10 Things I learnt on a Solo Road Trip

I took two and a half weeks to travel by car on my own to the bottom of New Zealand and back up to Auckland. Here are 10 things I learnt.

1. Sometimes the scariest things turn out to be your favourite things. This was true for jumping off the bridge in Albert Town, staying in accommodation down a long driveway in Bluff, and Shark Diving.

2. Not all hostels are fun. Some are set up as emergency housing. I came across this twice. Once in Rotorua and once in Christchurch. Check reviews, ratings and the surrounding area. But in saying that, most hostels are fun.

3. Sometimes you just need a break. A break from driving, staying in cheap places, rice. Sometimes you just need a day to mix things up. Keep your plan flexible for when you just need a day.

4. Feed yourself properly. I was living off microwave rice and raw tofu. When I finally ate some real food I scoffed it like a stuffing puppy. Give yourself a proper meal, at least once every two days. Not once in your trip.

5. Always fill up with gas. You never know when the next gas station will turn up. You may think you do, but one wrong turn and you’re on the scenic route for hours. Always fill up with gas.

6. If you’re not happy somewhere, go somewhere else. That is the special thing of travel. You have no commitments. You can do what you want. Why stay somewhere you don’t want to?

7. If you’re happy somewhere, stay. What’s the rush anyway?

8. It’s okay to cry. Travelling is hard. It’s fun but it’s exhausting. Everything is new all the time. You may not be feeding yourself properly or sleeping very much. you may be constantly worried about gas, groceries, finances; or you could just be go-go-go for weeks. It’s okay to book a motel room, order McDonalds, watch The Simpsons and have a cry in the shower. Travelling is a big feat.

9. Life back home doesn’t stop. It may feel like it does. But don’t forget the people back home. And don’t forget about your job if you have one to go back to.

10. It’s a crap ton of fun.