Posted on August 3, 2009 - by Janice
Ten Reasons to Travel Solo After 50
Gray hair. Blue skies. Me on the Mississippi.
Every week, people reach this blog by searching the words: “solo travel after 50”. Accompanying these words are others like: safety; why; is it smart… There seems to be some concern about age and solo travel. From my perspective, there shouldn’t be.
Being 52, I think I’m qualified to address this issue. And, as you might imagine, I believe that it is not only safe to travel solo after fifty, but important. It doesn’t matter whether you’re single or in a relationship, solo travel is an enriching experience. At midlife, it can be even more so. Here are:
Ten reasons to travel solo after 50
1. Are you facing midlife? Is it time for change? Travel alone, reflect, analyze and explore your possibilities without the influence of others.
2. Have you been in the same relationship for decades? Is it getting a little tired? Take a solo vacation and return with lots to say to each other.
3. Are you suddenly single, either by divorce or loss? Solo travel is a real confidence builder. A great way to make a come-back.
4. Have your kids just left the nest? Then it’s time to find out who you are again. You can’t really do this with a companion that knows you and expects you to act in certain ways. Get away. Travel alone and rediscover yourself.
5. Is your spouse or partner uninterested in travel? Going solo is your answer. See the world and return refreshed to your relationship.
6. Are you concerned that people at work see you as old? Head out on a solo adventure and people will quickly adjust that attitude.
7. Is money tight? Solo travel can be inexpensive. It’s much easier to book hostels, hospitality stays, great deals, cheap flights… when you travel alone.
8. Do you have health problems? Stress is a major contributor to most health problems. Plan a solo holiday where you set the schedule and take a break from stress in your life.
9. Is work dull with little hope of changing things? Then inject some challenge into life by traveling solo.
10. Did you retire early? Do you have time to travel but family and friends don’t? No need to sit around and wait for them. Go solo and enjoy.
Traveling alone in your fifties is very safe. You have the life experience that tells you how to avoid potential problems and, if you should find yourself in one, the know-how to get out of it quickly. So get out and enjoy a great solo travel experience.
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November 24, 2009
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admin said:
Yup! You have the right attitude. I checked out your blog. You have got around. I toured in my youth and hope to get back on a bike for a trip in 2010.
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November 24, 2009
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Veloroo said:
I’ve always traveled solo since my twenties. Now I’m 54. Still traveling solo and still staying in hostels. part of traveling is meeting other travelers along the way. Age is meaningless.
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August 11, 2009
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Christine said:
I love solo travel. It was very scary at first but I just tried and I love it. I did my solo travel the first time to Mexico City when I was 45, it’s fantastic, after that I did it again to Puerto Rico, Ocean City.
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August 10, 2009
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Don said:
I’d like to echo Tracy Barnett’s comment. I took off from Kentucky a few years ago to buy donuts in Canada. I wound up staying in Toronto for nine days and meeting some outstanding people that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to talk to had I been traveling with someone. I look forward to turning 50 (my son will be 20 then!) so I can hit the road and have those kinds of experiences again!
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August 9, 2009
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Jeff Richardson said:
Terrific article, Janice! I will definitely share it with my coaching clients, many of whom are 50-ish and either already travel a lot or dream of traveling more. For many of them who are exploring ways to “renew” themselves, some solo travel would definitely be just the thing.
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August 4, 2009
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admin said:
Thanks Tracy. And thanks for the pingback!
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August 4, 2009
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Tracy Barnett said:
Go Janice!
I would add one more: By traveling solo, you immerse yourself much more deeply in your environment, meeting local people and being in the moment. Traveling with others it’s too easy to retreat to private conversations and well-worn tracks.
Great piece. I’m going to post a link to it on my blog, Roads Less Traveled, at http://www.tracybarnettonline.com.
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August 4, 2009
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admin said:
Thanks for your thoughts Susan. Hmm, I think I should be writing something about independent business travel.
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August 4, 2009
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Susan said:
Excellent thoughts, so many reasons to venture out n your own. Though I have always thought about travelling just for me, the only true solo travelling I have done is extensive independent business travel. On these trips the best were those when I could carve out time to go exploring on my own.
Your post inspires consideration to head out somewhere exciting completely on my own.
Susan
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August 4, 2009
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Lyra said:
Thank you for this. I have just turned 60 and have been travelling solo for many years. Absolutely love it and like Gwen actually prefer it.
I retired early in 2006 and the first trip I made, to celebrate, was to go backpacking around Australia and New Zealand, on my own, for two months. Fantastic!
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August 3, 2009
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admin said:
It seems that this post strikes a chord with many of you. You are very kind to take the time to comment. Thanks to all of you.
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August 3, 2009
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jessiev said:
YAY! great reasons. love it!
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August 3, 2009
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boldlygosolo said:
I really liked this post. It’s got some perspectives about solo travel I don’t usually see. I’m going to post about it at boldlygosolo.com in the next few days.
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August 3, 2009
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naema sinclair said:
Solo travel over fifty has been a good experience for me, Even Morocco was ok with the help of Lonely planet.
I have the choice of staying home or having an adventure and also the chance to grow a little. It is good to set yourself challenges and a great time in life to find out who you are besides some ones mum or partner.
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August 3, 2009
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Gwen McCauley said:
As always, you are spot on, Janice. I’m closing in on 62 and travel solo on a regular basis. In fact, if I’m really honest, it is my preferred way to travel.
I work with a lot of coaching clients, especially women, who are in transitions of one kind or another. For me it is always an exciting moment when they discover, for themselves, that solo travel is what will help them to really discover themselves. No matter their age, their is something magically freeing and Self inspiring about heading off someplace all by yourself.
My heart is singing just thinking about it. I’ll definitely making this fabulous posting available to many of the women in my contact sphere.
You are such a gift to the world, and to women seeking more, in particular.
Gwen McCauley