7 Tips When Travelling Solo, Later in Life
For one reason or another, the twilight of your life has approached and you realise a sudden ambition for travel. Instead of letting your imagination wander, pick up the travel guide! There is no reason why older individuals can’t travel the world solo.
While the idea might strike worry in friends and family, travelling solo later in life is a perfectly safe and worthwhile venture- provided you’ve prepared well. With more options than ever before for solo travellers, the world is well and truly your oyster!
However, before jumping into round the world travel, take some time to conduct thorough research and health checks. This way, you and your family members can enjoy a certain level of peace of mind.
7 tips for travelling solo
Travelling solo may sound daunting. However, it can actually be an incredibly rewarding experience. Instead of marching to the beat of someone else’s drum, you can go to sleep and wake up when you please.
Travelling solo even means that you can take the time to stroll through museums or quaint little local market places. At the end of the day, travelling solo means you can take the type of trip you’ve always wanted to- on your own terms!
However, to ensure a successful trip that will be one to remember, there are some tips that solo travellers should be aware of. Because, while solo travel provides a certain level of freedom, it is definitely a different proposition than travelling with friends or family.
1. Research your destination
As they say, knowledge is power. By researching your destination, you know exactly what to expect. This is especially important for solo travellers who don’t want surprises. By being well researched you know what to expect and have a plan in place.
2. Attend a pre-trip medical check up
Before embarking on a trip, whether local or international, short or long, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor for a health check. This way you can make sure that you’re fit and ready to handle the rigours of travel.
During the medical check up, it’s a good idea to get medical prescriptions filled and documented. This way, you ensure you have enough supply and you also have the proper documentation should travel officials question your medications.
3. Visit a local city
As previously mentioned, travelling solo is a different experience altogether. With this in mind, it might be wise to travel to a local city, first. This way, you can get used to the idea of travelling alone and the associated intricacies while still being relatively close to home.
4. Take a cruise
Instead of travelling with no company at all, it may be more beneficial to take a cruise. On a cruise, you can be as involved as you like. Both in terms of activities and socialisation. As activities on board encourage socialisation, you can travel solo and still be social.
Cruises are also a great way to travel for those in the twilight of their lives. There are rest days to recover from the action both on and off the ship. Additionally, cruises are filled with like minded people who share a passion and desire to explore and travel.
5. Pack light
Those travelling solo for the first time might forget that they need to pack light. With no other party there to help you lift bags on and off conveyor belts, buses, planes and cars, you need to pack lightly and smartly.
6. Insurance is a must
When travelling solo, insurance is a must. It ensures that, even though you are by yourself, you will still receive the best care possible in the event of a medical episode. It also gives you peace of mind that you won’t be stuck somewhere, unable to come home.
Additionally, travel insurance can lessen the financial burden of overseas medical expenses, cancelled flights and the cost of cutting the trip short, should something unexpected happen at home.
7. Arrive during the daytime
It is a fact universally acknowledged that destinations can look markedly different in the nighttime than they do during the day. In fact, some might even find the nighttime to be a touch menacing. To begin the trip on a high note, make sure to arrive during the daytime.
Travelling solo with confidence
Travel in any form is so beneficial. It can fulfill bucket list items, provide once in a lifetime experiences and truly nourish someone’s soul. That’s why it’s such a shame that older people, particularly those on their own, are reluctant to travel both at home and overseas.
Instead of letting opportunities pass you by, embrace the adventure of travelling and pursue your interests. Because, with the help of a few key tips and thorough research, travelling later in life, while solo, can be an incredibly safe and rewarding experience.