Traveling alone through the United States can expose you to a wide range of people.You will be able to see the different landscapes of America, from deserts to beaches to national monuments.It is possible to travel solo to see the U.S. on your own or to meet new people on the journey.You should focus on staying safe and having fun on your solo trip once you have planned and packed for it.
Step 1: A budget is needed for the trip.
Determine how much money you will spend on your trip.As a solo traveller, you want to make sure you have enough money for your travels as well as emergency money in case you need it.Depending on how long you are going to travel, you can break down your budget by day or week.Determine how much money you can afford to spend on the trip by taking stock of your savings.You can spend $50 a day on accommodations, food, and entertainment.If you are planning to travel for at least a month to two months and don't want to spend over $5,000, this may be ideal.You will spend around $1,000 on accommodations, $1,500 on food, $500 on gas and public transportation, and $500 for an emergency fund with this budget.It's possible to stay within your budget if you cook for yourself and eat out occasionally.You can save money by choosing the cheapest accommodations.
Step 2: You can research different areas of the country.
You can research different roads in the U.S. to get to different areas, such as the Bible Belt or the Pacific Northwest.You can include these areas into your route.You have a rough idea of your destinations if you spend some time deciding where you want to travel.If you are driving alone, remember that there are two- and three-digit highways that go through the cities.Even-numbered highways run east to west.To get to certain destinations more quickly, you can follow the I95 road.You can include roads off of "I" roads for more scenic views.
Step 3: Determine your mode of transportation.
How you are going to get around is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make.You can either drive across the United States in your car or rent a car.You can either fly into the U.S. or take buses and other public transportation around the country.Think about which mode of transportation would be the most convenient for you.It will take about two months to drive across the U.S. if you take buses or public transportation.The transportation option that fits your window of time could be the one you choose.It is possible to travel through the United States by train.If this is a good option for you, you can look up different train routes through parts of the U.S. as well as rates for travelling by rail online.Hitchhiking across the U.S can be risky if you are a solo traveller.If you have done this before and are comfortable doing it, you may go with this option as a way to save money and meet new people.
Step 4: You have to decide where you're going to stay.
When you are travelling, you should think about whether you will stay in a hotel or hostel.If you are trying to save money or on a tight budget, hostels and couchsurfing may be ideal.You can either book a room in someone's home or have the whole place to yourself.It's a good idea to figure out your accommodations so you know where you're going.If you want to save money on accommodations, you can camp.You might need to pay a tent fee.If you are driving across the United States, you can sleep in your car.It's always a good idea to have a back up place in case of a storm.
Step 5: An itinerary can be created.
Draw up a day by day itinerary after you have determined most of the planning for the trip.You should map out your route and note your accommodations.Once you start on your trip, you should have a guide that you can follow.You could write, "Day 1: leave from home with full tank of gas and head to New York City."As a safety measure, you may want to share your itinerary with your family or friends so they know where you are going.If they are trying to locate you while you are travelling or in the event of an emergency, this may be useful.
Step 6: A packing list should be made.
You should make a packing list as part of your preparation.If you are going to drive your own car across the U.S., you should make a packing list with your car in mind.Take into account the amount of stuff you need to bring with you and how much you can fit in your car.It is often easier to travel solo with only the bare essentials.If you're going to stay in a hostel or a hotel, you should pack a light backpack with all of your essentials.You can leave your backpack locked up in the hostel or hotel if you pack a smaller backpack.If you are going to camp or stay in your car overnight, you should bring cookware and sleeping gear.You can pack a sleeping bag, a tent, and camping cookware if you want to cook on the road.
Step 7: You need a US sim card for your cellphone.
If you want to stay in touch with your family back home, you should buy a cheap sim card for your phone so you can use it in the US.In the US, there are a lot of sim cards.When travelling alone, it's a good idea to have a cellphone.International data on the phone can be used to contact loved ones at home.This way, loved ones can call you at a very affordable rate.
Step 8: Copies of your identification are required.
You should bring your identification, such as your passport and proof of citizenship card, with you in your backpack.If you lose your identification or it is stolen, you can keep copies in different pockets of your bag and travel coat.When you travel, you should keep your passport and other identification in a safe place, such as a money belt or a bag with a secret pocket that you keep on you at all times.
Step 9: Do you want to carry money on the trip?
Will you use a credit card on your trip?Will you use cash or cards?If you have an international credit card, you can use it to pay for things like accommodations and entertainment.It is possible that you will end up eating in spots that only accept cash.You can use a U.S. card to pay for things on the trip.It is possible to get a travel credit card that will give you points for every dollar you spend and will make it easier to pay with credit cards as you travel.
Step 10: There are free things to do at the welcome center.
If you don't know what to do in an area, look for the local welcome center.They can be found on the main city street or in the downtown core.You can get a city map by asking the representative at the center about free fun things to do in the area.If you don't have a clear plan for that day and are looking for something to do in a town or city, this may be a good option.You should inquire about buying a city pass while you are at the welcome center.Most major U.S. cities have city passes that allow you to access public transit and museums for a low price.
Step 11: You can take a tour.
A guided tour is one way to get a sense of the area.A representative at the welcome center can help you find free or cheap guided tours in your city.Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the city.You can either go for a short tour of around two hours or a longer tour that can take up to four hours.Walking around a city on your own is always a free option if you factor in your budget, so make sure you don't spend too much on the tour.
Step 12: There are national state parks.
You can explore the national state parks when you are travelling through the U.S.The National Park Pass gives you access to 59 state parks for $80.You can go on a hike or walk through a state park as part of your trip itinerary.It is risky to hike alone.If you can get a group together to go hiking through a state park, you may try talking to people at your hostel or hotel.
Step 13: Talk to the locals.
People in the US are known to be friendly.You can chat with locals at a bar or in a public park if you befriend the people.Get to know the locals and ask them what they like to do in the area, as well as their favorite places to eat and have fun.If you are a solo traveller, you may feel shy or uncomfortable talking to someone.It is possible to get to know someone else by talking to people at the same hostel or hotel.At the hostel or home stay, you can ask your hosts for advice on what to see.
Step 14: There is a temporary travel buddy.
If you are a solo traveller, you should take precautions to travel safely.You can find a temporary travel buddy at your hostel or hotel and agree to travel through an area together.You can either part ways or try to meet up again on another leg of your trip once you are done with your stay.This is a great way to travel with a friend.Ask people in your hostel if they want to go on a guided tour of the city today or what they're doing today.Would you like to explore together?
Step 15: Don't walk outside at night.
It's a good idea to avoid late night walks outside alone.Walking around alone at night can put you at risk, even if you think you are safe.Even if it's just to your car or hostel, try to walk with a group at night.You should be aware of your surroundings during the day.You should keep your bag close to you at all times.If you are a solo traveller, avoid areas that seem risky or deserted.
Step 16: Stay in touch with family and friends.
Keep in touch with your family back home so they know where you are and what you're doing.You may have a daily email check in with your parents where you let them know you arrived safely and fill them in on your plans for the day.Let your best friend know you are safe when you call back home a few times a week.If you are going alone, you might want to let someone know where you're going.You can let the front desk at the hostel know that you are going to explore a certain area.You can text a friend to let them know you are going to check out an area on your own.