The idea of solo trips may seem nerve-wracking for some people, but it doesn’t have to be. The travel spike in women over 55 seems to show that one demographic is embracing adventuring alone.
If you’re hoping to begin solo traveling, there are some tips and tricks you can use during your journeys to make the experience safer and more enjoyable. And you may even save some money on your travels by taking advantage of special offers like AARP membership insurance discounts for essentials like roadside assistance.
So how can you make the most of your solo travel experience? Let’s find out.
Keep Close Contact With Loved Ones While Away
Being in the moment may be one of the travel goals you set during your trip, but you shouldn’t skimp on checking in with loved ones during your adventures. Although it may be challenging to consider the worst-case scenario, anything can happen during your travels.
When you keep your loved ones updated on your location and plans for the day, it helps to keep you safe. Your family or friends will know if they don’t hear from you after a certain amount of time, they may want to do a wellness check to ensure you’re okay.\
Gavin Dawson, a disaster response medical expert, with Global Emergency Medics, recommends making your smart devices trackable by your loved ones while you’re traveling, “If you have an iPhone, for example, you can add family members to your ‘Find My iPhone’ app, allowing them to see where your devices are while you’re traveling.” According to Gavin, it’s always good to use that feature while traveling as it can come in handy in a variety of emergency situations.
It is also helpful in the event something was to happen. Rather than no one knowing your location or itinerary, your loved ones can provide authorities with a detailed description of where you were and what you did. This information can be crucial.
Whether you’re vacationing within the U.S. or traveling internationally, keeping in touch with loved ones offers you an extra level of safety and protection in the event of an emergency.
Keep Valuables and Cash Safe During Travels
Keeping yourself and your valuables safe is essential if you’re traveling with items like expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash. Once you reach your destination, it’s best to store these items in a safe — provided by many hotels — to keep them protected and off your person.
However, while traveling to your destination, it can be challenging to keep these items out of the hands of potential thieves. One of the easiest ways to ensure your valuables stay safe is to keep them as close as possible to you while you travel.
Choosing a bag with plenty of space for essential items that you can keep on your person is vital to avoiding theft. Unattended bags are a common target for thieves, but they are often less likely to make a robbery attempt for bags you carry at all times.
If you can avoid it altogether, it’s often best to travel with as few valuables as possible. However, some items may be essential to bring, like cash for purchases or electronics for working. If you must pack these items, be sure to keep them safe and protected on your adventures.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance to Protect Your Trip
One of the best ways to ensure your trip goes smoothly is to purchase travel insurance. It’s not uncommon for people to feel this coverage option is a waste of money, but having travel insurance can be a massive help if something goes wrong during your trip.
If you must cancel, your luggage is lost, you are robbed, or you have a medical emergency, travel insurance can help cover the cost, so you’re not forced to pay for these instances out of pocket.
Before embarking on your travels, speak to a few insurance agents and find out what kind of plans they offer. The type of coverage you need depends on the details of your trip, such as length and location.
Look for Discounts to Save Money on Your Travels
Traveling at the age of 55 or older may allow you to snag some great discounts during your solo trips. Spending less on items like hotels, flights, and rental cars can save money for future adventures or do more activities during your trip.
AARP memberships offer discounts for a wide range of travel expenses — from various hotels to excursions during your trip. Signing up for membership has a low yearly cost, and you can take advantage of the many discounts during your travels.
Many individual travel discounts are available if you research and ask before booking. Some cruise lines, airlines, and rental car companies offer special deals for customers over a certain age. Some companies may require you to be 65 or older, but many start their savings at 50 and up.
These deals are often available on U.S. and international trips, so be sure to look around for any deals specific to your planned travel locations.
Research Your Destination Before You Arrive
Even if you’re someone who loves to live in the moment, doing some research before arriving at your destination can be extremely helpful for various reasons. Not only will you have knowledge of the area, but you can also find unique experiences to enjoy during your stay.
Research can help you avoid areas with higher crime rates. Being aware before you arrive can keep you protected during your travels. You can choose a hotel in a safe location, use the best forms of public transportation, and find the most secure walking routes to avoid potential problems.
Research ahead of time also helps you find things to do during your stay. Most local activities will be posted online so you can easily find everything the area offers. Rather than feeling overwhelmed when you arrive, you can go into your trip knowing the things you hope to do while there.
Tips and Tricks for Women Traveling Solo Over 55
With a spike in travel for women over 55, learning the best trip and tricks for solo adventures is essential. Though the idea of taking a trip alone may seem scary or overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
You can ensure you stay safe during your trip by checking in with loved ones, keeping valuables protected, and researching destinations. By purchasing travel insurance and taking advantage of discounts, you can save money along the way.
Once you’ve utilized these tips and tricks, all that’s left to do is enjoy your solo trip.
