I remember the exact moment I chose to drive from my hometown in Missouri to Las Vegas by myself. As I sipped my latte in my favorite café, the thought hit me like a bolt of lightning.
Why not just go for it and enjoy the open road by myself? I’ve always liked the thrill of traveling by myself because it gives me the freedom to see things at my own pace and the chance to learn more about myself.
That’s why I got my things ready, planned my route, and left on one of the most exciting trips of my life.
Key Takeaways
- Empowerment through Solo Travel
- Solo travel is empowering. It offers a unique sense of freedom and self-reliance that’s hard to match.
- Planning and preparation are key.
- Detailed planning is crucial for a successful road trip. From route selection to packing essentials, being prepared makes the journey smoother.
- Embrace the unexpected.
- Flexibility and adaptability are essential. The road is full of surprises, and embracing them enhances the experience.
Planning the Road Trip
Route Selection
Choosing the right route was the first task. There were several paths I could have taken, but I chose the one that went through some of the most beautiful and interesting places.
Along my path, I stopped in Kansas City, Denver, Moab, and finally Las Vegas. This way, I could take breaks on the long drive and see some amazing sights along the way.
Itinerary
The next step was to plan the itinerary. Splitting my trip into manageable chunks gave me enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The plan I made looked like this:
- Day 1: St. Louis to Kansas City
- Day 2: Kansas City to Denver
- Day 3–4: Denver to Moab (with a full day to explore Moab)
- Day 5: Moab to Las Vegas
Places to stay
It was important to find a good place to stay. I chose a mix of hotels and motels and booked them ahead of time to avoid any problems at the last minute.
Booking.com and Airbnb are two websites that can help you a lot. To get closer to nature, I also thought about camping for the night near Moab.
What You Need to Pack
It was important to pack smartly. I made sure to bring:
- Good shoes and easy-to-move clothing are essential.
- A first-aid kit
- Water and snacks
- A map and a GPS unit
- A good playlist to listen to on the way
- A camera to record all the wonderful moments
Highlights of the Journey
First Leg: St. Louis to Kansas City
It was easy to get from St. Louis to Kansas City. The road continued, with open fields and rolling hills on either side. Columbia is a cute college town with lots of parks and great coffee shops, where I stopped for a while.
I didn’t spend much time in Kansas City this trip because I’ve been there before. Instead, this article has all the stories about the fun things I’ve done in Kansas City before.
Second Leg: Kansas City to Denver
I went from Kansas City to Denver on the next leg. It took longer on this part of the trip, but the changing scenery made it fun. I went through both small towns and huge plains.
Denver greeted me with a lively arts scene and a beautiful mountain backdrop. I spent some time exploring the downtown area of the city. I went to the Denver Art Museum and ate at a food truck.
Third Leg: Denver to Moab
The best part was driving from Denver to Moab. The path took me through the Rocky Mountains, which had stunning views and exciting turns. The towering peaks, lush forests, and sparkling rivers made every moment of the journey unforgettable. Along the way, I found myself reflecting on stories I’d heard about working in Wyoming ranch life, imagining the rugged lifestyle amidst such breathtaking landscapes. The open road, with its endless possibilities, felt like a bridge between the wild beauty of nature and the boundless freedom of exploration.
I hiked in Arches National Park all day after getting to Moab. The arches and red rock formations looked like they were from another world. I also went to Dead Horse Point State Park and was speechless by the views of the Colorado River.
Final Leg: Moab to Las Vegas
The last part of the trip from Moab to Las Vegas was both exciting and full of desert scenery. On my way to Las Vegas, the stark beauty of the desert gave way to the city’s bright lights.
I felt a rush of adrenaline as I drove down the famous Strip, lined with neon signs and tall hotels.
Experiences and Challenges
Important Experiences
Along the way, I had some amazing experiences that I will never forget. While I was in Kansas City, I loved the BBQ. It was fun to visit Denver because it had an artsy vibe and beautiful scenery.
Moab hiking was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with beautiful views around every corner. Finally, getting to Las Vegas was the perfect way to end the trip, with its lively nightlife and endless fun things to do, especially if you get yourself a campervan.
Challenges Faced
Everything can go wrong on a road trip. A nice person in the area helped me change my flat tire when I was near the Rockies. The weather was all over the place, with sudden rain showers and a strong sun.
I also had to drive on some rough mountain roads, which put my driving skills to the test. But every problem was an opportunity to learn, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
Advice for Traveling Alone
When I traveled alone, I saw things from a different perspective. I enjoyed being able to go at my own pace and stop whenever I wanted.
I learned to rely on myself and enjoyed being by myself. The trip made me think and grow, which made me more confident and independent.
Safety Precautions
Safety was very important. My family knew where I was at all times because I carried a fully charged phone and had an emergency kit in my car.
I also didn’t drive at night and stayed in places with lots of people. Staying safe on the trip was easy because I trusted my gut.
Travel Tips
- Stay Flexible: Be open to changing your plans if needed. The unexpected often leads to the best experiences.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Keeping hydrated and eating regularly kept my energy levels up.
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks are essential for staying alert and enjoying the journey.
- Engage with Locals: Talking to locals enriched my travel experience with insider tips and new friends.
Conclusion
To sum up this trip, the drive from St. Louis to Las Vegas was a journey of finding out more about myself and seeing endless beauty. Every stop was different, from the tasty BBQ in Kansas City to the artistic vibes in Denver to the beautiful scenery in Moab.
Finally, the trip came to an exciting end under the bright lights of Las Vegas. I could explore at my own pace, be open to the unexpected, and grow in ways I never thought possible when I traveled by myself.
If you’re thinking about going on a trip like this, don’t wait. The open road is ready to show you all of its wonderful sights.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does it take to drive from St. Louis to Las Vegas?
There are many ways to get from St. Louis to Las Vegas, and the trip can take anywhere from 25 to 30 hours. To enjoy the trip and stay awake, it’s best to split the drive up over several days.
What is the best time of year to take this road trip?
This trip is best done in the spring and fall. The weather is more stable, which makes driving and doing things outside more fun. In the mountains, it can snow in the winter, and it can get very hot in the summer, especially in the deserts.
Is it safe for a solo female traveler to drive this route?
Yes, it is safe for a woman to travel alone as long as she follows the usual safety rules. Charge your phone, let someone you trust know what you’re going to do, and stay away from remote areas at night. Listen to your gut and be aware of what’s going on around you.
What are the must-see stops along the way?
Some important places to visit are Kansas City for its BBQ and museums, Denver for its art and mountain views, and Moab for its national parks and beautiful scenery. There are different things to see and do at each stop.
How did you handle food and accommodations on the road?
I brought snacks and water with me on the trip and looked up places to eat along the way. I planned my stays ahead of time and mixed hotels and motels to make things easier and more comfortable. It was very helpful to have websites like Booking.com and Airbnb.
What was the most challenging part of the trip?
Getting around on the mountain roads and fixing a flat tire near the Rockies were the hardest parts. Planning and a positive outlook could solve these problems, though.
Do you need any special preparations for driving through different states?
You don’t need to do anything special to get ready, but it’s a good idea to check the weather and traffic laws in each state. Make sure your car is in good shape, bring an emergency kit with you, and have a GPS or map that you can trust. Being ready for the trip makes it go more smoothly.
This road trip wasn’t just a drive; it was an adventure full of memories that will last a lifetime and growth for me. Go ahead and plan a trip like this one if you want to. It will be worth every mile because of the memories and experiences you’ll have.
