An expert’s guide to travelling solo in later life

Age Co has invited travel journalist, Teresa Machan, to share her expert tips on how to make your first solo holiday a smooth one

I've travelled all over the world on my adventures, and I love sharing the tips and experiences I've picked up along the way. Turning 50 didn't slow me down one bit – my travel list just keeps getting longer. Whether I'm with a group, on an expedition ship or exploring independently, I rarely feel lonely.

Travelling solo opens all sorts of doors. That’s why I encourage you not to let a lack of confidence hold you back. Take that first solo trip and see where it leads you.

Below you’ll find my top tips for finding the right solo adventure and how you can get ready to go it alone.

Specialised solo travel operators 

If you’re considering your first solo holiday, you may want a bit of handholding. There are specialist solo travel operators I’ve used and spoken to who can advise on every step of the journey – including accessibility options. Some operators include flights, meals and even excursions in the price. See my list of suggested tour operators at the end of this article.

Watch out for additional charges

Whether choosing a hotel stay, an “escorted” (group) tour or a cruise, try to avoid paying a so-called single supplement, which is an additional fee for solo travellers. You could ask for a waiver or request to be matched with a same-sex roommate to keep costs down. Most operators have a forum where you can chat and get to know your roommate before your trip.

Debbie O’Neil, managing director of tour operator Jules Verne, tells me the company offers no-single-supplement options as well as solo-only departures. Both options help make the experience as accessible as possible for people choosing to travel on their own.

Cruise lines welcome solo travellers and those with accessibility needs. Cunard, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Fred Olsen offer solo cabins and group activities for singles. Responsible Travel also runs solo-friendly accessible cruises on the Nile.

Activity holidays to worldwide destinations

You might easily picture your dream holiday but need guidance on arranging it. Trips with Friendship Travel cater for a variety of interests, whether it’s skiing in the Alps, trekking across a Greek island or walking in Turkey or Hampshire. 

Colum McLornan, its managing director, says their activity holidays have proven to be a great way for like-minded individuals to meet and make lasting friendships. The company hosts painting trips in Italy, Portugal, Greece and Ireland. 

Explore’s 60-plus range offers adventure holidays with graded levels of activity, from relaxed to full-on. Choose from journeys including cycling tours in southern India and walking trips on the Amalfi Coast with food and wine-tasting breaks.

Mandy: a single traveller becoming more adventurous with each trip

Experienced single traveller Mandy May, 65, felt apprehensive before her first group holiday.

Used to her own pace, the thought of travelling with strangers sparked some jitters: "What if I don’t click with anyone? Will we have anything in common?"

Her first trip was to Italy with Solos Holidays. “I’m an avid art fan and Florence and Siena were both on my list,” she says.

The trip acted as a springboard for future adventures. “Since then, I’ve done walking holidays in Slovenia, Croatia and La Gomera. I’m off to Uzbekistan in April – I’ve wanted to do the Silk Route for some time.” 

Top tip: You can inform your bank and credit card companies before travelling overseas to avoid any issues with your cards.

Hand-picked holidays for single travellers

Activity isn’t for everyone, especially in the later years. If you simply want to relax somewhere lovely, Solos Holidays and Friendship Travel offer hotel-only options in popular destinations. Sawdays suggests a selection of properties hand-picked for single travellers in the UK and France, including a château stay that features dinners with the hosts and other guests.

Staycation for your first solo adventure?

It’s normal to feel nervous about travelling as we get older. If you're unsure about venturing too far afield, consider a short break closer to home. Companies like Riviera Travel, who cater to a mature clientele, offer trips to nearby destinations such as Bruges.

Others including One Traveller offer a four-night stay at dog-friendly Dunston Hall in Norfolk, an Elizabethan-style mansion surrounded by parkland.

Worried about being lonely?

A quick look at the comments on solo traveller forums will ease doubts about friendliness and inclusivity. Many “solos” return home eager to plan their next adventure – often with new friends in tow.

From Caribbean cruises to chasing the northern lights, the possibilities for solo travel are endless. Whether you seek relaxation, exploration or self-improvement, there's a solo trip waiting for you.

The reasons to travel solo, especially as we get older, are diverse. They might be for personal growth or to pursue hobbies and sports. Maybe it’s simply because companions don't share our desire for travel or our dream destinations.

Logistics and unfamiliar faces can sometimes be daunting – so you could consider a hosted group trip with fellow solo travellers, including first-timers.

Get honest advice while making new travel companions

Join company forums or social media groups, and chat with fellow travellers before your trip. Mandy recommends the Solos Facebook group: “It really helps to break the ice.” You’re sure to meet plenty of travellers in the same age bracket.

Solo travel: empowering and friendly

Fiona Quinn, who organises ski adventures for independent travellers through Solo Holidays, has seen first-hand the transformative power of solo travel. Many of her guests are seasoned skiers aged 50 or over, proving that age is just a number on the slopes.

What's truly inspiring is how these solo adventurers forge connections. Fiona often sees them staying in touch, planning future ski trips together, and developing lasting friendships.

Top tip: Double check your travel insurance covers activities such as skiing. You may need to take out extra protection, especially if you want equipment covered too.

Health concerns? Age Co Travel Insurance is here to help

If you haven’t travelled alone before, it’s normal to be apprehensive, especially if you have concerns about medical assistance and cover while travelling abroad. Age Co Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage (99% of pre-existing conditions), no upper age limit, and a 24/7 medical assistance helpline.

If you think you’ve had most of your solo travel questions answered but have reservations about access to healthcare and insurance when travelling, please visit our Age Co Travel insurance page. You can also gather great tips for your journey from our useful travel articles.

Summary

If you’re embarking on a solo holiday, remember these top tips:

• Consider group tours or cruises: This is a great way to meet like-minded travellers and sometimes avoid single supplement charges.
• Look for travel companies that specialise in solo holidays for over 50s: Many companies offer tours designed for solo travellers. Some cruise lines even have solo cabins and group activities.
• Start with a shorter trip closer to home: If you're feeling apprehensive about venturing too far afield, consider a weekend getaway or a staycation.
• Join solo travel social media groups or forums: Ask questions, get tips and potentially get acquainted with your travel companions before your trip.
• Inform your bank and credit card companies: This will help avoid any issues with your cards while you're abroad.

Travel operators and cruise lines that offer solo traveller holidays:

Just You, Solos Holidays, Friendship Travel, One Traveller, Jules Verne, Riviera Travel, Explore, Intrepid, Ramble Worldwide, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean,  Fred Olsen, Sawdays