When Gary and Philippa Lawn set out on their first big overseas trip together, they referred to themselves as ‘oldpackers’. “We were both in second marriages and had not had an overseas travel experience together when we were younger,” Philippa, 58, said. Supplied The Lawns had such a good time in Southeast Asia they decided they weren’t ready to return to New Zealand. They also created a budget online and used it to work towards their financial goal, which included travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs, spending money, New Zealand expenses, and a small emergency fund. A series of house-sitting gigs enabled them to experience life in different suburbs while keeping costs down, and they made friends through work who they are still in regular contact with.

Source: Stuff July 02, 2023 04:30 UTC