With fuel prices going up, caravan parks getting more crowded, and RVs getting bigger, some grey nomads are taking extreme measures to keep traveling Australia in a relaxed way … they are staying in motels!
Anthony and Trace Beilby have been caravanning for more than 30 years, but say they’ve hitched up for the last time.
The couple have seen the ‘Motel Vacancy’ light, and claim the initial cost of buying a van, the static costs per year, high park fees and towing costs, as well as crowded parks, made the decision an easy one.
“The reality of staying in a park is often noisy neighbours, kids running wild while their parents relax by the pool with a cooler full of beer, vans with barking dogs locked in while the owners enjoy a day out, and cigarette smokers next door,” said Anthony.
Anthony and Trace say their vanning days are now behind them.
“We prefer the carefree approach … two bags in the vehicle, the 40-litre Engel, and eating out at the RSL or pubs for dinner, before checking out of the motel or cabin and moving on.”
The pair have travelled widely in the US using this approach, and say it has convinced them it’s the best way to see Australia.
Is staying in motels the best way to see Australia?
“We sold our caravan and will experience first-hand road trips utilising motels/cabins in Australia for the next couple of years,” said Anthony. “I would anticipate a noticeable percentage of caravanners now realising the cost does not represent value in terms of a carefree road trip.”
The Beilbys travel in a LandCruiser 300 and say it’s comfortable and fuel efficient, especially when not towing.
“I see caravanning as more of an expensive hobby as the figures just don’t add up,” said Anthony. “Obviously, travelling for 6-12 months requires a caravan but we have done that many times and now prefer the four-week road trip scenario.”
The couple say they are aware that many nomads will argue that motel life – which they concede is slightly more expensive – cannot recreate the camaraderie found in caravan parks.
“I guess it comes down to how an individual wants to spend their time, actually seeing sights or seeking company of others,” said Anthony. “For us, seeing sights is why we travel as opposed to spending our day wandering around a caravan park looking for conversation or waiting for Happy Hours to arrive.”
Anthony stresses he is well aware that the ‘motel nomad’ lifestyle is not for everybody.
“I certainly don’t want to criticise what others are doing … it’s their life not mine,” he said. “However, we are fortunate to have lived a life of travelling, and now choose to travel Australia in a more carefree way.”
WIN IT-FIT CARAVAN SHEETS
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win some specially made caravan sheets, courtesy of competition sponsor, It-Fits.
It-Fits caravan sheets are made from soft, 100%-Australian, cotton jersey and naturally stretch and flex to adapt to different mattress shapes and sizes without needing custom-made sheets. They fit rounded corners, narrow caravan beds, bunk mattresses, and non-standard sizes while still staying smooth and secure.
Click here to learn more about the competition and how to enter.
