TravelDock Sometimes, you want to leave it all behind and drive towards the horizon. It’s the ultimate desire for freedom. When we have had enough of our busy lives, our boss, our kids, our mothers, fathers, friends, cats and dogs it’s healthy to be alone. Or maybe you have no conflict, but love to spend time with yourself?
While travelling solo as a male was popular since the written word was first invented and probably even earlier than that, travelling alone whilst female was always a bit of a taboo. Safety, being taken advantage of, scammed, robbed always came to mind and lips of well-meaning friends and family members.
For most of history, it was simply inappropriate for a young lady to travel unescorted, even if she wanted to leave it all behind and just drive towards that horizon all by herself. Horseback riding was the thing that probably came the closest, which explains its popularity with women in the olden days. It was considered a fine, healthy sport not only for the body but also for the mind.
Although I feel nostalgic for those old days of beautiful dresses, different manners and amazing hairstyles, let’s be real ladies – I’d never want to live back then. Solo travel is one of my sanctuaries when the stress gets to me, or if I need perspective to think clearly.
A solo road trip is an amazing way to experience a different country or even a different part of your own country. Here are five best places for solo road trips that I have discovered over the years – and I highly recommend them for those just spreading their wings and for those who are experienced solo girls already.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
This amazing coastal route will take your breath away. You can save time on planning your itinerary by getting a self-driving tour of Ireland and the coast from a tour company. While I usually stay clear of tour buses, this option is the best way to go. You will see things that you might have missed by yourself. This route is the best in the winter, spring, summer – you name it. You can bring your surfboard, your journal, and your appetite, while you visit wild beaches and quaint fishing villages. This one is truly a favourite.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
The Dalton Highway is not for the faint of heart. If you drive alone, you will really be ALONE here. It measures an intimidating 666 kilometres that run through some of the most pristine and wildland you will ever see in your life. It ends in an oil rig village of Deadhorse, on the Beaufort Sea. Sometimes, it might seem that there are no other humans within the radius of a 100 kilometres. And you might not be wrong about that at all. This is a great route for those of us that know a thing or two about cars, wilderness, and mosquito repellant. Remember to contact one of the oil rigs in Deadhorse ahead of time, so they can do a background check and take you on a tour! You might spot a polar
Garden Route, South Africa
If you feel like really getting away, there is no place further South than South Africa. Another coastal route, because we love coastal routes, don’t we? Here is another inexhaustible source of exploration – from beautiful sandy beaches to caves, opportunities to dive and surf, whale watch and stargaze. It’s over 300 miles, so plan carefully! There are a lot of nature preserves here, as well as marine sanctuaries. In fact, it is on the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves. A must for every tree hugger.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Aaah, Italia. If you want a luxurious, amazing, pampering and sense-blowing experiences, drive this sumptuous route. Make sure you have at least a week. I mean it. Although it’s only 50 kilometres of windy picturesque roads with seascape views – you will want to stop in every village and explore, catch a boat to the famous Capri for a day or just plan a few beach days. There are side trips to Pompeii, or Naples – the things to see and explore never end. It’s no wonder that Pompeii was considered a holiday centre for the well to do Roman citizens even back in the day!
Our number 5 is the many safe road trips in New Zeland. Plenty of wonderful scenery.
