Invited to a wedding in Australia - am in a quandry!

olibrofiz

In a bit of a quandry and would appreciate the thoughts of those on MSE to weigh up so i can consider and come to a decision.

I spent my teen years in Oz, and have kept in irregular contact with old school friends - even going back on a working holiday in my late 20's and staying with one of them for about 4 months, looking after her kids etc.

This friend has just invited me to her wedding in June. It's 24 years since I last saw her, and when I first read her news I thought it was fab, but also thought 'phhst, fat chance of me going' - plus I've always said to myself that I will only ever go to Oz again if it's a one way ticket.

But it got me thinking.... I turned 51 in 2012, and if I karked it by the end of the year, would I regret not going, and the answer was yes, both for not going to Oz again, and for not seeing my mate. Plus when I told DD about the invite she said 'you're always saying how great it is out there, why can't we go and I can see for myself'. So then I started thinking that as DD is almost 18 we have a limited time to travel like that as mum and daughter.

I don't have ££££ lying around for the trip, but I do have my crappy old caravan, which if I sold, and all the bits that go with it, could bring in about £1000.

Should i forego my dreams of a few future years of caravanning for the lure of 3 weeks in Oz and seeing old friends (which would also sadden me because I can't stay there) - or should I just send one of my oldest friends a card and wish her well?

Another factor I have to consider is the cost of putting my dogs in kennels for 3 weeks (but then DD does have friends who would be happy to house & dog sit)

Mods I'd be grateful if this wasn't moved, it is about families & moneysaving & this area of the forum is fab

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

How many times last summer did you use your caravan?

mountainofdebt

And how much does it cost to store?

go_cat

I would do it... You only live once and you have said you would regret it if you didn't go

janiebaby29

Life can be full of regrets , a caravan can be replaced but memories cannot . I'd go like a shot , you sound like you deserve it and also you could be in a better position this time next year to be able to buy a caravan xx

olibrofiz

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow wrote: »

How many times last summer did you use your caravan?

I only bought the caravan in June, and we went away once. It costs £180 per 6 months to store

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Only once all summer? Sell it then and go and see your friend in Australia. you will have a fantastic time!!!!!!

go_cat

You never know you may end up staying

Person_one

Someone on here has a sig that says 'its better to regret what you did do than what you didn't do.'

I don't agree with it in all cases, but I do in this one! I have friends on different continents that I've only been to see once since we all lived together as students, but that one visit is one of my most cherished experiences and memories.

I also think it would be a wonderful thing to do with your daughter, and I expect that when you look back you'll be glad you shared it.

Caravans are rubbish anyway.

sassyblue

Get out there OP, if you took ill you'd always regret it. Go while you still can and enjoy! Xxx

olibrofiz

lol, caravans are rubbish! well actually this is a good old crappy caravan, and I had hopes of lots of trips exploring the uk

But I see all your points - this is likely a once in a lifetime trip, my friend has been with this guy since after I was last there, so i never met him. And yes, I could always get another caravan if the fancy took me - i have some friends who would be interested in buying it.

Doubtful i would stay, all that red tape and stuff, but still. to see the perfect beaches once again, and check out all my old haunts and show them to my DD - maybe she'll emigrate and I can be a claimed family member, lol

it's just where i'd get the extra £££ from, i don't have alot and would paying off where-ever i borrowed it from for the next few years - which is another thing that's making me dither. it's not really money saving