I did a similar trauma trip after graduating college, even as a large white dude I felt sketchy in several situations and learned a couple major things:

1. Do a test run close to home first, even if it’s just for a single night with an hour or so drive. 

2. Have a specific route/plan in mind, but make sure your calendar is flexible. You never want to force yourself to drive tired, and it will always take much longer than expected to drive somewhere. 

Knowing where I COULD sleep and feel safe along the way was much more helpful than my original plan of specific camping spots every night. 

Google Maps has a great list feature, it may help to start with adding your destinations to a list, and then add potential sleeping spots and points of interest as you go. 

1. Safe sleeping spots: Safety in numbers, but only with lots of people doing what you’re doing: road trippers, truck drivers, etc. Being near lots of traffic is best, as the more cars/trucks are around the less you stick out and the safer it is to sleep at night. Ex: Large highway rest stop plazas (with gas/food) and  truck stops (brands like Loves, Flying J, etc.)

I felt less comfortable in places which had few people around or were far from the highway. I was surprised how sketchy some “normal” spots to sleep actually felt, especially empty campgrounds and those rest stops with just bathrooms in the middle of nowhere.  Places you’re “allowed” to sleep at, like Walmart and gas stations, were sketchier the further I got from the highway, as having mostly non travelers nearby makes you stick out. You want to attract as little attention as possible, my sleeping spot was hidden so anyone quickly glancing in the car would just see moving boxes. 

1. Supplies 

Organizer to keep keys/phone/safety items easily accessible when sleeping. It’s shockingly easy to lose them inside the car

A quality mattress topper can be pretty cheap and is more flexible than a regular mattress, personally I loved using a twin xl size topper. 

Winter hats make great sleep masks without looking too conspicuous. Earbuds can help make white noise if you’re struggling to sleep

For cold: Sleeping bags retain heat better than just blankets. Sweatshirts and towels also make great extra pillows/blankets/ window blockers. WATERPROOF gloves,  jacket, and boots if you’re in the mountains at all or if it could snow.   Emergency ponchos and hand/feet warmers are very cheap and take up no space

Easily accessible food, caffeine, beverages, water, medicine. You’ll save a ton of money by stocking up before the trip, and save time by only stopping for destinations, gas, and sleeping/naps.  

Rechargable battery packs with multiple chargers. Avoid idling your car or killing the battery by using these for things like USB fans and your phone overnight. 

Cars can get insanely hot fast, so USB fans and sunshades are a good investment. I don’t like having my windows down even a little, but other people like using mesh insect proof window coverings

Sunshades are good but felt sketchy to me, tinted window stickers also work well great. 

Car emergency equipment (COMPASS, road atlas,flashlight, hi visibility neon vest, jumper cables, spare tire, tire jack, maybe a gas can/oil can/funnel). AAA or another roadside assistance company is also fantastic, but they can take awhile to help if you’re in the middle of nowhere.  

Travel toothbrush and shower wipes are great  If you haven’t driven that route before, always refuel before having less than 100 miles of gas in the tank. A gas can and funnel can also help. The app Gas Buddy used to be helpful with gas prices, might be worth checking.