We love to travel and have done a lot of it in the last 6 years. I personally think you need a base and it's nice to 'come home' occasionally. We have met heaps of people out there who have done what you are thinking of doing, and have no regrets, and love every minute of it. You can always rent if you need to live in a house from time to time, which most permanent travelers seem to do. It's a very personal choice which you both have to be happy with. Good luck with your decision and HAPPY TRAVELLING.

Researcher · Member

I'd love to hear from those permanently touring OZ

dave06 · Guru

Hi Sandra and welcome to the forum, we are trying to do exactly this, big decision but I would advise that if YOU have any doubts about it then dont do it, it will only lead to heartache for the two of you if you both are not 100% certain that this is the way you wish to proceed with your life

normally when you sell up there is no way of regaining that which you sold in the first place, I mean to say you will probably not be able to repurchase another house so you may well end up in rental, will that be O.K. with YOU if that happens

the decision must be by both of you, in marriage or a partnership you dont walk the earth alone,

we have had a few sell up and shift on, one couple have started the big adventure only this morning and we wish bridgee well, it is not for all and I would advise that you think long and hard and talk to your partner about it a lot!!

others will answer you in time with glowing reports of how great it is out there but just be sure that this is the way that you wish to steer the rest of your life, it may end up in heartache, please put a lot of thought into it before jumping in to a seemingly romantic way of life

we met a couple in Tasmania on the trip before last, they had sold up evreything because he wanted to, couldnt go back, I have never seen a more miserable couple in my life, now this may not be you but please give it a great deal of thought and talk it over with your partner

twobob · Guru

I agree with Sir dave.

Too big a decision to make, without good financial advice, and knowing/accepting the outcomes. This is more of a point if, you have not done small trips, over longer durations.

Its not for everyone, some need that security of a base, else the adventure is lost due to worry. Some need a kick up the bum, to try something new, only to find their rightfull place. That is not known in advance, but can be assumed, in advance with knowledge.

Why not suggest longer trips away, useing leave (paid/unpaid), and get a good "feel" for that sought of life. Yep, it will cost $, but better to be sure than to burn the bridge.

Lastly, home is where the heart is (and family), not bricks and mortar

mike and Judy · Guru

Hello Sandra
I sold my home and am a full time Nomad, for the last 8 years
BUT
I have been a wanderer all my life, any excuse and I was off, with kids or dogs or on my own, My job helped with the itchy feet, so I knew what I was doing, but at the first opportunity I sold the house without a second thought and took of again
BUT
after a couple of years I became aware that a base was needed, ,this was at the end of a trip around the block and T had a few mechanical problems, fortunatly I was capable of fixing them myself but a base became a necessity in my mind,
then I found this place
I had been here before but as a base it had not entered my head as it wasnt at the time wanted Now , I want for nothing ,I have a camper, a caravan, and soon a bus converted to a mobile home ,I find that as a person I am a bit of a workaholic in that I need to be kept busy most of the time
What ever is decided by you both, it MUST be a joint discision, may I also suggest that you sort of acclimatise yourselves to it , small trips, getting longer, it is not for everyone, as will be said to you more than once,
For me I am as happy as a pig in a poke , this is the life for me and fortunatly I have Judy who feels the same

Helena · Guru

I agree it is a decision that both have to be wholey in agreement with. We thought about it and decided the best course for us was a retiremet village (you need to do a lot of homework here) we are really happy with our decision we just lock the door and leave and come back when we feel lke it.
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.
Helena.

lized · Veteran Member

Hi!
Yes its a hard decision, but like other advice,on the forum, if in doubt - don't.
There are lots of alternatives to explore. We like to have a base -albeit modest.
Looking forward to catching up with Grey Nomads on the Road from end of May 2009.
Happy travelling ! Liz and Ed

Marken Time · Veteran Member

Everyone's situation is different and while we may like to think life doesn't come down to finances, having a something to fall back on does make going forward more enjoyable. As others have said proceed with caution. I know a couple who sold up and took off, they have now returned to the west and rely on family etc for a base, but as they are now getting more frail they are faced with a very bleak future, without the continued support of family.

JRH · Guru

We have a home base, we saved as much as we could on the pension and purchased a 1984 Jayco Songbird Poptop and a 1993 EB Falcon wagon, did some work on both and now we are getting close to doing the big one around the block. We have just had a slight set back as the head on the car developed a crack and cost almost $2000.

Both my wife and myself love travelling this wonderful country of ours but one day I am going to be too old to continue and without some sort of a base to return to what do we do, drop in on the kids and expect them to look after us? Sorry I would rather be independant and have my own place to come back to.

Having said all this please do as has already been suggested and be absolutely certain it is what you BOTH want before you make any decision to sell up and hit the road on a permanent basis.

Just my thoughts on the subject for what they are worth.

John

Cruising Granny · Guru

Welcome Researchers.
I to am a genuine nomad with no fixed place of abode. Where my wheels are parked is where I live. I'm not on a holiday, I'm on a lifestyle.
I've always been a bit of a gypsy. My apprenticeship was served in an on-site van in Broome for 9 years, before I took to the road. I know where everything is, and I sleep in my own bed every night. All my wordly goods are within the van and the Cruiser.
I have the dubious solo lifestyle. Trust me, I would much rather share it, but this is the preferred option, if the right person isn't available. I wanted to do this, so I am.
As everyone else recommends take a few trips first. You both my react differently to the caravan lifestyle. It's an extreme from your home which you share.
My van is my home, but you may have trouble adjusting. So the short trips are hightly recommended. That will give you heaps to talk about over the meal table for a few weeks.
Ok, if you both want to do this, then do it. Most people find their health and attitude improves because they don't have the worries of maintaining their real estate and furniture.
The other option is the retirement unit. It works for a couple of friends of mine who travel annually, but have that base with all their wordly goods.
Try it before you decide. Safe and happy holidays. Cheers Granny

Researcher · Member

Well thank you to everyone that replied to us. And because of this information which was very consistent, we now have a new plan of action. We are going to buy a second hand van and take the short trips and see how we like it. We will retain the home at this stage as I know I need a base to come back to. We will take a few shorter trips and not give up work just yet either. So we will get our 'feet wet' so to speak when I take my long service leave and then move on from there. This is a good compromise as it will meet both our needs and who knows?? We think this site is great and we have been reading it for a while, so much great information. My husband is not a real newbie to the travelling around Australia he toured from the East Coast to the West Coast on his motor bike twice!!

Happy travelling to you all
Mike & Sandra the Researchers

Researcher · Member

Thanks dave 06. Most helpful, actually everyone said almost the same thing. Enjoy your travels
Sandra & Mike

Researcher · Member

twobob wrote:

I agree with Sir dave.

Too big a decision to make, without good financial advice, and knowing/accepting the outcomes. This is more of a point if, you have not done small trips, over longer durations.

Its not for everyone, some need that security of a base, else the adventure is lost due to worry. Some need a kick up the bum, to try something new, only to find their rightfull place. That is not known in advance, but can be assumed, in advance with knowledge.

Why not suggest longer trips away, useing leave (paid/unpaid), and get a good "feel" for that sought of life. Yep, it will cost $, but better to be sure than to burn the bridge.

Lastly, home is where the heart is (and family), not bricks and mortar

Hi twobob,

yes we are going to use our leave and take some short trips first up. Funny we did not think of this first up!!

Sandra & Mike

Researcher · Member

JRH wrote:

We have a home base, we saved as much as we could on the pension and purchased a 1984 Jayco Songbird Poptop and a 1993 EB Falcon wagon, did some work on both and now we are getting close to doing the big one around the block. We have just had a slight set back as the head on the car developed a crack and cost almost $2000.

Both my wife and myself love travelling this wonderful country of ours but one day I am going to be too old to continue and without some sort of a base to return to what do we do, drop in on the kids and expect them to look after us? Sorry I would rather be independant and have my own place to come back to.

Having said all this please do as has already been suggested and be absolutely certain it is what you BOTH want before you make any decision to sell up and hit the road on a permanent basis.

Just my thoughts on the subject for what they are worth.

John

thanks John, It is easy to think of the now but it is important that when we get too old for travel we will need a home and be independent of our kids. Forgot that one too!!

dave06 · Guru

Sandra I just hope you enjoy life to its fullest and if after a while of "getting your feet wet" you find that you like travelling and could do it "full time" then I really hope you enjoy it, also keep the forum up to date and continue posting.

MikeMin · Veteran Member

Sandra, as mentioned by us in a previous posting, we have very recently joined the "permanent brigade". A huge amount of time and effort over some years was spent on ultimately taking what is a very big, life-changing decision but....nothing is set in concrete. If you find that the life does not suit, view it as a holiday and come back and downsize if this is what you want. Always keep an open mind, this is my mantra.

I got really fed up today with washing the dishes and found myself wishing I had a handy dishwasher to stack, then I looked up and out of the van window was this wonderful view of the ocean and beach and all thoughts of a dishwasher vanished. In no time I had my bathers on and with towel and book in hand, made my way to the beach to watch hubby casting a line. We could not wish for more really.

Yes, we have had glitches but nothing so far has been insurmountable and at the end of the day we fall into bed, pleasantly exhausted with not a stressful thought. Hopefully this continues as smoothly but that might be wishful thinking!

If you do decide to hit the road, I hope we meet up one day. Keep safe.

Researcher · Member

MikeMin wrote:

Sandra, as mentioned by us in a previous posting, we have very recently joined the "permanent brigade". A huge amount of time and effort over some years was spent on ultimately taking what is a very big, life-changing decision but....nothing is set in concrete. If you find that the life does not suit, view it as a holiday and come back and downsize if this is what you want. Always keep an open mind, this is my mantra.

I got really fed up today with washing the dishes and found myself wishing I had a handy dishwasher to stack, then I looked up and out of the van window was this wonderful view of the ocean and beach and all thoughts of a dishwasher vanished. In no time I had my bathers on and with towel and book in hand, made my way to the beach to watch hubby casting a line. We could not wish for more really.

Yes, we have had glitches but nothing so far has been insurmountable and at the end of the day we fall into bed, pleasantly exhausted with not a stressful thought. Hopefully this continues as smoothly but that might be wishful thinking!

If you do decide to hit the road, I hope we meet up one day. Keep safe.

Hi MikeMin

The responses were such an eye opener for my husband and it all made sense to both of us. We are now researching a smaller type van (with what we want) and will be off next year using my long service leave. So we will give it a great go for 2 months and see what we think. Nothing is set in concrete and we will make decisions as the come up or when we need to. This forum was just what we needed to put the breaks on and look at both our needs and not decisions just based on a dream.
Happy travels

Sandra & Mike

dave06 · Guru

I am very pleased that you took this road, the dragon and I have been travelling on and off for 30 years so we know what to expect and we will head out knowing exactly what we are in for

but oh boy it's a culture shock, can be enormous benefits and a fantastic lifestyle but can also lead to extreme heartache, some enjoy it enormously others hate it so much they just dont want to be be there anymore

bininj · Member

We love to travel and have done a lot of it in the last 6 years. I personally think you need a base and it's nice to 'come home' occasionally. We have met heaps of people out there who have done what you are thinking of doing, and have no regrets, and love every minute of it. You can always rent if you need to live in a house from time to time, which most permanent travelers seem to do. It's a very personal choice which you both have to be happy with. Good luck with your decision and HAPPY TRAVELLING.