You Don’t Need to Be Young, Single, or Adventurous to Enjoy a Solo Trip. Here’s My Experience.

I began my journey at a young age, and that passion has never faded.

I was fortunate to spend a semester abroad during college, split between London and Florence. It marked my first encounter with large cities and foreign countries (Western Canada hardly counts). Although I was part of a group of 20 students from various schools, I ventured alone for a week traveling from England to Italy. Despite making many rookie mistakes during my train travels across Europe, that semester provided invaluable lessons in experiential learning.

I cherish my independence but I’m not reclusive. As I age, I increasingly prefer doing things my own way. However, routine can become monotonous. The perfect remedy? Travel—especially solo adventures.

Being in a now-or-never phase sharpens my focus on travel plans. (I’m 70.) To visit the destinations you truly desire, waiting for someone else’s schedule might no longer be an option. You can embark on your journey alone, even if you’ve spent years as part of a couple.

Like all travel styles, solo adventures come with their advantages and disadvantages. Is it the right choice for you? Continue reading for insights on this travel approach.

When I refer to solo travel, I’m not talking about trekking the Camino de Santiago alone.

With age comes not only wisdom but also certain limitations. A fall can be more serious now. That’s why I opted out of crossing a frozen stream in Colorado last winter.

Going solo means traveling without a friend, partner, or companion. If you’re used to being part of a duo, stepping into the role of a “party of one” might feel strange, yet it can also be quite liberating.

If you’re new to solo travel, take it slow and ease into the experience.

For instance, if you’ve never camped but want to spend more time outdoors, consider trying glamping for a night or two at different locations; options range from basic to luxurious. There’s no need for a significant investment in time or gear just to see if you enjoy sleeping in a tent.

Likewise, if you're thinking about taking a cruise solo, start with a long weekend instead of a three-week polar expedition to get a feel for it. Many cruise lines still impose hefty single supplements, but there are lines that don’t charge extra.

You don’t have to tackle the entire trip by yourself.

A great way to test the waters of solo travel is to join a small group. If you prefer not to be around couples, look for tours designed specifically for solo travelers or for women or men only. (In my experiences, twosomes are often the norm.) You won’t feel overlooked or lack conversation. Although making new friends can become harder with age, being among like-minded travelers makes it easy to connect and find shared interests. Some of your new “friends” might even keep in touch after the trip.

Also, consider the size of the group. For a week-long trip, a group of 12 to 24 works well. However, a group can be too small: I once spent several days with just two older couples, making us a “group” of five. They exchanged endless stories about their second homes, grandchildren, and travels abroad. It felt like “dueling grandparents,” and I was left on the sidelines.

Even better: Blend group travel with solo adventures.

Begin with a group and then extend your stay to focus on your personal interests. This approach is particularly beneficial for acclimating to a large foreign city. On my first trip to Ireland, I did the opposite: I felt confident navigating an English-speaking city like Dublin on my own, so I joined a hiking group to explore the countryside. Unsure about my stamina for long hikes, I chose an “easygoing” itinerary. Once you start exploring, the variety of small group trips will help you find options that suit your interests and skills.

As a student, I walked everywhere to save money and found that walking is the best way to discover a place. Now that I can afford taxis, I still prefer to walk. For my aging feet, I bring a range of shoes; while they take up space in my luggage, having options is worth it. I also pack bath salts and peppermint foot cream to pamper my feet after a long day, and a small spiky rubber ball is perfect for massaging tired feet.

Knowing a bit of the local language can make a significant impact.

Another practical tip: Learn a few phrases before visiting a place where English isn’t commonly spoken. Local clerks, bus drivers, waitstaff, and others will appreciate your efforts. When you’re on your own, you’re much more likely to engage with locals, who can provide great recommendations for hidden cafés, local deals, and attractions. They love to share their favorites.

Ultimately, the advantage of solo travel is that you have complete control. The downside? You have complete control. Traveling alone allows you to learn more and return with richer stories to share.