Travelling alone in a camper van or motorhome
Many people travel alone in a camper van or motorhome. I did so in 2006 through western Europe, and had a great time. It is easy to meet other people when travelling. Whether you are staying in campsites or free camping, there are friendly people everywhere. Other travelers are generally easy to approach, and most will speak English. Some people will be glad for someone else to talk to. If a couple or group of friends are travelling they are often glad for someone else to chat to and share stories and travel information. When free camping in surf locations you will find several people travelling alone, and its easy to find someone to surf, eat and drink with. Solo travelers often travel in convey from place to place, one they have met up someone they get along with.
If you are thinking about travelling alone don't be put off. It can just as rewarding, and sometimes more so, than travelling in groups.
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
Hi there,
I am planning a route through Europe this summer and would like to do some cycling and walking at different points, perhaps for 4 or 5 days at a time. How safe is it to leave a campervan for some days and where would be good places to leave it so it will be safe?
thanks
lisa
It's certainly safe to leave a vehicle in the right places.
If you find a cheap campsite you can leave a vehicle there and it will be quite safe.
Alternatively if you find a good wild camping spot, and make friends with some people there, you can ask them to keep an eye on your vehicle.
I have done both before and had no trouble.
Hi there
My late husband and myself purchased our Chausson Welcome 75 brand new September 09, but sadly he passed away suddenly Aug 10, but I have continued to take her "Winnie" out and about in this country and was wondering if anyone could recommend a site that is within walking distance of a village/town. I have visited Moreton in Marsh Cotswolds and Wool in Dorset - these are prime examples of the type of sites I am seeking after.
Look forward to hearing from fellow travellers.
Kind regards.
Mary
I am 74' male married to a wonderful woman who will not travel more than about a month In one go, so I travel alone. She, either flys to where I am and flys back again or stays at home. And keeps the Base station Running!
I've been from Uk to Turkey, a lot around western Europe, Morocco and Nordcap as well as many of the eastern European countries. Languages help of course but a big smile and lots of none threatening gesture gets most of the communication. If in a mess go to an expensive hotel and ask a receptionist, most have a working understanding of English and a miniature Malt whisky is better than Dollars or Pounds as a thank you.
Mix up your overnight stays. Wildcamping is a more tense, therefore tiring, overnight stop than a good quality camp site, but of course it is cheaper.
I do not travel with an animal, but I cannot see problems if that is your choice, assuming you are a careful owner!
Always have a spare key hidden on the vehicle, in case you loose the one in your pocket or around your neck. Slow down! The race around to see six countries and seven of the biggest and best sites in each is exhausting and a waste of effort. You will remember nothing and experience so little that you might have watched a TV travelogue.
A sole male is viewed with apprehension by middle aged sucked in faced holidaymakers so expect them to speak to you when they see your packing up to leave. The friendliest people are always the ones you meet by accident like the old woman on the bus who has too many shopping bags, it could be a young man on one of those screaming fizz bang motorcycles but it's more likely to be a Baker or the Honey-seller who is just interested in your interest in their lives.
Travelling alone is not a fearful thing if you are not afraid of yourself.
I hope we meet
Hello
Interesting post,I am 71 and have the same difficulties,two five week trips a year (one France one Spain) is enough for my wife so I go quite a bit on my own but UK only up to now,I must get my finger out and try a lone trip further a field.
Hi all,
I am travelling the UK then Europe this March 2012, 8 weeks worth in a camper. I am 47 yrs and always wished to do this. I'm very excited and somewhat apprehensive...
My main concern currently is driving Europe, left hand road. I am a New Zealander, Right hand side. As I am hiring camper from UK it will right hand drive...so...any ideas or advice will be greatly appreciated,
Regards,
Ross
Hi Ross
Sounds like an exciting trip :)
Driving on the "other side" is really not much of a problem. After the first couple of hours you'll be used to it. After a few days you'll be completely comfortable.
I have 2 tips
1. Watch others at junctions. At first this helps give you a better idea of where the traffic is moving.
2. When starting off each morning, if there is no other traffic around, check which side of the road you should be on. It's easy to drive for a few minutes before seeing another car, and realising you're on the wrong side.
As you're hiring from the UK you will be comfortable with the vehicle setup, and this helps loads.
Enjoy your trip, you will have a great time.
Regards
Darren
Nice to hear from you James. I hope the spring comes early.
I travel most places on my own and have met some of the nicest people yet !! Usually students traveling around on a gap year or similar. Having a very social Labrador helps as he tends to run up to others first and introduces the both of us !
Winter2009/10 has been particularly 'long' and cannot wait for the Spring/Summer.
Hello,
I would be interested in talking further with you about campervanning on my own. I have done this in the past but with my ex husband. I still want to go vanning and wonder if it is realistic on my own?
Hi
I have just found this site, I now have an ex as well (plus a campervan I have just bought) I would love to take it to France and would like to hear your experiences.
Regards
Lynda
Hi Lynda
I have traveled through France on my own. It's a great place to meet other people on campsites and aires.
Lots of amazing places to visit. Great food :)
I am a 56 year old male who travells alone (well, with my lab X collie) On my travels I have met several ladies who worry about travelling alone, which is perfectly understandable.
I think that so long as you're sensible and park in the company of other vehicles then you'll have no problems at all.
Most people I've met on my travells, if not...all the people I've met have been extremely friendly and helpfull.
James, just a quick question or three for you!
Im seriously considering traveling around europe in a campervan for 6-8 months next spring and Im not sure if I should take my (very friendly) Doberman or to try and leave him with family. Were there any restricting issues or problems that you found having a dog with you on your travels?
best
Pete
I've met lots of people traveling with their dogs and it worked very well for them.
The dog adds a level of security to your vehicle.
My husband and I bought a motorhome last July and are enjoying travelling every spare moment we have. That is mainly Summer, 3 day long trips July to September and 2 week holiday. We travel with 2 dogs a german shepher and another...hmmm, mixed breed I suppose. They love travelling, as soon as they see preparations to go on the road they get into the van and won´t get out in case they are left behind. There are some things to consider while taking the dog, you can not visit some of the sites or monuments with dogs . We have lunch at outdoor cafes if they allow the dogs to sit next to us when we don´t want to eat in the van.We actually bought the motorhome to travel with dogs and love doing it.
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