Author Topic: Life on the Road - Without Kids? (Read 16026 times)

workhorsewa · « **on:** March 30, 2012, 12:42:27 PM »

Hi All,

We are considering changing our lifestyle - presently we are DINKS (Double Income No Kids), we are looking at packing up and hitting the road. There are many sites that cater for life on the road/travelling with kids, but unfortunately I cannot find any for doing this without kids (don't plan to have kids in our future). Is there anyone out there in a similar situation?
In our experience we have found that we don't quite fit into the Grey Nomad, Family or Backpacker situations, which I think can make it a bit easier to meet people. Mind you we have met some wonderful people from both demographics.....

I would just like some advice from other DINKS who have done this and how they have coped without the job security, handled the social aspect, found employment etc.? Thanks

Estelle · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2012, 07:02:31 PM »

I don't think there are many DINKs out there in MySwag land.

We travel without kids (we are retired). Don't like leaving the grandkids for too long though.

Not into the grey nomad caravan jump to the head of the queue, more important than you lot set.

Prefer the peace and quiet of free camping and just seeing the sites. But we do run into some great people when camping (also some not so! Gold jewelry around the neck, sitting in a chair next to the very expensive caravan).

Try the occasional MySwag meet!! A good time is guaranteed.

Park Rangers are good to talk to and are full of information - dig it out of them. Haven't met a bad one yet.

Get out and about and you will find the answers to your questions. Won't take long.

As far as employment is concerned, there are the odd jobs available. Seasonal work is a fairly common income method. Probably the most expensive Item is fuel. Stay in one spot for a while doing the odd job, you can get by for some time.
Go along to the next Caravan and Camping show in your area and check things out. Heaps and heaps of info on the subject.

Can you take 12 months leave from your jobs and try it out? Don't burn bridges until you are sure, then don't

Campfire · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2012, 07:06:44 PM »

I have this kind of dream/ fantasy also.

Now all I have to do is click the heels of my magic ruby slippers together and make a wish.....

Campfire

workhorsewa · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2012, 07:55:16 PM »

Hi Estelle,

Thanks for your reply!!

It's quite scary just to take off, I love my security blanket....but it's time to throw it away and just do it!!! Was looking for reassurance, but our experiences will be different from everyone else's I suppose and it will be what we make it and success is up to us

I don't mind being amongst the nomads, backpackers and families, as I say we have met some gorgeous people and some not so (as per your reply).

As far as DINKS go, I use this word loosely as it sounds better than "childless" haha, so not sure we fit into the true sense of this word....

We checked out the Caravan and Camping Show in Perth the other week (along with many THOUSANDS of others). I think it basically confirmed that we really NEED to get away from the crowds

and definately some of the rigs on offer increased our wish list!!

Will look into the MySwag meets for sure and as you say the Rangers are always a good place to start with info.

We've got a trip planned east of Marble Bar and Pilbara this year for 4 weeks, so can imagine we'll have a bit of time between kms to discuss all our options, ask some questions and start planning!!!!!
Thanks again for your reply, appreciated

Amanda

pmturnbull · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2012, 08:28:47 PM »

Traveling Australia with out kids would have to be a breeze. I am currently 3months in to our trip so far traveled from Sydney to Perth. I had my own plumbing business and after doing that for 13 years the hardest part was telling my customers I won't be around next year and the feeling of not earning any money next year. I have 2 kids 3 and 4 and while I am in perth before we head north my wife has to have another kid (wasn't part of my orignal plan) . If it is something you want to do just do it. Don't plan it to much my trip changes daily I can get in the truck thinking I am going to drive 100km and end up doing 500km if the weather in crap (no point stopping at the beach if it is blowing a gale. I am allowing $1000 a week, without kids you could save abit on that but then you could also spend more. (if I didn't have kids helicopter senic flights wouldn't look so bad if I didn't have to pay for 4)
I do wish my van had a shower in it now as when I was planning our trip we come from nsw coast and camp in places like the high country where you can get water from the fresh rivers and creeks for a nice shower in a nice grassed free camp but since crossing into south australia free camping in red dirt and trying to have a wash out side in it is less then ideal resulting in me going to caravan parks more often then I normally would(worst with the kids wouldn't be so bad with no kids)

Below is my blog. Acouple of the people we have met traveling with kids and I have talked about the best time to travel and we all decided before kids and well before your a grey nomad lol. Even though I hope the learning curve and time with my kids that I could never ofter when working full time pays off in the end for my kids

http://turnbullsgapyear2012.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=13

just do it

workhorsewa · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2012, 09:58:06 PM »

Thanks PMturnbull,

Yes, you certainly have your hands full with a 3 and 4 year old and a bub not far off!!!! Almost had a heart attack at $1,000 a week!! Like you say shower wise etc.it may be different, but for the kids with the red dirt, sometimes convenience is everything. Really have to admire you for taking the steps and getting out there and following your dreams.

Really, I think we should have nothing to fear....we don't have to worry bout any little one's, just ourselves and we are reasonably easy to look after....well i am anyway haha.

Tend to agree with playing it by ear and be flexible where we you end up and whether you stay or go and if you like a place stay a little longer.

Thanks for the link to your blog...will be checking it out for sure. Oh and hey, good luck with the birth of your 3rd child.....

Amanda

Estelle · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:08:14 PM »

We are lucky, we have a security blanket of sorts.

You can plan, think about what it will be like, then when you get there, it is all different. Planning is needed, but be prepared to change

The Pilbara. We were hoping to get there this year, but funds are a bit short. Supposed to be one of the most beautiful places to see. Hopefully next year, but...

I guess it depends on what you want out of life. We are lucky to be in one of the best countries in the world. Enjoy it. Make money. Do whatever. You have have a choice unlike many others in the world.

Showers. In the middle of nowhere, you set up your 12V shower, water feed from a 20L jerry can, water on to get wet, off and soap up then rinse, cold, standing on a rubber mat to keep the mud at bay, all soaped up, and the next thing you hear is a car coming your way. Amazing how fast you can rinse off, quickly throw on some clothes and sit down with a wine or whatever.
Envigorating and, well, all part of the enjoyment. Normally the only witness to your bathing is the wildlife. A kangaroo, lizard, possum or whatever. It is a goooood life.

As you say, you will get out of it what you put into it and want to do.

Best of luck.

lilstookie · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:23:16 PM »

Just do it!! With no kids, I'd imagine it's a heck of a lot easier. We're 3 weeks away from living out of our camper (Yes, we have two littlies so not exactly the demographic you're asking for) and only set the date about 8 weeks ago. If you just talk about it and think about it, you'll never ACTUALLY do it! Our plan is to head north (less 'stuff' required in warmer climes

)....that's the only plan! We will be using all our resources to get work as needed. We have enough saved to replace the engine if necessary (we figure this is worst case scenario short of accident which is covered by insurance) and will spend a month or so holidaying to the Cairns region where we'll work for a bit and explore from there as well.

All you need to do is sort out your house (if you own, rent it out; if you rent, set the date for lease expiry), your stuff (store or sell...we've opted for selling), your work (ask for a leave of absence if you have that option), your car (make sure it's in good order; doesn't matter if it's not a brand new Prado, if it's well maintained, you should be fine) and your other half (make sure they really want to do it too!). EASY!!!! SCARY, DAUNTING, EXCITING..

Our blog is in the sig...we have some slightly different prep needs to what you will, but may give you some ideas.

I'll say it again....JUST DO IT!!!

Lil

workhorsewa · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:36:48 PM »

For sure Lil....definately scary, daunting and exciting! Full credit to you for just packin up and doing it and in such a short space of time......stories like yours are inspirational and make me wonder what I am worrying about....will check our your blog. Thanks

HEM19X · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2012, 11:33:47 PM »

Amanda, we are DINKS and never really had any real problems fitting in with others. The hardest thing we have found is being able to get away from work for extended periods.

If you budget for $1000p.w. you will find that you never really run short of cash with the cost of fuel plus some treats on the way = Remember that a flight over Lake Eyre might cost a couple of hundred, but you will only ever do it once so don't NOT do something because of the $$$$'s.

Also, when you travel, "Travel for time, not distance" If you plan to drive for say 4 hours and you only do 100k's then so be it, enjoy where you are and what you are doing for as long as YOU want.

Regards

Mark

workhorsewa · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2012, 11:55:51 PM »

Thanks Mark....so we aren't the only ones....was beginning to wonder???!!!

Thanks for the advice, slowing down will definately be something to adjust to....as we won't be on the usual tight timeframe. We usually take 4-6 weeks off every Perth winter and head up North, clocking up big kms.....

Do you travel and work when travelling?

HEM19X · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2012, 12:02:34 AM »

Amanda, we still have be involved with our business, all be it via email etc but as for actually working, no.

That said, on a trip to Cape York a few years ago, I was offered 2 jobs in 3 days at Weipa, so there's work about if you want it.

Mark

workhorsewa · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2012, 12:04:37 AM »

Thanks Mark, that's good to know

gurules · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2012, 02:45:34 AM »

Mate dont be silly you can borrow my two they are lovely ,they cook ,clean ,help set up camp,when youve had enough bring em back ,say when they are 18 finished school and got jobs ,your the best,

this will make your problem easy.see fixed

Foo · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:28:20 AM »

You can register on the Graincorp site for work I believe. I come across quite a few when rocking into these sites to load grain
in my truck.

They just move around Australia and pick up work to suit themselves and say it is a good way of paying for thier fuel and food
as well as seeing the country side.

Foo

lilstookie · « **Reply #15 on:** March 31, 2012, 09:26:01 AM »

$1000 a week budget.
Holy buckets batman.

We are less than half that with 2 kids
And a dog. But depends on a lot of factors of course. Stookie is Scottish so I believe a further explanation is not needed.

workhorsewa · « **Reply #16 on:** March 31, 2012, 10:39:24 AM »

Quote from: gurules on March 31, 2012, 02:45:34 AM

Mate dont be silly you can borrow my two they are lovely ,they cook ,clean ,help set up camp,when youve had enough bring em back ,say when they are 18 finished school and got jobs ,your the best,

this will make your problem easy.see fixed

Haha....Awesome idea...an "outback" babysitting service, great!!! Brilliant idea. We can get paid for babysitting, plus get cheap labour ..... love it!!

workhorsewa · « **Reply #17 on:** March 31, 2012, 10:41:30 AM »

Quote from: Foo on March 31, 2012, 07:28:20 AM

You can register on the Graincorp site for work I believe. I come across quite a few when rocking into these sites to load grain
in my truck.

They just move around Australia and pick up work to suit themselves and say it is a good way of paying for thier fuel and food
as well as seeing the country side.

Foo

Thanks Foo....that is a very good bit of info, will look into it definately

workhorsewa · « **Reply #18 on:** March 31, 2012, 10:45:26 AM »

Quote from: lilstookie on March 31, 2012, 09:26:01 AM

$1000 a week budget.
Holy buckets batman.

We are less than half that with 2 kids
And a dog. But depends on a lot of factors of course. Stookie is Scottish so I believe a further explanation is not needed.

Haha...yep say no more, everyone should have a Scot with em when travelling - personal budgeting human calculator to keep everyone on track

lilstookie · « **Reply #19 on:** March 31, 2012, 11:53:07 AM »

Work options you also have the harvest trail. Many are listed with a government work agency in the area and you can find other jobs through them. Also workabout list jobs, quite a few being looking after caravan parks or b&bs with the owners have a break. Don't forget about your regular job sites too...we just search an area eg Cairns and far north and look through all the listings. You would be surprised what pops up

. If you're going to be in an area for a while, register in advance with an agency for temp jobs as well.

Lil

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workhorsewa · « **Reply #20 on:** March 31, 2012, 12:00:24 PM »

Quote from: lilstookie on March 31, 2012, 11:53:07 AM

Work options you also have the harvest trail. Many are listed with a government work agency in the area and you can find other jobs through them. Also workabout list jobs, quite a few being looking after caravan parks or b&bs with the owners have a break. Don't forget about your regular job sites too...we just search an area eg Cairns and far north and look through all the listings. You would be surprised what pops up . If you're going to be in an area for a while, register in advance with an agency for temp jobs as well.

Lil

Hey Lil, haven't come across the workabout site before..looks to be pretty good. Have a feeling there won't be a problem getting jobs, just a matter of what we are willing to do and where we are at the time. Ta for that Amanda
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Cuppa · « **Reply #21 on:** March 31, 2012, 12:38:27 PM »

Once you are out there 'doing it' you will meet all sorts of people regardless of your own background, it's part of what living on the road is all about. We spent 18 months travelling, & can't wait to do more. We still have the bus, but I'm now fitting out a Patrol with canopy as a 'remote area camper' to take us to places the bus wont go.

If you haven't already seen it you may find my travel blog of interest?

Our 'Figure 8 route' around Oz.

regards
Cuppa

workhorsewa · « **Reply #22 on:** March 31, 2012, 12:49:21 PM »

Quote from: Cuppa on March 31, 2012, 12:38:27 PM

Once you are out there 'doing it' you will meet all sorts of people regardless of your own background, it's part of what living on the road is all about. We spent 18 months travelling, & can't wait to do more. We still have the bus, but I'm now fitting out a Patrol with canopy as a 'remote area camper' to take us to places the bus wont go.

If you haven't already seen it you may find my travel blog of interest?

Our 'Figure 8 route' around Oz.

regards
Cuppa

Wow...where haven't you been is probably more the point on the map on your blog!!!! Looks like you've been very busy......awesome! We have done a little bit of remote travel and absolutely love the adventure of it, perhaps you'll find it hard to go back to the bus once you've done the remote stuff..., thanks Cuppa, hope you get the Patrol up and running really soon, so you can get back out there asap

Amanda

pmturnbull · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2012, 10:07:13 PM »

Quote from: lilstookie on March 31, 2012, 09:26:01 AM

$1000 a week budget.
Holy buckets batman.

We are less than half that with 2 kids
And a dog. But depends on a lot of factors of course. Stookie is Scottish so I believe a further explanation is not needed.

That s great the best week so far for me was is $600 but man we did nothing 1 tank of fuel free camped 4 nights and 3 in caravan parks.

The worst I spent $1360 and the worst so far for fuel in a week is $560. That was crossing the nullabor. I have 2kids also and we are waiting in perth until our 3 child pops out in the next week or 2. On average it still ended up at a $1000 thats included 2 services that I performed myself and a total of 10000km traveled in 3 months.

Stozz · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2012, 10:37:42 PM »

Hi Amanda,

We're another couple of DINKS and while we haven't yet taken the plunge and headed off travelling indefinitely, we try and get away to as many places as we can, as often as possible. Both still pretty committed with work and some debt, so maybe another few years.

If you're interested in meeting some like-minded West Aussies, we're having a very casual My Swag camp trip to Dwellingup in May. Might see you there.

http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=20068.0

Cheers

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Author Topic: Life on the Road - Without Kids? (Read 16026 times)