As the Boomer generation continues to grow older, and seniors expect to lead active lives into their retirement years, traveling continues to top the list of things many seniors want to do. Increasingly, more and more of those travel-hungry seniors are setting off alone for sights unseen and unknown. While group and family vacations are still popular, traveling solo is more and more popular with seniors. Here are some tips for seniors who travel solo:
- Be prepared–Make sure that you do your homework and research prior to taking off on a trip. Research the political and religious environment, as well as the environmental factors–weather, climate, seasons, how easy or challenging it will be to get around, etc. Of course, it depends on the type of traveling you prefer but areas that are well-traveled and encourage visitors will likely be easier to get around and safer for a senior traveling alone.
- Start Small–If you are new to traveling, or relatively inexperience, or have never really done much traveling alone, it may be a good idea to start with shorter trips, closer to home and in better-traveled areas. This will help you learn the ropes and gain experience and confidence in yourself as a traveler before finding yourself far from home all by yourself.
- Consider “singles” group tours–You might find that you can join a senior single’s group tour and while you’re still traveling on your own, you have the comfort, socialization and camaraderie of a group. These “single-friendly” trips are becoming increasingly popular and in demand for all age demographics, seniors included. Check with your travel agent, or do some research online to see if there is a single seniors group trip you’d like to hook up with.
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going–Even though you may have an adventuresome spirit and be used to doing just as you please, it is still just a good idea to let someone at home–a family member or friend–know your itinerary and destination plans. This way, if you get into trouble or something happens, someone will know how to track you down or offer a helping hand.
There are some real advantages to traveling alone–it can be cheaper all around since you are only paying for accommodations, food, tips, etc. for one person; you have a great deal of flexibility and freedom to change your plans, linger or wander at your own pace; and you can pretty much do exactly what you want to do without having to negotiate with anyone else. For independent-minded seniors used to managing their own affairs, traveling alone can be exciting and relaxing.