What if your first solo road trip (or your next one😉) isn't just a journey from A to B?  What if instead, you embarked on a transformative adventure sewn together by your passions and treasures?

In my view, this describes the perfect solo road trip.  Forget the checklists and the drive-as-fast-as-you-can time time tables.  Slow the heck down, friend.  Think about what's meaningful to you, what brings you joy, and peace, and fills your soul.

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This article serves as Part 3 of the "How to plan the perfect solo road trip" series, based on excerpts from my #1 Bestseller There's Wonder Around the Bend:  An Inspiring Guide to Solo Road Tripping. 

You can enjoy this in three ways:

1. Find the entire series here.

2.  Watch all the videos on YouTube

3.  Check out my book, There's Wonder Around the Bend.

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How to Plan a Meaningful Solo Road Trip

I'm a sucker for a metaphor, and this seems a perfect time.

To craft the perfect solo road trip, you have to start with WHY.  Why do you want to go?  If you need a little help digging into that, this article makes it super clear, even if this is your first adventure. 

Once you know WHY, it seems the logical next step is HOW.  But wait!  Not yet.  If you jump to all the practicalities, you're skipping the best parts. 

Let's take a moment to understand the connection between the WHY and the HOW.  That connection is a bridge.

Deception Pass - the Perfect Bridge

As we consider this bridging of wondering why to the more practical how, let me introduce you to Deception Pass Bridge.  This marvel, nestled between Anacortes and Oak Harbor in the Pacific Northwest, is a strait of swirling blue-green waters spanned by a magnificent two-span bridge. It’s a place where tumult below contrasts with the steady safety above—a perfect metaphor for our discussion.

Deception Pass Bridge

The bridge acts as the essential piece to carry us from one solid piece of earth (or idea, in our case) to another.  Without the bridge, we flounder, no matter which side we are on.  We need both parts. 

But how do we connect the wonder-driven why to the purposeful how?  What IS the bridge?   Let me just say that i doubt you'll find this particular answer anywhere else.   That's okay, because we're not creating cookie cutter vacations here - we're crafting journeys filled with wonder. 

Your Heart is Your Bridge

Yup.  Your heart.  That's the bridge.  That's likely not the practical answer your imagined!  But what better way to ensure you plan an adventure that is uniquely yours, and one that directly connects to what you hold dear?  It’s your guide to planning a solo road trip infused with meaning.

I'm still significantly practical though.  Here's a little bit of step-by-step to give you some solid ground to stand on before you cross that bridge.  But know this: this is where the magic of your solo female road trip begins.

Heart Connections

Before I embarked on my first solo road trip, I honestly wasn't actively considering any of this.  I ran on pure instinct.  While that caused a lot of missteps, I learned that simply following my gut guided me to places and experiences that made indelible marks on me.  It was only in the looking back that I realized I was onto something, and now I incorporate this "bridge of the heart" strategy into every trip I take.  Solo female road tripping gave me the freedom to lean into what resonated deeply.

Now it’s your turn. I'll show you how to tap into what makes you tick—your values, joys, and passions. Solo female road trip planning isn’t just logistics; it’s about crafting a journey uniquely yours, one that fulfills your heart’s desires.

Signposts to Wonder

When planning how to achieve the perfect solo road trip, pay attention to internal signposts—those gut instincts and heartstrings that guide your decisions. Whether it’s a quaint Blue Ridge hamlet tied to a favorite book or a spontaneous detour down a dirt road, these moments are not random. They reflect the essence of who you are.

Trust these internal guides to craft a trip that speaks to your soul. These signposts may point you toward tear-inducing vistas, nostalgic treasures, or spontaneous joys.  Let's look at three specific ways to tap into what meaningful travel looks like for you personally.

1 - Your Tears

What moves you to tears with awe or joy? These emotional moments are signposts of what matters deeply to you. Consider memories, feelings of nostalgia, joy and awe.  For me, such moments range from standing in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home to the breath-taking magnificence of the Grand Tetons.  These experiences are gifts that amplify the wonder of solo travel.

Your tears may stem from different sources—a poignant memory, a dream realized, or an unexpected vista. Honor these emotions as guides to planning a solo road trip filled with wonder.

2 - Your Treasures

Your treasures are the experiences, places, and moments that fill you with peace and joy. They may include tranquil mornings of devotion or the thrill of exploration. On my first road trip, I found treasure in wandering through small towns, driving winding back roads, and being quiet.  All of these provided solace during a turbulent season. They reminded me of the beauty in starting anew.

What treasures do you hold dear? Think about what energizes you and fills your soul. Identifying these will help shape a road trip that replenishes and inspires you.

3 - Your Passions

Your passions are the drivers of your journey. Whether it’s a love of nature, a longing for connection, or a desire to explore history, these passions should guide your road trip planning. For me, exploring the beauty of God’s creation as I hike and slowly drive through unspoiled lands, and the quest for authentic communities have been constant motivators.

Consider what excites and motivates you. These passions will influence where you go, what you do, and how you experience the road.

Putting It All Together

When heart, tears, treasures, and passions come together, they form the foundation for a solo road trip that’s uniquely yours. This intentional approach transforms your journey into an adventure filled with joy and discovery.  Each day of your trip becomes an opportunity for renewal and wonder.

It's time to build your bridge.  Intentionally taking time to weigh your passions, tears and treasures will ensure you can safely cross between the why and the how of creating a solo road trip.

Journaling Your Journey - I Wonder . . .

Reflecting on your motivations and desires will help clarify your road trip goals. Consider these prompts to guide your thinking:

• What experiences fill you with awe or joy?
• What intangible treasures resonate with you?
• How do your passions influence your travel aspirations?

Take time to journal your thoughts. Envision your ideal solo road trip, focusing on the elements that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Each week I’ll add a bit more of the story as we plan the perfect solo road trip. I will share:

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

📍A new 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.

📍Grab the ➡️ FREE Super Simple Guide to Solo Road Tripping Safety