If you’re following me on Instagram, then you probably saw highlights from my solo road trip around South Sinai earlier this month. Since my big adventure sparked many questions and I decided to answer them all to help you prep for your own. So, if you’re planning to go on a road trip alone for the first time, read along!

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A post shared by Nadine | Global Solo Travel + Egypt Travel (@curlsenroute)

First things first, do you need to rent a car?

FAQs About My Solo Road Trip Answered

I’ll make sure to answer all frequently asked questions around the topic and refer to my South Sinai road trip from time to time to give examples. These examples should also be useful to anyone who wants to drive the same roads. I’ll also provide you with some useful tips about things to do that are often overlooked – those should come in handy, especially to first-timers.

Is it weird to go on a road trip alone?

DEFINITELY NOT! Solo traveling, in general, is incredibly empowering; and after this solo road trip, in particular, I felt extra empowered. Simply because it was my very first time to go on a road trip alone, as well as go camping completely by myself (but that’s a story for another time).

So, since solo travel itself is not weird, and is really worth trying, a solo road trip is not weird either. Of course, it goes down to your personality and how willing you are to get out of your comfort zone. I also don’t recommend you attempt a solo road trip if you’ve never traveled alone before. Start small, then go bigger!

Is it safe to go on a road trip by yourself?/ Is it safe for a woman to drive alone?

As long as you stick to common sense and some safety precautions, gender doesn’t matter, in my humble point of view. It depends on your self-confidence, of course, as well. At the end of the day, there will always be a percentage of risk when it comes to safety anywhere and for anyone. Just drive responsibly, try to stay calm (and excited), and follow safety precautions.

Based on my personal experience, I put together the following tips for you to keep in mind before hitting the road alone:

• Drive during daylight, especially if you’re not used to driving on highways at night or if you’ve never driven the road before. It also depends on the road itself; some are simply just a hard drive. For instance, I’m used to traveling to and from Alexandria and the North Coast (I’m based in Cairo) at night. However, even though I traveled around Sinai a lot, I’ve never gone further than Ras Sudr driving. Also, Sinai roads are quite tricky. Some are very narrow, two-way roads, uphill, and spirally. So, if you’re not used to driving a certain highway, it’s definitely better to do it in the morning.
• Mark rest spots and gas stations on your online map in advance.
• Make sure you have internet data on your phone and offline maps downloaded.
• Be ready for improvisation. Sometimes, in rare cases, road changes might not be updated on online maps. This is actually quite common in Sinai, for instance. And since it’s entirely desert, it’s quite expected as well that certain parts of the road have zero cell reception. In this case, you need to be calm (panicking doesn’t help – take that as a general rule of thumb in life). Use your mind and follow common sense instead; you know directions and you have a map, right? Go old school! Also, when in doubt, ask! Taking Sinai as an example again, luckily, it’s packed with checkpoints, and at some point or another, you’ll stumble upon a cop/soldier or a Bedouin.
• Run a car check-up a few days prior to your trip and see if it needs maintenance. You’ll be driving for long distances and you need to make sure your tires, engine, AC, and everything is fine. It goes without saying that your car needs to be reliable and ready for a long drive.
• Keep roadside assistance contacts on you.
• Always park your car in the shade to avoid overheating.
• Sleep well the night before. Make sure to have your 8 hours of sleep before your big day, and if you need coffee to wake up, don’t forget to grab a cup.

What are solo road trip essentials?

I have a blog post about all the essential things to bring on a road trip, comprising 4 packing lists (safety, comfort, entertainment, and seasonal essentials). Even though they’re all important, for a solo road trip, the safety essentials list should be your number 1 priority. This one makes or breaks your trip in case of any on-road emergencies.

How do you survive a long road trip alone?

Aside from safety, this is definitely one of the top scary things that would probably cross your mind. I know I was personally concerned about getting bored, but actually, I enjoyed every bit of it. I can’t deny that the main reason behind this was that this whole thing was a new experience. So, I guess the thrill and excitement kept me occupied.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your sanity during your solo road trip:

• Download a badass playlist. Music will be your companion so you need to enjoy it and it needs to keep you entertained. You might want to take a look at my road trip playlist on Spotify.
• Podcasts are also a good idea. Sometimes singing or simply listening to music can be tiring. In this case, if you’re into podcasts, it would be a great way to stay entertained.
• Pick a scenic road. The best thing about road trips is probably the beautiful scenery, so capitalize on that! Driving through the wilderness brings a surreal feeling upon you – take the beauty in and you’ll be surprised. Also, you might want to stop to take some photos (if possible).
• Pack lots of water and snacks. I don’t know about you but when I’m bored, I like me a snack. I guess it keeps my brain away from hungry thoughts and lightens my mood.

How long can one person drive in a day?

This really depends on the driver; however, Lazy Trips recommends not to exceed 8 hours a day, which should include at least 3 15-minute breaks.

• Make sure you’re driving with a proper posture. Keep your back and seat straight; your sitting position doesn’t just affect tiredness, but also your long-term health.
• Do some stretches when you stop for breaks.
• Stay hydrated and eat! That’s another good reason to pack lots of water and snacks, and of course, have a proper meal before you hit the road. You don’t want your blood pressure to drop and you definitely don’t want to drive while hangry.

What’s your South Sinai road trip itinerary?

I’ve answered this question in detail in a different post dedicated to the full itinerary, complete guides, and alternative stops. Click here for my full South Sinai road trip itinerary.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

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This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

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You might also like:

• Road Trip Essentials You Should Pack
• Renting a Car in Europe: The Pros, the Cons, and Everything in Between
• My Road Trip Playlist on Spotify

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