North Bay Woman

S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 NORTH BAY WOMAN 17 thing. Usually when I travel with friends or family, we are always out and about and on the go, so why spend the mon- ey on a really nice hotel? When I travel alone now, I like to splurge on my room. Just in case I end up wanting to do nothing, my room can be a nice oasis too. I also learned that even though there may be public transportation to the ski lifts, I like having my own schedule and renting a car so that I can go off the beaten path and not adhere to the bus schedules (although this would have been fine had I been with friends that were sole- ly focused on skiing.) As far as traveling as a woman alone, I offer these few tips in preparation: DRIVING SOLO TIPS Never allow the gas tank to be near empty; have at least 100 miles' worth of gas in the tank at all times. Follow GPS but also follow your gut; if it seems like it is leading you some- where wrong, maybe take note and pay attention to road signs as well un- less you are in a well populated area. It is always a good idea to bring a map or printed directions, in case of no cell service. Always carry snacks and water and a roadside emergency kit, in case of accidents, big or small. Mak e an itinerary with all of your intended tourist stops and lodg- ing information. Give this to someone who knows you well and knows when you have not checked in or if you are just off having fun! Plan for delays; they always ha ppen. That way when they do, it won't cause too much interruption to your trip and cause unnecessary stress. FLYING SOLO TIPS Make sure to give someone your itinerary and lodging information, same as above. Study your destina- tions on Google maps, pick a few places of interest before you go and figure out how you will get there as well. It's great if you want to go to Graceland but know when it's a 4-hour drive from where you are staying. (Yes, that hap- pened.) Mileage doesn't necessarily mean you will make it there at 60 mph … so allow for necessary time. Make sure to pack a few things from home, a candle for the room, a wrap scarf for the plane and dress in layers. It always makes me feel at "home." Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are going when you are alone. It is fine to ask for directions, just be confident about it. Pay atten- tion to people around you as well and stay in populated areas if you are new to traveling alone. Have fun! Do what you like to do and meet new people. n Left to right: Schlagel rests at Incline Village Nevada after a 3,700 mile trip in 2020, and at Dead Horse Point State Park Utah in 2020; Below: The author in Utica, Montana in 2020.

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