Solo Travel after 65, more fun, culture and good food

Traveling was about excitement and the unknown

Finding an event while already there, booking a room the night before and feeling the adrenaline when nothing seemed to be working out was fun. 

Somewhere in my mid 60’s, things shifted. Not in a dramatic “I can’t do this anymore” way. Nowadays, I think time is a luxury, and plan each trip carefully so that I only do what I love.

What do you do before you travel?

Do you plan carefully? Do you stay in Airbnb’s rent homes, or stay in hotels? Is solo travel a choice or does it feel like the only option?

More older single women are traveling in groups now. There are travel agents who cater to singles. In the old days, that meant sharing a room with a stranger. Not anymore. 

I still like solo travel, but I have changed how I do it.

What I do now for my solo travel after 65

My trips are shorter and around my interests. I travel to see art exhibits, art and photo fairs, to join a workshop or to meet a friend. My trips usually have some sort of a theme.

A few years ago I went to Amsterdam for the Vermeer exhibit. My Paris trip was all about the Paris Photo fair, with a private tour, walks by the Seine and good dinners. I went to Bologna for the Children’s Illustration Book Fair.

Tips for a better solo trips 

Hotels, not Airbnb’s. The platform has changed, and not for the better.

I want a front desk. Not because I am helpless but because if I have a health issue or need help at 10:00 pm, I want to speak to a human and not refer to some silly instruction manual taped to a refrigerator.

Carry-on only. My large suitcase is retired. One very light carry-on. In winter, I check in my bag, but it’s a civilized bag, not one that requires its own postal code.

I plan arrivals and departures. I know which train I need to catch before I arrive. If I don’t feel like taking public transportation, I’ll arrange for a car. My past self would judge me, and my present self loves this about me. Convenience, and peace of mind.

I eat well. I used to picnic constantly, charming, frugal and occasionally wonderful. Now I plan for a few good restaurants. A great meal is part of the trip and not an afterthought.

I always plan for a shopping afternoon. Not necessarily to buy, but to enjoy. Sennelier in Paris is a must. I still haven’t made it to Maison du Pastel which is an ongoing embarrassment I intend to correct. Toast in London for beautiful clothes, Galleries Lafayette and Merci in Paris, Angela Caputti in Rome for exotic and fun jewellry.

I sit on benches. Parks, sidewalks, Piazzas. I watch the world. I no longer need to be in constant motion.

Some of my best travel moments have happened while sitting completely still.

I buy proper travel insurance. Past me assumed nothing would go wrong. Over 65 me even reads the policy (sometimes).

I pack my medication like a professional. Clear pouch, typed list, carry-on only.

I retired the big camera. I spent years lugging a serious camera through airports and up stairs and hills. My phone takes beautiful photos and fits in my pocket. Zero regrets. Solo travel after 65 is so much lighter.

My sketchbook is my journal. I pack a small sketchbook, pens, and watercolours. I sketch in the metro, at the park, or during a meal. Sketching makes me at home wherever I am.

I wear comfortable shoes.

Most of my trips are shorter. I live in Lisbon, so I can go to Paris for 3 nights or London for 4. Shorter trips allow me to focus on my passions and come home feeling refreshed and ready to get back to my things. 

Solo travel after 65 got more mine and a lot more fun.

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