RV Traveling Tales: Women's Journeys On the Open Road

Women tell their RVing tales in this fascinating book

Any woman who plans to take to the road in an RV will learn from these women's stories and find inspiration as well.

By Chuck Woodbury

This is one of the best RV books to come around in a long time. I think my biggest surprise was the superb quality of the writing, and the outstanding editing as well. It's pretty obvious by my name that I am not a female, and so not the intended audience for this book. But I must tell you that I found virtually every contributor's words inspiring, and as I read I felt an ever-increasing urge to hop in my motorhome and do what most of these women are doing — traveling full-time (or at least a lot) in recreational vehicles.

In the book, published in February, 2003, 52 women address the question: "What is it like to be a female nomad on the open road, leaving family, community, and possessions to head into the unknown in an RV?"

The anthology features the writings of women of varied backgrounds, many living full-time in their RVs, ranging in age from 14-85. They take a humorous look at situations unique to the RVing lifestyle: living in a small box on wheels, maneuvering a 38-foot RV, or surviving bears and other calamities. On the road and away from the support of family and friends, they also cope with life's issues—breast cancer, divorce, loss of a child.

Sections include:

What is full-timing? Full-timers live 365 days a year in their rig. This lifestyle opens up special opportunities. In this section, the writers share experiences that full-time RVing brings.

Life on the road: Living on the road is more than a vacation. It is a way of life. Here the writers share some of the unique experiences they have had living on the road.

Uniquely women: When women take to the road, whether alone or with a partner, they face the same problems and challenges that they might off the road. Life goes on. In addition, it can be difficult to find women friends. In these stories, the writers share how they found women to talk to and have coped with issues close to their heart.

Encounters: Sometimes a day starts out as ordinary but turns out to be extraordinary. Whether by chance or design, encounters add spice to our travels. The writers remember and share encounters — delightful, fearful, intriguing — that are special to them.

Relationships: Imagine living in 250 square feet or less, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This presents special challenges, sometimes insurmountable, as the writers share.

Going your own way: Some women travel alone by choice. In other cases, circumstances—a divorce or death of a spouse—may leave a woman without her travel partner. She may decide to keep traveling on her own. These women share stories of what it is like being a solo traveler.

Heart places: Sometimes in your travels you find a place that is special. Perhaps the sights, sounds, and smells evoke a childhood memory, the music touches a chord, or the natural beauty overwhelms the senses. Or perhaps the people take you into the community like one of their own. In this section, the writers share what is special about a place that has touched their hearts.

The last word: Traveling on the open road may give us different experiences than a more traditional life, but each life experience, no matter where it takes place, changes and shapes us. Our journeys not only take us to new places, but are also a metaphor for the growth and changes in our lives. Our stories connect us to each other and the larger community of women everywhere.

Short pieces—Side Roads, Scenic Overlooks, Animal Crossings, and Exit Ramp—are scattered through out, adding additional bits of information. For the non-RVer or wannabe, a glossary explains terms.

I believe that every women who is on the road or wants to be should read this book. And even those on the road with their spouse will thoroughly enjoy it as well. This would be a great gift for a female friend who yearns to hit the road but hasn't quite mustered the courage to do it.

Order RV Traveling Tales for $14.95.

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