How to Plan Your First Solo Trip After 60
Being one of Illinois' 2.8 million seniors comes with plenty of challenges, but it also comes with a lot of freedom.
Retirement shouldn't be about living a sedentary life, especially if you're physically fit and active. When you find the right senior living community, you can properly look after your health with exercise and nutrition. This gives you the ability to enjoy the world the way you should after 60.
One way to do this is to go on an adventure all by yourself. In today's post, we'll help you plan an unforgettable senior solo travel trip by giving you some tips and tricks.
The key to enjoyable and safe travel for seniors is planning. Keep reading and you'll be able to choose the best solo travel destinations for seniors and get all your ducks in a row for a successful trip.
Solo Travel Destinations for Seniors
When you're retired and have an amazing living situation in a senior living community, the world is truly your oyster. That said, you should start planning your trip early to avoid any unnecessary stress. Booking your destination far in advance will secure the best travel rates and give you plenty of time to plan.
The beauty of modern travel is that you can get anywhere in the world anytime, but here are some of the best destinations to enjoy adventure travel for seniors.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a historic city that offers incredible sightseeing, warm weather, and friendly locals. It's also one of the most affordable European travel destinations, allowing you to enjoy a longer trip.
The streets of Lisbon are straightforward and easily navigable for seniors. If you're keen on walking them, you'll be rewarded with art, architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Paris, France
Paris -- the City of Lights -- is one of the most-visited cities in the world, with around 50 million tourists per year. This might put off some travelers, but if you're keen on culture and history, you'll be happy to spend time there.
Some of the most popular sightseeing spots in Paris include:
- The Louvre
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
- Shakespeare and Company bookstore
One thing's for sure: you'll never run out of things to do, see, and eat in this massive historic city. Spend some time brushing up on your French before you do.
Dublin, Ireland
You'll find another one-of-a-kind town with friendly locals and a rich history in Dublin. One of the first things you'll notice about Dublin is just how compact it is. Its walkable streets will allow you to take it all rather quickly and leave some room for spontaneity.
Dublin is home to countless restaurants of all kinds and, of course, plenty of amazing pubs. No trip to Dublin is complete without the obligatory trip to the Guinness Storehouse at St. James' Gate.
If you've got adventure on your mind, you'd be remiss not to travel around the rest of the Emerald Isle as well. It's quaint culture and natural beauty is one-of-a-kind.
Victoria, Canada
For something a bit closer to home, book a trip to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada. It's a small, eminently walkable city nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, one of the most beautiful places in North America.
While the city of Victoria offers plenty to do and see, the real perk of visiting Vancouver Island is seeing nature in all its immensity. East Sooke Provincial Park, Port Renfrew, or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, Pacific Rim National Park offers amazing views of the Pacific with hiking paths and old-growth forests with ancient Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Giant Cedar trees
You'll want to bring your hiking boots along for the trip, but you'll be rewarded in the biggest way.
Tips for Planning and Packing
Once you've selected your destination and booked your airfare, it's time to start planning and packing. To make your trip completely stress-free, start researching your destination and creating an itinerary you can follow while you're there.
At the same time, it's always good to leave room for spontaneity. Have a loose plan for each day, but allow yourself the time to go off on a whim if you're feeling the urge. Over-scheduling will only make you tired, which will make you feel like you haven't maximized your vacation.
When it comes to packing, make sure you look into what the weather typically is for the time of year you're traveling. Traveling by yourself makes it easy to pack light, but you never want to be caught out in the snow or rain.
Travel Safety Advice
Travel safety is imperative at any age, but especially when you're a senior. If you've got any mobility issues, don't be afraid to bring along whatever you need to help you, whether it's a cane, walker, or back support while in transit.
Before you depart, make sure to obtain travel insurance in case of a medical situation. It doesn't have to be a medical emergency; you may need it if you get the flu or twist an ankle. Travel insurance will make it easy to get affordable assistance and medication wherever you are.
If you choose a great tourist destination and do your research, you shouldn't run into problems. That said, avoid areas where you're unsure of yourself or you feel may be dangerous.
Most places are totally safe, but everywhere has its share of crime. Stay in touristy areas, especially if you're uncomfortable asking for help or simply don't speak the language.
Senior Solo Travel Is Liberating
Never be discouraged from planning senior solo travel. Traveling by yourself can be intimidating at first, but if you choose your destination wisely, plan carefully, and take all of the necessary precautions, it's incredibly liberating as well.
By planning a trip of this nature, you can prove to yourself that age is just a number. When you get back, you'll have unbelievable memories and stories for all of your friends and relatives.
When you're not traveling, having an amazing senior living community to look after your physical and mental health is essential. That's what Addington Place of Edwardsville gives you, offering unique amenities, dining, activities, and culture. To learn more about our amazing senior living community in Edwardsville, IL, don't hesitate to contact us today.