This is my first post even though I joined many years ago. At that time, I was ready to take off around Australia in retirement, but a family situation arose that put everything on hold. Decided that now is the time to head off but looking for some advice from others travelling solo, particularly blokes who may be in a similar situation. I am happily married but my wife is not interested in extended periods of travel .... or perhaps more correctly, she wants to stay close to our 4 married children & 9 grandchildren. Must admit that I don't fully understand her position, but I definitely respect her right to do as she wants, just as she respects my desire to travel & see as much of Australia as I can after a long working life.
I guess there are things to consider that you only discover when you start to do something, & I was hoping that if there are others in a similar situation, you may be able to offer some advice based on your experiences .... things to be aware of .... how well does it work travelling solo ... etc.
Thanks in advance
Tommy T
rockylizard said
09:03 AM May 7, 2014
Gday...
My circumstances are similar to yours in some ways ... and I travel solo.
I have not had any concerns being solo on the road, in fact, I have been a "solo camper" for most of my life for various reasons.
It is very much an individual thing in some ways, I guess, but I have always found that I never feel lonely but often feel alone - but I enjoy being alone. Especially in the wide open outback, or tucked up on a creek in a deep forest.
If you wife is genuinely at ease with your travelling and she enjoying the kids and grandkids, then I think you should just do it. It will not take you long to realise it is a great life out on the road. Obviously, you get to meet many interesting people when travelling and often these become 'acquaintances' (some even friends) that you will seem to 'bump into' at various camps as you move around.
I do not know your relationship with your wife obviously, but I assume given your question on here, you would prefer to have her with you rather than heading off. Perhaps a word of advice. Make sure you keep in touch with her regularly - if she is on Facebook, then get your own Facebook account and keep in touch through there - including the Facebook Chat facility. Get Skype installed on your pooter and use it for the very cheap calls you can make - as well as free Skype-to-Skype calls.
Keep her informed of where you have been travelling, and more importantly, where you are heading for the next day or so, so that should something happen to you, she will become aware you haven't been in touch and could "send out the search parties" if need be.
The bottom line, I guess, is - go off for a month or so and see how it works for you both. Return to base if necessary and then head off for a further, longer period. If it works out - keep on moving.
I love the lifestyle immensely, and always knew I would. I have been travelling full-time for five years now - but have needed to return to 'family' due to illness etc and have been at the 'base camp' for about 7 months now. I will head off soon when the 'family' are more settled.
I wish you well ... know you will enjoy the travelling once you begin.
Cheers - John
Tommy T said
11:52 AM May 7, 2014
G'day John ... & thanks for your reply & advice
I think you are correct in suggesting "I just do it"; in fact, that is what my 4 kids are telling me as well .... travel while I am physically able to enjoy the lifestyle. I have travelled through central Australia previously, so I am well equipped to be self-sufficient & free camp .... safety has always been an important consideration with me & I have a HF radio & satellite phone if required. Have used Skype in the past for my wife (& myself ! ) to keep in touch with our kids & grandchildren during the shorter trips we have taken together.
Like you, I never feel lonely, and indeed, I won't even feel alone as I will have my border collie dog Jack travelling with me as he always does. I realise this means I won't be able to stay in National Parks etc. but his company more than compensates.
One thing I have wondered about though is whether a man travelling on his own may be, at least initially, treated with some caution by other travellers ?? But hopefully Jack can help to break down the barriers because no one can resist a black & white border collie !!
Thanks again John ... would also appreciate any comments / advice from other travellers.
-- Edited by Tommy T on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 06:24:19 PM
Tommy T wrote:One thing I have wondered about though is whether a man travelling on his own may be, at least initially, treated with some caution by other travellers ?? But hopefully Jack can help to break down the barriers because no one can resist a black & white border collie !!
Why, how scary do you look? If you carry on like a redneck this may apply, but if you present in person in anything like the way you've presented yourself here - responsible safety-conscious family man with a well-maintained vehicle and equipment who is secure in his own company and loves his dog - then anyone who has a problem with you as a male travelling alone is going to have a problem with just about everyone. Those kinds of people mostly stay home and aren't too common out in the sticks. You might even find the opposite to be the case, with people occasionally approaching you for assistance or to feel safer, which is how I've found it (and I have neither a family nor a dog).
MaryJane said
06:02 PM May 7, 2014
Hi Tommy,
I'll give you my perspective, as a female solo. It's always great to meet fellow solo's male or female! It's great to meet couples too, but I sometimes, only sometimes, feel I'm not as welcome as a female in a couple. And sometimes I feel I'm in their way! I don't like to tread on anyone's toes.
I am not yet permanently on the road, hopefully this year. In nearly 20,000kms of travel, I've met many solos. Interestingly, it's 3 males that I continue contact with, and i hope to hook up and travel with them all again, at different stages. We all tow caravans so have a common starting point. And also, I keep in touch with some couples.
I'm fiercely independent, enjoy the right company and will chill in my own space for weeks on end if that's the way it is.
I like to do as much of my own maintenance as I can, and fellow travellers and forums have taught me heaps already. I like to learn and have a question about everything technical.
To find a like minded traveller, just wanting a bit of company, a camp fire, security in numbers ( I tend to sleep with one eye and ear open when free camped by myself) is a wonderful thing.
I travel solo cos I can and I need my own space. To meet others is a pleasure tho, so long as I have my space.
Life is too short, I reckon! If only someone would buy my house, I'd be out there full time.
I reckon you will meet tons of folk, especially while walking your dog!
Don't sweat the small stuff, jump in feet first, as I did on my first trip! That ended up lasting 4 months. Most places have phone and Internet so you can keep in touch.
My experience is,'if I have a smile on my dial, if I'm willing to start a conversation etc, the rest follows' . If I keep to myself, I'll meet no one.
Good luck with ur decision, as Rockylizard said, ' if you don't try, you won't know'. But don't blame us, in 8months time, when you are so chilled out you don't want to go home
MJ
-- Edited by MaryJane on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 06:12:40 PM
The dog lady said
08:05 PM May 7, 2014
I travel solo human with 2 dogs, and I've had many enjoyable happy hours with couples and solos of either gender. I really think the days when we couldn't have friends of the opposite gender are gone. If I think someone looks approachable and friendly (having a dog helps for me) then I'll say g'day. If someone chooses to take that the wrong way that's their problem. But you'll generally know from the first greeting whether they are going to be OK with talking to a solo, and if not, move on. The loss is all theirs.
smiley said
08:37 PM May 7, 2014
Hi Tommy, I am a solo traveling female, I agree with all the other posts, Life on the road is great, I try as much as possible to free camp, The off season for travellers can some times get lonely as their are not of GN on the road , But if you have a smile on your dial and willing to put yourself out there to say g'day you find that nearly all are very welcoming, I have found that if others are traveling in a convoy 2 or more, they tend to be wary of single females. But I have met so many nice folks on the road. And you know... If you don't try it you will never know. Good luck
halfpint said
08:02 AM May 8, 2014
Hi Tommy, I know of a couple, he traveled but she didnt so he flew her to where eever he was for a holiday. Then went back to her family. Good travels.
GaryKelly said
08:18 AM May 8, 2014
Fortunately I have a magnetic personality and irresistible charm so it's not a problem. :)
billeeeeeee said
12:02 PM May 8, 2014
GaryKelly wrote:
Fortunately I have a magnetic personality and irresistible charm so it's not a problem. :)
Amen Brother, may I say it again,, Amen Brother,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Billeeeeeee
Hi Tommy, over our years of travel, we've met many people in your situation. It seems ladies often want home and hearth - grandkids can be a huge draw! Others worry about their gardens dying or the house being burgled. I guess we are all different and have different priorities. For us, having been restricted by poor health, we want to seize the day and "head bush". As a solo traveler, don't be shy about joining happy hours or campfire circles. You'll always find a warm welcome among campers. After all, we're all in freedom mode. Happy travels Tommy; who knows, your wife may miss you and want to join you. If not, just enjoy!
Lesley F said
11:20 PM May 9, 2014
I'm glad you said couples are sometimes wary of single females. I had a few similar experiences when I traveled solo, sometimes making me feel a little uncomfortable, I quickly learned when to keep to myself. The majority are fine. Go and enjoy yourself, it's an amazing experience, and you'll meet interesting people.
G'day everyone ..
This is my first post even though I joined many years ago. At that time, I was ready to take off around Australia in retirement, but a family situation arose that put everything on hold. Decided that now is the time to head off but looking for some advice from others travelling solo, particularly blokes who may be in a similar situation. I am happily married but my wife is not interested in extended periods of travel .... or perhaps more correctly, she wants to stay close to our 4 married children & 9 grandchildren. Must admit that I don't fully understand her position, but I definitely respect her right to do as she wants, just as she respects my desire to travel & see as much of Australia as I can after a long working life.
I guess there are things to consider that you only discover when you start to do something, & I was hoping that if there are others in a similar situation, you may be able to offer some advice based on your experiences .... things to be aware of .... how well does it work travelling solo ... etc.
Thanks in advance
Tommy T
Gday...
My circumstances are similar to yours in some ways ... and I travel solo.
I have not had any concerns being solo on the road, in fact, I have been a "solo camper" for most of my life for various reasons.
It is very much an individual thing in some ways, I guess, but I have always found that I never feel lonely but often feel alone - but I enjoy being alone. Especially in the wide open outback, or tucked up on a creek in a deep forest.
If you wife is genuinely at ease with your travelling and she enjoying the kids and grandkids, then I think you should just do it. It will not take you long to realise it is a great life out on the road. Obviously, you get to meet many interesting people when travelling and often these become 'acquaintances' (some even friends) that you will seem to 'bump into' at various camps as you move around.
I do not know your relationship with your wife obviously, but I assume given your question on here, you would prefer to have her with you rather than heading off. Perhaps a word of advice. Make sure you keep in touch with her regularly - if she is on Facebook, then get your own Facebook account and keep in touch through there - including the Facebook Chat facility. Get Skype installed on your pooter and use it for the very cheap calls you can make - as well as free Skype-to-Skype calls.
Keep her informed of where you have been travelling, and more importantly, where you are heading for the next day or so, so that should something happen to you, she will become aware you haven't been in touch and could "send out the search parties" if need be.
The bottom line, I guess, is - go off for a month or so and see how it works for you both. Return to base if necessary and then head off for a further, longer period. If it works out - keep on moving.
I love the lifestyle immensely, and always knew I would. I have been travelling full-time for five years now - but have needed to return to 'family' due to illness etc and have been at the 'base camp' for about 7 months now. I will head off soon when the 'family' are more settled.
I wish you well ... know you will enjoy the travelling once you begin.
Cheers - John
G'day John ... & thanks for your reply & advice
I think you are correct in suggesting "I just do it"; in fact, that is what my 4 kids are telling me as well .... travel while I am physically able to enjoy the lifestyle. I have travelled through central Australia previously, so I am well equipped to be self-sufficient & free camp .... safety has always been an important consideration with me & I have a HF radio & satellite phone if required. Have used Skype in the past for my wife (& myself ! ) to keep in touch with our kids & grandchildren during the shorter trips we have taken together.
Like you, I never feel lonely, and indeed, I won't even feel alone as I will have my border collie dog Jack travelling with me as he always does. I realise this means I won't be able to stay in National Parks etc. but his company more than compensates.
One thing I have wondered about though is whether a man travelling on his own may be, at least initially, treated with some caution by other travellers ?? But hopefully Jack can help to break down the barriers because no one can resist a black & white border collie !!
Thanks again John ... would also appreciate any comments / advice from other travellers.
-- Edited by Tommy T on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 06:24:19 PM
Why, how scary do you look? If you carry on like a redneck this may apply, but if you present in person in anything like the way you've presented yourself here - responsible safety-conscious family man with a well-maintained vehicle and equipment who is secure in his own company and loves his dog - then anyone who has a problem with you as a male travelling alone is going to have a problem with just about everyone. Those kinds of people mostly stay home and aren't too common out in the sticks. You might even find the opposite to be the case, with people occasionally approaching you for assistance or to feel safer, which is how I've found it (and I have neither a family nor a dog).
Hi Tommy,
I'll give you my perspective, as a female solo. It's always great to meet fellow solo's male or female! It's great to meet couples too, but I sometimes, only sometimes, feel I'm not as welcome as a female in a couple. And sometimes I feel I'm in their way! I don't like to tread on anyone's toes.
I am not yet permanently on the road, hopefully this year. In nearly 20,000kms of travel, I've met many solos. Interestingly, it's 3 males that I continue contact with, and i hope to hook up and travel with them all again, at different stages. We all tow caravans so have a common starting point. And also, I keep in touch with some couples.
I'm fiercely independent, enjoy the right company and will chill in my own space for weeks on end if that's the way it is.
I like to do as much of my own maintenance as I can, and fellow travellers and forums have taught me heaps already. I like to learn and have a question about everything technical.
To find a like minded traveller, just wanting a bit of company, a camp fire, security in numbers ( I tend to sleep with one eye and ear open when free camped by myself) is a wonderful thing.
I travel solo cos I can and I need my own space. To meet others is a pleasure tho, so long as I have my space.
Life is too short, I reckon! If only someone would buy my house, I'd be out there full time.
I reckon you will meet tons of folk, especially while walking your dog!
Don't sweat the small stuff, jump in feet first, as I did on my first trip! That ended up lasting 4 months. Most places have phone and Internet so you can keep in touch.
My experience is,'if I have a smile on my dial, if I'm willing to start a conversation etc, the rest follows' . If I keep to myself, I'll meet no one.
Good luck with ur decision, as Rockylizard said, ' if you don't try, you won't know'. But don't blame us, in 8months time, when you are so chilled out you don't want to go home
MJ
-- Edited by MaryJane on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 06:12:40 PM
I travel solo human with 2 dogs, and I've had many enjoyable happy hours with couples and solos of either gender. I really think the days when we couldn't have friends of the opposite gender are gone. If I think someone looks approachable and friendly (having a dog helps for me) then I'll say g'day. If someone chooses to take that the wrong way that's their problem. But you'll generally know from the first greeting whether they are going to be OK with talking to a solo, and if not, move on. The loss is all theirs.
Hi Tommy, I am a solo traveling female, I agree with all the other posts, Life on the road is great, I try as much as possible to free camp, The off season for travellers can some times get lonely as their are not of GN on the road , But if you have a smile on your dial and willing to put yourself out there to say g'day you find that nearly all are very welcoming, I have found that if others are traveling in a convoy 2 or more, they tend to be wary of single females. But I have met so many nice folks on the road. And you know... If you don't try it you will never know. Good luck
Amen Brother, may I say it again,, Amen Brother,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Billeeeeeee
Hi Tommy, over our years of travel, we've met many people in your situation. It seems ladies often want home and hearth - grandkids can be a huge draw! Others worry about their gardens dying or the house being burgled. I guess we are all different and have different priorities. For us, having been restricted by poor health, we want to seize the day and "head bush". As a solo traveler, don't be shy about joining happy hours or campfire circles. You'll always find a warm welcome among campers. After all, we're all in freedom mode. Happy travels Tommy; who knows, your wife may miss you and want to join you. If not, just enjoy!
I'm glad you said couples are sometimes wary of single females. I had a few similar experiences when I traveled solo, sometimes making me feel a little uncomfortable, I quickly learned when to keep to myself. The majority are fine. Go and enjoy yourself, it's an amazing experience, and you'll meet interesting people.