Grey nomads are, almost by definition, independent and adventurous people who love to get out into remote country.
Most like to map their own routes, set up their own rigs, and plan their own itineraries. But what happens when declining health or simply the advancing years make the whole camping odyssey that little bit more daunting?
‘Grey travellers’ Eli and Nitza Friedlander say there comes a time when you have to recognise your own limitations and adjust your plans accordingly.
“Many of us are reluctant to admit that, as we age, tasks like reversing and hitching/ unhitching a van or setting up a camping trailer for the night becomes more and more problematic and unpleasant to perform,” said Eli.
Eli and Nitza enjoy the Outback ... but decided that caravanning was not for them.
The couple says they had been tossing and turning the idea of caravanning for years before they retired in 2018. They then hired a van to check out the traditional grey nomad lifestyle … but quickly decided it was not for them.
“We do not wish to deal with unpacking/packing of camping gear every day,” said Eli. “And keeping personal hygiene and using the RV’s built-in bathroom or public facilities was a real challenge.”
However, the couple have always been fascinated with the Outback and didn’t want to miss out on their retirement travel dreams.
They bought a second-hand Toyota Fortuner, did a comprehensive 4WD training course, and booked an accommodated tagalong tour … and they loved it.
They have now been on a total of 12, including two overseas.
These days, they usually travel three or four times a year for up to four weeks at a time, either by joining accommodated tagalong tours or on tours they plan themselves when they stay in motels, cabins and roadhouses.
The organised tours they choose are normally between three and 12 days long and cater to groups of up to six vehicles, plus the tour guide car.
“Around 99% of participants are in their sixties and seventies,” said Eli. “Some own a van or camping trailer but need a break, have medical limitations, have had enough of the camping … for a while at least.”
The tours that the Friedlanders choose come with accommodation organised, but they say they commonly get the freedom to visit their own places of interest.
The couple also often adds one of their own self-guided tours to an official tagalog tour.
“A couple of years ago, we extended a two-week Outback tour which ended in Port Augusta and headed to WA for another four weeks,” said Eli. “In order to avoid driving the 4,000 kilometres back from Perth to Sydney, we flew back and shipped the car by truck.”
In August this year, the couple will take a three-day tagalong tour and will then go on their own five-week adventure from Sydney to Darwin. In keeping with their minimum-hassle approach to travel, they will then fly back to their Sydney home and send the car back by truck.
But what about the costs?
“Many grey nomads will argue that the way Nitza and I travel is not affordable to those who have a limited budget,” said Eli. “But they forget that buying an RV, rego, insurance, repairs and van park fees also come at a cost!”
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We like to travel where & when we want to go independently.
We’re not interested in tagging along.