Have you been dreaming of a trip somewhere, but have no one to go with…so you end up staying at home? Not only are you missing out, but you’re lonely besides. There’s good news: today it’s easier than ever to travel the world as a single woman (or man) and find friendly companions to dine with and trade stories. Cast away any worries about being isolated and alone.
Janice Waugh, founder of the website Solo Traveler and author of The Solo Traveler’s Handbook, says “I love traveling solo because of the people I meet. I think traveling alone makes me more approachable compared to people who are traveling with friends or family.”
Waugh adds that it’s never too late to start traveling solo. “Everywhere I go in the world, I meet lots of female solo travelers, and many, like me, are over the age of 60.” According to a survey she conducted for Solo Traveler, these women relish the freedom to do what they want without having to wait around for others. They also appreciate the opportunity solo travel gives them to challenge themselves and gain confidence.
Here are four fabulous vacation ideas that will give you the chance to travel on your own while engaging with others when and where you want to:
River cruise: American Cruise Lines, winner of Cruise Critic’s Best for Solo Travelers Award, offers 35 itineraries in over 25 states on ships that can carry 100-200 passengers. All of the cruises are carefully curated and focus on exploring the art, history and culture of the ports visited. Open seating for dinner, a daily cocktail hour and excursions at every stop make it easy to socialize with other guests. Single cabins are available without the dreaded single supplement charge, and there are elevators to all decks. LaWanda of Nacogdoches, TX, has gone on three cruises with American Cruise Lines and says “Traveling alone, I can always count on friendly, helpful service.” Cost: $3255 and up for a 7-day cruise.
Another option: Viking River Cruises, which specializes in European destinations.
Wellness retreat: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is set on a spectacularly beautiful campus in the rolling hills of Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains. Many yoga and meditation classes run daily along with workshops on topics as diverse as healing from loss to managing anxiety – you can also book spa treatments. Three buffet-meals are offered with vegetarian, vegan and omnivore options, and breakfast is always silent. Cellphones are banned from most public areas. Rooms are no frills but comfortable. Cost: Shared rooms and baths start at $120/night; programs start at $85/day. Day passes are also available.
Dana Jacobi, author of The Power Greens Cookbook has stayed at Kripalu many times since the 1980s and enjoys the retreat as a solo traveler because “I know that I can be on my own as much as I want and also share conversation and meals when I want to be social.” The native New Yorker also feels comfortable hiking to the nearby lakeside on her own or joining group walks.
Another option: For a more luxurious wellness vacation, visit The Lodge at Woodloch, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Scholarly vacation: Road Scholar is a not-for-profit educational organization that offers over 90 national and international programs created just for solo travelers with the option of a single or shared room. “Solo travelers—especially solo female travelers—have a special affinity for our unique brand of learning vacations,” says James Moses, president and CEO. An added bonus: All trips are rated for physical difficulty on a scale going from “Easy Going” to “Outdoor: Challenging.” Cost: $600 for two days to $12,000 for six weeks.
Another option: Smithsonian Journeys, a similar non-profit travel group affiliated with the Smithsonian Museum.
Artsy vacation: Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts, Ludlow, VT. On any given day in the summer you can find artists weaving baskets, needle-punching rugs, painting in watercolor, acrylic and oil, quilting and silversmithing on the bucolic grounds of this art school campus. In the fall and winter, they run weekend and evening classes. One-day classes cost $120; special deals are available for seniors in the winter months.
Another option: The prestigious Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.
So where are YOU going next?
For more information, visit these online sources:
Solo Traveler: https://solotravelerworld.com/
Solo Travel Society: https://www.facebook.com/SoloTravelSociety/
Bio: Nancy Monson is a travel and wellness writer, artist and health coach. Connect with her on Instagram.
Photo: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
COMMENTS
2 responses to “Travel solo? No problem!”
good question
i would like to know too
good recommendations, however, am also interested in any associations or organizations that arrange for solos unknown to each other but share keenness for the same destinations and types of vacation, e.g., beach, islands, snorkeling, etc. Thanks so much, Barbara
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
12 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
29
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Krakow, Poland!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
31
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
8 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
P2P Payment Services
P2P Payment Services
In this lecture, you’ll learn about some of today’s most popular P2P payment services, including PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
13 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Seville, Spain!
管理個人隱私簡介
管理個人隱私簡介
一起來學習互聯網隱私維護的小貼士吧!
14 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
8 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
12 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
點對點付款
點對點付款
如果您還不太了解點對點付款,快來聽聽這堂講座!
14 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
8 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history, and even show you how to play instruments.
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Today's session has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please join us next week.
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
13 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
A.I. 人工智能簡介
A.I. 人工智能簡介
快來和 ChatGPT 聊天,了解 A.I.!
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
10 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Podcasts
Podcasts
In this lecture, you'll learn more about these audio programs available on the internet: why people listen to them, where you can find them, and what the most popular ones are.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
13 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Tunis, Tunisia!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
15 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
9 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
Morning Stretch
P2P Payment Services
Tai Chi
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
管理個人隱私簡介
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
點對點付款
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
A.I. 人工智能簡介
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Morning Stretch
Podcasts
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
關於 Zoom 的一切
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments