Single members
Just asking do you feel out of place and looked at differently on sites when your on your own and everyone around you are couple's or families.
Anyone else feel the same.
Comments
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Never seen it as a problem or felt out of place. I'm often on my own and love it. I'm quite sociable and will chat to folks but enjoy the solitude of doing my own thing when I want.
I'm sure you know already but there are groups catering for solo tourers. Have you thought about trying any of them. The one that springs to mind is the New Companions. I've added a link to their website. https://newcompanions.org.uk/about-us/
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I often go mid week to mid week while Mrs C and the 'odd' family member comes Friday to Sunday.
I've seen others do the same and I've never felt out of place at all or been looked at differently, or maybe I just don't notice how people look at me anyway?
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I've been 'vanning 'single handed' since I got rid of my one-man tent !! Only once has somebody passed comment about how lonely I must be, so they had brought me a delightful bowl of cream cake and all went pear-shaped when she smelled the meal I was cooking. But, But, I did eat the cake & returned the washed & dried bowl -- with thanks & a big grin !!
Treat folks just as you would at home == comments on the weather, how friendly the dog is etc break the ice everywhere
Just enjoy yourself !!
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No and No. Basically I don't change when I camp by myself
My brother has solo camped full time for nearly 7 years and he still enjoys the freedom it brings. If he wants social interaction he uses the the washing up facilities other then that he is happy with his own company. This lifestyle has allowed him to gain a degree in Astronomy
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Not changing will bring a degree of loneliness OP👃🏻🥴-phew.
I too camp solo, I love it, no odd looks, like Jill I am very social & always greet folk I see/pass👍🏻
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We see lots of folks touring solo, and they are often the most sociable to be honest. I suppose they tend to be out and around more doing everything for themselves, so get more good mornings and hellos. We have had some nice long chats and often shared a cuppa with solo travellers, CLs are possibly more social than big sites, but possibly because you see more of the same person.
Either way, there are lots of solo tourers out there, and most sites are very very friendly.
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I very rarely comment on these pages in recent years, for reasons I shall not go into, but this subject is close to my heart.
I have toured alone since my first outing way back in 1987. I was VERY self-conscious about it in those days and there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that, at that time, I was regarded as an oddity - especially as I was then in my mid-thirties. This did not stop some people chatting and being friendly but you could see a lot of people were cautious and suspicious. Only once has anyone made a negative comment about it - expressing the view that it was sad! I was frankly upset by that and have never forgotten it. Maybe he was trying to be empathetic, but that was not how I saw it and I was pretty cross. It made me feel inadequate and really knocked my self-esteem and I could not help thinking that was what he intended. That I can remember the exact day and place (Gatwick August bank holiday 1989) indicates the impression it made on me - nearly 30 years ago! Others have commented about me being on my own, but not patently in a negative way.
Although still rare, it has definitely become more common for single people to be seen on sites, and my own self-consciousness evaporated years ago; but some still view it as a bit strange and I am convinced that it limits the extent to which couples will engage with me. I always want to talk and chat with neighbours and others on site (for the very reason that I am alone and like to talk), and many will respond, but a lot don't or avoid eye contact. Some of these are just not the sociable type, or prefer to keep themselves to themselves, and one must respect that, but some are plainly reluctant to connect with single people, and single men in particular, and I do find that mildly upsetting.
I am aware of single groups but, despite always more than willing to chat to and be sociable with other campers on an ad-hoc basis, I won't get involved in such groups because it immediately imposes obligations (although such groups always deny it) and I just want to relax and be free to always do my own thing.
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Lone campers and vanners aren't always single. Lots of people come away without their partners who are working or doing something different !
Both my wife and I can often be found camping solo .
I'm a sociable chap and usually ready to strike up an friendship - but am also happy with my own company and don't need looking after.
But a drink or a meal with others can enhance a holiday!0 -
What a good post Graydjames and something that I can empathise with.
I have continued caravanning on my own since my wife passed away and can confirm your observation that a lot of people are reluctant to have a conversation with a single male. I have noticed it’s a lot easier to strike up a conversation on the occasions my granddaughter comes away with me, even if other people aren’t with children.
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I once spent 6 months in the c/van despite being married. MOH came and visited me two or three times which must have seemed odd to other holiday makers. Did I feel lonely? - No. Chatted to anyone who stopped to say hello, enjoyed the natter at the washing or washing up facilities.
Helped out motor-homers without a car, shopping is a very necessary task for all of us, certainly did not feel out of place or lonely. After all you only get back what you put in!
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I am single as my wife died in Sep 2016. I mainly travel around mainland EU and do tend to keep to myself as I am uncertain as to reaction. I do get in conversations and advice as to where to go from all nationalities except British. I am ignored by British in general, miserable lot.
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I caravan alone with my cat.
I generally find most people friendly, maybe having the cat helps, I am always happy to chat to others or help if someone wants it (for example putting up their awning).
Camp on a range of sites from large to small, club and commercial, yes I do find that I can feel (as a single male 35), I am viewed differently mainly on big sites but of course that may not be intended.
Generally one of the things I enjoy about camping/Caravaning is most people are friendly and sociable different to staying in hotels etc.
Jon
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I occasionally caravan by myself, I’m fairly self contained but not rude. Never had a problem.
Brother has MH alone for about 7 years. He travels all over Europe and has made some great friends of all nationalities and he has never had problems and doesn’t seem to get lonely
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Been 'vanning, on my own, for the last 20 years (at least).....and mostly on CC sites.
Can honestly say I've never had comments (at least to my face) of the "Oh, you're on your own" type in the same way as no-one has made the same kind of comment at my home (& I've lived in the same house for 30 years).
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