Gutsy Gal on the Go

For many Red Hatters, the adventure begins when they arrive at an event. For Linda Bougeant of New Mexico, the adventure begins the moment she turns the key in the ignition.

A seasoned solo traveler with countless miles behind her, Linda has made a hobby and an art form out of driving herself to Red Hat events across the country. Whether she’s heading to Georgia, Tennessee, or her next destination, Linda embraces the freedom, spontaneity, and joy that come with traveling on her own terms.

She shared some of the travel wisdom she’s gained through years of solo road-tripping.

Linda’s first rule of the road is simple: don’t drive more than 300 miles a day on average. Of course, she admits there are exceptions. Interesting attractions, scenic detours, and unexpected discoveries sometimes require flexibility. She also avoids driving after dark, preferring to stop at least an hour before sunset.

Frequent breaks are another key to successful solo travel. Linda stops every hour or so to stretch, walk, hydrate, and enjoy a snack. She also makes a point of seeking out interesting local attractions, unusual roadside stops, and memorable dining experiences. One of her favorite travel resources is RoadsideAmerica.com, which helps travelers discover quirky attractions and hidden gems across the country.

Her second rule? Plan ahead, but leave room for spontaneity.

Unlike many travelers, Linda rarely books hotel rooms in advance unless accommodations may be difficult to find. She prefers the freedom to linger, explore, and change course if adventure calls. That flexibility proved especially valuable during her recent trip home from Nashville. When severe storms threatened her route through Kansas and Oklahoma, Linda adjusted her plans and traveled around the worst weather. The detour rewarded her with beautiful scenery and an unforgettable discovery: what she described as the most delicious fried chicken gizzards she’d ever tasted. The following day, dangerous weather conditions forced Linda to break her own 300-mile rule, limiting her travels to just 82 miles. For Linda, safety always comes first.

Perhaps Linda’s best advice is this: leave time for fun. Build extra time into your schedule for weather, traffic, unexpected adventures, and visits with fellow Red Hatters. After all, those Red Hat calling cards can lead to memorable lunches, dinners, and friendships along the way.

And while Linda follows the timeless advice of not picking up strangers, she admits there might be one exception: someone wearing a purple outfit, funny shoes, and a fabulous red hat.

With her adventurous spirit and practical wisdom, Linda Bougeant continues to inspire fellow Red Hatters to embrace the open road with confidence, curiosity, and joy. And with another adventure already on the horizon, including a trip to the Las Vegas Funvention, it’s safe to say that this gutsy gal’s journey is far from over.