Travelling around the country as a Grey Nomad can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. Whether you are planning a seasonal trip to the north to evade the winter, a short holiday excursion or are exploring Australia for the foreseeable future, you should plan your travels ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. To help you prepare, take a look at our top 8 things to do before you set off on your adventure
Plan the route
There are several things you should consider before you hit the road. You don’t have to always stick to a strict itinerary, but it is good to plan the basic route, where you would like to stop, where you can fuel up and the attractions you want to see on the way.
Update your maps
If you are using a GPS device to get you to your destination, make sure that you have updated it to the latest maps before you go. You can also buy a hardcopy map to make planning easier by giving you a bigger view of your trip, and use as a backup should technology ever let you down.
Get insurance
Your car, trailer or caravan is worth a lot and any damages to it whether by accident, fire, theft, storms or any other issues out of your control can be a major financial problem. Make sure your possessions on the road and back home are adequately covered. Also check that you are fully insured medically, should you require any medical treatment during the trip.
Look after your health
It’s always a good idea to take care of any health issues before you travel. Schedule a health check with your doctor and organise advanced prescriptions if needed. Pack a first aid kit, any medicine you may need and copies of your prescriptions.
Stay connected
You may see this trip as a way to get away from technology and noisy day-to-day life. But technology has its upsides and can keep you connected and safe on a long trip. Save important contact information and emergency service numbers on your phone, and pack a tablet or laptop for keeping in touch with loved ones, booking and travel services, and even diarising your trip. Don’t forget to pack the chargers!
Prepare your vehicle
You can avoid most, if not all, breakdowns or car issues, by ensuring that your car is serviced and in a good condition before you depart. Check the water and oil, tires, lights, breaks and windscreen wipers. Also check the windscreen and mirrors for cracks or chips which you should fix before you go.
Don’t forget the entertainment
Long trips may become tedious and tiring if you haven’t packed enough items to keep you entertained. What you take along really depends on your interest and hobbies, but can include music, audio books, a novel or two, a journal, games or puzzles.
Pack the camera
Digital cameras make it easy to capture and diarise your trip, and to share it with loved ones. Remember to pack your camera, memory cards, batteries, charger and accessories such as a mini tripod. Also consider investing in a portable hard drive on which to back your photos up.
If your car requires a new windscreen or windscreen repairs in Perth before your trip, Autoscreens can help. They are a family-owned and operated business that does easy and convenient windscreen repairs in all Perth areas. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jason and his team has earned the reputation of being trusted and reliable automotive glass repair and replacement experts. Their mobile service is available seven days a week for any private, corporate, insurance and fleet work and all new glass windows come with a lifetime warranty.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
