Ladies Travelling Solo

I had a great catchup coffee chat with a good friend of mine from (pushbike) riding days – Robyn.

Now Robyn has just returned home in Brisbane from a five month trip around the block (Australia) in her converted Toyota Hiace Commuter.

The Hiace is a much loved vehicle of mine, as I had a ‘78 long wheelbase model in the ‘80s and it served very well in my Windsurfing days up and down the east coast and across to Perth and up to Kalbari. It even took us as far as Port Douglas for our honeymoon. Although, it was hard to date the now Minister for Finance and War in 1988 after her father saw that I had a bed in the back…

Robyn’s 5 month trip was in a Hiace

Anyway, back to Robyn, her travels and vehicle of choice.

I thought it would be good for me to share with you just a small amount of what we chatted about in regards to a woman travelling by themselves – as she did.

There’s so much to say, but I’ll try and relate it to you in dot point form and hopefully still do her sage words justice:

• Don’t rush out and buy that big rig with all the bells and whistles. Have a look around the campsites and social media groups and see what best suits you, your driving abilities, your camping styles and your budget;
• Your first trip away from home may well be to camp in a friends back yard – or their front yard. This’ll give you safety and access to all the facilities you’re probably familiar with;
• If you get stuck on the road (eg flat tyre or mechanical problems) don’t hesitate to contact your roadside assistance club or organisation – which Robyn strongly insists you have one;
• Talk to those you meet on the road – they’ve most probably had similar issues or questions and the vast majority are happy to help;
• If you’re unsure of where you’re camped up in terms of safety, make sure that you have your exit path planned out. Leave nothing outside your vehicle, sleep in your vehicle fully locked and facing the exit direction. Know exactly where my car keys are;
• Organisations such as Rolling Solo Australia (www.rollingsolo.com.au) can add real value to your travelling experiences with organised tag-a-long trips and events – as well as tips and tricks for newbies with all things camp and travel related. Rolling Solo Australia operate using an App;
• Use apps such as WikiCamps to plan and record your travels and identify the things you want to do and the places you want to see in the next few days – anything beyond that may be limiting you with what you can do in the here and now;
• You may also like to investigate booking on 4X4 tours for those extra special places you want to see – rather than travelling too remote alone;
• Look at carrying a held-held UHF Citizen Band (CB) radio. You can use this while driving to talk with others, request assistance, in emergencies or even use it with others when reversing etc. But, be aware of what channels you can use or should use for different purposes (refer: https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/outback-communication/ to name just one)
• If travelling remote (ie outside normal mobile coverage) or if you’re the type that likes to go off on long walks, consider your options with global satellite GPS messenger (such as SPOT) or even satellite phones (with much higher purchases price and ongoing rates); and
• While some people may not be into social media platforms (eg Facebook and Instagram), you may find it’s a great way to keep in touch with people and family back home. In the old days, we used to send postcards back home to one or two people. I find Facebook is a great way to let people know that you’re travelling safe and where you’re expecting to be. This way too, if things turn to custard, you know there’s people out there who have your back and may be all too willing to help if need be.

Davy’s Words of Wisdom to Travellers

Finally, a word of two from me:

• For the gentlemen out there, if a lady is travelling by herself, it most likely means that she wants to do just that and travel by herself. It may also be that they find themselves in a situation where they want to return to the camping lifestyle they once knew or need to try it for the first time. It may also be that they just needed to ‘get out of Dodge City’ – we blokes need to respect that;
• For the ladies, don’t be too afraid of getting out there and giving it a go. Start small and see if you like it. Go somewhere where you feel safe and relax. See what others are doing and see what fits you.

Anyway, if you have any questions or concerns, please drop me a line at dayv@campandtravel.com.au and I’ll pass your message on to Robyn as may be required. Alternatively, my website partner Kathie will also be happy to assist – kathie@campandtravel.com.au.