Solo Female Campervan Traveller Tips
Travelling solo around Australia takes a bit of courage, but the experience makes it so rewarding. There’s just something so freeing about being behind the wheel, choosing where to stop and how long you want to spend at a particular destination — all without having to work around someone else’s schedule.
Of course, that freedom also means that you’ll be doing everything on your own. You’re probably already used to doing things on your own like running errands or taking yourself on solo dates, but as a solo female traveller, it takes your independence to a whole new level! Before you set off on your campervan journey, get comfortable with your own company, watch vlogs of other solo female travellers and join online community groups to get a taste of the lifestyle.
This blog post might be for the ladies, but these tips are perfect for any solo traveller tackling the country on their own. A little preparation can go a long way when you’re the only one making the decisions, and once you have the basics sorted, you can focus on enjoying the freedom and adventure (with a dash of confidence) that comes with travelling solo!
Image: Enjoy a moment of growth and bravery in embarking on a solo trip!
Be Prepared, Then Prepare Some More
You can never be too prepared, especially when you’re the one responsible for the drive, navigation and decision-making. Before you set off, have a rough idea of your route and take note of servos, supermarkets, chemists, hospitals and police stations. Download offline maps and keep a paper map in the campervan as a backup. It might feel a little old school, but it becomes very handy when your phone suddenly drops to zero bars. It’s also a good idea to install the Emergency+ app on your phone before your trip as well as other useful travel apps, and consider whether carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite phone is appropriate for your itinerary.
Breaking down in a remote area can be stressful, so familiarise yourself with the campervan before you leave using the provided manuals and YouTube guides, and know where to find the basic controls and information panels. Our 24/7 roadside assistance team is ready to help, so do keep our number (1300 016 532) and email (roadside@cruisinmotorhomes.com.au) written down for emergencies.
You can also give our roadside assistance number and your campervan license plate number or rental booking number to your trusted contacts for peace of mind (+61362484789 is our roadside assistance number if calling from overseas).
Image: A prepared traveller is a happy traveller 😁
Keep Your Loved Ones Updated – Automatically
You might not be able to update your friends and family of your whereabouts all the time, especially when you’re driving. This is where location sharing apps like Life360 or the built-in Find My app for iPhones and Samsung Find app for Samsung phones come in handy. Your live location gets constantly updated (provided you’ve got signal) for your trusted contacts to see, so you won’t have to text 5 different people if you decide to take a detour or if your plans change. Just remember to send a quick update once you’re safely parked!
Pro Tip: Don’t post where you are in real time on your social media. Hide identifying information in your pictures, like site or bay numbers when parked at a campsite. Post your stories after you’ve left so that no one can trace your location. You never know who’s looking!
Image: Stay connected with loved ones with a different background every time!
Safety in Numbers
Where you stay can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel on a solo trip. Some people feel safer when alone, and others feel safer with other people around them. When choosing a campsite or somewhere to settle for the night, make sure you arrive before dark and observe your surroundings. Once you’re settled, keep valuables out of sight, lock the doors and shut the windows before bed. Store your keys, phone and a torch in the same easy-to-reach place.
When parking at the campsite, park near other campers so you’re not completely isolated. Plus, you’ll have a good chance of striking up a conversation with other travellers while cooking or chilling in the recreational areas. You might be travelling on your own, but that doesn’t mean you need to be alone all the time!
Trusting your gut matters too, so if you feel uncomfortable in one place, hop into the van and move on to another location. Contact our roadside assistance team if you need help finding a safe location and dial 000 for immediate emergencies.
Image: Make some new gal pals on your travels!
Give Yourself Time to Enjoy The Drive
Australia is absolutely massive, and places that look somewhat close together on a map might not actually be nearby. Give yourself realistic driving days and remember to take breaks every 2 hours.
Let’s say there’s an aurora sighting tonight even though you’re supposed to be in another town by night time. Just rearrange your plans and stay on to admire the night sky from the comfort of your campervan! No one is there to rush you. If you can, avoid unfamiliar rural roads after dark when visibility is lower. Call our friendly reservations team at 1300 664 485 to discuss trip extension options if you’re not ready to leave #vanlife just yet!
Image: Coastal, city or country roads? It’s all up to you!
Choose a Campervan That Suits You
Our campervans have direct access to the driver’s cabin, so you can make a quick getaway whenever you need to. We also encourage you to choose a smaller vehicle that requires the least amount of setup and pack down to make your solo journey effortless. Our 2-Berth Tamar is perfect for this, with walkthrough access to the driver’s seat, an on-board toilet and shower, plus a fixed bed that requires no packing away! Check out why the Tamar is such a great choice for solo road trips here.
Image: The GoCheap Tamar comes with a fixed real mattress and direct access to the driver’s seat!
Top Tips & Tricks for Solo Female Travellers
- Carry a personal alarm and keep it somewhere easy to reach.
- Keep some gold coins on you to use at campsite showers, laundromats or other coin-operated facilities.
- Pack a first-aid kit and a personal-care kit for both health and period emergencies.
- Prepare clothes for all 4 seasons even if the weather forecast shows that it’s ‘all clear’.
- Park the campervan facing the exit for a quick getaway. No time wasted doing three-point turns, especially in the dark!
- If it makes you feel more comfortable, leave a pair of men’s rugged work boots outside the campervan as a simple deterrent.
- Avoid stealth camping; it is illegal in most places in Australia. Look for free or low-cost campsites if your budget is tight.
- Make sure your fuel and water levels are topped up before long driving stretches, so you don’t have to make unnecessary stops at remote locations.
- You don’t have to tell strangers you’re travelling alone or where you’ll be staying/visiting.
- Choose a self-contained campervan with a shower, toilet and kitchen so you don’t have to rely on public facilities if you don’t feel safe. View our entire range of campervans here!
Image: Most importantly, enjoy your time with close-up views of Australia!
Ready To Embark On Your Solo Trip?
We have a bunch of resources, including itineraries, available on our website. You can find some holiday park recommendations in our travel blog, and check the amenities that are included in our campervans.
Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
