How did we get started on our family road trip and start travelling Australia? You might relate to some of the things we went through in getting started, especially if you are in two minds about your own family road trip; so read on – hopefully it will inspire you to get started with your own planning.

Camping? How did I get to be a camping person? I thought I was a hotel girl. I was a hotel girl! I was a five star hotel girl. Camping? I’d never used the word ‘ablutions’ before let alone used them. So when my husband mentioned, several years ago, that we were going camping for our first holiday in over 5 years, I was a tad perplexed. I think my first comment was “Who? Us?” All I needed to do apparently was.. try it. That’s what we always told the children wasn’t it? Try things. He had booked nine nights, but said, if after three I wanted to go home. Then we’d go. How could I say no? (The actual family road trip was not even hinted at at this point!)

We borrowed our friend’s tent – yes tent, no van at this stage – and all the equipment that we’d need. Oh and the coffee machine, and the air conditioner and the TV. My husband drew the line at the dish washer, something to do with plumbing – boy stuff.

I lasted nine nights and we booked in another two. I loved it. Most days were at the beach, I read three books, wine o’clock was found. And surprisingly we could survive without the dishwasher. (Thanks mostly to the deal that if he wouldn’t let me bring it, then he would become it!). I truly embraced it and really couldn’t wait to do it again.

“Let’s Travel Around Australia!” Hubby then suggested. “Let’s take the children out of school, buy a caravan, and do the family road trip to every state in Australia.”

Well, I had enjoyed the camping and I’d like to have a better look around this country – a family road trip sounded like a great idea…..but what about the children’s education? They need to continue to learn! Home School them? Me? Are you kidding me? No, not kidding. Right….Right.

Next question “How long for?” – We had somehow found ourselves in a position, where hubby was working all the time and not able to spend as much time as he would like with the children and really felt like he was missing out. A friend had just be diagnosed with a terminal illness and something just clicked. We thought that we needed to do this trip now. What were we waiting for?

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This article is reprinted from “Travelling Australia With Kids” – Click here to find out more.