Solo RV Travel – Overcome Your Fear of Traveling Alone



I always have a point when embarking on a big change or a very new adventure where I’m apprehensive or a bit fearful. My mind goes into overtime thinking up crazy scenarios that have never even come close to happening. I was so nervous when I began RVing that my nerves had nerves that were shaking. But I conquered my first trip, successfully connecting the poo poo line, water and electricity. Then I traveled through my first tunnel and then I navigated greater distances. After the first few successful trips I made an observation, although anxious, nervous and terrified I pushed through these feelings and did it. And if I can do it, so can you! The purpose of my blog is to encourage others who are afraid or nervous of RV Solo Travel. YOU CAN DO IT!! Pushback the nervousness and anxiety and join us.

Read about my great escape

That said, don’t decide today to travel the world and leave your warm home and comfy bed with only a toothbrush and your favorite teddy bear. You need to be prepared.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

— Colin Powell

1. Preparing Financially for your Trip

To Solo RV Travel with less stress and anxiety, you must have a realistic view of your finances. I’ll never forget sitting down with my newly graduated daughter who was moving a couple hours away for her first real job. I had to explain why she would need more than $20 a week for groceries. The toilet paper alone was 1/4 of her budget. It was one of the funniest conversations I have had with my kids. The point I am hopefully making is that you must fully understand your Trip Finances to make sure you don’t end up running out of gas enroute to your big adventure.

I have listed items below that highlight key components which I am hoping will give you a starting point for planning your trip finances.

• Fuel Expenses (Gas and Propane)
• Campground Fees
• Entertainment
• Food (Groceries, Dining Out)

Improving Happiness with Budgeting

Contingency Planning

For years I worked as a Software Project Manager. Every project I planned included contingency planning which in essence is preparing for potential negative outcomes. A few examples could include higher gas prices, a flat tire, taking a detour to explore an area you found accidently. You may also decide to extend a trip to enjoy the company of new friends. After you have researched your destinations you will want to calculate contingency funds.

A Quick Note On Your Emergency Fund

Before embarking on any lengthy trip you will want to review your emergency fund. These funds are untouched until an extreme situation occurs. For example, a medical emergency, major RV damage or a stinkin’ pandemic. While emergency planning does not guarantee complete coverage; you will at least have time to catch your breath. You now have time to react to the problem.

How to Create an Emergency Fund in 90 Days

2. Preparing Mechanically for your Trip

Your RV should be in excellent running condition when you leave for your trip. Leaving haphazardly with duct taped bumpers and side mirrors is a recipe for disaster. Review the RV and Chasis manuals to get guidance on caring for your new home. The first time I opened my Vita 24P manual I was intimidated. But then an odd light began flashing in the dash. And the light had the audacity to flash up a read the manual icon! Seriously folks, this RV is a jokester.

Other than reading your manual, you should also download an RV checklist and customize it for your RV. I have a new RV; however I reviewed my fluids, checked over my systems and took the RV on a dry run around the neighborhood.

3. Preparing Mentally for a Great Adventure

Do not allow the negative thoughts to fill your head. You do not need to sing the RV Solo Travel “I ain’t got nobody blues“. You can meet friends on your journey. Recently I met friends in Myrtle Beach. While I enjoyed the RV campgound, they stayed at a nearby condo. We enjoyed the beach, met for dinner and basically just hung out.

After leaving Myrtle Beach, I met an Aunt at a State Park in Columbia South Carolina for a few days. My auntie was in the middle of two destinations Myrtle Beach and an event in Georgia. So while I am a Solo RV Traveler I have enjoyed meeting friends and family along the way.

4. Reserve a Campground with Full Hookups

Your first few RV trips should include campgrounds with full hookups. The last thing you want to worry about is the Boogieman or Jason knocking at your door at 3:00 am asking to borrow a cup of sugar. You do not want to get a case of the frights on your first few nights of RVing.

Campgrounds are also filled with very nosey people (myself included). These folks are also very helpful and willing to answer questions or offer much needed advice. If you look like you need help someone is most likely to help you out. While staying in a KOA in Savanah Georgia I was exhausted when I setup camp. After everything was setup, stabilizers down, slides out, chairs and rug set out I realized that I was very unlevel. My RV was so unlevel the pots slid on the stove. I was pretty worn out so I decided to sleep on the opposite side of the bed and cook on the back burner. The next day my neighbors knocked on the door and offered to show me how to use my level blocks. They also mentioned an I love Lucy episode. I think I know where they were coming from.

5. Relax and Enjoy the Benefits of RV Solo Travel

The biggest benefit of traveling solo is the flexibility. You can invite friends and family to join you on your adventures. Or why not meet friends as you travel or make new friends on a caravan or event. There are also online groups of single people that enjoy traveling. I traveled for years with work and learned that I control the emotional temperature on my singleness. So I decided not to hide out in the hotel room but explore and a wonderful thing happened. I learned that there was fun on the other side of the door.

Thank you for sharing your time with me. Are you in the process of planning your very own great adventure? Tell me a little about you and your plans. Until then much love and safe travels.

Cynthia