woman travelling alone

Nitrohorse:

No offence was taken and no apology is required. The points you made were valid and true. My wife and I enjoy traveling in the US. So far it's only been the southwest,, one of these years we plan to do the east coast. I feel as safe in your country as I do my own. Happy Camping.

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.

Of course I carried a weapon on active duty. Didn't always have the bullets, tho.

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.

critternut wrote:
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!

Good luck in your travels. You may want to consider travelling with a dog for both companionship and protection. Other than that, enjoy your journey.

There's good and bad areas everywhere, in every country. There's good and bad (even dangerous) areas in California. Be aware of where you're going and be aware of your surroundings and you should not have any problems.

critternut wrote:
....have common sense and mechanical aptitude,

'Armed' with these two and you will be fine...especially the common sense.

Enjoy your new adventure.

This is my take on "boondocking" if you are interested

When “Boondocking” I feel as safe or more safe as I do at home! Why?
At home- Hedges, shrubs, furniture on the porch/deck, flowers close to the windows all for the “bad Guys” to hide behind, some window sill heights are very low, slider sill height is at deck level, 36” wide entry door that opens inward.

RV- open (clear) area around RV and park under a security light if possible. My lowest window sill height is about 42”, pretty difficult to climb into after breaking the window, plus they will have to climb over 2 recliners to get all the way in. 24” wide entry door that opens outward, impossible to PUSH in. Plus you have to step off the step before opening the door all the way (easy to knock the bad guy “off balance” by opening the door, NOT RECOMMENDED to open the door though).

Even though I have a 5W/TV (see sig) the “panic” button on my TV remote key clicker has the range to work from anywhere inside the 5W, I know I tried it! I don’t have the convience of a MH in being able to drive off w/o getting out of the TV, I still can make a LOT of noise without going outside! (TV flashing lights and horn honking) The one thing that all “bad Guys” fear is lights and noise!
Then there is always dialing 911 on the cell phone!

We have a next door widow lady that has the answer- She went our local Army surplus store and bought pair of well used size 13-14 Paratrooper/Logger boots, a length of light weight chain (I drug it behind my car to break up the plating so it would rust and look used) with a snap lock on each end and a dog watering bowl from a neighbor that had been chewed on by their dog. When she pulls into a Wally World etc. she picks out a spot under a security light, places the boots outside next to the steps with the dog watering bowl and chain attached to the steps and goes to bed!

Go and have fun. If you have not already done so load RV Park Review into your favorites list on your computer. It is pier based reviews of RV parks throughout North America, and offers some sound comments. One nice thing about a self contained RV is if you pull in and don't really feel safe or comfortable, you do not have to get out.
Away from large cities you will find camping places that feel more secure because there is less rifraf visiting. I have found that troublemakers don't like to drive more than 30-45 minutes to make trouble for others. There just too lazy.