Millions of retired singles are deciding that it is time to enjoy life to its fullest and are heading out on their own to see the world. Men and women are discovering that the global hospitality industry is now more accommodating to single travelers than it ever was in the past. Retired singles are visiting foreign countries, taking cruises, joining escorted tours, hopping trains or driving to vacation destinations.
Traveling as a single retiree has a lot of advantages. You can set your own itinerary without worrying about what anyone else. As a retired single, travel plans can fit your schedule. What solo travelers often discover is that traveling alone also enhances the travel experience simply because you can visit places like museums, restaurants or pubs and stay as long as you desire when you start a conversation with an interesting person.
Of course, like most things in life, there are some guidelines to keep in mind in order to ensure the experience is as delightful as possible.
Tips for Retired Single Travel
Do Have a Good Time
The first guideline says to have a good time. However, there are steps you can take to make it much more likely that your trip is successful.
- Do prepare ahead of time by doing research on the area where you are visiting because you only have yourself to rely on
- Do make sure you have a hotel room reserved for the next night each day of your trip, if you did not book rooms in advance for the entire trip; resist the impulse to act like a vagabond so you don’t end up homeless during your trip
- Do use the internet, social media or phone to stay in contact with family if you find yourself feeling lonely
- Do verify with a reliable source that any area where you plan on walking is considered safe for a lone traveler
- Do leave room in your suitcases for purchases made during the trip
- Do join a travel club or group tour if concerned about managing a trip alone or uncomfortable about visiting a particular place
- Do join a travel club if you want to pair up and avoid paying the Single Supplement surcharge
- Do buy travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage and accidents
Don’t Forget Safety
Retired single travel plans should always include concerns for personal protection and safety. Though traveling alone can be exhilarating, adhering to a few simple suggestions can keep you out trouble.
- Don’t stay in remote guesthouses or hotels where there are few people in the vicinity
- Don’t leave valuable documents like your passport or money in a hotel room
- Don’t wear valuables like expensive jewelry or carry expensive electronics
- Don’t walk alone in dark alleys, in areas where there are few people, or at night
- Don’t look like a lone tourist by reading a tourist book or looking at a map while walking alone
- Don’t leave public places with strangers
- Don’t plan your itinerary so that you arrive at destinations during nighttime hours and try to arrive early enough in the day to allow you to get to your accommodations while there is still daylight
These guidelines are based on reliable advice given by people who chose to enjoy retired single travel. Listening to the voices of experience can help you avoid the common mistakes made by solo travelers, while adding to your trip enjoyment.
