Solo RVing can be an intimidating endeavor, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with the RVing lifestyle. Fear is one of the biggest factors preventing people from hitting the road on their own, whether it’s fear for their own safety or fear of their own failure. If you yearn for exploration and adventure, don’t let fear fool you into thinking that you need a partner to travel safely or successfully. You are all you need to live out your dream! To help you feel more confident in your capabilities, check out these helpful tips for solo RVers and leave your fears in the rearview mirror as you hit the open road alone!
Safety & Security
When you interact with a lot of strangers and frequently stay in unfamiliar places, your safety is naturally going to be a concern. But when you have to face those concerns alone, you can feel especially vulnerable. Constantly questioning your sense of security can put a real damper on your journey, so follow these tips and feel safe knowing you have taken some smart steps to protect yourself
- Follow Your Gut: Don’t force yourself through situations where fear inhibits your ability to enjoy yourself. If something feels sketchy, just move on and find another destination.
- Lock Your Rig: Even if you are just making a quick trip inside a rest stop bathroom, lock your doors and windows. This isn’t paranoia, it’s smart!
- Share Your Itinerary: Inform your family and friends of where you intend to travel. Keep in contact often and let them know if your plans change.
- Protect Yourself: Carrying some form of a weapon, such as pepper spray or mace, can bring you peace of mind, and it can also be a viable level of defense against threats.
- Bring an Extra Chair: You don’t want to advertise the fact that you’re by yourself. Bringing an extra lawn chair not only gives visitors a place to sit, but it can also give the illusion that you aren’t alone.
Solitude & Loneliness
Traveling solo can sound lonely, and the long-term solitude can be enough to sway some people from experiencing this one-of-a-kind lifestyle. With that in mind, we’ve got some great tips for overcoming the loneliness and adjusting to the seclusion. You don’t have to turn into a recluse just because you’re solo! In fact, you will probably discover a whole new community eager to keep you company along your way.
- Make Friends: You meet all kinds of different people when you are constantly on the move, so there are an abundance of opportunities to connect, form bonds, and build friendships. Say hello to your neighbors and try to make conversation!
- Don’t Burn Bridges: You never know who’ll pass by again when you live life on the road, and it’s useful to have friends in different places. Don’t limit your opportunities by making enemies.
- Get Involved: There are all kinds of activities to take part in at campgrounds and RV resorts. Even if it feels out of your comfort zone, go to that ice cream social or those game nights at the clubhouse. You never know the kinds of like-minded people you may meet!
- Join a Club: There are a number of different clubs geared towards solo RVers, such as Loners on Wheels or RV Singles. Browse the forums online, attend events, and discover a whole new community that will quickly become like family!
- Bring a Four-Legged Friend: Pets make great travel companions. Not only can they help you feel more protected, but they also make good company on the road! It’s hard to feel lonely when you’ve always got a friend (and a wet nose!) by your side.
Knowledge & Preparation
Before starting your solo trek, you will want to make sure that you’ve done your homework first. The more prepared you are for potential problems, the better off you’ll be when trying to resolve them. Read a book or two, browse online content, or talk to other RVers to better inform yourself of the tasks ahead. With some basic knowledge, you can drastically improve your ability to overcome any issues that you encounter.
- Pick Your Rig Deliberately: You’ll want to have an RV that you know you can handle and pull comfortably. Practice hooking up and unhooking your rig before starting your adventure, and keep up on the maintenance to avoid an untimely breakdown.
- Educate Yourself: Learn as much about your RV as possible and you’ll be more prepared to deal with issues when they inevitably arise. Be sure that you know how to do basic repairs, such as fixing a blown fuse or changing a flat tire. RVing workshops are available to help you learn.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you are hesitant in your abilities or unsure of the lifestyle, consider taking a group trip before setting out on your own. Doing so can really boost your confidence and help prepare you for what to expect.
- Prepare For Mental Mistakes: Get a high-quality magnetic security box to hold a spare key and place it in an inconspicuous yet accessible spot on your RV. This will be a lifesaver in the event that you lock your keys inside your rig!
The most dependable person in your life will always be yourself. RVing solo shouldn’t be seen as a daunting experience, it should be looked at as a valuable opportunity to maximize your skills and enhance your independence. When you are self-reliant, a whole new world becomes available to you. So, stop stalling and start living out your dreams by embracing the unknown alone!
