camp around australia

The Traveller’s Wave

I often see posts on social media lamenting the fact that people travelling on holidays don’t wave back or asking if the art of waving is still alive.

The Traveller’s Wave, in its many forms, is still very much alive.

It’s just that the Traveller’s Wave is not something to be taken lightly. It needs to be done in an appropriate manner, at the right time, in the right place and to the right people.

 

How to wave to other travellers in Australia

Our Old Travel Waving Habits Need to Die

If you’re old enough to remember the days when we kids were able to ride in the back of station wagons or utes, or perhaps even sit on the back seat of the sedans and face backwards out of the rear window, you will be very familiar with waving to following motorists, or pulling faces or even hiding – much to the delight of our parents and the people behind. This activity would help kill the time on those long and often hot family driving excursions or even short trips.

The Traveller’s Wave is definitely NOT one of these waves. It is so much more.

It is a sign that you recognise those others on the road doing it the same as you and that you acknowledge them as a fellow traveller. However, at the same time, it’s not as simple as all that.

In giving a wave, you should never expect a wave in return – just pay it forward.

Over my many years of travelling (and waving), I feel that I can provide some valuable insights to those new to the art and keep you away from the dark fears that you’re not being recognised; doing it wrong or doing it all alone.

The Traveller’s Wave Itself

The Travellers’s Wave can be as simple as just lifting one finger (or perhaps two if you’re an out-there-person) up from the steering wheel for just a couple of seconds.

You may even lift the spare hand for a second or two if you want to project a more noticeable wave over a few lanes of traffic.

But, I must stress that the childish waves we did over the back seat of the family sedan are gone – they’re definitely a no-go. This is not a game.

On the same note, the passenger should be bound and gagged if you, as the responsible driver, find that they’re waving – and most definitely if they’re waving

profusely or perhaps even using both hands. The wave is the driver’s job and can’t be abrogated.

It is important to point out that the Traveller’s Wave always remains the same in style – its ferocity or fervour never changes across the following zones.

Within City Limits – Amnesty on Waving to other Travellers

I think it’s fair to say that, if you’re driving your holiday rig through a major city or town, you’re a bit busy to look for other travellers or perhaps too focused on finding those all too elusive parking spaces or following the ‘take the third exit at the next roundabout’ instructions from someone you’re not married to.

So, in all likelihood, I wouldn’t get too phased about waving or looking to see if you’re being waved at. The city / town limits provides some degree of sanctuary to the waver and the wavee.

Within 50km Demarcation Zone – The ‘Species Wave’ of the Traveller

I’m gonna call it… There is perhaps a zone around built-up areas, of approximately 50km, where one typically approaches the Traveller’s Wave on the basis of like-for-like – hence the Species Wave. That is, you would be most like to have your wave reciprocated if you waved to another rig by the same maker or manufacturer (eg Jayco for Jayco).

The wave here is an exchange between two rigs is simply to reflect – OMG! Same same.

Within 100km Demarcation Zone – The ‘Genus Wave’ of the Traveller

Now you’re starting to get away from civilisation, but not so far as to be alone. This is where you start considering waving across Species – but still within the Genus of caravans or campervans etc as appropriate.

In this zone, caravans don’t wave to pop-tops, campervans nor motorhomes and vice versa.

The wave now reflects more a ‘How ya doin’?’ type exchange.

More than 10 Cars / Hour – The ‘Family Wave’ according to this Traveller

Outside the 100km Zone, but still, with somewhat frequent traffic, it’s ok to start waving across Genus – with caravaners waving to campervans etc and vice versa.

Here, the wave is a recognition of ‘Hey, you’re out here with me, and I’m out here with you – we’re much the same and ready to support each other’.

Less than 10 Cars / Hour – The ‘Order Wave’ Camp and Travel Style

Now you’re starting to get that feeling that you’re more and more alone and, much like starvation or thirst, you’ll start to want to wave at anyone. Here, farmers in their utes will return a wave (and even solicit one).

Your wave now projects that ‘You’ve got this’, you’re in control and all is good. It also invokes a feeling, ever so silently, that you’re here if needed – should I see you (or others) further down the track.

The ‘Class Wave’ Out&About with Dayv Style

My final wave, the Class Wave, has no real boundaries. This is the wave you would give any traveller of the open road – after all we’re all in the same Class.

Giving this wave is perhaps the most courteous of occasions and is given freely and without expectation of a return.

And, I suggest to you that this is the wave you give to any truck driver at any time – especially if they’re struggling up a long slow climb or towing a big rig.

The road is their workplace and they need to know we travellers care and respect them.

Now for Some Practice

So, give it a go and do the Traveller’s Wave by numbers…

“Up…two…three…away”

It’s that simple.

 

Mosquitos when camping

The Traveller’s Wave is not to be confused with swatting at mozzies. Check out my Australian Mosquito blog.

 

 

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE A BREAK?

Australia and beyond – check them out.

Book your holiday

Previous articleThe Australian Mosquito
Next articleHow to Use Your Wi-Fi iPad as a GPS