Solo travel is difficult for people of any age, but older people, in particular, have special safety and planning requirements before visiting unfamiliar places. Before, during, and after your trip, we have included some of our own advice as well as some wonderful thoughts and ideas from fellow travel writers and bloggers.
Traveling as an older adult can be scary, but now is the time to challenge yourself by going it alone and doing something you have always wanted to do. What’s more, you get to make all the critical decisions about when, where, how long, and what to put on your bucket list, which not only boosts your self-esteem but also encourages you to take initiative and responsibility.
Let us help you make the most of your trip by giving you some of our best tips on traveling in active retirement, as well as some of the best advice from seasoned travelers.
Start Your Days Early
An easy way to beat the crowds at a popular sight or simply have a more fruitful day of travel and checking off all the items on your to-do list is to wake up and out of the house earlier than the average tourist. Since most elderly tourists rise early, you might as well follow their lead and leave for your destination before the rest of the people there, who will be sleeping through the exciting things that happen first thing in the morning.
Do Some Research
Do not be in a hurry to make arrangements for your trip. Take your time and enjoy the places you want to see. As the old adage goes, “the devil’s in the details,” so taking the time to plan everything out in advance or to locate a travel agency or booking manager who can assist you can make all the difference in the world. Your personal vacation requires careful consideration of where you want to go, how you want to get there, and what you need to bring with you, how to make hotel reservations, choose restaurants, locate ATMs, and make transactions with a credit card in a foreign country. Learning even a few words and phrases in the language of your destination will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you organize your trip more effectively.
Sign Up with the Local Government’s Advisory Website
Make use of the advisory site for your destination by registering your trip, signing up for notifications, and reviewing the site’s essential travel plans and advice. You may easily find information about flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements from the United States to any location in the world using Google.
Share Your Itinerary with Loved Ones
Send printouts of your flight itineraries, hotel reservations, and a rough daily plan to loved ones so they can follow your whereabouts and activities on social media and during your trip.
Create an Emergency Contact List
Do not forget to include your complete name, address, and social media links. Include not only your own contact information but that of any and all people who may need to get in touch with you in an emergency.
