I live in the desert, 130 miles west of Tucson. There are many hard surfaced roads that have little or no traffic this time of year. Stick to main roads. Don't take a shortcut even though it looks like a nice drive on a paved road.

Double check your tires. They will take a beating. The heat on the highway can easily damage a poorly inflated tire. You don't want to be doing anything like changing a tire in the desert sun.

Lots of places without cell coverage, but if you are traveling the main roads (interstates or arterial roads) coverage will probably be OK.

Do no stop for hitch hikers. The rules of the game in the southwest are different. Not everybody is your friend. Especially near the border.

A lot depends on the specific areas you are traveling. Seek local guidance before you start your trip and if somebody says to drive 50 miles out of your way because of some "difficulty" there, drive the extra 50 miles.

In the unlikely event you have mechanical problems, stay with your vehicle. Get into the shade and stay there. If you are on a main road, somebody will come along to help. If you are alone with no vehicle, they might ignore you.

If you have not been in the southwest before, you will find it very interesting. Distances are long. Watch your fuel. Again, it really depends on where you will be traveling.

It sounds scary, but only if you have a problem. Like being in a blizzard or mountain storm, it is only scary because it is new to you. Mostly you will drive along in the cool comfort of your vehicle and enjoy the scenery.


Nomad.