Before you go why not arrange for greeting cards to be sent for you

Planning for the Big Trip.

How much do you need to do? - For some it will be like a military maneuvers, while for others it will be more like "head in the right direction and see where it takes us."

The following is a suggested brief Itinerary –from the Bureau of Meteorology

Due to the diversity of climate in it is possible to travel all year round, and have reasonable weather.  To achieve this may require some planning.

Because the weather in the tropical north is better in the cooler months, and the South is colder in winter, plan you trip to take advantage of the weather.

Most people will be more comfortable if they can visit northern and central during the (southern) winter and go to the high country, the south coast and Tasmania during the summer. For example, you could visit Tasmania (see Hobart) during summer, then travel to Melbourne  and Sydney via the High country in later summer or autumn.  As autumn continues keep travelling north.  In winter, visit the Great Barrier Reef (see Cairns climate information), then go to Ayers Rock/Uluru and Kakadu national park (see Jabiru). If time permits, travel on to Western Australia in the spring, to see the wildflowers (see Morawa climate information).

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Of course, there are many variations on this theme, you just need to decided what is right for you.  The more time you have, the more you can see and do.  If you are spending the rest of your life on the road, then it might make sense to plan on taking time out in the hotter months, if you are in the north. One option might be to leave the van parked on a site and return “home” for a few weeks.  You may want to plan regular trips back, or only every so often.  Which ever option you choose, try to do it when travelling may be uncomfortable due to inclement weather conditions. 

Sometimes the trip home may be unplanned, due to health reasons, or because one of your children has decided to reproduce, and you might want to catch up with the latest grandchild.  If you know something like this is pending, it can influence your travel plans. Be sure to think about those issues before you go, or as you go along. Where possible plan for them, so the return is less stressful.  If you don’t make allowances for them, they can mare the trip for you if you are fretting about what might be happening, and you can't get home in time.

Where to go, and in which order?
Look at maps, and think about what you want to see and do. Make a list of places you want to visit, and think about the possible weather implications, and draw up a wish list perhaps. Work out where you are starting from, and where you need to return to. Keeping in mind the weather implications, and hopefully you now have an approximate itinerary. Talk to others where possible, and find out how they did it, or what was a problem for them.  Make sure you allow for health issues, and see your doctor well in advance.  See health and budgeting as a part of the planning phase.  You may also need financial help, check out ways to supplement your income.

The beauty of it is you don’t have to stick to the plan or itinerary if you are not in a hurry. Be flexible and many options and possibilities could present themselves.  Talking to others along the way can often unearth a “treasure” which you were unaware of, which was not on your list. If you are able to change your itinerary as you go, then this new option can be accommodated.

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Abilities or skills:- Do you need to learn new skills – perhaps join a TAFE or Adult Education class? 

Some of the skills you might consider brushing up on:


Computing: These days an internet connection is almost a must have, so some skills may be required. 

Mechanical: Simple repair skills are extremely desirable, especially if travelling off the beaten track. Motoring Associations hold courses, and so do other organisation, but some of them are only aimed at women, which seems rather unfair, as not all men have mechanical skills.

First Aid: see information about St John’s (more on health page)

Cooking on a camp fire: Campfire cooking: is not a skill you need, if you have a luxury Caravan with a stove.  If you do not have an adequate stove, or prefer a campfire, you may need to get a good book on the subject, and/or practice your skills before you leave home. There are some excellent pieces of equipment these days to assist with this task, so check out the latest available at camping stores.

Reverse parking a caravan [more on towing], navigation in remote areas, and map reading etc which may just need to be practiced, or consider doing a course, especially if advanced skills are required e.g. outback travel.

Before you hit the road: Check the weather report for the area you will be travelling to, and find out if it is a good time to be going there. Nobody wants to spend weeks in the rain, or worse a Cyclone. The Cyclone season is not a great time to travel with a tent or caravan, so know where you are going, and what to reasonably expect weather wise. By knowing, or at least having an idea of what to expect, you might choose to reverse the trip, so the weather is more conducive to travel in that area. If it is not a good time of the year to travel to that destination, it is better to find out before you leave, rather than finding out the hard way.

Considerations: If you are camping, (or using an awning of any sort) practice pitching the tent or awning in your own backyard, or an open space before you leave. It will save you time in the long run, but you will also find out if any parts are missing, or if there is damaged or leaking. Or worse still it is not big enough for your requirements. This has happened when someone was left in charge, who knew nothing about the tent: before pitching it for the first time on a trip. It turned out to be at best a 3 man tent, when 4 plus luggage was required. Check out the suitability of the tent or awning before you leave, not after you get there.

Pack items in numbered storage boxes, which are clearly labelled with the contents, is a good idea. Have a complete list of the contents on the outside, and a master list [packing page] and know which box the items are stored in. This simple system will make life easier. Always return the items to the right box, and you will be able to find it next time you need it. This sounds simple, but might take some discipline to start with.

Leave your itinerary with a friend or relative - include contact information e.g. your car license number, where you plan to go, and when you plan to return, plus a mobile phone number if you have one. Also include your email address, and details of other friends or family members who can be contacted if there are any concerns. They may have heard something, but failed to pass it on to the person who most needs to know. Check in regularly with at least one family member and/or friend. They may be able to let the others know everything is OK.

You might want to take a computer and an internet connection [mobile communications]and email them a “Newsletter” with information about how the trip is going, and you can even add pictures. Or better still, set up a website to share the pictures rather than send large files to everyone. Try Microsoft “Community” or others which can be free or paid for, the choice is yours. Be sure to make it a “secure community” especially if you are publishing personal information, which may leave your home or family vulnerable. It needs to be restricted if pictures of young children will be published. Unfortunately there are some sick people about, so don’t assist them in their quest for material.

Click this link, or go straight to the site [here] and create a “Space” for your travel site. Or for other possible options try looking at this list [here], and make your own choices.

Take a printed copy of your own family and friends’ contact details your with you. Make sure you also have medical, legal, & business contacts as required. Finding addresses etc while you are travelling could be frustrating and time consuming, or worse: life threatening if the issue is medical. Have a hard copy of actual addresses & phone numbers, plus email addresses, do not just rely on the computer. If the computer crashes, or is stolen they may be difficult to collect again.

Learn the basics of first aid [see Health page]. Organisations such as the St Johns Ambulance offer courses in basic first aid. Be sure to learn resuscitation techniques as well, because the life you could save might be your partner’s.

Learn basic mechanics, motoring organizations may offer this type of course, or TAFE or perhaps a friendly mechanic.

Make sure your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition, especially the brakes and tyres. If you are towing a caravan make sure all the Van’s mechanical and electrical parts are in good working order. It is dangerous to drive with indicators not working, or ineffective brakes.

Be sure you are towing the right weight of van to vehicle ratio (check the manual or with the manufacturer if you are in any doubt), and that items are stowed correctly. Know where to stow heavy items, and that they are secured.

Be sure you know how to tow the van, and practice reverse parking in a safe place before you go. If you need help, be sure the person giving it, also knows what to do. Do you need a reversing camera, or boggy wheels to help with the process?

See also Packing, Preparation, Motoring Associations, Mechanical, Health, Choosing a Caravan, Banking, Budgeting, and Supplementing your incoSee also 4x4 Extreme Repair, Banking, Boating, Budgeting, Calendar, Choosing a Caravan, Entertainment, Fishing, Food, Health, Mechanical, Mobile Communications, Motoring Associations, National Parks, News, Planning, Preparation, Public Transport, Recipes, Road Conditions, Safety, Supplementing your income, Towing Tips, and Weather.

Before you go away why not arrange greeting cards to be sent to family and friend for you?

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