The Joy of Solo Female Traveling – The First Annual “Women of Vistabule” Gathering

“Women of Vistabule”

During the early Fall of 2023, Vistabule hosted its bi-annual “Vistabule Rally” at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. Amidst seminars, shared meals, and good times, Lily Taylor, Vistabule’s CTO, held a “Women of Vistabule” session. We gathered to share our unique experiences as solo female travelers, as a growing number of us many of us are traveling in our trailers on our own. Following the session, three East Coast women got together and began discussing the potential for future camping trips with each other. The planning group expanded quickly, and it was decided that Western Maryland would be the location for the first annual “Women of Vistabule” weekend. Once the details were hammered out, we opened the event up to Vistabule public on Facebook and began reserving campsites. 11 women in total signed up for the event. As an added bonus, Vistabule staffers, Lily, and Cindy, drove all the way out from St Paul with a DayTripper and Vistabule in tow to join in.

As the weekend progressed, we shared tips, tricks, and our best experiences as well some of our biggest challenges. Sharing our collective wisdom with one another went a long way in helping each of us walk away feeling more confident with our trailers. The most common challenge people expressed was backing up the Vistabule. Everyone, experience and newbie alike, had the opportunity to practice over the weekend with support from others. Many commented upon arriving home that their ability to back up had noticeably improved.

“Saying our Goodbyes, and See Ya Soons”

Following the Vistabule tours, all of us gathered for a potluck dinner and another hang around the campfire. The menu was communal, everyone brought dish to share with others. The food was amazing, and nobody went hungry. It was clear that each of the attendees really enjoyed cooking in their Vistabules.

As we rolled into Sunday, half of the group had left for home. Those that stayed behind relaxed in camping during a lazy rainy day. We gathered to share dinner, and a final campfire to end the weekend. By all accounts, everyone enjoyed themselves, made new future camping buddies, and expressed a desire to hold a “Women of Vistabule” Gathering on an annual basis. I think we will do just that, so be on the look out for future events. We will announce any details in the usual places (Owner’s/Enthusiast’s groups on Facebook!) – This story was contributed by Lesley Katz, Vistabule owner.

“A Full, Fruitful Weekend”

Once the weekend arrived, we converged on our campground with our trailers, and kicked the festivities off with a rousing campfire. Our discussions centered on learning more about each other, and why we own our Vistabules. Common themes included the freedom of travel, new experiences, and having a good reason to get out into nature. Experience in a Vistabule ranged from several years to newbies with less than a month under their belt. One attendee was on her very first Vistabule trip! We chose to camp in a pet friendly loop of the park, allowing those with pets (which included dogs, cats, and even a parakeet) to enrich the camping experience for all of us.

Saturday was spent on personal and group activities. Many of us enjoyed hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and lounging at the beach. In the late afternoon we did the “Tour of the Vistabules”, with Lily and Cindy providing expert guidance and support, giving many of us the ability to identify maintenance needs and new ideas for potential modifications or add-ons. Everyone went around sharing their best mod or challenge with the Vistabule. It became very clear that each of the attendees camped differently, with different needs and personal preferences. Those that camped with longer stays at a single campground desired to have shelters and awnings to ward off bugs and weather. While those that focused on touring were more likely to keep it simple to be able to pack up quickly while on the move.