After a decade full-time on the road, here are some of the lessons that veteran grey nomads, John and Gill Kidd, have learned:
How to afford it?
It was affordable on our retirement self-managed super fund. We saved money where we could on smaller items and spent on big-ticket trips and tours. We adopted a ‘Do It Now’ policy just in case we didn’t get back or couldn’t physically do it later. Only you can know your circumstances and needs. You do tend to adapt to the money you have to spend. There are work opportunities along the way, although this was not for us … but we did discover house sitting.
What made it work for us?
Definitely the pre-planning. We talked to a lot of people and went to caravan shows to ask questions of travellers. They were so ready to help us with info.
Time on the road has changed John and Gill's perspective.
How much stuff do you really need?
We keep going through cupboards and if it is not used – it goes to nearest Op Shop. Talk hobbies! This will determine what extra loading you need to allow for. Negotiate and weigh beforehand. Some hobbies are shared, and some give you space apart. I had to bring the sewing machine and John needed fishing gear and a couple of golf clubs. However, along the way we discovered gold detecting, so we offloaded some stuff and in came the detectors.
Socialising
This can be found at Happy Hour, or staying a while and joining a bowls club or just simply chatting with total strangers.
Family and friends contact
This can be a breaking point for couples and should be addressed beforehand. Budget for a trip home if it is essential to your wellbeing. It may be what makes the difference between continual travel and just a quick lap!
Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win a rearview 170 reversing camera system, valued at $259. This device is solar operated and requires absolutely no wiring and can be fitted by almost anyone within 10 minutes. This means it can be easily transferred from tow vehicle to camper when required. And, best of all, the system offers extremely wide 170-degrees horizontal rear view.
Click here to find out more about the prize … and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Grey Nomad Members now have the opportunity to win a fantastic Cobb Gas Package, valued at $439. With the base remaining cool-to-touch on the outside, the Cobb allows you to cook on any surface safely with no heat transfer. Ideal for life on the road, camping, boating, beach cook ups, or even just at home. This light (6kg), sturdy, stainless steel cooking system is a dream to travel with.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win a Cobb Grill Premier (Charcoal), valued at $279.95.  The Cobb Premier is the epitome of a portable and completely versatile charcoal / briquette fuelled cooking system. Built to last and weighing just 4kg, this sturdy stainless steel cooking system is a perfect accessory for the Big Lap.
Click here to find out more about the prize … and how to enter
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Our advice would be to take it slowly, don’t spend too much time driving & stay a while at each destination to really get to know it.
I take one of my guitars away & play it every day, my wife reads when we’re back at camp & enjoys book swaps along the way.