Don’t be discouraged if you have been thinking of taking a solo trip and are over 50. There’s room for everyone to see the world, especially as we age. Time is not on our side, so you should seriously consider it now more than ever. Feeling healthy and strong enough to go alone alone can be challenging. This often depends on your age.

Research indicates that most older travelers complain about their health status. They see it as a hindrance to traveling alone.

Solo traveling isn’t just for the young; it’s a transformative experience for older adults as well! You may be seeking a peaceful retreat. Perhaps you want an escape from repetitive routines. Solo travel after 50 offers a unique opportunity. You can explore at your own pace. It also allows you to meet new people and create lasting memories.

How To Safely Solo Travel After 50

1. Join Travel Groups

Traveling alone doesn’t have to mean being alone. Many travel groups cater to older solo travelers, offering a sense of community while you freely explore various destinations. These groups allow you to meet like-minded adventurers. You can still enjoy some independence.

Here’s the top list of senior travel groups you should consider joining to start:

1. Road Scholar
   • Educational travel experiences for intellectually curious seniors.
2. ElderTreks
   • Small-group adventures to off-the-beaten-path destinations for ages 50+.
3. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)
   • Immersive cultural tours and solo-friendly trips for travelers 50+.
4. Grand Circle Travel
   • International small-group tours with a focus on cultural immersion.
5. AARP Travel Center
   • Curated travel deals and group tours for AARP members.
6. Trafalgar
   • Guided vacations with a focus on cultural experiences and hassle-free travel.
7. Vantage Deluxe World Travel
   • Luxury travel, including river cruises and exotic land tours.
8. Walking The World
   • Guided walking tours for active seniors, featuring scenic and cultural destinations.

2. Leverage Travel Companies and Packages

Travel companies specializing in solo travel often provide packages for older travelers, including accommodations, activities, and guided tours. These packages take the stress out of planning and help you create a smoother experience. These companies make travel easy and enjoyable. They cater to female travel groups heading to Japan. They also support solo tours across the Canadian mountains.

3. Explore Tours Designed for Solo Travelers

Guided tours have always been a great way to explore new destinations without the hassle of planning every single detail. Many tours cater specifically to older travelers and offer flexible itineraries comprising sightseeing, culture, and leisurely activities. Solo tours allow you to meet and connect with other travelers while exploring popular locations or hidden gems.

4. Embrace the Freedom of Solo Travel

One of the biggest benefits of traveling alone is creating your own schedule. You can explore the historic cities of Japan, Indonesia, or Canada. Or you can venture into nature. You can go at your own pace. Female travelers, in particular, usually find this empowering as they experience their journeys without compromising with anyone else.

Tips for a Safe and Memorable Solo Trip

1. Plan Ahead: Research destinations, accommodations, and transportation to ensure a smooth trip.
2. Stay Connected: Share your travel plans with loved ones and check in regularly.
3. Choose Your Destinations Wisely: Opt for destinations that are known for being solo travel-friendly. These include Canada, Japan, and European countries with strong tourism infrastructures.
4. Pack Light: Bring only what you need, including essentials for any specific activities or tours.

Solo travel after 50 is not just about ticking off destinations on your bucket list. It’s about rediscovering yourself. It’s about embracing new experiences and proving that adventure knows no age.

You can join a travel group or book packages with trusted travel companies. You can even plan your own solo journey. The world is waiting for you to explore it, one destination at a time.

Destination Tips

Know your strengths. Traveling solo depends on your trip goals and how much stress you can physically handle. Choosing a relaxing trip over a hiking trip makes a difference because your endurance matters, regardless of age. Don’t overestimate your abilities or underestimate your age. Know your physical abilities.

Choose your location wisely.

Here are some of the best travel destinations:

• Charleston, South Carolina
• Sedona, Arizona
• Savannah, Georgia
• San Diego, California
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Quebec City, Canada
• Key West, Florida

Buy travel insurance. This advice applies to any traveler, especially senior travelers. You never think you need it until you do. Plans change – things happen.

Start small. You may have been an avid traveler years ago, but you have changed. You are not the same person you were 10 to 20 years before having a family and kids. A career and less energy have also altered who you are.

If you have had significant travel experience, then diving in makes sense. But as a new senior solo traveler, take your time and choose a less hectic location to start.

Check out this blog post for more related travel tips for all solo travelers.

Contrary to popular opinion, travel isn’t for the young. People of all ages pack up and hit the road. If they can, so can you.