Camping trips with your family can be a lot of fun, though it can also be stressful to keep everyone entertained and at peace with each other. That’s why sometimes it’s relaxing to go on a solo vacation—it’s a chance to get some solitude that’s missing in our daily lives. But traveling alone has some drawbacks, like not having anyone to help you in an emergency.
When you head out on a solo trip, you should plan ahead so you’re prepared for emergencies and can avoid dangerous situations. We at Meridian RV have put together some tips to help you stay safer on the road. For additional advice or if you’re still looking for that perfect travel trailer, head to our locations in Port Coquitlam and 100 Mile House, BC. We invite all the good people of Vancouver and Kamloops to check out our wide inventory today.
Avoid Getting Stranded
The further away you get from civilization, the more important this rule becomes. In the worst case scenario, your travel trailer might break down in the middle of nowhere or you could get lost on a hiking trip and get hurt. Everyone tends to think that things like this won’t happen to them, and the odds of it happening are pretty slim but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed it won’t happen.
Always let someone know your plans. In case of an emergency, you should have someone who can locate you quickly. This can be someone back home who can call for help or it can even be a park ranger. This person should know where you’ll be and you should have scheduled with them to check in regularly. If you miss a check-in, they’ll know that something could be wrong and can take the appropriate steps to find you. (Note: this also means you can’t disconnect from the outside world so much that you can’t call for help. Bring along a cell phone with good national coverage.)
Staying Safe
This is something female solo travelers think about much more than their male counterparts. While there’s a good reason for this, all solo travelers should take their safety seriously. There are people who see solo travelers are easy targets and you should be prepared to handle any tough situations that arise.
Don’t Let On That You’re Alone
A great way to avoid predatory types of people is to pretend you’re not traveling alone. To deter those looking for a vulnerable target, place two lawn chairs near your travel trailer and keep a large pair of shoes by the door. You can even pretend to have a big dog on board. Better yet, if you have one, bring along your dog as your trusted travel companion.
Self-Defense
It’s a good idea to have some ways of defending yourself. We recommend taking some basic self-defense classes (your local police department might host free classes), but you can also pack a baseball bat or mace to ward off threats. Depending on where you’re camping, bear spray might be a good idea anyway. Keep your doors and windows locked, regardless of whether or not you’re around and try to find campgrounds with 24/7 security. Depending on where you’re camping, bear spray might be a good idea anyway. Keep your doors and windows locked, regardless of whether or not you’re around and try to find campgrounds with 24/7 security.
Setting Up Camp
Be careful about where you park your travel trailer. It should be out of the way enough so you aren’t too easy to find but it should also be close enough to other campers. There is safety in numbers and if there are groups of people nearby, there are better chances of someone noticing off behavior. Don’t box yourself in or you won’t be able to get help if you need it.
Always Pay Attention
You should always be aware of your surroundings. Make note of any suspicious activity or people and if your gut says something is off, leave the area or find help. Be prepared to make as much noise as possible and be a bother until you feel safe. Some people choose to purchase a gun for protection, and with the right licensing and training, they can help you feel safer. However, they’re not automatically going to shield you from harm. If they give you a false sense of security, then they might actually make you more susceptible to danger. There’s nothing more important than old-fashioned common sense and instinct, so keep an eye on your surroundings.
Talk to other solo travelers or read some blogs to know other tips for getting the best out of a solo vacation. To look at some great travel trailers for sale, visit Meridian RV in Port Coquitlam and 100 Mile House, BC. We’re here for the travel trailer needs of all our patrons from Vancouver and Kamloops.
