Solo Travel?

[VictoriaJZ]

For the past 40 years my husband and I have traveled quite a few places, in the US and more often, overseas, thanks largely to the info and help we have received here. Mark passed in late March and I don't want to give up traveling so wonder if there are any resources out there for those not used to solo travel, particularly overseas? For instance, I'd love to go back to Morocco and one friend already has other travel plans and I'm not sure who would be able and willing to join me. How have others found compatible journey-mates? Thanks for any wisdom. Not that I can't travel alone and I will if I have to, just that it's often more fun /interesting with someone else.

 

[Eleanor]

It's difficult the first time you travel alone.... There are some travel companies that specialise in solos holidays and some tour operators run special solos holidays. (I'm familiar with UK companies but not ones in the US but I am sure there will be some.)

I always travel solo now and have always found other travellers are very friendly and often take a solo under their wing. The main downside I've found is the dreaded solo supplement...

 

[JMichael]

My condolences on your husband's passing. Some considerations: you're an experienced traveler. Did you or your husband do most of the planning? I know my wife loves the trips we take, but would be lost trying to plan one out. Regardless, maybe the first time out, you might wish to take a tour. I see Road Scholars offers a special category of tours for solo travelers.

 

[JMichael]

I don't have any experience with this company, but I came across this page in a search. They have a solo traveler guide and I notice they offer a tour to Morocco. Overseas Adventure Travel

 

[mismirr]

Hi VIctoria, my husband also died a few years ago and I've since been traveling on my own. One thing I've found enjoyable is to plan hybrid vacations - I start out with a tour somewhere, usually for a week (eg, Puglia, or the Basque region) and then continue in the area on my own. I find it helps to get my bearings, and with a good tour, it can be fun to share the experience with other people. But I must admit in many ways the solo traveling part is at least as gratifying.

 

[dayhiker]

Since we have slowed down, we have taken a few Road Scholar Tours. They do offer some trips for solo travelers only, and even for women only. But I found that the solo travelers in our groups have been very consciously included in all activities and conversations. The tour managers are responsible for some of this, but fellow travelers are just so friendly. Another option is OAT (Overseas Adventure Travel mentioned by JMichael above), which either does not a charge single supplement or keeps it very low. I like mismirr's suggestion about hybrid vacations - tour followed by staying over on your own. Keep enjoying your travel!

 

[LindaSV]

For the past 40 years my husband and I have traveled quite a few places, in the US and more often, overseas, thanks largely to the info and help we have received here. Mark passed in late March and I don't want to give up traveling so wonder if there are any resources out there for those not used to solo travel, particularly overseas? For instance, I'd love to go back to Morocco and one friend already has other travel plans and I'm not sure who would be able and willing to join me. How have others found compatible journey-mates? Thanks for any wisdom. Not that I can't travel alone and I will if I have to, just that it's often more fun /interesting with someone else.

Victoria, I too am a recent widow and frequent traveler. Journey Women is an excellent source. Their forum offers tours they initiate and other opportunities geared to women. A subset of them is Solo women Travelers Over 50. Just reading the trip adventures is a mini trip in itself. Most recommend in the beginning taking mini trips solo… to find your comfort zone and what works and what doesn’t. Take it one step at a time and let your soul lead as you find the best path forward. Take care…

 

[coleyfagiole]

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a time of so many transitions, but holding on to an activity you love is important.
I am a solo traveller, not by choice, and have found that many tours are good for solo travelers too. I look for smaller, highly individualized trips, such as the one to Guatemala I’m doing in March.
When going truly solo, I try to find day tours (food, history, etc) to alleviate the being alone all the time.
There are also a number of Facebook groups for solo travelers, one especially for solo women over 50. It’s a diverse and inspiring group!
I do still find the planning much less fun so I’m trying to find fellow travelers too…
Feel free to message me directly if you’d like to discuss any of it. Buon viaggio!

 

[Cda]

Find small group tours. Maybe women only

My daughter has done three trips with this lady. Small group no problems has a great time

Going to India with her next month

Her schedule is varied

Laura Ericson: Life-Changing Group Travel Experiences

Boutique group trips for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Safely explore beyond tourist spots and immerse in local cultures for a unique journey.

www.lauraericson.com

 

[VictoriaJZ]

My condolences on your husband's passing. Some considerations: you're an experienced traveler. Did you or your husband do most of the planning? I know my wife loves the trips we take, but would be lost trying to plan one out. Regardless, maybe the first time out, you might wish to take a tour. I see Road Scholars offers a special category of tours for solo travelers.

Thanks - I did all the planning - loved to do it - but I didn't know ref Road Scholars and that does sound like a good way to get one's toe in the water. And thanks to all for all of this great advice == and links == I'll look into it a bit more and will be sure to report back!!