Solo Senior Travel
Travel alone safely and confidently.
Why solo travel is great
- Go where you want, when you want.
- Your pace — no compromise.
- Meet new people more easily.
- Re-discover independence.
- Many widowed or divorced seniors travel solo.
- Millions of seniors do it safely every year.
Before you leave
- Share itinerary with trusted family member.
- Check in schedule — text when you arrive.
- Travel insurance — especially medical evacuation.
- Copies of documents — passport, insurance, prescriptions.
- Emergency contact card in wallet.
- Medications + doctor's note for customs.
Tech tools for safety
- Life360 — share real-time location with family.
- Find My (iPhone) — family can see your location.
- Google Maps — save hotel address offline.
- TripIt — all bookings organized.
- WhatsApp — free calls home over WiFi.
- Apple Watch / SOS button — emergency call.
Accommodation tips
- Hotels often safer than vacation rentals solo.
- Request room near elevator — less walking.
- Don't display room number where strangers see.
- Use door security chain always.
- Choose well-reviewed hotels in central areas.
- Front desk staff are your allies.
Group tours option
- Solo but not alone — best of both.
- Tauck, Collette, Road Scholar — senior-friendly.
- Tour guide handles all logistics.
- Meet other solo travelers.
- Safe transportation included.
- Good for first international trip alone.
Money safety
- Notify bank before traveling — avoid card block.
- Bring two cards — keep one separate from purse.
- Small amounts of cash for tips + emergencies.
- Money belt for passport + extra card.
- No visible expensive jewelry or watch.
- Know bank's international ATM fees.
Start close to home
If you've never traveled solo, start with a domestic trip — a nearby city, a national park, or a short flight somewhere. Get comfortable booking, navigating, and being on your own before international travel. Many seniors discover solo travel in their 60s and 70s after children leave or losing a spouse, and find it more freeing than they expected.