“Your first solo trip isn’t about miles—it’s about becoming the woman who is free and living her best life.”
You often hear people talking about moving abroad. How about instead of focusing on where you want to move to, which feels permanent, focus on where you want travel to.
Getting older, having no one to travel with, or living on a fixed income doesn’t mean you give up enriching experiences or the excitement of discovering new places. It means freedom and flexibility. As a solo woman traveler over 60, you have the freedom of traveling to your next destination to experience new and exciting adventures, rather than moving to specific location and being stagnant in one place. For me, I realized that there’s a big world and I want to see it and experience it as much as I can living this life.
For women over 60 who want to travel solo, here are my battle-tested tips and strategies for women, who like me want to live a designer life of authenticity, freedom and travel, but need insight to quiet their “fears.”
The Pre-Trip Mind Shift
Rewiring your mindset for solo travel isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about embracing a new perspective.
Conquering 5 Top Senior Fears:
- “Am I too old?”
- Mind Shift — From: “I’m too old” To: “Age is my Superpower. My age is a passport to respect and discounts!”
- Fix: Own your age! Wear that sunhat, ask for help, and laugh freely. Vulnerability is courage’s signature.
- 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.
- Mind Shift — From: “I’m too old” To: “Age is my Superpower. My age is a passport to respect and discounts!”
- “What if I get lonely?”
- Mind Shift — From: “I’ll be lonely” To: “Solitude is where I rediscover the things that bring me joy.”
- Fix: Book a cooking class or EatWith dinner. Connection finds you when you’re doing what you love!
- 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.
- Mind Shift — From: “I’ll be lonely” To: “Solitude is where I rediscover the things that bring me joy.”
- “Is it safe?
- Mind Shift — From: “It’s not safe” To: “I prepare wisely so fear never pilots my journey
- Fix: Travel with Confidence: Replace “what if something bad happens” with “what will I do if it does?” Prepare, practice and engage.
- Prepare by thinking of scenarios and what questions you’d need to ask to get it resolved or handled.
- Practice the questions. Keep a copy on your phone.
- Feel at ease if need to engage and communicate with others.
- “What if I need medical assistance?
- Mind Shift — From: “What if I get sick” To: “Coverage gives me courage”
- Fix: Use SafetyWing Insurance (covers pre-existing conditions + telemedicine).
- Get Airbnb travel insurance. It covers delays, cancellations, including medical emergency reimbursement. Best of all it covers up to nine people staying with you and comes with a 24-hour hotline.
- A growing number of countries are requiring coverage as a condition of entry.
- Some require visa applicants to carry about $35,000 in medical coverage, including emergency hospitalization and repatriation.
- “I don’t speak the language”
- Mind Shift — From: No one will understand me To: I can communicate my appreciation and kindness by learning the pleasantries.
- Fix: Use LingoDeer to
Essential Safety Tools
- Portable Alarm Door Stopper: my condo/hotel room sentinel
- Personal Alarm: When you start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable
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 Element | Senior-Optimized Solution |
| Flights | Use Google Flights → if flexible, leave destination blank, and choose based on price, location and country you want to explore. |
| Onward Tickets | Fake flight reservations via OnwardTicket ($16) for visa requirements. |
| Luggage | 21″ spinner suitcase (Travelpro Maxlite) + foldable cane |
Step 4: Safety-Proof Your Adventure
- Must-Have Gear:
- Free Resource: Download My Senior Safety Kit (includes emergency phrases in 5 languages).
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
- Morning Ritual:
- 5-min meditation → Travel Anxiety Meditation
- Affirmation: “I am safe. I am capable. Adventure awaits.”
- Airport Hack: Request a wheelchair escort → skip lines + reduce stress.
Your First Trip Toolkit
| Resource | Link | Why You Need It |
| Senior Discount Directory | Senior Travel Guide | Save 20-50% on everything! |
| Offline Translation | Google Translate (download language pack) | No data needed for “Where’s the bathroom?” |
| Setup Digital Mailbox | Anytime Mailbox | To access mail securely abroad |
| Setup Bank Direct Deposit | Notify 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:
- Book Your “Toe-Dip” Stay: Senior cruise or 4 weeks in Portugal or Mexico (use Airbnb Monthly Discounts).
- Download My Safety Kit: Emergency phrases + packing list → Free Download Here.
- 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!”
