My Solo Road Trip – Southern California to Ohio

My post How a Diabetic Prepares for a Solo Road Trip Across the USA is where I made a step by step process to help a diabetic go on a solo road trip. I’m finally in the position to follow my own steps and tips. Let’s see how I do!

The Reason for my Road Trip

I’d been living in Southern California for over fifteen years and needed a change. Because I couldn’t figure out what specific change, I decided to move back to Ohio to be closer to family. This trip was going to be from Southern California to Ohio, a cross-country solo road trip!

I had a fair bit of preparation to do before I left. This included checking my tires and tire pressure, checking all my car’s fluids and topping them off, packing all my belongings, and forwarding my mail. I also spoke to my bank to tell them I was moving and let them know where I was going to avoid an unexpected credit card cancellation. Most importantly, I said goodbye to my roommate’s cats, because for some reason she wouldn’t let me steal them and take them with me.

I told my friends and family my plan and my route (I know I’m getting ahead of myself here). Made sure that my car charger worked and I had everything packed and situated in my car.

Now it’s time that I follow my own steps.

Step 1: Choosing Your Route

On this trip I wanted to hit as many National Parks that I haven’t been to as I could. The first one I wanted to hit was Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. This quickly had me going on a southern route across the USA.

The other stops were Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and then Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky.

Not only did I want to hit new National Parks I also wanted to hit some states that I haven’t been to. Those states included Mississippi and Alabama. I decided to stop at a State Park in Mississippi and the Helen Keller Birthplace in Alabama.

My route: Southern California –> Petrified Forest National Park –> Great Sand Dunes National Park –> pit stop in Oklahoma –> Hot Springs National Park –> Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi –> Helen Keller Birthplace, Alabama –> Mammoth Caves National Park –> Ohio

Step 2: How Many Days of Driving

This step was closely related to my stops. I had almost two weeks to spend driving back, but I didn’t want to take that long. This road trip also included doing some remote work along the way. I wasn’t taking any PTO during this trip, so I (unfortunately) had to work every day. Because I had to work I didn’t want to spend my whole day on the road. I knew I would need my brain to function before and after my daily drives to get quality work done.

I planned the second half of my trip to have shorter driving times than the first half. The longer the trip went on the more tired I would get. Towards the end I knew I would need to drive less and take more breaks.

In total, I decided that my trip would take 9 days and 8 nights. And by the second half of my trip I was very glad to have shorter drive times.

Step 3: What do I Pack

I followed my own packing list, from my blog post Packing List for a Traveling Type 1 Diabetic. I also made sure to go to the grocery store beforehand and pick up a large box of gummies, some packs of these yogurt gummies (I can’t remember what they’re actually called), and granola bars. These are some of my go-to glucose snacks that I use to get my blood sugar number up. All of these were packed within arm’s reach of the driver’s (my) seat. That way I could easily grab some glucose while driving before my blood sugar number went low.

I also packed electrolyte tablets and a separate water bottle specific to electrolyte tablet water. I’ve learned that my favorite brand of electrolyte tablet will quickly dirty up my water bottle. So, I packed one water bottle for electrolyte water, and another water bottle for just water.

I also had a large cooler bag to hold all my insulin, safely packed in sealable Ziplock bags, with ice packs. I also packed a lunch sized cooler bag so I could pack any leftovers and healthy foods along the way.

Extra Credit: Find Healthy Eateries Along the Way

I’m happy to say I did complete some extra credit along the way. One could argue not enough extra credit, but we don’t need to get into that. I stopped a few times at a grocery store and picked up prepackaged salad and some fruit. If I wasn’t eating them right away, they would be kept in my lunch sized cooler bag.

When I did stop at (non-fast food) restaurants I would choose the healthiest option available. Albeit, a lot of the times there wasn’t always a healthy option at some places.

I Enjoyed my Road Trip

I did enjoy the ride! In the nine days of driving I listened to five audiobooks, many podcasts, and talked on the phone with at least one person/day. I won’t say that every minute was a pleasure, there were sometimes that were less enjoyable than others. But overall, I had a great time. Exploring more of the country that I haven’t been to and becoming a Junior Ranger at the four National Parks was definitely one of the perks.

For anyone who’s curious, the Junior Ranger program is open to all ages, not just children. I highly recommend everyone who visits a National Park to participate.

It’s confirmed that my steps work, at least for me and how I plan out my travels. I hope that it can help you as well. Just remember to be careful when you’re on the road, don’t drive when you’re too tired or when your blood sugar number is low. Most importantly have fun!