Long the domain of grey nomads or intrepid families, RV travel is experiencing a shift thanks to an ever-growing band of solo travellers - and, it’s women who are leading the charge.

Considering that completing the ‘Big Lap’, heading north for the  winter, or exploring some of thiscountry’s most remote corners are bucket-list trips for many, it’s not hard to see why life on the road is so appealing to Australian women. Travelling around in a motorhome offers convenience, freedom, flexibility, independence, and safety, not to mention you have everything you could possibly need with you. With no limit to your adventures, it’s a lifestyle many women are wholeheartedly embracing.

ON THE RISE

According to the latest membership data from CMCA, there are 2,109 single female memberships. Many  of these women also form part of the CMCA Solos Network, a single sonly Special Interest Group formed in 1997 that has roughly 700 to 800 members. According to Vice President Margaret Cook, this is a number that is continuing to expand - by at least 30% in the past five years - and the majority of growth can be found in the over 50s demographic.

It’s a figure reflected in the information Explorer Motorhomes has collected, which found 22% of owners are solo women, and also aligns with the clientele Horizon Motorhomes are seeing more of. They’ve noticed an obvious jump in the number of women purchasing motorhomes, saying, “solo Aussie women are smashing the stereotype and changing the scope of the 'motorhome life on the move”.

Cook says part of this solo travelling revolution can be contributed to the cost of living continuing to rise, and the fact that “rent has gone up so much that  many can no longer afford housing, and turn to moving around in RVs of all shapes and sizes”.

Many women are also separated or divorced, widowed, or have partners who don’t want to come along. There’s also the sense of security travelling in a modern motorhome promises for a single woman, and the ability to literally drive away if dangerous or uneasy situations present themselves.

For some though, it’s as simple as an urge to explore and a willingness to experience new things - and an RV lifestyle certainly offers the freedom to do all of that.

Kari and her four-legged friend Bella, posing with her Fiat Ducato Melaleuca

INDEPENDENT WOMEN

Gold Coast resident Kari Rawlings is one lady who has fully embraced the RV way of life, and says she “thrives on the empowerment and freedom that road-tripping gives you”. 

Rawlings took the plunge at the age of 69 and (along with her beloved dog Bella) jumped in her white Fiat Ducato Melaleuca by  Horizon Motorhomes and set off on her own ‘Big Lap’.

“I had to pinch myself that I actually did that. Every single day was a highlight … Australia is just a wonderful country.”

Her epic journey saw her encounter charming country towns, pristine beaches, arid desert landscapes, and a slew of friendly people - many of whom were other solo women travellers.

“I was surprised at just how many independent women there are on the road. So many women are there to support you if you need it, and I’ve made lots of new friendships.”

Kathryn Smith with her Explorer Motorhome, also known as ‘Dirty Dora’

Kathryn Smith from Adelaide is another woman who discovered one  of the best things about motorhome travel is the people you meet and the connections you make. Her first big solo trip was to Explorer Motorhome’s Annual Get Together in Nambour, Queensland - via the Birdsville Races, of course! After a few long days of driving, Kathryn, in her trusty RV fondly known as ‘Dirty Dora’, joined 40 other Explorer Motorhomes for a three day rally.

Smith says, “I met some fabulous people, including many solo travellers who gave me such good advice, made me envious of their trips, and shared many laughs. Out of that, I am planning a couple of big trips together with other solos over the next year”.

By the time Smith returned to Adelaide she had clocked over 5,000km in Dirty Dora, and, despite a toilet that overflowed twice, plenty of dust, and copping the brunt of one or two big storms, she never once felt fear, only exhilaration at the thrill of it all.

Her Explorer Motorhome was chosen specifically because of its design which is versatile, comfortable and the fact that it’s easy to manoeuvre, quick to set up, and capable of handling the toughest of tracks - all of which gave her invaluable peace of mind. Smith also didn’t have to give up any of her luxuries from home, as  a bar was custom-built to hold her spirits and wine collection, along with a variety of cheeses, dips, and olives. The widely-held belief that life on the road means living a frugal existence doesn’t have to apply to all - and Smith is proof of that!

Hilary Fine with her Explorer Spirit

Hilary Fine, from Perth, was looking for a new challenge when she started considering the benefits of purchasing a motorhome. Having had many family camping adventures in the past, and with a genuine love of exploring Australia, Fine just needed to find a vehicle to suit her needs. Her only requirements were that it had to be 4WD and comfortable. She settled on a new Spirit by Explorer Motorhomes.

And what was Fine’s first solo journey? An incredible cross-country trip from the Explorer factory in Brisbane all the way to Perth - no mean feat for a first timer! She also snuck in a little detour through the Australian Alpine National Park - to test out her custom-made ski rack the crew at Explorer had specially fitted.

While initially nervous at the prospect of handling a large vehicle, understanding the manuals, and managing everything by herself, Hilary is quick to confirm what Rawlings and Smith also discussed: there’s nothing quite like travelling alone in your own motorhome.

Of that first trip, Fine says, “the learning curve was exhilarating, the scenery and wildlife sublime, and there was always something new around the corner. I was never lonely and I felt very free. It also renewed my appreciation of the vastness of this country, its weather patterns, and the birdsong in the morning after the best sleep ever”.

A scenic pitstop for Kari Rawlings and her motorhome

PREPARE FOR ANYTHING

Solo RV travel is not without its challenges though, and for many female travellers, a concerning aspect of motorhome travel can be handling the motorhome itself, especially for those who don’t have prior RV experience. For Fine, who worried about this, it meant “a bit of research and a whole lot of soul searching”, while Rawlings recommends planning as much as  possible and ensuring you are fully equipped to tackle any situation.

As she says, “stuff happens, but that is all part of the adventure”.

To avoid being caught out on the road, a thorough handover when you pick up your motorhome is a must. Some businesses even offer buyers the opportunity to take your RV out for a test run. This means you can head off for a couple of days and really get to know your motorhome, identify any potential issues, and ensure you understand  the intricacies of the vehicle. What follows is the chance to take it back to the factory, ask any questions you may have and - if possible - tweak details or make some changes.

Being a dog owner, Rawlings also mentions the importance of a bit of further research regarding the do’s and don’ts of travelling with your pet.

“You need to pack and prepare for them, and make sure you know of pet-friendly parks to stop at along the way, as many national parks don’t allow animals.”

Cook thinks there are very little difficulties that generally arise from travelling solo, but acknowledges some people may find it hard not having others to talk to, especially if a problem surfaces with your RV. In which case, she says, “most people who travel solo will ask for help when needed, either from family, friends, other travellers, or professionals”.

It’s a message echoed by the wider Solos Network group, and she sums up joining the club by  saying, “it means you are alone, but don’t have to be lonely, and it gives you support and friendship. Attending rallies also gives you the opportunity to just sit and chat with people in similar situations”.

Cook also confirms that while most solos are quite resourceful and seem to manage on their own, the knowledge that a community like the Solos Network exists to support and guide fellow solo travellers, offers that initial confidence many solos may need to kick-start their RV dreams.

Some of the solo female motorhomers Kathryn Smith has met along the way, enjoying a catch up

DON’T HOLD BACK

For any women harbouring concerns, or feeling hesitant about taking those first steps, Rawlings advice is to simply go for it.

“Don’t settle for a life you’re not thrilled about - hit the open road. Prepare for it as much as you can, but most of all ask questions to fellow travellers. The last few years have been life-changing, and I wouldn’t change anything.”

Smith and Fine are emphatic in their agreeance, and have no regrets about their decisions to trade in a ‘traditional’ existence for one that undeniably challenges them, yet also gives them so much fulfilment. Especially when they have found themselves, at the end of a long  day of travelling, sitting around the campfire with new friends, sharing stories. As Smith says, “all it takes is a sense of adventure, and a willingness to hit the road and see what happens”.

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Written: Fri 01 Jun 2018
Printed: June, 2018
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