.png)
This year, here at Pet Friendly Camper Van Hire, we have seen a surge in single females enquiring about our camper vans and we think this is fantastic.
I'm an avid solo traveller and love nothing better than grabbing my walking boots and dogs and jumping in the camper and escaping for a few days. Some confidence and a bit of pre planning go a long way.
I've travelled around Thailand, Spain and Italy as a solo traveller, and more recently I took Belle our four berth motorhome and three dogs and toured the NC500.
I never once felt in danger or afraid, I've met amazing, warm and welcoming people everywhere I went.
Of course I've been sensible , I've booked campsites and avoided going out late at night alone, I've told family and friends and kept in touch of my whereabouts.
“Dogs are a wonderful icebreaker on a campsite or a beach, and you will often find yourself chatting to the locals, getting information and tips about the local area”
So why do some women enjoy solo travel?
Whether you're a single lady or happily married, there is something so liberating about travelling in a camper-van. The freedom to go where you want when you want , is a wonderful release at a time when many women are working full time jobs and raising families or caring for older relatives.
To pull up next to a beach and not have anyone else to consider, sometimes for the first time ever, is priceless and many Ladies take their pets along. Apart from feeling safe and having some company, dogs are a wonderful icebreaker on a campsite or a beach, and you will often find yourself chatting to the locals, getting information and tips about the local area.
So how can we help our solo female travellers?
Firstly we have a choice of vans to suit your driving confidence. (Last month we had Caroline, a solo lady in her 60s who travelled with her dogs in our Motorhome, she had a lovely time and is looking to rebook).
Sarah , wasn't confident in the larger vans and took Jake our VW. She originally booked three nights to try it out, but ended up adding two more nights as she was having such a great time.
We have added extras to our newest conversion Bobby, to include a reversing camera and parking sensors , one of the main worries ladies have driving campervans, in recent feedback. We also have trackers on all our vans and can locate their whereabouts at any time, offer a 24 hours telephone helpline service and include breakdown cover with onward travel assistance.
A few safety tips to remember.
Plan your trip and let someone (even if it's just us) know your whereabouts.
Choose a campsite. Especially for first time solo travellers, not only will you learn lots of camping tips and etiquette, it will give you the confidence, peace of mind when sleeping at night and an understanding of safe and unsafe places to visit, tide times, weather conditions are all important factors to consider, more so when travelling alone.
If you are heading out of the day, especially hill walking, inform reception you're planned route. and tell them when you expect to be back.
Pack the essentials.
Weatherproof clothes.
A map.
Fully charged phone
A flask.
Personal alarm.
Torch.
When you book with us, as we have a good knowledge of many areas we can advise items you may need, places to stay and visit. We also share useful apps for campsites and stopovers.
Nowadays, we are so caught up in our technology and constantly being engaged in the digital world that we forget what true silence is! But true silence is golden and helps to refresh the mind! The best advice I can offer is to enjoy every minute of your independence. Listen to the sound of the birds in the trees, feel the fresh air, and appreciate being alone but not lonely.
If you have any questions about travelling in one of our camper vans alone, reach out to us today and we'll be happy to help.