As a travel journalist, a baby boomer, and an avid fan of seeing as much of the world as I can, I’ve flown, sailed, and driven a few million miles over the past 50 years or so. I’ve traveled with couples, friends, groups of journalists, and my husband, and more recently, I’ve taken a few trips on my own.
While at one point in my life, I might have entertained the idea of traveling solo, I now find it a very enjoyable way to go. For others like me who still have the energy to schlep through airports, the strength to carry a packed suitcase, the patience to spend 12 hours stuck in a airplane seatand curiosity to see new places, solo travel can be an exciting experience.
I understand that others of my generation, and even younger ones, prefer to satisfy their desire to see the world by signing up with group travel companies that plan their itineraries, book their flights, reserve their rooms hotels, and organize their meals and sightseeing. . And recognize that some trips, like adventure travel, are best run in groups. You can also travel alone and join a group for a taste of both.
But I suggest taking a real solo trip for the exhilarating experience of feeling independent, free to wander, and open to seeing for yourself what’s around the next corner. Here are some tips and advice for making the most of your solo journey after retirement.
10 tips for solo travel after retirement
Do your research
After deciding on my destination, I made the basic arrangements for flights and hotels. Some solo travelers like to play by ear without making room reservations in advance—part of the adventure for them—but suggest at least reserving a room for the first night. We all get a little tired, and it’s nice and safe to have a destination to start with. As for flights, plane prices vary by day of the week, plane, and connections, so it’s worth spending some time researching to save a few dollars on flights. The same goes for hotels. Check the booking sites and compare their offers by contacting the hotel directly.
Choose the right tour for you
Choosing the right tour for your needs can make seeing the main sights easy and stress-free. We have a trip to Rome, Naturally I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. So do thousands of others every day, especially during peak travel months. I signed with Wonders of the city for his morning tour when I learned that the official collaboration of the company of the Vatican Museums allows its groups to use a special entrance without waiting. (Even skip-the-line groups often wait up to an hour).
I recently spent a week in London by myself, and booked a walking tour of London’s West End with Search in London. A private tour suited my schedule, and we visited the theater district, Oxford Street and St. James’s Church (a Bridgerton filming location) where a piano recital was taking place in the afternoon. I liked having my own tour guide, but I also like small groups where there is interaction between the guests and the chance to meet other travelers.
Seek new experiences
With new experiences, I am not suggesting bungee jumping or ziplining through a rainforest canopy, although I know many older travelers who will do so without hesitation. And while I admire them for that, I think along the lines of a cooking class that includes visiting a market, buying ingredients, and then cooking with a fun chef, like I did once. Florence.
In London, I visited the elegant Burlington Arcade, one of London’s most historic shopping destinations. A Beadle in a delightfully British uniform greeted me with some information about the arcade. From there, I went to the cosmetic shop Code 8, where a custom lipstick was designed and created for me. Then, my next new experience was having my boots polished by a charming gentleman while I sat on a vintage shoeshine stand and watched shoppers walk by. I know – it’s not exactly skydiving, but those were some of my novel experiences. You can choose your own.
Make a to-do list
In wonderful destinations like Rome, Paris or London, it is easy to make a long list of places you want to see. Sometimes, it is not possible to do everything, so you may need to prioritize to be practical. “Save something for next time,” is what I always say.
If you are a foodie whose list of “to do” includes restaurants, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially if you are after the Michelin starred dining spots or those that receive a lot of attention. Your list will also help you decide where and when to go depending on the location. In London, I combined a matinee in a West End theater with dinner at Sketcha unique restaurant that I wanted to experience.
Keep an eye on your cell phone battery
I relied on the GPS to guide me around London on my recent trip, and I went with the confidence of a local – until that low battery warning appeared. After a day of taking pictures, texting, and using Google Maps, I had almost drained my phone. Fortunately, it was time to hop into one of those lovely black cabs, talk to the driver, and head back to my hotel.
Now, I charge and carry a battery, knowing that a day of sightseeing is about all my phone can handle. When you want to call an Uber or find directions back to your hotel, you don’t want to be stuck without cell service.
Let someone at home know about your solo travel plans
For your safety and peace of mind for the people at home, let someone know your route. You don’t have to compromise your independence, but it is advisable to let a friend or relative know what you are up to. I leave my husband with a hard copy of my itinerary for my travels, whether on a group trip with other travel writers or traveling by myself. And, of course, I text or call every day, although I admit once in a while that I have such a good time that I forget.
If your house will be empty while you’re traveling, avoid posting Instagram photos that let the world know you’re out of town. Better be safe and share your experiences when you get home.
Be polite, but don’t be rude
For your safety, always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what is happening around you. If you are uncomfortable in a place or with someone approaching you, go with your instincts and walk away. Sometimes travelers feel pressured to take a tour, go to a club, or accept a handout from someone on the street who then strikes up a conversation. If it doesn’t feel right, just move on. I know we don’t want to be rude or offend anyone, but your personal safety comes first, and you’ve had enough experience for this time to trust your gut.
And beware of pickpockets and scams
AARP warns of the creative ways criminals profit travelers. We are distracted or perhaps too trusting of strangers, so being prepared will help you avoid becoming a victim of theft.
On my first group trip as a journalist, my wallet was stolen from my purse at a major tourist spot in a European city. I won’t say exactly where, because this can happen anywhere, even at your local mall. It wasn’t prudent to carry my money, credit cards and wallet in a bag on my arm, but at least my passport was in the hotel safe at the time. Now I only carry what I need for the day in a secure crossbody bag or a hidden wallet that I use occasionally. Others prefer to use money belts for money.
Be prepared
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s good advice. Before traveling overseas, get some of the local currency, including small denominations. You may come across places that only accept cash, such as a small grocery store or a place where you just want coffee and snacks. Also, you’ll want to tip the hotel staff who help with your bags or provide other services.
As you travel to experience new places, it helps to know a little about them before you go. I recently went to a small town in Italy – so small, in fact, that there were no taxis, no Uber, and no way to get to the nearest beach. Fortunately, the hotel found a driver to pick us up (and also luckily, he came back to pick us up later). Naturally, it was a cash transaction, and I was glad to be prepared.
Consider buying travel insurance. Flight cancellationsloss of luggage, accidents and illnesses happen, and you will appreciate the comfort of knowing that you are covered.
Travel light during your solo trip
As a confirmed carry-on traveler, I consider myself a pretty good packer, but sometimes that 22″ suitcase can be very heavy. That’s my cue to edit – do I really need those dress shoes? Or all those cosmetics ?Probably not. Boarding a train, bus or plane at a small airport with no jet bridges requires us to carry our bags, so I make sure they’re manageable. While I appreciate it when another passenger helps me pack them my bag in the overhead bin, I didn’t expect this to happen. (And it’s not the flight attendant’s job.)
Also, I always limit myself to two items. So there is no problem boarding a crowded flight where they check how much you bring. As important, it is easier to keep two things so that nothing is left out. I often start with a bag, but I make sure there is enough space to put in my personal item.
With these preparations, tips and advice, you can now proceed to plan your solo trip – hopefully, the first of many.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Image credit: Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
Related: Your retirement oasis: This is the most comfortable country to settle down
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