Are you as excited to be traveling again as I am? I have many single female clients who love to travel, and so this blog is dedicated to them. Let’s first discuss how to solo travel as women and in my next blog, I’ll discuss how to pay for all this traveling we like to do!
Did you know over 70% of American women travel solo? Solo travel for women is on the rise, both in the U.S. and internationally. We’ve entered a New Era for Women’s Solo Travel. But solo female travelers have unique considerations apart from our male counterparts. Will I be safe traveling alone as a woman? Will my trip as a solo female traveler be lonely? Where are the best places for women to travel solo?
Janice Waugh, founder of Solo Traveler, predicts, “What will become increasingly popular are so-called hub-and-spoke tours, where the tour group stays in one hotel for the duration and individuals take day trips to nearby places.” Post pandemic, from a health safety standpoint, people will feel more comfortable sleeping in one place rather than hopping from one hotel or inn to another. These kinds of tours may really appeal to lone travelers who may want to explore on their own during the day but dine out with people in the evening.
Some of us may be fearful of traveling solo. But there are so many options for solo travelers, and there are many resources specifically for us. Here’s a fun website, Sixty and me, which has “6 Amazing Vacations for Single Women.” It offers hikes, cruises, groups, and do-it-yourself vacations.
One of the most fun trips I took was to celebrate my divorce! I joined a small group of women and toured Provence, France for two weeks. Best time ever! Check out www.letrip.org for more information from Jill.
Another fun resource is The Blonde Abroad, which lists the “10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers,” including Iceland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and more.
Another great resource is AARP, which has multiple resources for traveling seniors.
If you want to combine education and travel, then Road Scholar may be for you. They offer inspiring instructors, spirited conversations, new friends, and new experiences. Check out their Grand Canyon tour.
Even the healthiest and most venturesome retirees need to be smart when it comes to planning their travel tour. Here are 10 tips to get you going in the right direction, including:
- Stock your carry-on bag
- Bring backup medication
- Scout out medical facilities
- Buy travel insurance (I highly recommend this)
- Research weather and climate
- Schedule a checkup
- Exercise on the plane
- Know your time zones
- Emergency contacts (a must!)
- Scout the local cuisine
Embarking on a solo trip as a senior comes with its own set of challenges — and perks. Senior solo travel expert Janice Waugh of Solo Traveler World has insight into what not to do as a senior traveling solo. These tips include:
- Thinking you’re younger than you are.
- Choosing the wrong destination for your situation.
- Flying solo when a group trip would be better.
- Not buying travel insurance. (It’s worth the cost!)
- Assuming you won’t meet other seniors traveling solo for the first time.
- Not starting small as a solo traveler.
- Overlooking the single supplement.(This can get pricey, so budget for it.)
- Not sorting out your communication strategy before you depart.(Make sure your cell provider has international coverage, no roaming fees.)
- Not using technology to make travel easier.
- Overpacking (haven’t we all done this?)
- Scheduling your arrival after nightfall.
- Ignoring your instincts and neglecting to be cautious.
- Assuming all travel is as it used to be (negative covid tests required?)
- Understanding how rewarding solo travel can be.
Let’s not forget about food we can take with us as healthy snack alternatives to what the airlines and airports offer. The Discoverer Blog has great tips on healthy snacks for your travels:
- Roasted Seaweed
- Chickpea Puffs
- Mushroom Jerky
- Homemade Energy Bites
- Mushroom Coffee
One of my travel goals is to visit every National Park in the United States. This is easy travel to do solo or with a friend, car or fly. BTW, the pandemic did not slow me down, as I toured all five National Parks in Utah last fall. I fell in love with glamping!
No travel will be complete without local food! Here’s a fun article on The One Food to Try in Every State, if you prefer traveling domestically.
If you want a fun daily travel read, check out thediscoverer.com.
I’ve given you a lot to think about as you plan your next travels: where to go, and valuable travel tips. In my next blog, check out how to budget for travel in retirement.
Let me know your favorite travel tip and travel destination, (domestic or international) in my private Facebook group, Women Talk Finances, where we continue the money discussion.
When you’re ready to budget for your retirement, schedule your free 20 minute money chat to make sure you’re including enough for your travel budget.