You love the idea, you have your cheque book in hand, and you are all but walking out the door, when something stops you, a nagging question that has you doubting your decision. 

‘Can I really do this, alone?’

This is a fear that many travellers may encounter before departing on an expedition, and in the worst cases it can deter people from going altogether. But, the truth is, almost anyone can travel Australia, alone, in a recreational vehicle (RV).

The diverse and extensive group of people heading out on the Australian open road must be seen to be believed. There are those travelling full time and others who prefer just a few days away; there are singles, couples, and families also embracing the RV lifestyle.

The security of an RV is similar to that of a house. You can equip your vehicle with locks, smoke detectors, alarm systems, and any basic security and/or safety measure you would consider in a  fixed home. And there is no reason why you couldn’t take your beloved pet with you for a little bit of extra comfort and security, but just be extra careful crossing pot holes if you plan to bring your goldfish!

If you are concerned about isolation in the outback, there are precautionary measures that can be put in place to help ensure your wellbeing.

• Before heading off on a long drive, it is important to let a local police station know of your intentions. If something unfortunate happens, such as breaking down, you can take comfort in knowing that the police are aware of your whereabouts.
• You could also invest in a CB radio; most truck drivers use the CB radio to stay in touch. You will find that in certain areas of the outback your mobile phone may not have reception so a CB will allow you to touch base and socialise with others on the road.
• And, finally, stop and have a rest every two hours. Studies have shown that driving at an accelerated rate for a long period of time can cause hallucinations, fatigue, and emotional distress. Avoid added stress on your adventure, and stop, revive, survive.

Being confident on your own is a great feat, and something that should not be tarnished by the fact that you do not have a partner - especially on February 14. Valentine’s Day should not be regretful, but instead revel in the fact that you have a blank slate in front of you with endless opportunities to be experienced.

Remind yourself that being in a couple does not guarantee happiness. For those in a relationship, Valentine’s Day often means a lot of stress, with concerns over what to buy and whether their other half will even remember. Being single is less lonely than being unhappily attached.

Romance should not be predetermined because of a Hallmark holiday, be thankful that you do not have to partake in a day filled with pressure, and relax  knowing that there are no expectations for you to live up to; whether you love to go bird watching, having massages, or going swimming, use Valentine’s Day as the perfect excuse to partake in your favourite activities.

And, if we are really going to get down to the nitty-gritty of it all, the history of Valentine’s Day tends to have a few inaccuracies. No one is too sure when Valentine, who was apparently put to death for illegally marrying young lovers in defiance of Roman Emperor Claudius II, actually died. To celebrate his life and romantic efforts, it was thought to be a good idea to associate St Valentine’s Day with the start of spring - which is February on the Roman calendar; a time when nature turns its eye to finding a mate, romance and breeding. That’s fine if you live in the northern hemisphere, but for us down in the southern hemisphere it’s a bit out of whack. Really, we should be celebrating Valentine’s Day on August 14, if as I said earlier, we want to get into the nitty-gritty of it all.

At the end of the day, whether you are lucky enough to have found true love, or you are enjoying your single life, friendship will always stand the test of time. The love you give to and receive from friends will last a lifetime – and that is certainly worth celebrating. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate friendship; arrange a single’s Valentine’s party with a group of single friends, male and female. 

There are currently 97 Chapters across Australia, and there are also five Special Interest Groups; the HF Radio Users Network, National Fifth Wheelers, The Big Rigs Clan, and the Solos’ Network.

The Solos’ Network is perfect for those who travel alone the majority of the time. It encourages single Members and Members who have lost their partners to begin, or continue, enjoying the RV lifestyle. Sometimes travelling the open road can be  confronting but it can also be exhilarating, educational, and an experience which could change your life – yes, even on February 14th.

There is so much support available through the Chapters and Special Interest Groups that when travelling on the road, even if you are by yourself, even on Valentine’s Day, you are certainly not alone. Throughout the year there are a variety of meetings scheduled across the country and the opportunity to interact with likeminded travellers can make all the difference when wandering isolated paths – no matter what the date.

Category: Features
Written: Fri 01 Feb 2013
Printed: February, 2013
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