Hi Everyone

Very sadly I'm about to be a solo. Rod is terminally ill with cancer. We have been Grey Nomads for over 5 years towing a 22ft caravan with a landcruiser. We loved the lifestyle but I don't know what I should do once I'm a solo, I will be 60 this year. I don't want to tow our caravan and was going to sell it and the car and that's when the dilemma comes in. Do I buy a small relocatable home and settle permanently or do I buy a motorhome and continue travelling.

I will have limited funds as our caravan and car is our only asset. What is the best buy for a motorhome? My concern is that it will depreciate over time and eventually I will be left with nothing. If I buy a relocatable I would save for a small 12ft van or camper and travel for holidays. I'm a bit worried about being solo considering some of comments I've read about loneliness and security.

I just really want to hear from some of you regarding your experience doing this.

Thanks everyone :)

Hi rodlainie,

my heart goes out to you. That is a dilema. Where you live r mobile homes expensive?

Mobile homes on the central coast nsw are way out of my price range, but then it is much the same anywhere these days. People just know permanent grey nomads decide to stop someday and decide to make plenty of $$ from it. So many not much more than a very old van with an annexe, you don't own the land and have to pay rent, but a decent one is over $100k start price. That would be all I own and have saved.

It's not an easy decision, especially at this time. :(

Thanks Roundthebend

Of course I will be taking my time to consider my options, hence why I wanted to get some other views. I think I just have to keep my mind busy and whether that is fixing up a relocatable or travelling is what I'm not sure about. Perhaps if I settled I could still do my housesitting to travel or save for a small camper.

How do you find travelling on your own?

I'd like to get as many different perspectives to a solo life as I can to help me decide if it's for me.

Thanks Collin

I know it is early and I won't make any decisions until I know it is right. Rod and I loved the nomad lifestyle and we saw so many beautiful places around Australia. It was such a peaceful and carefree way to live and we met great people in our travels. So my heart strings are pulling me there but my head is telling me to look out for the future when I may not be able to travel anymore. I guess the security of having a home base is the sensible way to go (if I can afford one).

Cheers

I can imagine what your going through I was forced out my home with no prospects of going back I decided to get a motorhome as I was so lost and still am yes it is lonely  I've been on the road since November still trying to find myself what does help financially I applied for rent assistance and it does help a little but in time hopefully it comes together and then I may make some decision. I am so sorry for your loss it would be so painful as I know I still am.

Dwilz wrote:

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I can imagine what your going through I was forced out my home with no prospects of going back I decided to get a motorhome as I was so lost and still am yes it is lonely  I've been on the road since November still trying to find myself what does help financially I applied for rent assistance and it does help a little but in time hopefully it comes together and then I may make some decision. I am so sorry for your loss it would be so painful as I know I still am.

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Dave how did you find out about rent assistance please??? 

Rodlainie, I just wanted to say hello and pass on my best wishes.

Cheers, John.

Hello Laine, firstly  I am sorry at hearing of the sad news of Rod, and feel for the uncertainties you describe.  Its a good thing that you are looking at your future as its is a wise thing to do, I have never been one for waiting until you get to the bridge and then decide. Where are you situated? I offer you my email address here, as I have some suggestions for you that may help until you decide what you must do.  kishalapetite@hotmail.com  if you provide me with your phone number I will be happy to contact you.
kind regards to you both....Kisha

Hello RodLainie

Like everyone else my heart goes out for you

Sometimes I travel on my own, and I therefore know just some of the trials and tribulations, of being a solo traveller
I feel experienced enough to answer only the following part of your question

I'm a bit worried about being solo considering some of comments I've read about loneliness and security.

In the free and low camps, I have come across many travelling solo ladies
Ranging in age from 20 something backpackers, up to an 80 year old I recently met at a camp near Ararat in SA
None of the solo ladies I had talked to, had ever said that they had been in a camp and felt threatened

Loneliness can eventually be overcome just by saying hello to other travellers close by

I can only wish you all the best for the future, and hope that whatever you decide, makes you happy

Towing a smaller caravan is a good idea.  You already have a car to tow it with a d a caravan is a lot cheaper than a motor home, and mechanics to worry about.  I am retired and have been towing a 17' caravan for four years. Just take it slowly. You are going through a difficult time so don't rush anything, but also, don't wait too long.

Dwilz wrote:

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Go into Centrelink Let them know you live on the road full time you don't own a house and they will help

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Thanks they don't publish anything to my knowledge.

You know exactly how I feel Roundthebend having been there yourself. I'd love to say bugger the future but not having a home base I have to consider what happens if I become unwell and unable to travel. Rod is only 63 and I am 59, we have travelled for the past 5 - 6 years together and I wonder if it would ever be the same without him.

Enjoy your travels and life while you can. It's a beautiful country we have and you could easily spend the rest of your life exploring it. Good luck to you and safe travels.

Hi Spida

It's not the towing of the van or the setting it up, it's the hooking it up on my own. There are other things to consider too like registration costs and insurance for 2 vehicles. I would initially be on New start pension and would have to seek work, difficult if you are moving all the time. So I have a lot to consider and have to take my time. :)

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Thanks Kisha

I will definitely keep that info for future reference. As you can understand I am extremely busy, sleep deprived and my phone is always on silent plus almost impossible to have any kind of a conversation on the phone without disturbing Rod.

Very kind of you to offer.

Cheers

Thanks Tony for your kind wishes.

Sorry to hear that hubby is not well. My situation is a bit different - hubby doesn't like travelling so I am solo when I go. I have found anyone that I have met on the road have been great people even down to just a simple hello. I towed a camper trailer and then bought a second hand m/h - I like the motorhome as I don't have the worry of towing but this is your choice obviously. What ever you decide, you do it for you. Best wishes.

I am sorry to hear of your husband's illness and hope things go as well for you both as they ever can in these situations.

Think carefully before buying a motorhome, as opposed to a caravan, as your permanent place of residence.

If a motorhome develops mechanical problems and needs days or weeks in a workshop what will you do? At least with a caravan you, or someone, can tow it to a suitable site whilst you await completion of the work.

Sorrry to hear about hubby.
Unfortunately we all getting into that time frame in life.

Regardless of what other say.
If you not reasonably FIT and strong.
Forget the caravan system.. too much physical things to do.

Have RACQ (whatever).full cover
and hopefully a friends or family address to use as a base.

If your motorhome\small bus. not one ton campervan (They too small to live in)
Breaks down anywhere. they will tow\truck you to repair place. OR that address if within range.
They also supply so many days in motel\hotel for repairs.

Before you decide on anything. Have a word with insurances. and RACQ
as to their coverages.

There are a lot of single ladies living mobile. some older some younger.
They will tell you everything you need.

But unlike a single bloke. Try to have an address to use as a base.
even if you never use it.

We can kip in a tent or under a tarp. short term.
I went round on a 600 dirt bike under an 8 ft tarp at 48yrs. and loved it.
Rode back from Bourke to Adel one handed.
and a handfull of Opiates from Doc.(Shattered left shoulder.)
compliments an Emu liking my front spokes at 80\85km's.
in bull dust. Couldn't see the holes.

DON'T spend ALLyour money on the rig.

Probably. Sensibly. in your case.

Small fixed home. and car\small van or campervan. if you NOT used to being single and by yourself.

13\14ft van would be manageable if you have drop down legs and Trailermate jack at front

A small trolley jack in boot for side to side adjustment at stops. and wheel changing.

Though MOST times somebody will stop for a lady with flat or bonnet up.

SINGLE  is State of mind.

Took me 2 yrs to enjoy closing front door to the world after divorce.

After that.

YEAYYYYYYy. best thing in life. Everybody else outside that door.

UNLESS I wanted it otherwise.

For over 12 yrs,

Till I met this one, (Another Irish girl)

I still like the rest of world other side of door though.

You'll get used to it.    

You'll never forget.  though it'll hurt like sh-t at first.  DON'T lock it in.

but it goes a bit further back in mind and you begin to enjoy things again.

Sell van. BUT DON'T  advertise or tell buyers about your situation.

Not even the dealers if you go that way.

They'll ALL take advantage. The way of the world unfortunately.

You're just changing lifestyle is all.   Hubby working\visiting O.Seas?.

Figure out price\value with old man now.

and best of luck with whatever you do.

If you google guide to social security law part 3.8.1.100 explains who in the travelling community is eligible for rent assistance