Solo travel, over 50s

Travelling solo when you are over 50 needn’t mean clambering onto a steamed-up coach and trudging around a stately home in the rain. More and more over 50 year olds are booking overseas holidays alone. The prospect might seem frightening but, in fact, the only daunting thing is the endless possibilities.

Travelling solo is the ultimate self-indulgence. Your days of compromising are over. Choose when and where you go and what you want to do.

With only yourself to organise, pick a departure date that suits you. Go when it is cheapest, plan a break for when you need one most, be spontaneous and fly away at the last minute or set a travel date in the future, giving you enough time to save up.

Pick where.

There are nearly 200 countries in the world and when you are unhindered by your friends’ fears of flying, sun allergies or lack of adventure, the destination is entirely up to you. Go somewhere you’ve always fancied or, alternatively, close your eyes and stick a pin in a map.

Choose what.

While you may have many friends, that’s not to say they share your passions. Travelling solo means not settling for lying idly on a beach while your friend reads Richard and Judy’s entire summer book list or fretting that you are boring your buddy while indulging your own off-kilter interests.

Always wanted to try something but never had the chance? Want to rekindle your love for an old hobby or enjoy an existing one in different surroundings? There are thousands of activities to try, hundreds of places to see and loads of likeminded people out there to share them with.

But will I be bored on my own? 

No. More and more people are discovering the joy and freedom of travelling alone and by choosing an activity or themed holiday, you’ll be sure to meet lots of people who share your interests.

Eighty percent of people who holiday with GoLearnTo are solo travellers and eager to mingle and make new friends. Thirty percent of people are over 50. So, while you may book on your own, you certainly won’t be holidaying alone.

But is it safe?

If you are worried, choose a holiday with planned activities and excursions meaning that your travel is organised and you spend more time in a group than on your own.

Make friends early on so you have people with whom you can share any free time.

Pick a holiday run by an experienced host or guide who has an in-depth knowledge of the local area and its customs.

If, for example, you find cities daunting, avoid them. There are plenty of other options out there.

Most importantly, choose a holiday that makes you feel safe. This may be trekking across the Andes or it may be making jewellery in a tiny village in France. Either way, be your best counsel. If you don’t think you will feel comfortable, don’t book it.