Older Solo
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Older Solo
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“I want to continue to backpack travel on my own, but I'm somewhat scared as an older person.”
So said 63-year-old Victoria, a reader who recently wrote to me for advice. She had always traveled on her own and loved meeting people along the way, but a recent bad fall on a trip to India had shaken her confidence. She was looking for suggestions that would help her to keep traveling solo.
Naturally, I turned to the members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, who always offer support, encouragement, and tips to fellow travelers. Members aged 29 to 82 responded, every one of them encouraging Victoria to keep traveling.
One suggestion that readers offered was to exercise a reasonable amount of caution and take things a bit slower.
Ellen I'm also 63. I've just been to Beijing where I boarded the Trans Mongolian Railway and traveled through China, Mongolia, Siberia, on to Moscow and St Petersburg. I then flew to Iceland and England. It was the best trip I've ever done and the young ones on the train included me in everything. I'm slower than I used to be but I still see everything I want. Just have more little rests along the way.
Lin I am 65 and still traveling solo. The only difference is that I tire more easily and have to space things out a bit. Otherwise, I’m okay. I also find that people are extremely kind and helpful to older women.
Barbara My best advice is to pay attention to where you put your feet. Don’t get so caught up in the sights that you step on (or off) something and twist an ankle. Even a simple sprain can put the kibosh on your trip, especially if you’re in a foreign country. I know this from experience. As we age, we heal less quickly. This isn’t a reason to stop traveling, just a caution to be careful.
Evelyn Pack light. You don't want to struggle with bags now. And like Barbara says, watch your feet. When I walked the Camino de Santiago at 67, falls and ankle twists were the two things that seemed to send older walkers home.
Carole Staying healthy is always a challenge when traveling. I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I can have some bad days so making sure other things don't get me down like colds, stomach ills, etc. is always on my radar. I take lot of Vitamin C, drink lots of water, always pack Ciproflaxin for bad stomach issues and use lots of antiseptic hand wipes. Build in time for rest.
Kayleigh I think you can travel at any age and there is really no need to be afraid. You will still meet other travellers and have the time of your life. I guess the only reason to be afraid would be if you had a health condition, but this could happen at any age and as long as you do a bit of planning, it wouldn't be an issue.
If you don’t already have travel health insurance, we have some tips and advice for you. If you are a traveler under 70, see Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must . For solo travelers over 70, we have information specifically for you here: Travel Insurance for Senior Solo Travelers .
A number of readers pointed out one of the advantages of being a more mature traveler: you may find that the people you encounter are extra friendly and helpful to you! In some ways, senior solo travel can actually be easier.
Nic Don't be scared! I am 69 and still travel solo all over the world. The better part about being older is that people are more friendly and helpful! I traveled solo to Iran last year and it was the best solo trip ever.
Beverly I have noted since I have silver hair and a cane, as I travel people are most helpful, especially the younger ones in their 20's! At 69 I enjoy my solo travels but plan them well and stay alert.
Claire I think the oldest solo traveller I have met was 92. We chatted for hours. She was one of the most interesting women I've met.
Jude Good grief, you're not old! I’m 63 and just back from Italy, Sardinia, and Corsica. I actually think traveling alone gets easier when you get older. No one hassles “little old people,” especially ladies.
Tim Fear not Victoria. I’m 69 and just overlanded from Prague to Goa for 6 months. It’s still the same, people watch your back even more, I’ve found.
By far, the greatest number of responses were of the “If I can do it, you can do it” variety. Solo travelers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s offered encouragement to Victoria and shared examples of their own travels and upcoming plans.
Gail I have always traveled solo. I’m coming up to 70 and am about to retire, give up my flat, and put everything in storage, as I plan on traveling full time.
Karen You're still you! And if you continue to want to travel solo, just do it. Providing you're competent and well, age is irrelevant. And consider this: if you stop now, you'll likely be missing out on up to thirty years of adventures.
Kieron I'm your age. Just go for it! If you feel in danger, which I doubt will happen, there will always be people who will be there for you. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are the best places to go first to give you confidence, then the world is your oyster. Remember, 60 is the new 40!
Marcia You are no different traveling solo at 63! I’m solo in Amsterdam right now at 67. You are only restricted by your physical limitations, if you have any. Personally, I travel much lighter now, so I can still manage my luggage alone.
Clare I'm 82. On my next trip I'm going to cruise between ports in SE Asia, and I'll go ashore and for the most part move around on my own. I'm choosing this after having traveled extensively in Thailand and Cambodia alone when in my 60s and 70s. I don't want to haul luggage in that heat now. I love being older there and in Europe. Not a sexual object anymore, able to move around comfortably, and able to make friendships with many other solo travelers. You'd be amazed at how many women in Europe and from Europe travel solo worldwide and at any age.
Sharon I must admit to worrying before my first solo trip in years (Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia) 3 years ago. I was worried about feeling lonely or embarrassed to be the oldest person in the hostel. I had a ball and never looked back! I met some great people, some I have since visited, some I have traveled with. As for feeling lonely? Never. I've chatted with people from everywhere, all ages and beliefs. It’s a wonderful way to learn more and share your knowledge with others. I have 2 solo trips planned for next year. While I can carry my pack, I'll keep hitting the road.
Kathy I'm 58 and currently 6 months into a trip. I mix up straight sightseeing with house or pet sitting and Workaday & HelpX placements. This is a great way to meet locals and have a rich experience at the same time. At the moment, I'm in Cypress cooking for other volunteers on a micro-greens farm. Next week I'll be in Zurich for a pet sit.
Cindy I just got back from a scuba diving trip off the coast of Tanzania. I absolutely love meeting people from all over the world in places like a dedicated and small dive resort – we have instant common ground! Research every step extensively to avoid surprises and disappointments. I'm 68, and my next solo dive trip to Bali and Komodo is already mapped and booked.
Myrna I have been traveling, hiking, and exploring foreign countries for the past 15 years without a companion. I admit when I do need people I travel on a cruise or meet people at a location. I always make certain I have safety covered, and a phone and data connection wherever I am. Anyone would do the same. Age is relative. It is how you feel about your destination, literally and in life.
Adelaide Embrace it. I’m 74, and I will carry on as long as I can. I’m sad I can’t go back to Sri Lanka, Kerala, North East States, and Nepal but it’s because of the jet lag. In those places they are so kind to older people. I couldn’t begin to tell you the sweet and the bizarre kindnesses. In spite of the excellent article about jet lag on this site , I just 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 was about your age when I started, with Salvador, Brazil.
Jfur I'll be 63 in about 2 weeks. I have been continuously traveling solo since I retired (for about a year and 3 months now) and know people our age who have done it far longer. My advice would vary depending on what kind of travel you want to do, where you want to go, and what kind of shape you're in. But I will say, traveling as an older person does have its differences. Traveling long-term I have found that I personally need to go slow, partly because I prefer to savor and immerse myself now rather than check items off a list, partly because I have seen and done enough already that I don't have to see and do everything, and partly because my stamina is not what it once was. I do think there are legitimate reasons to be cautious (wherever you go), but as someone else said, do your research. Perpetrators look for vulnerable people and older people can appear more vulnerable. Using street smarts, travel smarts, and projecting confidence is always important. Having said that, I have mostly been in the British Isles, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe this past year and I have felt tent times safer here than I did in the US.
Have fun. One foot in front of the other. Feel the fear and do it anyway. You won't regret it.
Are you a senior solo traveler with advice to share? Please add it in the comments section below. Have you traveled solo to a destination that you would recommend to other travelers? Submit your story and photos here . And if you haven't already, please join us in the Solo Travel Society on Facebook .
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By Lori Martinek
September 11, 2022
Lifestyle
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I recently gave myself permission to retire solo.
I had been spending a lot of time thinking about what the future would look like for me as a single woman and a solo entrepreneur. (I am solo both personally and professionally.)
I knew that the quality of my life, both now and in the future, will depend solely on my efforts and that the quality of my retirement – whatever shape that may take – will also be entirely up to me.
That future could be more than 30 years long if even just one of the three online life expectancy tests that I took, prove to be right. I decided to create a plan to make the coming years the best decades of my life.
I realized that I am already solo and strong, thanks to my life experiences. In addition to being a solo Baby Boomer and a solo business owner, I am also a solo parent, solo homeowner, solo traveler, solo consumer working with a single income, and a solo voter and volunteer. At some point, I will also become a solo retiree.
Over the years, I have acquired the life skills that I will need to succeed in a solo retirement. Most likely, you have too. During the time that we spend on our own, we typically learn how to live, dine, and travel solo, go to the movies or theater alone. We know how to enjoy parties without a plus one, and celebrate the holidays among couples and groups.
And if we haven’t, we should. Life does not require a partner to participate. The sooner you embrace that in life, the happier you’ll be.
All of these experiences help make us resourceful, independent, and strong, and prepare us to create a plan to protect our independence in retirement.
Regardless of whether you are married or in a committed relationship right now, the reality is that you will likely become solo again in the future. Statistically, 80-90% of all women will be solely responsible for their personal and financial health as they grow older, if they aren’t already.
Envisioning (and embracing) a solo future was an important first step for me. It will be for you as well. Accept that your future is your responsibility, and then give yourself permission to begin planning for that time and your needs.
We all worry about ageing alone and potentially struggling with health or financial issues. This is also known as ‘bag lady’ syndrome, where even successful women envision themselves somehow ending up destitute. Fear is a great motivator. Use it to plan for the best possible outcome.
I have personally felt more empowered and more secure since I fully embraced being solo. Why? Because I am now planning for my future much more aggressively.
In my book, Retiring Solo , I write about how to create community, live creatively, and stay healthy and active through our 60s, 70s, and beyond. Are you ready for a retirement that could be up to 30 years long? It is never too late to add friends, fulfillment, and security to your life.
Many of us have spent much of our lives taking care of others and their needs. Creating a plan for your solo retirement requires you to focus on you .
This is truly your time. Give yourself permission to create security and confidence in the future – your future – by developing a plan to retire solo and strong!
Have you been a solo woman all your life or is this a recent development? What qualities do you think are needed for a happy solo lifestyle? Are there any things that worry you about life as an older solo woman? Please share with our community and let’s have a discussion.
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Enjoyed you article very much and agree 1000%
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones as well it not at all afraid of being/ doing/ coping with being solo.
The only time I do wobble a little is if I’m not at all well, however I have a “ special friend” and he helps if needed and a few close girlfriends I can rely on at the time. Other than this situation it’s all YOU GO GIRL! lolol
jules from Oz.
I created Twifties, a concept for the “Fun People over 50!” many years ago when I realized there was so little “out there” created just for us.
One of my concepts is Twifties Activity Companions, where we can easily find people who like the same activities that we do. We can find them right there, at the event! For example, at a concert, if there is a Twifties Chill Spot set up, people can socialize with others of like mind, and find new buddies to go to events with. Groups of friends, not dating.No risk, no downside, no fees! If you are interested, find me on Instagram or Facebook!
MsTwifty on Instagram
Lauren Teton IRL, founder of Twifties
I was married at 18. We divorced after 36 years. I have worked abroad since 2007. Now I have returned to the USA. Living solo seems preferable to living with my kids and their families. I see that I am going to need to learn how to make friends while making ends meet. I appreciate this website. Turning 65 has been scary and a little confusing. I’m glad to know that others are in this journey with me.
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How to Deal with Loneliness
Life After Retirement
Lori Martinek is a successful entrepreneur, author and mentor to new and aspiring business owners. She is the owner of Encore Business Advisors http://www.encorebusinessadvisors.com, and the founder of @MindingHerBiz, a pro bono project which helps women embrace business ownership. Her latest book, Retiring Solo (2016) is available on Amazon.
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