Travelling alone

Romy5152 · Guru

Travelling alone

aussie_paul · Guru

Double post!!!

Aussie Paul.

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Saturday 26th of April 2014 11:27:17 AM

aussie_paul · Guru

Romy5152 wrote:
I am 62 years old and I want to start travelling (alone), but a number of things concern me. I was wondering if any solo grey nomads can throw some light on my concerns. The thought of travelling on my own terrifies me - especially at night, or if (perish the thought) I break down in the middle of nowhere. How do I stop worrying about it and what precautions can I take to be safe? Also, what are your opinions on the best way to travel: caravan, camper trailer, motorhome, or tent camping? I will be on my own, and I haven't done anything like this before. I don't want to be permanently tied down in one spot, as there is still so much of Australia I want to see, but I will still have and like my home base to return to. Any helpful replies would be appreciated.

This subject has had some good input here..

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t57384630/i-think-i-am-a-scaredy-cat/

Aussie Paul. blankstare

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Saturday 26th of April 2014 11:27:32 AM

Romy5152 · Guru

Thanks Paul.

KFT · Guru

Romy5152 wrote:
I am 62 years old and I want to start travelling (alone), but a number of things concern me. I was wondering if any solo grey nomads can throw some light on my concerns. The thought of travelling on my own terrifies me - especially at night, or if (perish the thought) I break down in the middle of nowhere. How do I stop worrying about it and what precautions can I take to be safe? Also, what are your opinions on the best way to travel: caravan, camper trailer, motorhome, or tent camping? I will be on my own, and I haven't done anything like this before. I don't want to be permanently tied down in one spot, as there is still so much of Australia I want to see, but I will still have and like my home base to return to. Any helpful replies would be appreciated.

Myra,

you need to start somewhere so you could go for a drive to a camping area or a caravan park(cp) and talk to people who are already doing what you yearn to do. That will help you decide which mode of travel will suit you.

Then you need to head to a dealer and have a look at a few campers caravans and motorhomes to see if any particular style suits you.

DO NOT pay any money out until you have seen the goods in person and verified 1/ they exist 2/they are roadworthy. many have been caught by scams on the internet sales sites.

There are many solos on here and the majority are female who have no problems doing what they do. If you read a few of the threads in the solos section you will get a good idea of just how much fun they have. The greens lake section also has many solos aboard.

We are all here to help one another and all you need to do is ask someone and you get many answers.

hope this helps

frank

Romy5152 · Guru

Thanks Frank. That's very valuable advice. I've looked in another thread where another lady asked a similar question as a first-timer, but I think she was travelling with her partner still. I'm just afraid of being on my own if anything should happen, but I don't think there's anything anyone can do about that. I think it's going to be a case of - what's that saying - to discover new oceans, you must have the courage to first leave the shore.

barina · Guru

Romy5152 wrote:
Thanks Frank. That's very valuable advice. I've looked in another thread where another lady asked a similar question as a first-timer, but I think she was travelling with her partner still. I'm just afraid of being on my own if anything should happen, but I don't think there's anything anyone can do about that. I think it's going to be a case of - what's that saying - to discover new oceans, you must have the courage to first leave the shore.

I am the same as you and will be traveling on my own, but I don't think of it as alone. I have met some great people on this forum, and plan to meet many more. When I do go away it has been to where I know people are and make myself known, so always people around. I am still working so have only managed 2 -3 day weekends to get my confidence and learn about my MH. I worry about things going wrong also, when I start longer trips, but won't let that stop me when I retire. There is lots of help here so ask away.

Romy5152 · Guru

Love your quote at the bottom of your reply Judy. It's a beauty and says it all really.

I am still working as well. What kind of MH do you own and how do you find it? I am still considering modes of travel.

barina · Guru

Romy5152 wrote:
Love your quote at the bottom of your reply Judy. It's a beauty and says it all really. I am still working as well. What kind of MH do you own and how do you find it? I am still considering modes of travel.

I have Mercedes Sprinter 1998 fully enclosed as I have never towed anything and my shoulders are not the greatest, so I knew I would not be able to manage it. The MH I had been looking for a couple of years and finally found it on the CMCA website and it was in NSW. I live in Melbourne and not much for sale here. My son lived not far away and he looked and had it all checked out and I bought it. I have had some weekends away with my 2 little dogs and really enjoyed it. The fridge runs fine on gas and I have just replaced the house battery. Solar Panel on the roof is the next addition and then I wil be almost there with enough for a while. I have had a couple of nights in a caravan park and plug in power is great. Other times I have free camped.

Shirl_e · Member

Hi, I'm mid 50's and set off solo in August 2011 for a few months around SE Qld to 'see how I go'. I was still on the road 14 months & 30,000km later, even drove 'up the centre' solo. Unless you plan some serious off-roading you'll have plenty of company, and nomads love to stop and help a traveller in need - although l had a trouble free trip except for a blown tyre which I changed myself. I chose a 2wd ute with a small slide-on - cheap to run, easy to park and set up, no frills, but the latest model, lowest km vehicle I could afford to avoid potential problems. I never felt unsafe, although twice I moved on from free camps that felt a little exposed. In short, go with your gut feelings about people/places and you'll be unlikely to run into problems - but you will meet wonderful people and see some amazing sights.

mongrel · Guru

Welcome to the forum Shirl e. Hope you enjoy the forum as much as we do.

It is good to read of peoples travels and safe ones at that and yes I do agree with using

the gut feeling method. We are not travellers ourselves as yet ,only doing the tourist thingy

but we practice this method as well.

Alan.

Shirl_e · Member

Thanks - I' m a long-term lurker, but feel I had some experience to share as a solo. My plan is to work 3-4 months a year to top up the kitty, spend a month or so each year working with BlazeAid....and keep travelling.

Romy5152 · Guru

Thanks for that, Judy. I looked up a 2004 Mercedes Sprinter and it looks great. It could be just the bees knees. Is your sprinter easy to manage with setting up for camping, re-packing, and the mechanics of operating it, and do you find there is enough storage for clothing and food? How do your little dogs take to life on the road? Sorry for all the questions, but if I don't ask, I don't know.

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Shirl_e, thanks for your confidence in me. lol I'm a bit of a scaredy cat at night on my own, so I don't think a slide on would suit me. I like the security of being 'locked in'. But I admire your get up and go attitude. Gut instinct certainly is a very good gauge of people and places, and I'll keep that uppermost in my mind. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy your travels and thanks for helping me out. What's Blazeaid by the way?

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi Romy and good for you!
I have a 2005 Mercedes Sprinter, long wheel base motor home set up. Of course mine is also set up as a work vehicle, and there is more wiring through poor old Betty than an electricians house. It does help to get to know your vehicle. You also must have the highest possible auto association membership.
You will never really be alone out there. Whether you park in caravan parks or free camp, you will usually have company. If you do break down, someone will certainly come along and help, even the truck drivers will help out in the big blue yonder.
You won't be driving at night. In fact unless it's an emergency at home you'll most likely be parked up by about 4pm, with the billy on, sitting back, relaxing or exploring your parking spot. Then at night you lock yourself in for a cosy sleep. If you don't advertise there's a lone woman inside you'll be extra safe.
I've done 2 laps with my Landcruiser and 20ft caravan since 2007, worked all over the country, travelling home alone, and camping outside my cruiser in a closed in camp bed, under the awning.
Now I do it in style with "Betty Benz", and l park roadside most of the time, with a little stop over in a van park from time to time for the conveniences.
If you are really worried when you set out, arrange to meet fellow nomads heading in the same direction. Don't sit under their wing, or tailgate them, but a little security blanket of friends will help to give you the confidence in your own self. I do recommend you install a UHF radio in the vehicle and monitor channel 40. Most of the truck drivers use this channel vand it's a valuable source of road conditions ahead of you and other useful information. It will also be a means of communication if you're in trouble. The radio has a 10-20 km range depending on the aerial and the terrain.
If we go through fearing the "what if", we'd never get out of bed in the morning.
Your avatar picture is taken in a caravan, so you must have some idea of how this works. Go for it girl!

baute · Senior Member

I travel alone and yes things can happen. I lost my exhaust in the middle of nowhere. But I have full roadside assist and was well looked after. Ensuring the best communications phone or uhf radio is best. Ensuring you have the ability to diagnose and fix obvious problems like over heating, knowing how to change a Tyre etc. My main security at night is having a panic button attached to my car alarm. I figure if I really needed help at night I would wake anyone with it who was close by. An alarm going off in a bush site or road camp is bound to be investigated by those camped nearby as it would be as annoying as it would be strange. Mind you I usually warn those around me if I have spoken to them. As for being alone I love it and have the philosophy that I am alone at home and that being on the road alone I have the same potential for harm as at home. Actually I think it is safer out on the road as anything that is wrong is usually noticed pretty quick . Being at home recently I had brake and radiator issues and whilst fixed there was no real advantage to being home I still needed a tow. One of my neighbour's were broken into whilst they slept at home none of the neighbour's knew until they were told. I really believe you are safer out there. So go for it.

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Cruisin Granny, good to hear from you. You're right. I have to get over the 'what if's'. Thank you for all your information. I am going to document all the advice I am given. You said you have worked all over the country and that your sprinter was set up as a work vehicle - what do you do? I notice a sign on top, and it seems like you might operate a pilot vehicle? If so, how did you get into that as a line of work? I really appreciate all you've told me, and it does make me feel somewhat better about travelling - to know that others are doing it solo as well. Yes, my avatar photo was taken in a caravan, but I have never travelled on my own. I guess it's one of those things you either get out there and just do it, or you don't do it at all. I am working up the courage.

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Baute, thank you for replying. I like your idea of having a panic button attached to your car alarm - would you tell me a bit more about how it's set up please? I do intend to do some sort of a course about the usual things that can go wrong with a car and how to fix them myself if possible, and I realise that communication is an all-important consideration as well. I won't go anywhere without it. When you compare the safety issues between travelling and home, I understand what you mean. It's a very scary thought either way for me. As I said to Cruisin Granny, I am working up courage.

barina · Guru

Romy5152 wrote:
Thanks for that, Judy. I looked up a 2004 Mercedes Sprinter and it looks great. It could be just the bees knees. Is your sprinter easy to manage with setting up for camping, re-packing, and the mechanics of operating it, and do you find there is enough storage for clothing and food? How do your little dogs take to life on the road? Sorry for all the questions, but if I don't ask, I don't know.

I find it quite easy and comfortable to drive it is a manual. Setting up is great and as I have only camped 3 days at most, it is very comfortable plenty of room. I park, and turn on the gas for the fridge, put out chairs and table and let the dogs out always on a leash and that's it done. I now pack up what needs to be taken inside when home, washing food containers, etc before I go and when home usually 2 trips to take inside wash, give the van a sweep and wipe over and it is ready for next trip. Ask away....I do smile

Evie n Rhys · Senior Member

Hi Romy,
I'm a lone traveller like these other lovely ladies on here. Like they say, gut feeling is everything. From the very first chore of choosing a rig to where you are going to park it. I tow a van but many women have the coaster, motor home option for the security of it. I went around oz last year alone and loved it. I had one instance south of Parabadoo where I did a tyre and could not change it myself. Eventually a road worker and his wife stopped and changed it for me. I also realized when I headed off to Carnarvon to get tyres that I needed to go to the hospital, I had shingles...... I spent a week in the caravan park and the park owners were very nice and helpful. I only had one night on the Nullabour that I felt a bit uncomfortable not having seen the folk in the other van parked near me. I got my iron bar(don't know what I was going to do with it) had dinner and a glass of wine, watched a DVD and went to sleep. Woke alive the next morning so headed off not ever meeting the folk in the other van. Like everyone says, there are more folk out there than you realize and they are very nice people I've found. Helpful, caring and sharing people. Quite a lot more than you have in your neighborhood back home often. I highly recommend it and if I can be of any assistance to you please do not hesitate to ask.
Enjoy.
Tess

Rip and Rosie · Guru

If you need to "feel safe" there are a few basics I reckon.

1. a reliable well maintaned vehicle with top NRMA cover
2. a telstra phone kept charged
3. common sense about where you stay

native pepper · Senior Member

Romy5152 wrote:
Hi Baute, thank you for replying. I like your idea of having a panic button attached to your car alarm - would you tell me a bit more about how it's set up please? I do intend to do some sort of a course about the usual things that can go wrong with a car and how to fix them myself if possible, and I realise that communication is an all-important consideration as well. I won't go anywhere without it. When you compare the safety issues between travelling and home, I understand what you mean. It's a very scary thought either way for me. As I said to Cruisin Granny, I am working up courage.

G'day, travelling solo can be daunting when you're not used to it and there are some very good idea's others have given you here. The solo's we meet on the road seem to have it together really well and the majority we find have a MH of some description, because they provide a better form of security and you don't have to get out to hitch up, pull down your tent or unhitch.

When it comes to a vehicle, try to get one that will require the least amount of maintenance, reliability and simple easy servicing. In the majority of cases, that's a diesel and before you buy, go to a forum that revolves around the vehicle, or vehicles you are interested in and ask your questions. Look for a vehicle which gives you good traction and maneuverability, if possible self contained and has everything you need. Like solar, toilet, shower and a good comfortable setup. With a MH, you can stop and camp without leaving the vehicle, so your safety is pretty good. Get a dog to travel with you, they are not only great company but good protection and conversation starters.

When you have decided on your purchase, buy a workshop manual for the vehicle and read it. It may not make sense to you or be of help, but if you are in trouble and have a manual with you, another traveller or repairer may be able to use it to find and fix your problem. The same goes for all your equipment, get manuals. You can't just ring the local service centre, or road side service, there may not be any for hundreds or thousands of klms. With a set of manuals, anyone with a little experience will be able to help and in the end you will be able to fix most things and carry spares for as many thing you can, without overloading. A MH will also carry loads more than a van, especially converted buses, which af designed to carry large weights, Many modern MH are on small light chassis's and also have weight restrictions in lots of cases. Get yourself informed so you feel comfortable, this will give you confidence to not worry, but enjoy.

To many people hit the road without a clue about what they are driving or towing and expect others to fix what, with just a bit of reading and taking responsibility for their lives, would save them a fortune in simple service and repair.

Take a few short trips, hire a van and MH to see what you like best. If you have the money you can get what you want, if not be prepared to buy an older model MH or converted late model medium size bus which has everything you need.

The safest places you will find, are off the beaten track, small towns and communities. You are a hundred times safer in the bush than in any large town or van park. It is rare for some one to be robbed or fear for their safety away from big towns, whilst your chances of having problems rapidly grow when staying in van parks on the tourist routes or in large towns.

It may frighten you, but the buzz of being on the road and enjoying living, far outweighs any fears. Remember the things we fear most, are the least likely to happen. It's what we are familiar and comfortable with, that tends to create the problems in our lives.

The only suspect free camps we've run across, are those situated near or in populated area's. Free bush camp well away from populated area's are always safe. Hoons and crims, don't travel of main roads and into the bush in the hope of finding someone to annoy or rob, when there are very easy pickings in towns, their associated van parks and free camps. We would only stay in a town, during a music festival or a very small one. Probably 80% of our camping is well away from towns and major highways. You can also link up with some other travellers and solo's, organise to meet up with them at different camps until you feel confident and comfortably in your new life.

Look forward to being free, be sensible on your choice of transport, then you will really enjoy life on the road.

-- Edited by native pepper on Sunday 27th of April 2014 10:25:27 AM

baute · Senior Member

Romy5152 wrote:
Hi Baute, thank you for replying. I like your idea of having a panic button attached to your car alarm - would you tell me a bit more about how it's set up please? I do intend to do some sort of a course about the usual things that can go wrong with a car and how to fix them myself if possible, and I realise that communication is an all-important consideration as well. I won't go anywhere without it. When you compare the safety issues between travelling and home, I understand what you mean. It's a very scary thought either way for me. As I said to Cruisin Granny, I am working up courage.

Hi, the alarm is an in built system with my vehicle. Apparently many vehicles built since 1990 have them. It is a red button attached to the keyring on the central locking system. I would imagine you could have one installed after market by a car alarm installer. The idea of an alarm is worth thinking about. I have this system to use to warn my neighbors if there is a reason I require assistance and we have all agreed to use it as a warning system. Fortunately where I live not too many alarms go off accidentally which would void this system.

To quote from this site: http://www.crime-safety-security.com/Emergency-Button.html

Most cars made since the late 1990's have a key ring that attaches to a remote entry system transmitter used to lock/unlock your car. It also has a red emergency (panic button) alarm that will sound your car's horn to help you find where you left your car in a large parking lot.

Far more important, it can also summon help in an emergency, such as during a heart attack - or during a criminal attack. Most predators fear noise, witnesses, rescuers.

Romy5152 · Guru

You sound very organised and very proficient, Judy. I could just picture you setting up camp. I guess it becomes a fine art once you've done it a few times. Thank you for all your help.

Romy5152 · Guru

Thanks Baute for the website and for your handy information. I will certainly look into an alarm, as it sounds good and very wise to have one.

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Nativepepper, What can I say! Thank you so much for all your very comprehensive information! I've taken it all onboard, and will keep it in my iPad for further reference. I do intend to hire first when the time comes, to see how I go, and I believe after that, and after all the very kind and helpful advice I've been given in here by some lovely people including yourself, it won't be quite the drama I envisioned. Thank you again.

Romy5152 · Guru

Thank you Rip and Rosie. Concise and clear.

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Tess, I reckon the iron bar and the glass of wine would have helped allay any fears you might have had - especially the wine. lol Thank you for your reply and your reassurance. I can see myself doing it.

Romy5152 · Guru

When I first wrote in here asking about solo travelling, I had no idea just how much help I would get in reply. The response has been remarkable, and I would like to thank everyone again for their contributions. The information is very good, it's very reliable, and it's relevant. I will do my research and homework well, and take it from there. Rest assured, I will update you all on how I'm going.

Thank you, and safe and happy travels to you all. XO

Sheba · Guru

Made clickable for baute.

http://www.crime-safety-security.com/Emergency-Button.html

Cheers,

Sheba.