Road trips have long been associated with a way to take on an adventure or get away from the humdrum of life. But road trips have now become a favorite of women, with many of them taking them alone. Solo road trips over a weekend or trips that are spread over a week, month, or even years, need some planning. Today, some women love living the van life by living and traveling across the country in their RVs.

Women looking for a break from their responsibilities, expectations, and the constant grind to enjoy a road trip, but it is not just for them. Road trips are great for any woman who is looking for some time away from the familiar. This would allow you to come face to face with your own company and discover new things about yourself. Here are some of the great reasons why you should take a solo road trip if you are a woman:

1. The path to the self
What we forget often is that you are your only true companion in life. Friends may come and go, parents may pass on, partners may touch our lives in many ways, and children will give us purpose and teach us unconditional love, but it is only ourselves that we have every moment of life with. This is why a road trip would be a great way to understand, introspect, and truly discover yourself for perhaps the first time in your life. We need to cut out the noise and external stimuli to hear our voice within and a solo road trip in all its wonderful ways—drives, meals, and communing with nature—will help you spend more time with yourself.

2. Making new friends
Our friends are important, but we often box ourselves by the type of people we decide to let into our lives. There is a whole world out there with people sharing your interests and passion for life that you have never met. Solo road trips will take you to places with different kinds of people, and you may make lifelong friends or just ones that touch your life at the moment—both matter and should be cherished.

3. Finding your purpose
A 9-to-5 job may be safe, but you may be craving to do something spontaneous. What if you don’t know your purpose? Getting away from the routine and responsibilities of every day may perhaps be the best gift you can give yourself. The time away can be used in reflection and to explore hobbies that may have seemed too frivolous before. A solo road trip will help you go places and meet people and see things that may inspire you to create something beautiful and impactful. During your road trip, carry along a journal to pen down your thoughts.

4. Discovering nature
City life is fast-paced and running the rat race makes you forget yourself and the meaning of life. Take a road trip away from the city lights to the nearest woods or up the mountains or to even the coast. Soak in the sun, the chirping birds, and the beautiful sunsets. Let the waves wash over you, and the mountains inspire you to go back to your life with renewed vigor, enthusiasm, and strength.