Women Travelling Alone in Motorhomes – it’s not as hard as you might think.
By Fleurine Tideman
Ever dreamed of hitting the open road? No planning, no booking, just you behind the wheel. Well, then it sounds like you’d enjoy motorhome travel! Women are often warned against solo travel or camping alone, but with motorhome travel, you can make any journey in comfort, safety and style! So read on to find out why you should make your next holiday a motorhome trip, tips for doing so and some personal experiences of fellow travellers. So read on to discover the wonders of a motorhome holiday…
Why Should I Travel by Motorhome?
Let’s consider this in two parts. Firstly, why should anyone travel by motorhome? Motorhome travel provides freedom, it allows you to go anywhere, anytime. You’re not dependent on public transport or hotel bookings, you can decide your route on the day or not even decide and stop when you’re tired. This allows you to base your plans off the weather or how you feel, and to simply live in the moment. And whilst it can be a bit of a big initial cost, remember this combines accommodation and travel and allows you to prepare food yourself and save money on eating out! Consider it a form of comfort camping, a way to enjoy both worlds.
And now, why should women travel by motorhome? Well, if you’re someone who dislikes packing light, then this is the perfect way to bring more and enjoy your comforts of home on the road. It allows you to beat those outdated stereotypes about women and vehicles. Watch me change a tire and then try that nonsense about women being the weaker sex. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and the bubble of female travel we’re led to believe. It allows you to travel alone comfortably, be self-sufficient and independent. And it has one more great benefit, safety!
Is it Safe for Me to Travel Alone?
A question commonly debated by women. When I speak of wanting to go trekking in Nepal or even drive up to a National Park for a camping weekend, I receive shocked expressions. A female can go somewhere alone? I understand the fear, my mother even reacts that way if I’m biking home after sunset. But we can’t let the fear control our entire lives, we must simply note it and still live our best life. And one of the ways to still travel and enjoy life despite the fear is through motorhome travel. Having space between yourself and others can provide a sense of comfort, whilst being able to lock your doors is a benefit most tents miss. You can leave at any time, and you can keep safety items with you.
What are the Best Places to Travel Alone as a Female?
Now, considering the best places to travel alone as a female is extremely difficult. Firstly, because there are so many destinations to choose from! So we’re going to focus on European ones to make it a bit easier. Secondly, because everywhere can be safe, it depends on how you act, and it feels a bit wrong to strike out locations based on stories and random incidents. And thirdly, because everyone feels safe through different things, and enjoys different places. So here are out 3 best places to travel alone as a female in Europe based on safety factor and likeability!
- Scotland. A simply stunning country, filled with dramatic coastlines, soaring mountains and wonderful wildlife. It will keep you entertained for the duration of your trip. It is also filled with fellow travellers, all enjoying the motorhome lifestyle, who will be happy to give you tips! You can read up on Scotland road trips here. We recommend doing the North Coast 500, it is certainly one to tick off the bucket list!
- Iceland. Aside from the insanely gorgeous Northern Lights, waterfalls, hot water springs and adorable ponies? Well, Iceland is actually considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. There is a huge level of trust, with people leaving their cars running with keys inside when grocery shopping. It is also a big destination for solo travellers, so it will be easy to meet fellow like-minded people.
- The Netherlands. This country is seriously underappreciated, perhaps due to its smaller size. Consider this a way to explore it in its entirety, and see the differences between each region. This is a great country to visit as almost the entire population speak shockingly good English, so you’ll never have communication issues if problems arise, and they’re all happy to help a visitor!
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Top Tips for Women Travelling Alone in Motorhomes
- Get a good power bank. It is a relief to always have your phone charged and ready just in case. In years of travelling, I’ve never made an emergency phone call. But I have always appreciated being able to. Even if I just feel a bit uncomfortable walking alone and I call a friend for a chat, that is enough.
- On that note, my next tip would simply be to buy whatever makes you feel comfortable. Do you need a whistle or bottle of pepper spray to achieve that? That is okay, everyone has different comfort levels and needs. You could even just get a fake wedding ring if that makes you feel better in bars alone!
- Try to have an actual map of the country you’re travelling in stashed away. Just nice in case your app or phone aren’t working, and you feel uncomfortable asking directions. Also, it can be super fun to go old school and make you feel extremely empowered.
- Try learning the basics! If you’re buying a motorhome, we recommend really getting into all that nitty gritty vehicle knowledge. There is no better feeling than changing a tire yourself (yes, women are able to do that too!). If you’re simply going on a short trip in one, full engine knowledge may be excessive. But be sure to ask any questions before the trip and have a list of phone numbers you can call!
- Keep your energy up so you’re at your best in any situation. Don’t spend your entire day driving as you won’t be focused and at the ready for anything that could occur. Remember it is about the journey, not the destination, so enjoy stops between and make the most of the entire time.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at night! And always trust your instincts, even if they may seem silly.
- Bring your dog! Firstly, because it is so fun and will keep you active during your trip. And secondly, it may help put your mind at ease. Even if Fluffy is an angel who wouldn’t bite a soul, potential threats may think twice once they see you’re with a dog.
Experiences of Other Women Travelling Alone in Motorhomes
Here are the thoughts of some other motorhome travellers!
“A campervan is the best thing I ever bought. It gives you a lot of freedom because you can leave whenever you want to, and head to every place you want to go. In terms of driving it helps that I can drive well and that the van is small. I also feel very safe in the van. I feel safe during camping, especially since I always stay at campsites. It is actually really nice. Giving you the chance to just do what you feel like and live with the rhythm of nature. You also become very independent. You have to make your own decisions, make sure that you have enough water and ensure that your electricity is properly connected. It is very nice to be able to fall back on someone who helps you, but by travelling alone you have to do everything yourself and you grow as a human being.” – Margje, Content Marketer at Goboony
“Vanlife is freedom. If you can pair this with working online, you have really found the secret to life. Live simple, travel the world in your van and be free. It’s the best thing I ever did! You should try it. “ – Nikki, founder of Beanies and Bikinis blog
Women Travelling Alone in Motorhomes can be a scary idea, really scary. We’re often raised as women to believe we can’t ever go travelling alone, our minds are filled with tales of dark alleys, strangers masked as friends, pills slipped into drinks. These are all real concerns, I’m not denying them at all. But are these things that should stop you travelling? Certainly not. Don’t let the fear of possibilities stop you from opportunities. Go travel, go explore! The world is waiting for you, and the clock is ticking. But yes, prepare well, be safe, make sure you’re always reachable and with a clear enough head to think.
The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable while travelling, and maybe that is through a motorhome, in which case you can check out Goboony and test the lifestyle for yourself. Maybe it is through camping somewhere more secluded, or through staying in hostels. How you travel isn’t as vital, as the fact that you go do it. Show the little girls of tomorrow that women can go camping, women can explore, women can be independent and fearless too!
Fleurine Tideman
Fleurine just loves to travel.
Her most memorable trips have been across central and southern Asia, particularly Nepal which she hopes to return to in the coming years to complete the Everest Base Camp trek.
Her ultimate feeling of freedom comes from a trip with no prior bookings or routes set, such as hiring a motorhome in the Netherlands and finding your own journey across the continent.
Oh I LOVE This! I used to drive halfway cross-country by myself all the time in my 20s (much to my parents’ chagrin), between school and where they lived – *I* never felt unsafe, but they were forever panicked on my behalf. Wish I’d had this option (er, considered this option) – would have simplified a lot of things on that front! 🙂 (Oh and YES ABOUT THE PAPER MAPS!!! There are still plenty of areas even in the US where you cannot get a reliable cell signal to consult your e-maps, as I have learned the hard way many, many times…)
I love camping, last year I decided we were going to start going again, spent about 1500 getting the best tent and all the equipment….we went in April for Easter break and it was absolutely miserable (the weather) everything is covered in mud, I have never been so cold i my LIFE and we haven’t been back since lol
You sure shared some great tips for women who are interested in solo travel! I always loved the concept of Motorhome and is something I would definitely love to try out someday with my girlfriend. Btw, I’m sharing this post with her.
I haven’t heard of women travelling alone in a motorhome and it is commendable that you do. You’ve given some really good tips – especially about learning some things about vehicles in general so that you can be self-reliant when it comes to certain issues like changing tyres. Also, keeping doors locked at night! and buying whatever you feel you need to make yourself comfortable. Good stuff, I loved reading it!
Wow!!! This is an amazing experience.
Your photos make motorhome road trips look so glamorous and so fun! 🙂 I love the countries that you suggested as best options. I have Iceland and Scotland on my bucket list already but hadn’t given much thought to The Netherlands, but it looks like I should! Thanks for the tips to build confidence in anyone wanting to do this solo!
Thanks Sierra! I’m from the Netherlands myself, so I may be a teensy bit biased, but I do really recommend it. It is a gorgeous and underrated country, and a great location for campervan hire as it has one of the highest rates of motorhomes to people!
I have never been motorhoming but have always wanted to. I think I will give it a try this year. Thanks for sharing.
Wow these motorhomes look cool and savvy. How I wish I know how to drive and get this van. Would be so much to save by travelling like this.
I have never thought about going on a trip like this but looking at the pictures and reading your experience, it does motivate me since it could be a lot of fun. Great tips shared….
I have never travelled solo in a motorhome. But I would love to try it oneday. These tips will be great when I do take a chance to travel solo in a camper van.
I absolutely loved Scotland. I don’t think I’d travel there alone, but I’d be excited to go back again.
I have traveled solo, but not in a camper van. I don’t see why women shouldn’t travel in a motorhome on their own. But I assume they would be staying at a motorhome park overnight?
These are awesome and very encouraging tips and information. Your post actually makes me want to go on a trip by myself in a van. The beautiful photos are very inspirational too, of course.
Thanks Luci, it is lovely to know I could help inspire a fellow traveller! Bite the bullet and try a campervan holiday, I’m sure you’ll love it.
Thanks for letting me know about these three countries that are save for solo female travelers. I have not done traveling alone in a motor home, but I would seriously consider it if I get a chance to do so.
I would have done this when I was younger. But fear always got in the way. I am glad though that my grown up nieces are enjoying solo travel, although I have not yet heard of them traveling in a motorhome alone.
THANK YOU for writing this and sharing this. The fear is totally real, but you have brought comfort and my wanderlust heart back to life!
These are great tips for women who are interested in solo travel! I don’t think I could ever do it, and now that I’m married and have a toddler, I don’t think I’ll ever have to travel alone, lol! Now if I was single and childless, then this may be a fun thing to try.
I love driving and having the freedom just to stop where you want to and enjoy the moment. There are some great tips here for travelling alone. I would certainly have advice on how to change a tire and to do the basic maintenance. Also a great tip re the power bank. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, definitely have some powerbanks. You don’t want to be stranded and have a dead cell phone!
I’d totally bring my dog along. We’d have some fun together.
Traveling solo around the world in a campervan is such a romantic notion in my mind. It’s something that I’ve thought about more recently now than ever before, mainly for the freedom it represents. I can’t help but smile at the questions regarding safety I also get. Honestly, as long as common sense and basic safety precautions are taken, traveling almost anywhere in the world is just as safe (if not safer) than where I currently live.
Yes! I love how you diminish the fear concept with excellent tips and reminding individuals that women can do anything including traveling on their own!
Thanks Jess, we honestly can do anything! And by travelling alone and telling our stories, we get the fantastic opportunity to inspire other girls to do it too.
This looks like a fun time. I admit, I don’t much like traveling to places I am not familiar with alone, but this would be worth getting over my fear to do!
I hadn’t really thought about the safety appeal of motorhome travel for solo women travellers, but makes a lot of sense, to be able to stay in your secure accommodation rather than potentially risky accommodations. And of course the freedom of the road is a huge draw. I think Iceland is a particularly great idea for a motorhome trip, with so many beautiful landscapes accessible by road.
Love the concept of Motorhome, it is like Mini Caravan. Even I was thinking same if anyone wants to go for Motorhome while using Caravan, The European places are the best place to go. Hope you had fun doing that.
Exactly! It is like a self-sufficient caravan, a little home on wheels! This summer I hope to explore further, Italy by a little VW campervan is definitely ranking high on the list of ideas…!
I love road trips but would admittedly be nervous driving a motorhome on my own. I imagine many other women feel the same so it’s great you are empowering them to feel they can do so! Thanks for compiling so many tips and destination ideas for a good first campervan trip. My husband and I plan to buy one in the future to travel around the US and Canada for a year or so.
I’m glad you enjoyed my article, Sarah! It can be super scary, and to be honest the first time I didn’t go alone. But once I got the hang of it, I felt so much safer in a little VW campervan than any car or home! I really recommend it, the best way to travel and feel free.