Guest Author - Denise Washington

Traveling by RV is an increasing form of travel for the solo traveler. Most hit the road for a nice vacation. Others like Joei Carlton do it full time. I checked in with this author, adventurer, and lecturer to find out why she enjoys the life of a fulltime RVer.

DW: What made you decide to do solo traveling?
JC: I didn't start out traveling solo. My husband and I sold everything we owned, quit our jobs, purchased a motorhome in Great Britain, and embarked on "a trip of a lifetime." We traveled for 2-1/2 years through Great Britain, most of Europe, parts of Africa and North America. I was 45 when we left. Paul was 49. He died of a heart attack in a campground in Northern Germany at the age of 52. There were still so many places that we wanted to see. So, I decided to see them for both of us. The entire story is in my book called �Everyone's Dream Everyone's Nightmare�.

DW: Why do solo travel by RV?
JC: At this point in my life,I cannot think of a better way to live. I get to travel where, when, and for how long I want. Yet, sleep in my own bed every night. It is my choice as to whether I'm with friends, family, strangers or alone. Even when I'm with family and friends, I like having my own private space which a camper definitely provides.

DW: How do you handle safety issues? Loneliness on the road?
JC: I keep my vehicle in tiptop condition. I don't travel in the dark. I like to be off the road by late afternoon. I stay where I FEEL safe. I like Super WalMarts. And if I have to stay in a campground, I want it fairly modern with other campers. When I'm parking at Wal Mart, I park under the lights. I always test to make sure my cell phone works. If there are no other campers around, I ask the manager if I can stay close to the front door. I am so rarely lonely. Bear in mind that I'm working on the road. I go from bookstore to bookstore. I have been on the road since 1989, so I have lots of friends everywhere. When I really feel lonely I call someone.

DW: Are there alot of women traveling solo by RV?
JC: Yes. There are not many men traveling solo. I think men go into the first campground and will take along any woman willing to cook for him and do his laundry. I know you think I'm kidding...but I'm not.

DW: Where is the most exciting place you have visited?
JC: I loved RVing in Europe and Britain. I have a real fascination with archaeological stuff and spent one summer working on 3 digs in England. And, yes, I was in a motorhome at the time. I spent 2 summers in Turkey...fabulous.

DW: Are there RV clubs or organizations that women should know?
JC: I belong to Escapees and Good Sam. Each of those clubs have a singles club. There are LOWs (Loners on Wheels). There are WINs (Wandering Individuals Network). Every type of camper or motorhome have clubs of their own.

DW: What advice do you have for women who are reluctant to travel solo?
JC: If a woman is reluctant about traveling alone...find another woman that is reluctant and travel together. Stay close to home and find camping rallies. You meet the greatest people...friends you'll have for life.

For more information about Joei Carlton and her books, check out www.joeicarlton.com