If you’re considering a solo road trip, here are some must-knows and must-dos to ensure you stay safe and have an enjoyable trip!

Road trips could be considered one of the most exciting types of travel. Not only do you get to experience multiple destinations, but you also can view the incredible scenery, find hidden gems, and when road tripping alone, you have the luxury of creating your own timeline and be as flexible as you want!

Though traveling alone can often seem intimidating, especially for women; however, there are many steps you can take to ensure a safe travel experience that will reward you with many incredible memories.

After many years of solo road trips, including month-long multi-state journeys, I’ve come up with my best tips for staying safe!

Safety Tips For Women Traveling Solo On A Road Trip

Take Your Car In For Service (Before You Leave)

Many of us only bring our cars in for service when it is time for an oil change or if there is something to be concerned about. To avoid unexpected issues, it is vital to take your car in for service before you leave.

There are many things that could be happening under your hood that you may not be aware of and many of these issues could be fixed with a quick assessment from your local mechanic. Some good things to get checked are:

 Exhaust System

Your exhaust system has four main functions that are important to vehicle performance. It controls noise, directs fumes, and handles the performance of the engine as well as improving fuel consumption.

Steering and Suspension

Steering and suspension are two different systems that work together to keep your car controlled. They make sure that you have a nice smooth and stable ride.

Tires and Alignment

We are all capable of reading our dashboard and knowing if we need to add some air to our tires, but it is still beneficial to get them checked for possible nails, slow leaks and to make sure the tread is still viable. Stability starts from the ground up! Alignment goes hand and hand with tires. An alignment refers to the angle of your tires and makes sure they are coming into contact with the road properly.

Brakes

Just because your brakes are working fine doesn’t mean that they don’t need service. Brake pads wear down over time, and depending on the length of your trip, it may be a good idea to get them changed a little earlier than usual.

General Maintenance

General maintenance goes a long way. It typically includes a tune up, checking and replacing motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads. It is also a good idea to mention to your mechanic the length of the trip you are taking as they may make some additional suggestions.

Read more: Detailed Road Trip Packing List (Must-Have Essentials!)

It’s Worth It To Pay More To Stay In Safe Areas

As you are looking at where to stay along your route, be aware of the areas you’re staying in. Though the price of some hotels in the less-safe side of town may be tempting, it truly is worth it to spend the extra to stay somewhere you feel comfortable.

Aside from putting yourself at risk, there is something to be said for peace of mind. Knowing you are somewhere safe will allow you to enjoy your time more, and give you more flexibility to explore.

A quick google search can help you get a feel of the area you are looking to stop in. If you arrive to your hotel and do not feel safe, it is always worth it to cancel your reservation and search for alternative accommodations.

Read more: 15 Travel Trailer Must-Have Essentials For Your Safety & Comfort

Don’t Overpack

Packing can be stressful. You want to make sure you’re prepared for everything and anything, I totally get it! And even though you’re not dealing with luggage fees because you’re not flying, there are still downsides of over packing on the road.

First and foremost, the more you pack, the more bags you have to deal with and be responsible for, which can often be an added stressor. Try to limit your baggage so you can easily carry everything in and out of wherever you are staying.

Being able to keep all your belongings out of sight and in your trunk can keep you safe from thieves, or people who may prey on someone who is a long way from home.

Read more: Packing Light: How To Pack For Carry-On Only

Don’t Stop For Someone Stranded On The Road

This doesn’t just apply to people who appear to be hitch-hiking. On the road you may see some people stopped because of vehicle trouble, a flat tire, or any other reason. Though it may look like they need assistance. Stopping to help may put you in a compromising situation.

If someone looks like they are in particular distress, it is best to stay in your vehicle and call 911 if the situation calls for it.

Read more: How to Take Amazing Travel Photos as a Solo Traveler

Pay Attention To Details

When traveling with someone, we often overlook many details of our surroundings. Afterall, it does feel safer traveling with someone and letting them take the lead or allowing yourselves to be more relaxed when exploring. During a solo trip, that is not a luxury that we have.

Paying attention to the details of your surroundings can keep you safe. Be sure to make mental notes of signs, mile markers, where you may be parking, and landmarks. It may also be beneficial to take pictures for memory.

Not only should you pay attention to specific items but also how you’re feeling. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain area or situation, be sure to listen to your instincts.

Read more: Must-Know Tips For Taking A Road Trip In The USA

Don’t Pack Too Much Driving Into Each Day

Driving can be exhausting, and without a co-pilot to keep you awake it can be difficult to make long treks. Plan to do all your driving during the day. Driving long distances at night in areas you are not familiar with can be stressful and dangerous.

In planning your trip, keep your daily hours of driving to whatever is comfortable for you. Be sure to err on the side of caution and not stretch yourself. I personally don’t like to drive more than about 8 hours in a day and if I’m traveling every day or every other day, I keep it under 5 hours.

Read more: Travel Trailer Packing List For Beginners (Detailed Guide)

Don’t Carry Too Much Cash

Just like having a full car, having a full wallet can attract pickpockets and scammers. In the United States, nearly everywhere takes credit or debit cards, and there is usually an ATM just miles from you at any moment. It truly isn’t necessary to carry large sums of cash.

In case of emergencies, carrying between $100-$200 would be reasonable. It is enough for a standard emergency.

Don’t Let Strangers Know You Are Traveling Alone

When meeting people out, avoid letting them know you are a solo traveler. If you are out, you could say that a friend is coming to meet you, in the restroom, or back at the hotel so strangers know that someone is expecting to see you soon.

Read more: The Most Durable Checked Luggage [Buying Guide]

Fill Up Your Gas Tank Early & Often

To be safe, make sure to plan to never let your gas tank get below ¼ full. This is a good rule of thumb so you are not stopping anywhere that makes you feel unsafe, or while it is dark out.
Keep in mind road signs that may show long lengths of road without gas stations available.

Stop At Places That Are Busy & Well Lit

Stopping at busy, well-lit places for necessities will keep you from being a target. Trying to make sure you stop during the day, or in a shopping plaza is ideal.

Making sure parking lots are well-lit for restaurants and hotels will also minimize attracting unwanted attention.

Let Someone Else Know Your Timetable

It is always good to give friends or family an outline of your plan so they have a general idea where you will be when. I advise going a step further and having specific daily check-ins or allowing some trusted people access to track your phone’s location.

Always keep someone informed about any deviations from your route or original plan so someone is aware at all times where you are.

Read more: How to Take Amazing Travel Photos as a Solo Traveler

Have Reliable Maps

Technology can be our best friend and simultaneously our worst enemy. Relying on your phone to guide you through your whole journey can be risky.

There are many areas where service could go in and out, or you may have phone trouble. Downloading an offline map, and bringing a paper map (like this National Geographic Road Atlas) or having printed out directions as a backup can be a very easy way to eliminate any possible problems on the road.

Read more: The Ultimate Packing List for Campers

Keep Your Phone Charged

Most of us plug our phones in at night so we start the day with a full charge. But just as it is important for your phone to be charged in the morning, it is important for it to stay at a safe battery level throughout the day in case of any emergencies.

It is best to not rely on just one singular charger. I’m sure we all have had experiences where we forget them, or they stop working. Bringing at least one extra charger whether it is a USB cord that you can use in your car or something fully portable.

Having a phone charger for your car can help you keep your battery level up as you can leave your phone plugged in as you drive.

Consider investing in a portable charger power bank as well. These are incredibly small and can fit in your pocket or bag. They can hold quite a bit of charge and are great for when you’re out exploring and do not have access to a standard charger.

Carry Extra Snacks & Water

Let’s be honest, part of the fun in a road trip is the snacks. Carry plenty of supplies on hand in case there is nowhere to stop, or if you feel unsafe stopping in a certain area. Keeping water and simple snacks such as nuts or granola bars are great options.

My favorite road trip healthy snacks include:

Mary’s Gone Crackers with Hummus

Larabars

Oatmeal Topped With Super Seeds (No heating needed if you get the quick oats)

Baby Carrots & Celery Sticks

LyfeFuel (This is good when I can’t find anything else healthy. It’s filling, full of vitamins and protein, and it tastes great)

Download Safety Apps

There is an app for everything these days, and plenty of safety apps to consider downloading before your trip.

Popular safety apps include bSafe, ICE, Shake2Safety, Kitestring, Smart24x7 and many others. These apps offer features such as 24/7 monitoring, emergency alert, location-based services and can deliver instant or delayed messages. Many of these apps also worked with a locked phone screen and without internet access.

Be sure to thoroughly explore the app to familiarize yourself with it before your trip and have family and friends do so as well! This way, you will be comfortable and calm in case of an emergency.

Read more: Must-See Stops On A Central Oregon Road Trip (+ Where To Stay!)

Carry Pepper Spray

As an extra layer of precaution, carry pepper spray. Many women carry pepper spray daily around area’s they are comfortable in just to be safe. Pepper spray is easy to carry, legal in most states, easy to use, and very easy to come by.

You can purchase pepper spray keychain online and it’s also available at most brick-and-mortar stores. They come in many sizes so you can decide what with best work for you and your travels.

Read more: CA Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide (And Where To Stay!)

The post Must-Know Safety Tips For Women Traveling Alone On A Road Trip appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

There are lots of ways to bring colour into the bathroom – with paint, wallpaper and tiles, even coloured suites have made a comeback recently. And with all the inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest we are all being a bit braver in our choices and pushing the boundaries to achieve something truly individual rather than something ‘safe’. Especially when it comes to small bathroom ideas, colour is an easy way to add impact.

The great thing about doing up a small bathroom is that you don’t need as much paint, tiles or flooring, so you can afford to be a bit more generous with your budget.

Small bathroom colour ideas

‘Colour is an important factor to consider in small bathrooms as it can make the difference between the room feeling larger than it really is or feeling tight and enclosed’ explains Jo Sangster, Senior Designer at Ripples Bathrooms.

‘Choosing a pale, pastel tone across walls, tiles and furniture can help create the illusion of space and works well for a bathroom where the focus is on relaxation and retreat. This effect can be maximised by choosing a floor and wall colour of a similar colour, tricking the eye and creating the sense of a seamless space.’

1. Choose colourful tiles

Image credit: Porcelain Superstore

Tiles are the obvious choice for a bathroom as they are practical, but that doesn’t mean they have to be white, or plain. There are so many colourful tiles on the market now you are spoilt for choice and there are lots of amazing patterns and shapes to choose from too. Hexagon tiles have been really popular recently and will give a different dimension to your bathroom, adding pattern and colour. Teaming with a coral wall unit and mirror really makes them pop.

Buy now: Corsica hex tiles, £82.50 m2, Porcelain Superstore

2. Introduce a splash of colour with paint

Image credit: Benjamin Moore; Paint: Wild Flower, £24.50 for 0.94l,

Never underestimate the power of paint! It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to add colour to a bathroom. As this small bathroom shower idea proves it can completely change the mood of the room, and it’s easy to re-paint if you get tired of it. This lovely coral colour livens up an otherwise plain white bathroom, and the large mirror will bounce light around to make it look bigger than it really is.

3. Consider waterproof panels

Image credit: Shower Wall

Instead of tiles, have you considered waterproof panels? This stylish alternative to tiles is a great way to welcome a splash of bold pattern and colour to a small bathroom. Once a bit municipal, they now come in an amazing array of designs and colours in a strong composite material. If you want them to look like tiles you can, but why not have a jungle scene, a big floral design or these amazing pineapples?

And the great thing is, there is no grout to worry about, and they are super easy to clean. Prices from £552.10 for a piece 2400 x 896 at showerwall.co.uk.

4. Make a statement with a coloured basin

Image credit: Kast

If the thought of a coloured suite fills you with horror, think again, there are some beauties out there now. But if you can’t face the whole matchy-matchy thing, why not choose a funky coloured basin?

There are loads to choose from now in fantastic colours and shapes like this square one in peppermint green find similar at Kast. Then team it with striking terrazzo-effect, hexagon tiles in monochrome, then pick up the ochre colour in the painted wall. If this doesn’t cheer you up in the morning, nothing will….

5. Embrace the wonder of wallpaper

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Who says you can’t use wallpaper in the bathroom? Bathroom wallpaper ideas are a welcome way to add colour to small cloakrooms, as long as there is plenty of ventilation it will be fine. This small bathroom idea is stunning, not only a fabulous design wallpaper but it doesn’t overpower the small space because it’s balanced by the wall of white tiles. Continue the accent colours throughout the rest of the room by way of the towels and a bath mat.

6. Think about window treatments

Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore

A nice way to introduce colour into your bathroom is to add colour at the windows, with a colourful fabric blind, either plain or patterned, venetian blinds or coloured shutters. There are some amazing styles around with something for every budget. If you are a dab hand with the sewing machine you could probably make your own roman blind.

This pop of sunshine yellow in an otherwise all-white and black bathroom is a striking way to add an accent colour. In a small bathroom using colour at the windows can help to draw the outside in, creating a sense of extra space.

7. Utilise the ceiling

Image credit: Future PLC

It’s often called the ‘4th wall’ – the ceiling would be a great way to bring colour in, either light or dark, to complement the rest of the colour scheme or as a contrast. You could use a mural wallpaper or paint one yourself to give it a different dimension.

8 Upcycle vanity unit

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

If you are using a pre-loved piece of furniture as a vanity unit, why not paint it in a bright colour so that it really stands out, you could change the handles as well and give it a whole new look.

9. Paint the bath

Image credit: Future PLC

Make a statement in a small bathroom by painting the bath in a standout shade from the rest of the room. In this snug-sized  bathroom the contrast of pale pink Ensure you prep yourself on how to paint a bath  with a step by step guide to make sure the DIY job is done properly, otherwise the.colour won’t last.

10. Add colour with accessories

Future PLC

For a really quick and simple revamp, just buy a selection of on-trend accessories in the latest colour, especially if your bathroom is white. A new bathmat would really add a pop of colour and won’t cost a lot.

11. Treat yourself to new towels

Image credit: Future PLC

If you really are on a budget, give the bathroom an update with new towels in a fashionable colour, maybe with a bold pattern. Or you could always dye any white towels that have seen better days for an instant refresh.

What colour is best for a small bathroom?

‘Greys are extremely versatile and will work perfectly in a small bathroom.’ Says Justyna Korczynska, Senior Designer at Crown. ‘Crown’s Soft Steel is a light grey hue and will give the room more texture than white. Coral is a vibrant and ‘up’ colour and works especially well in a bathroom to add style and drama – maybe try a coral on one key wall to create a dramatic effect.’

Are dark colours good for small bathrooms?

Are on-trend darker shades suitable for small bathroom colour ideas? Turns out the answer is yes! ”When it comes to small rooms go high on the drama’ advises Grazziella Wilson, Creative Manager of Ca Pietra. ‘The proportions of the room aren’t there to create impact so you need to do it with colour and great design. Dark colours can work well in smaller bathrooms as they can add depth to the space and draw the eye in. We are finding that navy blue and deep forest greens are trending at the moment.’

What colour makes a small bathroom look bigger?

We ask the experts to advise on the best colour to make a small bathroom look bigger, because it’s a commonly asked question. ‘Generally speaking, light and bright shades will work best in smaller bathrooms to open up the space’ says Rikki Fothergill, of the Big Bathroom Shop. ‘Any pastel colour scheme can be beautifully accentuated by the presence of bathroom plants.’

The post Small bathroom colour ideas – 10 colourful ways to add personality to small spaces appeared first on Ideal Home.

Solar panel disadvantages don’t get spoken about much as the positives, which are usually front and centre. It’s understandable given we should be encouraging green energy use, the free power you can create and the future-proofing that panels offer your home. But it’s not all good news – there are still downsides to solar panels.

Sure, the price has dropped dramatically from an average of £15,000 in 2010 to just under £6,000 in 2022. But that up-front cost isn’t everything you’re going to be paying. There are ongoing costs and work for you to keep in mind, too.

This guide aims to clarify everything you need to know about the dark side of solar panels. That way you can truly weigh up the actual costs and benefits to you. So when you make the decision to either go solar or not, you’ll know it’s the right choice.

Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Solar panel disadvantages

1. They need a sunny spot

The clue is in the name – solar panels require the sun’s solar rays to work. No sun means no power. So being based in the UK, where sun isn’t the most common expectation, you’re starting out at a disadvantage. If it were rain or wind power, then you’d be in a pretty good position. Weather grumbling aside, solar panels can still get a lot of light. The key is to be in a position to get that.

This doesn’t mean you need a south facing garden or anything like that. But the pitch and angle of your roof can play a big part here. You may find that just one part of your roof gets sun, or one half gets a little while the other half gets some too. In these cases it may be required to spread the panels across both sides of your roof which can incur charges.

Where you live is another issue. If you’re on a hilltop and clouds fly by leaving you lots of clear sky then you’re in a good position for solar energy. But if you live on the coast where cloud cover, fog and mist are common, you may find yourself struggling to harness solar.

Another factor is smog and dirt. If you live in a city you’ll also need to factor in regular cleaning of your panels. Otherwise, they won’t run as efficiently as they should and could develop problems.

2. They involve a big initial investment

The cost of solar panels may have dropped dramatically over the past decade but they’re still expensive and mean you need to pay out. The government previously offered assistance with buying but this has now ended so all the cost of buying and installing the panels now falls to you.

3. If you spend too little you can lose out

The amount you spend gets you more panels, which can generate more power to be sold back to the grid. So if you can afford to spend more up front it can save you in the long run. If you can’t, then you may find them tougher to pay off, taking you longer to do so.

4. The power battery is an extra outlay

A power battery, that lets you store excess energy to sell to the grid or use later, is a great investment. In fact it’s needed if you want to make the most of your solar panels. But it will cost you extra so factor that in when getting a quote.

Image credit: Future PLC

5. Solar panels won’t heat your water

Solar panels are generally for producing electric power. You can get an additional kit to heat water but don’t expect these to bring the costs of that down if you have a gas boiler.

To go totally electric, using solar for all your home needs, you’ll need to ditch gas. That can mean a new oven and a new air pump boiler which costs thousands more.

6. Cleaning costs can be high

You’ll need to factor in the costs of cleaning solar panels. While you can do this yourself it’s advisable to pay a professional to give them a proper clean and inspection annually. As The Eco Experts say ‘when you see the aesthetic and financial benefits cleaning and maintaining your panels produces, you’ll see why it’s worth doing.’

Image credit: Getty Images/Claire Plumridge

Solar panel problems

1. They produce low or no electricity

This can be a common problem. Generally it is likely to be down to unclean panels. The Eco Experts say: “Even if you clear your panels of major dirt and debris, dust and particulate matter can still reduce your solar array’s production levels by as much as 25%.”

So, getting your optical cleaning pole with sponge out to give them a clean is a good first step in improving efficiency. If this doesn’t work then you may need to pay for a professional clean and inspection.

There is a chance faulty wiring or bird mess has damaged a panel, so finding that is important to begin the process of getting it fixed or replaced.

2. Solar panels can crack

A crack in a solar panel can be a major problem. This can mean that the waterproof seal that would otherwise protect the electronics from rain may be compromised. In which case the panel could break from water damage, if it’s not already done so. Replacing a panel cover is far less costly than a whole unit due to electrical damage. So working fast is important.

Contact your solar panel provider to see if you can claim your warranty still, allowing you to have it repaired with no or minimal cost to you. Most solar panels come with a 25 year warranty so you should be covered timing wise.

The issue comes with the type of damage. If something’s fallen on the panel, then the warranty may not cover it. If it’s cracked due to weather damage – moving from hot to cold quickly perhaps – then you’re more likely to be covered.

Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Birds and animals can nest in solar panels

Birds nesting under your panels is a big problem. They use their faeces to bind the nests which can be corrosive and since there is wiring under the panels, this is a very vulnerable spot. The best course of action is to get a professional to get up there, clear out the nesting birds and install some caging to stop them gaining access in the future.

Using spikes can help keep them away. Modern bird spikes are far more rounded than those of the past, making them non-damaging to the birds. But they’re still uncomfortable enough to keep them away. Install these around the panels to ensure they’re kept animal-free.

Our guide on how to pigeon-proof solar panels offers more advice.

Once one nest appears, other animals can start making their way up there so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as you discover their presence. Be sure to remove all traces and ideally block access too.

Food is what can attract animals, so if you have trees nearby that are dropping then either cut them back or try to tie them off so seeds and fruits don’t land on your roof. It also pays to keep any ground-level food, like bins, inaccessible so animals of all kinds are kept away from potentially stumbling across your solar panels as a potential new home.

The post Solar panels disadvantages and problems appeared first on Ideal Home.