WINNERS ARE GRINNERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PRIZE PROVIDES A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE TRAVEL IN A PRESTIGIOUS, FULLY EQUIPPED EXPLORE BY GEMLIFE MOTORHOME.
GemLife Bribie Island homeowners Cheryll and James Doyle were already planning a trip to the Central Coast of New South Wales for Christmas when their number came up in a raffle draw at the over-50s lifestyle resort.
“The prize was three free days in the Explore by GemLife motorhome plus $100 in fuel. Knowing there would be a shortage of beds at the house that we – about eight of us and three children – were all going to for Christmas, we immediately booked it for a week. Problem solved!” said James.
In addition to providing the much-needed extra bedroom at the Christmas celebrations, having the motorhome means the couple will not have to race down and back, but could instead take their time and enjoy some free camping at top spots along the coast between Queensland and their eventual destination of Summerland Point, near Lake Macquarie.
“We don’t want to rush it. We’ve never really seen much of northern NSW so it will be nice to stop in a few places like Forster and Coffs Harbour and just take our time.”
Cheryll and James, who have only recently retired from the tourism and mining industries in WA, have six children between them from previous marriages as well as four grandchildren.
“Our blended family is spread between Australia and the USA which makes it hard to all be together for Christmas, but James’ son and his family from Sydney will be able to join us at our son-in-law’s home on the NSW Central Coast this year,” she said.
Having children living overseas only fuelled the couple’s thirst for travel. They have travelled extensively by air with up to three trips a year to places such as the USA, England, Europe, and New Zealand which is home to James’ mother.
“We like to travel independently, often hiring cars to get around and just love finding out about new cultures, meeting people and catching up with family wherever possible.”
The Doyles recalled one hilarious travel experience while visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco when they were approached by a group of Asian tourists wanting to take photographs of them.
“They spent about half an hour posing with us and taking photographs. We eventually realised they thought I was someone famous. I guess I do look a little like Jerry Seinfeld,” said James, with a laugh.
James and Cheryll are looking forward to experiencing life on the road in an Explore by GemLife motorhome and are confident it will be the first of many trips in the future.
“While this will be our first time in the motorhome, our neighbour recently returned from taking it on a trip and we were able to have a look. I’ve driven this type of vehicle many times.
It offers modern, push-button convenience throughout and we are really looking forward to hitting the road and all the great experiences that come with it,” said James.