Travelling Solo in Your 60’s: A Senior’s Confession

Travelling solo in your 60’s? Why not! There’s no better time to take that leap of faith and believe in yourself. As a senior who has travelled alone for over a decade, I can tell you that the older you get, the more your solo travel experience will change. In this post, I’ll share all of the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with travelling solo in your 60’s.

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Like everything in life, travelling solo in your 60’s has both good and the bad sides. I strongly believe that travelling alone offers a significant amount of benefits, however, the older I get, the more I realize that it also comes with challenges that require careful planning and adaptability. So let’s begin with the benefits of travelling alone as a senior, and hopefully a little inspiration.

The Good of Travelling Solo in Your 60’s

I’ve been travelling alone since my 40’s, but I have never appreciated as much as I do today – being somewhere in my 60’s 🙂 .

There are so many benefits to travelling alone in your golden years, that it’s difficult to know where to begin and put into words. I feel so strongly about solo travel (at least once a year), so I’ll give it a try.

1. Freedom and Flexibility

One of the greatest advantages of travelling solo in your 60’s is that you have the gift of time. You no longer have the responsibility of work, so you’re able to take all the time in the world to explore a new destination, see what you want to see, and do what you want to do.

Gone are the days of rushing to cram in every touristy spot within a week. Whether back packing across Europe or taking a road trip at home, you can now relax and search for all of those off-the-beaten-path places.

2. Self-Discovery and Confidence

Travelling alone in your 60s offers an opportunity for personal growth. I know you’re wondering how you haven’t already done this by the time you reach your 60’s? Hear me out.

Throughout our entire lives, women have been associated with a certain identity. We’ve put all of our focus on being a wife, a mother, and/or a professional and haven’t really given ourselves a lot of thought.

Navigating new places, meeting people from different cultures, and managing unexpected situations will build confidence and resilience. When travelling solo in your golden years, you will develop a renewed sense of purpose and independence during your solo journeys.

3. Meeting Like-Minded People

Many people in their 60’s often live alone and feel isolated. Travelling solo provides the opportunity to meet more people than they would if travelling with a friend or spouse. Staying social in your senior years, plays an important part of your happiness.

Just One Tip: By joining a seniors tour, you’ll be more likely to meet people with the same interests as you.

4. Health Benefits

Exploring new places often involves walking, engaging in activities, and staying mentally stimulated. This active lifestyle can improve overall well-being, from boosting physical health to keeping the mind sharp. Plus, the joy of experiencing new sights and cultures can reduce stress and enhance happiness.

5. Travel Discounts and Perks

Many travel companies offer discounts and perks for senior travellers. Whether it’s reduced airfare, discounted museum entry, or exclusive guided tours, taking advantage of these deals can make travel more affordable and enjoyable.

In addition, people tend to be kinder to senior travellers and won’t hesitate to lend a hand if they think you need help.

The Bad About Senior Solo Travel

When I travelled solo in my younger years, I didn’t pay much attention to the downside of solo travel. This has changed as I’ve aged, and you also near to be aware of some of the difficulties of travelling solo in your 60’s and beyond.

1. Safety Concerns and Vulnerability

Safety is a major consideration for solo travellers of any age, but especially for those in their 60s. Scams, pickpockets, and health emergencies tend to pose higher risks.

Researching safe destinations, purchasing travel insurance, and staying aware of your surroundings can help mitigate these risks.

Just One Tip: Stay up to date on the news in the area you’re visiting, to be aware of the latest scams. The elderly have the appearance of being vulnerable – they will be targeted by scammers.

2. Loneliness and Isolation

While solo travel provides opportunities to meet people, it can also lead to moments of loneliness. Being away from family and familiar surroundings for extended periods may sometimes feel isolating.

If you’re on the road and feeling lonely or isolated, stay connected with your friends and family through video calls. Joining group tours or excursions, and engaging with local communities can also help combat the feeling of loneliness.

3. Physical Limitations For Solo Travellers in Their 60’s

Travelling in your 60’s does come with certain physical constraints. Long flights, extensive walking, and carrying luggage can be more challenging than in younger years. There is also the risk of injury – trust me, I know this first hand!

When visiting my sister in Spain, I ignored my own rule “pay attention to where you’re walking”. I was so captured by the beauty of the Mediterranean and architecture that I severely twisted my ankle when transitioning from a paved walkway to a sandy surface. For the rest of the week, I needed my sister’s assistance for stairs, and simply walking in some cases. Had I been travelling alone, I would have been cooped up in my hotel room for the rest of the week.

Moral of the story? Stay alert, slow down and pace your activities, and always allow for some downtime.

Just One Tip: Pack light! It can be exhausting hauling a large suitcase and backpack with you everywhere. Try to travel with a carry-on only to make your trip less challenging.

4. Technology and Navigation Challenges

Keeping up with new travel technology is overwhelming. Navigating apps for booking, translation, directions and transportation requires some digital literacy.

Not everyone has been employed in a world of ever-changing technology, and it’s important to take the time to familiarize yourself with these tools before travelling. Being familiar with the apps before leaving home will make your life much easier when on the road.

5. Getting Lost Easier When Travelling Solo in Our 60’s

This is a tough one for myself and many other seniors to accept. Let’s face it – our memory isn’t quite the same as it was in our 20’s and 30’s. Unfortunately, this also makes us more susceptible to getting lost.

If you’re travelling in unfamiliar territory, whether on foot or by car, there are a few ways you can keep yourself safe and limit the chances of getting lost:

6. Higher Travel Insurance Costs

While travel insurance is essential, premiums tend to be higher for older travellers. Pre-existing medical conditions can also complicate coverage. Comparing policies and ensuring that medical coverage includes international travel is crucial for peace of mind.

As we age, our balance isn’t like it was creating more chance of injury. While in younger years, we may have neglected to purchase travel insurance, it’s imperative that travel insurance be in place when travelling solo in our 60’s.

Taking Your 1st Solo Trip in Your 60’s

For those of you thinking about travelling solo in your 60’s for the very first time, you’re not alone. There is a growing trend in solo travel amoung seniors, especially women. Let’s face it – 60 is the new 40, so why not?!

More and more women are finding themselves alone in their golden years. The have the financial means and independence, and most, are still up for a challenge and some excitement.

If you fall into this category and want to take your first solo trip in your later years, there are ways to get started that will keep you safe:

Travelling Solo in Your 60’s: In Conclusion

Being fit and healthy enough to travel in your 60’s is privilege that should be taken advantage of. While there are a few downsides, the benefits of travelling solo in your 60’s makes it all worthwhile.

If you’re on the fence about taking that first solo trip, let me tell you – GO FOR IT! Age is just a number, and the world is waiting with open arms. Because the best souvenir? The stories you’ll tell.

Enjoy 🙂

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