Solo travel in your sixties: enjoyable, realistic and safe?

[Dora60]

I would love to hear stories of solo travelling from women in their sixties. I’m approaching that era and thinking about retirement, my other half is a few years older but still working (own business) and probably always will! We will travel together a couple of times a year, long haul most likely, but I know I’m going to want to do more, whilst he’s happy at home, working, gardening, golfing. I’m not sure I’d want to do organised group holidays, so I’m thinking more along the lines of 2/3 weeks in an Airbnb in various cities, Portugal, Italy, Germany. Whilst part of me thinks it would be the perfect way to broaden horizons and break up the year, I’m not sure I’m being realistic about it. Would it actually feel quite lonely and potentially a bit unsafe? I’d be interested in hearing opinions.

Totally agree! 😄

Im not a fan of travelling for its own sake and prefer activity holidays. I have really enjoyed the travelling out to join a walking group or dance event, as well as the activities themselves. Add on a day or two just to get the feel of the place, knowing that there will be plenty of people at the actual activity

I am in my sixties and I love travelling solo.

I tend to eat a bigger lunch and just snack in my room in the evening.

I prefer shorter trips, up to a week. It’s great being able to do what you want without compromising.

Absolutely!! 😁

Thanks everyone for your wonderfully inspiring responses. It’s really comforting to know there’s an army of us on the same mission to travel solo in our sixties. I went off to work this morning, having read several of your responses, with a smile on my face and a spring in my step, knowing that I am not alone in my aloneness! 🥰

Have an amazing time!

Just to add, I don’t want to limit this to solo in our sixties, I see there are women in their 70’s here too, and maybe beyond, there’s no limit and I love it.

Love travelling solo. I'm 71.

A lot of Airbnb are apartments now but if I'm travelling solo I try to pick ones where you have a room in the hosts house (I do mostly pick female hosts) and I usuallystay 2 max 3 nights in one place.

I've met some fabulous women who are happy to have a chat, show you the city or at least give you some recommendations and share a dinner or wine of an evening if you aren't going out.

I'm late 60s and go at least once a year on my history travels. I am trying to see as much Roman stuff as I can in different European countries. Having an interest like this works for me since I'd feel a bit lost just going to a beach or a city on my own just for the sake of it, so each to their own!

Next on my list is Tarragona in May 27 when the Tarraco Viva festival is on. It is two weeks full of Roman culture, re enactments, lectures etc. This year went to Ostia Antica outside Rome (fab) and day tripped into Rome itself - half an hour

Segovia, Cartagena, Melida, Nimes, Arles, Orange, Carthage, Ephesus and lots of other places were great over the years too. And there's lots more to see!

I always use hotels though, never Air bnb. I just feel more comfortable being around people and knowing there is someone there at reception if I have any issues/emergency etc. Other than that have never felt unsafe, just take the usual precautions.

@lepara I like that you have a theme to your travels, and might pinch it for myself! I finally went to Pompeii and Herculaneum last year after wanting to go for ages, but managed to plan to go the museum in Naples on the day it is closed. 🙄It does give me an excuse to go back though.

My SIL travelled alone, and still does in her 70’s, and she started with river cruises and cruises. She says that she’s always felt safe there.

I am a massive advocate of solo travelling! I am mid 50’s and have picked up my solo travelling again now my DC are older.

While I love 2-3 days alone in an interesting city or location, if I am going for longer I prefer to mix that up with either a short group activity break (so yoga or painting or whatever floats your boat) or bookending the trip with a visit to friends who live in that country or part of the uk - then get best of both worlds - blissful time alone on my agenda, but then some company for a few days with people I like or who have shared interests.

I have never felt anymore unsafe than I ever do as a woman walking about in the world doing her thing. Agreed, I wouldn’t particularly want to arrive at Naples train station at 1am so you just plan your trip not to arrive then!

Going every so slightly off topic here.... but believe it or not I have yet to go to Pompeii !!

It's a trip for Wintertime I think as the heat and the massive crowds would put me off immensely. It's a bit like a theme park I always think so Herculaneum appeals to me more. On another list is Naples for the museum, Herculaneum, (deep breath for Pompeii...) then Salerno to get to Paestum (that's Greek, but I'll take it!) and Caserta to see the magnificent castle. I better start saving and dream on....

And yes, do go back to Naples and fulfil your dream. We only get one spin on the merry go round after all.

@lepara to get to Paestum (that's Greek, but I'll take it!)

Thanks, I've never heard of it. Interesting thread thanks @Dora60

I went in late September so the weather was pleasant and it wasn't particularly busy at Pompeii. I was easily able to find completely deserted places to sit and have my lunch or a rest.
I stayed in a hotel in Herculaneum as it is quick and easy to get trains to Naples, Pompeii and even down to Salerno.

My grandparents lived in Paestum for a while and I have photos of me as toddler in the ruins, but I'll have to go back as I don't remember any of it.

@MagpiePi That's a good idea to stay in Herculaneum (I think it's Ercolano in Italian, o sole mio!), I'll remember that.

Maybe I'll see you in Paestum 😊How lucky are you to have had family there.

Si, è Ercolano 😄

I stayed in a hotel right near to the roman site and while it was quite classy, with a pool and lovely gardens, it was a bit far from the town centre where the more affordable restaurants are. I realised the last thing I wanted to do after spending the day walking round Pompeii or Naples was to walk half an hour each way to get something to eat!

I'm thinking about planning my next trip now!

I’m 69 and for the last 12 years have travelled so many places alone I’ve lost count. I do also have a yearly holiday with my children but apart from that and the odd weekends away with them I travel solo. I love it. I can talk to people I meet along the way and if I don’t want to I don’t have to. I can also go to bed at 7.30 after an early dinner and a full day of sightseeing and not have to worry about going out in the evening because a travel companion wants to. But most of all I can stand still in a museum, art gallery, historical building or ancient site for as long as I want and not feel obliged to discuss what I’m seeing with anyone.

I am late 50’s and I enjoy all inclusive hotels with an excursion every other day.
Egypt with a day trip to Luxor was fab.

So do you always pay for a twin room, but for one?

Yes I book a package deal, this is an example of how the pricing works, not actual figures.
If I was going with someone else it would be £500 each but because I am going on my own the price will be around £700. If I get a good discount/am happy with the price I try not to overthink the single supplement. So yes I get a nice big room to myself but it costs more than if I was travelling either someone else.

Thanks for the info - I probably do overthink that aspect. But then, you go to Luxor ....💚

The small group tour to Luxor was £70 with all transport, lunch, a guide, driver, snacks, waters, an Egyptologist, a Nile boat trip and so on, it was absolutely incredible value. Same with an amazing boat trip for £45

I was thinking about going it alone too (I travelled a lot solo and with friends when I was younger), but found this company last year, thisisdecades.com and haven't looked back. It's enabled me to be away for longer, with a group there for dinner if I want it, but freedom if I don't. I'm about to book my next trip with them. Don't wait to travel solo!!