Solo Senior Adventures: Tips For Traveling Alone

Travelling alone can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop elderly people from exploring the world. In fact, more and more seniors are choosing to embark on solo adventures, and reaping the benefits of this liberating way of travelling. With careful planning, a sense of adventure, and a few sensible precautions, elderly people can discover new places, meet new people, and create lasting memories.

Research your destination

Researching your destination is an important step in planning a trip, especially for elderly people travelling alone. Here are some key considerations for an elderly person when researching their travel destination:

Health and Safety

It is crucial to be aware of any health risks or concerns specific to your destination. Check official health websites, such as the CDC, for information on recommended vaccines, medications, and health precautions. Make an appointment with your doctor or a travel health specialist to discuss your travel plans and ensure you are up to date with any necessary vaccinations or medications. This is especially important if you have any chronic medical conditions or take regular medication.

Accessibility

When choosing accommodation, consider accessibility needs. Look for places with step-free access, spacious bathrooms, and other features that may be required, such as grab bars or roll-in showers. If you use a wheelchair, enquire about the availability of an accessible room and elevator.

Transportation

Research transportation options to and from your destination, as well as within the local area. Consider accessibility requirements and opt for transportation services that can cater to your needs. If flying, contact the airline in advance to discuss any special equipment or assistance you may need. Many airlines offer assistance for seniors, including transportation between connecting gates and pre-boarding.

Activities

Plan a balanced itinerary that suits your abilities and interests. Consider the level of physical activity you are comfortable with, and be mindful of any health conditions that may impact your activities. For example, if you have previously experienced a leg clot, a long hike may not be advisable. Opt for activities that you are confident you can manage and that will not leave you feeling exhausted.

Local Culture and Customs

Familiarise yourself with the local culture and customs of your destination. This includes being aware of any language barriers and, if necessary, downloading translation apps or learning some key phrases. Understanding the local culture will help you feel more comfortable and confident during your travels.

Arrival Time

Try to schedule your arrival during the daytime. Not only will this make it easier to navigate your way to your accommodation, but it will also give you a better first impression of the area, helping you feel more secure.

By thoroughly researching your destination and planning accordingly, elderly travellers can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Prioritize travel insurance

Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of trip planning, especially for elderly travellers. Here are some reasons why it is essential to prioritize travel insurance when travelling alone as a senior:

Medical Coverage:

As a senior, having comprehensive medical coverage is vital. Travel insurance plans like Faye, Travelex, and Generali Global Assistance offer primary medical coverage, which can be crucial since Medicare does not typically cover medical bills incurred abroad. Look for plans that provide a high level of medical coverage, ideally at least $100,000 in medical benefits, to protect yourself financially in case of a medical emergency during your trip.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation:

In the event of a severe accident or medical emergency, especially in remote areas with limited healthcare infrastructure, you'll want to ensure you have adequate emergency evacuation coverage. Look for plans offering at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage, with some plans providing up to $1 million. Additionally, repatriation benefits, included with medical evacuation coverage, will cover the cost of transporting your remains back to your home country in the unfortunate event of your death abroad.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption:

Unforeseen circumstances may cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses, such as flights, hotel reservations, and prepaid excursions. Ensure your travel insurance policy provides at least 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation and interruption to protect your financial investments.

Baggage Loss and Delay:

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or delayed baggage, giving you peace of mind and financial protection if your luggage is misplaced or delayed during your trip.

Affordable Options:

While travel insurance for seniors may be more expensive due to increased risks, there are still affordable options available. Companies like WorldTrips Travel Insurance and Aegis (GoReady) offer competitive rates without compromising on essential benefits.

Pre-existing Conditions:

If you have pre-existing health conditions, carefully review the travel insurance policy to ensure it covers these conditions. Some companies, like Generali Global Assistance, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if you purchase their Premium plan within a specific timeframe.

When choosing travel insurance, it is essential to consider your unique needs, budget, and the level of coverage required. Compare multiple providers and plans to find the one that best suits your situation, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your travels.

Pack light

Packing light is a great skill to have when travelling, especially as an older person. It gives you more freedom and makes it easier to get around. Here are some tips for how to pack light:

Clothing

The key to packing light is to bring only what you need. A good rule of thumb is to bring one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. This should be enough for two weeks, and you can adjust this list to include swimwear, rainwear, or other items specific to your trip. Try to limit yourself to no more than seven days' worth of clothing and plan on doing laundry while travelling.

Choose clothing that can be worn in multiple ways and for different occasions. For example, a sarong can be used as a towel, a picnic blanket, or a skirt. Convertible pants are also a great option, as they can be worn as full-length pants or converted into shorts for a hot hike. Pack layers that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, and stick to a simple colour palette that can be easily coordinated.

Toiletries

Only bring the essentials and try to find travel-sized or solid versions of your favourite products. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and soap bars tend to weigh less than their liquid counterparts. You can also cut bars of soap in half to reduce the amount you need to bring. If you're staying in a hotel, check if they supply items like shampoo, lotion, or razors. You can also buy toiletries when you arrive at your destination.

Shoes

Shoes can take up a lot of space, so try to bring only one or two pairs. Wear your heaviest pair of shoes when travelling, and choose multi-use shoes like running shoes that can be used for running, walking, and hiking. Light trail-running shoes are a good option, as they are versatile and not bulky. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in to avoid blisters.

Luggage

Choose a lightweight suitcase or bag that has enough compartments to keep you organised. Aim for one carry-on bag if possible, as this will make it easier to get around and reduce the risk of losing your luggage. If you're exploring multiple destinations or using public transportation, a travel pack with shoulder straps is a good option. Duffel bags are also a good choice if you're going on a safari or bike tour, as they're durable and affordable.

Packing Aids

Using packing cubes, folders, or envelopes can help maximise space and keep your belongings organised. They also help to keep your clothes wrinkle-free, which is especially important for softer fabrics like cotton and wool. Compression bags can also save space, but be careful not to overpack and add too much weight to your luggage.

Do your homework

Researching your destination is an important part of preparing for a trip, especially if you're travelling alone. A quick Google search will bring up results on what to expect, and you can also ask your travel agent for advice. Knowing what to expect, where to go, and what to avoid will help you feel more secure and confident during your trip.

It's also a good idea to research your tour operator or travel agent. Make sure they are reputable and ABTA and ATOL bonded to ensure you don't risk losing your money if something happens to the business.

If you're staying in a hotel, research the hotel's website and read reviews on TripAdvisor and other review sites. Find out if there is a safe in your room or at reception, and ask for a ground-floor room if you want to avoid stairs. Check if there is an elevator and if the hotel is accessible. Knowing the layout of the hotel and the location of fire escapes will also help you feel prepared and could save your life in an emergency.

Researching local laws and customs is essential to avoid accidentally breaking any rules. For example, did you know that chewing gum and electronic cigarettes are illegal in Singapore? Learning about the culture and customs of your destination will also enhance your trip and help you feel more comfortable when you arrive.

Finally, make sure you have valid travel insurance. Shop around for policies that specialise in more mature travellers, and don't forget to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and add on any extras you might need, like dangerous sports insurance.

Plan for emergencies

Planning for emergencies is an essential part of travelling, especially for elderly people who are embarking on a trip alone. Here are some detailed instructions to help prepare for potential emergencies:

Understand Common Travel Emergencies:

Firstly, it is important to recognise the types of emergencies that commonly occur during travel. According to a survey, the most frequent travel emergencies include medical issues (27%), vehicle breakdowns (22%), lost belongings (20%), travel delays (15%), illnesses or emergencies at home (15%), and natural disasters (10%). Knowing these potential issues can help you prepare and plan accordingly.

Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is a crucial investment for any trip, and it becomes even more important when considering the potential challenges faced by elderly travellers. A good insurance plan can provide coverage for medical treatment, trip cancellation or interruption due to medical issues, rental car damage, lost or destroyed baggage, travel delays, and trip interruption due to illnesses or emergencies back home.

Prepare a List of Critical Documents:

Before embarking on your journey, create a list of essential documents that you should have easily accessible. This includes emergency contacts, ticket/itinerary information, visa (if required), primary health insurance information, and a copy of prescriptions. Additionally, consider having a letter from your physician describing your medications, translated into the local language of your destination.

Share Emergency Contacts and Procedures:

Ensure that you have a list of emergency contacts readily available, including local emergency numbers (ambulance, fire, and police) and the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if travelling internationally. Share these contacts and procedures with trusted family members or friends so that they are aware of who to contact in case of an emergency.

Utilise Online Risk Management Tools:

Take advantage of online travel tracking systems and risk management tools that can help you locate travellers, identify potential world events or crises that may impact your trip, and facilitate instant communication in case of an emergency. These tools provide a consolidated resource for viewing itineraries, receiving relevant destination alerts, and accessing assistance from travel risk management providers.

Establish a Communication Strategy:

Before departing on your trip, ensure that you are confident about how you will communicate with your emergency contacts, family, or travel agent. Test your communication devices and ensure you know how to make international phone calls or use translation apps if needed.

By following these steps, elderly individuals can better prepare for potential emergencies when travelling alone, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Frequently asked questions