Solo female traveler and my worst fear

[Suanne]

In addition to a cell phone for emergency calls, I also carry a SPOT GPS Messenger.  It will "call" for help when I'm places without cell reception. 

I've been carrying a SPOT since 2010.  Gratefully, I've never had to use it for a 911 emergency or road assistance.  But, the cost of the device and its yearly service has been more than worth it for my (and hubby's) peace of mind when I'm traveling solo.

Suanne

 

[Roadtramp]

Breaking down, alone, at night, on the side of a road, in the middle of nowhere.  Eeeeeeeek!

Simple solution - don't drive in the middle of the night...

You got this - it's easy...just different from what you know...

Enjoy...

 

[gcal]

There are women's groups that travel together and look out for each other. Unless you are dead set on a particular schedule, look up some of them.

 

[highdesertranger]

no AC here. I am anti AC. highdesertranger

 

[sassypickins]

This is a good thread. I don't recall if you are coming to RTR Cheli but if so it will be nice to meet you.

I don't drive at night either, and I haven't broken down or felt vulnerable, but this reminds me to practice my plan, which I have not done for some time. When I first got out and about I decided for security I would have a 'Plan' and have everything in place so I could function and not panic.

I got and arranged the things I thought I might need or could use. The first time I pretended someone was trying to break into my van I couldn't find my glasses and I knocked my LED flashlight that I was going to blind them with off my bedside table and it rolled off into the side door well or somewhere, I can't remember now. So much for that effort and the 2nd try wasn't much better. I spent more time laughing out loud and bumping my shins but that helped me get over being so nervous and paranoid. I finally got myself functioning -- I hope.

Should something scary ever arise, knock on wood, I hope I'll be able to make an intruder think twice. Or maybe if they hear me laughing maniacally they'll just leave in fear. For now my relaxation level has increased a lot just believing I have a 'Plan'. Who knows what the reality would be, right? So I decided not to lose sleep over it because I really like my sleep ha ha.

Sassy

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Even though it's humor and fiction, I honestly can apply the zombieland rules to pretty much any survival situation. I gave a Women's Self Defense speech once and applied these rules to every situation from date rape to purse snatchers. Like sassypickins said, being prepared, takes most, if not all, the fear away. Plan and practice. And laugh!!

My sons are all military so they have worked with me on self defense. We use zombie survival stuff just as fun way to prepare. If you can survive zombies, you can survive anything right? ;-)

http://thezombieblog.net/2013/11/25/the-33-rules-of-zombieland/

 

[highdesertranger]

SSW that is the first time anybody explained the zombie thing to me that makes any sense. really. highdesertranger

 

[buckwilk]

So, HDR, Zombies are starting to make sense to you? (<;

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Awesome HDR! Wasn't sure if I should post that so glad you liked it.

One huge disadvantage women tend to have is that they usually know their attacker and have misplaced feelings for them because we are nurturers by nature. By changing their mindset and making them realize that a person who is out to harm you, is no longer a loved one, but a "zombie", (inhuman, monster, going to hurt you), women remove the hesitation that could cost them their life.

And those rules are common sense for men or women. Be alert, know your way out, check the back seat,....all good practices.

The Army actually uses zombie scenarios for training now. My sons loved it. They had a blast seeing how many head shots they could make. My youngest came so proud because he made so many head shots during his Zombie training. They had moving targets that looked like zombies. If he deploys I know he will treat the enemy like zombies and not hesitate. His life depends on it, so I am all for it.

 

[Cheli]

This is a good thread.  I don't recall if you are coming to RTR Cheli but if so it will be nice to meet you.

No unfortunately I won't be at RTR, I've just recently decided I want to do this so I'm hoping within a year I will have a van, converted it for living, and be on the road.  So my plan is to be at the next one but maybe meet some people prior to that on the road.

And I agree with you on having a plan is the best defense, for any situation.

 

[SoulRaven]

I am a little late on this thread, but I will have to agree that you should not drive at night. When I am on a road trip I start looking at about 3:00 or 3:30 for a place to settle for the night. That can be a state park campground, national park campground, or cheap (but clean), motel.
I am not in a hurry when I travel, and I can explore, after checking in at one of the places I mentioned. But I NEVER, drive at night.