Safety concerns

02/01/2013 by anniewg

This is a big adventure and a very exciting time. We understand that it’s perfectly normal and healthy for our parents to be worried about us while we take this trip. I thought it might help to highlight the areas that are most worrying and discuss what we have done or will do to help protect ourselves and ensure our safe return.

We believe that the benefits far out way the potential dangers and feel as though we’ve put a lot of thought into how to best do this trip.

1st off: When are we coming home?

We’ve got our visa for a year, which means we’ll have to be home before 20/4/14. We’ve budgeted for a year although through our research it looks as though others have done the same journey in around 9 months. This is why we haven’t bought a return ticket yet, we’re keeping it flexible as it’s cheaper to buy the return ticket separately than have to change the date of the flight. We’ll make sure we always have  at least enough money to get home.

2nd: How can we afford this?

We’ve planned this for a while and so have saved for a year, working hard and playing less. The cost of living is similar to the cost of living here in the UK and we’ll keep the costs down by being sensible (no silly bungy jumping or similar) and camping or staying in hostels. As our visa allows us to work we can pick up the odd casual job along the way to supplement our savings.

3rd: We’re going to miss you, how will we stay in touch?

We’ll get mobiles when we’re out there so we can call and text 24/7. Of course where ever there are people there will be a land line. Also we’ve got the odd bits of technology, so will be able to regularly email and set up Skype dates. A lot of café’s have free wi-fi (just like here in the UK) but we will also look into a dongle which will let us connect when we can’t get to a café or library. If a year is too long to only see our beautiful faces via a computer then feel free to pop out and visit us. it’s only a flight away… remember “it’s a small world after all”. My Maps page shows where we’re hoping to be and when. Check it out and get something booked.

4th: How will we stay safe?

We’re not planning on taking any unnecessary risks but accidents can happen. Australia is not a particularly dangerous country but we are aware that as tourists we have to take care. We’re organising health/travel insurance and we’ll get car insurance out there. We’ll carry 1st aid in our luggage and we all know Darren is ace in an emergency. As a UK citizen we have access to Medicare for immediate emergency care, we’ll register after arrival as suggested on the Australian Government website. Like I’ve said we’ll have a mobile so will be able to contact the emergency services. We don’t need any vaccines and there is no risk of malaria http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/australasia/australia.shtml

If we were to breakdown, again we’ll have mobiles to call for roadside assistance. Remember we’re driving in a camper van so will have our bed and kitchen with us. We’ll always travel with plenty of water and food but mostly we’ll be in cities and towns where there’s plenty of help if needed. If we get lost then we have GPS and we’ll get road maps to cover the journey.

5th: Why are we doing this?

We think travelling and experiencing new things is important. It’s a chance in a life time and has to be done before we turn 30. We’re doing this now as Darren’s job is changing and for any chance to progress it seems he has to leave. I want to change my job and therefore leaving it now isn’t a problem. We’ve picked Australia because of the promise of stunning landscapes, the open road and not too much of a language barrier.