7 Tips for Women Over 50 Traveling Solo

Recognizing solo travel for the woman over 50 is a unique experience. Solo travel is on the rise, 70 percent of women in the U.S will travel solo.

Don’t think that just because you haven’t logged thousands of miles in hundreds of countries by the time you’re 50 that you’re late to the party. It is never too late.

As the new woman over 50, we redefine aging and travel and all that goes along with it. We all are on our path, and our pace is unique to each of us.

With that in mind, more and more of us have situations that don’t allow us to have a ready travel partner, but we still want to travel solo.

There are many changes taking place in our lives, some planned, others unplanned. If you are facing any of these, you may be a good prospect for being a solo traveler:

• Took early retirement
• Are suddenly single, either divorce or loss
• You have an empty nest; kids are finally gone!
• Tired of asking friends to join you
• You like to travel, but your partner does not

Traveling solo can be very rewarding, but there are unique considerations for a woman over 50. Please read my article: Women Over 50 Find Joy in Travel; 7 Good Reasons. I know how important it is to identify activities that I feel are suited to my age and personality.

After 50, the local nightclub will not be the first place I want to go on vacation. That doesn’t suit my taste at home or abroad.

Even though solo travel is rewarding, women want to feel a sense of safety and freedom. Here are a few safety and well-being tips to share from AARP Magazine.

1. Stay Connected

Those days of being without cellphone, smartphone and Skype seem almost quaint. Before you leave home, find out whether your mobile phone has roaming capabilities at your destination.

If not, or if the roaming cost is prohibitive, rent a phone once you arrive (or buy international SIM cards if you have an unlocked GSM phone) so you have a lifeline. Smartphones outfitted with GPS or online maps are good options for drivers.

2. Keep Others Apprised of Your Daily Itinerary

Solo travel for the woman over 50 it is important to regularly let people know where you’re going — including friends and family back home and your innkeeper or hotel concierge.

When traveling alone into parkland or wilderness, always let someone know when you expect to return as well as your exact route — and then stick to it.

3. Stash Money, Credit Cards and Passport in Separate Places

Keep some money and credit cards in your wallet or purse, and additional money and cards in a pocket or money pouch.

When sightseeing, carry only a copy of your passport’s data page, keeping your passport locked in your hotel safe. (It’s also good to leave a copy of the data page with someone at home).

On travel days, carry your passport separately from your money and credit cards. Here’s a great Travel Gift to keep all of your important items secured.

4. Study Up On Your Destination

Be aware of safety concerns as well as of local customs and etiquette, especially with regard to dress. When in doubt, opt for conservative.

Women travelers should know in advance if harassment is an issue — and both men and women should get the safety lowdown on public transportation.

Talk to locals about neighborhoods to avoid, especially after dark. Know the local number to call for emergencies. To prepare for your trip, consider books on the destination. You can find books HERE.

5. Ensure Your Lodgings Are Safe

Keep your door locked, with the security chain fastened. Try to snag a room close to where the action is — near the concierge desk, say, or near elevators. Stay away from ground floors where window entry is possible. Don’t answer the door if you’re not expecting anyone.

6. Stay Healthy

Is the water safe to drink? Are poisonous snakes or spiders a problem? Are mosquitoes a health issue?

Does your dive operator have a stellar safety record? Bring an extra supply of prescription medications and an extra script (with the generic drug name rather than the brand name). And don’t forget hand sanitizer.

7. Keep Your Wits About You

Traveling alone doesn’t mean cowering in a hotel room. Venturing into unknown territory is one of the thrills of travel. But don’t let yourself get so distracted by sights and sounds (or recording every moment on camera or cellphone) that you let your guard down.

You can find some planning tips for your trip in this article, Going Solo Keep Travel Plans Simple. Of all the travel-alone safety tips, this is the most important: Don’t leave common sense at home.

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