Living Solo on the Road:
When I look back on it, I can see clearly now that my decision to travel solo in my van with my dog, Enzo, was my first move Faithwards. A lot has happened since then, but it truly was life-changing and was the first step of my journey to healing my heart and soul.
Living solo on the road isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a leap of faith. Whether it’s financial strain, the longing for freedom, or the pull to simplify, more women than ever are choosing to downsize, pack their essentials, and take life one mile at a time.
I know this journey firsthand. When I first set out, it wasn’t with a luxury RV or a well-mapped plan. It was me, my faithful dog Enzo, and my Dodge Minivan stuffed with the basics I thought I needed, with a splash of glamping style. We spent months traveling across the U.S., camping in National Forests, National Parks, and State Parks. Some mornings, I’d open the car door to a sunrise blazing across the Great Smoky Mountains. Other days, I’d be shivering under my covers at the base of the Grand Canyon, wondering if I’d made a huge mistake.
But those miles taught me something that no book, no video, no “how-to guide” could have shown me:
Resilience. Faith. And the truth that God is louder than my fear.
The Reality of Solo Living on the Road
Let’s be honest - this road isn’t glamorous every day.
- Washing clothes is essential, but sometimes you can go weeks before finding a laundromat. Dirty laundry piles up fast (thankfully, Enzo never minded when I smelled like campfire).
- Safety takes planning - choosing campgrounds wisely, being cautious about who you talk to, and trusting your instincts. One of the best tools I found was the Roadtrippers App: https://roadtrippers.com/, which helped me plan safe, scenic stops and find hidden gems.
- Loneliness can creep in at night, when the silence feels heavier than the stars. I carried my Bible for peace, and for safety, I packed a fish filet knife, a taser, bear spray, and even a marine horn. Knowing I had those tools helped me rest easier.
But here’s the other side of that truth:
- Freedom to wake up anywhere in God’s creation.
- Simplicity - you realize how little you actually need.
- Unexpected friendships - you meet others walking their own winding paths.
The road strips away what doesn’t matter and magnifies what does. Amen!
The Faith Factor: Why God Matters on the Backroads
When I was sitting under the Ponderosa Pines in Arizona or parked by the Indian Mounds on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi, I was reminded that God goes before me.
Here’s a short video from the National Park Service that captures the beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the exact places I parked my van and prayed with Enzo by my side:
https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/multimedia.htm
“For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength
and power.” - Philippians 4:13 TLB
Living solo can feel like lead. Heavy, isolating, and overwhelming. But God is the Alchemist.
He turns that lead into gold:
- Loneliness → deeper fellowship with Him.
- Fear → courage anchored in His Word.
- Uncertainty → peace, even without a clear map.
And when it was just me and Enzo, night after night, I realized I wasn’t truly alone. God was present in every sunset, every safe place to park, every unexpected provision. People ask me all the time, “Weren’t you scared?” and my reply is always the same…My faith and trust in God calmed my fears.
Practical Tips for Solo Women on the Road
Here’s what I learned - lessons I wish someone had handed me before I started:
Safety First
- Always share your location with a trusted friend or family member.
- Park in well-lit, safe areas.
- Trust your instincts—if a place doesn’t feel right, move on.
Budget Wisely
- Gas and food will be your biggest costs.
- Cook simple meals. I ate whole foods mostly.
- Use free or low-cost camping options whenever possible.
Stay Connected
- Have a hotspot or prepaid data plan.
- A small solar charger or battery pack can keep your essentials powered.
Build Community on the Road
- Many solo women travelers connect through Facebook groups or meetups.
- Campsites often become little villages where strangers share food, stories, and firewood.
Why It’s NEVER Too Late to Begin
Friend, you may be wondering if it’s too late to start over. Maybe you’ve been through financial ruin. Maybe your body feels tired from years of stress. Maybe you fear growing old alone.
But I’m here to tell you, it’s NEVER too late to live the life God designed for you. I left behind fear and uncertainty to discover vitality, freedom, and faith like I’d never known.
The same God who carried me through nights in my van with Enzo will carry you, too.
Final Encouragement
Living solo in a car, van, camper, or RV isn’t for everyone. But for those who feel called, it can be the most freeing, faith-building experience of your life. For me, it was life-changing but it was only the beginning of God’s plan for me.
Don’t wait for the “perfect plan.” Start with what you have. Trust God with the rest. And know that every mile forward is a mile toward the golden life He has waiting for you.
You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too broken. With God, you’re equipped, chosen, and unstoppable.
