Things change when you cross 50. Yes, you are even more mature, experienced, and confident, but is that enough for solo travelling? As soon as you cross your 50s, your priorities, choices, and sometimes your mind also changes. You prefer tranquillity; you would like long walks, and you may wish to hold the moment you are in.
Solo travelling is quite exciting, but it becomes a challenge when you do it after 50. You have to be more careful, hunt for the safest places, search for activities of your choice, find people of your interest, and many other things that will make you travel successfully. So if you are a solo traveller and have just crossed your 50s, this post is for you.
We have prepared a list of travelling tips for 50+ travellers with the help of experienced travellers and other guides. Read this guide to ensure relished independent travelling.
1. Take time to plan your trip
Whether it is your first solo or family trip or you have done it many times, take time to plan your trip carefully. Make sure the place you want to visit is suitable for 50+ travellers. Most countries are not suitable for travelling solo, especially for senior people. Research the destination properly; what is the best time to travel according to your health condition (if any), whether it is safe or not, and what are the things and places to explore depending on your interest.
2. Check health facilities
Research the country’s health facilities before you plan your trip to your favourite destination. There are plenty of ways to check this online; just Google health facilities in (location),’ and you will come up with helpful results. Also, ask your travelling agent to check the facilities or medications you may need to take in an emergency. Make sure you have fully comprehensive health insurance and have all your jabs up-to-date. Do not forget to take all your medicines and prescriptions with you.
3. Pack as much as little
As you get older, it is difficult to carry a heavy suitcase from the airport to the railway station, bus station and hotels. If you are travelling alone, carrying trolley bags is much easier. Only carry the necessary items; medicines, prescriptions, chargers, power banks, and identity proofs, and avoid the items you can purchase from there. Do not overstuff the bag; the zip or buckle may break. Also, make some space for souvenirs you bring back from your destination.
4. Ask help from locals or hotel concierge
Since you are unaware of the place, its culture or its routes, you can take help from locals. They will suggest the best place according to your preference and also guide you with the correct route. You can also hire a guide if you are still confused or can not rely on locals. There are several tourist information centres that can also help you with accurate tour guides.
5. Go easy on yourself
Whether it is for the first time or you are an experienced one, it always takes time to be comfortable. Since you are unaware of the place, language, culture, and people, you may feel overwhelmed and may get harsh. You have to be easy, observe, and handle everything calmly and confidently. You can use Google Translate to understand the language or hire a guide. Also, if nothing is going well, remind yourself that you are not here to prove anything; in fact, you are here to celebrate your courage and independence.
6. Plan your evening
Evenings are always special and make them more special with self–a date. Find a place where you can plan to celebrate your independence and meet yourself in tranquillity. Many travellers plan their trips to discover themselves and explore new things. And evenings are always the best option to enjoy life to the fullest. If you do not want to go out, you can also do it in your hotel room; get yourself a drink, order delicious food, blow out candles, play soft music or books, and spend some time with yourself.
7. Take sensible safety precautions
Taking precautions is always good when travelling. This way, you can lower the risk of mishappening and stay safe. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while travelling, especially when you are above 50;
- Do not carry valuable belongings with you
- Carry your handbag/cameras/purse across your body
- Always research the area you are travelling to
- Take proper information about the transportation
- Do not talk unnecessarily with locals or people you are not feeling safe
- Avoid sharing your itinerary and personal things with locals or peer travellers
- Take fewer accessories and luggage with you
- Keep your medicines in your bag whenever you are out of your hotel room
- Carry minimum cash with you
- Be confident, even if you are unaware of the routes or other things
- Charge your phone 100% before you leave your hotel room
- Keep a helpline number in case of an emergency.
Travelling is always the best therapy; whether young, adult or senior, you can travel at any age. Keep The aforementioned tips in mind if you want to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Frequently Ask Questions!
- What are the countries you can travel to for above 50?
Germany, Italy, Spain, and France are some safe countries to travel. These locations also have several things and places to explore that 50 or above would prefer to explore.
2. What are the essentials that 50+ should carry when travelling?
Medicines, prescriptions, chargers, helpline contacts, and healthcare phone numbers are a few essentials.
3. What is the secret to a successful 50+ trip?
Planning and enough research about the destination is the key to successful travelling. With this, you can fulfil all your desires and enjoy a successful trip.