Seniors proceed to journey solo. You solely want to take a look at the outcomes of our annual Solo Traveler reader survey to know this reality to be true. Some go independently and a few take excursions for seniors touring alone.
However, sooner or later, intrepid vacationers getting older might query the choice to journey solo.
“I want to continue to backpack travel on my own, but I’m now somewhat scared as an older person.”
So stated 63-year-old Victoria, a reader who not too long ago wrote to me for recommendation. She had at all times traveled on her personal and liked assembly individuals alongside the way in which, however a latest unhealthy fall on a visit to India had shaken her confidence. She was in search of options that might assist her to maintain touring solo.
Naturally, I turned to the members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, who at all times provide help, encouragement, and tricks to fellow vacationers. Members aged 29 to 82 responded, each one among them encouraging Victoria to maintain touring.
Here are the voices of our readers, actual vacationers, giving their greatest encouragement and recommendation.
Senior Women Traveling Alone: Easy Does It Says Our Community
One suggestion that readers supplied was to train an inexpensive quantity of warning and take issues a bit slower. It is smart to be a bit extra cautious but it surely additionally is smart to decelerate for the enjoyment of it. What’s the frenzy. As seniors and sure retired, time for journey takes on a brand new that means. Easy does it’s a good mantra for a lot of causes.
Ellen I’m additionally 63. I’ve simply been to Beijing the place I boarded the Trans Mongolian Railway and traveled by means of China, Mongolia, Siberia, on to Moscow and St Petersburg. I then flew to Iceland and England.
It was one of the best journey I’ve ever carried out and the younger ones on the prepare included me in every thing. I’m slower than I was however I nonetheless see every thing I would like. Just have extra little rests alongside the way in which.
Lin I’m 65 and nonetheless touring solo. The solely distinction is that I tire extra simply and should house issues out a bit. Otherwise, I’m okay. I additionally discover that persons are extraordinarily variety and useful to older ladies.
Barbara My greatest recommendation is to concentrate to the place you place your toes. Don’t get so caught up within the sights that you simply step on (or off) one thing and twist an ankle. Even a easy sprain can put the kibosh in your journey, particularly should you’re abroad. I do know this from expertise. As we age, we heal much less shortly. This isn’t a motive to cease touring, only a warning to watch out.
Evelyn Pack mild. You do not need to battle with luggage now. And like Barbara says, watch your toes. When I walked the Camino de Santiago at 67, falls and ankle twists have been the 2 issues that appeared to ship older walkers house.
Carole Staying wholesome is at all times a problem when touring. I’ve rheumatoid arthritis, so I can have some unhealthy days so ensuring different issues do not get me down like colds, abdomen ills, and so on. is at all times on my radar. I take lot of Vitamin C, drink a lot of water, at all times pack Ciproflaxin for unhealthy abdomen points and use a lot of antiseptic hand wipes. Build in time for relaxation.
Kayleigh I believe you possibly can journey at any age and there may be actually no should be afraid. You will nonetheless meet different travellers and have the time of your life. I assume the one motive to be afraid can be should you had a well being situation, however this might occur at any age and so long as you do a little bit of planning, it would not be a problem.
A Big Benefit of Senior Solo Traveler: Better Treatment
A lot of readers identified one of many benefits of being a extra mature traveler: it’s possible you’ll discover that the individuals you encounter are further pleasant and useful to you! In some methods, senior solo journey can really be simpler.
Nic Don’t be scared! I’m 69 and nonetheless journey solo everywhere in the world. The higher half about being older is that persons are extra pleasant and useful! I traveled solo to Iran final yr and it was one of the best solo journey ever.
Beverly I’ve famous since I’ve silver hair and a cane, as I journey persons are most useful, particularly the youthful ones of their 20’s! At 69 I get pleasure from my solo travels however plan them nicely and keep alert.
Claire I believe the oldest solo traveller I’ve met was 92. We chatted for hours. She was one of the vital attention-grabbing ladies I’ve met.
Jude Good grief, you are not outdated! I’m 63 and simply again from Italy, Sardinia, and Corsica. I really suppose touring alone will get simpler if you grow old. No one hassles “little old people,” particularly girls.
Tim Fear not Victoria. I’m 69 and simply overlanded from Prague to Goa for six months. It’s nonetheless the identical, individuals watch your again much more, I’ve discovered.
Solo Travel Over 60, Over 70, even Over 80
By far, the best variety of responses have been of the “If I can do it, you can do it” selection. Solo vacationers of their 50s, 60s, and 70s supplied encouragement to Victoria and shared examples of their very own travels and upcoming plans. We even have readers into their 80s who nonetheless take journeys.
Gail I’ve at all times traveled solo. I’m coming as much as 70 and am about to retire, hand over my flat, and put every thing in storage, as I plan on touring full time.
Karen You’re nonetheless you! And should you proceed to need to journey solo, simply do it. Providing you are competent and nicely, age is irrelevant. And think about this: should you cease now, you may doubtless be lacking out on as much as thirty years of adventures.
Kieron I’m your age. Just go for it! If you’re feeling in peril, which I doubt will occur, there’ll at all times be individuals who might be there for you. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are one of the best locations to go first to offer you confidence, then the world is your oyster. Remember, 60 is the brand new 40!
Marcia You are not any completely different touring solo at 63! I’m solo in Amsterdam proper now at 67. You are solely restricted by your bodily limitations, in case you have any. Personally, I journey a lot lighter now, so I can nonetheless handle my baggage alone.
Clare I’m 82. On my subsequent journey I’m going to cruise between ports in SE Asia, and I’ll go ashore and for essentially the most half transfer round alone. I’m selecting this after having traveled extensively in Thailand and Cambodia alone when in my 60s and 70s. I do not need to haul baggage in that warmth now. I like being older there and in Europe. Not a sexual object anymore, capable of transfer round comfortably, and capable of make friendships with many different solo vacationers. You’d be amazed at what number of ladies in Europe and from Europe journey solo worldwide and at any age.
Sharon I have to admit to worrying earlier than my first solo journey in years (Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia) 3 years in the past. I used to be anxious about feeling lonely or embarrassed to be the oldest individual within the hostel. I had a ball and by no means seemed again! I met some nice individuals, some I’ve since visited, some I’ve traveled with. As for feeling lonely? Never. I’ve chatted with individuals from in all places, all ages and beliefs. It’s a beautiful solution to study extra and share your data with others. I’ve 2 solo journeys deliberate for subsequent yr. While I can carry my pack, I’ll maintain hitting the street.
Kathy I’m 58 and presently 6 months into a visit. I combine up straight sightseeing with home or pet sitting and Workaday & HelpX placements. This is an effective way to satisfy locals and have a wealthy expertise on the identical time. At the second, I’m in Cypress cooking for different volunteers on a micro-greens farm. Next week I’ll be in Zurich for a pet sit.
Cindy I simply acquired again from a scuba diving journey off the coast of Tanzania. I completely love assembly individuals from everywhere in the world in locations like a devoted and small dive resort – we’ve got instantaneous widespread floor! Research each step extensively to keep away from surprises and disappointments. I’m 68, and my subsequent solo dive journey to Bali and Komodo is already mapped and booked.
Myrna I’ve been touring, mountain climbing, and exploring overseas international locations for the previous 15 years with no companion. I admit after I do want individuals I journey on a cruise or meet individuals at a location. I at all times make sure I’ve security coated, and a telephone and information connection wherever I’m. Anyone would do the identical. Age is relative. It is how you’re feeling about your vacation spot, actually and in life.
Adelaide Embrace it. I’m 74, and I’ll keep on so long as I can. I’m unhappy I can’t return to Sri Lanka, Kerala, North East States, and Nepal but it surely’s due to the jet lag. In these locations they’re so variety to older individuals. I couldn’t start to inform you the candy and the weird kindnesses. In spite of the excellent article about jet lag on this website, I simply can’t. Period. End of. Sad. So, it’s south for me. I’m already planning Cartagena in Colombia, and I can’t wait! Just go for it. I used to be about your age after I began, with Salvador, Brazil.
Jfur I’ll be 63 in about 2 weeks. I’ve been repeatedly touring solo since I retired (for a few yr and three months now) and know individuals our age who’ve carried out it far longer. My recommendation would differ relying on what sort of journey you need to do, the place you need to go, and how much form you are in. But I’ll say, touring as an older individual does have its variations. Traveling long-term I’ve discovered that I personally have to go sluggish, partly as a result of I want to savor and immerse myself now relatively than examine objects off an inventory, partly as a result of I’ve seen and carried out sufficient already that I haven’t got to see and do every thing, and partly as a result of my stamina will not be what it as soon as was. I do suppose there are legit causes to be cautious (wherever you go), however as another person stated, do your analysis. Perpetrators search for weak individuals and older individuals can seem extra weak. Using avenue smarts, journey smarts, and projecting confidence is at all times vital. Having stated that, I’ve principally been within the British Isles, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe this previous yr and I’ve felt tent occasions safer right here than I did within the US.
Have enjoyable. One foot in entrance of the opposite. Feel the concern and do it anyway. You will not remorse it.
Have you traveled solo to a vacation spot that you’d suggest to different vacationers? Submit your story right here. And if you have not already, please be a part of us within the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.
Trying to determine the place it’s best to go? Read:
Best Solo Travel Destinations: All Solo Traveler Tested
Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers
Last up to date: twentieth December, 2022