SOS... My first big overseas trip...I am 59!!!

by Shakona Rose
(Byron Bay NSW, Australia)

Finally a life long dream has come to fruition. My eldest daughter has gifted me an airfare to the destination of my choice in 2011. I live in Australia have only been to NZ.

I have several destinations in mind although would love to see it all!!!
1. India
2. Thailand/Cambodia etc
3. Sth America...Peru
4. Central America
to name some of the destinations top of my list.

I will be travelling on a small budget plus I do get my widow's allowance for 3 mths whilst I am overseas. Also I am only small in stature and light framed and know that a backpack would be too much of a burden for me. I feel one of those bags with wheels and the handle would be more appropriate for me.

I need some good honest helpful advice and suggestions to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

Answer: First things first. At 59, you're a spring chicken when it comes to travel. It seems as though hordes of women your age have decided to take off and travel - welcome to you all! You'd be amazed at the number of mature women on the road.

Here are some of them:
Am I too old to travel solo? I'm just a few months shy of 50
Women over 70?
A woman in her fifties traveling to South Asia...
Traveling overland in Africa as a 60-year-old woman

As you can see, you are NOT alone!

Now, age apart, if you're traveling overseas on your own for the first time (and I'd give this advice at any age) I wouldn't start with India. It's a glorious country but much harder to travel in than others. Southeast Asia would be my pick for a first-timer.

Now for the backpack. I understand your concern but I'd think twice. The great thing about a backpack is that it leaves your hands free, and you might be grateful for that. The problem with the wheeled suitcases or packs is that they only really work properly when the ground is smooth, for example in an airport. Having traveled extensively around Southeast Asia (and Central and South America for that matter) I can confirm that where there are sidewalks (and that's not everywhere) they're often uneven or downright full of potholes. If you're backpacking you could easily reduce your pack's weight to something virtually negligible.

That said, others out there might disagree... Hina in the USA is also small and she asked, What backpack should I buy? The resources in my answer to her might help you too.

l think this will do for a start - but please don't hesitate to come back if you have more questions. And when you do travel, we'd love to hear about your experiences as a first-time Golden Girl!

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SOS... My first big overseas trip...I am 59!!!

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59 is so young to travel!
by: Pat

I've been to many many many countries - usually solo. YES with the backpack. FORGET anything you have to carry or wheel.

I am in mid 60's now!

Hostels are great - you meet interesting people, can buddy up with ones you like to sightsee, cook meals together with, maybe find a good house-sitting gig, share a rent-a-car, etc.

Also spiritual retreat houses, I like.

Do LOTS of research online 1st.

You can start out in a hostel, maybe work a desk or cleaning shift for your keep, while you search around for a room.

Family stays are great - esp. if they cater to students. (Of all ages - students of life, too).

My last trip was a month in Peru, solo. Stayed with a family - thru a student housing site I found online. In Puno, found a nice $10 US/room in a side street family hotel. Nice and quiet - my preference. Met single solo mature women travels in a neighborhood nice little restaurant.

In Kathmandu, I stayed in the Tibetan neighborhood. I don't like noisy tourist sections... too many partying kids getting drunk.

I prefer quiet, spiritual ambiance :) It was about the price of a fancy cup of coffee/night. Ate in the European restaurants - got to know many fellow travelers.

Travel LIGHT. I wear 1 change of clothes, carry 1. Wash 1 set out each night. 1 pair of shoes that I wear. Buy things locally. Take old clothes that you can leave behind. More room for souvenirs on the return trip. Best not to look prosperous when traveling, anyway.

Good travel money belt INSIDE clothes (not the fanny pack) essential for passport and most money. Daily pocket money OK in a pocket or fanny pack.

Be friendly, but reserved. Trust no-one...but don't be paranoid! Get street smart.

Have Fun! Congrats on taking off to see the world!

I am 62
by: Anonymous

If you are worried about carrying a backpack, spend some time at a gym before leaving. I build up both my strength and stamina by doing regular treadmill and strength weight training before I go. If you have a wheeled bag you must be able to carry it up several flights of stairs (e.g., on subways or in small hotels) and lift it overhead into a train luggage rack without help. The further you can walk without tiring, the more you will enjoy your travel.

I take a wheeled 22 inch bag but don't put any more than about 15-18 lbs in it so I can carry it. I must do that because I need to take a CPAP machine with me, which goes in my backpack. Purse items also go in the backpack (e.g, Kindle, phone, snacks for plane/train). I find that if I have more than 2 items to keep track of, there is a greater danger of losing one. I originally took my CPAP in its carrying case and lost it in the Gare de Lyon when a thief mistook it for a camera bag. The two-person team distracted me by asking a question. I set down the bag and when I was finished talking and looked around, it was gone. So now I take it inside a backpack and have my hands free, so I can keep one on the handle of my rolling bag at all times, while still buying tickets or doing something else with the other hand.

I stay in hostels and love them, but I am picky about finding quiet ones with fewer drunken students. Reading the hostel reviews is helpful, then I go to the ones the reviews call clean but boring. They tend to be located near interesting sights, but also sometimes in the noisy bar and restaurant areas where outside noise is a problem. Bring foam earplugs.

Wheeled Backpacks
by: Di

You nolonger have to choose between a wheeled bag and a backpack since there are now wheeled backpacks available. I have just purchased one by caribee and I can't wait to try it out. Why not wheel when you can and carry when you have to? Also agree with doing some gym work before you go which will make you feel stronger & fitter.
PS. good on you!

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