A Motorhome Guide To Solo Adventures

Ah, the solo road trip - there’s something mythical and magical about it. Maybe you’ve been inspired by solo travel films like Wild, or Eat Pray Love and are seeking your own adventure, or perhaps you just want a holiday on your own terms. Whatever your reasons, hitting the road by yourself, knowing you can go wherever you want, when you want, is an empowering experience. If you’re feeling called to your very own solo motorhome adventure, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

Pick the right motorhome for you

You’re going to spend a lot of time in your campervan, so you want to pick one you love! Your biggest decision will likely be whether to choose a completely self-contained vehicle (this means it will include a toilet and a shower) or one without these amenities.

There are pros and cons to both. For a solo traveller, self-contained vehicles can be a great option, because you don’t have to worry about finding bathroom facilities or leaving your RV at night to use the toilet. You’ll also have basic cooking facilities inside your van. However, the potential downsides are that they’re a bit bigger and can be more expensive to run, and you will frequently need to stay at campsites that have ‘hookups’ allowing you to power your vehicle and to get rid of your waste and wastewater. These sites tend to cost a little bit more.

Non-self contained vehicles will usually feature a bed, some basic gas cooking facilities, and sometimes a sink. The upside of such a vehicle is that it’s smaller, making it easier to navigate and park. The downside is that you will always need to camp somewhere with bathroom facilities.

Weigh up your priorities as a solo traveller. If you’re happy to spend a little more to have a self-contained campervan, go for it! If your budget is tighter and you’re happy to venture out to use the campground bathrooms, a non-self contained vehicle might work best for you.

Getting thrifty

Travelling alone can be more expensive because you don’t have anyone to split the bill with. However, it’s usually worth it for the sheer freedom it provides, and there are things you can do to bring down costs.

To save money, try to:

● Book your motorhome as early as possible, and always watch out for special offers.

● Travel off-season, or during the shoulder months. During peak season, you’ll pay premium rates.

● Consider purchasing miles at the start of your trip. RV companies charge a standard rate per mile of travel, but if you purchase a miles package before you go, you can get a cheaper rate. All you need to know is approximately how many miles you will travel throughout your journey.

● See what other prepaid deals there are for your RV. Sometimes it’s cheaper to pay for unlimited generator use upfront, for example, rather than day-by-day.

● Always get insurance! It could save you thousands of dollars should something go wrong.

● Take advantage of free activities. Hikes, walking tours and free museums and galleries are great ways to explore your destination at no extra cost.

● Prepare some of your own meals. It’s part of the experience to try local cafes and restaurants, but save money by making some of your own campsite meals. S’mores, anyone?
 

Some safety considerations

As a solo traveller, it’s important to keep basic safety in mind. Here are some tips:

● Make sure someone at home knows your travel itinerary, and check in with them regularly, so they know you’re progressing through your trip safely.

● Don’t drive long distances every day, and make sure you stop and rest if you’re fatigued. Plot out your route, so you have a break from driving some days since you have no one with whom to share duties.

● Book your campgrounds in advance, so you know you have somewhere to stay when you arrive. This is especially important during peak season.

● Choose your RV site wisely. As a solo traveller, you may feel more comfortable parking up next to another group, rather than in a more remote spot at the back of the campground.

● Use your common sense and follow your intuition. If you don’t feel safe somewhere, you can always leave and find alternative accommodation.

● Take printed maps, so you have a backup just in case your GPS fails, or you lose reception.

● Always keep your cell phone charged, just in case.

Awesome solo travel itineraries

It’s time to start planning your big adventure. Here are a few suggestions for solo travel itineraries around the world.

Queenstown to Kaikoura, New Zealand

Image: Ulrich Lange (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you enjoy wide open spaces and beautiful scenery, this itinerary is for you. Start off in the hustle and bustle of Queenstown where there’ll be no shortage of friends for you to make, before winding your way into the more quiet country, perfect for some solo introspection time.

Los Angeles round trip, USA

Check out the highlights of the west coast, including Big Sur, San Fran, Yosemite National Park, Vegas and Joshua Tree. If you road trip during the summer months, you’ll find these destinations brimming with other travellers, so you’ll be able to mix and mingle as much as you like. During the off-season, while they will be much quieter, these iconic destinations are never empty. It’s the ideal trip if you never want to feel alone, even while travelling solo.

Tokyo to Tokyo, Japan

Experience the enchanting contrasts of Japan, where big cities and serene temples exist side by side. There’s something delightful around every corner, whether it’s a cherry blossom tree, a picturesque beach or a relaxing onsen. Japan has a reputation for being very safe for tourists, so while you should always use common sense and take basic safety precautions, you will hopefully feel at ease as you explore this wonderful country.

All ready to head out on your solo motorhome adventure? Let us know where you’re going in the comments!