Travel tips for seniors travelling alone or in a group
Once you enter retirement, some people find all the free time overwhelming and difficult to fill. Many find themselves in circumstances where they must travel alone for the first time in decades, which can seem like a daunting prospect. But being a solo traveler shouldn’t slow you down at any age. With so much life experience under your belt, and time to fill, travel can be a source of joy, leading to meeting new people and increasing your lust for life.
Putting to rest any concerns about senior singles travel, here are several travel tips for seniors, whether you are deciding to go on the road alone or with a group. Senior travel tours are a convenient way to vacation and see the world, because much of the organization and planning is done for you. All you have to do is show up, and go along for the ride!
Travel tips for seniors
The reality is that getting older can often lead to an increase in anxiety, but this shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your travel dreams. It’s easy to get a few friends or family members together and arrange your own group travel. Alternatively, you can research tours for seniors travelling alone, and make new friends as you go. Here are some travel tips for seniors:
- Safety first: keep your money in a securely fastened compartment and don’t flaunt your valuables. Make sure to speak up if you have any safety concerns at any time, and remember that as a general rule, there is safety in numbers.
- Go slowly: being older shouldn’t mean that you are limited in where you can go – just that it might take you longer to get there. Take frequent breaks and don’t push yourself too hard.
- Cruise ships: are a good option for seniors who are less mobile, those who don’t want to arrange the route or itinerary or those who are travelling alone. Smaller cruises tend to be more expensive and cater more often to senior travel tours. These ships spend longer in port than the large cruise ships, which tend to have more of a mix of ages and recreational styles.
- Pack wisely: make sure you have comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for all weather types.
- Invite your friends: if you have a special interest or hobby, why not bring friends who share your interest on a trip themed around related activities and sights? There are also lots of opportunities for destination-based human rights and volunteering-related small group travel for seniors.
If you’re looking for your next destination, check out some of the top places for seniors to travel.
Expenses to consider for your trip
No list of travel tips for seniors would be complete without taking your budget into account. As the saying goes, nothing in life is ever free. As many retirees are working with fixed incomes, it’s important to consider all the costs when planning a trip. Especially to ensure you have enough for your other day-to-day expenses, and maybe even a few more trips.
- Insurance: By this time in life, most people understand insurance is a necessary evil that is well worth the cost. In addition to cancellation insurance, it is important to get comprehensive travel medical insurance, in case of any unforeseen health concerns. You can’t put a price tag on the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are protected no matter what happens.
- Hotels: The more expensive a hotel is, the older the clientele tends to be, but also the greater the comforts. Hotel staff are also an excellent resource in providing travel tips for seniors who are guests of the hotel.
- Find a friend: One of the big costs associated with tours for seniors traveling alone is the single room surcharge. Consider traveling with a friend, or finding tours for seniors traveling alone that will pair you up with a roommate to share the cost.
- Avoid peak season: One of the advantages to no longer working is that you’re not restricted to travelling during peak vacation times, when prices are inflated. Consider finding small group travel for seniors in the off season, which will save you money.
Destinations suitable for every type of traveller
No matter what type of travel you are looking for, be it tours for seniors traveling alone, small group travel for seniors, or seniors single travel, there is an almost limitless number of places to go. Remember to read up on travel safety tips for seniors before you go. Here we offer some destination advice for the mature traveler:
- City staycations. Whether it’s your own city or half way across the world, the urban environment provides a lot of infrastructure and activities for mature travelers, like museums or walking tours for seniors traveling alone.
- Think local. You don’t have to go to another country to see something new and have fun. Consider senior travel Canada wide, where you know you are covered if anything goes wrong.
- Group adventure. For the more distant, remote or daring trips you’ve always dreamed of, remember there’s safety in numbers. Many companies offer small group travel for seniors to every corner of the globe, and you might just make a new friend.
Finally, don’t let a lack of funds cause you to miss out on your dream trip. Take control and learn how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage® can be the perfect financial solution for you. Call us at 1-866-522-2447 to find out how much tax-free cash you could get.
