Why This Solo Camper is Not Afraid to Travel Alone

Often I'm asked if I'm Afraid to Travel Alone.

Photo by Nachelle Nocom on Unsplash

Often I’m asked if I’m afraid to travel alone, since there is so much crime everywhere and fear regarding Covid. Yes, I fear Covid and other viruses, but still I want to live a full life.

So, I can’t let fear hold me back.

I’m Not Afraid to Travel Alone

I’ve always been fascinated about crime stories. American Greed is probably my favorite show. Being that human nature is basically the same in all of us, I’m puzzled why some people commit heinous crimes for no sensible reason other than being afraid of being caught and punished. I’m aware of evil.

Crime happens everywhere, even in our homes. We may lock our doors at night to feel safe (I do sometimes) while sleeping, but still it’s no guarantee that someone will not break in on us. So, I realize crime can happen anywhere, even while camping.

I feel safe traveling alone. I practice common sense concerning vehicle maintenance, meeting strangers, and being prepared in case I have a medical emergency. But still, I don’t let fear hold me back.

I make sure I have plenty of fuel in my van before I approach a large city. It would be disastrous if I ran out of gas in heavy traffic. I keep plenty of food and water also.

I Map Out My Journey Ahead of Time

In the old days when I was younger, I would hit the road with a destination in mind, but no plans for my needs. Usually, I would find a motel room from reading signs off the interstate and pull in and rent it for the night. Not anymore!

Those days are long gone.

I like to travel around 300 miles a day. Since I favor state parks, I plan my trips around my reservations. I’m in no hurry, so this method works out fine for me.

Animals Can Be a Threat to Campers

Humans are not the only danger to travelers, animals can harm us too. It’s wise to be aware of insects, snakes and wild cats. Dogs can sometimes attack us unexpectedly, if we are off guard.

If you like traveling in the desert like me, we need to be especially mindful of stepping out of the camper without looking down first. Snakes and hila monsters like to hide under places like camper vans.

I always carry a first-aid kit with me. I don’t rely on calling 911 always. While taking precaution, I never expect to experience accidents. Therefore, I go prepared, but still I don’t live in fear that something is going to happen.

The Art of Online Writing

Last week, I finished reading Nicolas Cole’s book titled; “The Art and Business of Online Writing”. The book was well worth the $20 that I paid for it. It was published in 2020.

Even though I’ve been writing online since 2008, times have changed and I realize I need to update my writing skills. Since the average reader scans articles; it’s important to learn how to capture their attention first by a powerful headline. I like to use the Headline Analyzer tool for this.

Cole advocates for writers to make deliberate choices to make your writing sound more natural. Rather than following rules that you learned in high school or college, one should write to express their personality to the reader.

Write from your heart to only one reader to resonate well with your audience.

Here is a list of writing rules Nicolas encourages writers to live by.

• Write for the everyday person. Forget about academic writing if you want broad exposure and use non-complicated language.

• Write how you speak. You will be perceived as relatable if you write naturally.

• Avoid long sentences. The more winding your thoughts the more confusing your writing will be for the reader to follow. remember, you are writing for someone whose eyes are flying across the page at lightspeed.

• Alternate sentence length. Short sentences should be followed by longer sentences you need to develop a rhythm for your reader.

• Write confidently and declaratively. You need to “make a point” or “take a stance” so you can resonate with your reader.

So, the long paragraphs and 30 word sentences bore the reader who is rushed to consume internet content.

While camping, I enjoy reading on Quora, Reddit, Medium, LinkedIn, but I have to balance my reading time with my writing schedule.

You have to read to be able to write. But
write to learn how to write.

While practicing safety and exercising common sense, I’m not afraid to travel alone. I believe in having faith while traveling and enjoying the things that I love to do in this life.

Thanks for reading. More about van life is coming your way.

Do more of what makes you HAPPY!

Carol