How to Plan Your First Solo Trip After 60: A Step-by-Step Guide to Travel Solo Confidently

How to Plan Your First Solo Trip After 60: A Step-by-Step Guide to Travel Solo Confidently

“Your first solo trip isn’t about miles—it’s about meeting the woman who’s been waiting her whole life to be free.”

From a 63-Year-Old Who’s Been There. This is a battle-tested blueprint for women over 60 who crave adventure but need a roadmap to quiet the “what ifs.”

The Pre-Trip Mindshift: Rewire Your Inner Critic

Your First 3 Mental Upgrades:

  1. From: “I’ll be lonely” To: “Solitude is where I rediscover my joy.”
    • My Cruise Revelation: On my “solo toe-dip” trip, I was surrounded by strangers who became momentary companions. It’s where I discovered that solo travel doesn’t mean solitude 24/7. It means freedom to choose: chat with strangers or savor quiet sunrises.
  1. From: “It’s not safe”  To: “I prepare wisely, so fear never pilots my journey.”

Essential Safety Tools

  1. Portable Alarm Door Stopper: my condo/hotel room sentinel
  2. Personal Alarm: When you start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable
  1. From: “I’m too old” To: “Age is my Superpower. My wrinkles are passports to respect and discounts!”
  2. Maximize Travel Discounts: Seniors can get discounts ranging from 5% to 50% off airlines, hotels, car rentals, tours, and attractions. Seek and you will find. Ask & Receive 

Affirmation for Courage:

“I am a seasoned navigator of life—this trip is my next beautiful  adventure.” (Repeat daily while holding your comfort object!)

Your Fearless 7-Step Planning System

Step 1: Choose Your “Toe-Dip” Destination Ideal Starter Spot:

  • Weekend Cruise: Safe, lots of potential companions, planned activities. You’re traveling solo, but never really alone. 
  • Mexico: Largest expat community for women 60+ (built-in support).
  • Road Scholar: Guided senior tours  
  • Cherrie’s Hack: Use Rome2Rio to find senior-friendly transport routes.

Step 2: Master the Art of Slow Travel

  • Book Monthly Airbnb Stays (28+ days = 30-60% off):
    • Filter for “single-story” or “elevator access.”
    • Message hosts: “I’m a senior solo traveler—is this property suitable?”
  • Safety Checklist:
    ☑️ Ground-floor room
    ☑️ Well-lit neighborhood (check via Google Street View)
    ☑️ Host responds within 24 hours

Step 3: Simplify Your Journey

Travel ElementSenior-Optimized Solution
FlightsUse Google Flights → if flexible, leave destination blank, and choose based on price, location and country you want to explore.
Onward TicketsFake flight reservations via OnwardTicket ($16) for visa requirements. 
Luggage21″ spinner suitcase (Travelpro Maxlite) + foldable cane

Step 4: Safety-Proof Your Adventure

  • Must-Have Gear:
    • eSIM for Data: Airalo ($8 for 10GB) → call Ubers/translate signs.
    • Medical Info Card: Laminate a card with blood type, allergies, and emergency contacts.
    • Portable Door Alarm: GE Model → clips under any door.

Step 5: Build Your “Courage Itinerary”

  • Day 1: Arrive → rest at accommodation.
  • Day 2: Free walking tour (Guruwalk) → meet travelers.
  • Day 3: Solo lunch at a café (bring a book or journal).
  • Day 4: Paid tour via Viator (guide = instant safety net).
  • Golden Rule: Schedule only one activity daily → savor, don’t rush.

Step 6: Pack Like a Pro

Senior-Specific Packing List:

  • Comfort Essentials: Compression socks, foldable cane, pink blanket (your emotional anchor!).
  • Safety Musts: Door alarm, money belt, copies of prescriptions.
  • Tech Simplified: Smartphone + power bank (no laptop needed).
    Pro Tip: Roll clothes → 50% more space!

Step 7: The Departure Day Mindset Reset

  1. Morning Ritual:
  2. Airport Hack: Request a wheelchair escort → skip lines + reduce stress.

Conquering Top 3 Senior Fears

  1. “What if I get lonely?”
    • Fix: Book a cooking class or EatWith dinner. Connection finds you when you’re doing what you love!
  1. “What if my health fails?”
  2. Fix: Use SafetyWing Insurance (covers pre-existing conditions + telemedicine).
  1. “What if I look foolish?”
  2. Fix: Own your age! Wear that sunhat, ask for help, and laugh freely. Vulnerability is courage’s signature.

Your First Trip Toolkit

ResourceLinkWhy You Need It
Senior Discount DirectorySenior Travel GuideSave 20-50% on everything!
Offline TranslationGoogle Translate (download language pack)No data needed for “Where’s the bathroom?”
Setup Digital MailboxAnytime MailboxTo access mail securely abroad
Setup Bank Direct DepositNotify bank that you’re traveling abroad, so transactions wont’t be denied or flagged as fraudulent. To access retirement funds securely abroad

Ready, Set, Go! Your Invitation

“You don’t need to be fearless—just willing to take the first step.”

Your Next 3 Actions:

  1. Book Your “Toe-Dip” Stay: Senior cruise or 4 weeks in Portugal or Mexico (use Airbnb Monthly Discounts).
  1. Download My Safety Kit: Emergency phrases + packing list → Free Download Here.
  1. Join My Free Community: Fearless Solo Travelers 60+ for real-time support.

Overwhelmed? Let’s Plan Together!
In my 1:1 Breakthrough Sessions, we’ll:

  • Customize your itinerary
  • Safety-proof your plans
  • Turn anxiety into excitement
    👉 Book Your Session

“Three years ago, grief anchored me to my sofa. Today, I’m writing this from a balcony in Panama. If I can do it—so can you. Your boldest chapter starts now.”
— Cherrie, Your Courage Mentor

Affiliate Disclosure: Recommendations are curated with love! Purchases via links may earn me a small commission.


CTA: “Share your dream ‘toe-dip’ destination in the comments—I’ll cheer you on!”