There are many reasons seniors are traveling alone, loss of a partner or just the need to get away for some “me time”. Whatever the reason, more and more seniors are opting for enjoying their own company on holiday. It doesn’t have to be daunting or scary. Here are some tips for making the most of your solo travels.
Why travel alone?
There is a certain freedom in being accountable to no one but yourself. Eat what and when you want, see the sites you want to see without compromise and sleep and wake when you’re ready instead of on a schedule.
The confidence you will gain from being independent is immeasurable. You will feel liberated when venturing successfully into the unknown, ditching the stresses of everyday life. Discover yourself without the role of spouse, parent or grandparent to label you. Feel free to be yourself, or anyone you choose to be! Relish the chance to try something new, or revisit places you loved in the past.
Trip options
Are you comfortable going completely solo on your journey? If you enjoy planning your holiday, selecting your transport and accommodation and the freedom to go where and when you want to go, this is the ideal option for you. You know your physical limits and can plan your trip accordingly.
Or would you prefer to go solo on a group tour? A group tour offers you more chances to socialize as you are with the same group for the duration of the trip and you will get to know them quite well. There are always other solo travellers with which to buddy-up with if you so desire. Many senior citizen groups offer day trips as well as longer tours, sometimes even overseas. The plus side of this is that your trip and tours are planned out for you and you have nothing to do but sit back, relax and enjoy the trip.
Trip Ideas
A cruise is a wonderful place to relax and offers countless opportunities to socialise. As everyone is together for the duration of the cruise, there is plenty of time to form friendships if that’s what you are looking for. By joining some of the many on-ship activities you will have an excellent opportunity to socialize. Even the excursions offer a chance to visit and share ideas. Meals where the seating is planned means you never have to eat alone.
A camping get-away offers the same opportunities for people who like the great outdoors. Many friendships have been forged around a group campfire in the evening when everyone is relaxed and eager to share the details of their day. Of course, offering to bring a snack to share around will make you the most popular guest!
Tips for socialising
You will find that when traveling alone you will talk to more people than if you have a companion. Likewise, more people will talk to you! Some long-lasting friendships have started by chance meetings on vacation.
1. Look for other solo travellers. Offer to share a table at meal time. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to strangers, at least make yourself accessible to someone else who might be looking for someone to talk to.
If you have your face in a book or on your phone, you are closing yourself off from socializing and giving off a signal that says “don’t bother me”.
2. Start up a conversation while visiting tourist sites. Other singles will be happy for a chat, but some couples and even groups are friendly and you might find you have lots in common! They might even have plans to visit someplace you hadn’t thought of and you might be lucky enough to be invited along.
3. Check if your accommodation features a ‘Happy Hour’. This is a great chance to relax after a busy day and strike up a conversation. Who knows? You might actually find a pal to join you on an outing. Of course, be on guard to avoid people you might not want to talk to. If that happens, just excuse yourself with a smile and move on.
4. Join up with group tours when possible. It’s another way to strike up a conversation without feeling awkward. You can always remark on the facility you are touring or the weather, and you are assured of meeting like-minded people.
5. Chat with other travellers at hotel restaurants or pubs. Be wary and don’t give out too much personal information, but a chat over a beer or glass of wine could be a relaxing end to a busy day.
Start small if you are unsure of the concept of solo travel. Stay in a Bed and Breakfast. If nothing else, you will have the host to talk to and learn something new about the area! Head someplace not too far from home and see if you enjoy it. If not, you haven’t lost much, but if you love it, you can look forward to your next solo get-away.
