What to do?

Janoc · Member

What to do?

jimricho · Guru

Hi Janoc,

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a bunch of envious friends and neighbours out there!

Crazy??? If crazy is a problem I think I'm in trouble!

Travelling anywhere can be either interesting or boring, it all depends on the individual. I too am a solo traveller and enjoy meeting up with old friends and making new ones out on the road.

I love being "out on the road" but I also enjoy being able to spend some time "back home" where I have good neighbours, friends, and relatives. Also a roof over my head when the day comes that I may not be as mobile as I am at present. I feel that one does need to think about these factors and maybe set up their finances accordingly but don't let that put you off getting out and living your dream as life's too short.

Jim

Janoc · Member

Thank you Jim. My dilemma is, I can't afford to buy an 31' and keep my house, so the next thing to do, is to sell the house and buy a cheaper one in an area I can accept. My thought from the beginning has been, sell the house, buy a motorhome, travel around and maybe find a place and house or even a unit I would like to live in. I'm thinking I'm to scared to do that. I hope I will come over that and it will be my second biggest liofe change, the first was to move till Australia from Sweden.

twobob · Guru

Jan - firstly welcome and keep posting, as there are a lot of ladies here, who share the same dream, and are doing it.

I would suggest that you rethink the 31 ft, thats quite a size and if you are not used to travelling and with something that size, it may be too big to start with.

I do however believe a motorhome is a good option, though would tend more towards a Toyota Hiace or similar. Big enough for one person, and two if needed (your pet)

This type of van can be purchased second hand and may bring you back into a budget that means you can retain your present home.

Talk to the ladies here and take your time to sort out what you want and what is possible - its part of the fun

Janoc · Member

Thank you Bob, I have a HR license and I'm used to big trucks and I had a caravan in Sweden which was 7 metre, I thought that was to small, that's why I thinking of an 31' another reason for the 31' is that I would like to have my car on a trailer behind, that will be around 2400 Kg.

Rolly · Guru

My take on the subject:

Unless you have some direct experience of RVing in Australia, may I suggest that you take some 'baby steps' before commiting yourself to some expensive gear that may, or may not, be what ultimately suits your personal way of living.

You will not get to understand what that is until you've done a year or two of trial and error.

The "Aussie experience" is a whole different ball game to the European.

Having returned from 5 years motorhoming in Europe and UK I can assure you that, whilst you may be on the same planet, they are totally different worlds.

My recommendation would be to buy something significantly less expensive in the first instance, and get out there amongst it before deciding on whether or not to splash out all your capital on something that is a depreciating asset.

There is also the alternative of hiring a rig, though this can be a bit expensive too.

In my opinion too much emphasis is placed on the "life style" of motorhome and accessories, and not enough on the style of living that being away from urban environments permits.

The majority of happy campers seem to live out of their RVs rather than in them.

The more flexible and less cumbersome the outfit, the greater the freedom to travel and explore.

So many of the loveliest places in Australia are "off the beaten track" and need more agile and robust outfits, as well as a completely different mind set, to get the best out of them.

So, I suggest that you get out there and amongst it as inexpensively as possible and leave the final decisions on type of rig and equipment until you've garnered more information and experience.

You may invert your preconceptions completely in the meantime.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the best.

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi and welcome Janoc.
I'm one of those women who live and travel alone with a 20ft caravan. I'm never lonely, but I've lived alone for a long time. The three of us, "I, me, & my" get on just fine
Most people, like your friends, are unable to envisage themselves outside the suburbs and their "little nest". They may also take 5 star luxury holidays in a resort somewhere.
Ultimately it's your life and your decision. If you have the incentive to do this, then do it.
You obviously have the towing and vehicle experience. I have to say the little white car is cute but not very practical. Ha ha ha.
Many tow a small 4WD on a trailer or A frame. This vehicle gives them the versatility to unhitch where they want to make base, and then do their touring and sightseeing in the little car.
It's a very practical and compact lifestyle. I've never been a fan of real estate and furniture, and only lived that way, renting, while my children were young. They're all grown up now and mum's on the road. When I can't do this anymore I will still rent a little unit somewhere. My personal choice.
Nowhere is boring, ever to me. Places have their own character and features from season to season. The Nullarbor Plane, the Great Northern Highway in WA, especially between Pt. Hedland and Broome, etc change all the time.
It's up to the traveller to make the most of where they are at the time.
I'm one of those who support selling up to set out. You'd be surprised how your attitudes change after being on the road for a while. You realise you don't need all that space to fill with furniture. If you have any cash left over after setting up your rig, you just invest it in a good place so it's growing while your travelling. The best of all worlds.
Good luck with you plans. Just do it! Cheers

Janoc · Member

Thanks for your feed back. No I'm not an experienced camper in Australia, so I appreciate your comments and keep them in mind.
With the regards to my little white car, yes, I know it's not practical to go buch with it, but I like to go on the race track with it.
Thanks again for your input, I will try to find a place there I can rent a motorhome for a while.

ibbo · Guru

Hi and welcome Janoc.After reading the replies you have recieved so far if you follow the advice offered you will certainly be on the right track.Happy travels and good luck.Cheers.Ibbo.

Janoc · Member

Thank you ibbo.

Hylda&Jon · Guru

Hi Janoc! You could always rent your house out for 6mths or a year like we did & rent or buy a small campervan/motorhome or caravan then test the open road for a while till you find out if you like the lifestyle & what you want in your mobile home. Also while on the road have a peek at what other people are travelling in & talk to them about it(also a great ice breaker)
A motorhome is good but with a 31 foot you will be restricted in places you take it & also some camp spots & caravan parks don't accommodate that size
Best of luck
Jon

Janoc · Member

I have had a thought about renting one to begin with, but for let say 3 months it will cost around $30000 and for that amount I will get cabins/motel/hotel and use the car.
That was my reason to buy one and hopefully use it for a year or 2 and then sell it (if I wish) and lose maybe $30000.
That with the accommondate a 31' was restricted was new for me, thank you for that.

Cruising Granny · Guru

You're obviously thinking it through, but the suggestion of trying it first is a good one. Hire a campervan or motorhome for short periods to get an idea of what's out there and if you like it.
The huge motorhome you are considering may be a liability rather than an asset.
Caravans are much more versatile, but if you have set your heart on a mobile home, don't make your travels any harder than they need to be with such a huge vehicle.
Bigger is not always better. All the best.

Janoc · Member

Maybe I will rent one from Brisbane and go north from there for a short time (1 - 2 weeks).

xina · Guru

Welcome Janoc. Most of what I was going to suggest has already been said. I am a solo lady, who has a Hi-ace Campervan. What I am seriously considering, is selling my present home, and buying something cheaper, so that I can have some money behind me when I do a lot more travelling. [I need a base to store my books.]
Good luck,
Cheers,
xina.

Janoc · Member

I have thought about the same, sell my big house and move in to a smaller and cheaper, but I don't know where yet, that's another reason for a mobile home. I also would like to move from Sydney and the rat race here.

The Lorikeet · Member

Hi, I am just working through the same issues. The house resolved itself by low valuations from local agents, and the bank! So I'm keeping it. That decided, I am now purchasing a replacement car and a used van. I travel with my samoyed dog... And want to accommodate my little granddaughter who will join me in school holidays.

I have towed a smallish camper trailer made by Little Guy Australia, but want something more suited to a "mature" woman. The van I am buying has only a double bed, so the dog and I will cope and the granddaughter will too, until she is a bit older. We will worry about that then.

I don't plan to do the big circle trip, at least for a while. Will do spokes of the wheel to get used to towing the van - using home as a base. I guess it's okay to grow in confidence first, but think Mission Beach in winter would be heaven!

Will keep you posted....

The Lorikeet · Member

Forgot to mention the $1 per day relocation specials if you want to try the motorhome thing before you commit all that money. Appollo, Bartrak, and just about any of the other companies offer these deals, usually taken up by backpackers. some offers even throw in cash for fuel. At lease you will have a chance to see whether you would become claustrophobic!

The Gnome · Senior Member

Welcome to the forum Laura. Seems to me that you are one smart cookie.Great idea to get used to towing the larger van instead of jumping in at the deep end.

Cruising Granny · Guru

And a welcome from me to the Nomads Lorikeet.
I'm glad it's you who has to do all the planning and thinking. I always knew I wanted to tow a caravan around Oz and live in full time. So didn't have to plan too much.
I was prepared to tow my 20ft van behind my Landcruiser.
I lived in an older van for 8yrs in Broome before I replaced it, so my life was already compact, and I'm not a hoarder.
All the best with your plans and travels.

The Lorikeet · Member

thank you Granny, and the Gnome! I don't take delivery of my vehicles until next week, so am dealing with anxiety attacks in the meantime! I tried to ride a 50cc motor scooter from Sydney to Melb in the middle of winter when I was young..... broke down at Yass..... am worried this is going to be just as adventurous!
Cheers.

seonau · Senior Member

Hi
I am in a similar situation as yourself and while waiting for the right time i am hanging around here to learn the tricks. I have some younger kids and as such i am helping to support them and feel i cant go until they are older and my duty to pay child support is over. However, i have some thing for you to consider.

Three years ago my sister sold every thing and took to the road. In quick time see left Adelaide travelled to Perth and then towards Broome. Half way there she turned around and came back home. She stayed a little time back here and then headed to Tassie. Half way there see sold her car and van and bought a more suitable rig.

She now is committed to permanent life on the road having spent more than half of all her savings just getting the right rig.

The lesson is quite obvious. First make sure as cheaply as you can life on the road is right for you.
Secondly carefully and wisely investigate all possible rigg styles before making a purchase.

Time is the key answer to your question

You have a lifetime infront of you, Take all the time you need, think it though as carefully as you can.

So says me...a single guy with a stay at home lifestyle who has never experienced the out there lifestyle but some day hopes too. Better you listen to those who have better experiencesthan to me.... thats my two bobs worth anyway.

Peter

Janoc · Member

Thanks for all input. Yes I'm a single guy with not too many friends (actually only 2) and I think I will miss them. You now say that I will meet other people out there, that true, but I'm not a person who makes friends easily, thou I have problem to start and continue an conversation and Im not a story teller. Im the guy standing silent in the back ground till I know people. But we see one day.

Cruising Granny · Guru

Well Janoc, you will have lots of stories to tell once you hit the road.
It's accepted travel procedure to approach fellow travellers to say g'day. You don't have to move in with them, you don't have to share happy hour or meal time, but just to say g'day is always acceptable.
You can then invite them to your camp, or suggest you go to their camp for "happy hour", otherwise known as "beer o'clock".
Once you escape from the 'burbs you'll find yourself more confident and outgoing, and less suspicious of thy neighbour. It's just the way it is.
While you will be leaving friends behind, you will also be making new friends. Keep you "old" friends informed of your travels.
Get out of that urban shell, and kick back in the country you're travelling through.

Cruising Granny · Guru

Welcome to Grey Nomads Seonau.
You've got a lot of time to dream and plan. Make the most of it and maybe I'll see you out here some day. All the best and "never let go of your dreams", as someone once said.

Rolly · Guru

Welcome seonau from me too.

Getting in some experience before committing to a massive change in life-style is indeed a wise move.

Too often we go in "boots and all" without properly appraising a situation, and regret it later on.

-- Edited by Rolly on Sunday 29th of November 2009 02:39:27 PM

milo · Senior Member

my father (86) just recently bought a 23 ' motor home, for around $100k, he's enjoying it and has given up on what the family think about it, although he's not selling his home, maybe a smaller van may be the answer till you get your self on the road a bit, not that were experienced though,
if its worth it maybe you could rent a motor home for a while, see if you like the experience etc.. just an idea?

-- Edited by milo on Sunday 20th of December 2009 07:04:37 PM

brickies · Guru

I think MILO is right what do you want with 31 ft. remember they now have slide out has well. and when on the road if you want to meet people you need to use your outside space has well you wont meet anybody siting inside

Janoc · Member

Thank you guys, for the moment I have put it on the shelf (but I'm still looking) so when I find something I will buy it and sell the house look for a smaller and cheaper one. Just now I'm fixing up the house so I can get the best price when I sell.

glassies · Guru

thought about buying a plot like a cheap plot of land to park the van or bus on when you return from your travels ,thats if money is enough, but yeah its a thought when me and my hubby decide to do it we are gonna have to sell the home to be able to buy a camper andpay the bank back some money but hopefully in travels might find some cheap land someplace to come back to with our bus or whatever we decide to buy and be aloud to live in it on the land ?? who knows whats out there but dont ever listen to the crazy part??

ive travelled heaps of aussie and my kids say same to me they think we are insane on giving up all the treasures to travel later on , its just stuff collected that isnot even realy needed ,sure i have things that mean a lot to me but also seeing this wonderful country of ours and meeting new and exciting people means more