You’ve earned this. You’ve worked hard during your lifetime. Now you’re retired and single, for whatever reason. And it’s time to look at that bucket list, circle those travel items, and make a decision to pursue them before you die with that “music still in you.”
So, travel it is, and solo it is. But don’t make this life journey without some preparation and some good tips and strategies from those who have gone before you.
Read on, dear senior, read on.
Begin With Some Research
Safety
You have your list. Things have changed a lot on this planet since you chose those destinations. For example, you won’t want to travel, especially by car, through Mexico and parts of Central America. You obviously won’t be visiting Ukraine right now, but Russia is also considered just as dangerous a place, if not more. Visiting the Great Pyramid is not as safe as it was 5 years ago, although not as dangerous as Jamaica. Cuba, however, is one of the safest destinations.
Your best bet is to access the US State Department’s ranking of dangerous-to-safe countries for travel.
Cost
Again, things continue to evolve. Back in the early 70s, for example, Japan was a paradise for travelers on a budget. By the 80s, however, not so much. And it remains an expensive destination today.
Get online and join some travel chat rooms or apps where seniors hang out. Try this one. Or read travel blogs about your possible destinations. You’ll get factual info “from the horse’s mouth.” And this will let you get the low down on where to stay, eat, etc., along with some attractions/experiences that may not be on those larger, commercialized travel sites.
Compare prices on flights, hotels, and rental cars – there’s a big difference. If you are willing to take some long layovers, you’ll find cheaper rates.
Here’s another tip: In some places, booking through Vrbo or Airbnb, is a lot more costly than contacting the hotel directly for your reservation.
Travel Light
How do you feel about lugging baggage around or paying someone else to do it? It’s time to think about packing smarter. Here are just a few tips:
- Ditch the small suitcase with a handle and wheels. Buy a lightweight carry-on – there are so many options these days and some weigh as little as 2 pounds.
- Consider that you’ll be able to do laundry wherever you go. And no one else will really be checking whether you wore the same outfit 2 days ago.
- Take more tops than bottoms. Changing tops gives you a new outfit. Maybe 3 pairs of pants and one skirt for a dressier occasion.
- If you need a heavier pair of shoes for walking, wear them on the plane.
- If you are going to a colder climate, layer clothes on yourself, topping that off with your jacket. Start with thermal underwear followed by jeggings and sweatpants. You get the idea. Taking a hat? Wear it.
- You also get one personal item that will fit under the seat – that hasn’t changed. Make it as large as possible for some extra room for clothing items.
You’ve Arrived – Now What
If you’ve done your research well, you have your list of where you want to go and what you want to see. Don’t fill your day from morning to night. A tired traveler doesn’t get the most out of the sights. Here are some tips:
Think About Tours
Some places are better seen by tours, some not. If, for example, you are in Rome and want to go to Vatican City, take a tour. Most of them have “connections” that will let the group skip the “general admission” lines where you will wait for hours. Doing this, you may only wait an hour or so to get into the museums and big attractions like the Sistine Chapel.
If you’re in Belize, taking a tour of the Mayan ruins or to its regional showcase, the zoo, is far better than trying to drive or take a bus on your own. It’s easy to get lost, and many of the buses aren’t air-conditioned.
If you’ve talked to others who have been to your destination, take their advice.
Focus on New Experiences
You don’t have to do everything in one trip. Of course, there are the “biggies” you want to see and do, but think about the smaller places.
If you are in Paris, for example, you know that everyone goes to the Louvre – after all, that’s where the Mona Lisa is. Instead, opt for the D’Arcy Museum, housed in a former train station. They feature exhibits of world-famous artists (like Van Gogh) all the time, have a great restaurant, and you’ll love the ambiance.
Also in Paris, take a night to go to the Moulin Rouge. It was made famous by the timeless classic movie “Gigi.” It’s expensive and has changed a lot (topless dancers, no less), but the entertainment is always topped off with the original can-can which was the target of police raids long ago.
If you’re in Amsterdam, go to the “red light district” and the Hard Rock Café. In Germany? Take a Rhine River cruise.
Make Sure Someone a Home Has Your Itinerary
You just never know what might happen. You could fall and break a leg and be in a hospital. And make sure your cell phone (which has international calling, of course) is always charged. Maybe carry an extra battery in your purse.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings and Scammers
Rule #1: Only carry what you need for the day. Cash is best but if you are thinking that you might need your credit card for a purchase, okay. Securing this is important. At the very least, carry a small bag that hangs in the front. Some pouches go around your neck and slip into your top – out of sight of pickpockets.
Strangers may come up to you and offer all sorts of things – from a handout to an exclusive pass to a great nightclub. Just don’t do any of it. Be polite but say no. If you feel they are a bit pushy, getaway fast and try to find a group of tourists you can mingle with for a while.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Two important tips here.
One, make sure you always carry some local money with you. You may have to pay a cab driver or tip someone, and they only take their currency. Even some restaurants insist upon it. Just have plenty on hand – some in your purse and some in the hotel safe.
Two, think long and hard about travel insurance. Yes, it covers you if flights are delayed or canceled; it covers lost baggage. But it also covers illnesses and accidents. Depending on your Medicare plan, you may have coverage outside of the US.
Now You’re Ready
There’s nothing to stop you now. As the saying goes, “Feel free to move about the Planet!”