Women over 60 travelling alone

Women who have never travelled are often surprised at how it feels to hit the open road.  For some it can be a soul-awakening experience.  To explore new countries and cities without the expectations of anyone else, trying new things and meeting new people without anyone to judge them can be exhilarating.

A couple of weeks ago we called out to the ladies in our community to ask who had travelled alone, and were surprised by the response.  There was clearly three different sides to the conversation:

– A myriad of brave single women who had stepped out and travelled with great success, confidence and achievement.

– And a large group of single women nervously contemplating it, wondering if they should take the risk.

– Those who might have given up hope of travel out of fear or lack of finances to do so.

We all know single travel over 60 can be a terrifying contemplation.  There are many things to worry about, like loneliness, personal safety, and the horrible reality of having to pay more for rooms.   But there is also a lot to look forward to, like tasting, feeling and enjoying those things you always promised yourself you would.  Not to mention spending that hard-earned and saved retirement trip money.

For some who have lost their partners earlier than they might have liked, before they took “the big trip”, it may feel like their retirement dreams have been ripped out of their arms.  While for others, recent or long ago divorce has left them happily single and loving it, keen for adventure.  Others leave partners at home who are unwilling or unable to travel.

And it is easier than ever these days.  If you want to, solo travel is very rewarding, and if you would rather travel in a group, there are plenty of tours and groups available with people of similar mobility and age.  Just because you have to travel by yourself doesn’t mean you have to travel alone.

My own mum, 64, is heading off to the US for Thanksgiving this year to spend some precious time with her kids and grandkids over there before taking a few side-trips to see Canada.  And whilst she is happily married, she’ll be travelling alone as her husband has a prior heart condition that precludes him from entering the US due to their strict health system.  She’s done this every other year for a few years now.  Most of the time she sticks to the itinerary that takes her travelling with the family, rather than alone. She has planned her trip well, is comfortable with her destination and has given us all plenty of instructions about where she will be when she isn’t with family.

But what are the big concerns you need to overcome to contemplate travelling alone:

Putting your safety first

When you travel alone in a foreign country, there is no one there to watch out for you.  No one to act as that extra set of eyes when you are vulnerable to scams, thieves on concerning people.  When I travelled with my own husband years ago I watched and scared off a pickpocket in Barcelona reaching for his wallet in his rear pocket.  If I hadn’t been there his thrifty hands would have whipped it away quickly.

You must remember that as a solo traveller you can make yourself look more local, or can blend into a crowd more easily than if you are travelling in a group.

Watching out for your health

Most over 60s are more prone to health issues than they were in their younger years.

So ensure you have a strategy for your health issues.  Carry more than enough medication, with some divided into each of your bags in case one is lost.  And carry emergency health information with you so if you faint, go unconscious or take significantly ill people can get in touch with your nearest and dearest and understand any pre-existing conditions.

On a recent trip my aunt came down with terrible gastro in Paris.  She said it was frightening facing such a debilitating vomiting bug alone, but she enlisted the hotel concierge to fetch her medications and room service to keep delivering bottled water and lucozade.  The local pharmacist even made an in-room visit to assist her at one stage as the concierge was concerned for her.

Understanding exactly where you are going and how you will get there. 

The older you get the more challenging the getting to and from can be on the body and mind, so it is more important than ever to understand what time of the day you will be landing in a destination, what time the checkin at your hotel is, and how you will get there, with luggage in tow.  I made a terrible mistake in Dubai arriving at 6am after flying on a difficult 5 hour yet overnight flight from Venice.  I arrived dead-tired, and my hotel wouldn’t let me check in until 2pm.  So I was relegated to the foyer of the hotel, trying to catch a few zzzs in a comfortable lounge while I waited, quite worried about my handbag and satchel that was sitting alongside me.  A better thought out approach would have been to plan my flight at a better hour or arrange an early check-in from home.

Staying in contact

People back home, or somewhere in the world should know where you are, and be able to alert someone if you don’t check in.  Just like when you head off into the wilderness, it is wise to make an arrangement to “check in” with a friend or relative every couple of days, or every week at a fixed time, so they know if there should be any cause for concern.

Caring for your things

When you have only one set of eyes, looking after your things is important.  Replacing a passport, suitcase or laptop in a foreign country is a very undesirable act.  So think out your luggage well only taking as much as you need to, and can handle.  One medium suitcase, a small satchel and perhaps, a high security handbag (there are some awesome uncuttable ones available now) is all any over 60 needs to worry about even if it does mean a few less pairs of shoes for the journey.

Keeping your documents safe

Put a few copies of your passport throughout your luggage, likewise your credit card should be photocopied and left with a close friend who can assist you in cancelling it should it be stolen or lost and communications are difficult.

Concerns on the roads

A huge worry for any traveller is transportation.  Just like at home, more travellers are injured in road accidents, bus crashes and other transport related injuries than you might believe. And corrupt traffic cops are a rude reality inplaces like Malaysia, Mexico and India pulling you over for unbelievable infractions in more exotic locations, but most of the time a quick $100 will get you out of trouble.

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable place, with concerns the best thing to do is to get in a cab and take off for someone where you feel safe.  Whilst a taxi may cost you more than the local public transport, your personal safety is worth it.

Alcohol and its mind numbing effects

While everyone loves a glass or two of chianti, be sure to stop while you are still sober.  When travelling alone, the most important thing you have going for you is your wits, and if you numb them with alcohol you might make an easier target.

Single Tariffs

The final, and most concerning thing for many single travellers are the “single supplements” that most tour operators and hotels thrust upon you just because you are single.  There is not much you can do to avoid these, except perhaps try to pair up with another independent traveller, to share a room, or by specifically seeking out tours without single supplements.  They apparently do exist, just ask Google.  There is a myriad of cruise companies and tours that don’t charge a single supplement.  I wish you well in researching them.

image: Judy Baxter