What travelling companion do you choose?

Rip and Rosie · Guru

What travelling companion do you choose?

jules47 · The Happy Helper

I used to travel with my husband - unfortunately can't do that anymore. So I travel alone - have only done one big trip with van down to Victoria, and quite enjoyed the experience of solo travel, and now know that I can and will do a lot more of it as time goes by. Heading down there again end of October, but there may be some others heading down at the same time, may be some meet ups along the way. Security is not an issue I have worries about - always keep myself safe.

My aim is to be on the road for a fair while at some stage, was hoping for next year, but probably won't happen then, have a house to sell, and that could take some time to organise.

I wouldn't mind having a little dog, but they do restrict where you can go sometimes, lady we met few years ago had a stuffed dog she used to sit up on the seat next to her.

Vic · Guru

I agree pets can be very restrictive, but many are loath to leave them at home or in other's care, also make a good watch dog inside the van for those remote spots etc. We don't travel with pets.

I have travelled both solo and with travel companions or my partner, but to be honest, travelling solo is best in regards to making it easier to go where you want and also having to consider another's needs or wants. Also the wrong travel companion can make your trip hell.

I believe this also applies to travelling with others with your own rigs, unless you have a very loose meet up now and then arrangement.

Their is an old saying "He who travels alone travels best" (make that "They" as I think it was written when men were "King" lol, or perhaps before the days of equal opportunity, lol !)

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Yes I agree with a lot of what you say Vic - we never liked travelling in a group or convoy - just agree to meet at a place within a range of time - and make your own way there - we never, for instance, had an "itinerary" - just knew when we had to be somewhere and would get there by then.

I would imagine that is the way I will do it when I eventually get on the road - I like to be able to take a turn if something looks interesting, and my husband was the same - we did quite a bit of zig zagging inour travels.

Happywanderer · The Master

Should single women go out and find a male to travel with?? Yes, as long as they have their own van smile biggrin

Rip and Rosie · Guru

lol... so Marj, you won't share Myrtle?

Travel Bug · Guru

My husband and I always travelled well together because, like Jules and her husband, we had no set itinerary...we always had a plan...but it was very flexible!
I'm sure that my husband was an explorer in another life. I always teased him that he never allowed the fact that Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson hadn't beat him to somewhere deter him in the least...but we found some great places by doing that!

Now that I am a solo traveller, I still like to amble off to wherever I think I will.
I do travel with friends from time to time...and it's fine...but I really prefer to just "do my own thing"...whatever that may be...without the (3 C's)....constraints, considerations and compromise....that go with having a travel companion.
Some kind of loose "tandem" arrangement suits me. That way everyone gets to see and do what they prefer...and the friendship/companionship and safety factor is still in place. Others may not agree...but them's my thoughts smile

p.s. Marj, good thinking!! smile

rosco · Senior Member

Wouldn't go anywhere without the wife.

And we take Ziggy the twerp too. Thats him in the avatar.

Ross

jimbo · Guru

I take my Blown up Doll......In the image of my wife......Very peaceful travels....

Happywanderer · The Master

Not enough room for two in the Hi Ace so its just Myrtle and me. Might get a stuffed animal to sit on the passenger seat, a dog or bear, who knows, just to give me someone to talk to occasionally.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Luckily I like my own company when I drive - but love to sing along to music as I go - loudly!

Cruising Granny · Guru

I choose to travel alone. It's the preferred option to travelling with the WRONG companion, person or animal.
I didn't have a dog when I started this lifestyle and I've found it an asset when it comes to places like parks etc.
I can tow my own van, change my own tyres and I've never felt at risk, in danger or unsafe. I can read circumstances very quickly.
While it would be ideal to have a favourite person sharing my experiences, I haven't yet found a favourite person. Nor do I believe I'd be anyone else's favourite person after about day 1. So I go alone, but I meet many people and never feel lonely.
I do find a small percentage of travellers are reluctant to approach a single woman in a park. Maybe the wife is a bit insecure and perceives this independent shiela would be capable of winning her man's heart. Takes all kinds.
I sometimes feel reluctant to approach some couples, especially if they're in the company of other couples at happy hour. One gets "the look" as one walks by, and it's a definite sign to NOT join them. They miss a great social opportunity, but it's their problem.
We share the road, the country and the experience. Coupled or singled, it don't matter to me.

Beth54 · Guru

I've been alone for 10 years now, and I've decided that I like my own company most of the time.

I'll happily travel with some of my family, but men? I'm not good at picking men, so I can't see that happening again. He'd certainly have to have his own rig so I can shoo him away when he annoys me. biggrin

There are some people I would never travel with again for any extended period.

I have two very close girlfriends, one of whom is an excellant travel companion, the other, I'm not so sure about. We haven't travelled together yet. confuse

And no, I haven't 'turned', I just find women easier to get along with. wink

jules47 · The Happy Helper

biggrin biggrin I think I scare men off - sometimes too independent for my own good. Not that I am looking for a man anyway, for travel or anything else for that matter.

Boroma577 · Guru

jules47 wrote:
I think I scare men off - sometimes too independent for my own good.

Independent women are not attractive to the majority of men...too true.

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

After being on my own for 18 years, I don't think any female could put up with my acquired traits of doing everything "my way". A dog is company enough and I get no complaints if I snore.

gst · Senior Member

I only take my wife as she a good cook and bed heater and she still loves me ( I think)

Beth54 · Guru

Bent Axle Bob wrote:
After being on my own for 18 years, I don't think any female could put up with my acquired traits of doing everything "my way". A dog is company enough and I get no complaints if I snore.

Yes, snoring is one of my problems too.

Esmeralda · Guru

This is my second trip alone and I don't think I would have it any other way. The only time I sometimes really miss company is in the evenings, but then again I live alone at home as well. At home though it is only 10-15 minutes to see friends.

My new travelling companion is Boo my bilby I bought in Charleville. Will post a picture soon - she is rather cute and the money went to a great cause.

Cruising Granny · Guru

I've been doing life alone since 1982, and raised the kids in there somewhere. Apart from a few false starts, I'm still doing it alone.
No one seems to seek my company, and I don't seek company very often either.
Even my kids have abandoned me because I don't meet their essential criteria of mother and granny, whatever that is.
So while it would be nice to have someone on my side, I don't think it's going to happen anytime soon.

RosieW · Guru

We will be travelling together, just the 2 of us. First time in 24 years (i.e. as long as we have been together) it will be just us - no-one else to bother us! And no pets, the dog is staying with our grandson.

kandagal · Guru

I travel with my husband. I did look for a tall, dark, handsome, rich young fella to go with but my husband wouldn't let me Oh well we all have problems

Beth54 · Guru

kandagal wrote:
I travel with my husband. I did look for a tall, dark, handsome, rich young fella to go with but my husband wouldn't let me Oh well we all have problems

Well that's not very fair of him! disbelief

Maybe that's what I should do?! Find me a toyboy! biggrin biggrin biggrin

pauline · Guru

Just me and Nev, been together 34 years don't see that changing, hopefully for quite awhile yet, but we really never know do we ?

Pejay · Guru

His Lordship and I have had a wonderful time together, even more so now that he is retired and we are not (really) restricted for time.

However, we do take Crosby T. Bear (T for Teddy of course) so we can send some emails to our grandchildren of his 'mis-adventures' and goodness knows, he got up to a few whilst we were in Tassie of late. Pete has been known to go get him out of the car at times, and of course Crosby always travels with his seatbelt on! I think Peter is dreading the day we may get pulled up by the cops!

PS Yep, Crosby likes chocolate too!

-- Edited by Pejay on Tuesday 30th of August 2011 08:16:29 PM

Helena · Guru

Have been together now for 55 years and I guess we are like old shoes fit perfectly together and as we travel in a A'Van Sportsliner I guess we have to get along well. Helena.

billeeeeeee · Guru

Salutations, earthlings I travel with Poo, and Harmoney,and my music............Billeeee

Gerty Dancer · Guru

I wouldnt travel with anybody but my Mr Dancer, and our teddy "Pilot Bear".

But this afternoon we saw a life-size Tiger's head fitted onto the passenger side headrest in a motor home. Its owner is a single man, who said it was his travelling companion.

yeoeleven · Guru

My favoured travelling companion is my GPS it talks to me and tells me off when I travel over the speed limit and gets me to my destination. It doesn't argue when I get annoyed with it, all in all a very helpfull traveling companion.

John

gordon_adl · Senior Member

Sometimes we have a weekend away with another couple. However, if we're going away for a longer trip we only travel just the two of us. My other half tends to be the shy type. I'm always walking around and talking to people. Once she gets used to someone she opens up much more.
But sometimes my 'meeting other people' does get me in trouble. Why just last month we were at the pub with a guest who was staying with us. As I was at the bar ordering another bottle of wine, some sheila came up to me and started talking to me. Saying things like she was bored and just wanted to meet people and things. I invited her back to our table. Well the look on our guest and my better half...apparently the girl was a hooker and I didn't realise it. oops :)
Let's just say my better half wasn't exactly impressed with me.

Cruising Granny wrote: but I meet many people and never feel lonely.