Solo Travel Tips for Seniors: Safety, Savings and Comfort

If you’ve done couples and family trips, and getaways with the girls/guys, but never a solo trip, you may be nervous about venturing out on your own – especially if you’re older.

Traveling alone after 50 is not without its challenges, but the benefits can be so worth it. You get to plan your own itinerary without having to compromise with a travel partner. You can be flexible and let your mood dictate the pace of your travels. And the best part – being able to explore on your own can lead to personal growth and a sense of confidence and independence.

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Here’s how to stay safe, keep costs in check, and find your comfort level for your first solo trip.

Safety Tips for Older Solo Travelers

Hiking treacherous trails or going into high-crime areas or countries with travel warnings is already risky, but especially so if you’re thinking of doing so alone. If you’re taking a trip by yourself, start by ensuring you’ll be in the safest conditions possible.

1. Research your destination carefully. Whether you’re going into a big, tourist-friendly city or someplace off the beaten path, see if there are any travel advisories or local customs you need to be aware of. Are there big protests happening, for instance? Also, look into where the crime rates are higher to determine the safest place to book your accommodations.
2. Steer clear of risky areas and activities. Walking along desolate streets late at night by yourself is not a good idea, but you also don’t want to end up in a shady cab. You can prevent this scenario by researching the area well including what transportation options are available.
3. Stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t make it easy for pick pockets to access your personal items. Consider carrying a personal safety device like a push-button alarm with sound and lights in case you are approached by a stranger.
4. Make your travel plans known and do regular check-ins. Before you leave, share your itinerary with family or a friend, and agree to send a text message daily. You could also set up an app such as Life360 with a close contact that lets them see your location.
5. Be prepared for medical situations. Make sure there is access to good healthcare where you’re traveling in case you fall ill or become injured. Carry your medications with you at all times, and keep a card with your medical history on your person. You should also consider getting comprehensive travel insurance, which can cover medical emergencies.
6. Make sure your phone is fully charged when you venture out, and keep a backup charger and portable plug with you.

Cost-Saving Strategies for On-Your-Own Trips

One of the positives about traveling on your own is that only paying for just yourself might give you some budget wiggle room. Even still, there are some additional ways to keep costs reasonable.

1. Set your budget based on what you value. The biggest cost of travel is typically the transportation and lodging, followed by meals. Think about which areas you might want to splurge on, and which ones can get the budget-friendly treatment.
2. Travel at off-peak times. If you can be flexible, look over flight costs and hotel room prices across the span of a couple of months to see when you might score a deal. You can sometimes save by traveling in between popular seasons. Tools like Google flights can help you track prices.
3. Look into alternative accommodations. Most hotel rooms are based on double occupancy, and even if you book a single-occupancy hotel room, you may not save much because of surcharges. Other options could include hostels with private rooms, an Airbnb, or a senior-friendly hotel.
4. Use up those discounts. Whether it’s through AARP or AAA, or you have credit card points and miles, take advantage of opportunities to cut down on your travel bill. You can also look into city tourism cards for discounts on attractions, and find free/low-cost activities such as museums.
5. Get around on the cheap. Once you’re at your destination, consider how you’ll explore. Is it walkable? Is it better to rent a car or take cabs? Is there public transportation that is safe, inexpensive, and easy to use?
6. Dine for less. You’re traveling solo, so you get to decide when and where to have your meals. You can save big bucks by choosing restaurants that offer lunch specials, early-bird discounts, and happy hours. You can also try to find a hotel that includes breakfast.

Comfort Tips for Enjoyable Solo Travel

The last thing you want when you’re traveling on your own is to feel uncomfortable. Plan your trip so it fits your activity level. If you do have mobility issues, do some extra research to make sure where you’re going has the accessibility you require.

1. Choose a centrally located hotel or rental. This can offer convenience, and may help cut down on the amount of walking you have to do. Plus, you may be able to save on transportation. If going abroad, don’t assume you’ll have amenities like elevators or air conditioning. Be sure to find out before you book.
2. Pack for comfort rather than fashion. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, having comfortable shoes can make or break your trip. You should also bring layered clothing options and a packable rain jacket so you’re prepared for any weather.
3. Find the right balance of activities. You might be so excited to be traveling solo that you want to do everything. But leave a little time for rest, or to fit in impromptu things you may discover along the way. One strategy is to try alternating high-energy activities with more laid-back ones so you have time to recover.
4. Be social. Just because you’re solo doesn’t mean you have to remain alone. Look for group tours or activities where you get to interact with other people. If your lodging has a common area like a lounge or patio, or there are group activities planned like a bingo night or afternoon tea, join in.

Before You Go…

If you’re confident that you’re ready to travel solo, consider starting with a test run or a shorter, safer trip to build your confidence. In other words, don’t head straight to a foreign destination where you don’t know the language as a first-time solar traveler. Instead, take yourself out for dinner, go on a walking tour in your local city, or do an overnight road trip. Once you feel confident enough to go on a longer vacation, take that leap. No matter your age, it’s never too late to travel solo.