By Anne Fletcher

When they say that life doesn’t stop at 50, they mean it. After decades of walking this planet, you’d think you’ve already seen all of it. But there’s so much more left to discover. And with all the time granted to you, now’s the time to embark on a journey you’ve always wanted but never got the chance to try.

People my age have worked hard to survive. But now that I can travel alone, I realize that life isn’t just about surviving–it’s about living. It was certainly more than just a travel of the body and the soul. It might sound cliche, but you will understand what I mean when you travel across the country or even the world.

So, please take a little trip with me as I help you prepare for your own solo journey. Age shouldn’t stop you from going on that next big adventure!

Embrace Solo Travel

One of the benefits of traveling alone when you’re past 50 is exploring as many places as you’d like. And you can do all of this at your own pace. It’s lovely to meet new people along the way, from fellow travelers to locals who are just as enthusiastic about teaching you their culture as you are to learn it.

In my experience, I got to focus on myself for a change. When planning your itinerary, you can select places you want to visit without being limited by others’ preferences. It’s a liberating feeling! Although there will be challenges along the way, you can say that it’s part of what makes the experience so memorable and worth taking.

A trip free from responsibilities

Responsibilities can’t seem to stop piling up, leaving you with little time to yourself. Well, you can consider a solo trip in your 50s as a great way to give yourself a little treat. After all, everyone needs a break. It would be best if you experienced a little time to unwind after going through a fast-paced life.

When you travel and distance yourself from your routine and life, you secure time for yourself. This solo adventure allows you to try activities you’ve always wanted to do without being concerned about what others want. Even if it’s just for a week or two, you’ll surely feel revitalized and ready for what lies ahead.

Feeling confident and at home with yourself

Traveling opens up a lot of opportunities for you in your 50s. You finally get to see what the world has in store for you, and you can do all of that at your own pace. Most people at this age, including myself, have experienced encounters during these solo trips that can only be described as life-changing. Personally, these travel adventures were memories I never expected to happen in my life.

When traveling alone, you must also do things outside your comfort zone. Although that might seem intimidating, it’s a good challenge. You will feel more confident and happier when you try a new adventure. No matter what life throws at you, there’s a great chance that you will be resilient enough to overcome any of them.

Plan for Your Comfort

Okay, we must admit that we don’t have the same energy and vitality as we did when we were younger. But if you’re still in excellent condition, then you should still take a dive and head to your next adventure. Why not consider a trip that highlights rejuvenation and wellness? Some trips can incorporate wellness retreats or activities promoting relaxation and fitness.

What are great ideas for solo trips that maximize comfort? I highly recommend going on a cruise! It’s a very indulgent and relaxing experience. When sailing to a new port daily, you experience new food and cultures while making new friends along the way.

Immerse in New Cultures

You might think you’ve seen it all, but that’s far from the truth. The world is filled with rich cultures waiting for you to immerse in and experience. Let’s say you want to see beautiful historical sites you’ve only seen in pictures. Europe is an excellent destination, especially since it’s popular among people in our age group.

Traveling for cultural immersion means you can take an opportunity to discover your heritage. Connect with the history and the people of the land where your ancestors lived. You will have a newfound appreciation for your own past and self-identity. On top of that, you’ll also get to experience activities that go beyond the country’s main tourist attractions.

Go ahead and fully immerse yourself in the country’s culture. You can dress in the country’s local garments or sample as much local cuisine as you like. There’s also room for you to learn more about the stories of the locals and what makes them unique. Always be respectful when exploring a new culture and appreciate what the country offers.

Find the Right Destinations

Researching the best places to visit is a must for every solo traveler, especially those past 50. You have many considerations to keep in mind, including the transportation you’ll take, whether your finances are in order, or how well you can communicate if there’s a language barrier. Ultimately, choosing a destination that suits your preferences and is ideal for solo travelers would be best.

Prioritize Safety

When traveling alone, safety should be your priority. When researching your target destinations, dig deep to discover vital details about the area. Consider the crime rates, the availability of the police, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. For an added layer of security, you can talk to other travelers who have been there before to get insights from their firsthand experience.

Ideal for Solo Traveling

Another reality of solo travel is the costliness, including prices for transportation and accommodation. Do some digging about your destination’s travel infrastructure. Check out their transportation system, tourism infrastructure, and lodgings, including hotels, hostels, and B&Bs.

People our age tend to have specific needs, so you must ensure that your destination’s accessibility meets yours. How easy can solo travelers in their 50s get around the area? You should also check other things, such as visa requirements and flight availability, to ensure you’re prepared once you enter new land.

One crucial factor when choosing the right destination is whether it offers adventures that align with your interests. To experience the great outdoors, search for countries offering hiking opportunities and scenic views. If you’re curious about local cuisines, choose a destination primarily known for its food.

Pack Your Travel Essentials

It always pays to be prepared, so you should pack everything you need for your trip. Sure, it’s not as exciting of a task as the adventure ahead, but having all the essentials with you is better. After all, you wouldn’t want to scramble for alternatives and dampen your vacation mood. And remember this golden rule: pack your must-haves, not the nice-to-haves.

I know this section doesn’t sound thrilling, but hear me out. Some people over 50 already have maintenance medication they need to take regularly. When traveling, you need to ensure that all your medicine is packed and that you have enough to last you throughout the entire trip. You should also pack essential medication, like anti-diarrhea medicine, for emergencies.

Travel documents

Keep your passport with you, especially if you’re going on an overseas trip. Without it, you won’t be able to leave or make it back to the country. Also, make sure to bring other important travel documents with you. These include any identification documents, such as state or national IDs.

Packing light will be easier for you during solo trips. You’ll have to carry your luggage around, so it’s best to keep things light. Try packing items that have multiple uses. For example, clothes that can be used as a top layer in warmer locations or as base clothing for colder climates will work best for you.

The right amount of Clothes

It’s easy to overpack clothes, but you should avoid doing so. Be realistic and minimalistic with the clothes you bring. About a week’s worth of outfits is enough since you can always have them washed wherever you are. Pack a couple of shirts and underwear, a few pairs of pants and socks, and one hoodie or sweater. Add other clothes that are more appropriate for your destination.

Toiletries

Travel-size bottles and containers are your best friend when it comes to toiletries. Anything exceeding 100ml will not be allowed in the aircraft, so it’s best to size down. Whether you have a skincare routine or prefer basic toiletries, remember to pack whatever is essential. Also, don’t forget to bring towels since some accommodations don’t offer them.

Stay Connected for Safety

As someone over 50, I feel more secure when I have the right communication tools to connect me to emergency contacts and my loved ones. Some of the best deal smartphones and plans are designed for seniors who want to embark on a solo trip. Having the right kind of phone with me helped me feel at ease and less scared about my well-being.

Try researching smartphones designed for older travelers. Ideally, these are easy to use, have great emergency features, and are affordable for those on a budget. Trust me, investing in one with our age group in mind will help dissipate any anxious feelings that arise during your solo travels.

Be Flexible

One of the benefits of traveling when you’re past 50 is flexibility. Unlike when we were younger and tied to different obligations, we finally have enough time to embrace spontaneity. Although having an itinerary is a must for any solo traveler, you should be open to any changes that will come along your way. 

Since solo traveling can push you out of your comfort zone, you should be more open-minded to trying things you’ve never done before. Be open to meeting new people, and try not to be closed off during your solo trip. After all, you will rely on yourself throughout the journey, so embracing any unexpected changes and encounters is best.

Get To Know Yourself

Traveling alone is a physical journey and an in-depth exploration of who you are and what you’re capable of. Even at our age, there’s so much more you can discover about yourself, and trust me, those discoveries will surprise you. You might find interest in a new hobby or discover a place you connect with. Solo travels are constantly enriching in that way.

Embark on your journey with an open mind and heart because you have the rest of your life waiting for you. During these solo trips, you’ll be able to reevaluate your priorities and gain new perspectives in life. You’ll also be able to appreciate the joy of living and what this world has to offer. There’s so much out there for you to see; all you need to do is take that leap.

Make the Most Out of Your Solo Journey

You might be feeling mixed emotions about traveling alone. You might be scared because you’ve never really done something like this before at this age. On the other hand, you might feel excited at the prospect of doing things you’ve never had the chance to do when you were younger. It’s perfectly normal to feel these emotions; you’re not alone.

Being able to reach past 50 and enjoy the marvels of the world is truly a blessing that you should never take for granted. These are unique experiences you can never replicate any other way, so it’s best to make the move. Imagine all the stories you’ll have up your sleeve to inspire others to seek new experiences, too.

You’re never too old to experience new wonders in life. So, muster up the courage to book those flights, plan that itinerary, and set out on a journey of a lifetime. 

Anne Fletcher is a teacher in Quincy, Arizona.