Would anyone know of a site/forum/club/group for Grey Nomads - preferably single - actually planning to head off somewhere?  Not sure if this is the group for such a thing.  It would be fantastic to actually travel in a convoy with like-minded souls, one or several.  Cheers Jan

Traveling with other people involves a lot of compromising and tolerance.

It can also limit your freedom to communicate with the fascinating plethora of total strangers that you will encounter.

Sticking to what you know, which is a strong tendency in all of us, is somewhat counter productive if your purpose in travelling is to meet new people as well as visiting new places.

If you like a bit of company, you'll find a whole heap of it out there just waiting for you to wander over to say "G'day".

It becomes quite one of life's little wonders to know that you have good friends everywhere but you're not quite sure where "where" might be right now.

There's not much chance of ever being lonely if you open yourself up to the people that you meet on the way.

Happy Travels, what ever you chose.

And welcome to this happy throng of sometimes slightly deranged nomads (and wannabe nomads)

Jan,

We travelled with friends for a while and came to the conclusion that it was to restrictive.  The "do what you feel like when you feel like it" became a bit of a problem as you are, most of the time, considering what the other members of the team wanted to do.

We have now done a lot of trips on our own and we have never felt lonely as what Rolly has said is very true.   If you are "open" to meeting new people there are plenty of them on the road, both solo and partnered and all you have to do is say "G'day".

You will probably find that most of the other travellers are in the same boat as you, out there to enjoy our wonderful country and to meet new people.

Don't be backwards in coming forward to meet people.  You will learn to gauge when people want to be left to themselves and you can act appropriately.  At least you have made the effort.

Happy travels and enjoy every minute, there is so much to see out there I think one lifetime would never be enough.

Ma

Thanks Rolly and Ma for your insights into the world of travelling around our wonderful country. Having recently been widowed, I will still be a little bit apprehensive about travelling on my own when I set sail again. My late husband and I travelled Oz for 5 years before he passed away, I learned a lot during that time also, but it will still be daunting until I actually get on the road and make that first move. Cheers Jan

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with just a single step"

Make that step, Jan. I doubt that you will regret it.

The following site might be worth checking....http://www.ozcaravantagalong.com/

It's set up by a member and regular contributor to this forum, "Cruising Granny"

Jim

Jan I can understand your apprehension, but there are lots of people out there just waiting to have a chat and a drink, its just a case of making the first move sometimes. It is eaier as a couple to meet others but dont let that put you off, and good luck with your travels Keith

Thanks for all your replies. I'll keep in touch on this forum, hopefully get to meet up with some of you some day. Cheers Jan

meeting up all depends on how much you drink and whether you bring enough for me!

Jan, you could join the CMCA (Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia) too.
http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/index.php
They have a very strong singles group that support each other.

Cheers,
Peter

Hi Jan. I have seen the travelling "convoy" of friends hinder socialising. The group sticks together in camp, free or park, and they don't mix with other campers/travellers. As a solo traveller I find people are a bit curious about this old bird towing a 20ft van on her own. I also like to approach nearby campers to learn of their travel experiences. It's also a good chance to compare technical info and practical hints. I haven't found anything to be afraid of. I'm a fairly confident traveller, but I'm not foolish. If you have any apprehension, face it, get advice and reassure yourself about it. No one can tell you how to do it, they can only offer advice, preferably after you've asked for it. While much socialising happens during happy hour, it's not always about alcohol - tea and coffee are just a useful, especially if you have a cake or biscuit handy. Enter your information on the ozcaravantagalong.com site and see what happens. You may also find people are a bit more sociable towards you on this site if you provide some of your own details. All the best to you.

tea or coffee during happy hour????? that post op medication might be having some unexpected side effects???

sorry, alcohol only during happy hour, the four o'clock tipple is sacrasanct!

I like to keep my options open. It's all about choices.

Some people just don't want to mix do they? Maybe people with such specialised interests should shoulder the work themselves and set up their own forum for "single Grey Nomads actually on the road"
Preposterous, getout and enjoy what life you have left before your maker sends you to the big camping gound in the sky, you're dead a long time, enjoy life while you have it.