The most popular type of travel was to grab a tent, throw it in the car with bedding and food, and drive off to somewhere exciting and new. For some of us, this is still a possibility, and the easiest way to travel and possibly the cheapest.

It might be simpler now, without having to pack for the children and their endless needs (clothing, toys, snacks, extra clothing, towels, extra food, etc.), as it will be you, your partner and maybe the dog. It’s about getting close to nature, enjoying your surroundings and doing it easy.

However, that being said, you will need the basics. Tent, comfortable sleeping arrangements, bedding. https://amzn.to/464n48X

Bring your clothes, food and water and then basically you are set for a quick trip. For those more experienced campers, lighting, pantries, solar showers and toilets could be an option, but then you are taking away most of the fun of camping/tenting. https://amzn.to/3HLFYrY

You may verge into “glamping” (which is another option altogether and just as fun too).

The additional benefits of travelling in a tent is the freedom. Stop where you want to stop, travel to wherever you choose (as long as your vehicle can handle it), and stay as long as you want. It is a travel style that can be spontaneous or planned, but has the wonderful freedom of the outdoors that is truly amazing.

There is always something special about bonding with nature and sleeping under the stars. And don’t forget, you can disconnect from the modern world , even just for a little time and re energize your body. Camping in nature has been proven to reduce stress and is great for exercise and relaxation. Lets face it, if we don’t have a T.V., computer or phone line, the only thing to do is relax. So enjoy it.

Tenting offers the most inexpensive way to travel. Once you have your gear (which compared to other forms of travel, is not expensive at all), the only thing you need to provide is food and water, and fuel for your car - maybe a campsite fee if you’re not doing free camping. https://amzn.to/41jwQ4q

The only downsides are minimal as long as you have everything prepared. The biggest downfall would be forgetting to pack something. There would be nothing worse than going out for a weekend adventure and forgetting your pillows (yes I have done this). Granted you can accommodate by using towels or jackets or something soft to be rolled up, but I guarantee you its not the same as a pillow!

Unpredictable weather can put a dampener on your camp trip as can feral animals and insects. However, that being said, it’s a great excuse to reconnect with nature and probably the most easiest way to travel; as long as you can get in and out of the tent easily.😁

The sights, sounds and nature experience, and lets face it… the total relaxation of a tenting holiday is worth the minor risks. If this suits you, you can let your travel destination imagination run wild. Be free, and let’s get ‘Back To Nature’.

We are Empty Nesters, so we are probably at least over 45. So let’s face it, climbing in and out of a tent may prove to be a little difficult for some of us these days. Obviously, there are those who have no problems with this, but for the others, a “glamping 4WD” set up might be better suited. https://amzn.to/3Vzijhz

So a 4WD drive travel holiday might be best suited to those who really love to explore the rough and wild and not have to burden themselves with too much gear to cart around. Everything you need is literally inside or on top of your car. Obviously buying the perfect car for your adventure is the most expensive thing, but once you have it, you can almost go anywhere. https://amzn.to/3HFTeOZ

These days you can buy tents to go on top, around or out the side of your vehicle for sleeping. Or you can really rough it and sleep inside your car. https://amzn.to/46odX2b

The benefits of this type of travel is literally the places you can go, and for you to be able to camp in exceptional comfort, compared to having to tow a trailer or caravan with you (which is also comfortable, but hard to take up that mountain track!). You can free camp to save money or park in any campsites or parks. Travel the roadside tracks and go through rivers, up and down mountains, through snow and sand. As long as your vehicle is equipped properly, you can probably go anywhere.

As with all choices there are Pros and Cons for everything. Obtaining a toilet and shower is more difficult (unless you bring one) in the wilderness, but not impossible. If you don’t mind a cold shower often and pooping in a bag, then all should be fine.😊

A 4WD also enables you to transport additional equipment like fridges and pantries (mind, don’t overload your vehicle), but of course with these, you might need an extra battery, solar panels and additional cords and plugs.

However, most 4WD cars and all the accessories that go with it are expensive, but once you have the set up, it’s easy and most times fairly cheap to travel. But always be aware that 4WDs do use a lot more in fuel so be sure to take that in to consideration.

If you want a self sufficient type of travel, just a pick up and go type, then this might suit you. As long as you have a comfortable bed/swag, its a great liberating experience for all. And the sights you will see will be truly amazing.

Have you ever had some great fantasies about sleeping under the stars, travelling new landscapes, and like the idea of self- supported travel? Travelling by bike (either motorized or pedal power- this requires a little more fitness though), this type of travel may suit you. https://amzn.to/4lWQJWC

It’s a travel form that becomes both your transportation and luggage carrier, but also your experience. It is the most simplistic form of travel, and probably the most inexpensive. If you choose pedal power over a motorized engine, it also decrease your ‘carbon footprint’ on the world.

Whichever bike you choose, you do have to make sure of several factors. Ensure you have a sturdy frame and it is capable of holding not just yourself, but you bedding and basic supplies as well. Don’t think just because you are on a bike, that weight limits don’t matter. Of course they do, and you have to prepare for this otherwise you wont be going anywhere.

The right equipment for bike touring makes life a little easier, and depending on how long you want to travel will depend on the accessories you need. Obviously a bed/swag/tent is needed, https://amzn.to/4mCOFUJ a back pack for softer items like clothes and towels, https://amzn.to/3I3goia maybe some sort of travel rack (panniers for example) will be necessary. Front, back or both, depending on what you are travelling with and how long you intend to stay away. https://amzn.to/47Uxaun

If you want to go further, there are also side bags; like saddle bags for horses, water proofing, cooking equipment, food storage, compression sacks and really the list can go on. Once again, ensure your weight limit is not too much for you or your bike to handle.

So why bike it? Bike touring can take you through a huge variety of different landscapes, towns and terrains, and unless you take a guided bike tour ride, the destinations are all up to you. It’s a lot easier to stop into a small town for a coffee or wine tasting than having to park a 24ft caravan somewhere. You can travel at your own pace and literally experience nature in its full glory whilst you are travelling. The wind in your hair, the weather on your shoulders, what better way to experience what life has to offer, than being literally part of it.

Of course, you can always start touring, set up camp somewhere, then go off for a day of biking adventures. Many people travel by bikes, so it’s also a great time to meet other like minded travelers.

So if you like the idea of wind in your hair, fresh air to breathe, then maybe this type of travel might suit you. The destinations are endless and the options are too. Whether you take all your supplies, or just enough for a night and restock, maybe even be part of a bike touring group and travel with friends. It’s all up to you and your preferences. So do a little more research and find the best travel mode for you.

But do it. Don’t wait until you cant turn a peddle or put your leg over a bike. The time is now, lets get biking!

Got the travel bug, but somehow feel like you are over crawling in and out of a tent? Love the travelling but dislike the cost of cabins and motel rooms? Well, maybe a caravanning holiday is for you. Depending on the caravan you buy, it can be a self sufficient way to travel. Just load up the van, hook it onto you car, and away you go. Obviously, it’s not that easy, but once you are set up and have the right equipment, it definitely can be.

My husband and I have recently purchased our 19ft van to start travelling. We are going to start off with some small trips and then hopefully have enough experience to travel around Australia. Sounds exciting and terrifying at the same time. But it doesn’t have to be.

So I’m not here to tell my story, but here for advise and tips and well, to list some of the basics of this form of travel. Obviously others will have different things to tell you, especially those who are more experienced, but I think it would be nice to hear from a ‘Newbie” to this form of travel.

Well, in the first place, why is caravanning for you? Maybe it’s the lure of the long open roads, long summer days and beautiful spots to explore and rest yourself. Maybe it’s the fact that it can be a little less stressful when you don’t have to hail for a Taxi, book into a Motel room, or set up those cumbersome tents and all the equipment you need for them. It is a big decision to buy a caravan and a large investment for some. So it’s best to do all your research on whether this type of travel will suit you at all. You can hire a van first before making an actual purchase, which is a good way to start if you are not sure that you will like vanning or being in quite close proximity to others as you travel…

The biggest financial outlay will be the van itself, and then ESPECIALLY the type of car you need to tow it. You cannot just literally buy a 24 ft van and expect to tow it with your Commodore. Research the weight of the van and what your car (and tow ball) can tow.

Once you have the correct vehicle set up, the rest is pretty easy. No more booking into hotels or Air B N B’s. Forget eating out every morning, day and night, as most caravans these days come with a fully equipped kitchen. Not great at planning for a holiday as it seems too stressful? Well the beauty of vanning is that you don’t have to plan. You only have to have fuel in your car, some clothes and basic food packed and then drive. Stop where you want, Free camp it, or slide on in to a Caravan Park to stop for the night. It is literally that easy.

If you have a Off Grid set up, you can also stop in the middle of nowhere, and still have fuel to run your essentials. Gas, diesel, solar or a generator will keep the fridge running, the cooking hot, the cooler on and the lights glowing. Most caravans also have large water tanks that will keep enough water for approx. 2 days; depending on what you do with it of course. If you have a filter, also good enough to drink without issues.

Most general camp places are also a great way to meet other travelers. So far, in my van travels, I have only met thee most kindest and helpful people. They are normally willing to help ‘Newbies’ like me and always have a great story to tell. Often Van travelers will catch up again in the future, maybe even at the same spot, or even share contact details, so you can meet up along the way at a different spot. It’s literally a community of Caravan Travelers.

If you want to travel for a longer period of time, there are also websites that show you where you can earn money whilst you travel. Hospitality jobs, maintenance jobs, or any trade work is highly sort after, especially in tourist based towns. So you can earn money whilst you travel, stay for a few months or so, and then keep going to more destinations. Of course, if you can work remotely in your current job, that would be a huge bonus!

There are always some Cons associated with any type of travel, but for me, the benefits outweighed those. The initial set up can be very expensive if you eventually want to travel full time, but the comfort and lifestyle I think outweighs this (but that’s my personal preference). I like coming back to the van after sightseeing or wine tasting, and sitting on a nice comfortable couch, or outside with a glass of wine and some cheese and biscuits whilst hubby watches football inside (this is also personal preference).

Whatever you decide, make sure you do your research, and always buy from a reliable dealer. Try before you buy, rent out first, talk to other Caravan owners. Everyone is always willing to help.

This is my preferred way to travel, now I don’t have kids to accommodate to, our van sleeps just the 2 of us. It’s quiet, it’s relaxing and very comfortable. Soo… get out there. Go to a Caravan show and see if it’s for you too. You wont be disappointed.

Airports, far off destinations, new countries, new customs, learning, seeing and experiencing. Travelling to another country is a wonderful way to see what life has to offer. It can show you literally how other people live and their customs and can give you a new perspective on life in general and seeing how others live can be quite humbling. Well that’s the idea of travelling in the first place, isn't it? To see new places and experience new things…

Travelling to a new destination can thrust you from your ever so comfortable life that you know at home, into something exciting and adventurous. It can also be truly relaxing and could help you find peace and tranquility, but whatever the reason, it will push you out of your comfort zone, and maybe give you a little more self assurance, independence and gratitude for what you have at home.

Travelling abroad can also enlighten you on different cultures and give you a more deeper understanding and appreciation of this great wide world of ours. It is important to realize how big this world is, and not everyone is like you, nor lives as you do. The experiences you can gain will be life long memories, and more often than not, it should make you more open minded and more understanding and accepting of peoples’ different ways of life.

Imagine the food to taste, the people you will meet and the languages you can learn. You can also travel and earn money different ways if you research in to it enough. If you speak English, you could always teach or become an interpreter as you travel. There are also many pet sitting jobs to find if you like animals. The list is endless and doesn’t take too much time to find work (if you want it) when travelling abroad.

There are many ways to travel to different countries, and all depends on where your homeland is based. I’m in Australia, so it does take a little more effort for us Aussies as we can’t literally jump on a train to go to the next country. But, there is nothing wrong with a plane ride or even a large ship for that matter. Planes, trains, ships, ferries, cars, bikes, horses are all ways to travel, but the point is to do it. You will gain a better understanding and perspective of the world and how it works.

Each travelling experience opens your mind to new worlds that can teach you knew things and give you great memories to treasure. Just because you are over a certain age, does not mean you can’t back pack across Europe. How wonderful would that be?

However, if your plan for a holiday abroad is sitting in a hotel room or by the pool for the whole time, then I suggest you save your money on travel and go sit next to your neighbors pool. 😁 It’s supposed to be about new things, and new people and traditions and food and sights and sounds. Get out there and go immerse yourself into life and everything it has to offer.

Just make sure you do your research, and be mindful of the essentials you need to travel to another country. This includes shots, VISAs, passports, maybe medical records and always proof of your identity. Also be very mindful of different countries rules and customs. Sometimes they are very different from your own, and if you break their law, you could find yourself in a bit of a mess. But a bit of planning and researching will help with that. https://amzn.to/4pe2vOX

The world does await you, and it’s waiting for you to arrive. Get on board and start seeing new destinations away from your comfort zone, expand your mind and health. Travelling is great for releasing stress and anxiety as well as helping with your physical health. So its a win win situation.

I’ll see you out there guys. Let’s get GOING!!!

To be completely honest, most of us have spent many many years raising our children, trying to teach them right from wrong, expending all our excess energy into what is best for them.

But when they leave on their own life adventures, we tend to feel many emotions and constantly ask ourselves, what is next?

Then there comes a shift of energy and we realize that we are still young, and now it’s our turn to truly fly. Most of us did not get the luxury of travelling before raising a family, and even though most of us dreamt of it, now is the time do actually do it. It’s beneficial to everything that is a part of us, including our physical health, mental health and sense of well being. It also helps us to re connect with our partners (if we have one) and experience life all over again, but this time without having to drag kids around during school holidays and between sports schedules and such.

The freedom an empty nester life brings you is amazing and benefits your travel journey. You can travel off peak/shoulder season to avoid excess charges and other tourists. You can literally pick up and go whenever you want and stay for how long you want. You can even pack up all your belongings and travel full time if your budget allows. What an exciting thing to do.

I’m sure a lot of us have had bucket list ideas of where we want to go before passing from this earth, well why not start ticking that list now? Take that safari in Africa or go snorkeling in Bali. Or even travel 3 hours up the road to that lovely coastal town you have always dreamed of visiting. The sky is the limit and this time it’s all about your wants and needs.

So ask yourself… “What have I always wanted to see, taste, experience or do?” Well, answer yourself then go do it. Always have a plan for the next trip, because if you don’t, you probably won’t go.

Travelling is liberating, relaxing, and the most enjoyable thing is it’s about your time (not the kids) and what makes you feel good.

This chapter is yours, so make it a great one.