Why I Almost Canceled My First Big Solo Trip Across the U.S.

I remember sitting at my kitchen table at 11 p.m., staring at a spreadsheet that had way too many red cells. My plan was simple: drive from Chicago to Los Angeles in 12 days. But the more I read online, the more scared I got. What if my car broke down in Kansas? What if I got lost in a bad neighborhood? What if I just felt lonely the whole time?

Two days before leaving, I almost canceled everything. My best friend told me to stop overthinking. So I packed an old sleeping bag, downloaded some podcasts, and just went.

The first night in Iowa, I stayed at a tiny motel where the owner gave me free coffee because I looked nervous. In Colorado, I took a wrong turn and ended up at a local rodeo instead of the highway. That rodeo turned out to be the highlight of my trip. A stranger taught me how to two-step.

By the time I reached the Pacific Ocean, I had learned something important: America is huge, but it's also full of patient, helpful people. The fear I felt at my kitchen table was mostly imaginary. If you're a beginner traveler thinking about a U.S. road trip, just book the first night and worry about the rest later.

My only real mistake? Not bringing enough snacks. Never underestimate how long the drive across Nevada really is.