If you’ve never had the experience of traveling by yourself, it might seem isolating. But for content creator Nicole Pangborn, hitting the road solo and documenting her journey on social media has been a gateway to a world of unexpected connections; not to mention, a full-time job as a travel influencer (aka, the dream).

“People think solo travel means you’re always by yourself,” says Pangborn. “But honestly, it’s almost easier to connect with people when you’re traveling alone.”

Cruising America wasn’t even her goal, just a magical detour. “In fact, I was never that into the outdoors growing up.” she says. So, what happened? As Pangborn shares, she fell in love with the Southwestern landscape during a cross-country trip to Utah for a rotation in PA (physician’s assistant) school. That trip led to a move to Sedona, Arizona, where her love for hiking and road-tripping grew even stronger.

Whether you’re ready to make solo exploration your job or you’re just camping trip curious, the new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport^® SUV will help you to venture into the great outdoors. Its compact size and off-road driving capabilities, like G.O.A.T. Modes^® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), are designed to help outdoor adventurers of all levels feel confident. (Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.)

Plus, with its comfy and roomy interior, the Bronco Sport^® SUV helps both open-road drives and posting up overnight at a campground feel exactly how they should: liberating.

With the new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport^® SUV as her trusty companion, follow along with Nicole as she shares her best tips for getting the most out of a solo adventure.

Ditch Social Anxiety For Enthusiasm & Friendliness

“People are much more likely to approach you and chat with you if you’re alone,” Nicole says, “So strike up small talk, ask locals where to go — people love sharing their recommendations — and trust that the right people will cross your path.”

Little decisions like joining group hikes, striking up casual conversations at coffee shops, or offering an extra ticket to an event with a local follower have led to lasting connections. In fact, Nicole recalls one memorable travel experience where she met up with an internet friend for a hike in Sedona, who swiftly became one of her closest friends.

Another trick Nicole picked up? “I plan hikes with a friend and we each invite a few people we know. It’s a great way to build a little travel network.” The more the merrier!

Don’t Let Self-Doubt Limit Your Outdoor Experience

For a lot of us, the term “outdoorsy” can feel exclusive, calling to mind images of hardcore backpackers scaling treacherous mountain peaks. But Nicole wants to change that. “People think adventure has to be extreme,” she says. “But some of my favorite travel moments are the simple ones — even something like a long drive — where I’m really just being present and feeling grateful for where I am.” And when you think of it, driving is sort of like hiking with wheels: both are great ways to clear your mind.

And with a clear head, you can keep your mind and your plans open. “I hate agreeing to set plans because I want to keep my journey open to detours when I learn about someplace new.” In the new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport^® SUV, you can confidently take the wrong turn on purpose while watching along on your map from its large touch-screen control panel. Observe your surroundings with an available 360-Degree Camera, helping you to zero in on anything that might be in your way. Or — as previously mentioned — adjust the vehicle’s handling abilities to go over any type of terrain (from rocky to muddy) with G.O.A.T. Modes^® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). (Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.)

Find Yourself & Your Community Anywhere

Ironically, the best part of solo travel is that you never really have to be alone: even if you’re technically by yourself. “Yes, the freedom and independence are great,” Nicole says. “But it’s also about finding connection in unexpected places.” Getting some distance from it all and reconnecting with yourself is an added bonus. What they say, after all, is true: “Wherever you go, there you are.”

And all those “civilization” parts of yourself that you want to bring along for the ride will fit easily in the Bronco Sport^® SUV. In addition to an available 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, you can put down the rear seats to fit a small blow-up mattress. Keep in mind: cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

Additional available under-seat storage offers more space for safe-keeping, as does an optional cargo management system. Invite your new campground friends to your tailgate living room or simply enjoy some “me time” admiring the rock formations. Getting those views in the city? Impossible.

The hardest part is often just getting out the door. But the right mindset, a little confidence, and the right vehicle can change everything.

Ready to hit the road with confidence? The new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport^® SUV is the perfect co-pilot.