Grey Nomads…Finding Travel Companions
Federal $10.5m For BECs Good News For Local Economic Development
May 9, 2008Govt, Business, Recruitment – Can They End The Skills Gap?
May 12, 2008There has been quite a bit of interest in the idea of PWF handling Expressions of Interest in matching Grey Nomad skills eg plumbing, electrical, carpentry, with jobs available in outback communities. PWF even did a short radio interview last Sunday about the idea on 2UE’s weekend George and Paul Show.
An Interesting Spin Off
Some days after the radio interview, Marcia, a young and active 60 year old lady from Sydney – Tweed Heads before this and originally from Melbourne – has contacted us wondering if it would be possible to source a travel companion to share costs and adventures. She’d love to escape the Sydney winter and travel north!
Expressions of Interest In Being A Travel Companion?
Once again PWF is happy to be act as an Info Exchange – so if anyone out there would like to contact people interested in finding travelling companions they can email editor@pigswillfly.wpengine.com.
If you would like to register an Expression of Interest in a different destination or a different age group, once again email editor@pigswillfly.wpengine.com and we’ll post your interest on the Grey Nomads’ page and let you know if and when responses come in. It would be a good idea to give a quick pen picture of your interests, including your age and physical capabilities, and anything else you consider important in a travel companion.
We’ll see what happens – there just might be a demand for travel companions…
71 Comments
A very good idia as i know a lot of older people 55s plus wanting to travel around the country but do not wish to do it alone. Ladies especially. myself being one.
I totally agree with Lauri I am 57yrs young and plan to buy a motorhome early next year and travel Ozz, looking for another female with same……
Happy to have like minded people contact me re – Australian travel. Do you have a page where like minded people can get in touch with travel companions. I am not talking about meat market types of pages . There are enough of them . Simply mateship/friendship easy going calm natures who make stress free genuine travelling partners. Be it male or female.
Hi Lauri, at the moment we are just doing the ‘connecting up’ through this part of the blog. Marcia, who suggested the idea is now unable to travel for family reasons but appreciated getting two positive responses. I totally agree with you about NO meat market pages. We’re thinking of a tick the box form/page, so those seeking travel companions can have an idea of ‘basics’ before contacting someone eg.
male/female; age bracket; interests; preferred destinations; length of holiday; mode of transport/accommodation; email address. After an email exchange, people could then phone or meet – VERY much up to the individuals. PWF would take NO responsibility for ANY eventuality. It would be simply and info-exchange of introductory stuff. What do you think of this idea?
I also would love to travel but the idear of going alone is putting me of.
Would like to find other singles ready to hit the road.
Yes, I have travelled alone for a couple of years now and although I have had a great time, some things you just can’t do alone i.e visiting the hutong bars in China, going to see live bands or the shows in vegas. Next January I’m planning a trip to Cuba and finishing with a 3 week trip from LA to Sydney on the Queen Victoria. A friend was coming, now maybe can’t. Have booked the cruise but can’t afford the whole cabin. I am 60, going on 40, fit, love to dress up, wine and dine, but also think it’s more interesting to mix with locals when travelling. I am to old now for back packing, but 2 and 3 star OK as long as there is some luxury somewhere in the trip. Am also thinking of the great outdoors around OZ next year. Packing up the tent and my staffy and buggering off. Any takers on that?
Well said Sylvia – this is exactly the sort of pen picture we need to get the travel companion idea working. These articles are getting lots of readers but there seems to be a bit of reticence in answering online in these comments.
If someone wants to contact Sylvia they can:
(i)post a comment here
OR
(ii) email editor@pigswillfly.wpengine.com and I can pass on contact details for a more private approach.
I am sure there are many out there myself being one such person, who simply don’t go on holidays to places they would love to visit, because they are on their own and therefore won’t travel. It is sad that so many are missing out and it makes clear sense to me that these people should meet up with a common reason for doing so. I guess the drawback is that there are some people that one would not get on with and that could turn into a bad holiday. I would like to meet and know who I might be traveling with before I took the step to do so. I throw this question out there “How does one learn about their potential traveling companion?” Is there a vehicle to enable people to do this? I think the idea is fantastic if you can get over this hurdle.
Margaret I agree with you completely as I am a male who wishes to travel and I know I am OK but would like to be sure of my travelling companion. Regards Gary
Great idia having a tick the box form. Love to see personality/outgoing temperament/drinking habits/ smoking habits/ clean habits Really anything that would make a friendly no hassle trip. Nothing worse than being on a holiday with a moody person etc etc. Must have a lot in common especially if one wishes to do an outback trip or motorhome around Aussie.Go with the flow and enjoy. Have all agreed financial input /costs etc worked out before leaving as not to create undue tension. Great to have a person who is up front and speaks their mind about whatever without being rude and having a dominating overpowering attitude. Just my own wish list as i very much dislike friction and unpleasantness.
Like to mention i also do housesitting for travellers who take a 3-6 month holiday. Takes me to different areas of interest . Live in the home. Walk pets,etc.
Hi again all, my idear is if other people have their own van and dont like travelling alone they could team up with another person with their own van, just though it would be safer and more fun if you wonted to camp on the side of the road or in remote place.
Iam a 62 year old female and would like to travel with other people, male or female the more the merrier.
I’m in. I have been living and travelling in my 4wd bus with puppie and 4wd in tow for a couple of years now and it’s not quite the same as having mates (Female or Male) to share things with. Please feel to contact me. Not sure how it will work.
I agree with all the comments. I am 58, have recently retired and have a new jayco wind-up camper. I’m reluctant to travel alone and do not want to stay in Caravan parks- it would be much more enjoyable and safer to have some companions preferably with their own van/camper and yes, the more the merrier. I live in Adelaide and am looking to ‘take off’ in August. I am happy to provide more details about myself to anyone out there who may want to team up. I am flexible about destinations etc
Barry
having travelled “caravan” quite a bit around australia, we agree with the comments about security of off road camping.travelling by ourselves we are reluctant to free camp, and would like to converse with other single / couples with regard to travelling together in 2009. (feb onwards). we are a pensioner couple and easy to travel with.
I am getting a few emails asking for the email address of someone making a comment here. This I think is a fairly straight forward way for an first contact, leading to an exchange of travel likes/dislikes etc and then a phone call or a meeting? I’d love some feedback as I’d love to see something come of all this. There are obviously quite a few people out there not going on holiday who COULD be going on holiday!
Another thought I’ve had is to set up a small ‘nomad meet’ so Victorians at least could meet – with me and ?? – at Fed Square for a coffee and a chat. I suggest Fed Square as it’s central and easy to find. If there’s interest in this suggestion I’ll pick a venue!
I really hope we can start some sort of self-help here. If it works in Melbourne we can relay this and encourage other nomad meets in other places.
“ROBIN 12th JUNE”.WE AGREE WITH YOUR IDEAS AND FEEL WE WOULD LIKE TO TALK FURTHER WITH YOU. COULD OUR EMAIL ADDRESS BE PASSED ON TO ROBIN TO CONTACT US IF SHE LIKES TO RESPOND. THANKS– “GORDON & EVERELL”.
I would love to travel outback AUS but am a bit put off travelling alone. About to retire soon…. Would rather travel with like minded people.
Just visited this site (first time)
Have you had your “nomad meet” in fed. sq. yet?
thanks … Nola
Hi Nola, No, we haven’t done this as you’re the first to pass any comment! Perhaps you and I should make a date, I’ll write a post about it and you and I can meet and see if anyone else turns up. What do you think?
Hi, I am 57 from Brisbane and would love to travel around Australia next year but do not know how to go about it. Would love to meet up with other singles that want to do the same.
Just WHERE do we as a group go with all this?
There are clearly LOTS of people with the same thoughts but everyone is too ‘shy’ to even talk about likes/dislikes etc!
I’m thinking of an online chat session that runs over a week – open/visible only to those who register – which gives all interested parties the chance to introduce themselves and join in asking questions and responding to others’ replies.
During the week email addresses and phone numbers can be exchanged for follow up.
What do you think????????
I’ll explain the idea in the letter to readers that goes out with the next PWF Bulletin, around August 20, and see if I get any response!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, I thought I was the only woman having all these ideas about traveling and seeing the world before it’s too late, yet being female and past my prime, it would be safer if I had a partner, preferably female, to share not just the expenses but the companionship and the fun. What a great idea. It looks like there’s mostly ladies here, so there’s less apprehension about discussing our likes and dislikes to find a suitable travel partner. I will keep watching this site, perhaps one day, I can fulfil my dream of visiting Turkey (for a start). Cheers. Nadia
Hi all Grey Nomads interested in finding travel companions. I am proposing meeting for a coffee and a chat for Vic based people in early October at Fed Square. I’d be interested in feedback on day of the week and time of day. I’m happy to sit there and have coffee with a friend and just see if anyone turns up – there has been so much talk – is this all it is? In the next few days I’ll write a post about this but I’d LOVE some feedback in the meantime…???
All sounds great. But I’m interested in joining up with someone with their own unit, I can’t really share mine as its only got one double bed. Besides, its probably better to have your own “room”. Am not interested in your Victorian “meet” as I’m in Adelaide.
For those wondering if they get on with someone, the best is a trial run. Go away together for, say, 4 nights and see if you “grate” on each other.
However, I’m interested in contacting anyone who wants to drive in “convoy” and camp together at night, either free camping, or in caravan parks.
I’m 67, very fit, swim competitively, a Jack (or is it Jill) of all trades,have a motor home on a Mercedes Sprinter with a motor scooter on the back. Must laugh everyday, mut enjoy life, don’t believe in grumping or arguing.
Thanks for this Jan, good ideas – how about some SA answers?
Passing on Dede’s response:
Hi Grey Nomads Editor. The idea of matching up travel companions is fantastic.
Do you have a van for two, are you an interesting, happy, healthy, vego musician? I’d love to discuss possibility of travelling with you. I’m a teacher, musician, vegetarian and natural health nut – have travelled lots and would love to travel more with a companion to share the road
Diana
0410 371 751
I agree with Jan ie a “convoy and camp” and I prefer my own “room”. Jan, I have a Jayco camper and am in Adelaide and planning a trip along the Chowilla Old Coach Road (details on the ExplorOz site) in October. If interested my email is barrytaylor@internode.on.net. And Diana, my camper has effectively two ‘rooms’ so get in touch if you want to double up.
Barry
And further to my endorsement of connecting travel companions.
I hope you get it organised somehow, smile, and somewhere.
I am in WA at the moment and deciding whether over the top through Cape Trib. and down to Melb. or back across the Nullarbor. Have to admit i am rather seasoned at it all and don’t share the caution that some do. However, i’ve been doing it by myself for the last couple of years and it just ain’t the same. (Started 2002).
I am travelling in a 4wd bus (i built). And in the Toodyay (W.A.) area. Heading off as soon as …
The bus is comfortable and roomy, solar power – laptop/nextG wireless broadband. More fun with someone (or two) to share it with. Tag along works too. And I have no time constraints or pressing destination. ps. I know and can get to lots of places a lot don’t see. It’d be handy if you drive but not essential. deppthinker (at) gmail (dot) com or Mobile : 0407 515 367. (+61 407 515 367)
Please feel free to call or write. Anyone, (editor/moderator) or anyone.
The travel companion idea aimed at Grey Nomads “is” good. It doesn’t just sound good.
I posted an ad on the gumtree site today, but don’t expect too much response as it seems aimed at young O.S, backpackers. Who i fear may have the weird old guy or lady syndrome. Or other time frames and travel needs.
Thinking of solutions to the caution I sense in the posts on this site about travelling companions.
One only has to give a generic email address if overly cautious and communication can build between prospects from there.
Surely we have all learnt to speak our peace and get a sense of others by now. Or know when we find someone evasive or too insecure to be honest ?
Surely a post an ad situation similar to the gumtree site leaves the responsibility and freedom to each prospect.
I posted a general response in the discussion. And then with second thought, am reiterating an email I just sent to Gail. (ed.)
regards
Steffen
0407 515 367
deppthinker@gmail.com
Hello everyone. I wrote your editor with this same information but thought I would chime in the conversation as well.
I understand the problem everyone here is having. It’s hard enough to find someone who can travel with you in the first place, but then you have to worry about tailoring your travel plans to theirs. Will they want to do what you want? Will your companion enhance your vacation or spoil it? Can they bring something to the table that will help make your vacation better than it otherwise could have been.
Anyway I thought some readers might be interested in my rather unique business.
I am an experienced world traveler (age 40) who runs a travel companion for hire service. I travel with those who desire a companion, an experienced guide, a friend, a trip planner, an activity partner, etc. I attempt to help people break free of their cultural comfort zone and really experience travel as it should be – a life changing experience, a cultural education and a chance to try everything you wanted to do but never did. We rarely regret what we’ve done, but what we have not done.
Travel has been my passion since as long as I can remember and after 8 years running a web business I decided it was time to do something I loved for a living. Hence “Travel with Gene” was born. I’ve traveled to 17 countries and most of the United States. I have experience and training in a large variety of activities from skiing to rafting to scuba and more.
I realize the idea of paying someone to travel seems a bit odd. But really it is not at all. Nobody thinks twice about hiring a guide once you arrive. So why not take the guide with you everywhere you go? If you think you or someone you know might be interested in this idea or you are just curious about the service, please visit my website to learn more. http://www.travelwithgene.com
Cheers,
Gene Tewksbury
World Travel Guide
http://www.travelwithgene.com
Hello all greyheads
Wondering if anyone would care to comment on my issue being raised.
I am deaf (not hearing impaired late in life)but speak good.
I am still working part time as a teacher and teacher’s aide and can get away during school holidays, I love the idea of travelling around this beautiful and wonderful country but not sure if I can afford a caravan or a motorhome just yet.
Would anyone be interested in me tagging along, my friends and family dont seem that keen.
I would appreciate any comments to this query.
Blessings and safe travellings. Didi the redhead.
Hi all
I’m setting off from Adelaide on October 2nd and am heading to Victoria via Mt Gambier. I plan to go initially to the Otway region and be away for about a month. I’ll be towing a camper trailer (Jayco Eagle). I’m 59, congenial and would be very happy to have companions, so if you’d like to tag along then call me on 0424 087 690
Cheers
Barry
Hi Shirley,
Jenny here from the Gold Coast, I am also 57 yrs old, single and wanting a travel companion to take off next year to explore this beautiful country. Not sure when that will be, probably around March 2009.
You are welcome to email me @ sheriff19518@hotmail.com
Sounds great Barry and Jenny – thanks for your offers. One day soon I’ll gather up all this info AND the email addresses of those brave enough to speak up, send off a general info email and see what happens. My gut feeling is that the ‘anti-feelings’ are diminishing and that we will get a Grey Nomad communication platform off the ground at some stage…
Hi there all u wonderful ppl. I bought a camper in april 08 n have 2 small trips. want to travel Oz n work in different locations n fields…no time barrier for me.yet once again I am concerned about going the whole distance alone. I like the convoy idea as my camper only has one d/bed.I am 49 female.great to find this site n hope that I can make contact with ppl wishing to do the same…I am currently on far nth coast nsw. Cheers n good will Robyn
PS a coffee chat around Tweed or ballina would be great …like the melbourne one
whoops PS please feel free to contact me…robelith@hotmail.com
on any of above
ok that’s not right…having a bad key board day LOL e.mail is..
robelith@hotmail.com ok now that’s better!!
Great to see your enthusiasm Robyn – I’m still dithering about what to do about getting we oldies talking though! I have heard that some readers of this post have contacted others – if there have been any successful link-ups, do let us know. It would probably be a big confidence boost to the rest of us dithering…
Another prospective traveller is Richard Westacott who says:
“I am 65,male and retired. I have been to Europe and South East
Asia. I live at Mt.Gravatt,Brisbane and phone no 33495269. I would be very interested in touring Australia. Please keep me advised.”
“Fawlty Tours”
Hi again peoples.
I’m leaving Shark Bay today. Been camped on the beach for a few weeks.
Going south again through Perth to the SW. Hoping to get the Bridgetown Blues Festival on the way. Then heading back across the Nullarbor, Cactus, Streaky Bay, Port Lincoln, etc.
Before doing the Great ocean Road on the way to Melbourne.
Might make it by xmas or will fly my son over for a few weeks on the Eyre Peninsula. As usual. No time constraints or concrete detours or destinations.
Anyone wanting to catch up with me, just give us a call. Or email.
(Gave them in an earlier post but to save you reading back).
deppthinker@bigpond.com or 0407 515 367.
People seem interested in personalities etc. ???
I find it essential to be open minded and accepting when I am constantly meeting new people on the road. Travellers or locals can be quite idiosycratic or parochial.
Not hard to politely excuse yourself when it gets too much. It’s all fascinating. Even when it’s difficult.
I stay clean and organised on the road. No choice. (1) Flies, ants, bugs etc. (2) It’s a long way back sometimes if you misplace something. And guaranteed the thing you want is at the bottom at the back, if you haven’t misplaced it.
Till next,
steffen
Hi Gail. Thinking of you.
ps. I’ll get past for a coffee hello sometime Robyn. Maybe early – ish next year. Thinking I’ll be heading north again up the east coast again after visiting Vic in summer.
maybe the way to go is start a Yahoo Group …. its free – only needs a moderator to approve membership … then people can share what they want and everyone cam read and make contact as they will …
I would do the mod job but I only have dial-up and its so so slow …
Thanks Kevin and Steffen – good ideas and great to see some of us are actually communicating. We’ll see what the New Year brings??
Hi Gail
the idea of people travelling together has great appeal …
I have done an around-Australia trip in a 4WD with caravan … and there are literally hundreds of places to camp on the side of the road in NT and FNQ
great fellowship also to be had doing this; on one occasion I started a new roadside camp site simply because the nearest caravan park wanted to charge 2 nights site fees + entry into a 4WD show the next day .. we ended up with 6 vans that night and had great conversation, sharing experiences, a meal and a few drinks
I am free to travel again after March 09 .. male 61, reetired from senior management; independent, easygoing, no real time constraints, happy to stay in nice spots, move on at leisure, 4WD, camping or caravan, fish, swim, sunbake, read; have 4WD + caravan – share costs email kevarms@yahoo.com.au
Cheers
Kevin Armstrong
Hi Have been reading lots of replies on travelling alone in convoy as to have ones own space.Personally i feel that is 2 lots of petrol/repairs/etc etc. To travel with a companion as to speak enjoy and have a laugh along the way is my idia of a travelling mate. I have driven on my own and it is a lonely boring quiet trip. Give me a passanger any day. Maybe not 100% compatable but what the hell. Lots to see. Lots to enjoy. Lots to talk about if you love the outdoors.
Got to agree with you Lauri..
All sounds really good Kevin – very tempting!
PWF has received a lovely note from Jim White who does not have an email address but does have a phone number – 0417 034 598. Jim says he would like to meet a lady who likes travelling to new places and does not mind bush and/or caravan park camping and who is willing to share costs. He has a small teardrop mini caravan but doesn’t mind if the lady has her own camping gear and wants to remain independent. He can supply camping gear if required. His hobbies/likes: fishing, swimming, bushwalking, prospecting, weekend markets, art galleries, dancing and he is very flexible where he heads.
Jim. Which state /area are you in please.
Hi A good idea is if Nomads wanting travel companion to join them in their caravan/motorhome. Need to put State they live in and area. This would make things much easier. I would love to travel be it male or female as i sold my camper no fun by myself i love company to share the joys of new places. Going in to a pub or such for a meal alone is no fun. Great with another fellow traveller also cuts costs of fuel etc Nice for some people who want their peace etc but life is better shared. lauri (female)
I am planning to buy a campervan maybee hiace or toyota coaster with automatic ,Id like to meet an easy going single lady in forties to go traveling up to qld where i have friends and family then on up to the northern teritory down to broome then to warnbro where my aunty lives back accross the nullabor to SA and on to victoria then back to nsw in sep october,I plan to leave in june july and the lady would be best a non smoker ph 0263424163 if your interested.
Hi Lauri
Jim is a neighbour of mine here in Vic and only has internet access through the Eltham Library.
Where are you?
It would be so-o-o-o-o-o good to actually talk to all of you making these comments. I wonder if you would join in an online discussion over a specified week? I’ve done this before with a small business forum and I think you really ‘get a feel’ of what people are like.
I’ve never actually run one of these forums but from the user end the way it works is:
1. You agree to participate over a designated time so you give your email address to the forum leader. (You could always set up a hotmail address if you don’t want to give your ‘real’ email address.)
2. The leader sets up a special ‘short-term’ web address for the designated period, reminds participants of the upcoming forum dates and asks some introductory questions – in this case about travel and the ‘perceived barriers’ of meeting up/travelling with a ‘stranger'(??)
4. Using whatever identification you choose eg first name only, everyone answers these questions by the end of Day 1…all answers are visible to everyone.
5. This gives everyone something to talk about and you post questions or comments to specific people OR just make general comments.
6. Over the following days the leader can direct the conversation as it develops by asking for more comments on specific topics.
7.To me it would be a great way of making an initial contact and having an informative discussion while preserving total anonymity. For those who want to make further contact they can continue to do this through the safety of email. Does it really matter which state you’re from? Couldn’t meeting up could be part of a ‘trial run’??
I would L-O-V-E to hear from some of you about this idea!
Gail – waiting hopefully….
Gail
Good on you. An on line discussion sounds the go and count me in except for 9-13 March (canoeing on the Murray with three mates but without the banjoes)
Barry
Good on YOU Barry for replying. It will take a while to contact people (so I don’t think it will be as early as March 9) and I think I would like around 20 to go ahead with the discussion – how about it out there?
Very fit and strong 67. Serious 50 years very experienced outback off-road driving camping and bush survival skills. Ex CSIRO Wild Life & Ex Military Medic. Interests in Botany, Entomology & Mycology. Precision illustrator in water colour (Includes microscopic work). Find good location and prop. for several weeks. Mobile Solar power for lighting, car fridge, laptop, etc. Posses Long Range and vehicle to vehicle VHF communication plus UHF. Member of VKS-737 Radio Network. Heavy duty portable extraction winch. Presently refurbrishing off-road camper trailer to escape from the cold months. Thinking of heading to the Cape tip. Have wife (66) and large well trained obedient dog (still attempting to train wife to be obedient. Any suggestions welcome).
Seeking others with similar interests but maybe in different ecological fields and possessing good off-road vehicle and equipment (essential) and driving skills. Will “Baby Sit” the less experienced. UHF essential. No “gung ho”. Safety is No1.
Your site is what us oldies need,even if you only notice this in front of a mirror.Active 63yo,driver-cars to road trains,seeks lightweight lady with van-mobile home,or willing to share cost of one.To travel Aust,with no particular time frame or destination.I have traveled Aust and world.Now renovating an old shack in North Qld,be finished 3-4 months,sooner with help.Will travel to meet,share costs any where in Aust.Can only get on a computer when in town,every one or two weeks. 0428953546
Hans and anyone else interested.
Would love you to contact me. Even if just to compare notes. I am not an academic, but always like learning.
I have been living and travelling in a 4wd bus, (converted ex CFA offroad firetruck with detroit diifflock), for about 7 yrs now, with 80’s Range Rover (and puppy 2yrs) in tow. The last 2 or 3 yrs by myself.
(Perkins 6/354 with Isuzu 6 spd o/d box. 9.00/16 michelins)
Ain’t the same by myself. Would love to be sharing it with someone. Carried a few backpackers but they all seem in too much of a rush and can’t see past the Lonely Planet guide.
I have plenty of space. Solar, fridge, laptop/wireless broadband, generator, etc.
Thinking I’ll leave the 4wd car behind this time. Have a base in Geelong now. (shed on acreage for storage and mechanicals). Just back from 18 mths WA & SA. Almost finished tidying it up again. Thinking i’ll start heading north after working the Apollo Bay Music Festival. Or soon after ? It’s starting to get cold and want to go across the gulf in the dry. Cape Trib – Darwin. Then maybe across to Broome. But have no set timetable or destinations. It’s all good.
Hans. Your VHF is a handy toy. smile. Have UHF naturally. I’ve had no one to call in the middle of nowhere anyway. I get myself into it = i get myself out of it.
15.000 lb winch and 2 tonne tirfor. And do all my own mechanicals with plenty spares and tools etc,. In the middle of nowhere usually. So don’t like bending or breaking my machine if i can avoid it.
Sure you agree the art of offroad is not getting out of the poop. It’s not getting into it in the first place.
Sorry Hans. No tips. i need some obedience training myself.
Any ladies interested in travelling with me ? Maybe you can give Hans some tips.
steffen
0407 515 367
deppthinker@bigpond.com
I am talking with a couple of people about joining up/going walkabout. Tag along tour/convoy ?
Hans (CSIRO wildlife/ex army medic).
Tony (A Anderson – Clemence) from the Atherton.
Phoning Didi back in an hour.
Waiting for replies from others. Kevin. Michael. Barry. Jenny. Robyn. (so far).
Maybe a few of us could get together. Travel within individual comfort zones. Some share vehicles, some travel independently.
Security and diversity within a group.
I am guessing that most are aware that the CMCA (Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia) have many chapters that anyone may join. Including a solos chapter who meet and travel together regularly.
I am male 61 origin NSW (tho in Qld right now doing a management assignment), have 4WD Troopy and van, like travel, will stay in c’van parks or on the roadside; have travelled alone and with company, prerty easy-going, drink red wine and beer (neither to excess), fish, like new situations, phtography – will travel ‘unplanned’ or organised .. depends on the mood … doing a management on Gold Coast assignment now for next few months .. then free contact welcome kevarms@yahoo.com.au
This is fantastic – thanks for letting me know Steffen. It would be wonderful to have a catch up. Where are you all based?
Caravan & Motor home Club of Australia have many chapters (clubs) including solos.
http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/index.php
Hi all. I’m young fit in early 60’s and would love to join in if a group is organised. Unfortunately don’t have a caravan but would gladly share expenses if anyone can accomodate me. Prefer travelling in a convoy. Based on Gold Coast at present. One of my girlfriends may also be interested. Don’t mind what direction you decide to go. email me at eb@arinda.com.au
Count me in! I’m in Tas, youngish 57, female, healthy, reliable. Have my own oldish but reliable campervan. Have done some tavelling solo but would definately prefer company. Also would like to pick up work here & there..it’s good for mingling with the locals and getting a feel for the town. email ad is quolj@yahoo.com.au
I am in my early 50’s fit healthy and a Registered Nurse. I am interested in assisting people with disabilities who want to travel and need help either withing Australia or overseas, cruises etc. I have travelled extensively and think even those with disabilities (mental or physical) should have the experience of travel. Look forward to helping either small groups or individuals to achieve their goals of independant travel.
Look forward to hearing from anyone or if anyone knows of a website that would be of assistance.
Thanks.
Hi! Like Nadia, I would love to find a companion with whom I could travel overseas. Have done Oz trips over 10 yrs and would now like to see some of the rest of the world!
Interested in France particularly, but, happy to go anywhere overseas that is reasonably civilised.
Pwesonal details: age 66 yrs, female, non-smoker, in good health. Look forward to at least one good laugh a day! Born Wales (UK) and lived in Scotland. Emigrated 1981 and became Oz citizen. Enjoy a glass or two of wine, married (44 yrs to stay-at-home hubbie who does not wish to travel).
Would like to see at least some of Europe, or some of the World, before falling off the twig! Would prefer to travel with companion/s! Safety in numbers, etc. Limited budget.
Any like minded persons out there, please? Would love to hear from you.
Fran
Hi all, I am 59 and so excited with all I’m reading (having just recently discovered PWF site). I, too am looking at filling the ‘rest of my life’ with lots of travel options, while still in great health to do so. I really want to see much more of Oz, having recently been up Kimberley region, but I want to share it, too. Hope to buy a 4WD next year, so, no transport as yet, however I can camp, sleep anywhere! and join in all camp activities. I like the convoy or group travel idea, too. I am based in Melbourne and am keen to go anywhere and everywhere. Looking for 2010 ideas and interested in being part of any group contact. Am so looking forward.
Hello everyone, so good to hear how you are all enjoying your selves out there. I’m not out there yet but some how I’m comming.
I’m an Ex (if you ever become ‘ex’) interstate driver and have been stationary now for about 3 years, very hard to take.
I have to sell a house and get myself organized and I’m right behind you. Have worried about being single and 56 and wanting to do this but its not that much different (only better) than living in a truck for weeks at a time. And just maybe I’ll meet someone along the way, good luck everyone..regards Heather North QLD
barheath@hotkey.net.au
Shirley has emailed us to say she’s very interested in this conversation and in travelling! She is 70, travels with a tiny dog in a small motorhome and would love to meet a man (they are handier) to travel with but he must his own caravan or motorhome.
Shirley is looking for friendship only. She lives in Qld, and is free to travel at short notice.
Right now she is on the road again and won’t have internet access until Christmas when she arrives at her daughter’s in Melbourne.
Shirley’s mobile is 0408 77 94 95.
Hi, I am seeking a female travel companion. Planning to go to Thailand for 2 or 3 weeks. Must be back at work by Feb 1, 2010. Anyone interested in hanging out with me? I am 58 years YOUNG. Active and healthy. I am married but my husband dosn’t like to travel. More info about me will be gladly forwarded. Just send me an email. I need to know asap as I have not booked a flight yet 🙂 Would also be interested in a group of grey nomad travel companions. The more the merrier.
Forgot to add my email address. Here it is rosie111@dodo.com.au
Sue has emailed us the following extra info from Townsville: I am most interested in the grey nomad travel companions.
I hate to travel alone, hence this email. I am active and healthy. Have 6 grown up kids, 11 grandchildren, work as a disability support officer and also a respite foster carer.
I have managed to get 5 whole weeks off and don’t need to be back at work until Feb1 2010. I want to make the most of this time and have my heart set on travelling to Phuket, Thailand. I have seen some great packages. Anyway, as I said, I am loathe to travel alone, especially to a foreign country. My husband does not like to travel at all and so he is happy for me to go without him.
I have not booked a flight/accommodation yet but I will need to do so soon. Do you know of another female who would like to accompany me?? Maybye someone who is already in Thailand or about to leave soon?
Good luck Sue!