Excellent exactly how we found things. We stopped in the end because it just got boring and needed something more full filling in our lives but don’t regret it one bit. I would also add don’t sell your house if possible, see how it goes.
As you are an ex-ATC it doesn't surprise me that you can think and talk coherently and rapidly! Imagine that being an ATC is a stressful and hugely responsible job. So I don't really buy the "I panicked after my last pay-day" claim, but "poetic license!' for entertainment purposes. :-) Seriously, you do give lots of great tips, and do so in an entertaining manner. Love your channel.
Having gone on an extended car trip across the USA many years ago lasting over two months, I know from that experience that you can't drive everyday and enjoy the sights along the way. Now and then, perhaps, but on the whole you really do need to stop for at least a few days between longer drives or you'll be exhausted and won't be able to enjoy wherever you're visiting, which is the whole point of course. Such things can't and shouldn't be rushed. Even worse is when people stop at the side of the road or at a scenic overlook, keep the car running (and thus annoy everyone else) and don't even bother to get out for a few minutes, snap a few quick photos, and then rush off to the next stop where they're do the same thing. Similarly, I also found it hard to enjoy wherever I was and take photos or video of it at the same time. I had set aside time for both or else I found that I wasn't really experiencing things for myself. The whole point of traveling for pleasure is to enjoy yourself, see and experience new places and things, and relax. Otherwise it becomes work and that's just wrong.
Thanks for your helpful video I agree with your logic regarding travelling and the need to just stop of at a campsite for 2 or 3 days no driving just rest .May Jesus bless you on your travels
Thanks Kat! It was very brave of you to take that step, and I applaud you for it. That you've lasted 5 years suggests that it was largely the right decision. I've enjoyed the content you've produced very much, so I wish you all the best for the future!
Driving every single day, well I've done in the past 5/6 days driving a articulated truck for thirty years, yep it does get tiring and eventually binned the job and never looked back 😊😊😊
Some really sound practical advice again - thanks for sharing as if we ever decided to go full time it’s great to get the learnings as you’re right you wish someone would have told you. Have a lovely weekend, all the very best, David & Rachel 👍
All great advice thanks 🙂 I thought I was set on quitting my job, I converted my own van ready, but I had a change of mindset and decided to ask for a 3 month sabbatical instead, and here I am sat in Italy (unfortunately only a few weeks remaining 😢). But I experienced the shock on the first no pay month 😬 and I've felt the exhaustion of travelling daily, I've done just over 3000 miles at this point 😅 I would definitely need that something else to do, even if it were just to stop me travelling daily 😂
I've watched your videos for a while and they are great because you give good real info. I bought the motorhome and was going to do the travel vlog also for RUclips but moved over to a different subject and it worked well till I stopped a few months ago because I had to for a while. We all need to make some income. You do a great job on YT. If I met you, I would like to know where you are with your traveling/life today.. all the best, Alan
Great vidoe! Life itself is the journey, so living on the Road is surely just a phase? You can't know it's for you, until you've done it. Most people try it a while, maybe years, then realise its limitations. There's always going to be "hindsight" but improving as you go is what it's all about. Make your mistakes and learn from them, I suppose.
The biggest downfall I see are people not planning for the future and retirement. These young people think they can start a RUclips channel to make money but traveling is expensive. Imagine traveling for 30 years and deciding to quit, what have you got? Me? I spent 28 years on a job with a pension. I was about to pay off my house before I retired and my pension supports all of my expenses, My social security goes into the Bank if there's ever an emergency. People who have rented heir entire lives are no facing homelessness in retirement because without a steady income, they can't afford the rent. If I were to reach the age where I need assisted living, I could always sell my home which is now worth 4 times what I paid for it.
Sound advice thank you! As someone about to quit his job to go travelling (campervan on order), my main concern is the State Pension. As I will cease contributing through my PAYE, can I top it up now?
What about healthcare in UK if you dont have a permanent address? There is always A&E but what if you get really bad toothache - its tough enough to register with a dentist in UK if you have a permanent address? OR do you have a permanent address and go 'home' in such an event?
All right. As an older single full time tourist, I need access to Netflix and Wandering-Bird. Try to stay off politics and the worlds problems. They'll still be there in the future just as they were 50, 100, 1000, and 2000 years ago.
Hi Kat hope your day is a good one. I was intrigued to watch you today and you are a real inspiration to me especially travelling so far on your own. I found your advice really helpful but i was wondering also about the cost? Is it on the same par as normal household expenses? I guess my initial thought would have been that it would have been so much cheaper than mortgage etc but with the cost of food and clothes today and not forgetting fuel is there a huge difference in savings? Does this way of living still cost several hundred per month? Jane x
Not as easy as it used to be but still very possible. The trick is to check your route for LPG stations and fill up when you’re around half full, not waiting until you really need it & might need to drive a long way out of your way
Fair question. My family are lovely but definitely not rich! I’ve got what I have from working hard & not doing ‘the norm’- i lived on boats for 15 years before vanlife & everyone thought I was crazy! There are many ways to skin this cat, and it boils down to which choices are most important to you.
Excellent exactly how we found things. We stopped in the end because it just got boring and needed something more full filling in our lives but don’t regret it one bit. I would also add don’t sell your house if possible, see how it goes.
As you are an ex-ATC it doesn't surprise me that you can think and talk coherently and rapidly! Imagine that being an ATC is a stressful and hugely responsible job. So I don't really buy the "I panicked after my last pay-day" claim, but "poetic license!' for entertainment purposes. :-)
Seriously, you do give lots of great tips, and do so in an entertaining manner. Love your channel.
Having gone on an extended car trip across the USA many years ago lasting over two months, I know from that experience that you can't drive everyday and enjoy the sights along the way. Now and then, perhaps, but on the whole you really do need to stop for at least a few days between longer drives or you'll be exhausted and won't be able to enjoy wherever you're visiting, which is the whole point of course.
Such things can't and shouldn't be rushed. Even worse is when people stop at the side of the road or at a scenic overlook, keep the car running (and thus annoy everyone else) and don't even bother to get out for a few minutes, snap a few quick photos, and then rush off to the next stop where they're do the same thing.
Similarly, I also found it hard to enjoy wherever I was and take photos or video of it at the same time. I had set aside time for both or else I found that I wasn't really experiencing things for myself. The whole point of traveling for pleasure is to enjoy yourself, see and experience new places and things, and relax. Otherwise it becomes work and that's just wrong.
Wow !! An air traffic controller !!! I bow to thee your ladyship much respect ❤
Well done Kat on taking the plunge, your energy and enthusiasm for life have helped to make the move a good one!
Great video
Thanks!
Once again we can count on you Kat to be honest and give great advice. Thanks Kat 👍👍
You’re welcome ☺️
Thank you for sharing. All tips were great, but especially the last one resonated with me.
Glad it was helpful 💕
Very informative! Thank you! ♥The last one, I intuitively knew that, but so good having it confirmed!
Thanks for sharing these insights. All good and worthwhile points.
This video means so much more since our session in the wellness area at the campout. Thinking of you X
Thank you. 💕
Admire and respect what you’ve done and continue to do safe and happy journeys
Thank you 🙏
very helpful and honest advice video
Thanks for your helpful video I agree with your logic regarding travelling and the need to just stop of at a campsite for 2 or 3 days no driving just rest .May Jesus bless you on your travels
Woohoo looking forward to your Iceland videos 😀
Thanks Kat! It was very brave of you to take that step, and I applaud you for it. That you've lasted 5 years suggests that it was largely the right decision. I've enjoyed the content you've produced very much, so I wish you all the best for the future!
Thank you
Driving every single day, well I've done in the past 5/6 days driving a articulated truck for thirty years, yep it does get tiring and eventually binned the job and never looked back 😊😊😊
Fabulous advice 🥰
Interesting and searingly honest account. Thanks Kat X
You’re very welcome ☺️
Some really sound practical advice again - thanks for sharing as if we ever decided to go full time it’s great to get the learnings as you’re right you wish someone would have told you.
Have a lovely weekend, all the very best, David & Rachel 👍
All great advice thanks 🙂
I thought I was set on quitting my job, I converted my own van ready, but I had a change of mindset and decided to ask for a 3 month sabbatical instead, and here I am sat in Italy (unfortunately only a few weeks remaining 😢). But I experienced the shock on the first no pay month 😬 and I've felt the exhaustion of travelling daily, I've done just over 3000 miles at this point 😅 I would definitely need that something else to do, even if it were just to stop me travelling daily 😂
Ty
I've watched your videos for a while and they are great because you give good real info. I bought the motorhome and was going to do the travel vlog also for RUclips but moved over to a different subject and it worked well till I stopped a few months ago because I had to for a while. We all need to make some income. You do a great job on YT. If I met you, I would like to know where you are with your traveling/life today.. all the best, Alan
Maybe I’ll meet you on the road somewhere!
France Annecy now in the south of France on a beach site 24 degrease
Lucky you
Great vidoe! Life itself is the journey, so living on the Road is surely just a phase? You can't know it's for you, until you've done it. Most people try it a while, maybe years, then realise its limitations. There's always going to be "hindsight" but improving as you go is what it's all about. Make your mistakes and learn from them, I suppose.
Absolutely. No one is signing a lifelong contract- you can change your mind at any time.
The biggest downfall I see are people not planning for the future and retirement. These young people think they can start a RUclips channel to make money but traveling is expensive. Imagine traveling for 30 years and deciding to quit, what have you got? Me? I spent 28 years on a job with a pension. I was about to pay off my house before I retired and my pension supports all of my expenses, My social security goes into the Bank if there's ever an emergency. People who have rented heir entire lives are no facing homelessness in retirement because without a steady income, they can't afford the rent. If I were to reach the age where I need assisted living, I could always sell my home which is now worth 4 times what I paid for it.
Sound advice thank you! As someone about to quit his job to go travelling (campervan on order), my main concern is the State Pension. As I will cease contributing through my PAYE, can I top it up now?
Yes, you can make voluntary contributions. Contact HMRC for more details
What about healthcare in UK if you dont have a permanent address? There is always A&E but what if you get really bad toothache - its tough enough to register with a dentist in UK if you have a permanent address? OR do you have a permanent address and go 'home' in such an event?
All right. As an older single full time tourist, I need access to Netflix and Wandering-Bird. Try to stay off politics and the worlds problems. They'll still be there in the future just as they were 50, 100, 1000, and 2000 years ago.
Ha- yes. I try to avoid politics if I can!
Hi Kat hope your day is a good one. I was intrigued to watch you today and you are a real inspiration to me especially travelling so far on your own. I found your advice really helpful but i was wondering also about the cost? Is it on the same par as normal household expenses? I guess my initial thought would have been that it would have been so much cheaper than mortgage etc but with the cost of food and clothes today and not forgetting fuel is there a huge difference in savings? Does this way of living still cost several hundred per month? Jane x
Good Question J 👏👏👏👏. Steve from Manchester 🇬🇧
Great questions and ones I want to do justice. I’ll do a couple more videos about money & expenses very soon for you.
What’s the cost to get to Iceland in your Motorhome and we’re do you cross from thanks great video
Watch this space! All details about Iceland coming very soon
What about your husband and daughter? Have you been away from them for the last few years?
She grew up & went to Uni. He got really ill early last year & has chosen to do other things. But I see them both regularly.
Hi Kat,do you think you will ever go back to the so called 9-5 if you can ever call ATC that?
I don’t think I’ll go back to ATC but I will never rule out a ‘proper’ job again- who knows what the future will bring.
Thanks for the video. Can I ask what your total annual expenditure has been since you started travelling?
Great question! I’ll do the sums and make a video for you
What about your Pension???
I still pay into my state pension every month.
Do you ever see yourself going back to a normal job or indeed your old profession?
Prob not my old profession as it’s tough to return to but I’ll never rule out a ‘normal’ job in the future.
If quitting your job remember to apply for your credit card first lol
Good point!!
How easy is to get lpg for the motorhomes un the uk.
Thank you
Not as easy as it used to be but still very possible. The trick is to check your route for LPG stations and fill up when you’re around half full, not waiting until you really need it & might need to drive a long way out of your way
Are you privileged or did you work hard throughout education and work?
Fair question. My family are lovely but definitely not rich! I’ve got what I have from working hard & not doing ‘the norm’- i lived on boats for 15 years before vanlife & everyone thought I was crazy! There are many ways to skin this cat, and it boils down to which choices are most important to you.
Why are you so rushing in your speech. You’re definitely not rested
🤣 I’ve always talked fast. That’s just the way I am