Thanks for the responses. I'm glad I inspire someone to do what they want to do. Sometimes it's all about a simple thing called self-confidence, and faith in your own abilities. We can all do it, but I've met people, particularly women, who can't, won't or refuse to do the simple things such as putting the garbage wheelie bin out, or mow their own lawns. One woman I met used to get her son to come around to do those things after her husband died or left. (I can't remember which) Was she so dependent, or was she keeping the umbilical cord attached? Being dependent on others can really retard our progress of self development, and theirs. Do them a favour and let them get on with their own lives. I've had blokes borrow my tools. (Just tools) It's a sort of "smug" feeling I get when I hand over a hammer or a shifter, or a open-ended ring spanner, or a 3/16 socket. Only you hold yourself back, while using other things/people as excuses. Blokes do it to. "I'd love to travel like you do, but I don't have anyone to go with me", they say. "So what!" I say. "Just do it!" Baby steps. Just drive out the driveway first, point the grill toward your chosen destination, be it 10kms from home, or 200kms from home. Once you get the feel of it, you won't want to stop, I guarantee it. Do it in the car with a suitcase in the boot. Make up your mind how you want to do it. Which way will suit you best, be it camper van, mobile home or towing a small or bigger van. I hope our paths do cross out there somewhere. It's very small country when you have wheels under you.

Cee, I started as a solo while I was still working, first with a tent then a home made camper van, purpose built campervan, the camper trailer, then caravan etc. I would think about doing trips on your annual leave (or long service leave if you have it) and building up from there. You could also join a local caravan and camping club that allows tents also to do the odd weekend/long weekend etc, you learn a lot from other people. Get hold of Camps 5 (Anaconda have them on sale for $38 dollars at the moment) and an RAC/NRMA caravan/camping guide as well. It would be better to start small before you throw your secure job in, unless you are either qualified for the pension or have enough funds to tide you over etc. At one stage while working I did give up work, although I had a previous super income so had some resources to help me along, when I finished my around Oz trip I found another job (still too young to retire etc). Good luck with whatever you decide, Vic

I too started to travel solo when kids we to old to come with me or didnt want to ..and been solo parent for many years you do lose contact with other so if you dont go alone you dont go sometimes .. i did baby steps first just weekend and stay in pubs /motels then did tents and love it now soon i have my home on wheels and i cant wait .. i love it out there you get to meet some many people who are doing same thing for so many diffeerent reasons and you get to see some many diffferent places .. but in the end it what make YOU HAPPY and if been solo on the road dosent well dont go find your nich in life and you be like a pig in mud lol

started planning my jaunt 2 years ago. Retiring april 2011 and all sorted. Nissan D22 sorted to dual fuel, solar power water system, camper all sorted. Travel plans.....well... no more than 300kms a day, no more than 3 days a week, the kids are just scratching their heads.. But tracking system has been installed and they have accepted that the S.O.B....r is going to do it

While we're here, I'd like to ask what the urge is to join a caravan or motor home club? Is it the need to belong? Is it the about the company of people with similar interest? Is it about not doing it alone? I set out with my own destinations and goals, and I've achieved that and then some, and I hope I can keep on doing it. As I'm doing this full time, I don't know how I would be able to join in. I've met people who do belong to these clubs and head off to gatherings all over the place, but that's the only travelling they really do. So I really don't see the point. I meet people all the time on the road, in parks and sightseeing. Maybe I'm too independent, if there is such a thing. I'm not antisocial though. What do you reckon?

Well i have had 2nd 3rd and 4th thoughts about heading off.  we have talked about it for years but have now decided to head off in Feburary with our 16 year old daughter.  She will be doing schooling online and everyone keeps telling me that it is the best thing we can do for her.  It is very worring for us parents wether we are doing the right thing or not, i wanted to wait till she was old enough and settled with a job and a place of her own but she wants to go now as she says she might never have the chance to go again.  Only time will tell if we have done the right thing.................

GypsyWanderers wrote:

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Well i have had 2nd 3rd and 4th thoughts about heading off.  we have talked about it for years but have now decided to head off in Feburary with our 16 year old daughter.  She will be doing schooling online and everyone keeps telling me that it is the best thing we can do for her.  It is very worring for us parents wether we are doing the right thing or not, i wanted to wait till she was old enough and settled with a job and a place of her own but she wants to go now as she says she might never have the chance to go again.  Only time will tell if we have done the right thing.................

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She is right.......spend the time with her now, it will help her mature and appreciate not only you but this great country of ours.  Let her see it all, jobs and commitments come too soon.