Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me. I will be travelling alone and won't have a home base once I get on the road. How are female solo travellers treated generally? Are people helpful if you break down? Thanks in advance.
My input from a MM (mere male) point of view is to have some basic mechanical knowledge about the checks you need to do re your vehicle and Caravan or Motorhome.
Lots of the various State car clubs run courses for women to give them the basic knowledge. Your insurance company may run them too.
Lots of the basic stuff like changing a wheel, or bulbs in your lights, Fluid levels etc. . If you already have that knowledge my apologies.
There are many singles out there who will give you advice.
Welcome to the Playground as some describe it.
Cheers
Trevor
PS.
There are lots of wonderful people out there and most are very helpful to someone with a problem.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Sunday 12th of October 2014 11:02:49 AM
Life as a female Solo Traveller, is wonderful. Treatment is fine, never had a problem at all. Been on the road for 12 months tomorrow, will be posting my findings later, so if interested keep an eye out for it.
I drive a MH, and about to tow a little car behind it. I free camp and do CP's, have never felt threatened, afraid, or in any danger. My experience has only been postive. I have met so many wonderful people, many who are now life friends.
I find as a single female, people in free camps are much friendiler than those in CP's. That took some getting use to in the beginning, being shunned by some, not all, couples. Now it does not bother me, just how life is. I find if you give smile, say hello most people are responsive and those that are not, well probably wouldn't want to talk to them anyways.
Usually there is help available if you ask. When with a group of GN's from this group they will offer. I had a huge learning curve, actually accepting help when offered when I first started out. If they are strangers I now ask if I need help, usually reversing into a tight site, in a CP. Otherwise all good.
Make sure your vehicle is maintained, serviced, and kept up to date with all bits and bobs. That is technical talk for me.
There are many females out there doing it for themselves, actually more females than single males from my observations, and there are many on this site that will offer all manner of advice. I guess my piece of advice would be trust your inutition, if does not feel right move on.
Certainly ask the questions and the good people on here will help you out. The amount of knowledge and comradeship here is amazing and there are truly inspirational people here.
Good luck with it all. Just go do it and don't look back.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
Hi Tropical Rose, Welcome., I've just come back from my first trial run, 5 weeks from Vic to WA., loved every minute of it, lots of friendly ppl i met., some even invited me to join them on there journeys, I had to explain thanks but I want to do it on my own.,
I broke down 60ks put of Norseman on the Coolgardie Esperence Hwy, Had 2 MH's pull up to make sure I was ok., one of them wanted to stay with me till the RAC guy came, I assured them I was OK, and told them to go and enjoy there holiday.. at no time did I feel threatened, or uncomfortable., only when I was stuck in Norseman did I get bored., but even then ppl kept an eye on me.
Like Yuglamron has said., keep your rig maintained, join some road side assist., you'll be ok., like Shekon says trust your instinct, if your uncomfortable move on.,(I had to do this once)
Good luck and happy travels -Fran
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"I'll know what I've been searching for, when I find it"
My suggestion is even if you have no mechanical experience carry a full set of spares such as fan belts, radiator hoses and filters.
Also a basic tool kit as often even though you don't know how to fix something, someone may come along with the skills to help you if you have the gear.
I always carry spare filters as often small garages don't carry all filters especially if you have an older model.
The most important things are a smile, good humor and tolerance and you will be OK.
Regards
Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
I went on a 3 months adventure this year without Strop and had a great time. seeing him occasionally. Met some wonderful people, seen some great scenery and had a ball. Also met another solo . this lady was 65 and doing everything herself, going strong. very inspirational. she told me she has never felt threatened and stays only in free camps or showgrounds. So, go for it. enjoy.
Wow thanks so much for the good advice. I'm really looking forward to it but of course have a few butterflies in the tummy. I have done lots of long distance trips but only from A-B before, and not really camping. Thanks again for the encouragement.
Hello Tropical Rose - sounds as though you are getting organised to go - congratulations. I really haven't any advice but as of yesterday I bought a M/H Mercedes Sprinter - so I am a bit like you - butterflies, apprehensive - all of those feelings. I don't know how many times I went to pick the phone up to say yay or nay anyway yay was the answer so I pick it up next week. I will only be a part time GN but I am sure I will see some wonderful things as you will. Keep well and happy camping.
After the first 2 weeks you will wonder what the concerns were. You will be self sufficient & independent...... for as long as you want to be. The only thing that will sop you is physical strength and you will find that there are plenty of people happy to help you if you run into trouble. Put your hazard lights on & most GNs will pull up to see if you are all right. If you are not ok, they will be more than willing to help. After all, it is the journey rather than the destination, and what can be more fulfilling than helping someone in need?????????
Best wishes and remember........safe travels and happy days
