SheJumps and Josie Rimmer from DirtFish Rally School have teamed up to provide you with helpful tips to prepare for a road trip.
Photo by Ryan French
Josie Rimmer of DirtFish Rally School loves traveling alone. Not because she’s anti-social or a messy eater or a terror to room with, but because it means she has absolute freedom over her trip. If she meets a new friend and wants to stay in their town for a day, she can. If she stumbles upon an unexpected hike, she can take it. If she decides it’s time for a swim, she can pull over at the nearest lake.
The first solo trip can feel daunting. On her first excursion, she remembers the shock at being totally, completely alone for the first time in her life. She was momentarily paralyzed by the fact that she had no idea what she was doing. Oh, and she was in a foreign country.
But she settled. She learned. And she fell in love with that solitude.
Everyone has their own list of tips for a solo trip, and as women, we must have our own. As much of Josie’s solo traveling has included driving and road-tripping, in this video she outlines some of the most important things to know for planning your amazing trip on four wheels.
Video by Ryan French
Before the Road Trip
Get your car checked out (by a professional)!
Plan your route.
Download your virtual maps and carry a paper map - draw out your routes prior to leaving.
Create a movement plan. This is a document that outlines your routes, destinations, lodging plans, and estimated driving time per day.
Share your movement plan with a few friends or family members. This way, you have people who know how, where, and when to check on you.
Left Photo by Ryan French
Know Your Car
What type of spare tire kit do you have?
Do you know how to use it?
What kind of gas mileage do you get?
What air pressure should you keep your tires at?
Do you have AAA (or another emergency service option)?
Photo by Ryan French
Pack the Essentials
Jumper cables
Spare tire or tire repair kit (is it inflated and do you have the tools/knowledge to use it)
A battery pack
First aid kit
Reflective triangle/flares/bright cloth to warn other traffic
Extra clothes/blanket
Extra water
Basic tool kit with duct tape
Flashlight with extra batteries
Fire extinguisher
A laminated list of emergency contacts, easily accessible should someone need them.
SNACKS! Nonperishable, high energy foods
Photo by Ryan French
Pack Optional and/or Seasonal Items
Chains/cables/snow socks that fit your vehicle
Rain gear and gloves for putting on chains in the cold and wet
Snow shovel
Windshield scraper
Portable air compressor
Jump-starter box
Car escape tool (seatbelt cutter and window breaker)
Towing strap
Helpful Tips
Know how to use the tools you have for your car before you need to use them
Share your location with someone you trust
You are in charge. If something doesn’t feel right…TRUST YOUR GUT (this is the most important part of any type of solo travel)
Despite some of these tips sounding like a damper, remember that traveling alone can yield some of the most beautiful views and create some of your fondest memories. Take some time to prepare, and then all that’s left to do is enjoy the ride.
Photo by Ryan French
Join SheJumps at Pacific Raceways in Washington on December 19th, 2021 for our Women’s Car Control Clinic!
Article provided by Josie Rimmer
Click here for more information about driving safely at night.
SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community. SheJumps strives to be an ally in the fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.