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As I sit down to write this, it's hard to believe that it's already been one year since I set out on a month-long solo road trip from Boise to San Diego.
At the time, I wasn't just moving to a new city. I was starting a new chapter. Five years earlier, I had moved across the country from Washington, DC to Boise, Idaho, but that move looked very different. I had friends and family helping me along the way, making the journey feel much less daunting. This time, I decided to turn the move into a month-long solo road trip. Just me, my gear, the open road, and a pretty loose itinerary.
At first, the idea felt overwhelming. Could I handle the logistics, the quiet moments, the challenges that might pop up along the way? But underneath those nerves was a pull I couldn't shake: the chance to overcome a challenge and prove to myself that I could do hard things.
Solo travel has a way of revealing strengths we don't always realize we have, and my hope in sharing this story is to inspire anyone who's been curious but hesitant to take that first leap. It isn't about being fearless. It's about choosing to go anyway.
Why I Chose to Travel Solo
The idea of solo travel can feel intimidating. For me, it started with a desire to create space for growth. I wanted to know what I could do without relying on anyone else's schedule, plans, or preferences.
Of course, I had the same fears many people do. What if something went wrong? What if I felt lonely? What if I didn't feel safe? But I realized those were the exact reasons I needed to go. The only way to prove to myself that I could handle those things was to try and see what happened.
I also wanted to build a level of confidence that I had never experienced before. Not the kind that comes from external validation, but the kind that comes from trusting yourself completely. I wanted to know that I could navigate challenges, make decisions on my own, and create meaningful experiences without waiting for someone else to join me.
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation was the key to feeling confident when I set out. I spent time mapping out a general route that I wanted to take, while leaving room for plenty of flexibility along the way. I researched campgrounds, scenic stops, and safe places to spend the night so I'd feel at ease before hitting the road.
Packing also gave me peace of mind. I brought along all the essentials: food, camping gear, safety tools, and products I knew I could rely on for outdoor adventures. Having things like Sawyer sunscreen, insect repellent, and water filtration gear helped me feel prepared for whatever came my way, especially since I was traveling through a variety of environments.
Highlights from the Road
One of the best parts of this trip was that I didn't take the most direct route. Instead of heading straight to San Diego (which would have been a one-day drive) I started by driving east to Grand Teton National Park, one of my favorite places in the world. The Tetons have a way of making everything else feel small in the best possible way, and it felt like the perfect place to begin my new chapter.
From there, I headed north through Montana, where some of my favorite unexpected memories happened. One day, I met a group of people who invited me to join them zip lining over the Gallatin River. It's the kind of experience I probably never would have had if I had been focused on sticking to a strict itinerary. Moments like that reminded me that some of the best experiences happen when you're open to saying yes.
After Montana, I spent a few days in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, slowing down and enjoying a mix of hiking, lake days, and quiet time. It was especially nice being on my own for this portion of the trip because I had no agenda. For a few days, I simply went wherever the day took me, enjoying the freedom that comes with having nowhere specific to be. It was the perfect place to slow down and embrace a little bit of slow travel.
From there, I made my way into Washington, where I visited friends, explored new National Parks, and continued following my curiosity rather than a rigid schedule.
Eventually, I reached the Washington coast and began what would become one of the most memorable stretches of the entire trip. I drove south along the Pacific Coast, stopping at iconic places like Cannon Beach and countless viewpoints along the way, with every turn revealing another rugged cliffside, hidden beach, or coastal town worth exploring.
When I crossed into California and continued driving down the coast, it honestly felt like I had stepped into a movie. My entire life I had dreamed about taking a California coast road trip, and finally experiencing it for myself felt surreal. I was finally doing it, driving along one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the country, with ocean views the entire way. The combination of dramatic coastline, winding roads, and the excitement of knowing I was headed toward my new home made it an experience I'll never forget.
Confidence Comes (Eventually!)
By the end of the trip, I felt transformed. Solo travel gave me the chance to prove to myself that I could trust my instincts, solve problems on the fly, and find joy in my own company. The challenges didn't disappear; they became proof that I was stronger and more capable than I had ever given myself credit for.
Confidence doesn't come from having everything figured out ahead of time. It comes from showing up for yourself, even when you're nervous, and realizing that you can handle whatever comes next.
While solo travel can feel scary and intimidating at first, I will always encourage people to do things alone, even if they start small. Go to a coffee shop by yourself. Take yourself to the movies. Go on a hike. Spend a day exploring a new town. I truly believe that learning how to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself.
And I think it's healthy to spend time alone.. free from other people's opinions, expectations, and influences. When you're by yourself, you learn more about who you are, what you actually enjoy, and how you make decisions. Over time, something unexpected happens: you begin to crave those moments of independence and quiet reflection.
What many people don't realize is that confidence is built gradually. I didn't wake up one day and decide to take a month-long road trip by myself. I spent six years building towards it. It started with the small steps I mentioned above: solo hikes, coffee dates, movie outings, day trips, weekend getaways, and eventually week long adventures. Every experience taught me something and made the next step feel a little less intimidating.
The more you challenge yourself to do things alone, the more confidence you gain in your ability to navigate the world. You learn to trust yourself more. You become more aware of your surroundings, better at reading situations, and more comfortable making decisions for yourself. And those skills carry over into every part of life, long after the trip is over.
Tips for First Time Solo Travelers
If you've ever considered traveling alone, here are a few things that made my journey easier and more empowering:
Start small - Try a day trip or a weekend getaway before jumping into something longer. Confidence is built through experience.
Do your research - A little planning goes a long way. Research routes, accommodations, and safe places to stop, and always have a backup plan or two.
Pack intentionally - Bring gear that helps you feel prepared and supported, whether that's navigation tools, safety essentials, or outdoor gear you trust.
Trust your instincts - If something feels off, listen to yourself. Your intuition is one of the best safety tools you have.
Leave room for flexibility - Some of the best travel moments happen when plans change. Stay open to detours, unexpected opportunities, and spontaneous adventures.
Celebrate the small wins - Every solo meal, successful navigation decision, and challenge you overcome is proof that you're stronger than you think.
An Invitation to Adventure
Looking back on that road trip now, I see it as so much more than just a move. It was a series of moments, some big, some small, that taught me how resilient, adaptable, and capable I really am. Solo travel didn't erase my fears, but it gave me the confidence to carry them with me and keep moving forward.
If you've ever thought about taking a trip on your own, let this be the nudge you need. Start small, prepare well, and trust that the experience will meet you where you are. The reward isn't just in the places you'll see. It's in the confidence you'll build, the lessons you'll learn, and the realization that you're stronger and more capable than you ever imagined.
So here's your invitation: take the leap, even if it scares you. The road is waiting.
From Boise to San Diego: Finding Confidence on a Solo Road Trip
Last updated:
September 1, 2026
| 5 min read
As I sit down to write this, it's hard to believe that it's already been one year since I set out on a month-long solo road trip from Boise to San Diego.
At the time, I wasn't just moving to a new city. I was starting a new chapter. Five years earlier, I had moved across the country from Washington, DC to Boise, Idaho, but that move looked very different. I had friends and family helping me along the way, making the journey feel much less daunting. This time, I decided to turn the move into a month-long solo road trip. Just me, my gear, the open road, and a pretty loose itinerary.
At first, the idea felt overwhelming. Could I handle the logistics, the quiet moments, the challenges that might pop up along the way? But underneath those nerves was a pull I couldn't shake: the chance to overcome a challenge and prove to myself that I could do hard things.
Solo travel has a way of revealing strengths we don't always realize we have, and my hope in sharing this story is to inspire anyone who's been curious but hesitant to take that first leap. It isn't about being fearless. It's about choosing to go anyway.
Why I Chose to Travel Solo
The idea of solo travel can feel intimidating. For me, it started with a desire to create space for growth. I wanted to know what I could do without relying on anyone else's schedule, plans, or preferences.
Of course, I had the same fears many people do. What if something went wrong? What if I felt lonely? What if I didn't feel safe? But I realized those were the exact reasons I needed to go. The only way to prove to myself that I could handle those things was to try and see what happened.
I also wanted to build a level of confidence that I had never experienced before. Not the kind that comes from external validation, but the kind that comes from trusting yourself completely. I wanted to know that I could navigate challenges, make decisions on my own, and create meaningful experiences without waiting for someone else to join me.
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation was the key to feeling confident when I set out. I spent time mapping out a general route that I wanted to take, while leaving room for plenty of flexibility along the way. I researched campgrounds, scenic stops, and safe places to spend the night so I'd feel at ease before hitting the road.
Packing also gave me peace of mind. I brought along all the essentials: food, camping gear, safety tools, and products I knew I could rely on for outdoor adventures. Having things like Sawyer sunscreen, insect repellent, and water filtration gear helped me feel prepared for whatever came my way, especially since I was traveling through a variety of environments.
Highlights from the Road
One of the best parts of this trip was that I didn't take the most direct route. Instead of heading straight to San Diego (which would have been a one-day drive) I started by driving east to Grand Teton National Park, one of my favorite places in the world. The Tetons have a way of making everything else feel small in the best possible way, and it felt like the perfect place to begin my new chapter.
From there, I headed north through Montana, where some of my favorite unexpected memories happened. One day, I met a group of people who invited me to join them zip lining over the Gallatin River. It's the kind of experience I probably never would have had if I had been focused on sticking to a strict itinerary. Moments like that reminded me that some of the best experiences happen when you're open to saying yes.
After Montana, I spent a few days in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, slowing down and enjoying a mix of hiking, lake days, and quiet time. It was especially nice being on my own for this portion of the trip because I had no agenda. For a few days, I simply went wherever the day took me, enjoying the freedom that comes with having nowhere specific to be. It was the perfect place to slow down and embrace a little bit of slow travel.
From there, I made my way into Washington, where I visited friends, explored new National Parks, and continued following my curiosity rather than a rigid schedule.
Eventually, I reached the Washington coast and began what would become one of the most memorable stretches of the entire trip. I drove south along the Pacific Coast, stopping at iconic places like Cannon Beach and countless viewpoints along the way, with every turn revealing another rugged cliffside, hidden beach, or coastal town worth exploring.
When I crossed into California and continued driving down the coast, it honestly felt like I had stepped into a movie. My entire life I had dreamed about taking a California coast road trip, and finally experiencing it for myself felt surreal. I was finally doing it, driving along one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the country, with ocean views the entire way. The combination of dramatic coastline, winding roads, and the excitement of knowing I was headed toward my new home made it an experience I'll never forget.
Confidence Comes (Eventually!)
By the end of the trip, I felt transformed. Solo travel gave me the chance to prove to myself that I could trust my instincts, solve problems on the fly, and find joy in my own company. The challenges didn't disappear; they became proof that I was stronger and more capable than I had ever given myself credit for.
Confidence doesn't come from having everything figured out ahead of time. It comes from showing up for yourself, even when you're nervous, and realizing that you can handle whatever comes next.
While solo travel can feel scary and intimidating at first, I will always encourage people to do things alone, even if they start small. Go to a coffee shop by yourself. Take yourself to the movies. Go on a hike. Spend a day exploring a new town. I truly believe that learning how to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself.
And I think it's healthy to spend time alone.. free from other people's opinions, expectations, and influences. When you're by yourself, you learn more about who you are, what you actually enjoy, and how you make decisions. Over time, something unexpected happens: you begin to crave those moments of independence and quiet reflection.
What many people don't realize is that confidence is built gradually. I didn't wake up one day and decide to take a month-long road trip by myself. I spent six years building towards it. It started with the small steps I mentioned above: solo hikes, coffee dates, movie outings, day trips, weekend getaways, and eventually week long adventures. Every experience taught me something and made the next step feel a little less intimidating.
The more you challenge yourself to do things alone, the more confidence you gain in your ability to navigate the world. You learn to trust yourself more. You become more aware of your surroundings, better at reading situations, and more comfortable making decisions for yourself. And those skills carry over into every part of life, long after the trip is over.
Tips for First Time Solo Travelers
If you've ever considered traveling alone, here are a few things that made my journey easier and more empowering:
Start small - Try a day trip or a weekend getaway before jumping into something longer. Confidence is built through experience.
Do your research - A little planning goes a long way. Research routes, accommodations, and safe places to stop, and always have a backup plan or two.
Pack intentionally - Bring gear that helps you feel prepared and supported, whether that's navigation tools, safety essentials, or outdoor gear you trust.
Trust your instincts - If something feels off, listen to yourself. Your intuition is one of the best safety tools you have.
Leave room for flexibility - Some of the best travel moments happen when plans change. Stay open to detours, unexpected opportunities, and spontaneous adventures.
Celebrate the small wins - Every solo meal, successful navigation decision, and challenge you overcome is proof that you're stronger than you think.
An Invitation to Adventure
Looking back on that road trip now, I see it as so much more than just a move. It was a series of moments, some big, some small, that taught me how resilient, adaptable, and capable I really am. Solo travel didn't erase my fears, but it gave me the confidence to carry them with me and keep moving forward.
If you've ever thought about taking a trip on your own, let this be the nudge you need. Start small, prepare well, and trust that the experience will meet you where you are. The reward isn't just in the places you'll see. It's in the confidence you'll build, the lessons you'll learn, and the realization that you're stronger and more capable than you ever imagined.
So here's your invitation: take the leap, even if it scares you. The road is waiting.
From Boise to San Diego: Finding Confidence on a Solo Road Trip
Last updated:
August 26, 2026
| 5 min read
As I sit down to write this, it's hard to believe that it's already been one year since I set out on a month-long solo road trip from Boise to San Diego.
At the time, I wasn't just moving to a new city. I was starting a new chapter. Five years earlier, I had moved across the country from Washington, DC to Boise, Idaho, but that move looked very different. I had friends and family helping me along the way, making the journey feel much less daunting. This time, I decided to turn the move into a month-long solo road trip. Just me, my gear, the open road, and a pretty loose itinerary.
At first, the idea felt overwhelming. Could I handle the logistics, the quiet moments, the challenges that might pop up along the way? But underneath those nerves was a pull I couldn't shake: the chance to overcome a challenge and prove to myself that I could do hard things.
Solo travel has a way of revealing strengths we don't always realize we have, and my hope in sharing this story is to inspire anyone who's been curious but hesitant to take that first leap. It isn't about being fearless. It's about choosing to go anyway.
Why I Chose to Travel Solo
The idea of solo travel can feel intimidating. For me, it started with a desire to create space for growth. I wanted to know what I could do without relying on anyone else's schedule, plans, or preferences.
Of course, I had the same fears many people do. What if something went wrong? What if I felt lonely? What if I didn't feel safe? But I realized those were the exact reasons I needed to go. The only way to prove to myself that I could handle those things was to try and see what happened.
I also wanted to build a level of confidence that I had never experienced before. Not the kind that comes from external validation, but the kind that comes from trusting yourself completely. I wanted to know that I could navigate challenges, make decisions on my own, and create meaningful experiences without waiting for someone else to join me.
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation was the key to feeling confident when I set out. I spent time mapping out a general route that I wanted to take, while leaving room for plenty of flexibility along the way. I researched campgrounds, scenic stops, and safe places to spend the night so I'd feel at ease before hitting the road.
Packing also gave me peace of mind. I brought along all the essentials: food, camping gear, safety tools, and products I knew I could rely on for outdoor adventures. Having things like Sawyer sunscreen, insect repellent, and water filtration gear helped me feel prepared for whatever came my way, especially since I was traveling through a variety of environments.
Highlights from the Road
One of the best parts of this trip was that I didn't take the most direct route. Instead of heading straight to San Diego (which would have been a one-day drive) I started by driving east to Grand Teton National Park, one of my favorite places in the world. The Tetons have a way of making everything else feel small in the best possible way, and it felt like the perfect place to begin my new chapter.
From there, I headed north through Montana, where some of my favorite unexpected memories happened. One day, I met a group of people who invited me to join them zip lining over the Gallatin River. It's the kind of experience I probably never would have had if I had been focused on sticking to a strict itinerary. Moments like that reminded me that some of the best experiences happen when you're open to saying yes.
After Montana, I spent a few days in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, slowing down and enjoying a mix of hiking, lake days, and quiet time. It was especially nice being on my own for this portion of the trip because I had no agenda. For a few days, I simply went wherever the day took me, enjoying the freedom that comes with having nowhere specific to be. It was the perfect place to slow down and embrace a little bit of slow travel.
From there, I made my way into Washington, where I visited friends, explored new National Parks, and continued following my curiosity rather than a rigid schedule.
Eventually, I reached the Washington coast and began what would become one of the most memorable stretches of the entire trip. I drove south along the Pacific Coast, stopping at iconic places like Cannon Beach and countless viewpoints along the way, with every turn revealing another rugged cliffside, hidden beach, or coastal town worth exploring.
When I crossed into California and continued driving down the coast, it honestly felt like I had stepped into a movie. My entire life I had dreamed about taking a California coast road trip, and finally experiencing it for myself felt surreal. I was finally doing it, driving along one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the country, with ocean views the entire way. The combination of dramatic coastline, winding roads, and the excitement of knowing I was headed toward my new home made it an experience I'll never forget.
Confidence Comes (Eventually!)
By the end of the trip, I felt transformed. Solo travel gave me the chance to prove to myself that I could trust my instincts, solve problems on the fly, and find joy in my own company. The challenges didn't disappear; they became proof that I was stronger and more capable than I had ever given myself credit for.
Confidence doesn't come from having everything figured out ahead of time. It comes from showing up for yourself, even when you're nervous, and realizing that you can handle whatever comes next.
While solo travel can feel scary and intimidating at first, I will always encourage people to do things alone, even if they start small. Go to a coffee shop by yourself. Take yourself to the movies. Go on a hike. Spend a day exploring a new town. I truly believe that learning how to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself.
And I think it's healthy to spend time alone.. free from other people's opinions, expectations, and influences. When you're by yourself, you learn more about who you are, what you actually enjoy, and how you make decisions. Over time, something unexpected happens: you begin to crave those moments of independence and quiet reflection.
What many people don't realize is that confidence is built gradually. I didn't wake up one day and decide to take a month-long road trip by myself. I spent six years building towards it. It started with the small steps I mentioned above: solo hikes, coffee dates, movie outings, day trips, weekend getaways, and eventually week long adventures. Every experience taught me something and made the next step feel a little less intimidating.
The more you challenge yourself to do things alone, the more confidence you gain in your ability to navigate the world. You learn to trust yourself more. You become more aware of your surroundings, better at reading situations, and more comfortable making decisions for yourself. And those skills carry over into every part of life, long after the trip is over.
Tips for First Time Solo Travelers
If you've ever considered traveling alone, here are a few things that made my journey easier and more empowering:
Start small - Try a day trip or a weekend getaway before jumping into something longer. Confidence is built through experience.
Do your research - A little planning goes a long way. Research routes, accommodations, and safe places to stop, and always have a backup plan or two.
Pack intentionally - Bring gear that helps you feel prepared and supported, whether that's navigation tools, safety essentials, or outdoor gear you trust.
Trust your instincts - If something feels off, listen to yourself. Your intuition is one of the best safety tools you have.
Leave room for flexibility - Some of the best travel moments happen when plans change. Stay open to detours, unexpected opportunities, and spontaneous adventures.
Celebrate the small wins - Every solo meal, successful navigation decision, and challenge you overcome is proof that you're stronger than you think.
An Invitation to Adventure
Looking back on that road trip now, I see it as so much more than just a move. It was a series of moments, some big, some small, that taught me how resilient, adaptable, and capable I really am. Solo travel didn't erase my fears, but it gave me the confidence to carry them with me and keep moving forward.
If you've ever thought about taking a trip on your own, let this be the nudge you need. Start small, prepare well, and trust that the experience will meet you where you are. The reward isn't just in the places you'll see. It's in the confidence you'll build, the lessons you'll learn, and the realization that you're stronger and more capable than you ever imagined.
So here's your invitation: take the leap, even if it scares you. The road is waiting.
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