Retirement Road Trip – Most of us spend our working years daydreaming about hitting the open road the minute we enter retirement. After all, there’s no better way to spend your golden years than basking in the gentle glow of a good old Aussie sunset – be it from the bush, from the coast, or in the uplands.
But roadtripping as a senior isn’t as idyllic and carefree as you may expect it to be. There are plenty of safety and logistical considerations you’ll need to account for to make sure you can travel comfortably and securely in your senior years.
So how should you prepare yourself for roadtripping safely during your retirement years? Here are just some of the foundational safety and travel logistical considerations you should make before you load up your car and follow the call to adventure.
Don’t set out without suitable insurance cover
Trekking through the bush can come with its fair share of risks, but arguably the biggest risks you’ll need to account for are car faults and road accidents. With a little due diligence, you can ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition throughout your journey, and that you and your fellow travellers are well-protected financially.
Insurance is naturally going to be a foremost priority here. Thankfully, most Aussie insurance providers do offer policies that are tailored to the needs of retirees. This means that you can find a senior car insurance policy as well as health insurance that will help ensure you maintain access to reliable healthcare services no matter where you may be.
If you’ve only just qualified for senior insurance policies and haven’t already updated your insurance cover, we highly recommend doing so well before you head out on your journey. More often than not, senior insurance policies offer more competitive insurance rates and personalised benefits for retirees. With this in mind, it’s well worth shopping around to find a policy provider that offers plenty of value across their policies, as well as some membership perks.
Prepare your vehicle for the long drives ahead
Insurance is only one half of the equation however, with the other half being preparing your car for your lengthy road trip plans. Even if you do have roadside assistance cover, you still don’t want to find yourself stranded by the side of a regional Australian highway in a splitting high noon heat.
This is why it’s highly advised that you service your vehicle thoroughly before you embark, and keep track of servicing appointments while you’re on the road as well. This means checking your odometer regularly, plus assessing your lights, fluid levels, tyre pressure, and all those other foundational car maintenance considerations that help you drive safely and securely on the road.
Alongside these maintenance considerations, you should also prepare your vehicle with all the necessary accessories you may need for your trip. Are you looking to bring along some bicycles or surfboards? Then you’ll need to invest in some appropriate roof racks to haul all your gear. Are you expecting to drive through locust-infested regions? Then you’ll definitely need to attach a bug screen to your hood to prevent risks of damage to your engine.
Pack a first aid kit and a list of current medications
Part of making sure you’re ready for anything is simply just making sure you have access to band-aids, electrolyte drinks, and basic toolbox tools. It’s bad enough when you don’t have access to these essentials while you’re just at home – but best believe you’ll definitely want to keep these supplies handy on your road trip.
A well stocked first aid kit with everything from antiseptic to band aids and bandages is best, especially if you’re planning to travel deep into the bush and further inland. In fact, we’d go so far as to say packing your vehicle with a well-stocked first aid kit is the most vital of our domestic travel tips.
Make sure you also include travel documents that provide medical information,. Such as a current list of medications for each of you, as well as medical history for travel insurance purposes. Be sure to also keep your medical information close by and at quick access. In the event that you potentially have to refill medications while on the trip or provide the information to healthcare professionals if needed.
Secure all the right navigation and safety tools
Whether you’re going on your trekking adventure in a 4×4 or a sedan. Having the right navigation tools these days can help make sure you don’t get lost, off track or take a wrong turn that could get you bogged.
When it comes to navigation, you can easily just use your smartphone with the right connection and SIM card. But if you’re looking to conserve your battery life while on the road. You might even opt to get a dedicated GPS system hardwired into your vehicle before you go. That way, you can keep your phone free for communications and ensure you always have access to map navigation – even between cell towers.
Alongside installing a GPS unit into your car, you should also include a DIY toolkit. On hand for minor fixes in the event that your car breaks down. This includes an emergency stock of
- engine oil,
- water for the radiator, and,
- depending on how far and remotely you’re travelling,
- storage containers for fuel.
Other safety essentials you should consider packing include
- torches or flashlights,
- a tyre jack and a spare tyre, and
- your car manual
- (for servicing records and just in case it may need to be consulted by professional mechanics during your journey).
Go forth and travel safely as a grey nomad
Embarking on a road trip at any age naturally requires plenty of careful packing and planning. But for those of us in our senior years, travelling out in the bush will also need to include safety and healthcare considerations. Not only relating to our own medical health, but also to limit the risks of injury related to performing strenuous activities. Like lugging a spare tyre up a tarmac slope in a 30+ degree dry heat.
Thankfully, with all these tips we’ve outlined above, you can better ensure your safety and security when travelling across Australia during your golden years.