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

marisco_2

Personally I think you should go to OZ with your daughter. As you say there will be limited opportunities to travel like this with her and show her where you spent a huge part of your life.

I travelled there almost twenty years ago and it was the experience of a lifetime. My memories from that trip are still so strong. If you can both afford to go for 3 weeks, by trading in a caravan for a grand, it sounds as if you have friends over there who could put you up. This may not always be the case.

It doesn't mean you cant ever have a camping holiday again, it just wont be in your caravan. Go for it, be part of a major day in your friends life and show your daughter a country you love.

Lara44

OP, why don't you make it a project or competition with your daughter to raise enough money to go? An an earlier poster suggested, there are lots of ways to raise money - online survey sites, cash back, car boot, ebay. It could be really fun to do together, and add excitement to the big trip.

minimoneysaver

Can you daughter get a part-time job to help fund her ticket?

minimoneysaver

I meant to say, another poster said Hatton Garden Metals....do it!!! I got an amazing amount of money from them for a few broken earrings, tons of old tarnished silver rings (from aflex palace etc) and a few broken necklaces. The easiest money I've ever got!

TheEffect

Go!

A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, Africa. I immediately said no, was petrified of traveling, let alone going to a third world country.

Eventually I thought life's too short, jumped on that plane and it changed my life.

You really only do regret the things you don't do, not the things you do.

barbiedoll

You should definitely start planning to go, you'll regret it if you don't!

Now is the time to start looking up all of those old contacts, your bride-to-be friend is a good place to start. You should be able to find places to stay, I'm sure that your old friends will be happy to put you and DD up and you may get a chance to see more of the country for less money. When my brother went to stay with a friend, he had loads of offers from his friend's friends, to put him and his GF up and to show them the sights. And most of these people were complete strangers to him!

I don't know if you can explain to your friend that you are a bit worried about money, I'm sure she must realise that it is going to be a big expense for you. Do a plan of exactly how much you will need, don't forget to factor in money for a present, outfits, emergency cash etc etc. And I echo what other posters said about Hatton Garden Metals, I made over £300 for a bag of old tat!

We want to see pics on here too, so don't forget your camera!

michelle2008

If I were you I would go!! But as others have said check with the friend that it is okay for you both to stay. Also weddings can become very expensive - are they all decamping to a hotel for a couple of nights? Is there an expensive hen weekend? Will it be okay for you to stay on once they head off on honeymoon?

All details to iron out before you book the tickets.

claire16c

A caravan at the end of the day is an object which you could save for again or plan other types of holidays.

Being with your friend at her wedding and going on holiday with your daughter is an experience you wont get again. That to me is worth much more.

onlyroz

On things like this, assuming you're not going to put yourself into financial difficulties either way, go with your instincts.

Itsgottabedone

Oh yes, go for it! I fly to Australia most years to visit my daughter and as soon as I've booked and paid for the ticket I check the bank statement at the end of each month and buy $s with whatever £s remain unspent. The little pile of Australian notes grows visibly and whilst it doesn't necessarily cover all my expenses for the trip it works well for me. Also, when family members come up with the "what would you like for your birthday?" question, I have no qualms in suggesting a contribution to the Down Under Fund.

Enjoy the time with your daughter and your friends making memories to enjoy for years to come!