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solo vanner


juliegoth

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I'm completely new to all of this. Am hoping to retire before too long and fancy being able to hop into motorhome and go off on my own. I'm used to holidaying on my own and enjoy that but am a tiny tad apprehensive of starting touring on my own in a motorhome. Plus, with the world as my oyster, not sure where to head off to! Am thinking of starting small and setting off from home in Lincolnshire for a few days next month.

Does anyone have any hints, tips or suggestions for a gal on her own? *-)

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Guest caraprof

Go for it Julie! I'm married but if anything were to happen to my wife I'm sure that I'd carry on touring.

Have you bought a motorhome yet? If not I would advise a couple of things that will make life easier and can be retro-fitted any way.

The first is a reversing camera as sometimes, depending on the size of your MH, it will really make life easier. The second would be a satellite navigation system as you won't have a co-pilot to read your map and give directions.

From a social point of view, if you're interested, you could join one or both of the most popular clubs, the Caravan Club or the Camping and Caravan Club.

Both have weekend meets where you can get to know like-minded people, make friends and learn quite a lot. I believe that there are other clubs catering mainly for single people as well and I'm sure that others will soon give you this information.

If you haven't yet bought a MH I would suggest that you visit one of the really large shows, such as the NEC, where you can see all of the brands under one roof. Allow a full day to really take it in. Even if you're buying second-hand it will give you a good grounding on the various types and sizes etc.

Finally, buy the mags. Practical Motorhome and Motorhome and Motorcaravan Monthly are two good ones.

Good luck!

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Yep ,

I agree with Caraprof go for it . I also agree with everything he say's I'm sure Howie will see this and I'm sure its him that has the adress of a lady who runs clubs for single people ? That is if you are interested to hook up with others . You may just like doing your own thing as and when ..

 

Good Luck & Enjoy we know you will above all be safe .. ;-)

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I am also a solo motorhomer and absolutely love it. For the last two years I have been all round England and a little way into Scotland with my two pooches for company.

 

There are two groups for singletons - The Loner's Club and The Phoenix Club, but that's not really my thing.

 

I have rallied with the Camping & Caravanning Club at weekends and made lots of friends - they publish a magazine 'Out and About' every month with details of rallies local to you if you don't want to venture too far.

 

I've never had a problem with safety and there are always willing neighbours if I have a problem with the motorhome that I can't solve myself.

 

It's a great life - hope you enjoy it!

 

Janine

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My late wife and I enjoyed caravanning for about 34 years and and we eventually turned to a motorhome. Many weekends over the years were spent at rallies and meets around the country.

Now on my own I have found this type of social life a good way of getting out and meeting like minded people.

If you decide to go down this route you must be prepared to socialise and join in. Many who attend these weekends already have a circle of friends and this sometimes leads to the accusation of being clicky. I have not found this to be the case, most groups will give you a warm welcome. If you do not want to join in a social, people tend to understand. eg I do not go to Valentine events now, for obvious reasons.

With Caravan Club rallies, in theory you should book in advance but with the CCC their meets are mainly, just turn up. There are other clubs to consider eg Motor Caravanners Club.

 

IMHO Club sites I find a bit inpersonal and many people you meet there are not very receptive to conversation until either they or you are packing to leave.

 

I agree with much that has already been said about the reversing camera and the sat nav. I tend to use the smaller roads at home and abroad and having lost the navigator it was frustrating to have to keep stopping and referring to a map so the sat nav has made journeys easier and the "voice" is good company. I do use a map to plan my route before loading it onto the sat nav so that I go the way I want to, and not the way it may recommend.

 

Have a look and the Club web sites to give you some idea about what they do and what they offer. Rallies/meets tend to be far more friendly and cheaper than club sites but then they do not have the frills.

 

Choice of van is difficult to advise on and is a personal thing. Consider budget, will it be your only vehicle, new or pre-loved and the size may be infuenced by what you can park at home? Size is important as the saying goes, you must have room to swing a cat.

 

Welcome to one of the best leisure activities.

 

 

 

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What none of the above have mentioned is that the Camping & Caravanning Club have a 'Motor Caravan Section' (MCS). By camping with the MCS you will be assured of ( a) a fairly flat area on which to camp (bearing in mind that levelling ramps are always a worthwhile accessory), (b) a warm welcome and © knowledgeable fellow campers. Here in Devon and Cornwall, our MCS Group have 3 single ladies who travel often long distances to camp with us, mainly, I believe, because they feel safe among friends and know that if they need help, they will get it.
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