woman travelling alone

[critternut]

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!

[critternut]

Thanks very much!

[wa8yxm]

Two suggestions... One is only half serious (Will explain)

First.. A good self defense class, (Martial arts) can improve your confidence and help you in times of need.. I like Akido which is the fine art of letting your opponent kill himself (Basically) Example (Real life one) 3 bullies teamed up and charged heads lowered intending to head butt me, One from each side and one from the front, that way if I steped right, left or forward one was sure to get me... Took the diagnoal and let 'em head butt the brick wall behind me.. End of fight, I never took my hands out of my pocket, they never touched me, I never touched them, Brick wall is still standing, they took a short nap.

Now the half serious part.. As it happens I have an opening for a traveling companion.. Now I'm not, yet, ready to interview... but I'm sure someone out there is.

[Matt_Colie]

Critternut,

You have much less to worry about than many would think. First off - just by your writing, I would guess that you are WAY to the right of the Bell Curve.....

In our select group of owners of antique/classics, we have several women that travel alone. One did the trans-Canada rally last season.

Go for it.

Matt

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I did read your previous posts. I was hoping for a specific list.

mockturtle wrote:
Read my previous post.

[bsinmich]

We have been Rving since 1969, been to 48 states and from B.C. to Nova Scotia without ever needing a gun. We sometimes carry a cat or 2 and have had a dog (daschund) but haven't needed any protection. Just enjoy yourself.

[mockturtle]

Read my previous post.

[pianotuna]

Hi mockturtle,

And those "extra" concerns are? What to do about them?

[mockturtle]

I think some of you have missed a salient point. A female traveling alone has more to be concerned about than robbery.

[bob_nestor]

Willie Sutton was once asked why he robbed banks. His response was "Because that's where the money is". Crime and problems are more prevalent where there is more opportunity. That usually means a higher concentration of people and assets in close proximity (easy access, easy get-away, etc). When you're out camping, or even just RVing around, you tend to be among like-minded people with a much lower potential level of crime.

I grew up in the boonies in Alaska. We never locked the front door - not sure we ever knew where the key was. There never were strangers, just people we hadn't met yet. I find that RVing is a lot like this which is one of the things I really enjoy about the lifestyle.

But don't use this as a replacement for good old common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, your neighbors and don't do things that make you an easy target. People in general are honest and trustworthy, but temptation can be overpowering in anyone.

[NCWriter]

Welcome to the forum! And to the small world of Class B owners.

You may want to look into a possible owners' organization. Our brand of B vans has regional chapters, and we've met some great folks through attending rallies (ours are held twice a year.) Also there is an annual rally at the manufacturer location. Gives you a batch of people with identical or similar vans that you can call on with questions.

We've met several solo women traveling throughout US and Canada in class Bs. Enjoy!

[jetboater454]

If your in an iffy area and sitting outside and some seedy looking character is walking towards your site,just open the door a little and say "George,is dinner about ready"

[Quick_trip]

Make sure you have the vehicle keys close at hand so in a emergency you can push the panic button and the horn blows & blows & blows!
Good Luck & Drive Safe!

[Dutch_12078]

You might consider joining "Loners On Wheels". The members offer a great deal of information and support geared towards single RV'ers. Another good source of information and support would be the Escapees RV Club's "SOLOS BOF" (BOF=Birds Of a Feather) special interest group for single RV'ers.

[CincyGus]

Agreed, Most RVer's are a good bunch and if your by yourself, will watch after you.

Advice:

If your likely to be staying at campgrounds/RV parks where there are plenty of other people, make it a point to be outside, meet some of them once you get set up and make some friends. Safety in numbers when everyone is watching out for each other.

If your a boondocker that might be out in the wilderness by yourself, a large can of wasp spray by the bed is a great substitute for pepper spray. Gives you more distance and temporarily blinds any attacker.

A ball bat or billy club like police carry is a good, usually non lethal, defensive weapon once you get a bad guy sprayed with the wasp spray. knocks them down so you can get out and get help.

Likely, you'll never need either of these last resort defensive tactics but they are cheap and effective if you do.

[WoodGlue]

doxiemom11 wrote:
We have been hosts at campgrounds for the past 2 years and have also met many women fulltimers who traveled alone. None of them ever mentioned feeling unsafe. Most campers will look out for each other.

People who RV are generally kind, decent people. Always willing to lend a hand or advice. In almost 50 years of camping I've never met a bad egg. RV'ers are a different breed in my opinion.

You'll be fine! And welcome to the forum!

WoodGlue