Senior and solo road trip: Getting organised

There are a plethora of motor homes varying wildly in price, comfort and quality. At my mature age, comfort and security were priorities. My priorities in selecting a van were as follows:


• Shower and toilet (realistic and pragmatic)
• Access to the cabin of the van from the driver’s seat (safer and desirable in inclement weather)
• A local company – better for support and access in emergencies
• No hidden extras – often the price quoted can increase significantly with hiring costs for equipment that should be standard and extra on-road costs
• Hands on training, with no time limit
• Good capacity to be off road for 2-3 days
• Ability to heat the cabin even when the motor is not running
• A proper, comfortable bed with warm bedding
• Ability to stand upright (my 60 year old back can’t cope with being hunched for 8 weeks!)
• Carpeted cabin
• Good quality equipment
• Value for money

I chose Wilderness Homes Base Jumper van and happily paid for a ‘No Excess’ insurance. The van is fresh and wonderfully equipped with extras like bedside reading lights, a flat screen TV, surround sound (I can use my iPod), a bathroom that becomes a drying room if required (with a mini clothes line), real wine glasses, coffee plunger. It includes bedding, picnic table and chairs and even a Frisbee. What more can a solo senior want?

I also took out ‘Top 10 Holiday Park’ membership, which gives a discount of 10% per night. I’d would like to do some freedom camping (that is, just pull up somewhere and camp) but locations are restricted and security can be an issue. The Department of Conservation has campsites with limited facilities in lovely locations and I may use some of these, but access and, again, security might be concerns.

With all this organised, I am ready to hit the road, Jill!
Here are some extra pics of the motor home - just needs a name now - any suggestions?