A 27-year-old woman took to r/festivals to ask for advice about a cross-country road trip with a relatively new acquaintance to attend the Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival in Thornville, Ohio, July 17–19, 2025. Nervous about trusting someone she barely knows—especially since it involves giving up control of her own car—she sought the community’s input.
The Reddit community responded with a wealth of practical, safety-first advice:
- Trust your gut: Only go if you genuinely feel safe.
- Safety net: Designate a trusted contact who can intervene if needed.
- Share detailed info: Give trusted people the driver’s full name, DOB, license plate, itinerary.
- Clear boundaries: Agree on expectations and finances, like splitting gas costs, before the trip.
- Regular check-ins: Keep a friend updated throughout the journey.
- Escape plan: Have a way out if the situation turns uncomfortable—even if it means missing the festival.
- Complication awareness: Be mindful of potential romantic or awkward dynamics.
- Vet the driver: Get mutual friends’ or family opinions on the driver.
- Alternative travel: Some recommended skipping the ride and flying or renting instead for safety and control.
- Shared experiences: Many said their similar trips went well thanks to communication and firm boundaries.
The conversation underscored balancing the excitement of seeing a dream lineup—headlined by Pretty Lights and Tipper both playing multiple sets—against the real risks of trusting an acquaintance for a long road trip as a solo woman traveler.
Extra precautions were encouraged, including researching routes, sticking to well-traveled areas, carrying self-defense tools, and always keeping friends or family informed.
Ultimately, the road trip to Secret Dreams can be memorable and safe with careful vetting, clear communication, and backup plans.
For more on the festival lineup and road trip safety tips, see:
Source: r/festivals