For some, solo travel is not just a Point A to Point B situation. It’s a way to get out of the daily grind, clear your mind, and rock out to your favorite tracks as loud as you want. It doesn’t matter if you’re hitting the open road for the holidays or carving out time for yourself during the rest of the year, traveling alone can be an incredible way to recharge. Regardless of the reason, being solo also means you’re your own backup. No one’s going to have your six, so you’ve got to take safety seriously. Here are just a few tips for riding solo.

Plan Ahead

There are lots of people who might prefer a totally spontaneous solo trip, but preparation is everything when considering safety. We’d suggest being mindful about just winging it. Map out your route, research the areas you’ll be traveling through, and know the lay of the land before you roll in. We’re not talking memorizing every street name but understanding where the sketchy spots are and avoiding them altogether if possible. If you’re carrying a firearm, double-check the laws in each state you’ll pass through. Concealed carry reciprocity isn’t a given, and the last thing you want is to get jammed up because you didn’t know the local regulations. It would also be a good idea to make sure someone back home knows where you’re headed. This might mean sharing your trip with family so they can locate you if something goes wrong. Anything can happen on the road; car breakdowns, accidents with drunk drivers, distracted drivers, road raging drivers, anything. 

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Prepare for the Unexpected

If something can go wrong, it probably will. That’s just Murphy’s Law, so be ready for it. Before you head out, check every inch of your vehicle. Tires, fluids, gas levels; everything needs to be in top shape. Pack an emergency kit that covers the basics: water, snacks, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger. Share your plans with a trusted friend or family member and stick to a regular check-in schedule. Make sure you can handle whatever gets thrown at you.

Stay Aware

When you’re traveling solo, keeping your head on a swivel is non-negotiable. You need to be tuned in to your surroundings at all times, paying attention to the people around you and the vibes they give off. Criminals are predators, and predators look for prey; not equals. To avoid becoming a target, blend in as much as possible, move with purpose, and project confidence. Look like someone who’s in control and not worth the trouble.

If you’re carrying self-defense tools like a firearm, an edged weapon, or pepper spray, make sure you know how to use them effectively under pressure. Staying safe is not just avoiding danger; you want to be sure you can see the danger coming. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, act on it. Don’t hesitate to leave an area that seems off, and always be ready to stand your ground and fight if the situation calls for it. Remember, you’re your own first responder; no one else is looking out for you.

Be Careful with Social Media

Posting about your solo adventure in real-time might seem harmless, but it can put a target on your back in more ways than one. Live videos or location updates don’t just let people know where you are; they let them know where you’re not. If someone knows you’re miles away rocking out on a solo road trip, they also know your home and possibly your family are unprotected. So, if social media is your thing, save the uploads for when the trip is over and you’re back home.

Conclusion

Being prepared, staying alert, and thinking ahead can make the difference between a great trip and one you’d rather forget. Your safety is your responsibility every mile of your solo trip. Remember to keep your head on a swivel, stay sharp, and protect what’s yours both on the road and at home; because no one else is going to do it for you.

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About The Author

Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.