By Chuck Woodbury
In my early years of RVing, I spent a lot of time traveling alone. Actually, I spent most of my time alone. All my friends were busy with work and could not just take off and spend weeks or months wandering around America with a drifting journalist. Although I experienced many wonderful times, and met a lot of wonderful people, I was often acutely lonely. I never want to experience that again.
Below, Kathy Belge from the Solo Woman RV Podcast discusses loneliness on the road. Even though she talks mostly about women, I found much of the discussion very familiar. Loneliness, after all, is common to all of us, men and women.
The podcast’s topic is “Will I get lonely as a solo woman traveling alone in my RV or van?” To which Kathy responds “probably.”
“Loneliness can be a part of solo travel,” she explains, “but [it] doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There are things you can learn about yourself by being solo that you won’t be able to learn any other way. On this episode I share some of my thoughts about loneliness and solo travel and I also share some ideas from other solo female travelers about how they cope with loneliness on the road.”
Listen to the podcast on the website below. (Here’s a link to the actual podcast.)
##RVT1107
Get a dog. Who could be lonely with a dog? I think it’s a state of mind. Stay busy. I camp mostly where there are trails to walk. But I have a home to go to, so don’t know about being on the road full time. I don’t know what the podcast says, I couldn’t get past the longgg introduction, going on about the RV industry.
There didn’t seem to be anything about loneliness in the podcast, although I did join the organization mentioned. I agree about getting a dog, also, work camping is a tremendous way to meet people. I’ve been a full-timer for 8 and 1/2 years and I can’t really remember being lonesome.
I’m not sure, but my younger years probably have something to do with not minding being alone. My brother and sister were older; in summer, Mom was busy gardening and canning, no neighbors for a mile, I had various animals, including a German shepherd, I read a lot and had my own little camp other side of the creek. Fast forward. My husband of 46 years died, I live on the folks’ homestead, and am down to one dog. So, I’m just back to doing what I was doing over 60 years ago plus a lot more work on the place. A dog does restrict where I can go, but he’s worth it.
Here is the link for the episode titled “Loneliness and Solo RV Travel”
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/solowomenrv/episodes/Loneliness-and-Solo-RV-Travel-e1vd7tb
Thanks, Cookie. I apologize that the link to the podcast itself wasn’t in the post. (I didn’t realize that when I proofed it for typos, etc.) I’ve added it. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I listened to the podcast regarding RVWA.org but didn’t hear anything about battling loneliness as an RVer. Was hoping to hear some tips since I am a lone RVer and was disappointed not to hear anything related to the topic on the podcast. RVWA sounds like a great org but not ready to join this yet.
Been solo fulltime for over 13 years. Never lonely. If you are, perhaps solo RVing is not for you. PS: I don’t even have a dog. I’d love to have one, but I know a dog would restrict my activities.
YOU ROCK!!
Agree! I will travel to BE alone. I have rarely been alone my entire life and I am looking forward to it. Unapologetic introvert and easily annoyed by others’ boorish behavior. That said, I do enjoy a lunch or dinner out with like-minded people and enjoy seeing new sights with others. Just not ALL THE TIME.
Pam. I relate to that. I enjoy going to a restaurant or brewery to get my social “fix.” Then home b4 dark, jammies on, and precious solitude! Keep on keeping on!
Seven years solo full-time. I totally agree with you.
Just remember: There is a big difference between being alone and being lonely.
Amen, David!
Thank you for the shout out and link to my podcast! I appreciate the support.
You’re very welcome, Kathy.👍 Thank you for allowing us to share your wonderful website and important message in the podcast. Take care, and have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Chuck and Kathy!
When I told my oldest son I was buying an RV and hitting the road he said, “I’m worried you’ll be lonely.”
To which I replied, “Do you know me? You are the one always turning away because I talk to “strangers”. I find people everywhere!”
And that is how it is. When I want to be with/around people I seek out like minded friendly people around me. When I want to be alone I can be alone.
I’ve made lots of acquaintances along the way a few good friends. Some I see every few years along the way and most I keep up with on social media.
There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely.
If one has a dependency for companionship that goes unchecked, they can be lonely even in a room full of people.
If working within your own thoughts suffices, you can be alone and far from lonely…..
Many of our best friends do not reside near us. Cheap electronic communication keeps us from feeling desperately lonely. But it is not a full solution – you do still need to find a way to do in-person visits without the electronics. And that is where many younger people fall short. I have seen too many who continue to interact via electronics when literally in the same room.
Thank you, Chuck! 🙂 It is always good to be reminded of resources for common problems; thank you 🙂 Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂