Solo Travelling or Solo Living?

RodLainie · Senior Member

Solo Travelling or Solo Living?

the rocket · Guru

Hi rodlainie,

my heart goes out to you. That is a dilema. Where you live r mobile homes expensive?

RodLainie · Senior Member

Mobile homes on the central coast nsw are way out of my price range, but then it is much the same anywhere these days. People just know permanent grey nomads decide to stop someday and decide to make plenty of $$ from it. So many not much more than a very old van with an annexe, you don't own the land and have to pay rent, but a decent one is over $100k start price. That would be all I own and have saved.

It's not an easy decision, especially at this time. :(

Roundthebend · Veteran Member

So sorry to hear this RodLanie,It's a tough time for you

I lost Hubby last year and sold the caravan and 4 wheel drive as I know I would never hook it up and tow it but knew I still wanted to travel so recently bought a little campervan which I find big enough for me on my own and small enough to still use as my daily drive. But I still have a home base so can understand your dilemma of having to choose one or the other....................take your time and don't rush it.

RodLainie · Senior Member

Thanks Roundthebend

Of course I will be taking my time to consider my options, hence why I wanted to get some other views. I think I just have to keep my mind busy and whether that is fixing up a relocatable or travelling is what I'm not sure about. Perhaps if I settled I could still do my housesitting to travel or save for a small camper.

How do you find travelling on your own?

I'd like to get as many different perspectives to a solo life as I can to help me decide if it's for me.

Possum3 · Guru

Lanie, Terrible news and my heart goes out to you.

Firstly I believe you must do what is appropriate for your present and near future regarding assets.

When the time is right for you to choose if the future is for you to continue on the road, that is when you consider available options. It seems to be premature to cross this bridge before getting to the river.

As you say when all is settled down consider a smaller motorhome or whizz-banger. Perhaps a home base or house-sitting and a soft-roader vehicle (Suzuki/Honda?) to travel and visit family and friends.

Solo travelling suits some but not all - after 5 years on the road already you know how great it is out there and generally how friendly GN's can be (Most of the time).

Travel safe and smooth - and always carry a fishing line.

Regards,
Collin

RodLainie · Senior Member

Thanks Collin

I know it is early and I won't make any decisions until I know it is right. Rod and I loved the nomad lifestyle and we saw so many beautiful places around Australia. It was such a peaceful and carefree way to live and we met great people in our travels. So my heart strings are pulling me there but my head is telling me to look out for the future when I may not be able to travel anymore. I guess the security of having a home base is the sensible way to go (if I can afford one).

Cheers

Roundthebend · Veteran Member

As you can guess I'm new to travelling on my own. I take off again tomorrow for a couple of weeks wandering around the island ( tasmania) before heading off for an extended trip on the mainland in May.
loosing hubby last year at 61 years of age has made me rethink things....................we always planned for the future and he didn't get to enjoy it. So I am now living for today and bugger the future.......................I don't know how much of it I have left!

Dwilz · Veteran Member

I can imagine what your going through I was forced out my home with no prospects of going back I decided to get a motorhome as I was so lost and still am yes it is lonely I've been on the road since November still trying to find myself what does help financially I applied for rent assistance and it does help a little but in time hopefully it comes together and then I may make some decision. I am so sorry for your loss it would be so painful as I know I still am.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Laine, you are "only" 60. This decision is not for the "rest of your life" you will have many stages of that yet to come and time for many pleasures too.
Don't rush anything, and when you are ready to make a decision, make it for you. Do what YOU want to do NOW.

Travel is an enlightening life style. Change and interest is offered on a daily basis. You can keep moving or prop for a while as the mood takes you. You will come across new interests and new challenges. That is what keeps us young at heart.

All the best as you transition through this difficult time.

Cheers,
Peter

Baz421 · Guru

Dwilz wrote:
I can imagine what your going through I was forced out my home with no prospects of going back I decided to get a motorhome as I was so lost and still am yes it is lonely I've been on the road since November still trying to find myself what does help financially I applied for rent assistance and it does help a little but in time hopefully it comes together and then I may make some decision. I am so sorry for your loss it would be so painful as I know I still am.

Dave how did you find out about rent assistance please???

meetoo · Guru

Rodlainie, I just wanted to say hello and pass on my best wishes. smile

Cheers, John.

spida · Guru

Can I suggest just getting a smaller caravan - maybe 18'? Even with a motorhome you will probably want to tow a car in time ...... If you are happy driving the landcruiser then towing a caravan is not a big thing - just take your time and stay off main highways with thousands of vehicles screaming past you:) you will find in time that towing a caravan is not difficult.

Kisha · Senior Member

Hello Laine, firstly I am sorry at hearing of the sad news of Rod, and feel for the uncertainties you describe. Its a good thing that you are looking at your future as its is a wise thing to do, I have never been one for waiting until you get to the bridge and then decide. Where are you situated? I offer you my email address here, as I have some suggestions for you that may help until you decide what you must do. kishalapetite@hotmail.com if you provide me with your phone number I will be happy to contact you.
kind regards to you both....Kisha

Dwilz · Veteran Member

Go into Centrelink Let them know you live on the road full time you don't own a house and they will help

Dwilz · Veteran Member

Go into Centrelink Let them know you live on the road full time you don't own a house and they will help

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello RodLainie

Like everyone else my heart goes out for you

Sometimes I travel on my own, and I therefore know just some of the trials and tribulations, of being a solo traveller
I feel experienced enough to answer only the following part of your question

I'm a bit worried about being solo considering some of comments I've read about loneliness and security.

In the free and low camps, I have come across many travelling solo ladies
Ranging in age from 20 something backpackers, up to an 80 year old I recently met at a camp near Ararat in SA
None of the solo ladies I had talked to, had ever said that they had been in a camp and felt threatened

Loneliness can eventually be overcome just by saying hello to other travellers close by

I can only wish you all the best for the future, and hope that whatever you decide, makes you happy

Two Gypsies · Newbie

Towing a smaller caravan is a good idea. You already have a car to tow it with a d a caravan is a lot cheaper than a motor home, and mechanics to worry about. I am retired and have been towing a 17' caravan for four years. Just take it slowly. You are going through a difficult time so don't rush anything, but also, don't wait too long.

Baz421 · Guru

Dwilz wrote:
Go into Centrelink Let them know you live on the road full time you don't own a house and they will help

Thanks they don't publish anything to my knowledge.

RodLainie · Senior Member

You know exactly how I feel Roundthebend having been there yourself. I'd love to say bugger the future but not having a home base I have to consider what happens if I become unwell and unable to travel. Rod is only 63 and I am 59, we have travelled for the past 5 - 6 years together and I wonder if it would ever be the same without him.

Enjoy your travels and life while you can. It's a beautiful country we have and you could easily spend the rest of your life exploring it. Good luck to you and safe travels.

RodLainie · Senior Member

Hi Spida

It's not the towing of the van or the setting it up, it's the hooking it up on my own. There are other things to consider too like registration costs and insurance for 2 vehicles. I would initially be on New start pension and would have to seek work, difficult if you are moving all the time. So I have a lot to consider and have to take my time. :)

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

RodLainie · Senior Member

Thanks Kisha

I will definitely keep that info for future reference. As you can understand I am extremely busy, sleep deprived and my phone is always on silent plus almost impossible to have any kind of a conversation on the phone without disturbing Rod.

Very kind of you to offer.

Cheers

RodLainie · Senior Member

Thanks Tony for your kind wishes.

RodLainie · Senior Member

I want to thank everyone for all your kind wishes, your helpful advice and concern. It has been a great help. I am not sure what the future brings but I sure as hell won't let it defeat me.

Safe travels and great health to you all.

Nelly · Guru

Sorry to hear that hubby is not well. My situation is a bit different - hubby doesn't like travelling so I am solo when I go. I have found anyone that I have met on the road have been great people even down to just a simple hello. I towed a camper trailer and then bought a second hand m/h - I like the motorhome as I don't have the worry of towing but this is your choice obviously. What ever you decide, you do it for you. Best wishes.

Mike Harding · Guru

I am sorry to hear of your husband's illness and hope things go as well for you both as they ever can in these situations.

Think carefully before buying a motorhome, as opposed to a caravan, as your permanent place of residence.

If a motorhome develops mechanical problems and needs days or weeks in a workshop what will you do? At least with a caravan you, or someone, can tow it to a suitable site whilst you await completion of the work.

macka17 · Guru

Sorrry to hear about hubby.
Unfortunately we all getting into that time frame in life.

Regardless of what other say.
If you not reasonably FIT and strong.
Forget the caravan system.. too much physical things to do.

Have RACQ (whatever).full cover
and hopefully a friends or family address to use as a base.

If your motorhome\small bus. not one ton campervan (They too small to live in)
Breaks down anywhere. they will tow\truck you to repair place. OR that address if within range.
They also supply so many days in motel\hotel for repairs.

Before you decide on anything. Have a word with insurances. and RACQ
as to their coverages.

There are a lot of single ladies living mobile. some older some younger.
They will tell you everything you need.

But unlike a single bloke. Try to have an address to use as a base.
even if you never use it.

We can kip in a tent or under a tarp. short term.
I went round on a 600 dirt bike under an 8 ft tarp at 48yrs. and loved it.
Rode back from Bourke to Adel one handed.
and a handfull of Opiates from Doc.(Shattered left shoulder.)
compliments an Emu liking my front spokes at 80\85km's.
in bull dust. Couldn't see the holes.

DON'T spend ALLyour money on the rig.

Probably. Sensibly. in your case.

Small fixed home. and car\small van or campervan. if you NOT used to being single and by yourself.

13\14ft van would be manageable if you have drop down legs and Trailermate jack at front

A small trolley jack in boot for side to side adjustment at stops. and wheel changing.

Though MOST times somebody will stop for a lady with flat or bonnet up.

SINGLE is State of mind.

Took me 2 yrs to enjoy closing front door to the world after divorce.

After that.

YEAYYYYYYy. best thing in life. Everybody else outside that door.

UNLESS I wanted it otherwise.

For over 12 yrs,

Till I met this one, (Another Irish girl)

I still like the rest of world other side of door though.

You'll get used to it.

You'll never forget. though it'll hurt like sh-t at first. DON'T lock it in.

but it goes a bit further back in mind and you begin to enjoy things again.

Sell van. BUT DON'T advertise or tell buyers about your situation.

Not even the dealers if you go that way.

They'll ALL take advantage. The way of the world unfortunately.

You're just changing lifestyle is all. Hubby working\visiting O.Seas?.

Figure out price\value with old man now.

and best of luck with whatever you do.

-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 12th of March 2017 04:47:12 PM

Chellbells · Veteran Member

www.customcoasterconversions.com.au. Be brave, you only live once.

Lancelot Link · Senior Member

Rodlainie,
I feel for you. I lost my wife and soul partner in June last year after a nearly five year battle with cancer.
I took early retirement 54/11 with a great pension to become a full time carer.
Sold the big caravan and purchased a smaller one after my wife passed.
If you have good health and are able, keep the tug, trade down to a smaller van and keep enjoying the life on the road.

That is my two cents worth!

Terryt · Veteran Member

If you google guide to social security law part 3.8.1.100 explains who in the travelling community is eligible for rent assistance