No doubt about it: seniors continue to travel solo in large numbers, now more than ever before. You only need to look at the responses to our annual Solo Traveler Reader Survey to know this fact to be true. Some go independently and some take tours for seniors traveling alone.
However, at some point, intrepid travelers getting older may question the decision to travel solo. It may arise due to an injury or illness, reduced mobility, the concerns of loved ones, or just a bit of a slip in self confidence.
“I want to continue to backpack travel on my own, but I'm now somewhat scared as an older person.”
So said 63-year-old Victoria, a reader who 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 of all ages responded, every one of them encouraging Victoria and everyone else to keep traveling as long as they are able.
Please note that we have more posts on solo travel for seniors. Start with Solo Travel Over 50: Embrace New Adventures on Your Terms. If traveling independently is not for you, check out the tours and cruises with no/low single supplements that we publish monthly. You can have them emailed to you directly as soon as they're published by signing up here.
As a senior, you can continue to experience the joy of traveling alone. Here are the voices of our readers, real solo travelers, giving their best encouragement and advice.
Senior Women Traveling Alone: Easy Does It, Says Our Community
One suggestion that readers offered was to exercise a reasonable amount of caution and take things a bit slower as a senior solo traveler. It makes sense to be a bit more careful but it also makes sense to slow down for the joy of it. What's the rush? As seniors and possibly retired, time for travel takes on a new meaning. Easy does it is a good mantra for many reasons.
Pat If you love travel, only death should stop you. Just adapt, travel in more comfort and slower. Stop for that two-hour lunch. After two cancellations due to the pandemic, I was finally flying to Cinque Terre to hike. Two days before I had a stupid fall on my butt and was in immense pain. I decided it was not going to stop me. I packed a lot of ibuprofen and hiked all the trails. Prosecco was always at the end of hike. I’m glad I went. My doctor, on return, not so much. I had a serious compression fracture of my 5th disc. I don’t regret going and would do it again. Keep traveling, have insurance, a backup plan, and determination. We may move slower, but we are not helpless as we age. Go!
Shelley I had a bad fall a few months ago while traveling and it does play with your head. I’d say the only thing you can do is get out there again. You’ll be very cautious the first time out. That’s reasonable considering your mental trauma. Getting back to travel is important. As some have mentioned, using a solo group or (if applicable) ladies group can be helpful first time back out. You know someone has your back.
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.
Carolien Some advice: Use walking poles, you feel more secure with 2 “extra legs”. If you want to look around or take pictures, stop while doing this. Do not let yourself be rushed by others. Solo travelling is perfect, you can do it at your own tempo and pace. Choose an easy next solo trip to build up your confidence again, and go for it.
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 a 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.
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 Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: How to Make Sure You’re Protected. For solo travelers over 70, we have information specifically for you here: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors: How to Find What's Right for You.
A Big Benefit of Senior Solo Travel: Better Treatment
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.
Nancy In Egypt, my knee gave out. Lots of pain! With the help of other people, I was able to see a doctor, get meds and a crutch, and finish my wonderful trip. There’s always a way. Kindness of strangers and travel insurance!
Gerry I tripped and did a face plant on the streets of Paris when I was 69. Broke my glasses but not nose or teeth. Some young students came to my aid and even escorted me to a school nurse. The help I got cheered me, but the experience did shake my confidence. It reminded me though to be more aware of where I put my feet — and not to rush.
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.
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.
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 20s! At 69 I enjoy my solo travels but plan them well and stay alert.
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.
For More and Easier Senior Solo Travel, Build Strength
We've all heard the phrase “use it or lose it” before. When it comes to our aging bodies and keeping them in good shape for travel, a little work may be in order. Here's what Michael, a personal trainer and member of the Solo Travel Society recommends:
As a 73-year-old personal trainer, I find people our age need a good exercise program that incorporates balance, lower body exercises and core strengthening exercises, among other general exercises. Perhaps finding a good trainer that specializes in seniors to get you started is in order. You need to make some form of exercise a part of your daily routine. The older you get, the more you gotta move. Regular exercise that includes resistance training is something everyone should do.
Janet concurs. “As a nurse, I recommend physical therapy. We all need tune-ups, in a manner of speaking. A good physical therapist can evaluate your strength, balance, and gait and give you a great home exercise program. The beauty of a home exercise program is it requires little to no equipment, perfect for travel.”
Terri I did not fall but had a very unstable knee due to an unusual COVID side effect a few months before my trip to Poland. I packed a knee brace and a collapsible travel cane. I wore the brace when I felt I needed support and didn’t after I gained some confidence. I never used the cane but carried it in my bag every day just in case. Prior to traveling I did some leg strengthening exercises. Once out walking to see the sights I paid extra close attention to uneven surfaces and curbs.
Don’t be discouraged. You’ll get there!
Advice from Mature Solo Travelers: Keep Going
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. We have senior solo travelers in our community who are traveling well into their 80s and even 90s.
Monique, who shared the above photo with us, had this to say:
I had a big fall walking the fisherman’s trail last year in Portugal. I was so fortunate for the people who helped me and having not broken anything. I took the next day off and then continued. I had to really talk myself through the first few kilometers and kept an eye on my footing. It shakes you, but you can persevere! I hiked a Camino two weeks later, the Dolomites, and much more….and still keep going. Shit happens and if it doesn’t kill you, go forward! You’re not alone! Good luck!
Caroline I'm in the same boat. I had a bad fall onto cobblestones on the first day of a trip to Italy but continued the trip in pain. Now I'm 70 with osteoporosis, so extra nervous travelling solo again. The way I look at it, if I don't go, I'll be at home twiddling my thumbs, so the risk is worth it. Having said that, strength and balance exercises are a must and a cane for sure. Also don't go for a walk when jet lagged or sleep deprived.
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.
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 a senior solo traveler 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.
Gerry No sooner had I arrived at my ancient inn near Windsor UK, than I slipped and fell on my patoot on the uneven doorstep and then, less than an hour later, tripped on a raised door sill and landed hard on my knees and hands. I guess I needed another reminder to watch where I’m going. My knees are just now almost back to normal ten days later.
Let accidents like these help you adapt how you move about but try not to let them discourage you from seeing the world.
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.
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.
Tatjana Most falls happen in your own home! Get good travel and health insurance and walk with a walking pole, for balance, and on a real walk in uneven terrain, walk with two poles and just a small rucksack. Make sure your phone is charged and reachable in case you fall (hopefully not!) and maybe invest in a GPS emergency beacon which works on satellite connection and not on mobile phone connection. If you press the button it will automatically alert emergency services. I am 66, have a rare form of haemophilia, osteoarthritis in both knees, and a whole bunch of nasty autoimmune diseases, and still go travelling abroad 4 times a year, on my own. In airports, I book disability assistance which saves me from lugging myself and my luggage around and climbing up airplane stairs.
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 ten 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.
Someone from the Solo Travel Society always has exactly the right thing to say to wind up our crowdsourced posts and here it is:
You've gotten a ton of good advice so I'm going to focus on encouragement. This was a literal fall. You've had metaphorical falls your whole life. Each time you dealt with the pain, loss, or change in situation or status. And each time you found a new way, which is fine because it's 100% okay to come back different. You can do this, and I know this because you already have.
Dana
You might also enjoy this post about senior solo travel: Travel Solo Over 60: Mature, Strong, and Confident.