Introduction
Picture this: The sun setting over Lake Okanagan, your fingers tapping on your keyboard as waves gently lap against the nearby shore. You’re not on vacation, and this isn’t just a dreamy remote work setup for the pandemic – this is your life. A life of freedom and flexibility that only living can offer.
A growing number of women are swapping out traditional houses for a home on wheels, craving the liberty that comes with the open road. But this leap of faith also introduces a new set of challenges and inquiries. How do you choose the perfect RV or van for your needs? I wrote a blog post about how I made my choice, read it here. How do you deal with the unique set of seasonal changes? Is it safe out there?
As a veteran of the full-time RV lifestyle for over a decade, there is a truck load of experience under my belt. From running a small pet accessories business in 2009 to living and working alongside the scenic beauty of Lake Okanagan today, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, and the exhilarating discoveries that come with solo female RV living.
In this blog post, I’ll share some of the rich insights from my book, “Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living.” This guide, a compilation of my lessons and experiences, is a beacon for women ready to embrace this unique path.
This post will provide a glimpse of what solo female RV living and van life entail, weaving in my personal stories and offering practical advice to those ready to make this lifestyle their own.
So, ready to embark on an exciting journey that traverses not only breathtaking landscapes but also reveals a new level of personal growth and the immense freedom of life on the open road? Dive in, the world is wide, and your adventure awaits!
Solo Female RV Living – Embracing the Unconventional
Going full-time RV isn’t your everyday life change. It’s breaking the mold, saying ‘see ya’ to the predictable, and ‘hello’ to a life on wheels. So, why ditch the solid walls for a home that rolls?
Jumping into full-time RV living wasn’t about catching some travel bug or needing new views every week – it came down to real-world stuff. I was done with unpredictable rental markets and dealing with landlords who cared more about my rent cheque than my living conditions. I wanted something that felt like mine, not just another temporary spot I was borrowing from a greedy landlord. The whole RV life seemed like the best bet – a way to lock down my own corner of the world and call it ‘home.’ This wasn’t about living the nomad dream, but about finding a place that was just for me.
The first taste of this new life was a mixed bag. With a ton of questions buzzing in my head, from dealing with my stuff to picking the right RV and figuring out where to park, the beginning was a bit like a puzzle with missing pieces. But with some patience and lots of Googling, the pieces began to fit together. Read my blog post about my first full-time stationary RV spot.
In “Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living,” my book, I share my own story of how I found my dream RV. I learned it’s not just about picking the biggest or the shiniest one on the lot, but about what fits your needs. For instance, will you be on the grid or off the grid, or perhaps a bit of both?
My first RV was a 36-foot 2002 Keystone Everest 5th wheel. Its homey feel and good storage space made it a winner for me. There were also other must-haves: a walk-around bed (trust me, making a bed you can’t walk around is an Olympic sport), a washer and dryer hook-up (public washing machines are a no for me), and a winter package.
And then there’s the RV park rulebook. Who knew they could have age rules for your RV, right? But, as with anything in RV life, being flexible and adaptable is key.
Choosing to live the solo female RV life was more than just picking a different path. It was about creating a mobile slice of home that came along for the ride. A home that kept changing, just like the road beneath its wheels.
Solo Female Van Life – The Charm of the Small and Mighty
Why go small, you might ask? Well, believe it or not, living in a more compact space can be liberating. It’s just you, your essentials, and the open road – nothing more, nothing less. Navigating through narrow streets in city centres or finding a parking spot in a busy lot suddenly isn’t as nerve-wracking. Plus, a smaller rig translates to less upkeep – a win-win if you ask me.
But here’s the catch – the limited space. Juggling everyday tasks in a RV can feel like a Tetris game gone wrong. It’s all about clever hacks and learning to love living with less. For instance, multifunctional furniture and storage solutions become your best friends, providing much-needed space to stash away your belongings.
In “Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living,” I share a wealth of experiences from my full-time RV life journey – the wins, the setbacks, and the unforgettable moments. I delve into practical solutions for compact living, from travel essentials to dealing with the occasional loneliness of the open road. My anecdotes and hard-learned lessons are here to guide and inspire.
Choosing RV life as a solo female traveller might seem daunting, but remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination. It’s about embracing simplicity, forging your path, and revelling in the incredible sense of freedom that comes from living life on your terms. Ready to explore more? Let’s hit the road together!
Navigating the Challenges
Every journey has its highs and lows, and RV life is no exception. As solo female travellers, we grapple with unique challenges, from braving winter in a home with wheels to figuring out ways to maintain a steady income.
In the winter months, the RV is transformed from a freedom mobile into a chilly metal box. The temperatures drop, the pipes risk freezing, and your space can feel more like an icebox than a cozy dwelling. “Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living” tackles this seasonal dilemma head-on. It guides you through everything from winterizing your mobile home, managing water needs when running water becomes a luxury, to finding those sun-drenched parking spots that are an absolute blessing for your solar panels and morale. Check out my blog post about spending the winter in an RV by clicking here.
But don’t let the thought of a colder season scare you away. Those snowy landscapes can provide a unique charm, and with the right precautions, you’ll manage just fine.
Beyond the weather, the challenge of maintaining a steady income often looms over anyone considering a full-time mobile lifestyle. In “Rolling Solo”, I’ve shared my own work and travel balancing acts. I’ve ridden the oilfields’ highs and lows in Alberta, then transitioned to the film industry’s transient nature. These experiences illustrate how the solo, mobile life doesn’t equate to financial instability.
Finding that sweet spot between work and wanderlust is an adventure in itself. The digital age has opened up countless opportunities for remote work, and I believe in tapping into this potential to sustain and enrich your journey.
So yes, there are challenges. But with the right tools, a healthy dose of resilience, and a dash of creativity, these can be transformed into some of the most rewarding aspects of your nomadic lifestyle. Embrace the journey, for it’s in overcoming obstacles that we discover our true potential and appreciate the freedom and fulfillment this lifestyle has to offer.
Enjoying the Benefits and Creating a Balanced Life
There’s an undeniable allure to living life on the open road. Beyond the challenges and minor inconveniences, the benefits of RV life are abundant. It’s about freedom – the freedom to change your backyard view whenever you wish, to escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary, and the freedom to live life on your own terms.
There’s a simplicity to this way of living that’s incredibly refreshing. It’s about stripping life back to its basics, focusing on what truly matters, and finding joy in the little things.
Sharing this lifestyle with my two rescue dogs has been incredibly rewarding but also very challenging. Their company not only adds joy and warmth to my days, but they also provide me with companionship. With them by my side, there’s a comforting routine to life on the road, filled with unconditional love and frequent outdoor adventures – experiences that any pet lover would appreciate.
Solo RV life also fosters a unique sense of self-reliance. You become the driver, the mechanic, the decision-maker, the navigator, and so much more. It’s empowering to know you can manage on your own, handle the unexpected, and relish the resulting sense of achievement.
Through it all, the book, “Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living,” serves as a constant reminder that yes, the challenges are real, but they are surmountable. With every obstacle overcome, you grow stronger, more adaptable, and find a balanced and fulfilling life. This journey is as much an exploration of the world around us as it is a journey into our own inner strengths and capabilities. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Your Guide to Solo Female RV and Van Life – “Rolling Solo”
“Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living” is your backstage pass into my life on wheels. It’s a tell-all guide, packed with firsthand advice and real-life solutions I’ve picked up along my journey.
The goal? To fire up and inspire all you ladies out there, helping you face your fears, grab the freedom of the solo RV and van life, and carve out your own unique road trip. I’ve filled each chapter with personal tales, victories, and even a few stumbles, so it’s relatable, engaging, and really handy.
‘Rolling Solo‘ is more than a book; it’s a shout-out to all the strong, daring women who are ready to go solo. So, no matter who you are or where you’re from, this lifestyle is totally doable. In simple terms, it’s your ticket to explore the endless possibilities that solo female RV and van life have to offer.”
Conclusion
As the sun dips below the horizon and casts a shimmering glow over Lake Okanagan, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for this extraordinary journey. Solo female RV living 2023 isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it can be a ticket to personal growth, endless adventures, and an incredible sense of freedom.
While this lifestyle is indeed fulfilling, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t come without its challenges. In ‘Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living,’ I’ve shared my experiences, pitfalls, triumphs, and a whole lot of practical advice, offering you a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this unique way of life.
So, if you’re sitting there, daydreaming about hitting the open road, longing for the wind in your hair and the thrill of waking up to new landscapes, now is your time. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.
Embrace the adventure, feel the rush, live the dream. Grab your copy of ‘Rolling Solo: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of RV Living’ and let your own journey begin. After all, the open road is calling. Are you ready to answer?
