come and gone already, but I wanted to post a couple finds I only recently made. I'm pretty well grown, and this week, I will be starting off on my own first ever trip requiring about 2 full driving days. I feel like I have everything in order, so little need to stress, but still . . .
There are times I'm convinced the internet is the most amazing thing ever. I'm going to upstate New York for the first time ever in my adult life, and thanks to the web, I know more about what I'm getting into than I ever could otherwise!
Travmatix includes info per exit, like food, gas (with est. prices), and hotels. Even rates restrooms and details rest areas! It also gives you the option of a separate map for each exit.
I love road trips. Alone or with others. 12 hours is not awful for someone your age. I would do it. Just stop for breaks and always get out and move a little. This is all assuming you have a decent well maintained vehicle.
Your statement about being afraid of flying makes me sad. I hope you find a way to get over it in the future. Your world will be a much smaller place. You most likely will never touch the sand on Bora Bora or climb the road to Machu Picchu. Life is too short to allow it to be ruled by fear.
I have been making long trips alone by the time I was old enough to drive. I think the longest I have done was from Jackson, MS to Washington, D.C. I am a 25 yr female and have never felt unsafe while driving. I don't like to drive at night, but that is only because I get tired and want to sleep. You just need to practice common sense. As long as your vehicle is in good shape, and you are a good driver, not much can happen to you in the car. Just be aware of your surroundings.
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