If the cap fits, then wear it. LOL.

With due deference to the female GN's I don't think Grey comes into it anymore.My partners hair colour depends on which brand she uses,but always a reddish rusty shade.

So the Grey bit can be a misnomer.

I personally think it's a state of mind having taken the decision to travel this great country be it short trips,long trips or full time.

Tent/caravan/motorhome or any other mode of transport I really don't think that comes into it.It's that indefinable state of mind of the explorer,that person who wants to see over the next hill,who wants to know how the rest of the world looks.

Comfortable knowing that there are like minded people out there from all walks of life that  don't judge people, they just accept that we are all different and while we head south they may head north. Underneath we have that wanderlust that needs attention.

It's a great feeling knowing that tomorrow will bring new vistas and knew friends.

Yes for me it's a state of mind.

-- Edited by Yuglamron on Tuesday 22nd of January 2013 09:19:51 AM

Me, I reckon a "Grey Nomad" is a traveller, so I call myself a "Part Time Grey Nomad" because I do not travel full time, YET.

Welcome to the forum -if I haven't done so before!!

Doesn't matter if you are grey or not - you are on the road - you are a nomad, so qualify to call yourself a grey nomad. I am a bit older than you, and am only now letting the grey grow into my hair, but I have considered myself a grey nomad for quite a while now - on the road fulltime.

The best of life!!!!

@Crackles....good question, I have wondered myself.

I would most definitely support the idea that being a grey nomad is based on being of a particular mindset; where one has a motivation and confidence to 'roam'.

Mind you, having a few 'translucent' hairs (or none left at all) is probably a qualifier too. 

G'day, being a little dyslexic I have trouble remembering exactly what we are called again, and the first name that invariably springs to my mind is No Gonads....which seems easier for me to remember than Grey Nomads for some reason....I guess both are simply a state of mind in either case...to some it conjures a Gypsy existance...to some like John Williamson 'Old Farts in Caravan parks'..to me the name embodies a bit of the best of all those attributes..but most of all a feeling of caring,honesty,humour..as in life does not have to be so serious after we have had all the responsibilites of family commitments..and now its just the one or two of us..relief to now be able to do what we want as a free spirit rather than dancing to someone elses tune...and when I go to say the Bendigo Leisure Fest, the comradrie and basic respect shown to each other by our peer group....no barging or jostling in queues whether its to food or the urinals..where we definitely like to take our time...future generations should be lucky enough to experience being a grey nomad and most definitely with their gonads....Hoo Roo.

-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Tuesday 22nd of January 2013 11:08:35 PM

Aww this is very cute. I am here on behalf of my grandparents, who are half convinced that they should do a little bit of travelling but a little intimidated that it's mostly young people out on the road. Last year I had to skype in for their anniversary celebration as I was away getting exciting experiences under my belt. It seems to have struck something with them, especially as all their peers were going on excitedly about that fact.

So I am posting here for them, with them reading what I say and what you guys say. I hope they find the right inspiration to go ahead and do this.

I especially loved that reply about reddish rusty shade of hair... haha, cute. It is very cool to see that so many of you share this state of mind. You have worked hard all your life. Why not go and see the world that you have helped to shape eh? Happy travels everyone!

welcome blinkwanderer and great your are there for your grandparents. I really hope they get the inspiration to start their travels. the definition of a grey nomad, well I am beginning to think maybe I am one already without even leaving home as yet. Upon reflection of this posting and my past few weeks, it has gone like this, last week Melbourne, this week Adelaide, 2 weeks time Melbourne again and 2 weeks after that back to Adelaide for the caravan and camping show. I live in Mt Gambier so half way between these cities. At least I will know the main highways if nothing else. Now just have the house sold and I might be able to get off the main highway and travel the byways. I guess it is all a matter of the mind and what one wishes to class themselves as, at present a blonde tending towards grey nomad would be me until I get to the hairdresser again.
Whatever it is and whatever the state of mind, having fun is the name of the game.

Sharon.

.. and really, I'm happy to be a Bald Nomad .. many years ago I just started growing through my hair and .. well ..

Jon

We haven't retired, but we call ourselves, apprentice grey nomads just learning. We travel as much as we can and love every minute of it and getting grey slowly.

Cheers all

 

Sue & Steve

Thank you for the warm welcome!

They are in their 70s. No they don't own a caravan or anything... yet. Might be something the parents would be willing to get them if after their little adventures, they feel like having one. I did the Kiwi Experience out in New Zealand by myself, and told them there were actually quite a number of older folk around in the hostels and such. Most preferred just paying for the buses (Intercity i think it was called) and then staying in some cosy accommodation. So I told them they could do the same here as they are comfortable with buses anyway. It's more relaxing than having to drive I think. Have any one of you done it this way? 

I want to get them started on the little trips first, not too far away. They can wander further once they get a hang of it. I think a bit of experience is important to know what to pack, what you enjoy most etc. 

I have been looking up holiday rentals for a family trip where the whole family can go away together, as a taster for them :)  We used to do that when my siblings were younger and it was always heaps of fun. So I know they will enjoy this, and with someplace really scenic like Gold Coast and a comfortable house, they will be excited surely especially with the whole family together. I found some great ones on Wego Australia. I used it for my last trip to find cheap flights but I noticed they added holiday rentals recently and it lets you compare and stuff so it's pretty neat. A little complex for the grandparents but perfectly easy for us to have a browse and show them pictures from the good choices. ANyone used this before?

 

And fineheart, I agree with your daughter in law. Get out there :)