Wanderlust doesn’t diminish as the years clock up. If anything, it flourishes. Women over fifty are more adventurous, more curious, and keen to explore the world, even alone. Especially alone. Statistically more likely to travel on their own than men, senior women see solo travel as exciting and empowering—a freedom to live life the way they want as they embark on their next chapter.
Age has never been a barrier to traveling alone. The young explore the world to find themselves, while the more mature–armed with more money, time and experience–tend to travel purely for joy. There’s something rather romantic about turning up in a new country and having an adventure all on your own. Whether it’s a gastronomic cycling tour around Italy’s Emilia Romagna, walking coast to coast across the rugged mountains of Mallorca, or seeing the contrasts of Japan, traveling solo can open up a rich seam of new experiences, friendships, and choices.
However, it’s important to stay safe when exploring the world on your own. We’ve put together a few key tricks and tips for senior women traveling alone.
Book an organized group adventure
Traveling with a bunch of like-minded folks is an easy and safe way to dip your toe into the wonderful world of solo travel. Thankfully, a far cry from the senior seaside coach trips our elders had to suffer, group tours now reach all four corners of the world and combine the freedom of a solo holiday with the camaraderie and convenience of a packaged adventure. From chasing the Northern Lights across Iceland, to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise to seeing the best of Eastern Europe on a city hop, organized group adventures can be a fun and worry-free choice for those new to solo traveling.
One of the main benefits of an organized group adventure is everything is planned out and booked for you, while the local expert guides make it easy to see the best of a destination in a short time. Plus, spending time with like-minded folks over dinner or chatting on long journeys can be a bonus.
Try an appetizer solo trip
While it’s tempting to throw off the shackles and embark on a grand tour of the world, it’s also wise to start small. Traveling alone as an older woman can be a rewarding and life-affirming experience but the last thing you want is to get three days into a long trip and realize that solo travel is not for you.
Book a short trip as a taster, an appetizer to the main travel event. Maybe a weekend break to a favorite city or a short hiking trip in a national park to see if solo travel works for you. Choose a familiar place or somewhere that’s easy to reach and explore on your own, and test the waters of traveling alone. Then, you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking for on your next adventure.
Safety first
It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 80, personal safety must be at the forefront of every adventure, when you’re a senior woman traveling alone. Whether solo or with a group, common sense is the first thing to pack. Prior to the trip, share your itinerary with someone at home and check in with them regularly. Don’t have all your money or valuables on you, instead make good use of the hotel safe or hostel lockers. And try not to make it obvious that you’re traveling alone, especially in the sketchier parts of town.
Try not to drink too much, or take drugs, and if you find yourself in a tempting situation always ask yourself, “would I do this at home?” Remember your gut instinct is there to take care of you, so heed its warning if a place doesn’t feel safe.
Prioritize travel insurance
One of the joys of getting older is that we benefit from our lived experiences. Traveling solo is not a time to wing it and hope for the best. Investing in good, comprehensive travel insurance is key when you’re embarking on a solo trip. From lost luggage and canceled flights to getting caught up in a natural disaster, having valid travel insurance will ensure you’re covered for any unexpected incidents that might occur on your travels.
Take the time to research and book the best insurance for you. There are policies that specialize in the more mature traveler. We love the one offered by Cover Genius. Make sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and add on any extras like dangerous sports insurance, just in case you’re thinking of swimming with sharks or paragliding off a mountaintop.
Pack lightly yet efficiently
Yes, we know it’s easier said than done. There’s a temptation to bring everything you might ever need on a solo trip, including, but not limited to, the kitchen sink. Not only do you have to carry it all, but traveling with excess luggage makes you more conspicuous and potentially a target for unwanted nonsense. Plus, it can be expensive if you’re planning on taking several internal flights.
Stick to the essentials and a few extra comforts, plus those items such as medical supplies that you can’t buy abroad. Backup copies of important documents, a secure money belt and a portable charger are all important things to pack when embarking on a solo adventure. Depending on where you go, a fake wedding ring can be a good way to ward off unwanted attention.
Always do your homework
Research, research, research is probably the most important piece of advice we can offer prior to traveling solo. Luckily, it’s also the most fun part of planning a trip. Read up on the countries you want to visit. Learn about the culture, the local laws, and customs; did you know that chewing gum and electric cigarettes are illegal in Singapore? Neither did we.
When researching hotels and lodgings, ask for recommendations from friends and family, or check out the reviews on TripAdvisor and other review sites. If you want to stay in an accessible hotel with elevators and rooms on the ground floor, prior research and booking can mean a smoother arrival. Finally, always make note of what to do and who to call if things go awry.
Stay safe, have fun and go explore the world
In the era of the liberated senior woman, solo travel is booming. Whether you want a cultural city break, a fun beach holiday or to go the full Cheryl Strayed Wild experience and hike the Pacific Coast Trail, we have an organized adventure for you.
