Budget Travelling

Hi Katz,

There are very many retired folk who are out travelling the country, so yes it is quite possible. Like you we aim to bush camp as much as we can, but do not expect it as a "right".

The rule of thumb is that a long trip over 3 or 4 months will cost about $1 per kilometre, but our experience suggests that you can go for less. A lot depends on how you travel. If you cover long distances fuel will be a major cost, but if you are happy to find a nice spot and just stay for a while obviously you wont have such a high rate of spend. Preparing your own food is the other place to save - if you eat out a lot you will soon wear holes in your budget. Be aware though that food in the smaller outback places will be more expensive than in major towns/cities (and you have less scope for buying specials, bulk buys etc).

There are plenty of low or no-cost tourist things to do, and you will soon get a feel for the places that are just a "tourist trap".

Having said that its wise to have a few pennies put aside for those special tourist experiences eg a trip out to the Horizontal waterfalls or a flight over Lake Eyre or the Bungle Bungles. You will spend a lot in fuel to get to those very special places so you will want to make the most of the experience of being there.

You also need to have reserves to cover vehicle and health issues which can be potentially quite expensive.

Perhaps post some further info on how you plan to travel and for how long for more detailed advice. This has been discussed manytimes on this forum - maybe do a search (red button, top RH corner) using something like "Travel cost" for more info.


Cheers,

Val

Often given as a tip for travelling on a budget is to purchase in bulk and/or in big cities as it gets more expensive as you get more remote.
That is true to a point, but the next time someone passes that way the little country store is no longer operating and another small town is closer to dying.

Please try and purchase some items locally as you pass through, not only will you help the little shop stay open BUT you will be much more likely to be given tips on things to see and places to camp that are not in the guidebooks.
Local knowledge is the best way to find these things out.

Cheers

Disco.

I'm some way of the pension but when we travel we take and make use of any discount vouchers being offered. Cents soon add up to dollars. I like my booze so there goes a fare whack of money so either give up the drink or moderate your habit (if you have one).

If you're forced into caravan parks many have cheap or free entertainment and many do Sunday breakfasts or sausage sizzles again very cheap or free.

You'll find your fellow traveller will fill you in on all the bargains to be had.

Also if you're arty or crafty a lot of the regional places and van parks have Sunday markets where you can sell your wears. One that comes to mind is 80 Mile Beach caravan park.

Have fun and enjoy your travels

Ahhh finally a sensible and and polite discussion on how pensioners can do this within their budget.

The only advice I can give is to live within your budget. Some places are going to be more expensive then others. That doesn't mean it's unfair or it doesn't mean councils are anti nomads or anti free camping. It just means they cannot afford to offer services to help out.

Nobody is going to have a go at anyone for wanting to travel on the cheap or within a certain budget. But there is nothing worse than hearing a grey nomad complain because something is too expensive or threaten to boycott councils because they don't offer free services.

Live within the budget, realise some things will be out of a price range, but enjoy the freebies that come about and enjoy the travels. And most of all, be happy for the fact that you live in a country where you receive a pension and can afford to travel and still enjoy a good quality of life.

Good luck and enjoy your travels.

We are younger retirees who have completed a trip of some 50,000 kms around Australia in October 2012. We set a budget and found that we were able to complete the trip within the planned budget although not within some of the categories initially set. We very rarely ate out, bought locally where we could to support local business and to avoid carrying large amounts of food, only carried limited amounts of additional diesel and always bought when we could, had a mix of free camping and caravan parks. We had a great experience and have absolutely no regrets. Just do it! We wrote a blog and there we listed all fuel and accommodation costs. You might find this helpful to review. Www.keepontravellingwith-gillandpeter.blogspot.com

Hi Katz 78,

I agree with all that has been said above.

I could only add that the entertainemt you will get out of meeting and talking to other travellers will be the one of the highlights of your trips.

Re travel insurance, We only have the national health services provided by the Govt. for pensioners etc. and ambulance cover. From all that I have heard insurance is sometimes a waste of money as you may not get any better treatment but could end up with a bill at the end. No personal experience, only hearsay.

With regard to your accommodation being a roof top tent, may I suggest that if you can extend your budget to a small older style van of say 12 feet that at least will give you a higher degree of comfort and a much more comfortable alternative should the weather turn foul on you. An older van in good order needing some TLC would come up a treat with a decal on the side and some inexpensive interior decorating. A little paint here and there and some Vinnies curtains could do wonders to an older van.

Either way you do it you will have a great time I know. The best way to discover just exactly what is needed it to get out there and give it a go on small trips at first, then you will be an expert too like the rest of us. LOL (If there is such a thing)

All the best,
Bruce.