men travelling solo

jimricho · Guru

RE: men travelling solo

Cruising Granny · Guru

No Jim, I hadn't noticed that. I'll have to be more observant.
Maybe the girls ask the boys to check if they're smart enough to know what the girls already know.
Sort of an IQ test, or in this case, and "AM" (Ask Man) test.
So all you guys travelling solo, what's the best AND worst part about it?

Cee · Senior Member

I'm sure that most men would give me directions when asked, but I'm not sure that they would give the necessarily be right directions, but having said that......my Tom does the trick but strangely enough the voice is set to a female one.....and yet it still gets me to where I'm going..............I gotta admit this thread has had me in stitches.

Keep Smiling
smile

jonathan · Guru

hmmm .. Ever since I changed my GPS to a male voice, I haven't been led astray !

heh .. tee-hee !

Jon

Allara · Senior Member

jonathan wrote:

hmmm .. Ever since I changed my GPS to a male voice, I haven't been led astray !

heh .. tee-hee !

Jon

Poor Jon...................Don't worry..maybe your luck will change... wink

jonathan · Guru

gee Allara ..

.. I'm speaking literally and relevant to the topic .. time to rest your 'overactive' imagination ..

I've had that problem before on here .. remember ?

Jon

(currently in Sydney)

Allara · Senior Member

Sorry Jon

It's not my imagination...its my sense of humor...can be a little 'left field'...if you don't know me.

Cheers
Allara

jimricho · Guru

jonathan wrote:

gee Allara ..

.. I'm speaking literally and relevant to the topic .. time to rest your 'overactive' imagination ..

I've had that problem before on here .. remember ?

Jon

(currently in Sydney)

Jon, mate, lighten up! and have a laugh! wink

jonathan · Guru

Hi Jim ..

.. it would be nice to be able to do that again .. but you didn't just go through what I did. I was taken totally out of context .. I'll say no more !

Jon

Cee · Senior Member

Hiya All,

After having read all the posts on this topic (and having a lot of laughs along the way), it seems to me that travelling solo is no different for a female or a male, some travel solo as a matter of choice, others travel solo due to circumstances outside of their control, the common theme seems to be, that seeing this great land of oz is the drawcard for most people to travel, be they male or female, and please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong (and believe me.........I often am!!!!!!) but aren't we a lucky lot.

Keep Smiling smile

jonathan · Guru

.. you are so right, Cee !

Jon

gillyb · Senior Member

Well guys I'll be heading out solo early next year and hope to be self sufficient but have to admit I 'm not sure how to change a tyre but I have roadside assist for both car and van and will be sticking to sealed roads with no night travelling so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I won't have too many drama's. I have to admit I prefer the solo travel I have become a bit selfish I think as the years have gone by and like to do my own thing, holidays in the past with with my ex have always ended with disagreements and I figure I'm getting too old for all that stuff...who needs it wink

but on the other hand I am hoping to be able to chat and meet lots of people along the way and listen to some interesting stories, I know there are problems with some people when a single female comes along but they're the ones I don't want to know anyway

Cruising Granny · Guru

Meeting people and chatting is guaranteed. What you do and how your receive these experiences is entirely up to you.
It is fun. It's educational and informative. It's amusing and entertaining at times. It's always a worthwhile experience.
Try practicing to change a tyre at home before you set out. Get someone helpful to guide you through the steps.
Roadside assist can be a long wait away, by which time you could be on the road again, getting the broken tyre fixed at the next town.
Also, if you don't do it now, check the oil, coolant and other fluids under the bonnet so you can determine if it's safe to drive on or wait for assistance. It's always handy, and in your best interest, if you can look after the basics of your precious vehicle.
Safe and happy travels.

Sheba · Guru

Hi Gillyb,
I bought an Impact Wrench to help when changing tyres, as I no longer breathe as well as I used to.

You can get one for less than $70.00 from Auto. Accessory places.

They run off the Cigarette Lighter in the Vehicle. Make the job a hell of a lot easier.

Cheers,
Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Friday 19th of November 2010 01:32:16 AM

gillyb · Senior Member

Thanks Sheba I haven't heard of an impact wrench but I'll certainly check it out sounds like it will be a great help, thanks for your advice also cruising granny and I'll certainly get some tuition on a tyre change before I leave. I do check all my levels fairly regularly just incase :)

cheers Gill

Sheba · Guru

"We have had one for 5 years and have used it lots and would not consider leaving home without it got ours from Solar Panel Express at Caboolture now used to be at Glasshouse then . Jay they make tyre changes so easy it is amazing you just have to watch when doing up the nuts not to over tighten we work on 2 hits , you will understand when you get one

maryfairy · Member

Well I am a 'SOLO' woman who lives just west of gympie... As yet I don't have enough confidence to go travelling alone... Maybe I should start with short trips away close somewhere.... If there is anyone who also loves to travel alone but doesn't mind a tag along sometimes ... Please feel free to contact me... I would love to know if there is somewhere to go gem fossicking in any creeks around here... Safely. Love fishing... in a creek or ocean... have a kayak.... have a Mercedes sprinter campervan... So now I have a question... how do I know if I come across a Solo guy who doesn't want to talk .... how do I know... do they hang a red skarf out or something.... or does one just approach with caution...lol ... Stay happy folks
Mary

jonathan · Guru

Hi Mary ..

Just saying 'hi' in passing .. and so that you dont think all men dont wish to talk ..
As a single traveller I would suggest that maybe you get in touch or become a member of a travelling group .. I'm a member of the CMCA but have only been to one of their rallies but that is my choice.
It does however give you access to solo groups within their organisation .. and more than likely there is one affiliated with your area too ..

I've heard rumours/stories about scarves being hung out .. a towel draped across the passenger-side mirror to indicate a solo traveller .. but to me so far .. just hearsay til its seen ..

.. with me, I dont specifically look for solo's .. and dont belong to a solo's group. Quite happy to meet and greet all walks of life ..

good luck .. enjoy !

Jon

Happywanderer · The Master

I had no idea it would be so complicated to get out there as a solo. Just go, have fun, don't get involved with anyone in that way and be friends with everyone.
If someone doesn't feel right when greeting them, don't stay, move on and don't worry about it. Some people will want to talk, some won't. might be female, might be male.
Have never heard of hanging scarves out the window so how would I know what they mean. A different colour for yes or No??
Theres enough solo females on here to be able to catch up with some in different areas of your travel, including me.

Cruising Granny · Guru

HW that's great if you're a confident judge of character, but if you're a shy type, that sense may not be as sharp.
The group or club thing would be a good way to get out there for short trips with like-minded travellers. Everyone shares information and it's a great way to learn lots, and it's a shared experience.
I haven't "advertised" the single factor, and I've heard of women putting out a bloke's pair of shoes to ward off visitors.
I just do my own thing, and everyone is welcome if they treat me and my gear with respect. I try to do the same.
Besides, no one has been game to challenge me yet. Some blokes get a bit intimidated when they "can't teach me anything". I try to point out that they may learn something from me.
I don't know about you girls, but I reckon blokes think funny. (And they say the same about me) Ha ha ha ha.

Happywanderer · The Master

Thats just the thing CG. I might talk a lot on here, but in person its a different story. I haven't a clue what to say half the time so don't say anything. I don't think I'm a very good judge of character either. Well, haven't been so far when it comes to men. So don't intend trying again.
Just wonder though how easy it would be if you drive into a free park at 4pm waiting for others to join so you are not on your own for the night as that could be quite scary, and the only one to come in is another solo and a male at that.
OK, what do you do, move on or just lock all doors and wait till morning??

Cruising Granny · Guru

With a campervan or motorhome you have the advantage of being able to get out of bed, hop in the driver's seat, turn the key and go if you feel uncomfortable, for whatever reason. This feeling is your very own personal impression. No one else can determine this for you. There is no rule about what is acceptable or not acceptable in relations to the comfort zone.
I don't free camp on my own, but the other night I had to stop for a sleep so I pulled into a 24/hr roadhouse at Port Augusta and slept for 2 hours before heading home. I didn't have the van. Plenty of light under the car port and I just locked myself in, took the keys out of the ignition, and managed a well-earned sleep.
I've always had jobs in predominantly male environments, like winery, quarry, pubs, fishing boats, cattle stations, and other offices, spare parts departments and driveway attendant, car detailer so I've become pretty good a sussing the blokes, and the girls, out. Not everyone has the advantage of that "exposure" to the opposite gender. (sex)
The bottom line is the same for everyone. If you don't fee comfortable or get a "bad vibe", move on, move away or just go.
This also applies to caravan parks in a lot of ways. It would determine a short or long stay.
I have the suspicion that if anyone doesn't want to be found, they'll be free camping.
Now HW, we have to have a chat I think. You've already made the big, huge decision to do this lifestyle. While you may be shy, I'm sure you'll find like-minded fellow travellers who will approach you for a chat, which could lead to more social mingling around camp. The more miles you do, the more confident you'll become, and the more you'll find you have to talk about. We may all travel the same road, but we will all see different things and these things will affect us in different ways. That's a fire side topic right there. Enjoy

blaze · Guru

I find it very easy to talk to people, my wife is of the shy type until she built a trust in people. When I talk to peole and my wife is with me if the co0nversation isnt inclusive of all parties we politely move on. I have travelled a lot solo for upto 8 weeks a year and it would be a lonely trip if you didnt say hi to people, I general start conversation like on the way to the shower or maybe cooking in the barbie area, havnt yet found any long term friends (some of the grey nomad lot I have met we will remeet though) but I am already meeting people at the next park or we just left that park maybe a respomce from others at a tourist site. I say gooday to anyone and if I get no reply that is there choice, so with a smile on ya dial just say hi. After only 2 months on the road my wife is also coming out of shell somewhat and writing names in her little book
cheers
blaze
ps
I also find women the most chatty (aint because of my good looks either).

Happywanderer · The Master

I won't have any trouble saying hi to the ones I have already met on here as will have plenty to talk about. Not quite like meeting strangers. Its the occasions when I pull into a free park and strangers come in there too. May find that a bit difficult, but I will do my best.

Cruising Granny · Guru

You'll be surprised how few of us you'll meet out there. You will however meet lots of new nomads who may or may not be on GN. That's the way it is.

Allara · Senior Member

Hi HW
Wish I could think of a way to make you feel more confident. Men are people too and often as shy as women. The ones you need too watch are the 'drunks' they need dutch courage to try it on. Don't forget there are a few predatory women out there that the guys have to deal with as well. Just keep your dogs handy and rely on your instincts.
Cheers
Allara

Happywanderer · The Master

I may have described that all wrong. I'm not frightened of men, some of my best friends are men, haha!!
Can tell a sleazy one a mile off, just never been successful with them, better friends than in relationships.
I think its more the travelling on own, parking, on own, then a lone gent comes in. Ok, have a chat, now shall I move on or stay?

And I am meaning in general for all of us here, not so much a fear in me.
I think once we've been on the road a while, stopped a few times and get the feel of it, the whole thing will be more comfortable.

Allara · Senior Member

I'd say the major rule would be .."don't invite them in".....say hello at the BBQ, or on the way to the loo. Keep it neutral and everything should be OK. I meet lots of people because they all come by to see my dogs, everyone has been very nice on the road.
Just try to relax, practice makes perfect and you can take all the time in the world to park etc. you are getting out of the rat race...remember.

Cruising Granny · Guru

You got it Allara. If it feels wrong it probably is.
I don't have pets to pat as an ice-breaker. My wheel covers do open a few conversations, and the stickers on my car also catch the interest of many.
Just a g'day is often all someone needs to stop for a bit of a yarn. It doesn't mean they want to stay, move in or even hang around, but chatting under the awning or over the bbq is acceptable. The rest is up to you.
HW some of my best mates are also males, and that's a good thing. The d'heads don't get a look in either.
I've met some shy blokes too. They usually turn out to be very interesting but independent people, and there's nothing wrong with that.
It takes all kinds.......... etc. Different strokes for different folks. To each his/her own. etc etc etc etc.
Just do it your way and I reckon the rest will take care of itself. See you out there sometime.