Do you want to know if you are cut out to travel Australia in a
This post walks you through the top 10 signs that indicate you will love life on the road.
Travel Australia In A Caravan
When we first decided to travel Australia in a
Straight away, we said, ‘Yes, we’ll be fine!’ ‘But what about spending all that time together? Won’t you get sick of each other?’ Again, our answer was, ‘We’ll be fine.’ We do have a great relationship.
We know we’ll be okay for many reasons, and if you are of a similar mindset, you’ll be OK, too. So here is a list of 10 signs you will be able to Travel Australia in a
1. You Are Adventurous
Yes, you’ll need to be adventurous for this plan to work. We both love visiting new places, learning about their history, discovering new landscapes, and meeting other people.
We also love getting off the beaten track and visiting smaller, out-of-the-way places.
2. You Are Organised
This is a big one for me. I need to be organised for constant travel to work. This is not so much about planning as it is about what I need to take and finding a home for everything. A
I like to find what I need immediately without having to unpack the entire back of the car or rummage through all the cupboards in the van. This is where a minimalist approach to packing comes in handy, too!
Although we haven’t had the van for very long, I have already found set places for a lot of our stuff.
3. You Are Open-Minded
To truly enjoy this adventure, you must be open to new ways of seeing and doing things.
When travelling Australia, you will meet people from all different walks of life and cultural backgrounds. You need to meet all these new people or face new experiences with an open mind. Only then I think, you will have a truly unique experience.
4. You Are Budget Conscious
Unfortunately, travelling anywhere is not cheap, and Australia is no exception. But being budget-conscious can help you stretch your precious dollars a little further.
Click here to read our 82 Clever Money Saving Tips.
Save money on food by buying fruit or vegetables from roadside stalls and use up all your leftovers. Get creative with your meals. Where possible, opt for free or low-cost camps and
5. You Are Easy-Going
For me, having an easygoing personality means that not much phases you. This will help a lot when little things don’t go to plan. Kev is a very easy-going bloke until something significant happens, and he mostly takes everything in his stride.
I consider myself easygoing, too, unless I’m under pressure. Travelling full-time has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t say I feel under pressure at any time.
6. You Are Self-sufficient
Here, I’m not just talking about having the correct solar set-up or extra water tanks, but more in a personal capacity.
If you rely heavily on perhaps family members to help you when times are tough, like when you or one of the kids are sick, you will need to adapt for life on the road, as that support will no longer be available.
If times are tough, you will need to be able to depend on each other.
7. You Get On Well With Each Other
This is a big one! If you are going to be travelling for an extended period of time, you really do need to get along well.
Yes, I know there will be times when a crossword or two will be exchanged—that is just life. But life on the road will be much easier if you get along well.
Kev and I get along well and share the same basic values, which I believe helps. In over 15 years of travelling together, there has hardly ever been any conflict.
8. You Are A Handy Person
Maintaining your vehicle and
Luckily, Kev is very clever. He grew up on a farm and has had businesses for most of his working life. He’s had years of experience fixing things and improvising, so there really isn’t much he can’t do.
Of course, we use someone qualified when needed, but fixing things as they arise is great, especially if you happen to be out in the middle of nowhere.
9. You Are Adaptable And Flexible
If you don’t adapt to change very easily you may struggle with this lifestyle. When you travel, you are constantly moving to new locations and environments, being adaptable will make those changes more straightforward to cope with.
If you plan to work along the way, you might have to adapt your skills to suit a new job.
10. You Are Happy Living With Less
This is the greatest benefit of travelling Australia in a
I have found that I am happy to borrow books from the library instead of buying them and that I can enjoy a simple meal at home just as much, if not more, than going out to an expensive restaurant.
Visiting somewhere beautiful and taking many photos to look back on rather than buying souvenirs is much more satisfying. Plus, photos don’t need dusting!
Are you any of these things? Would you be able to travel Australia in a
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Great article. We are heading off in a months time for about 5 months. We normally travel on our own but this time travelling with another couple. We are all very compatible, and enjoy a challenge. Planning is a must especially heading West. Nearly every popular spot is fully booked out so it is essential to have backup plans in place.
Enjoy your travels!
I loved your article- but would love to add one point:
To financially plan your escape from the big smoke.
Either downsize and prepare house for renting to give you money to live on.
Or sell up everything and invest to have an income.
Or mitigate your debt, live on the pension and set a budget based on your expectations & comfort zone.
Or find work, live from house/farm sit or free camp as much as possible for longer
All relevant to each person taking up the challenge.
Have 2x $5k fee free credit cards for unforeseen emergencies, too
Be financially prepared and plan for the future as well as the present.
All great points Sue and all covered by us in many of our other posts.
I must admit I had serious reservations about setting off in a caravan for 7 months prior to our trip in 2014. However it did bring out the best in us as a couple (even though there were times where we felt like murdering one another!) I think out of all these points being adventurous is a biggie. You have to have a great sense of adventure and want to see all that this wonderful country of ours has to offer. #TeamLovinLife
I agree. You both have to want the same thing from the trip too!
Hubby and I talk about caravanning around NZ sometime and I think we fulfill your suggested requirements! It’s obvious that you know what you are talking about. Thanks for the list.
You’re welcome. We would love to caravan or motor home around New Zealand one day too. Maybe when we have done Australia a couple of times.
Great post – its certainly a big change leaving the big smoke and heading off with what’s essentially a little shed in tow. Some people love it, and some people can’t hack it. It’s a big country, and there’s lots to see!
We love it! Life just seems so much more relaxed when we are in the van.Can’t wait for our full time adventure to roll around.