Nervous about solo travel - in 50s

[Lucky44]

I booked a last minute holiday with one of my eldest DC (who works part time). I only booked as it was more affordable if we went together although it is a cheap getaway. Anyway DC was offered a full time job a few days ago and needs to start just before we were due to go away. If I cancel we lose our deposit and a bit more (£170). Balance to pay is just over (£300). I really need to get away but feel so nervous about travelling on my own. I am so annoyed at myself because in my younger days I travelled half way around the world without thinking twice about it. Other DCs would stay at home with ex dp. I work full time, never do anything for myself and feel like I really need this break but the thought of navigating the airport etc fills me with dread. How has anyone else managed the solo travel when you’re older?

I'm 50 and I wouldn't give it a second thought.
The most difficult thing about travelling solo, IME, is going to restaurants alone, but even that is perfectly doable with a book and phone.

Just make sure you arrive early at the airport so that you don't have to rush. If necessary, just ask for help.

Do you have a credit card with a reasonable limit? I always tell myself nothing isn't solvable by throwing money at it.

I usually eat out at lunchtime and snack in my room in the evening.

Are you on a package deal or separate travel and hotel?

Where are you going? Are we talking backpacking or Hilton? I've travelled alone and find hostels a lot less intimidating than hotels.

It’s separate travel and hotel. It’s somewhere I’ve been a couple of times before so am comfortable getting a taxi from the airport and am familiar with the area. I am really annoyed at myself and feel if I don’t go now I’m letting myself down I just think that as part of a package with DC I’m used to being part of a larger group and it will be weird being alone. However I am comfortable with my own company and maybe a well stocked kindle and plenty of podcasts will be just what I need. I’m not a drinker so a late afternoon/early evening meal would be fine

I love travelling alone. Is it a city break or a resort?

It’s somewhere between a hostel and the Hilton

It’s a fairly quiet resort

My other suggestion is to have low expectations of yourself. Does it really matter if you chill out in the hotel and read the whole time and never eat anywhere other than the hotel restaurant- no.

Somewhere quiet that you've been to before with a fully loaded kindle sounds like bliss.

Pull your big girl pants up OP and go and have a lovely time!

I would make a list of all the things you're worried about and then go through it and think about how you can resolve it.

Eg what are you scared of at the airport? Getting lost? Most airports have maps online. Familiarise yourself with your airport before you go and get there super early.

Honestly, do it. You will feel so proud of yourself and will be so disappointed if you don't go.

You'll have a great time I'm sure

Feel the fear and go for it!
It’s good for your mind, body and soul to take yourself out of the comfort zone. 😀

You'll have a wonderful time. Take a stack of books, podcasts and music and your laptop. Take some notebooks and keep a lovely self indulgent journal where you work out things you want to do with your life - projects and bucket lists etc.

Get a routine going - breakfast at a lovely cafe or the hotel restaurant - a walk or a swim and then a long read and siesta etc.

A bit of time for introspection is so lovely. I envy you!

If you are sociable then I recommend not taking a book/kindle when you go to restaurants - they stop you interacting with others. I've been away on my own several times and often chatted to others, sometimes there have been other solo travellers at the same accommodation and we've had drinks together and eaten out together too.

Go - you deserve a break and you've already paid for much of it.

You can do it!

Whenever I feel worried about travelling alone I break it down to really small steps. I just need to walk to the station. I just need to get on a train. I just need to get to security etc etc. I got myself all the way to Sydney on my own doing that from the point of buying the visa onwards. If I feel anxious whilst away I do the same.

(I was terrified, not a great flyer, and I couldn't have ended up further from home all alone)

Agree with @clymene.

I am mid-30s but I get worried too, and I wonder if it's more to do with having been responsible for other people for a long time? I think worrying is like any other habit - you do it a lot and it becomes hard to stop.

It sounds like you deserve a good break. I hope you manage to go and to enjoy it all!

Thanks everyone. I am feeling the fear, pulling my pants up and googling a map of the airport!

I like Clymene's idea. Try to articulate exactly what's worrying you and figure out how you can resolve it. You say you are familiar with the resort - that's half the battle. You can do this!

Thanks everyone. I am feeling the fear, pulling my pants up and googling a map of the airport!

Glad to hear it Lucky. You can do this!

@Lucky44

Thanks everyone. I am feeling the fear, pulling my pants up and googling a map of the airport!

Yay! You're going to have a fabulous time

I'm very jealous! Have a great time.

You can do this: the airport will make sense once you get there.

Once you get there I would book a couple of activities or excursions, maybe, to give some structure to your week. Good for getting chatting to people too.

A lovely place, lots to read and isten to…

Bon voyage, OP!

You can definitely do It!
When ds started at university I flew over from China and travelled to Poland, Latvia and Lithuania on my own. I joined a couple of tours and chatted to other people, but was also happy to spend time alone.
As a pp mentioned if you have you credit card with you there are very few situations that cannot be solved with some money!

Firstly, you’re not ‘older’. You’re middle aged, like me, and (in normal times) I love travelling on my own. Airports are easier when you’re alone. You don’t have to worry about navigating security with children, or keeping the group together, or finding seats for everyone etc etc. Being alone is so much less hassle. Nobody will bat an eyelid at someone travelling alone, if they think anything at all they will think you are travelling for work.

When I get to my destination I cam completely please myself about where I go & what I do. I’m not the most sociable person, to be honest, so I’m as happy as can be on my own with my book & my IPad.

Go for it, and enjoy your trip!

Oooh where are you going? I would be nervous too but so proud if I went alone when it wasn't my normal. Maybe keep posting on here during the journey to give you some group comfort and encouragement.

I love airports alone! Breakfast, browsing the books in Smiths... ahh, it’s been so long since I got away.

But yes, while away book onto some excursions and take yourself out for nice meals – always armed with a book, but I’ve always found people to be chattier when on holiday (if you want to talk!). Have a great time. I’d give anything for a solo break right now!