Month: September 2019

Yikes, it’s raining outside and you’re on a roadtrip.

You’re now cooped up in your car and have to figure out how to entertain yourself.

There’s only you (and a dog, in my case) and the car…

What do you do?!

That’s a great question, and one I found myself facing for a little while on my most recent trip to Colorado.

A little afternoon thunderstorm popped up and we had to get in the car for a bit.

That got me thinking…

What about heavy rain for hours?

Maybe heavy rain for days?

As many of you may not know yet, I’m prepping to do this for 6 months to 1 year full-time at the end of next summer.

Here are some ideas for what to do when you’re stuck in your car on a backcountry roadtrip.

8 Things to Do When You’re Stuck in Your Car

This is a growing list, as I guarantee I’ll figure out some new things to do.

1. Play with a deck of cards. You can play a number of games alone or with a partner. A good game of solitaire can make plenty of time go by in the car.
2. Read a book. This is a foolproof way to pass time. Choose something that you consider a guilty pleasure. That will make your time feel luxurious.
3. Take a nap. This is my favorite camping past time. I love taking a nap in the car in the middle of the afternoon. Enjoy the sound of the storm around you!
4. Do some work. I know, I know. Not the most exciting thing to do, but if you get work done while it’s raining you can take more time for yourself when it’s not.
5. Meditate. Use the time to dive deep into your consciousness. Let the sound of the rain outside take you higher into yourself. Be fully present.
6. Clean up a little. The more time you spend in your car, the dirtier it gets. Clean your windows and hard surfaces. Use your vacuum if you have one.
7. Do some much needed grooming. You can take a little wet wipe bath in the car, use a disposable toothbrush, comb your hair. Do some self-care.
8. Brave the rain. Yep, if there’s no lightning and it’s just raining lightly, just take a hike in the rain. Enjoy the sound and feel of the rain on your skin.

It doesn’t have to be a boring suckfest while you’re stuck in the car.

Take advantage of what you have around you!

Miranda & Violet’s Travel Updates

We’re headed to my mom’s in a couple of weekends to spend time with her for her birthday. We’re also going to try to fix my bed. 😊 After that, we’re headed to Montana in November!

Traveling on the road can be a little frightening.

A lot of times I have to spend at least one night in a rest area.

It may or may not be one of the nice ones.

And then when you get into the forest, there’s a whole other set of potential hazards.

Keep reading for my eight tips on how to stay safe while you’re traveling on highways and in the backcountry.

8 Tips on Personal Safety on A Roadtrip

I’ve spent a few nights in rest areas, both alone and with my dog. Some of them are those nice rest areas with restrooms and storm shelters. Others are just picnic areas that have a couple of tables and trash cans.

Here are my tips for staying safe on the road:

1. Keep your front seat empty.

If you need to make a quick escape while you’re parked in a rest area, having a bunch of junk in the seat will slow you down. Keep it empty, and make sure you’re able to get to it quickly if you’re sleeping in the back.

2. Have your keys handy.

In line with keeping your front seat empty, it’s a good idea to keep your keys handy in case you need to hit the panic button or leave quickly. Just try not to accidentally set off the alarm! I’ve done that and it’s embarrassing. 🙃

3. Try to fill up with gas before you get below half a tank.

This is just a general safety precaution when you’re traveling to the backcountry. You may not see a gas station for a while, so keeping your tank full prevents getting stranded at night or along a deserted road with no cell reception.

4. Dogs: A Risk and A Benefit

Having a dog is a great deterrent for ill-intentioned people. My dog lets me know when someone or something is close to the car. They can, however, be a risk to wildlife if not properly trained and restrained when appropriate.

5. Weapons and Their Usefulness in the Backcountry

The only “weapon” I carry is my dog and a knife that I use for cutting food. It’s a sharp knife, but it’s definitely not intended to maim someone. My suggestion is to carry weapons at your own risk – you might do more harm than good with one.

6. Tell Someone Where You’re Going

This is a big one if you’re traveling solo in the backcountry. I always tell my mom where I’m going to be camping, at least a service road or something, and I always try to stop at a ranger station to get safe camping intel.

7. Stay Vigilant if You’re Solo

Being alone in on the highway or in the backcountry can be a scary experience, especially if it’s your first time. Stay aware of your surroundings, know where your things are, and be vigilant about the people around you.

8. Don’t Stress Too Much

Chances are, you’re safer out on the road than in a city. Don’t stress too much and let the “what if’s” ruin your trip. Use these tips to keep yourself grounded and prepared for anything that may come your way.

These are pretty simple tips that can help keep you safe. I’ll have a whole blog on wildlife safety, as it’s an entirely different beast. (Haha, pun intended.) For now, let me know what you do to keep safe when you’re out on the road!

Miranda & Violet’s Travel Updates

You can read a little about our most recent trip in the first Roadtrip Roads Series. We’re headed out Thanksgiving week to visit my best friend in Montana! We’ll do some boondocking and some hotel life, but it’ll be a nice trip.

Safe travels, friends!