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4 caravan facts you never knew

<p dir="ltr">Caravans have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 13th century, with the 20th century seeing them finally used for holidays!</p> <p dir="ltr">They’re increasing in popularity as more people want the caravan experience. </p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>1. Internet connection</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Some would simply turn away at the thought of no WI-FI, but with the rapid evolution of technology comes the evolution of caravan modernity.</p> <p dir="ltr">You won’t be cut off from the world on your caravanning holiday as plenty of parks offer 4G connection. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Pet-friendly</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A lot of people will refrain from holidaying if they can’t bring their beloved furry friend but a lot of them are now dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your best bud behind.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. Custom-built</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Caravans can be tailored to suit your taste! If you own your own, of course, run rampant with the decorations! But a lot of caravan parks will allow you to personalise your home away from home.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4. The future </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">With technology only further developing, it is certainly going to continue impacting the caravanning world. </p> <p dir="ltr">Some believe there might be fingerprint entry one day, and there are possibilities of an aquatic caravan, where it will be liveable on water and land!</p> <p dir="ltr">See the sites from the comfort of your very own caravan. It’s a unique experience, is often less costly, and very accommodating. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Everything You Should Know Before Going Caravanning

<p>If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to see the country, travelling in a caravan or motorhome is an excellent way to go. In a sense, you get to take your house with you, and you can stop anywhere you want along the way. Before you hit the open road, however, it’s a wise idea to make a few preparations. Driving motorhome is different from driving most other vehicles, and being aware of those differences can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. Here are five things to keep in mind before you cruise off into the sunset.</p> <h3>1. Have your vehicle serviced and inspected</h3> <p>No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, you need to make sure it is roadworthy before you pull out of your driveway. Whether you own the motorhome or are renting it, always insist on a pre-trip service and full inspection. Once it gets a clean bill of health, you can pack it up and hit the road with confidence. The last thing you want is to have your long-anticipated road trip come to a premature end because of a preventable maintenance issue.</p> <h3>2. Practice driving the motorhome before you hit the road</h3> <p>Chances are you won’t have a lot of problems driving a motorhome on the highway, but navigating smaller streets can be a real challenge in such a large vehicle. Put in plenty of driving practice before you leave home and learn how to use all of your mirrors to determine your position and back the vehicle safely.</p> <h3>3. Consider installing a reversing camera</h3> <p>If your motorhome doesn’t already have one, consider installing a reversing camera. It’s a handy accessory that will make pulling into those tight parking spaces a lot easier and give you additional peace of mind. (Alternatively, if you’re traveling with passengers, you can always ask them to check behind the vehicle before you reverse.)</p> <h3>4. Be aware of handling differences when driving</h3> <p>Driving a motorhome is different from driving a car or even a full-sized utility vehicle, for that matter. The higher centre of gravity means you need to take turns wider, and the large size means you’ll need a bigger turning radius. Again, practicing ahead of time can help you get used to handling such a large vehicle. You will also need to be mindful of the wind speed as you drive. When the winds get strong, it could cause the vehicle to drift unexpectedly. Take a tighter grip on the wheel when it’s windy, and give other drivers more space.</p> <h3>5. Consider forming a convoy!</h3> <p>Chances are you’ll meet other motorhome drivers on your road trip, particularly if you’re traveling down a popular road trip route. If you are all going the same way, consider teaming up with the drivers you meet at campgrounds, local attractions and restaurants, and forming a motorhome convoy. Traveling with other drivers is fun, but it can also enhance your sense of safety: a large convoy of motorhomes will be easier for other drivers to spot.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/camping-caravanning/Everything-You-Should-Know-Before-Going-Caravanning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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So, you want to live tiny? Here’s what to consider when choosing a house, van or caravan

<p>The reasons for choosing to go tiny range from reducing debt, inability to afford a conventional home, the search for sustainability, a life crisis, or even <a href="https://theconversation.com/architecture-of-doom-diy-planning-for-global-catastrophe-31836">preparing for an uncertain future</a> in the face of climate change by going off-grid. Or perhaps a combination of these.</p> <p>An important first step is to decide what type of tiny house you want. To many, the phrase “tiny house” brings to mind an archetypal tiny house on wheels, a miniature cottage on a trailer, often made of wood, with a pitched roof and dormer windows. </p> <p>Indeed, most tiny housers prefer some degree of mobility, whether a ready-made or DIY tiny house, converted caravan or bus/van. A survey by the <a href="https://australiantinyhouseassociation.org.au/">Australian Tiny House Association </a>found most (78% of 109 respondents) lived in tiny houses on wheels, but a small but growing proportion live in converted caravans, vans or buses.</p> <h2>Why do you want to go tiny?</h2> <p>First you need to evaluate your motives, which may differ according to your situation or stage of life. The most important question here is, how often do you want to move? </p> <p>Do you want to be ultra-mobile, and live like a digital nomad, perhaps in a “stealth van” in the city, changing parking spaces every night? Or do you want to travel around Australia like a “grey nomad”, staying in caravan parks or roadside camps for a week or so before moving on? </p> <p>Alternatively, do you want to be more settled, perhaps moving occasionally, to be closer to work, medical facilities or schools for children? (Yes, some tiny housers have children). Or do you want to travel between the houses of adult children or do petsitting, staying from weeks to months?</p> <p>Many off-the-shelf caravans are extremely well designed and are accepted everywhere, at caravan parks or roadside parking areas. On the other hand, a tiny house on wheels is less mobile, and not suited to frequent moving (they are also extremely heavy, not aerodynamic and large tow vehicles are costly). </p> <p>They’re also less accepted in caravan parks, and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2019.1632358">most local councils consider them caravans</a>, with restricted periods of occupancy and often onerous conditions. Vans and buses are the most flexible (in the “stealth van” or vanlife movement, people live rent-free by parking, mostly illegally, often in industrial estates, and using public or work/gym bathrooms). </p> <p>They are, however, extremely small and while it may seem glamorous to live in a van like celebrity rock climber <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d1ac7b02-34f8-11e9-bd3a-8b2a211d90d5">Alex Honnold</a>, the reality may not be practical.</p> <h2>What can you afford?</h2> <p>Cost will likely be the next factor to consider. <a href="https://tinyrealestate.com.au/what-does-a-tiny-house-cost/">Ready-built tiny houses range from around A$50,000 - $120,000</a>; DIY are cheaper, especially if self-built, with some costing under $2,000. The higher end, architect-designed ones are more expensive.</p> <p>Converted caravans can be affordable, even under $10,000, but prices vary markedly, with some ultra-luxurious five-wheelers costing more than a typical suburban house (&gt;$600,000). </p> <p>Converting old buses and vans is much cheaper, with the cost of the vehicle tending to be under $20,000. Of note, unless you are living <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2019.1636837">under the radar</a> or free camping, you are going to have to factor in the ongoing cost of renting someone’s backyard or caravan park space.</p> <p> </p> <div data-react-class="InstagramEmbed" data-react-props="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.instagram.com/p/B6y6fT6nEOE&quot;,&quot;accessToken&quot;:&quot;127105130696839|b4b75090c9688d81dfd245afe6052f20&quot;}"> </div> <h2>How sustainable is your choice?</h2> <p>Sustainability is a more nuanced aspect of tiny house living; living small means less energy needed for heating and less room for superfluous stuff, encouraging or enforcing a minimalist lifestyle. </p> <p>Most tiny houses on wheels are off-grid to some extent, relying on <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2019.1634111">solar power, rainwater and composting toilets</a>. They are often built entirely out of sustainable or reclaimed materials. </p> <p>On the other hand, most caravans and vans are not particularly sustainable — they’re often built out of mass-produced material and may produce outgassing from carpets and paints. Vans and busses are generally no more or less sustainable than any similar vehicle. </p> <h2>What kind of life do you want?</h2> <p>Tiny houses, whatever the type, are just that: tiny. Space is at a premium and living tiny requires reducing stuff, such as clothes, sporting and hobby equipment. Tiny houses on wheels, where parked more permanently, allow for decks and even sheds, but caravans and vans are self contained, unless in a permanent caravan park. </p> <p>If you are used to living in a very large space, it may take time to adapt to the practicalities of tiny living; people often complain about cooking smells and composting toilets.</p> <p>Despite the popularity of tiny houses however, very few people actually live in them. Nonetheless, the vast majority of people who live or have lived tiny, <a href="https://theconversation.com/life-in-a-tiny-house-whats-it-like-and-how-can-it-be-made-better-110495">view their experience positively</a>, and feel it has greatly enriched their lives, and helped them <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-people-downsize-to-tiny-houses-they-adopt-more-environmentally-friendly-lifestyles-112485">re-evaluate their life choices, especially consumerism</a> even after moving to more conventional dwellings.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/so-you-want-to-live-tiny-heres-what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-house-van-or-caravan-129790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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The Block couple hit back at claims they are living in a caravan

<p dir="ltr"><em>The Block</em> couple Tom and Sarah-Jane have hit back at claims that they are living in a caravan after a shock loss on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple reportedly had to move their family into a caravan after earning just $20,000 in profit over their property’s reserve on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">After the series ended, the couple kept their fans updated on their lives on social media before something caught their eagle eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">During a tour of their holiday home in Lake Eildon, north of Melbourne fans pointed out that during the Channel Nine show, the house was described as their holiday “weekender”.</p> <p dir="ltr">This then led to the Daily Mail to run an article claiming the couple were “living out of a CARAVAN” after their massive loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The pair were forced to sell their Ford Ute to make ends meet after walking away with just $20,000 at auction day and are now staying at a Victorian caravan park,” the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11502619/The-Blocks-Tom-Sa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article</a> read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anyone who has been following the couple are well aware of their struggles, but the pair put an end to the rumour that they are doing it tough.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/block-hero-2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">“This time 6 years ago we bought our home! Gee time has flown. Also lets take a moment for a Tom with hair &amp; a moustache,” the couple wrote on Instagram along withe a photo of them in front of their new house.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also had a screenshot of the Daily Mail article with the caption: “Just letting you all know we are not living in a caravan. Though if we were retired we totally would! Also how’s that dig at the Kmart furniture.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Real Estate

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"I'm not judging you": Stranger leaves heartwarming note for mums camping in caravan park

<p>A heartwarming note posted in a caravan park in Victoria has welcomed mums during the school holidays.</p> <p>The letter, posted to Facebook page<span> </span><em>Mum Central</em>, was addressed to "all the mums" and has since been liked over 1,200 times.</p> <p>“To all of the mums, when I look at you or are in ears reach of you trying to discipline or comfort your child I want you to know I am not judging you,” the note reads.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMumCentralAU%2Fposts%2F1901262980032974&amp;width=500&amp;show_text=true&amp;height=609&amp;appId" width="500" height="609" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p> <p>“I admire you, your strength, patience and the pure determination you have to try to give your family beautiful memories is priceless.</p> <p>“Love and respect to you all! Happy Easter.”</p> <p>Mums of course loved the note and shared their joy at the understanding note leaver.</p> <p>“Think we would have appreciated this note that time we camped at Shoal Bay,” one person said.</p> <p>“I’ve had a retired couple say that to us in Mildura, it was so lovely to hear and talk about when they’d travelled with their three kids. Kids and camping can be mayhem(but worth it),“ another added.</p> <p>“I wish all campers thought like this. Taking children camping is sometimes difficult,” a third chimed in.</p>

Caring

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“Hunk of junk”: Mum’s overly honest caravan ad has internet in stitches

<p>Glastonbury mum Katie Perkins has obviously had enough of the 27-year-old caravan taking up space on her property.</p> <p>So, in a fit of fury, she took to Facebook Marketplace to try and find a prospective buyer – but soon turned her post into an opportunity to vent a bit of pent-up rage at the “monstrosity” that had been plaguing her for so long.</p> <p>The UK woman was definitely a little too honest in her expletive-laden ad, and the post quickly went viral due to her astonishingly blunt descriptions.</p> <p>“It is a tin shed on wheels,” she wrote.</p> <p>“It is f***ing hot in the summer. It is f***ing freezing in the winter. It even grows icicles on the inside.”</p> <p>She adds that the oven and fridge are equally rubbish, but the microwave is “pretty decent.”</p> <p>“Get this hunk of junk off my f***ing land,” she pleads.</p> <p>“I’d love to say it’s beautiful, but I’d be lying. I’d love to say I loved living in it, but I’d be lying.”</p> <p>The listing has been shared more than 1,000 times and racked up hundreds of comments as people commended her for the refreshing honesty, calling it the “best ad ever”.</p> <p>Check out the images of the caravan in the gallery below, and here also is the full (slightly cleaned up) post in all its glory:</p> <p>“YES IT'S STILL AVAILABLE - I WILL. REMOVE ONCE IT HAS GONE.</p> <p>IT IS AN ANCIENT 27 YEAR OLD CARAVAN. 32FT x 10FT, 2 BED STATIC.</p> <p>IT HAS BEEN LIVED IN BY A FAMILY OF 7 (WE WERE A FAMILY OF 4 🤰⚠️) FOR 7 YEARS ONSITE WHILST BUILDING OUR DREAM HOME, WHICH TURNED INTO A F***ING NIGHTMARE.</p> <p>IT IS NOT PRISTINE.</p> <p>IT IS NOT PRETTY.</p> <p>IT IS A TIN SHED ON WHEELS.</p> <p>IT IS F***ING HOT IN THE SUMMER.</p> <p>IT IS F***ING FREEZING IN THE WINTER.</p> <p>IT EVEN GROWS ICICLES ON THE INSIDE. IT COULD DO WITH FULL REPLACEMENT OF CARPETS.</p> <p>IT NEEDS A GOOD BLEACH CLEAN THROUGHOUT.</p> <p>IT HAS A SHIT OVEN.</p> <p>IT HAS A SHIT HOB.</p> <p>IT HAS A SHIT FRIDGE.</p> <p>KIDS WERE POTTY TRAINED IN IT.</p> <p>DOG WAS POTTY TRAINED IN IT.</p> <p>IT HAS BEEN USED AS STORAGE FOR THE LAST 9 MONTHS.</p> <p>NEXT STOP THE F***ING CHICKENS ARE GOING IN IT.</p> <p>IT DOES HAVE A PRETTY DECENT MICROWAVE, ALBEIT CHEAP MORRISONS ONE.</p> <p>IT ALSO HAS EXTRAS!</p> <p>COUPLE OLD SHOES IN THE WARDROBE.</p> <p>ABSTRACT ART, ONE OF A KIND, COURTESY OF THE CHILDREN.</p> <p>OLD BOTTLES OF BOOZE UNDER THE SINK.</p> <p>PRETTY SURE THERE'S EVEN A SLOW COOKER THAT WAS ONLY USED ONCE?</p> <p>BEDS THAT HAVE BEEN DESTROYED AND I CANNOT BE F***ED TO REMOVE.</p> <p>I’M SURE IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT IT YOU CAN USE IT FOR SOMETHING, I DON'T GIVE A F**K WHAT.</p> <p>I WANT OFFERS.....I DON'T EXPECT ALOT BUT SOMETHING WOULD BE NICE.</p> <p>F**K IT - IF YOU TRUELY WANT THIS F***ING MONSTROSITY THEN I WILL TRADE IT FOR A COUPLE BOXES OF HUBBY'S FAVOURITE RED WINE - JAMMY RED ROO OR JAM SHED.</p> <p>GET THIS HUNK OF JUNK OFF MY F***ING LAND.</p> <p>I'D LOVE TO SAY IT'S F***ING BEAUTIFUL, BUT I'D BE LYING.</p> <p>I'D LOVE TO SAY I LOVED LIVING IN IT, BUT I'D BE LYING.</p> <p>I'D LOVE TO SAY I'D LOOK FORWARD TO A CARAVAN HOLIDAY, BUT GUESS WHAT...?</p> <p>I'D BE LYING.”</p> <p>… and if you’re still game to read the real thing, take a deep breath, be warned, and click <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/332595611252474/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>Images:</strong> Facebook Marketplace</p>

Downsizing

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Caravanning around Australia: What you need to know

<p>For many Australians the freedom and independence of caravanning holds a powerful attraction as a practical way to see the country at their own pace.</p> <p>With great distances to cover, a caravan gives the flexibility to be able to take it all in at a leisurely pace, without the hassle and expense of finding fixed accommodation and dining facilities.</p> <p>With a caravan you have your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living areas all in tow for self-contained comfort.<br /><br />Of course, the convenience and mobility of having a caravan requires quite a learning curve when it comes to trip planning, equipment planning and making sure you can tow your home on wheels<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/insurance/caravan-insurance.aspx" target="_blank"><span>safely and confidently</span></a>.</p> <p>If you are considering joining the growing band of caravan tourers, we have put together here some great tips to get you started.<br /><br /><strong>Towing a caravan safely</strong></p> <p>The skills involved in towing a large object like a caravan are obviously significantly different to just driving a car. There is a lot of weight behind you and a caravan is usually wider than the tow vehicle and issues such as wind and road conditions are magnified in their influence on how you drive. Having said all that, safe and successful caravan towing can be mastered quite effectively by most drivers if they follow some proven rules and techniques.</p> <p>To get you started on some of the driving issues you will encounter and how to handle them the <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.travel-australia-online.com/%20" target="_blank">Travel Australia online resource</a> provides a handy and succinct checklist of tips. This is a great starting point for beginners, but it may also be worthwhile investing in a caravan towing class, which are provided by a variety of caravanning clubs, state motoring associations and private operators.<br /><br /><strong>Getting ready for take off</strong></p> <p>Once you have made the decision to set off on your trip, there are a quite a few areas of preparation that you need to cover off for yourself, your ‘rig’ and what you leave behind at home.</p> <ul> <li>If you are going on any extended trip, it’s important to ensure your home retains that "lived in look" by having someone collect mail and take care of the garden. Ensure your door and window locking is at a high standard and maybe think twice before announcing your extended absence on social media, where people outside of your immediate family and friends may have access to your information.<br /><br /></li> <li>Gather documents that you may need on the road, such as warranty info for appliances, car logbook and insurance papers. If it is going to be an extended trip, consider arranging someone to forward your mail to you via an express post envelope sent periodically to wherever you are staying. Alternately, arrange for someone trustworthy to open your mail and make bill payments on your behalf.<br /><br /></li> <li>Make sure your car and caravan are in tip top condition for the journey. Arrange a car service before you leave and pay particular attention to tyre condition (it can be more expensive to replace tyres in a remote location), air conditioning, towing gear and your vehicle’s cooling system, which is placed under more pressure when towing a heavy van.<br /><br /></li> <li>It’s not just your vehicles that need a check-up! Make a visit to the GP before you leave to ensure you are in good shape and to plan ahead for prescriptions etc. Get a basic medical kit together for the trip too.<br /><br /></li> <li>Consider what entertainment options you may need. The countryside and the people you meet along the way will provide most of the enjoyment, but most of us will still want access to TV, sound system, DVD and perhaps other mental stimulation, such as books, games and puzzles. A good arial may be a wise investment for reception in remote areas.<br /><br /></li> <li>If you want to keep in contact with friends and relatives, a laptop is essential for emails and social media. It is also handy for maps and storing and accessing trip planning info.<br /><br /></li> <li>Equipment-wise your home away from home needs to contain many of the things you would use at home, so go through your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and garage to make a checklist of items you may need to take with you.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Getting out on the road</strong></p> <p>Once you have set off a good rule of thumb is to limit distance to 200 kilometres a day to. Towing can be more tiring than normal driving so a useful practice is to get on the road early and aim to be at your destination by early afternoon.</p> <p>When it comes to planning your itinerary, make use of other’s experience and research websites that have suggestions for successful and stimulating routes. <br /><br /><strong>Example sites:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.noboundaries.com.au/" target="_blank">noboundaries.com.au</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.maui.com.au/motorhome-holiday-advice/campervan-driving-routes" target="_blank">maui.com.au</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.goseeaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">goseeaustralia.com.au</a></li> </ul> <p>The latter website has a great <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.maui.com.au/motorhome-holiday-advice/campervan-driving-routes/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">trip planning tool</a> to help you map out your journey in advance and give recommendations for van parks to stay at along the way.<br /><br />If you intend doing the great Aussie dream of circumnavigating the continent, a good tip is to start in southern latitudes in spring or summer and head north for winter. This avoids the summer heat and hazardous monsoon season in the north and the cold winters of the south.</p> <p>A general guide is to be north during May - October and south during the November- April. Following an anti-clockwise direction will generally take more advantage of prevailing wind conditions, which can make a huge difference in fuel consumption.<br /><br />Good preparation makes all the difference for a fabulous trip and ensures you can fully enjoy the freedom and independence that this wonderful form of touring offers.</p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/caravanning-australia.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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The $99 ALDI Special Buy that's tipped to spark a "mass stampede"

<p>ALDI is bringing back caravanning and road-tripping items for its Special Buys products being released on Saturday, ahead of the Easter holidays.</p> <p>Looking back at past years’ sales, shoppers can expect a frenzy “like rush hour on Boxing Day” on Saturday morning.</p> <p>One of the most popular items are $99.99 caravan covers, which are made from moisture-resistant fabric and come in three sizes.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtZc6vJlMzs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtZc6vJlMzs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Aldi catalogue flip through for Wednesday 6 February ⭐️⭐️ #aldiloversau #aldiaustralia #aldicatalogue #aldispecialbuys</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/aldiloversau/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Tammy - Aldi Lovers Australia</a> (@aldiloversau) on Feb 2, 2019 at 3:25pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A shopper shared their experience on Caravaners Forum in getting the coveted item: “I survived the stampede,” the shopper wrote. “Sold out in 5 min. I lined up at my local store at 7.45 am and by opening (8.30) there was 200 customers waiting.”</p> <p>Another customer shared a similar story from his partner: “Good value, wife got me one last time but is still recovering from the mass stampede and fights of grumpy old men,” he wrote on the Caravan &amp; Motorhome forum.</p> <p>The sales seemed to get the best of customers, with some describing how “frantic” the atmosphere got once the store opened.</p> <p>“Man was it busy in Maryborough, the fight started in the car park and continued inside,” a user wrote on Caravaners Forum. “Kept hearing ‘sorry sold out’ as I wandered around the store.”</p> <p>Other products up for grabs in the Saturday sale include $89.99 portable BBQ grill/hotplates, $99.99 thermal cookers and $99.99 portable washing machines.</p> <p>Also on offer is a range of car accessories, including $9.99 backseat organisers.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmJ01fBms9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmJ01fBms9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Sick of your kids throwing/leaving shit all over the car?!? Well you’re in luck my friend because this Saturday Aldi are selling these backseat organisers for $9.99. It doesn’t guarantee they won’t still throw packets of popcorn around the back seat or drop sultanas all over the floor 😩, but there are handy compartments to store a few items and water bottles. Also perhaps that iPad holder will distract them long enough to get from A to B without any mess!! Please God work!!!! 🙏🏼 🤞🏼 . . . @aldiaustralia #kids #backseatorganiser #carorganiser #organiser #ipad #ipadholder #storage #nomess #aldi #mraldi #aldifinds #aldispecialbuys #aldiaustralia</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mr_aldi_au/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Mr Aldi 🛒</a> (@mr_aldi_au) on Feb 7, 2019 at 1:45pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Special Buys will go on sale on Saturday at all ALDI stores while stocks last.</p> <p>Will you be lining up for the caravanning items tomorrow? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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Do you live in your caravan? Here’s how it affects your age pension

<p>Do you dream of hitting the road in a caravan after retirement? Then there are some things you need to know.</p> <p><strong>The pension and the assets test</strong></p> <p>Centrelink’s assets test is one of the most important contributing factors for receiving the age pension. There are limits to how much your assets can be worth before it begins to affect the amount of pension you receive. Centrelink looks at the value of your assets if they were sold at market value.</p> <p><strong>What’s included in the assets test?</strong></p> <p>Superannuation investments, any business you own or are directly involved in, financial investments, life insurance policies, and physical items like cars, boats and household goods are included in the assets test. Any additional properties you own beyond your primary residence are also included.</p> <p>Crucially, your primary residence is not included in the Asset Test – and this is where potential issues with your caravan can come in.</p> <p><strong>Does my caravan need to be my primary residence?</strong></p> <p>If you want to access the full age pension while living in a caravan, then it must be your primary place of residence. If you still live in your home and just travel in your caravan for extended periods, then the caravan itself will be considered an asset not a residence. One piece of good news is that you may be able to claim rent assistance if you permanently live in a caravan park and pay site fees.</p> <p><strong>What happens if I still own my home?</strong></p> <p>Many grey nomads keep their home and rent it out to earn income. The money you earn from this will be considered under the assets test, even though you are now living in your caravan. Alternatively, if you sold your home the money you received from the sale could also be considered a lump sum asset.</p> <p>Do you live in a caravan?</p> <p><em>Any advice contained in this communication is general advice only. None of the information provided is, or should be considered to be, personal financial advice.</em></p>

Retirement Income

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Why we gave it all up to live in a vintage caravan

<p>In a quiet suburban street of Leppington, in outer western Sydney, there’s a caravan that has been capturing imaginations around the world.</p> <p>Yvonne and Bob Kerr had no idea that when they found the 1962 caravan in a front yard in nearby St Mary’s, that it would appear on a morning TV show, in glossy magazines, and on mugs and wine bottles. It even has cufflinks fashioned in its image.</p> <p>“There must be something about it that people find appealing,” Bob says with a touch of bemusement.</p> <p>“It looks friendly and it has a lot of nostalgic value. We think it must remind people of going on holidays to the coast when life was a lot simpler.”</p> <p>“Driftwood”, as the Kerrs quickly called their plywood van, began turning heads as soon as the couple began taking it on holidays, towing it behind their FJ Holden. That was more than 20 years ago.</p> <p>Motorists would smile and wave at them as they zoomed past the quaint, mint-green van trundling along at 80 kilometres an hour in the left-hand lane of the highway. Others would stop on the road and take photographs.</p> <p>“A lot of people think truck drivers would be fairly aggro towards us, but we find they’re usually the opposite,” says Bob. “They often flash their lights coming towards us, as if to say ‘G’day.’ Most of them are very considerate of a couple of slow old caravanners like us.</p> <p>Every time they stop for petrol, there are questions. The most common include: ‘Does it have an icebox?’ and ‘Can you sleep in it?’</p> <p>For the record, they do, although being over 180 centimetres tall, Bob admits he has to sleep diagonally in the little fold down bed at the back.</p> <p>Pulling into caravan parks at night, they  barely had time to unhook Driftwood from their car before they are surrounded by curious onlookers. Some have been reduced to tears because it reminds them of their childhood.</p> <p>“People really relate to it because the 1960s were a time when overseas travel was not available, but the FJ Holden came onto the market. The average person could buy it and it had enough power to tow a caravan like Driftwood.</p> <p>“One woman even told us she had her honeymoon in a similar van and brought us photographs of it from her album.”</p> <p>Bob has a scrapbook bulging with articles about Driftwood. It’s been professionally photographed more than 20 times, the first of which was for a swimwear advertisement for Sea Folly. This prompted a flood of magazine and newspaper articles, and an appearance on Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s morning TV show.</p> <p>They recently  discovered a UK company making cufflinks, badges, stickers and earrings based on a photo of Driftwood.</p> <p>A US artist has also immortalised the Kerrs’ pride and joy with a watercolour painting, complete with its trademark cream stripe and Southern Cross.</p> <p>A sign that Driftwood travels well. Photo: Edwina Pickles</p> <p>“It never ceases to amaze us how popular our little van is,” Bob says.</p> <p>But like many of their fellow vanners, the Kerrs are more interested in fitting it out with matching vintage items than basking in the limelight.</p> <p>Every year, more than 150 vintage aficionados gather to swap tips on maintaining their van’s authenticity. Many of their vans are 1960s time capsules.</p> <p>“Old wares and antique shops are the usual haunts for crazy caravan buffs like us,” he says.</p> <p>So far the Kerrs have fitted Driftwood out with a 1960s icebox, a tartan esky, old kerosene lanterns, and fold-out camp chairs. It’s like a mobile museum.</p> <p>The couple paid $600 for Driftwood in 1993. Today, thanks to the boom in the vintage caravan movement, Bob reckons it would be worth more than $9000.</p> <p>“We travelled in a modern caravan once, a 22-footer thing. It was all jazzed up, with every modern convenience, but it just didn’t have any character. When we pulled into a caravan park we were just like everyone else,” says Bob. “No one said a word.”</p> <p>“When we pull up at the lights in our FJ, with Driftwood behind us, and we see people smiling, we feel special, and proud. It’s a really nice way to go about the world.”</p> <p>What a lovely story. Do you think you could ever embrace the caravan life?</p> <p><em>Written by Ali Gripper. Republished with permission from <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a></span> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p>

International Travel

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6 caravan park etiquette rules to follow

<p>Sleeping in a caravan is no excuse for bad manners.</p> <p><strong>1. Keep the noise down</strong></p> <p>When there’s just a thin metal wall separating you from the outside walls, silence becomes all the more valuable. Be aware that you are living in close quarters and be as quiet as you can – this applies to generators, music, TVs or even loud talking. This rule is especially important after hours (around 10pm-8am), so try to be considerate.</p> <p><strong>2. And the lights</strong></p> <p>As above – there’s nothing like the blinding glare of a car’s headlights coming in through your window at 3am to ruin your holiday. If you’re arriving late, try to turn off (or turn down) your lights as quickly as you can. And if you want to stay up late chatting outside, make sure that your lights aren’t pointing directly at any other sites.</p> <p><strong>3. Meet the neighbours</strong></p> <p>One of the best things about caravanning is all the great people you will meet. So say hello! You’ll find many people will be keen to have a chat or share a beer. Most sites will also have a happy hour at the main camp kitchen, barbecues or fire pit. Grab some drinks and head up to mingle with everyone else spending the night. Who knows, you could make some lifelong friends.</p> <p><strong>4. Watch where you walk</strong></p> <p>Each person’s caravan site should be considered as their own private property, even though there are no fences. If you’re walking through the caravan park, stick to paths and don't walk through the middle of someone else’s site – even if it is the shortest route. You wouldn’t walk through someone’s back yard to save a few minutes.</p> <p><strong>5. Control your furry friends</strong></p> <p>Caravan parks are a great option for those travelling with pets, but even they have to mind their manners. Caravanning forums are full of people complaining about inconsiderate travellers who tie a dog up outside and leave it to bark for hours at a time. Keep Rover with you or put him inside so he won’t bother the rest of the guests.</p> <p><strong>6. Don’t make a mess</strong></p> <p>We shouldn’t even have to say this one, but here it is – don’t leave any sort of rubbish or waste lying around your site. This goes for while you are there and especially after you leave. Throw all your rubbish in the bin, empty your toilet waste properly and don’t spray grey water all over the site.</p> <p>Do you agree with these rules? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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Beach bush caravan makes the ideal hideaway

<p>The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations and when you see the view offered by this caravan hideaway it’s easy to see see why.</p> <p>Providing easy access to some of the best beaches, inland wineries and outdoor activities in the country, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">beach and bush caravan hideaway</span></strong></a> has a little bit of something for everyone, and provides comfortable, private holiday lodgings for any traveller. </p> <p>Spend your days discovering some of Australia’s most scenic walking trails, exploring the beautiful bayside, sampling local produce at craft markets or taking a dip in the wild ocean beaches. You’re also close to the region’s famous hot springs to relax and unwind.</p> <p>The caravan itself is beautifully appointed and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day spent sampling some of the greatest activities on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re planning to stay for a week, weekend or maybe even longer, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">beach and bush caravan hideaway</span></strong></a> is the perfect accommodation. To find out more <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Even if you’re not headed to Victoria any time soon, make sure you scroll through the gallery above to see just how incredible these properties are.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/tassie-apple-pickers-cottage-charming-writers-retreat/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tassie apple picker’s cottage now a charming writer’s retreat</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/07/inside-the-farm-shed-converted-into-a-luxury-rural-retreat/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Inside the farm shed converted into a luxury rural retreat</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/waterfront-home-with-best-view-in-tasmania/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waterfront home with the best view in Tasmania</span></em></strong></a></p>

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