Solo on the road: a woman's guide to safe and happy motorhoming

Picture this: you're parked up beside a tranquil lake, the kettle is whistling on the stove, and the sky is ablaze with the colours of a perfect sunset. It's just you, your trusty motorhome, and the delicious freedom of the open road. Sound like the dream? For a rapidly growing number of women, it absolutely is. The number of us choosing to travel solo has exploded, with a whopping 45% of women expressing an interest in hitting the road alone this year. That's an 8% jump from last year alone. It seems the appeal of being the captain of your own ship is stronger than ever.

But let's have a frank chat. As empowering as solo travel is, for women, safety is always going to be in the back of our minds. A recent study found that while 86% of women aren't afraid to travel, a significant 66% of us worry about our personal safety when we do. The goal isn't to let that fear clip our wings, but to face it head on. It's about being prepared, feeling confident, and having the right tools and tricks up our sleeve so we can relax and properly soak up every brilliant, liberating moment. This guide is your new best friend, packed with practical advice to ensure your solo motorhome adventures are safe, happy, and everything you dreamed they would be.

Your motorhome is your fortress

First things first, let's talk about your four wheeled sanctuary. Think of your motorhome as your own personal Batcave, a secure base you can retreat to. Before you even think about where you're going, get to know your vehicle inside and out. Understand how the heating works, where the fuse box is, and how to switch over the gas bottles. Being self sufficient is a massive confidence booster. A great tip is to have a solid lockdown routine every single night, no exceptions. Blinds down, doors locked, and maybe even a steering wheel lock on for good measure. It's not about paranoia, it's about creating a simple habit that lets your brain switch off and relax.

It's also smart to have a 'getaway plan'. Always keep your keys in the same spot, right by the driver's seat, and maybe a pair of slip on shoes next to them. The chances of you ever needing to make a swift exit in the middle of the night are incredibly slim, but knowing you could be out of there in thirty seconds flat is wonderfully reassuring. Some solo travellers swear by the old 'big muddy boots and two chairs outside' trick to give the impression they have company. It might feel a bit like setting a trap for the Wet Bandits in Home Alone, but if it makes you feel more secure, then why not? It's your adventure, your rules.

Location, location, location

Choosing where to park up for the night is probably the biggest decision you'll make each day. This is where a bit of forward planning pays off massively. Apps like Park4Night, Campercontact, and SearchForSites are your new best friends. They are packed with user reviews and photos, giving you a real feel for a place before you arrive. My golden rule is to always get there in daylight. It gives you time to properly check out the spot, see who else is around, and decide if you like the vibe. If your gut feeling is screaming "nope!", listen to it. There is always another spot down the road.

While the allure of wild camping is strong, especially in beautiful places like Scotland where it's more widely accepted, don't underestimate the security of a proper campsite. Certified Locations from the big clubs or sites like Brit Stops, which offer free overnight stays at pubs and farm shops, can be fantastic options. You get the benefit of having people around, and often a pub dinner just a few steps from your door. That's what I call a win win. When you're choosing a spot, look for somewhere that isn't completely isolated but also isn't a busy, noisy thoroughfare. A good mobile signal is also a big plus, not just for your evening Netflix session, but for peace of mind.

Tech to the rescue

We live in a golden age of gadgets, and there are some brilliant bits of kit that can add an extra layer of security. A simple, inexpensive personal alarm that emits a deafening screech can be a powerful deterrent. You can also get portable door alarms that will wake the dead if anyone tries to open your cab doors. For a bit more of an investment, a GPS tracker or a satellite messenger like a Garmin InReach can be brilliant, especially if you plan on going properly off grid. They allow a trusted friend or family member to see your location in real time and let you send messages even when you have no phone signal.

On the software front, the What3Words app is an absolute must have. It has divided the entire world into 3 metre squares and given each one a unique three word address. Over 85% of UK emergency services now accept these addresses, meaning if you ever get into trouble in a remote location, you can tell them exactly where you are. It's a genius bit of tech that could genuinely save your life. Also, make a habit of sharing your rough itinerary with someone at home. A quick "Goodnight from sunny Dorset!" text each evening is all it takes to let them know you're safe and sound.

The power of community

Going solo doesn't mean you have to be completely alone. There's a huge and incredibly supportive community of fellow motorhomers out there, and tapping into it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your journey. There are some fantastic Facebook groups specifically for solo female travellers in the UK, like the 'Ladies Campervan Travel Group' and 'Solo Women Campers UK'. These are brilliant places to ask for advice, share your experiences, and even arrange to meet up with other women on the road.

Don't be afraid to chat with your neighbours on a campsite. Most people in the motorhoming world are friendly, helpful, and full of great stories and tips. You'll quickly find that a problem shared is a problem halved, whether it's a question about a strange noise your engine is making or just a recommendation for the best fish and chips in the area. Building these connections not only makes the journey more fun but also creates a valuable safety net. You are part of a tribe, so embrace it.

Confidence is a journey, not a destination

Here's the thing nobody tells you: the nerves don't magically vanish after your first trip. And that's perfectly fine. The trick is to start small and build up. Maybe your first solo outing is just a weekend at a well reviewed campsite an hour from home. Then perhaps a week along the coast. Before you know it, you'll be plotting a route through the Scottish Highlands without a second thought. Every single trip adds a layer of confidence, and every small challenge you overcome makes you a more capable, more resilient traveller.

The most important piece of advice I can give you is this: don't let fear make the decisions. Be sensible, be prepared, but above all, be brave. The open road is waiting for you, and it doesn't care one bit whether you're travelling with a partner, a family, or gloriously, wonderfully on your own. Your motorhome is your freedom machine, and the world is full of sunsets, fish and chip shops, and adventures that are yours for the taking. So fill up the tank, pack the kettle, and go. You've absolutely got this.

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