Hi, Hey, Hello!

[likefireworks]

Hi everyone!<br><br>I'm a 22 year old female currently saving up to have a go at living on the road by myself. My friends and family think I'm crazy, but after thinking about doing this for the better part of a year now I've finally decided its what I feel is best for me and its something I would deeply regret not doing in 10 years time. I figure now is the perfect time to do it; I have no real responsibilities, I work from home, I have no children. I have a boyfriend, but he has no interest in going with me though he's one of the few people supportive of the idea. I have a dog, but I plan on taking her with me. She's a chihuahua, so a motor home would provide about as much space for her as we have now renting in Denver. After seeing the experiences of so many people making it happen while married and with families, I figure there's no excuse for me to not make it happen. I've always been a bit of a dreamer, I think the time has come for me to be a do-er instead. <br><br>My current plan is to live on the road full-time for a year, though I may decide to do it longer. I've been browsing older Winnebagos as my vehicle of choice, though I'm trying not to get my heart too set on anything specific since it will probably be a few months before I have the cash to buy something outright (I don't want to finance and take on any debt.) I've been mostly creating savings/budget plans, but I've also been working on researching everything to the smallest detail possible and making lists of places I want to go once I'm finally ready to hit the road.<br><br>I've been lurking the forums for a few weeks now, and finally decided to join because it seems to be a mecca for information and friendly advice. So hi! And I look forward to getting to know everyone better as I make my transition from Suburban girl to nomad <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[THECHEMICALS]

<P>Hi welcome, i just joined too about 30 min ago <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> </P>

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;Welcome to both of you! It doesn't matter how old you are ,what sex you are ,whether you're traveling solo or with a partner ,your friends and family will think that you're crazy! You won't regret your decision except you may find that it gets in your blood and a year is not nearly enough time. : D<br>

 

[Les H]

Hi to both of you and welcome to the forum, glad you "de-lurked"!

 

[likefireworks]

Thank you all so much <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>

 

[yesican]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Do me a favor fireworks, as a mother of two daughters just slightly older than you, please contact your folks every morning and every evening.&nbsp; You are embarking on an exciting time but can be full of dangerous pitfalls.&nbsp; Your parents must be terrified.&nbsp; Ease their anxiety, contact them daily with news of your escapdes and future plans and ALWAYS ALWAYS be prepared and on-guard.&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">I hope you have the greatest time of your life and you return home safely to your folks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Welcome Aboard!!!&nbsp;Rae</p>

 

[likefireworks]

yesican, I will <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> My parents are pretty laid back, but they are a bit antsy about this. When I first started talking about it I they were in favor, but only because they didn't think it would ever actually happen. As I've started saving and seriously looking at motor homes and such, they have started to seem a bit more worried, so I will definitely do that. I intend to keep my cell phone with my unlimited plan on the road, so staying in touch with my family should be easy. <br>

 

[yellerstone]

<p style="margin: 0px;">welcome and awesome, </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">fireworks,&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;as a mom of a 22 yr old and 25.&nbsp; I would like you to look into the safety and warnings of being by yourself.&nbsp; I don't want to discourage you but I would want you to arm yourself with safety measures and be WISE.&nbsp; Have fun and read up....&nbsp; have a plan if you have RV trouble or get yourself in a "situation"&nbsp; maybe some mace and /or self protection classes??&nbsp; I worry about safety even with me and my husband,&nbsp;&nbsp; take care,&nbsp; maybe you can find groups to hang with on your journey??&nbsp; </p><p style="margin: 0px;">happy traveling and RV living</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">Twiggy</p>

 

[cargovanconversion]

<p>likefireworks:</p><p>Yeah, be safe and be able to change a tire, etc. And remember, there are still more things you don't know then you do.</p><p>That said, have a go at it. I still remember my bike ride when I was 17, from northern Europe, where I lived, to and along the Mediterranean coast and back. Only a few weeks and a couple of thousand miles, but the best thing I've ever done. You have the same opportunity, make the best of it!</p><p>Van.</p>

 

[akrvbob]

<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;">Welcome, I love your attitude. I am reminded of a quote from Helen Keller: <br><br></span></span><div style="text-align: left; margin-left: 80px;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Security is mostly a superstition.</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">It does not exist in nature,</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">nor do the children of men as</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">a whole experience it.</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Avoiding danger is not safer in the long run</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">than outright exposure.</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.</span></font></span></span><br style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span class="text"><span style="font-size:20px;line-height:24px;"><font size="5"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Helen Keller</span></font></span></span></div>

 

[likefireworks]

Safety is definitely a concern since I'm going at it alone and I doubt my two pound chihuahua will serve as much of a guard dog <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> My mother is actually a police officer, so its obviously one of her largest concerns as well. I am CIP certified currently, but I plan on taking legit self defense courses before I leave, as well as stocking up on pepper spray key chains. The way I see it is I currently live in Denver, which has fairly high crime rates as it is, so to not leave here out of fear for my safety would be a bit silly as equally terrible things could happen to me on my way to the corner store. <br><br>Learning how to change tires and stuff is definitely something I need to learn though. I have never been the handiest of people. I guess that's another reason I'm so determined to do this. I've never felt like I'm very independent or self sufficient, and I feel like in my current living situation I am never going to get the opportunity to learn to be so. I've still got a lot of preparing ahead of me. All of your help and advice is definitely giving me more things to take into consideration to make sure I'm 110% ready when the time comes. Thank you. <br><br>And akrvbob, that is one of my all time favorite quotes!<br><br>

 

[owl]

<P>FDR said in his inaugural address " The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. " If I could give you any advice.&nbsp;Don't let your fears, or anyone elses for that matter, get in the way of your life.</P>

 

[yellerstone]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I don't want her to live in fear,&nbsp; just be smart and prepared......&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">a 22 year old pretty girl....alone</p><p style="margin: 0px;">just smart and prepared is all she needs to be <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"></p>

 

[judycmomx6]

Welcome to you. If you hadn't have told us how old you are I would have sworn you were my age by the way you talk. You seem to be a very smart girl, but like the others have already said, just always keep your guard up. Be especially careful in rest areas and truck stops, they seem to be the most dangerous places for us girls. And I know how you feel, I had the wander bug when I was your age, and at 55 I can tell you it doesn't go away, ever. &nbsp; I also wanted to tell you to consider keeping a roadside assistance program all the time. If anything happens to your RV, all you have to do is call them and they will do everything from un-locking your door to changing tires, jumping off your battery and towing you to a garage. It is the best thing you could possibly have when you have a mechanical emergency and your on the side of the road somewhere by yourself. Just always try and make sure you know what your location is in case you have to tell someone where you are, re: milemarkers, hwy. numbers, etc.<div>With all that being said, just enjoy your life and consider yourself lucky that you have discovered this lifestyle young enough to really enjoy it. &nbsp;Good luck on your new journey!</div>