Sight seeing as a single.

Ma · Guru

Sight seeing as a single.

Almurta · Veteran Member

Hi Sharon,
I travelled through parts of Europe by myself in 2011. My greatest prop was my digital camera. Getting busy lining up that great shot gave me a sense of purpose. Wandering round great places alone taking endless photos (half of which I deleted later) made me take my time and enjoy my surroundings. I just have a simple little automatic camera - one of the cheapest around but it can take some great shots. One day I saw a young girl travelling alone who sat on a wall and calmly sketched the view. I aspire to be like her one day!
I found having lunch and coffee breaks could be lonely. I always carried something to read even if it was only a tourist brochure. I got in the habit of picking out a seat off to one side and against a wall. That way I could either busy myself with reading or even clicking through photos on my camera and deleting those I didn't like if I felt uncomfortable. Often times I just could sit back and casually watch the passing crowds and enjoy the ambiance.
As for walking in the bush alone - I've done a fair bit of that because I've been on my own for a long time. Once again the camera is a great friend. Also stick to the path. Don't venture into areas that feel too isolated or if you're not sure who else might be out there. Use your common sense and don't take unnecessary risks. Lock your vehicle whenever you leave it unattended and hide all your valuables. Dressing down and wearing and a daggy hat is a great ploy for those times when you want to be unobstrusive yet get out there and have a look around.
It does get lonely sometimes when you'd like to turn to someone and comment on what's happening. I started writing a travel blog which gave me a place to express my thoughts about where I went. All the same there are times when a companion would be great. I'll be heading off from Victoria in March and travelling slowly towards the centre. I'm not sure of my route yet but will definitely be looking to meet other grey nomads for different parts of the journey. It sounds like there are a lot of people heading off around the same time. Maybe we'll meet up down the track.

-- Edited by Almurta on Sunday 22nd of January 2012 11:44:45 AM

fireheart · Senior Member

Hello everyone, welcome to 2012. As I am getting closer to starting my new life as a grey nomad, questions keep popping into my head. I was reading a Camping and Caravan book yesterday and salivating at the beautiful photos of the NT and itching to get going, then I thought, how does it work for others sightseeing on their own. confuse

This is new territory for me as I am sure it has been for others also. Making the transistion from sharing sights and experiences with a partner or loved one for so many years to suddenly doing it on your own. I guess what I am asking is, how does one make that transistion and not become a lone wolf so to speak and not really take it all in. I am guessing the best way would be to join a local tour or tagalong with some unsuspecting group.

I am really interested in how others have dealt with this issue. All answers gratefully accepted.

Happy travelling everyone.

Sharon.

Ole_Grizzly · Senior Member

G'day Ma. Is this future itinerary happening before or after the Queensland Get Together as I'm raring to join both.

Ma · Guru

In a nutshell Griz, leaving south coast NSW mid April, plan to be in Darwin mid June for a couple of weeks then over to the West Coast.

PM me and I'll give you more details.

Happywanderer · The Master

I know what you mean Sharon being a solo myself.
Its not so much the travelling but when you arrive somewhere that has an interesting walk maybe through forest, waterfalls, bush, remote etc.
I am hesitant to go for that walk on my own and I presume you would be and lots of other solo woman also.
Its the unknown beyond the carpark that can be a bit daunting. So I won't go and miss what may be a beautiful spot.

Beth54 · Guru

Don't be afraid Sharon. I found people often come over and have a chat, when they see you're on your own. Couples or singles, and men will often give a little advise about your rig if somethings bothering you.

I do prefer to travel with someone, to share sights etc, but it can't always be. I personally think a laptop is essential, to share with other nomads, or chat to family. I don't feel so alone if I can keep in touch and family knows where I am each day.

And as Milo said, follow your gut feeling...works for me.

-- Edited by Beth54 on Sunday 22nd of January 2012 07:47:41 PM

jonathan · Guru

Hi Sharon ..

.. and as a single male I may not have the same "fear-factor" that a lady might have .. but I do find that not being able to share in the joys of site-seeing in the company of another (or others) much less satisfying than it could be. This though is just a part of the life-style of a single person ..

This is where the people on this site make life much easier .. It doesn't matter to folks on here whether you're paired or single .. only that you're doin ok !

As time goes bye and you convert the curiosity to experience, you will find your niche in the lifestyle.

Its all good Sharon .. you'll be fine ! enjoy the learning curve !

Jon

Happywanderer · The Master

Some great hints there Almurta. I always carry my camera too and I love observing the crowds, people watching I call it.
Have also bought a sketch pad and pencils after watching Nu-ones excellent drawings at Greens Lake. Just have to work out how to now.

yeoeleven · Guru

Hi Sharon,

I use my camera and share my views with the forum here and the blog.

I agree that it is better to share the experience as it unfolds but then we can't always do that and my sharing the photos comes a close second best.

John

fireheart · Senior Member

Thank you everyone, how wonderful you all are. My camera comes with me all the time now so I gues it will be even more my friend as I start to explore. I am so overwhelmed with the support and friendship from complete strangers on this website and cannot wait to get out there to meet you in person. I will certainly be taking all your advice and experience and using it to further my own and hopefully assist others in the future. Once again thank you everyone.

Sharon.

Ma · Guru

We aren't strangers Sharon, we are just friends you haven't met yet

Esmeralda · Guru

I've been solo for many years now, so should be used to being alone but I have found sometimes when travelling that I feel a bit out of place and the couples - be they male/female or female/female etc tend to look at me. Then I thought "well I am looking at them too" and now it doesn't worry me - maybe I interest them. Sometimes I would like someone to share the experiences with but that isn't always possible. But if you stay put with the van you will miss out on so much and you might as well stay at home.

Sit at a table where there is someone else alone or even with a couple who look like they are new to the area as well. Caravan parks are also a place where people talk to you and I've met a few nice people that way; and if they are solo too they might like to join you on a day trip. I had a lovely day with a lady solo at Goondiwindi.

Antique Pete · Senior Member

I know how you feel i like to share views meals and travel and love to laugh with a partner, but will have to learn a new way to live when I hit the road.

Really looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I too know the feeling Sharon and trying very hard learning to be solo after being with someone for 35 years. It's not easy but I want to continue with future plans, it will be just solo. Even as a male I hesitate going into some areas. Enjoy Sharon. DOUG

milo · Guru

hi sharon, I think every one has there point of view as to solo traveling
ive done lots of travel with my dad and also on my own ..
some times its good to have some one around and other times not.
I also feel your gut fealings or instinct will tell you about a place if its good to go to or not
to go to...

and you tend to learn to read the area , the people , some times you might get it wrong and
it may turn out to be a great place, and other times you think you just want to get out of there and go some
where else... but its all up to you...

good luck

milo

old briney · Senior Member

hope to be leaving about the same time as you Ma, pm us when you leave

Ma · Guru

old briney wrote:
hope to be leaving about the same time as you Ma, pm us when you leave

Will do OB also have sent PM now

Cruising Granny · Guru

I've been on my own longer than I was with someone, so I think I'd have trouble including someone else.
I must admit it would be great to share some of my experiences, the views and sights one sees along the way.
I can't even share my adventures with my family. They're not the least bit interested.
So I have a great photo collection on this gadget to be shared one day with someone who might be interested.
I've done a lot of kms on my own now, and I never get sick of learning what's over the next hill, around the next bend.
I sometimes share a table in a food hall or cafe, or roadhouse. I love striking up a chat with someone else on their own. Whether it be a truckie a long way from home (goes with the job), a little old lady who's struggling with a tray, or just because there's a spare chair at a table when everything else is crowded.
There's nothing to be afraid of, if you are aware of the risks. You can't enjoy your travels and experiences if you spend all your time looking over your shoulder. You'll miss all the good stuff in front of you.
It's all in front of you. Enjoy the trip, the sights, the adventure and the people you'll meet.
Anyone untrustworthy wouldn't be interested in talking to a stranger over lunch or over a look-out safety barrier.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Sharon there's lots of great advice already on this thread. We have a great community here and as Ma said we are a bunch of friends who havent met eachother yet. I've only been to a couple of caravan parks with my van so far but have always found people to help me when I've needed it and am very much looking forward to free camping which most people on here say is even more friendlier. It's aways challenging to start doing things on your own, especially when it is something completely new like nomading but that can be incredibly exciting as well. Trust in yourself and your creativeness and sense of adventure.

fireheart · Senior Member

Once again thank you everyone. Elle, I wouldn't say that I am afraid as such, it is more the fact of passing things by that may be of interest if time is not taken to look. I have an adventurous spirit inside of me, I just have to let it come through again. I suppose after spending 34 years with a beautiful man who would always take a road least travelled so he could see what was around that corner, and then laughing about the why there was a stop sign there, it will be hard not to have that person to share it with. The laughs, smiles, and silliness.
However, saying all that, I also see that here there will be so many more new people to share those experiences with, and new people to meet. I am so looking forward to it.
I am very lucky in the fact that my three sons are encouraging me to get on with it, and to get out there and start living again. So with email and so forth I will still be able to share with family and friends.
You have all given such wonderful advice and insights to life on the road once again. I will certainly be using this advice as time moves forward. For now though it is back to cleaning my bathrooms after family being here for Christmas and getting the place ready to sell. Can't wait til I do not have to do that again.
Happy and Safe travelling everyone.

Sharon.

Esmeralda · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
Yes Pam, I have Miss Marples. She's so cute but don't think she would be much good if an axe weilding madman came towards me out the back of Burke on a remote track where I had wandered with my camera to take some really nice shots.
At least I could shoot him with my camera. lol

Oh! and the amount of times I have said "Look at that Miss Marples, What a great site, you will never see the likes of that again" The B.....H must have been asleep.

And I have Boo who is a bilby (bought at Charleville) - going to be Bodicea but ...... Then again at home I talk to the cat who occasionally miaows back but usually just stares.

Helen

-- Edited by Esmeralda on Monday 23rd of January 2012 06:12:52 PM

Pam · Guru

Most solos seem to have a "travel companion bear" also to share their travels.

Happywanderer · The Master

Not likely Elle, but will have my camera.

Surely there has to be a few out there CG, you just haven't seen them yet. Ive heard they are an endangered species.

-- Edited by Happywanderer on Monday 23rd of January 2012 08:58:58 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Yes Pam, I have Miss Marples. She's so cute but don't think she would be much good if an axe weilding madman came towards me out the back of Burke on a remote track where I had wandered with my camera to take some really nice shots.
At least I could shoot him with my camera. lol

Oh! and the amount of times I have said "Look at that Miss Marples, What a great site, you will never see the likes of that again" The B.....H must have been asleep.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I might just stick to talking to myself Marj, I don't think a bear is my thing. As long as I don't answer myself it should work out, but then who is going to know I answered myself anyway.

Ma · Guru

At least you would get the answers you want Doug, well it's to be hoped so anyway...............

Cruising Granny · Guru

I don't have a "mate" either. I talk to myself, answer myself, but if I argue with myself and lose the arguement will someone come and rescue me?

In this solo travel business there are a few things to remember. The same rules apply as they do to couples. If you're going off road tell someone where you're going, how long you expect to be away, and advise when you return. Don't take foolish risks.
We may be brave, but I draw the line at being foolish.
As for Marj's axe wielder, I haven't seen one yet. I've seen a few dingoes, emus, goats, pigs, camels, brumbies, roos, other birds, but definitely no axe wielders.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Sharon I also worry about missing out on things especially with a couple of dogs in tow but also hope that I will meet people who will point me towards the things to see. I used to be always wanting to get somewhere but not anymore, the journey is the most important thing. If I ever come across an axe wielder, I hope Marj is right there behind me with a bigger axe.

fireheart · Senior Member

I love it. I have a handle on it all now, talk to onself, don't give the answer though, take a camera to keep track of any knife wielding axe murderers, and a teddy bear for company. Okie dokie, can do the teddy bear, will be on the look out for the axe murderer, have the camera, and already talk to myself, hey I am ready to go. Can't wait.

Sharon.