How to plan a grey nomad adventure
If you’re planning the retirement road trip of a lifetime, effective planning is key to a great experience. Here are a few tips to help you get ready to roll.
Trip planning – Making sure your vehicle of choice is right for the job is vital. Give it a full service and check that the tyres are in good condition. You should also look at taking a towing course if you’re towing make sure that the towing vehicle and caravan/trailer are set up and packed correctly. You need to be sure that the appropriate towbar is being used, a suitable braking system is in place, and that the rig complies with all weight restrictions.
Itinerary – Invest the time in researching your route, destinations, attractions and features to ensure you make the most of the trip. Also check for likely weather where you’re travelling. Avoid rainy seasons and temperature extremes.
Health check - Make sure you’re in tip-top shape as you may not have direct access to consistent medical care on the road. Consider the following:
- A full check-up with your doctor and assessment of any medications as well as optical and dental. Ask for advance prescriptions if possible.
- Purchasing a fully equipped first aid kit and take a first-aid course. It will help you cope with emergencies and will also give you extra peace of mind.
- Check that you have adequate health and travel insurance and that it includes appropriate ambulance cover.
Bills and letters – Unfortunately the bills won’t magically disappear while you’re away so make sure of the following:
- Redirecting mail or having someone pick it up.
- Make sure you document the due dates for all of your bills.
- Organise direct debits for your bills and look at setting up internet banking. These days you can be conducting most of your banking and bill paying via your mobile phone .
Keeping in touch – Make sure you’re set up and familiar with free social media tools like Skype, Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with loved ones. If you are not technologically savvy ask the grandkids for a lesson or two before you leave.
What to pack – Bring a range of clothing to suit different climates but don’t go over the top. Travelling light allows you to pack more quickly and efficiently and it will also save money on fuel. You can always top up clothing and other items on the way.
Don’t forget to pack a folding table and camp chairs for sitting outside. There are also lots of ingenious camping gadgets available which may enhance your trip. A vehicle-mounted shower device powered by car battery is very useful in bush camping situations if your rig doesn’t have its own shower. Hammocks, Swiss army knives, portable water filters and battery-less torches are just a few other handy items to consider bringing along.
Budget – It’s vital to develop a comprehensive budget well in advance of your trip that factors your major costs like petrol, food and accommodation. It’s also important to consider cost variations in regional areas, across different states, and peak vs. low seasons. A solid budget also takes into account contingency funds for those once in a lifetime opportunities like a helicopter ride, while an emergency stash is essential for unexpected circumstances that may arise.