Solotravel tips
Eat at weird times.
Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. So if you want to get in and out of restaurants quickly, plan ahead so you’re not hungry at those times.
Carry a spare key.
Hide your spare somewhere on your bike using a zip-tie or duct tape, or trade keys with a traveling companion.
Set yourself up for a quick getaway.
If you’re nearing the end of your riding day, you can set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning by riding to the far side of the next city you reach before stopping. This will eliminate time lost in urban traffic the next morning.
Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags.
These DIY waterproof barriers are thicker and more durable than the standard garbage bags a lot of bikers use.
Avoid riding into the sun.
If you’re traveling east or west, schedule breakfast and dinner times near sunrise or sunset so you don’t get stuck staring into the blinding sun when it’s low on the horizon. To learn more ways to get the most out of your next road trip, check out the American Motorcyclist Association’s 33 Secrets for Smart Touring.
Call ahead for your room.
If you call a hotel--even if you're only two blocks away--you can often get a better rate than if you just walk in. And if you have access to a computer or connected mobile device, you’ll often come across some spectacular Internet-only deals. Either way, do yourself a favor and have a reservation by 4 p.m. You never know when a convention will take over your destination city. For a list of rider friendly accommodations in the area where you’re traveling, be sure to check out the Rider Friendly Map.
Invest in a packable motorcycle cover.
These covers not only keep your bike clean and dry overnight, they also discourages thieves.
Be realistic with your daily mileage.
In really scenic areas, 150 miles may make a very full day. Don’t assume you can achieve freeway mileage on good back roads. You can plan out your route and find amazing places to stop by using the Buffalo Chip’s Rider Friendly Map.
Plan for a day of nothing.
On a long tour, plan for at least one day per week of doing nothing. Time is the ultimate luxury; it can mean the difference between a vacation and an endurance run.
Keep track of where you are.
Your cell phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. You can dial 911 for help anywhere you’ve got service, but dispatch will want to know where you are. Keep track of route numbers, interstate exits, towns you’ve passed, road signs, mileposts—anything that can save emergency officials time in getting to you. For more advice on what to do if you come across someone who’s been in an accident, check out 8 Tips that Could Save a Rider After a Motorcycle Accident.
