Why I sold up, bought a motorhome and hit the open road
Over60 community member, Raye Coates, from Dalby in Queensland did just that and shares her remarkable tale of selling up and hitting the open road in a motorhome as an active 66 year old traveller. She shares her insights and tips for a grey nomad lifestyle with a motorhome.
“When I was 56, I got a job at an international school in Tokyo, Japan, where I was contracted for two years. I had retired from my job in Queensland, sold up, invested the money and stored the things I wanted to keep. Two years later, I got a job at an international school in Singapore. During these two years, I started researching how I could live agrey nomad lifestyle.
I read everything I could find, including reviews of motorhomes. I started subscribing to Campervan Motorhome Club. They have a good monthly magazine full of information. During a holiday back in Australia, I hired a motorhome to try it out. I did this twice.
From this experience I realised if I was going to live in a motorhome, I had to do it properly. I needed enough space to live comfortably with a good shower, fridge and oven. I’d lived alone for a long time so I was used to that. By the time I retired, I knew exactly what type of motorhome I wanted.
I love the freedom of travelling in a motorhome; always exploring new places. The variety of places in Australia are endless cities, towns, beaches and national parks. I usually start at the information centre in each place to find out all the things to see and do. I love never having to wake up to an alarm clock and having time for long walks.
When I am in a city I always stay in a caravan park near public transport, so I can see the city without having to shift my motorhome. If I feel like talking to someone, there is always someone around to chat to but I am happy with my own company. If I need help, there is always a person around to ask.
When it comes to travelling, I like to go north for the winter and south for the summer. Some of my favourite places to go in summer include: Tasmania, which is fantastic in February and March; Victoria, which is always a great place but in summer you have to be mindful of bushfires and I love Melbourne; and, South Australia, but it does get very hot.. In spring, I love seeing wildflowers in Western Australia and in winter, I travel to northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. Queensland has great winter weather. The central inland towns – Longreach, Barcaldine and Winton – are interesting in winter too.
Since I am always in my motorhome, I look after it with regular servicing and keeping an eye on the tyres. I carry the usual toolkit that comes with the car. I have only had two punctures in six years and I get roadside assistance to help change them for me.
I always keep my eye on the weather and I try not to travel when conditions are bad. I don’t travel at night. I usually travel only short distances to my next stop (usually no more than three hours’ travel time). I try not to put myself in places that are not safe. Fellow travellers in caravan parks often give useful advice about good places to stay.
Travelling in my motorhome has allowed me to refine my photography. I’ve always been interested in photography but now I have the time to wait for a good photo, and the time to edit and delete. At the moment, I am working on a book about Australian pubs. The architecture in each state is quite different and the pub was usually one of the first buildings built. I also have a file on birds and plan on making this into a bird book one day.
I didn’t set out to travel for more than six years. I thought I would do it for two years to see Australia and then settle somewhere. I like the lifestyle so much that I would now find it difficult to be in the one spot for a long time. Australia is so big it is impossible to see everything. We are also lucky it’s a safe country to explore in a motorhome as long as you are sensible.”
My advice for other solo travellers:
Do your research
I think it is important to do your research before you start. Ensure you have a reliable motorhome to travel in.. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, check out travel sites on the internet or books which highlight the best caravan parks and campsites in Australia.
Communicating with family and friends
Think about how you will keep in contact with family and friends. I have a laptop, iPad, iPod touch and mobile wi-fi to keep in contact. I play Scrabble via Words with Friends, with a number of friends each day.
Don’t do anything until you feel comfortable about it
At first, I only went on short trips until I got used to living in a motorhome. I also didn’t go too far from people who could help me when I didn’t know how to do something. When I started, backing my vehicle onto a site wasn’t easy. People at caravan parks will always help you though.After much practice, it is now very easy.
Related link: Heading on a road trip? Don't leave home without these things!