You dream of hitting the road solo—just you, your car, and the open road. But then reality hits: Where do I even start? Do I need weeks off work? Will I be safe? Am I even cut out for this? Overwhelm sets in, and before you know it, the dream fades before it even begins.

I don’t want that to happen to you!

The Perfect Solo Road Trip Is Closer Than You Think

What if I told you that you don’t need an epic cross-country adventure to experience the joy of solo road tripping? In fact, you can start this week—without spending a fortune or taking time off work. The perfect way to begin is with a mini solo road trip—a day trip or weekend getaway that gives you the thrill of the open road without the stress of a long journey.

Solo female road tripping has become one of the most popular ways to travel, and for good reason. Over 80% of solo travelers are women, and the number continues to grow. There’s something incredibly empowering about setting out on your own, discovering new places, and seeking freedom and wonder around the bend.

Dreaming Small

In my book There’s Wonder Around the Bend, I call this idea of seeking freedom and wonder in mini trips as “dreaming small.” It’s about creating bite-sized adventures that are totally doable right now. Too often, we think solo female road trip planning has to involve a massive itinerary, but that’s simply not true. If a long, winding road trip isn’t possible for you at the moment, a mini getaway - I call it a "mini wondering" - is the perfect way to dip your toes in.

Think about it: A one-day trip or weekend escape can still give you that sense of freedom and adventure you’re craving. And here’s the best part—you’re not committing to a long, complicated journey just yet. This is your chance to test the waters, build confidence, and realize that solo road tripping is completely within your reach.

The Power of "Mini Wonderings"

In the "Mini Wonderings" chapter of There's Wonder Around the Bend, I explain and encourage readers to consider three types of wonder one can experience on a short solo road trip:

1. Comfortable Wonder – "Seeing Anew"

A great place to start is with what I call “comfortable wonder”—uncovering joy and beauty in locations and istuations already known to you.  Maybe especially in those places where you already feel a strong connection.

2. Familiar Wonder – "Looking Out"

Another powerful way to begin your solo adventure is through “familiar wonder.”  Do you have favorite little places nearby?  A park, a hike, a coffee shop, museum, or library?  Just because you know them like the back of your hand doesn't disqualify them from your mini wondering.  We love these places for a reason!  Taking deliberate time to enjoy them on your own provides new opportunities to see them with new eyes.  Try it!

3. Nostalgic Wonder – "Connecting Within"

Finally, “nostalgic wonder” is about revisiting places that hold special meaning to you. Maybe it’s the town where you went to college or a favorite childhood destination. These wonder-filled places from my past evoke memories of past experiences, of my encounters with people I love, and glorious childhood or adulthood memories.  Returning to experiencing these places on your own brings new appreciation, fresh insights, and a deeper connection to your journey. 

A Mini Solo Road Trip Is a Perfect Practice Run

A shorter adventure isn’t just a great way to ease into solo travel—it’s also a wise and strategic practice run.   If you are planning a larger trip sometime soon, there are likely a few parts of the lengthy solo journey that intimidates or concerns you.  These may be dragons you can slay with a practice run! 

If you’re considering a longer road trip but aren’t sure if you have all the logistics worked out, use a mini road trip as a trial run. If you’re thinking about camping, try one night at a nearby campground (or even your backyard). If you’re unsure about car organization, take a day trip and note what worked and what didn’t.

Mini Wonderings are Road Trips!

You don’t need a cross-country journey to experience the magic of solo road tripping. Stay close to home, seek out what's comfortable, push your limits a teeny bit.   A mini getaway may be your best and only option right now—take it. Maybe it’s a short day trip to a nearby town, a scenic drive you’ve never explored, or a cozy afternoon spent in a quiet café with no agenda. Every road trip—big or small—counts.

  A mini wondering is every bit as much of a road trip as the epic month-long journeys.  And it might be just what you need.  Start small, and enjoy your journey.

How to Plan the Perfect Mini Solo Road Trip

If you’re ready to take the leap, here are two simple steps to make your first solo road trip actually happen:

1. Schedule It Now

Pick a date, put it on your calendar, and treat it like any other important plan. If you wait for the ‘perfect time,’ it’ll never come. But when you commit to a date—no matter how small the trip—suddenly, it becomes real.

2. Make a Mini Bucket List

Not sure where to go? Make a list of interesting local or semi-local places you’ve never visited. Look for scenic routes, hidden gems, or small towns with unique charm. The key is to pick something that genuinely excites you—your enthusiasm will fuel your adventure.

The help you need - my free Quick Start Guide!

If you’re serious about solo female road trip planning, I’ve put together a FREE 5-day Going Solo Quick Start Guide to help you break through the overwhelm and get going. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiration to help you confidently take your first solo adventure, whether it’s a mini road trip or something bigger.

📍If you’re feeling overwhelmed about getting started, grab my 5-Day Quick Start Guide to Going Solo and take it one step at a time.

Come back and visit!  Every week I’ll add a bit more of the story as we plan the perfect solo road trip. You'll find:

📍An on-topic video to accompany the weekly blog post.

📍A new related blog post with content pulled from my #1 Bestseller, There’s Wonder Around the Bend:  An Inspiring Guide to Solo Road Tripping

📍 You can pick up my book HERE.