Do you plan on traveling solo as a senior? That’s amazing!
Retirement is finally here. You have a lot of time on your hands, and you’re eager to explore the world. But not so many of your friends share this hobby. No problem, because traveling solo is a thing now, and you don’t have to be afraid of it.
Solo travel may be a thrilling experience for those who have young souls and who still have the energy to navigate through airports, the strength to lift an overloaded suitcase, the patience to spend 12 hours trapped in an airline seat, and the desire to visit new places. Curious to try this out for yourself too? Check out how traveling solo as a senior can be the most fulfilling experience.
1. Do proper research first
If you decide that traveling solo as a senior is something you want to do, you must research everything properly. Check out all the must-see tourist attractions in the country or city you decide to visit; look for accommodations, preferably in advance, to score better prices.
I usually go with Airbnb, but you can also look for hotels if you want to have breakfast every morning. The key is to compare prices because they can differ from one hotel to another, and depending on their policy, they might also have discounts for seniors. Read everything about the places you’re interested in on their website.
2. Create a budget
If you want to start traveling solo as a senior, it is super important to create a budget. Being alone, you won’t be able to rely on the other person in case your money is gone. Especially with this inflation, things can become unpredictable, so you might add some extra in case of an emergency.
I suggest you check out how much the plane tickets cost and the accommodations, and then add the extras like museum tax, food, and souvenirs. Keep your budget flexible for unexpected expenses during your trip.
3. Make a must-see list
It’s simple to compile a lengthy list of things you want to see while traveling to wonderful destinations like those in Europe (Rome, Paris, or London, for instance). I promise you that three days won’t be enough for you to truly enjoy it. Prioritizing the place you want to visit is sometimes necessary because it’s just not possible to do everything especially if you can’t afford to stay more than just a couple of days. I usually advise to make a list of “something for the next time.”
If you’re a gourmet with restaurants on your “to-do” list, it’s best to book far in advance, particularly if you’re looking for Michelin-starred or highly sought-after eateries. Additionally, based on proximity, your list will assist you in choosing where to go and when.
4. Book group tours
If you plan on traveling solo as a senior, you should also consider scheduling a group tour if you’d like to be surrounded by other people while visiting important landmarks. If you look up on Google you’ll see a plethora of options available. Just make sure you also type the word “senior” if you’d enjoy having people similar in age around you. If this isn’t really something that matters to you, you can also go with younger people. It will be fun either way.
5. Make sure your phone’s battery is always full
Whenever you go to a new place, GPS on your phone is mandatory. And this will consume a lot of the battery, unfortunately. Fortunately, you can buy a portable power bank to charge your phone, even if you’re on the road. Check out this offer from Amazon: Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank that has USB C in and out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad, etc. for just $29.99.
6. Be aware of pickpockets!
This is something you must be careful about, especially if you want to travel alone! Try to keep everything in a fanny pack and as close to you as possible. Don’t leave your bags unsupervised, not even in a travel group. After all, you don’t know those people, and who knows what can happen?
I’d also advise you, if you’re traveling solo as a senior, to leave your passport and plane tickets in the hotel room and not carry them around during sightseeing and museum visits. Pickpockets are always lurking, waiting for people to be careless with their belongings.
Bring only what you need with you for the day in a concealed wallet or a safe crossbody bag. If you don’t want to carry a wallet, look for a money belt as an alternative.
7. Be friendly with other people
If you decide that traveling solo as a senior is your thing, that doesn’t mean you need to be alone whenever you go. Start conversations with the people in the tour group; ask locals to give you directions to certain destinations. Be polite, friendly, and communicative. If you also know the language of the country you’re visiting, it’s a good opportunity to practice speaking it!
8. Pack light!
Yes, certainly! This is something I wish I had known before my last trip to Spain when I packed two suitcases and a small bag for just five days. I know that those fancy shoes were nice to have, but do I really need them? Or all those cosmetics? Probably not.
So, you don’t make the same mistake as I did. Limit yourself to two items at the top. When you board a busy aircraft and they check your bag, it goes smoothly. Furthermore, it’s simpler to keep an eye on two items only ensuring that nothing is neglected. Opt for a compact backpack and a suitcase.
9. Always have somebody to call in case of an emergency
Making sure that someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency is particularly important for individuals who travel alone. Give a friend or family member a copy of your passport and credit card details in case you misplace them while traveling, and arrange to leave your itinerary, including flights and accommodations, with them.
To keep connected, find out whether your smartphone carrier offers reasonably priced foreign service or if you can purchase it. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to stay in one place for more than a week.
Friendly tip: If you want to avoid being extra charged for phone calls, use the Facebook Messenger app or WhatsApp to stay in touch with people from your home.
Traveling solo as a senior can be fun, but even if it’s mostly about making memories, it is also crucial to be safe. So if you want to take your retirement life to the next level and go on discovering the world, keep all these tips in mind.
Just think about how many things you can do at your own pace without waiting for somebody to join you. Do your research, compare prices, and plan the trip of your life! Good luck!
You may also be interested in 8 Amazing Stress-Reduction Techniques for Seniors.
