Am I too old to travel solo? I'm just a few months shy of fifty....

by Kathy
(New Zealand)

I have been alone for more than four years after leaving an abusive marriage of 13 years. I was an at home mother and only worked part-time most of my marriage life. I came out of divorce with not much due to a pre-nup. I retrained and currently in the Travel Industry.

My kids are all grown-up. I don't own anything but my car. I'm saying that I don't owe a single cent, no mortgage or hire purchase that could tie me back. I am no longer happy with my job and I'm getting old! I have spent the last three years visiting places I could not while I was married. I wanted to see the rest of the world; he wouldn't let me travel without him.

I can travel now but all my travels are quite limited due to being restricted with annual leave. I would like to be able to go away for a considerable length of time. It's a dream that has stayed dormant in my heart all my life!

Before I start using a walking stick to get me from A to B, I thought I should just give up my job, pack my bag and go! I have a little bit of money but I would prefer to earn enough to finance my trip while I am away. I would rather keep my savings to fall back on when I return. I am not a degree holder but I know a few trades, I was a hairdresser and did some training as massage therapist. I thought about Travel Writing (I have signed in with your 7 day lessons by the way) but English is not my Mother Tongue. Besides I have not written anything before. Is there any hope for me?

My second greatest concern is my age. Am I too old to go solo on the road? Are there options available for women my age? I would be most grateful if you can help me.

Answer: Old at less than fifty? I don't think so...

I did exactly what you're describing at the age of 43. A bit younger than you, perhaps, but not much. As I traveled, I met plenty of women who were far older than I was, and many of them were traveling solo - they were on their own, kids grown up... Many of them were younger in spirit that the 20-year-olds in the same hostel! And if you're a bit nervous about tackling the world on your own, you could try to find a travel buddy for at least part of your trip (I recently answered a question about travel buddies here).

Money is definitely a concern. When I decided to quit everything and leave, I spent an entire year downsizing and counting every penny. Even so, I left with very little and was on a tight budget as I traveled, especially the first year.

I'm glad you've decided to try my free travel writing course - I think you will benefit. English may not be your mother tongue but you write it better than many people who were brought up speaking it! You'd be surprised at the number of writers who become saleable yet had never written before... it's hard work and it's not for everyone - but it is definitely worth a try, and I think you'll have fun learning.

As for being too old... well... I think I made my point of view clear at the start of this answer: in my opinion, NO, you are not too old... and you won't be until you can't board a plane or walk down the street.

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Am I too old to travel solo? I'm just a few months shy of fifty....

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Much appreciated...
by: Kathy

I did not expect to get a reply this soon. There are so many websites that promises to do just that but no one ever replied.

Thank you so much and I feel quite inspired now. Still a bit scared by my heart is yearning towards going now. I have a trip to YVR with my girls early next year. Judging with the way I feel now, it looks like I will be coming back to sell my little possessions and investing on a RTW ticket. For now I will give my best on your free travel writing course. Thank you for your kind heart.

Again, much appreciated.
Kathy
Solo travel - 50 is just a number!
by: Anonymous

Kathy, if you are fit enough, backpacking is the way to go. I have hiked many 1000s of km on well supported, designated hikers paths, many pilgrimage trails through Europe, staying at youth hostels and gités, pilgrim shelters, monasteries and such.

It is a wonderful way for a single person - male or female - to meet other people, both locals and from other countries.

You go girl!! 50 is just a number. Hugs, Sil
Hi Sil
by: Kathy

Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts
and for the inspiration....

cheers
Kathy
You're just a whippersnapper!
by: gwen@algarveexperiences.com

First of all, congratulations on having the courage and tenacity to create a new life for yourself! I'm a career transition coach as well as a women's retreat provider and writer so I know very well just what it takes to begin life anew at any age. And, while I wasn't in an abusive relationship, I've just left my 30 year marriage as I approach 63 and am discovering the joys and challenges of living solo first hand.

But much more importantly, I encourage you to travel solo. I do and thoroughly enjoy it. I know women in their 70's who still travel on their own. And while she doesn't travel, one of my favourite women is Catherine, who is now 95 and was teaching Tai Chi when she was 94!! She is definitely my inspiration for the future.

If you haven't traveled much and if you haven't traveled solo before, you may want to start small and build your travel 'muscles'. By that I mean perhaps taking some short weekend trips by yourself to nearby towns or events. Given that I think you are still quite young, you may want to take a year to try out different things before making a major commitment. You may even want to take a 2 week trip by yourself before you head off for an extended trip all alone.

Not that I think anything awful awaits you. But there are times when plans don't work out and it can be very lonely returning to a hotel room all by yourself. Learning how to bounce back from those experiences, I think, can be easier when you know home is only another night or two away.

You'll also discover just what kind of pace and rhythm of travel experience really works best for you. Are you someone who likes to be up and out walking around at the crack of dawn? Do you like to be around other people or by yourself? Are you a 'grab a sandwich for lunch' kinda girl or do you like to luxuriate in a cafe as you watch the world go by? This discovery process is delightful and it can help you make really good decisions about the places and types of experiences you want to invest your hard earned money into on longer trips.

My big travel joy at the moment, in addition to regular trips to Portugal, is to camp by myself. I bought I little pop-up tent trailer this fall and have begun spending nights under the stars. My friends think I'm crazy, but I can't tell you how much pleasure I get from making my own little campfire in the evening, sitting under the stars and sipping a glass of wine while I contemplate all the great adventures I'm going to create for myself.

So young whippersnapper, travel away is my advice. Enjoy.

Gwen McCauley
Point Noted...
by: Gwen

The knowledge that comes with experience is a precious gift. If I was told I was a whippersnapper ten years ago I'll probably feel offended. But now I take it as a compliment. Thanks a lot for taking the time to convey your thoughts, much appreciated. I can see your point.

I have traveled a little bit Gwen. I have seen my country (NZ) from top to bottom. Probably more than most Kiwis have. And yes I have been away on my own on short trips. I've been to more than ten countries but you are quite right, I have not traveled alone outside NZ except for a few occasions when I go back to my home country.

I've traveled with my ex husband on organized tours. But since I have been on my own, I organize my own trips. I've organized a few trips for small groups. I'm a "no frills travel girl". I don't mind the odd nice dinner but the norm is "flexibility". I can get up as early as I need to even if I go to bed very late, so no problems there.

What I really want to experience is find myself in a situation where I've not been before. I can't swim but one day I decided to go swim with the whale sharks. I've never felt so scared in my whole life before. Jumping into the deep water, all I expected was a watery grave for me but still I jumped in. Facing my fear and coming out okAy was very liberating. I felt the same when I bungee jumped. I am scared of heights and I know I will always be unless I learn to face my fear.

I think I'm not too bad really. I don't have the knowledge and experience that you get and learn from being out there on the road and I never will unless I go and find out.

Again thank you so much. It's awesome to have this chance to hear from experienced, inspiring and knowledgeable women like you.



Still on the road at 73
by: SWAHAA

Fifty is absolutely NOT too late to start traveling on your own! I began traveling by myself once again at age 50 (also after a divorce). Went back-packing on Mt. Ranier. Since then, I've lived abroad for four years in three different countries and traveled all over Europe and Asia on my own.

You'll need to get into shape if you travel on your own, though, and you need to be safety-conscious.

I've started a blog that will include travel journals, photos and tips at http://solowomenathomeandabroad.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
upstate New York
by: Karina

I used to think travel was for young people but I don't think so anymore. I was backpacking for 6mos and I was in a guest house in Cape Town and met this wonderful lady from Canada, she looked 90 but was probably 80 anyway she was a great-grandmother and had all the pics to prove it!!! She was sleeping in a quad with everyone else and even stayed up to party a couple of times!! The most awesome bit is she came overland from London on her own, not with Kontiki or a tour bus or anything. She just figured it out! She said she always wanted to travel faraway but she had kids and then grandkids and a husband and anyway she had these responsibilities but when her husband died she decided this was IT and others could be responsible and she was going to see the world. From Cape Town I think she was going to Madagascar or something and then to India where she wanted to stay at an ashram. Awesome!
A rolling stone needs no Botox
by: Dianne Sharma Winter

Hello Kiwi lady! I loved reading the answers to your query. I have lived On The Road between NZ and India and SE Asia since my husband died 12 years ago with no signs of slowing down at all.

You will find that there are lots of women our age out there traveling solo, sometimes it feels to me as if women between the ages of 40 and 80 must be the biggest group of solo travelers. We are everywhere and happy to meet other soul mates along the way so don't be shy!
http://blog.diannesharmawinter.com/

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