Solo?

[daydreamer08]

I was wondering...how many of you ladies travel solo?
Any troubles? Are the campgrounds full of couples and do you feel like a (haha!) fifth wheel?
And if you sit around your fire by yourself at night, would you be uncomfortable?

I am grateful to have found such an active forum. Thank you.

[Bethers]

I'm solo. I've been traveling solo since I started in 2005. Every year it seems there are more of us out here. I've rarely felt like a 5th wheel, but it has happened. No more often than before RVing, and sometimes I think it's my frame of mind. And if you want other like minded folks, you just have to meet up with any of us sometimes. Some ladies on here have traveled across country and spent almost all their nights with members along the way!

[martyne236]

I am solo. Start the BIG trip mid April.I've done in state trips, plus summer in NC, trip to GA over Christmas. But mostly stationary since moving into RV a year ago. I'll be headed north from Fl, to Smokies, then west across TN and beyond. I've learned so much from FB and this group. I think I'm in pretty good shape to get started. But I'm sort of half was way terrified and half way excited. I don't mind being alone. i am sure I'll be fine; just pre trip jitters.

[Colliemom]

I'm solo. Started out just doing in state camping trips, then in 2015, did my first big trip west to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, seeing places along the way, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Custer battlefield among them. Down to a GTG, in IN with some of the wonderful ladies from this group and now am planning a trip to MD and PA for later this spring. No problems at all. Made my reservations ahead of myself before I left home, except for the return trip from out west. Just went day to day in that. Sure, I was a bit nervous at first, but once on the road, that left and was replaced by a feeling of pure freedom. Take each day as it comes, before you know it, you have reached your destination and have seen some wonderful places and country and met so many wonderful people.

[Cudedog]

I travel solo. That is, solo with my dog.

I am not a full-timer, and doubt that I will ever be - but I do like to travel, and having just recently retired I look forward to improved weather to begin my travels again.

That being said, solo travel is not all smiles and roses. I had a pretty frightening experience last year at a Passport America campground in Oregon.

You can read about it here:

http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15679

Time has passed, and I have gotten over it - mostly. The only thing different I might do next time is call the police, and then, once I had given my statement to the authorities, move on (although it was fairly late at night).

At the time, several forum members suggested I report this to Passport America and to a campground review website, whose name escapes me at the moment. I have decided to do this.

It's a jungle out there.

Anne

[JudyJB]

I have traveled solo for almost five years. I think most of the women on this forum travel solo. I have not had any really scary situations, as Anne did, but I stay almost entirely in state and national parks, which I think are very safe. I did leave one commercial campground a day early because I did not like the look of some men who spent a lot of time drinking, but they did not say or do anything scary.

I often introduce myself to my neighbors. Nearly all are couples, but they have all been friendly, and I have met some interesting people that way. I don't sit outside much because I teach online, so I often have work to do, but I get out and walk around or ride my bike which attracts attention because it is electric. When I was sick or needed mechanical help, I have received offers to get groceries for me, take me to urgent care, fix things, or whatever, so generally people are amazingly helpful and kind.

And, as Sue points out, there is a tremendous feeling of freedom in traveling solo. When people are amazed I am doing this "all by myself" I tell them it is a LOT easier to travel by myself. I make my own decisions, eat what want, and control the TV remote! No discussion if I decide to change my plans on the spur of the moment.

[gingerK]

I

[OregonLuvr]

I have been a solo traveler since 1988. I am not a fulltimer as I still like my sticks and bricks. I enjoy meeting up with folks in campgrounds. Have met some great people, some single, and some couples. I dont feel like a fifth wheel at all. I have had some great times with some great couples. And many times have had help from the husband part and became good friends with the wife.

I enjoy my own company so usually don't get lonely on the road. I sometimes get bored but then look up some stuff to do in the area or just live with it for a day LOL

I have never had a bit of trouble in any of the campgrounds I have stayed in, I have always felt safe. I have on occasion boondocked in a Casino parking lot and also felt safe. I travel in a Motorhome and tow my car so people do not really know how many people are inside so this might be somewhat of a deterrent.

I have traveled with a friend a time or two and that was fun also. I like meeting up with my fellow forum friends or attending a GTG be it either small two or three peeps, or much bigger. I have never found nicer, more helpful people than fellow RV'ers.

karen

[snowball]

I am solo
sheila

[BarbaraRose]

I don't have an RV yet but I do camp by myself at times. I have found that people in campgrounds are very friendly and I walk around talking to people a lot and usually get to know my neighbors.

Just like anywhere, you need to follow your instincts. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, you can move on. There are a lot of camping and RV groups out there that you can join and then meet up with the members in different locations. There are a few just for women, some just for singles and others for the type of RV you have. I go on Meetup.com where ever I am living (I move alot!) and sign up for various camping groups on there in my area. You can be as social or as shy as you want in this lifestyle.

Have fun! Life is too short to let fear get in the way of living your dreams!