I love being in the caravan and on our peaceful site - well up to now but its getting busier. My OH doesn't want to go away as often as I do as he has other projects going on sometimes at weekends which is fair enough.
I am recovering from agoraphobia and although on a practical level I can manage OK-enough to be in the caravan as far as the equipment goes - I do get a bit anxious I must admit, not only on the site but going new places on my own away from the site, say walking across fields or shops I am unfamiliar with.
Some friends think I am nuts going alone - not necessarily because of how I have been - though that is part of their surprise - but they think it isn't something they would feel comfortable with and say they would be worried about going alone.
I know this isn't a support group but would appreciate it if anyone can give me their opinion, tips or own experiences if you think it will help?
Thanks.
I think I can relate to how you feel. To me my caravan is a place of safety and comfort. I have semi retired and spend much of the year wandering around the UK and find it has given me a new lease of life. The both clubs offer good deals for single campers and caravanners as they charge per person. Be prepared for a few people questioning you as to why you are alone and others who think they feel sorry for you being on your own and want you to join in with them. When checking in at sites I have got used to being asked 'just you?' which I normally ignore or ask if it is a couples only site to turn the question around.
In general just go for it and enjoy the freedom of going where you want and being able to go for walks and get away from the rat race.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Not my own experience as when we go away it is as a family but apart from the agoraphobia if it were me i'd love to just be able to get away from it all on my own if i had the chance :)
You will be on sites with other people so i don't see any safety issues that your friends and family are worrying about.
I don't much more about agoraphobia than the next person but surely you wanting to go away on your own is a positive step forwards?
If they or you are worried about it why don't you invite those along for the day or weekend?
Lots of solo caravanners/campervans and meets throughout the year at our friendly web site. You'll need to google it as this post will be pulled if I put a link in to take you there. Small motorhome and friends....
As for being on your own... stick to the C&CC or CC sites as they are more security conscious than the smaller sites. Look for a campsite which charges a deposit for an entrance key/card and has rules about how late ppl can return, etc.
I think you're doing extremely well with coping with the agrophobia. Keep it up!
I've never been on my own but I think I'd be quite happy to.
Is your van on a seasonal pitch? You could make sure you take enough provisions to see you through & that way you wouldn't have to go shopping if you didn't want to. And if you're on your own you can please yourself whether you go out for a walk or anything - you wouldn't be under any pressure to if you didn't feel up to it.
Maybe just try one night & see how you go? If the site's not too far from home you could always jump in the car & leave if you're uncomfortable with it & your OH could go back with you next day to pack up etc...
I think you're taking a brilliant step forward & sincerely hope you really enjoy it.
"Maybe just try one night & see how you go? If the site's not too far from home you could always jump in the car & leave if you're uncomfortable with it & your OH could go back with you next day to pack up etc...
I think you're taking a brilliant step forward & sincerely hope you really enjoy it.
Hi flip53, Go for it, If you have a pet, then take pet with you,and you could take mobile phone,to reasure you that help is at hand if needed. hope this is of some help, good luck.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Come to one of the many UKCS meets you dont need to go to a solo meet. I am at Longthorns dorset at the moment there are 9 units here tents folding camper and my van.
Plenty of like minded folks around you then to chat to or go to the shops with etc. A mixed group all went around Monkey world together today and we offer lifts with each other if we are popping out for day food and bits.
Next one is Gloucestershire if you want to come not to far for you Hayles meet
------------- July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet Sept naturist week Sept SVR w/e Oct Secret meet Nov hopleys meet
Thanks for all your encouragement. It is a big step for me as this time last year I couldn't walk from my front door to the end of the drive!! Shopping trips were impossible as were having visitors, even answering the door to the postman was impossible for me. (Reaction to a major bereavement in my life sadly).
The site we use is adults only, fairly small and an hour away from home. I am pretty organised so will make sure everything is set up for my needs and won't need to go out if I don't feel like it. I have done it for one night on my own and came home exhausted, although feeling pretty pleased with myself too!! I just wanted this trip (3 nights) to be more relaxing as I was pretty much on edge last time and it took me ages to pack up checking everything several times!!! doh!
The meets sound good but I will have to plan that one as I can't tow so will need my OH to get me there but its not too far away so that's a possibility.
Our storage also has pitches so at the moment I have it towed to a pitch and I just set up so it suits me really well. One step at a time, but you never know I may start visiting other sites too as my confidence grows.
I will look up the Hayles meet.
I really appreciate your help. Sorry for airing my "personal hang ups" on here but at least it is anonymous so I won't be too embarrassed..
I am going on Thursday so will take some of your tips with me (no pet I am afraid so will take a teddy bear lol and plenty to read, listen to, letters to write, some studying I wanted to get done. I am looking forward to having some "me" time to do the things I always want to get round to but never seem to have time at home.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Caravaning alone
and plenty to read, listen to, letters to write, some studying I wanted to get done. I am looking forward to having some "me" time to do the things I always want to get round to but never seem to have time at home.
