Community Forums

**NLOVNIT** · 11-16-2022, 01:37 PM

As most of you know, I'm relatively new to this form of travel since losing Dave. Although I've not had all that many outings this past season, I have had lots of time to reflect on RV-ing alone. I had a friend ask me if doing this by myself was what I thought it would be. I had to be honest, it's just not the same without Dave by my side. The enjoyment isn't there anymore. I do make a point to introduce myself to site neighbors & strike up conversations with fellow campers at parks; however, the fun I used to get out of RV-ing isn't the same solo. I'm still committed, at least for a few more years, of seeing where this takes me though.

My question is, to those who've lost their spouse, have you found RV-ing solo not what you'd hoped it would be?

Unplanned Tourist · 11-16-2022, 06:38 PM

Fortunately I still have MDW, but a couple of our friends are widowers. They still get out and join us and others, but I'm sure they would rather still be with their wives.

I would think if you continue traveling, hopefully you will meet others with similar interests.

Happy Trails.

TravelSolo · 11-17-2022, 12:27 PM

have you considered RV travel groups that actually road trip and not just do online things?

like Fantasy RV Tours or Escapees/Xscapers

Airboss68 · 11-17-2022, 01:17 PM

https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...ml#post3929020

macnut · 11-17-2022, 01:25 PM

Really seems like that would be hard. A video blogger mentioned this site, and thought I’d pass it along. Some people are wired to travel alone, but most of us want to share the experience with friends. Blessings to you!

https://girlcamper.com

yeloduster · 11-17-2022, 02:14 PM

I lost my DW 7 years ago. While RVing without her wasn't like it had been with her I had to keep in mind that NOTHING I did was the same. Everything changed!

RVing was not the same but enjoyable never the less.

I have since remarried. She was not an RV girl. I married her for her many other qualities. RVing with her is not the same but then it shouldn't be. It is still fun for both of us!

Hang in there. There is joy in life if we let it in! Keep RVing, I suspect that you will slowly start noticing the joy of the NEW life you have while RVing.

Trapper2022 · 11-18-2022, 11:12 AM

I’m sorry for your loss. I truly feel your pain. My wife passed away from pancreatic cancer 28 days after being diagnosed. No prior issues. I thank God we retired early. The last 16 months have been hard adjusting to being alone. My RV went unused for almost a year. This year I spent 5 months in RV traveling to places we loved. It’s not the same and never will be but the memories are great. It can be sad going back to places you shared together and I don’t expect that to change. Give it time. Hope you find comfort in what ever you do moving forward.

Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

twinboat · 11-18-2022, 11:23 AM

I lost my wife in 2001 after a 5 year battle with cancer. At the time we were 50 years old.

The next year I found myself logging onto dating sites. Thru the wonders of the internet I found a woman, from 80 miles away, who would accept me as I was and we married in 2004.
Although her only camping experience was tent camping twice, she jumped at the opportunity to first boat and then RV full time.

Ludmilla · 11-18-2022, 11:25 AM

I lost my husband earlier this year. We made incredible memories in the RV. We had so many plans that will never happen. We had a 40 foot diesel. I was the only driver but I decided to downsize to make things easier and because I did not need all that room anymore.

Things are not the same and will never be the same. Things are not near as enjoyable without your soulmate to share them with. That includes anything I do - not only RVing. I have no one to share incredible sights with. Just pointing and saying "Isn't that neat!" to someone is really missed. That incredible sight is not as good when it is not shared.

I thought about giving RVing up, but that would mean just giving up on myself. So I purchased a smaller RV - a Super C - and it is much easier to drive, park, maneuver and handle by myself. I will keep on living the best I can. That is what my wonderful husband would have wanted for me. RVing has always been important to me and I need to get out and experience new things.

I am a member of a local RV club and they have been and continue to be good and supportive friends. When I go on trips with them, they make sure that I am invited to go with someone on excursions and get involved in activities. I also joined RVing Women and I am looking forward to going on my first RV trip with them in January. I will use the RV to travel during the holidays to visit family - I do not have any family close to me.

RVing will be different but the difference is part of your life now. Life will never be the same, but you can still make good memories.

**NLOVNIT** · 11-18-2022, 04:53 PM

Thank you all for your words & encouragement. It is truly, deeply appreciated.

DebbieMH · 11-20-2022, 04:55 AM

It's been 2 years this month that my husband passed. I am full time in my motorhome ... yes, it is very different. I miss him terribly, but am still enjoying life. I own a RV lot in a community that is very supportive of me inviting myself sometimes!

My suggestion is to try and travel with others. I have a couple of good friends that I travel with in the summer. Yes, much different and sometimes very sad, but your spouse would want you to continue RVing if it makes you happy. I also think going on a "caravan" would also be a good idea and I will do that someday. Hang in there .....

Flyer15015 · 11-21-2022, 11:16 AM

Having lost my DW about 2 years ago, I am now travelling alone too.
We had 2 trips together to her sister's blueberry farm in Claremont Fla. with our "new to us" Pace Arrow.
We kind of "wandered" down there from Colorado and visited anything with a highway sign. Battleship Alabama was great.
Now that I'm travelling solo, it does not seem the same, though I do visit places that she did not care for, such as car museums, airplane museums and dirt tracks.
Just a different schedule now.

Mike in Colorado

EdInArk · 11-21-2022, 11:25 AM

You need friends to RV with. One organization you could look into would be Sisters on the Fly. My wife is very active and camps with her "sisters" often. At first, she'd go while I was off on motorcycle rides, but now she leaves me home with the mutt some weekends while she RVs with them

It's fair enough. I do leave her with the mutt while I'm galivanting around the country on two wheels

I'd say don't give up on it too easily. If you enjoyed RVing before you still can. Contact a Good Sams chapter in your area, the aforementioned Sisters on the Fly, or whatever.

bighatnohors · 11-23-2022, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

My question is, to those who've lost their spouse, have you found RV-ing solo not what you'd hoped it would be?

I can't answer your question but I have to thank you for asking and special thanks to everyone who answered. I lost my wife last month and wonder how it will be to rv travel again.
One thing for sure, everything is better when you have someone to share it with.