Solo campervanning

[mnmnddddd]

Over the last couple of years, I've read various comments by divorced women that have hinted at embracing the empty-nest, middle aged, single life and buying a campervan.

I always liked the idea of a campervan when I "had a family" though only ever hired one once. With my DD fledging off to uni, 3yrs after divorce (and formally abandoning hope of ever having a partner again), I'm coming back to the idea.

Maybe it's purely the romance of the freedom to go wherever whenever, or perhaps being alone in a campervan is inherently better than being home alone. Or sat in a taverna ... alone. Joining a Machu Picchu tour ... to not be alone. Or apres sk... well, you get the idea.

So where do solo campervanners go? Is it campsites full of Caravan Clubers (I suspect my idea of hell) or laybys in a glen 40miles from anyone except friendly lumberjacks with their plaid shirts and freshly sharpened axes? Is it all sheltering from hot flushes in the shade of endless National Trust houses or reminiscing on windswept beaches about when squeezing into a wetsuit wasn't such a squeeze and wild swimming was less of a political statement?

Well you have a good imagination if nothing else!! I’d like a camper van. Once you start looking at them in Facebook Marketplace they appear all the time! Currently fancying a converted old ambulance.
As for where to go there are campsites all over the place - with real toilets and showers so that would be my go to..

The fact that there are so many for sale is indicative that the reality of owning a camper van is nothing like the dream. They are boiling hot in the summer and freezing cold the rest of the year, are very rarely watertight ( possibly an attraction if you're related to Fungus The Bogeyman) or mechanically reliable combined with the aerodynamic qualities of a brick

I’d go where the friendly lumberjacks are

googles campervans for sale

@mnmnddddd
I had a vdub T5, absolutely loved it.

Sold it as DP didn't love it but I had visions of setting off with the ddog on our own adventures.

The reality is it's pretty lonely and a bit scary at night if you're not on a campsite.

I hate campsites, much preferred pulling up beside the sea and "wild" camping.

They're not all hot in summer and cold in winter nor do they all leak.

Im seriously thinking of buying a smaller one, a converted VW Caddy and giving it another go (womaning up, stop being scared of the dark!).

Tbh, when we were out in the van it felt like the only time I was ever truly happy.

Id avoid FB, Auto trader etc, look for a reputable dealer, I can give you a recommendation of the dealer that bought mine.

I go tent camping solo, and there are usually a few other women enjoying their tent and campfire solo.

And there is at least one enthusiastic solo woman campervanner on the UK Campsite (or is it Campsite UK) forums. And a Facebook group; Solo Women Campers, many (sometimes seems like most) of who are in vans.

They recommend good sites etc. I haven’t noticed a ‘with lumberjacks’ filter: clearly a gap in the market.

I avoid busy family-holiday type sites, and go for quieter more wild-style places for peace, space and views.

If I did have a van I wouldn’t do lay bys and verges on the seafront as in England at least this is v unpopular with locals, and I wouldn’t like the idea of teens on bikes banging on the side etc. But I am not an experienced camper banner.

I’m worried now. Wild swimming is a political statement???!!!

pS love your idea - I reckon you should go for it!

Before I lost my C1 license category (for medical reasons) I was known to take our Moho away for a solo night or two.😁
Always stopped on sites (usually CAMC) and never had a problem. The sites were chosen for the proximity to places of interest so I knew where I would be going and what I would be doing.

Of course I prefer going away with my OH & Ddogs but sometimes it was a place of interest only to me or not dog friendly so it worked.
No-longer an option unfortunately as I can't drive over 3500kg but been there, done that.☹️👍

This is my dream too. If I don't inherit a lump sum sooner, I'll be spending my pension lump sum on a nice little caravan for one (maybe occasionally two, strictly by invitation, but I value my personal space and a caravan "double bed" is often not much wider than a standard indoors single)

No thanks to the lumberjack though, unless she's recently divorced from her wife and learning lumberjack skills as part of a whole back-to-nature thing before writing her next book.

Not trying to be negative, it's just me but I would be terrified in a campsite on my own. Nervous Nelly!

However I love watching those who do it, and very few AFAIS are females on their own. I enjoy watching the freedom campervanners have, but TBH, driving around and staying in cheap accommodation made for wanderers like hostels etc. would suit me better I think. Even the odd nice hotel in between roughing it appeals!

I wish you well, and go for it if it's what you want. Do your research first and best of luck.

Have a friend who goes solo camper vanning with her dog. She loves it. I guess having her dog helps her not feel lonely but having said that she is a very outgoing person.