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, in some unspecified time in the future, 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 mentioned 63-year-old Victoria, a reader who just lately wrote to me for recommendation. She had at all times traveled on her personal and beloved assembly individuals alongside the way in which, however a current dangerous fall on a visit to India had shaken her confidence. She was on the lookout for ideas 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 assist, encouragement, and tricks to fellow vacationers. Members aged 29 to 82 responded, each one in all 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 provided 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 the most effective journey I’ve ever performed and the younger ones on the practice 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 sort and useful to older ladies.
Barbara My greatest recommendation is to concentrate to the place you set your ft. 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 if you happen to’re out of the country. I do know this from expertise. As we age, we heal much less rapidly. This isn’t a motive to cease touring, only a warning to watch out.
Evelyn Pack mild. You do not need to battle with baggage now. And like Barbara says, watch your ft. When I walked the Camino de Santiago at 67, falls and ankle twists had been the 2 issues that appeared to ship older walkers residence.
Carole Staying wholesome is at all times a problem when touring. I’ve rheumatoid arthritis, so I can have some dangerous days so ensuring different issues do not get me down like colds, abdomen ills, and so forth. is at all times on my radar. I take lot of Vitamin C, drink a lot of water, at all times pack Ciproflaxin for dangerous abdomen points and use a lot of antiseptic hand wipes. Build in time for relaxation.
Kayleigh I believe you may journey at any age and there may be actually no must be afraid. You will nonetheless meet different travellers and have the time of your life. I suppose the one motive to be afraid could be if you happen to 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
Quite a few 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 the most effective 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 take pleasure in 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 some of the 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 assume touring alone will get simpler if you become older. 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 had been of the “If I can do it, you can do it” selection. Solo vacationers of their 50s, 60s, and 70s provided 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, quit my flat, and put every thing in storage, as I plan on touring full time.
Karen You’re nonetheless you! And if you happen to proceed to need to journey solo, simply do it. Providing you are competent and nicely, age is irrelevant. And think about this: if you happen to cease now, you will 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 shall be there for you. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are the most effective locations to go first to provide you confidence, then the world is your oyster. Remember, 60 is the brand new 40!
Marcia You aren’t any completely different touring solo at 63! I’m solo in Amsterdam proper now at 67. You are solely restricted by your bodily limitations, if 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 probably 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 fearful about feeling lonely or embarrassed to be the oldest individual within the hostel. I had a ball and by no means appeared 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 all over the place, all ages and beliefs. It’s a beautiful strategy to be taught extra and share your information with others. I’ve 2 solo journeys deliberate for subsequent yr. While I can carry my pack, I’ll hold 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 fulfill 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 obtained 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 immediate frequent 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, climbing, and exploring overseas international locations for the previous 15 years with no companion. I admit once I do want individuals I journey on a cruise or meet individuals at a location. I at all times make sure I’ve security lined, 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 it up 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 sort to older individuals. I couldn’t start to let you know 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 once I began, with Salvador, Brazil.
Jfur I’ll be 63 in about 2 weeks. I’ve been constantly touring solo since I retired (for a couple of yr and three months now) and know individuals our age who’ve performed 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 gradual, partly as a result of I choose to savor and immerse myself now moderately than test objects off a listing, partly as a result of I’ve seen and performed sufficient already that I haven’t got to see and do every thing, and partly as a result of my stamina is just not what it as soon as was. I do assume there are official causes to be cautious (wherever you go), however as another person mentioned, 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 essential. Having mentioned 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.
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Trying to determine the place you need to go? Read:
Best Solo Travel Destinations: All Solo Traveler Tested
Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers
Last up to date: twentieth December, 2022