Traveling solo has been around for years. Many articles and books have been written about it. Tour companies cater to the solo traveler. Senior solo travel expert Janice Waugh of Solo Traveler World “…estimates that probably 75 percent of solo-traveling seniors opt for a tour, but there are certainly some who choose to explore completely independently. ‘I think that as long as you’re fit and healthy and adventurous, then it works well,’ Waugh says. ‘Those who go independently, it’s very interesting to see the response of the world to them. It’s very welcoming.'”*
Cyndy Miller-Hughes, a friend and former colleague of mine, retired in 2018 after 32 years as an educator. She has been traveling independently since. I met up with her recently to examine her “new” way of traveling solo in Van-Geaux.
Sherry: What were you most looking forward to in retirement?
Cyndy: Travel
Sherry: I understand you purchased a small van for traveling. Why this particular van?
Cyndy: It is just the right size, drives like a car, and has everything I need.
Sherry: Did you have it customized?
Cyndy: It was built out by Cascade Campers in Nevada City, California.
Sherry: Does it have a name?
Cyndy: Van-Geaux…I went to grad school at LSU…Geaux Tigers!
Sherry: What made you want to travel this way?
Cyndy: I’ve loved camping since I was a kid.
Sherry: Tell us about your van if you would.
Cyndy: It is a Ram ProMaster City cargo van. It has a fridge, a couch that converts to a double bed, a sink, a stove, 2 USB charging ports, an inverter for charging a laptop or a phone, and solar panels on the roof. (Link to YouTube video of a conversion built out)
Sherry: Did you have any experience staying in a van or RV before this purchase?
Cyndy: Yes, I lived in a 24 foot RV trailer for two years while I was still working.
Sherry: Where have you and Van Geaux travelled so far?
Cyndy: Through New Mexico and southern Colorado…visited 4 national parks, which makes 29 out of 62 thus far.
Sherry: Do you have roadside assistance?
Cyndy: Absolutely
Sherry: Did you have to have extra insurance in order to sleep/stay in the van?
Cyndy: RV insurance
Sherry: Do you ever get scared while traveling alone?
Cyndy: No, but I am always on alert and I only stay in RV parks or private property through Harvest Hosts or Hipcamp. Once I was driving down a road to my destination and I noticed I didn’t have cell service. My gut told me I should not continue so I turned around and checked into a hotel for the night. Always, trust your gut and plan well.
Sherry: How do you protect yourself?
Cyndy: Mace, bear spray, and I have an alarm system
Sherry: Do you think it is harder for a woman to travel alone?
Cyndy: Not so much anymore. Van life has really opened up for everyone.
Sherry: Now for the less glamorous but practical question. Where do you take showers, go to the bathroom and wash your clothes?
Cyndy: RV parks for showers…haven’t done laundry, but most RV parks. I have a small porta potty in my van.
Sherry: What are your favorite music or podcasts you listen to on your travels?
Cyndy: My Amazon playlist and a mix of comedy and mystery for podcasts
Sherry: Who has been the most interesting person you have met so far on your travels?
Cyndy: I met a 90 year old woman traveling with her daughter who was an understudy in the movies…Clark Gable was in one of them.
Sherry: Have you prepared any great meals in your van or do you mostly eat out?
Cyndy: I eat out about 1/3 of the time ..nothing too fancy so far in the van.
Sherry: What do you like about and dislike about solo traveling?
Cyndy: My agenda wins out…ha. However, it gets a bit lonely at times.
Sherry: What future trips do you have planned?
Cyndy: North Dakota to Teddy Roosevelt National Park.
Sherry: Do you have any words of wisdom or inspiration for other solo retirees?
Cyndy: Do it…losing my son a few years ago has really reinforced to me how precious life and time are…..
Sherry: Anything else you would like to add?
Cyndy: Go see our beautiful country anyway you can.
“Solo travel…can be the ultimate self-indulgence, the chance to tailor a vacation strictly to your own tastes, energies, and timetable–to go where you please, do exactly what you want when you want, and meet interesting new people of all ages and both sexes, married and single, in the process.”
–Eleanor Berman, Traveling Solo: Advice & Ideas for More Than 250 Great Vacations
If you’d like to check out others who are living the van life, check out Jordan Osmond’s YouTube channel with 162k subscribers. He is “passionate about van life and living on the road.”
*https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/senior-travel/senior-travel-mistakes-to-avoid