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critternut's avatar
critternut
Explorer
May 18, 2013

woman travelling alone

Hello all, newbie Canuck just joined this weekend. After tons of research, test-drives and formal inspections, I've finally bought a wee Class B for myself. Any constructive advice for a woman travelling solo? I've heard everything from "you're brave/insane" to "stay in Canada only". I am pushing 50, have common sense and mechanical aptitude, so I don't see what the big deal is. I've chosen Good Sam over CAA(AAA), so that's a start. (A reminder that guns are out of the question here.) Thanks to all!
  • ADogsLife's avatar
    ADogsLife
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2024

    Hello, I'm turning 60 this year and have traveled with the army, family, friends and a partner but never alone. Now I just now got an RPod and can't wait to hit the road with my 2 fluffy friends and not have to answer anyone. Just free!!!!

  • pitch's avatar
    pitch
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2013
    As usual folks here are going to extremes.
    Common sense,stay out of city centers, keep you vehicle fueled up so you don't need gas in a sketchy area. While you are sleeping keep the ignition key in the ignition. No fumbling and searching in an emergency. If possible always back into a parking area facing out. Do not overnight in a pinch or limited maneuverability area.
    In the infitisimal chance that you are attacked, remember you are driving a 6000# battering ram weapon, use it if there is no other recourse. You can drive with flat tires and dash warning lights to save your life.
    Get yourself a laptop and a hot spot. Couple hours before you stop pick an area on google maps,go to street view and check out the surrounding area. Look for a couple of clear direct escape routes to a populated area.

    I don't know where some Canadians get the ideas the do. In almost 60 years of life in the northeast US I have never been a victim or even a witness to violent crime.
    Some of us may be a bit clannish and scruffy around the edges, but I have met some sketchy Canadians also.
  • 100ton's avatar
    100ton
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2013
    100ton wrote:
    I predict this will be the last post on this topic. If not, I'll get the popcorn. :)

    Take it easy everyone.


    Okay, so I was wrong. That's a first for me. :B
  • Squonk61's avatar
    Squonk61
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2013
    Of course I carried a weapon on active duty. Didn't always have the bullets, tho.
  • 100ton's avatar
    100ton
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2013
    I predict this will be the last post on this topic. If not, I'll get the popcorn. :)

    Take it easy everyone.
  • nitrohorse's avatar
    nitrohorse
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2013
    wintersun wrote:
    It would be more sane to have women traveling alone comment on this question and not a bunch of white males who have the knee jerk reaction of "go buy a gun".

    With dogs the alpha aspect is an issue only if the dog is male and the owner/master is male as well. If the owner is a female the alpha dog will protect his property and do so far more aggressively than if his owner is a female. I saw it happen many times with girl friends with male dogs. A couple even chewed up my clothes to let me know they did not approve of a new male into their home. A friend would stay over at his then girl friend's (now his wife) place and her male cat would spray his pillow. It is a guy thing.

    A dog is also a good companion for anyone spending a lot of time alone regardless of any protection. In most cases having an alarm dog that barks is all that is needed and little dogs tend to bark a lot more at any little noise.


    "White males" is a heck of a way to make your point, isn't it? I'm not sure you should be giving any type of advice.
  • wintersun's avatar
    wintersun
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2013
    It would be more sane to have women traveling alone comment on this question and not a bunch of white males who have the knee jerk reaction of "go buy a gun".

    With dogs the alpha aspect is an issue only if the dog is male and the owner/master is male as well. If the owner is a female the alpha dog will protect his property and do so far more aggressively than if his owner is a female. I saw it happen many times with girl friends with male dogs. A couple even chewed up my clothes to let me know they did not approve of a new male into their home. A friend would stay over at his then girl friend's (now his wife) place and her male cat would spray his pillow. It is a guy thing.

    A dog is also a good companion for anyone spending a lot of time alone regardless of any protection. In most cases having an alarm dog that barks is all that is needed and little dogs tend to bark a lot more at any little noise.
  • nitrohorse's avatar
    nitrohorse
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2013
    Squonk61 wrote:
    I just completed a 3000 mile round trip in my TT. The advice on this site gave me a lot of confidence in using my equipment. I stayed overnight at rest areas on the highways alongside truckers and felt very safe. Very friendly guys and never felt threatened. I have three corgis that can make quite a racket! I'm former USMC and can handle weapons easily but choose not to because they can easily be taken away and used against me. Trust instincts-if it didn't feel safe, move along. On the first night the TT next door made pancakes for everyone. My trip was from VT to Iowa and all highway, no campgrounds except at destination. Anybody thinking of dogs for protection need to understand pack behavior to insure the human is alpha. My beta dog is the oldest female, followed by a male and female. They all have a strong instinct to protect the pack, which developed over time with training and consistency. They all know their place in line and are happier when it's reinforced. There is a ton of info on,how to do this. An Akita I had made me learn fast and my dogs are much happier now and in control.
    Common sense and instincts. And please no guns.

    I hope the Marines did not make you carry a gun during your active service.
  • Squonk61's avatar
    Squonk61
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2013
    I just completed a 3000 mile round trip in my TT. The advice on this site gave me a lot of confidence in using my equipment. I stayed overnight at rest areas on the highways alongside truckers and felt very safe. Very friendly guys and never felt threatened. I have three corgis that can make quite a racket! I'm former USMC and can handle weapons easily but choose not to because they can easily be taken away and used against me. Trust instincts-if it didn't feel safe, move along. On the first night the TT next door made pancakes for everyone. My trip was from VT to Iowa and all highway, no campgrounds except at destination. Anybody thinking of dogs for protection need to understand pack behavior to insure the human is alpha. My beta dog is the oldest female, followed by a male and female. They all have a strong instinct to protect the pack, which developed over time with training and consistency. They all know their place in line and are happier when it's reinforced. There is a ton of info on,how to do this. An Akita I had made me learn fast and my dogs are much happier now and in control.
    Common sense and instincts. And please no guns.
  • catkins's avatar
    catkins
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2013
    There are thousands of women who travel on their own. Be smart, sbe safe and you will enjoy the road. Check out different groups to see which one might be to your liking. RVingwomen.org is all about women supporting other women Rvers. Chapters all over the US. There is even chapter for Full timers or Solo women travelers. Whatever you do, enjoy the road and the wonderful adventures ahead of you! Enjoy the ride.

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