Senior Travellers Survey

Hi Michelle

You might have to wait until tomorrow for your answers.
It's dark now and they would all be in bed.

:)

cheeky bugger lol

1. Tasmania, April/May 2007. Drove to Melbourne across and back Bass Strait by Spirit, then to Adelaide and Flinders Ranges, then home via Strezlecki.
2. Pilbara and Kimberley regions in WA. Because of beautiful scenery.
3. Usually travel in own vehicle, so travel insurance not required.
4. Ensure someone knows where you are and have destination dates.
5. Make sure you have appropriate medication, renewal prescriptions, and a good first aid kit.
6. We prefer to stay somewhere where there is a toilet, showers optional.
8. Yes. Yes.

Allen

G'day Michelle
1.Tasmainia
2.So far No.1
3.Yes.You never know why, but if you have not got it it may be 'expensive'.
4.Phone for if you breakdown (vehicle & self)
5.No.
6.Take your rubbish with you when you leave camp & don't throw it out your windows.Make proper healthy toilet places when remote.
7. Yes. Yes but only new to this caper so probably not able to help too much.
Regards Bob.

goodday michelle
dont want to ask the awkward question but above what age do you want the answers from ??????
steve
some i am a senior to but some i am a junior to

Sort of got me a thinking..when does a senior graduate to the ranks?? Is it a state of mind...is it about diminished capacity...or is it an arbitrary age thing? Does it arise when a Gen X or Y addresses you as Sir or Madam. Is it when the cheeky kid next door refers to you as an old fart?? Is it when a vote grabbing government issues you a benefit card as a "senior" person? Is it about people who have actually retired, what about those who work on??

If purely based upon age I believe many of us are regressing in terms of the other possible criteria...getting stronger with time!

The young bucks need to redefine their symbols...I for one refuse to concede any validity about such an ill defined label!

Sorry Michelle, but your criteria of "senior" can only be defined by you. Who are you looking for responses from??

Michelle
I will answer Q No 4 for you
As a person who makes a living from travelling the roads as a Pilot/Escort operator I think a lot more attention should be given to the older people about how to mix it with Trucks and Road Trains and Oversize vehicles, What many don't realise is there is many types of Oversize situations,
If drivers knew when the seen just 1 Pilot without the WigWag lights on then it will only be from 3.5m to 4.5m wide and there will depending on the road no need to stop, With Wig Wags, the loads will be between 4.5m to 5.5m and they might have to Slow down, and pull over , If the Pilot has Wig Wags, and then a Police Escort the load will be over 5.5m and up to even 9m wide then they should asap pull over and STOP ,
What I find is that motorists don't know what to do , and that is not good.

Doug

1. Where and when was your last trip? If this was not a road trip, also give details of your last road trip.
Alice Spings(Uluru, Kings Canyon) Flinders Ranges
2. What is your favourite all-time Australian destination and why?
Flinders Ranges - this was my second visit and am going back
3. Is travel insurance important and why?
I don't take out any additional insurance while travelling in OZ
4. What are the major safety considerations specific to elderly people planning trips around Australia?
Stability of vehicle
5. Do you have any other health related advice? no
6. Do you have any special camping tips for other travellers?
Take it easy and don't rush
8. Are you an ExplorOz Member? If yes, please indicate if you'd allow me to phone you for more information.
No - I am not - but am an ex-member

Michelle.
Last trip was along the Murrumbidgee river
Favourite is along the Cooper.
We have no insurance of any kind, Insurance is for poor people to keep them poor.
Falling asleep is my only worry.
No health advice.
My tip is to travel in a large vehicle, trailers are the major cause of grief for travellers.
Not a member

Hi Michelle

Well I'll say my husband is a senior, and i am a junior - so that half qualifies me to reply!

Our last trip was early last year - 3 months; 2 weeks heading east and incorporating the Great Ocean Drive on the way to Melbourne then 7 weeks in Tasmania. 4 weeks coming back, including the Fleureiu Peninsular and northern Flinders, Maree and Woomera areas.

All wonderful, as have been previous holidays, mainly WA - Pilbara really special, also Eyre Peninsular SA. Other quick visits to Qld also really great. Lots more to see. Very keen to see the Kimberly, more of the Pilbara, and much of NT next. Like taking somewhat remote outback routes.

No travel insurance - just normal vehicle insurance for tow vehicle and caravan. Have RAC extended cover for the tow vehicle.

Elderly people who travel are amongst the most adventurous that we meet, and leave many younger travellers feeling tired just watching their energy, enthusiasm and spirit of adventure. Safety is not a worry (apart from personal safety and security in cities and some major centres).

People with all sorts of health problems manage to accommodate their needs when they travel. Disability is no barrier; we talked to someone who once met an 80 something year old caravaner with one arm - and he did all the driving. We met a couple where she did all of the on road the driving; he was blind (very minimal vision), but had built their gooseneck, and was always working on projects such as this when not travelling. When at a caravan parts outlet, a couple who were well into their 80s had sold their caravan as it was getting a bit much for them to manage - and were buying a tent and camping gear to continue their adventures!

Many of this generation of traveller prefer to camp out in the bush/beach or in free campsites away from major civilisation. Having no deadlines or time frames after years of a regimented employment schedule is the way to go; travel in any direction on the whim of the day.

I can be contacted by email.

Motherhen

Michelle,

Who do you categorise as "Senior"? Can you give me an age range to see if I fit in.

Toolman

My input, for what it's worth:
1. Oodnadatta Track & Central Australia, April-May 2007
2. The Kimberley, for its history, awesome scenery and great winter weather - but there is lots of Oz we have yet to explore, so that is an interim answer!
3. We take out travel insurance for domestic travel only when we have significant expenditure at risk, ie we have paid up-front a significant amount for accommodation, a cruise or similar. Otherwise our vehicle and gear are covered by car and household insurance.
4. Taking "safety" to not mean "health", I see the major issue as knowing your limits and staying within them - don't try to do too much in one day, don't drive too fast for the situation, don't try to walk too far for your physical condition. Being as prepared as you can for possible eventualities is the complement of staying within limits.
5. Know your state of health and physical limitations and don't try to push the boundaries when travelling. Keep boundary pushing for home when support is close to hand if things go wrong.
6. Sorry, we don't camp.
8. (What happened to 7.?) No, not a member - yet.

1. Where and when was your last trip? If this was not a road trip, also give details of your last road trip.
Got home last night . Road , 11,500 Kimberley via Gregory NP , then gold fossicking in Pilbara then home via Gary Junction , Alice and Pt Augusta .

2. What is your favourite all-time Australian destination and why?
No. I takes me chances .

3. Is travel insurance important and why?

4. What are the major safety considerations specific to elderly people planning trips around Australia?
I have a nervoiusness about camping by myself eg on the Gary Junction Rd this trip .

5. Do you have any other health related advice?
I am unclear what this question is asking . Other ?

6. Do you have any special camping tips for other travellers?
Have a campfire , don't lock yourself up in your van .

8. Are you an ExplorOz Member? If yes, please indicate if you'd allow me to phone you for more information.
Yes to all

Willie .

Hi Michellae,

1. Where and when was your last trip? If this was not a road trip, also give details of your last road trip.
Kimberley for 3 months July to Sept 2005. It was an OFF road trip mainly!

2. What is your favourite all-time Australian destination and why?
Kimberley and Cape - they are remote and generally unspoilt.

3. Is travel insurance important and why?
Only RACQ ultra care to make sure that car gets us home.

4. What are the major safety considerations specific to elderly people planning trips around Australia?
Not really just for the seniors but making sure you have all your pills because it can be hard getting that prescription filled in some places. Having a rescue plan ie. vehicle recovery, personal recovery (sat phone epirb). Never felt unsafe anywhere.

5. Do you have any other health related advice?
See above.

6. Do you have any special camping tips for other travellers?
Take plenty of time, leave the tension at home with the calender.

8. Are you an ExplorOz Member? If yes, please indicate if you'd allow me to phone you for more information.
Yep - best email I'm often out.

Kind regards

1. North shore Noosa & Inskip point QLD.
2. Cape York. Our first long range trip.
3.No
4.Good communications. (radio & phones)
5.Regular check up's of man, machine and equipment. Clean water.
6. A reliable fridge

8. Yes

When I first saw the thread title, I didn't think it applied to me. After all, I'm not a Senior. Then I see your interpretation of Senior. Bugger me, 50 is still young!

Last trip was to NT and the Gulf(fishing). March to June 2007.
All time favourite destination is Kimberley, GRR, Mitchell Plateau area. Beautiful scenery, great walks, great camping spots, remote.
Don't do any special travel insurance.
Safety. Have a good well maintained vehicle. Make sure others know where you are going if you are heading off the 'beaten track'. Make sure you always carry some spare water and food.
Health. Take plenty of any prescriptioin medications with you. You can not rely on getting them in remote areas. Make up a card that lists any medical conditions and any prescription drugs you take and carry it in your wallet or somewhere else it can be found in case of emergency.
Camping Tips. Make contact with other travellers at each camp spot whenever possible. Great way to learn about road conditioins, things to see and do, and other good camping spots.
Member - Yes. Contact - yes.

Other comment. On our travels we were initially surprised at the number of 'seniors' on the road travelling alone. Roughly the same number of women as men. Many we have spoken to (particularly the women) were initially nervous and reluctant to bush camp. In every case, they said that after a while, they became very comfortable and enjoy the experience. It is a shame to see these people tavelling alone, particularly when it is the result of losing a partner. On the other hand, we applaud them for getting out there, ejoying life and experiencing this reat country. We would encourage anyone in this position who is considering 'hitting the road' to do so.

goodday michelle
1 2006 broken hill mootwingee white cliffs lightning ridge

2 australia as a whole (maybe northern over southern by a tad)but we just love to travel our country

3 no never used just general insurance(but we are going on a cruise in 6 weeke so have taken travel ins for that)

4 make sure car and van are packed properly you have some sort of coms (we have a hf radio and uhf and our mobiles)
#### read dougs comment above and a lot of people travel without basic coms ???)

5 as a non insulin dependant diabetic its making sure you have all nyour scripts and somewher in mind to get them filled and enough to go where you want and also a letter from the doc about what ails you

6 make sure the campfire is out and keep valuables out of sight( we have an alarm in the van )there are a lot of eyes out there watching for opertunities and a lot of opertunistic crimes

7 yes and yes

steve

Michelle,
I am a member and you should have my phone no on record. Please feel free to contact me. We have been around the block 3 times and do many trips.

Hello Michelle,
1. We travelled up through central western Qld from Newcastle, across to the three ways, turned left there & took in Alice Springs, the rock, Coober Peady,Port Augusta, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Cobar & home.That was Sept last year.
2. We havent done a lot of travelling So still have a lot to see, so no favourites yet
3. We carry about $2000.00 worth which is part of our comprehensive caravan insurance.
4. Not yet planned a big trip, but recently updated out tow vehicle to give us a lot more towing capacity than we needed, just wanted to be well & truly on the safe side. We take our time & take in the sights & allow every opportunity to allow other road users get past us.
5.My wife is seven years younger than me, so I'am encouraging her to do a CPR course just in case in the unlikely event she gives me a heart attack.
6.No, thats why I love this site, it's a great place to learn from the experiences of others.
7.What happened to 7 !!
8. Yep, I'am a member & would be happy to talk to you.

Michelle,

1. Current trip to Flinders and Warraweena. Love the Flinders, but also places like Coopers Creek
2. Love the beauty of the areas and the starkness of the surrounds. Love lots of places, though, East Gippsland forests, Mitchell River, Snoy River, High Country before the fire. I don't know if I have decided what and why the best.
3. I think I need to have a cover to recover vehicles if they are of great value. I usually have travel insurance OS but not more than vehicle insurance and personal too. Medical too of course, an ability to get your pills if you are delayed.
4. Medical background knowledge is all important if you wish to survive the particular trip. I did hear of someone using a dialysis machin packed in their ruck before too
5. prepare your pills ahead and keep in touch with your medcal advisors
6. ummmm
8. Are you an ExplorOz Member? Yes Michelle, have Skype on my name too, you can access the surname and the other is John

G'day Michelle,

I commend you on a very apt and probing request. It is something that all travellers should consider before heading off on a trip, no matter how big or small. I shall try to answer your questions in as short as possible way without waffling on to much.

1. Last trip was Perth-Adelaide-Perth last Feb. for Navy Reunion.

2. When you have travelled over most of Aust. it is hard to pick one place, but I suppose the Gibb River Road/Kimberlys would probably top the list. Next would be the Darling/Murray Rivers run from Bourke to Wentworth to Wellington. Also Oodnadatta Track and through the Flinders.

3. It is essential to have vehicle, and if towing, caravan/trailer insurance. Coming back from Adelaide I demolished a hub, bearing and stub axle on my van and spent 4 days at Nullarbor. Insurance arranged pick up, transport and repair.

4. Double check your overnight site before setting off. Stop for morning tea after about 2 hours driving. Stop for lunch after another 2 hours driving. Look for where you want to set up camp for that night around 3:30pm, unless staying at caravan park, and then try not to travel more than 6-7 hours a day. Doug, the truckies pilot, has very good advice for approaching overwidth vehicles. I rarely overtake trucks as I usually only travel at 85-90 Kph. When being overtaken by a truck/roadtrain, maintain your speed and stay as far to the left without leaving the bitumen. If travelling with someone capable of driving, share the time at the wheel. It is better to take your time and enjoy the trip than to speed from destination to destination and miss such a wonderful country.

5. If on medication, make sure you carry enough with you to see you from one large town to the next. Many small country towns do not have chemist and hospitals/first aid posts are reluctant to hand out what small stock they may have to those passing through. Make sure you have enough scripts from your doctor to last the whole trip, or carry a note from your doctor outlining your problem/s so another doctor somewhere will have a better understanding of your condition before handing out a new script.

6. Get as far off the road as safely possible when setting up camp to lessen the traffic noise (if there is any likelihood of rain, stay on hard ground to avoid bogging). If having a camp fire, try to keep it as small as possible and conserve wood/trees. Set up toilets/showers in appropriate locations so as not to spoil rivers, creeks, surrounding area, burn all paper. Stay clear of cattle/sheep watering troughs. Leave gates as you find them. Clean up area before leaving, leave only tracks.

7. Or as Michelle has stated. 8. Member - Yes. Contact - Yes, E-mail may be more appropriate as not always home.

Hoping this helps a little.

Regards,

Peter (1)

1) Still on it now. We're not stopping until we've seen it all.
2) We hope we haven't found it yet! But for the moment, you can't beat the Pilbara and Kimberley.
3) We don't have it. We have all the usual insurances that cover us for the car, camper, possessions and boat. The Roadside Assist with the vehicle was important to us.
4) We have satellite phone, CDMA and Next G phones, EPIRB, flares and UHF radio. We always let our kids know our plans and contact them when we arrive. So far we haven't had an emergency. We also have security by Smith and Wesson, but we're sure we'll never need it.
5) Yes! If you are going to do a lot of bush camping, as we do, and you need regular medication, see your Doctor before leaving and get an exemption to get all of your medication scripts filled up front instead of by the month. That way you won't run out before you get to a place where you can have the scripts filled.
6) Don't underestimate how much water you will need or use. Ask the locals (nicely) about places and they usually offer great advice about conditions, access, tricks and tips etc....
7) What happened to 7? Where's 7? I was enjoying this and I'm feeling a bit ripped off.
8) Yes, Yes. Email us first if you don't have our phone number and we'll email it back to you.

Cheers,

Russ and Sue