Campervanning
Posted by: mccallmob
15th Jan 2012 09:48am
So many people are now owners of campervans and its a big community. Many people have places to visit and camp sites to recommend. Places to get repairs done and discounts for for many services.
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Comments 18
Peggy
I'd love to go campervanning, but would I'm nervous about driving a big campervan on tiny roads, and also about cleaning and maintaining grey water tanks, septic tanks, etc. Any advice?
rob
Campervanning is not just perfect for retirees. We are a family of 5 and love the campervan we just bought second hand. Caravan Parks are so great for kids to get out and ride bikes and interact with other kids. There's no stress for mum when it comes to doing the housework - a quick sweep and it's done. So it's a relaxing holiday for everyone. Our boys are 15, 12 & 9 and we can all sleep in the van if we have to for an overnight stay, but on extended holidays we have the annex with a swag, or the eldest pitches his tent. I would thoroughly encourage anyone with a young family (babies might be more difficult) to try the campervan holiday. My only regret is that we didn't purchase one when our kids were between 5-10! Adelaide Shores caravan park is an excellent Big 4 to stay at if you are looking for someone suitable in Adelaide. Right on the beach and close to Glenelg, it has so much for the kids to do and plenty of space for adults to relax too.
giznjack
We hired a motor home for a week, loved it, and would definitely do it again. Waiting for the chance to do that "round oz trip" one day.
Hilary
All sounds good. I'm wondering how people fund these trips ... savings? pensions? casual work along the way? sell the house? Sometimes I feel like selling up and getting away but don't know if that would be wise. Too use to playing it safe.
simla
Hi Hilary, I just read your post. In case you are still wondering about the financial stuff you mention. I agree with RedNomadOZ in that it is a good idea to try smaller trips first, just to see if you can take to it. I found that the bad weather was the worst, or if you suffer from arthritis and the weather makes it worse. For me, this was the 'wet blanket' that spoilt things a bit. For this reason I'd advise you to do some sooner
than later.
As for finances, a lot of us pensioners do it on a shoe-string budget, often camping in cheap camping sites till next pay day.
Obtain a copy of 'Camps Australia Wide' it is worth getting the latest version as it has details of current costs. Also, if you have a dog, where they are allowed. Most people get to know where to head for, after a few trips away. May be go a bit further each time. Make sure you have enough in reserve in case of emergency, motor repairs/ sickness a couple of thousand $ at least, otherwise you could be stressing out worrying about 'what if''.
I wouldn't sell your house to start with, see how you go.
sassylady
we are new to campervanning but have enjoyed the places we have been in tasmania some excellent camp grounds some not so Beauty Point is friendly and very clean Ross not so
simla
Hi sassylady, yes Beauty Point is excellent, nice quiet spot at Red Bill Pt,surrounded by water.Safe calm water,
in summer the kids can go in with their rubber canoes and swim. Little dogs are allowed, by arrangement.
Another good camping area with lots of free camping is the Bay of Fires on the East Coast. St Helens area in general is beautiful and the warmest climate in Tasmania. Water is scarce, no tops on taps because the water has to be boiled for human consumption. As a precaution, the council has decided to remove the tap tops. So best to bring your own water.
Andrewsgirl
Campervanning how fantastic. This is something I'm longiong to do and will someday in the not too distant future. Please don't wait for retirement to do these things. My mum and dad bought all the gear to go campervanning during retirement which wasn't far off for them then suddenly mum had a massive stroke at 54 and that was the end of all their travel plans. they left it too late. Enjoy your travels.
RedNomadOZ
Don't wait for retirement!! Do what mccallmob is doing and go on shorter trips NOW! That way you'll be experienced on-the-roaders when you're ready for the BIG adventure! Either that, or you'll find out that caravanning is not for you and still have time to make other arrangements!!
mccallmob
It's so great to hear positive feedback as I feel so great about exploring our own country and stopping when we feel like a cuppa. My hubby retires in 2 years and we are taking smaller trips currently. The people are so great that we have met and the places we have stayed are amazing
RedNomadOZ
It's not just campervans - caravans, camper trailers and tent trailers are EVERYWHERE! From my experience, it's the best way to see the country! Australia, that is - haven't tried it in other countries!
nanny-di
We have a caravan, often go off for months, winter time we head north, summer time we travel south,
Do a lot of " free camping" and met so many amazing people.
Except for petrol cost no more than staying home. Prob. cheaper as no electricty bill
RedNomadOZ
Haven't been to NZ for many years, but look forward to going again one day. If you're interested in OZ caravanning, you might find my blog useful! Just google my name and with any luck it'll come up ...
fisho
Plenty of campervans in NZ now & some great spots to stay, pity about our roads though...
Looking forward to campervaning in Oz sometime in the future...
beetee
Bring on retirement says my hubby (got a while yet!)....this is one of his dreams...pack up the essentials and off we go round the country...the kids don't fit in with the dream right now, LOL!
beetee
Good for you Theresa...hope u & hubby are enjoying your travels. When I said retirement was a way off I wasn't exaggerating...we are only in our early 40's and the kids are 15 and 10! Unfortunately too our areas of work would not be well supported with life 'on the road'. But we can dream! Now to my next dream....get out of Sydney and head to the Mid North Coast....aaah days by the beach....oops, there I go, back to work!!
Anonymous
Why not 'retire' early like us? We are in our early 50's and have just started our travels. Unlike the pensioners, we need to work to support ourselves, but so far that hasn't been a problem. (I confess though we've only been doing this for four and a half months!) My husband is a truck driver and mechanic so can get work relatively easily, and I've had the opportunity to write a book. Soon we will move to the harvesting areas and I will get work there as well. We didn't sell our house, but have rented it out so that the tenants are now paying the mortgage. No regrets so far!
mccallmob
As a newbie to campervanning it is an amazing to see other vanners waving to each other, chatting at sites and offering advice and friendship. Generous offers of great places to stay and help in so many ways. Awesome