A change......or just an increase?

Hi Bob,

I've always travelled with just a (4x4) vehicle & have never wished to change to a camper or caravan. Just like the flexibility & ease (to me anyway).

When we first started travelling it seemed most were single vehicles with hardly any caravans & almost no camper trailers & over the years have seen these increase to the point where there are very few single vehicles. I'm about to go on a trip in a few weeks time so will be in interesting to see if I notice a difference.

I would have liked to see the Barina - sounds interesting.

Whatever way people get out to see this beautiful country good on them (as long as they prepare that is).

Cheers,
Vicki

we also get a varied assortment of travelers her in Broken Hill mostly vans of all sizes and shapes it is good to see so many people touring there own country we also get many from overseas as well funny thing the amazing race was here last year I have just seen the episode where there run down the street dressed as kangaroos

the town needs the tourist $ they have been depending on the mines far too long and are starting to realize they need to make a change

Hi Bob,

From our experience there always have been a fair few "single vehicle travellers". We were one ourselves for many years, and still are except that we tow a small trailer full of "stuff" these days. So I guess we do notice other SVTs. There must be some reason why two of the most visited blogs on this site deal with setting up a single vehicle for extended trips - between them they cover both ends of the investment spectrum.

I do agree that there are increasing numbers of caravans on the road, but the vast majority of them seem to stick either to the bitumen or the better maintained gravel roads. Once you get onto rougher, more out-of-the-way tracks there are more SVTs and camper trailers.

I suspect that many people, on retirement, decide that a trip around the block (or some variant of that theme) is the thing to do. But from talking to travellers and reading this forum now for many years I have come to the conclusion that many set out with little idea or knowledge of what to expect, how to go about it, what to see or watch out for - even how to find their way around, and so on. Despite that, hopefully they have an enjoyable experience, but it would seem that some at least simply swap suburban living for a similar experience on wheels. The number of caravans for sale suggests that for many the big trip is a one-off experience.

We have occasionally mulled over the pros and cons of a caravan and so far have not been seriously tempted. For us (despite having clocked up about 7 decades ourselves) the increase in comfort is still outweighed by the versatility and go-anywhere capabilities of our venerable Troopy. Experience has taught us that many of the best places are off the beaten track and not readily accessible towing a big van. Maybe through forums like this one that message is getting traction.

It could be too that economic circumstances are having some impact and before spending top $$ on a big new van and suitable tow vehicle some people are testing the water first. Could be too that younger people, (now that employment is no longer a lifetime commitment to one or two employers) are getting out and about in a way that many of our generation never could.

Cheers,

Val