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Solo
Travel for Women: Guava Magazine's ideas for road trips and solo
adventuring (6/27/04)Solo
Road Tripper's Journal: A 20-Something's quest to discover America
by back roads & byways. (5/2/04)Two of the largest RV organizations for single adults
are Loners of
America and Loners
on Wheels. Neither is a matchmaking or dating service. Both seek
to celebrate the single lifestyle and the pleasure of traveling, camping
and RV caravanning. Loners on Wheels has chapters in the USA, Canada, and
Mexico that sponsor monthly campouts. Since 1991, RVingWomen,
now based in Arizona, has been offering classes on RV maintenance, driving,
car repair and lifestyle. The members include those who are newly widowed,
never married, or who prefer to travel without male companions. Some women
live and travel together, others caravan in groups, and others are true
solo travelers. It is not necessary to own a RV to join the group. There are a number of locations popular among single
RV enthusiasts. For those interested in "boondocking," or camping
without hook-ups, Boondocking
Guide is an excellent place to start. Click on the "BLM Information"
button and check out "The Slabs" about 70 miles southeast of Palm
Springs, California. The "slabs" are the concrete pads left when
an air base in the area closed. A variety of RV clubs hold ongoing campouts
there from September through March. "Coyote Howl," another such
area, is located near Why, Arizona. Arguably the biggest RV gathering in
the country takes place in the area surrounding Quartzite,
Arizona, each winter. Women
Tell All: What to See and Do in Boston Rainbow
RV Club is the largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender camping
club in North America.
Tips for Traveling Solo
Driving hours should be limited to 5-6 per
day. Driver fatigue can be much more of factor in solo vehicle
accidents
For greater personal security, consider requesting
a second floor motel room that offers a good view of the
parking area.
Don't plan on sleeping in your vehicle in
any public highway rest area. In some states this practice
is illegal, and it isn't a good idea from a safety standpoint
even if it is permitted.
Carry a functioning cell phone, CB radio,
and an adequate supply of fresh water, canned foods, blankets,
flashlight, and first aid gear.
Consult your map prior to driving through
complex urban interchanges.
Establish a "check-in" procedure
with a friend or family member at least once per week while
on the road.
Don't plan too much. Be open to new possibilities
as they arise on the road.