Solo Travel Adventures for Retirees
There’s never been a better time to see the world, hike a long trail, or even take that cruise around the world you’ve dreamed about than right now. Solo travel isn’t as scary as it sounds. In many ways, it’s liberating, giving you the freedom to go where you want, eat what you love, and meet interesting people from all walks of life. The freedom of solo travel can’t be underestimated, but is it a reality?
It’s easier than you think for retirees to take a solo adventure. Here’s what you need to know to see the world your way.
Solo Traveling Revitalizes Life
It’s certainly nice to travel with friends or a significant other to see new places. Yet, going by yourself is a much different (and sometimes better) experience for numerous reasons. There are no compromises to make, no experiences you don’t love, and no limitations on where you visit. It’s also much less expensive.
It’s quite refreshing to be a beginner again. You’ll learn about yourself and push to new levels. You’ll definitely leave your comfort zone, and that, in itself, can give you a renewed sense of adventure and accomplishment.
Keep in mind, you can invest in as much, or as little, help as you need. A concierge or tour director can help alleviate the language barrier risks or plan your trip to ensure you’re making the most out of it.
Tips for Solo Travel: How to Make This an Adventure of a Lifetime (Until the Next One!)
Embarking on a solo adventure takes some planning and careful consideration. These tips help ensure it goes well.
Hostels Aren’t a Bad Thing in Many Areas
If you remember traveling and using hostels as your place to sleep for the night when you were in your 20s and 30s, you wouldn’t think they are a good option today. They’ve improved drastically in most areas. They’re far more social places, often with restaurants and ample more privacy. Hostels are rather basic, and that keeps the cost down, but you’ll find some luxury versions are much more like a studio apartment than what you remember when you were couch surfing!
Choose Trips That Meet Your Interests
Whether you love architecture and want to see the beauty of Roman structures, or you’re interested in finally learning to surf on the coast of Australia, you’re no longer limited! With solo travel, you can take in history, explore the world’s flavors, or set out on a trip to explore a new culture. Plan to hike every national park. Spend time on the Atlantic Coast before hitting the Pacific Coast.
The bottom line is you can choose a trip that fits your interests and expectations. More so, you can choose what works for you from laid back to true adventure. If you want to see every golf course in Ireland, there’s no one to stop you.
See the Places You Want with New Eyes
Another important consideration is your new view. The world looks different as a solo traveler. You can go back to a place that’s meaningful to you or spend time lounging in an area the speaks to you personally. Retirees have a very different view on travel than a young family trying to get on every ride at Disney World. Enjoy it at your pace and take it all in.
Don’t Limit Yourself but Start Slow
Planning to spend 6 months on the road as your first solo trip isn’t likely ideal. Instead, start with one trip for a weekend and then build up to longer and more extensive adventures. You’ll want to feel out your pace and get a better idea of what you enjoy doing. Remember, you have limitless opportunities, but you should still be doing things you want to spend time on. Getting started with a short solo trip is a good launching point for years of adventure.
Consider these additional tips for success on your next solo trip:
- Make it easier on yourself. Book the concierge service so you don’t have to lug luggage or figure out transportation.
- Buy the travel insurance. It’s worth it when you change your mind just once.
- Be engaging with others. Find other retirees doing the same thing you are (side note: it’s not as unique as you may think to travel alone!)
- Talk to the locals. They are the most friendly people on your trip.
- Get to know the tour guides. They’ll share lots of fantastic insights.
Staying Safe While Traveling Alone
Your family may give you some pushback about traveling alone because they’re worried about your safety. Instead, check out these tips for staying safe while you solo travel, no matter the destination.
- Communicate your plans with someone you trust. That way, they can check in with you from time to time.
- Research locations carefully. Choose areas that are more tourism-focused until you become more confident in your abilities.
- Plan transportation throughout your trip in advance. That minimizes the risk of not having a way to get to the hotel.
- Learn the local language as much as possible. Locals don’t think you know what they’re saying.
- Plan your accommodations in advance and communicate them with several people.
Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings. Tourists are often targets, and being alone makes you more vulnerable, especially if you’re caught up in the moment. Make simple decisions that make a difference, such as keeping your wallet in your front pocket and setting up alerts on your credit cards for potentially fraudulent transactions.
Embrace the Freedom of Solo Travel in Retirement
There’s only one thing left, and that’s to book your first solo trip. Start small and then go big. This is a huge accomplishment that is incredibly worth the investment of time and effort. What you’ll learn about yourself and the world on such a trip is incredible. You may find that this is the best way for you to build confidence and make every day of your life count.
