Travelling in a van is fun, no matter what age. I think you will find that there will be quite a few people who will take the same route and so she will make friends as she travels. I know when I did it, I made heaps of friends and we'd keep an eye out for each other as we travelled.

For some people, travelling with groups is the pits. You want to do your own thing, see what you want to see, not be tied down by others interests. Frankly, finding "like-minded people" can be difficult.Your mother is an adult, and just because she is female it does not mean she is vulnerable. If she stays in safe camping areas she should have no problems. I am a great advocate of lone travel; if you want to talk to people you can do so, if you don't feel like it you can do your own thing. This is how your mother probably feels. If she had wanted to go on tours with others she would have done it.

Good on your Mum.

I have a couple of acquaintences who have a van each (two women) and they travel and meet up along the way but

often stay around the same area each doing their own thing. Both have said it would be a lot cheaper to travel together but like some of us want the independence of doing just what they want with no consequence of suiting another. These two intend to do this forever if it is possible and if they both turn 100 they will be happy to celebrate travelling the Aussie. roads enjoying their cakes and that is what they would want cake with the s on the end. lol.

All the best to you Mum and you June. Welcome to the group and hope you make many new friends here.

Phyl.

One thing I would say, if your Mum intends to travel in rather remote areas, she contact the Police in the town she is leaving from, and the place she is intending to go. I always did that - I never had any dramas, but it was reassuring to know that I had let someone know where I expected to be at a certain time. There weren't any other ways to do it then. No Mobile or sattelite phones. I'd love to do it again, but cost is the problem.

How unusual, Do you know that at any given time there are thousands on the roads, travelling our wide brown land.

Being a Traveller, I been on the road for years. there are hundreds of women , ALL ALONE, who travel around Oz.

Just pull up at any rest area or gravel pit. The beauty of it , is that if you want to talk to people, all you have to do is go outside your van, and there is always someone to talk to.



This last year on my own has been very interesting. From the wives who dont like their husbans talking to a woman on her own. To the wives who insist their husbands help the poor lady on he own.

It takes all types . Some couples want to take you under their wing.



I have met numerous other woman on their own, and the central theme is,

"LOVE THE LIFE"

Between May and September the roads are clogged with "grey nomads".

Of course these are the best times of the year to travel.

After the Northern wet, and before the Southern wet.



Hope that all who want to see our country, MAKE THE EFFORT, IT IS WORTH IT.

Lisa, like your Mum June, I am about to shortly set off on the road for an experience of a life time. Whilst being a bit nervous, I have been reassured by what I have read & people I have talked with. Who knows, we may meet up along the road somewhere.

Good luck

Congratulations Genie. May all your dreams come true and the next chapter now

beginning amazing.

All the best

Phyl.

What a great way to live, we (Hubby and I) have just recently bought a small van and we are starting on our adventure, just short trips though, a few days here and there, we are not yet used to this sort of thing and we are not getting any younger so we are going to make the most of the rest of life we have left. I said on New Years Day....this is our year.....and by golly, we are going to make it so.

Hi ceemgee



How are you both finding your adventure in the small van???i am thinking of buying one also, but have not had any experience in it at all....so taking it a few days at a time sounds good to me too...not being used to it..I am thinking on doing it on my own, but wonder if I will be able to cope with it..

[size=3][b]For people intending to buy a van and travel might I suggest that you join a caravan forum

where you can ask questions and get answers from people who already own a van and travel.



One forum I have found to be very helpful is[/b] [/size]



http://caravanersforum.com/viewforum.php?f=9&sid;=848258a880e8e0ec0b5e45293c6401b1



[b]Although I don't own a van (would love to) the people on here are very helpful and would give you any answers that you require.[/b]

[size=3]June

I'm a 67 yr old female and last year I did a 21,00km trip on my own from Sydney across to Adelaide then up the centre, across the top of Oz then down the west and south coasts of WA, across the Nullabor and then home via the Great Ocean Rd, Vic.

I traveled in a Toyota campervan and had a fantastic trouble free trip. Would do it again in a heartbeat given half a chance.

I stayed most nights in caravan parks but did spend quiet a few nights at National parks and free roadside stop. As i was travelling between June and October there were always plenty of other travelers around and always others stopped at the free areas

I never felt lonely but then I'm a person who does not mind being on my own. There where always people who would take the time to have a chat.

I hope your Mum gets out there and has a wonderful time as I'm sure she will. You just need to take the same care as you would at home

Clare[/size]

www.clarestravels.com

What a great trip Claire. Good on you. So true many more women are venturing out

and finding they can do a lot more than we all think we can and there is always someone

to ask for a bit of help and a chat.

As you said Claire just taking bit of care but that is what we all have to do no matter where we

are don't we.

All the best and let us know when you are off again if you are still in travelling mood/mode.

Tried to bring your site up but not successful.

Phyl.

Hi All

My website is now working on my previous post

Clare

Hi Clare 46, loved reading your website, most interesting, I have been looking at the Toyota campervans online, just to get prices etc so not sure which one to get yet..

All those photos...lovely.. good on you..what sights you have seen..