At 62, I found freedom in designing a life after loss. However, I went from feeling lost and sad to excited and inspired as I healed my heart and redesigned my life. Today, I’m not just a traveler—I’m proof that solo travel after 60 can heal, empower, and redefine what it means to live authentically.
From Grief to Wings: How Travel Became a Path to Healing
My initial plan was to travel as an empty nester when my son married. However, six months after his wedding, I lost my only child.
As I sat grieving, feeling lost, alone, and invisible in a shattered world where nothing made sense, the memory of my last conversation with my son was in my mind. He mentioned that he told his wife I would be leaving soon to start my travels, and when she asked why, he replied, My mom has always dreamed of traveling. In addition, I constantly saw the desk plaque he had given me I Can and I Will. I took those as a sign.
As a result, I purchased a one-way ticket to heal my heart and design a new life. The most important things that travel with me are my favorite photo of my son and my pink lovebird blanket. They are symbols of love that travel with me.
My First Solo Travel Adventure
Soon thereafter, I find myself in Mexico with incredible views of the ocean, mountains, and city from my balcony. And hence, I thought to myself, did it! In remembrance of my son, I focused on my dream and found the perfect place to heal my heart. For example, I used the quiet moments of sunrise to meditate and to journal. And subsequently, used the sunset as a memorial to my son, as he loved taking photos of sunsets.
However, this wasn’t my first solo travel experience. A 4-day cruise was my first step to ease into solo travel. It was the perfect way to dip my toe into solo travel. On the cruise, strangers became momentary companions at breakfast buffets, poolside lounges, the casino, and jazz-filled nightclubs. It’s where I discovered that healing doesn’t require solitude all the time. Sometimes, it thrives in the quiet hum of shared laughter with fellow travelers.
In summary, everyone grieves differently. However, finding peace and easing the pain is most important. Subsequently, I found solo travel is perfect for quieting my mind, healing my heart, and designing a new beginning. Although there are moments of sadness as I grieve the loss of my son, frequently, I find that the places I travel also bring me joy. Additionally, as a senior woman traveling solo, I feel empowered, confident, and in control of my future. And finally, inspiring other senior women to travel solo gives me the greatest joy.
What did my first solo trip abroad teach me?
- Travel is grief’s antidote. New sights, quiet sorrows.
- Solitude isn’t loneliness. It’s the peace you need to hear your voice and rediscover who you are.
- Silence and quiet moments can be therapeutic.
Your Turn:
- Start small. Try a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a 3-day cruise. These “safe spaces” let you test solo travel.
- Embrace silence. Carve out moments of quiet between adventures. On my solo trip to Mexico, I’d wake early to watch the sunrise. It became my sacred time to reflect and heal through meditation and journaling. That’s where I learned to hear my voice and smile again.
- Bring a comfort object: My pink lovebird blanket (a handmade gift from my mother-in-law) reminds me that love travels with me. It became my anchor. Yours might be a photo, a favorite book, or a playlist of calming songs.
Why It Works:
It’s the small steps that can build confidence into solo travel. Travel isn’t about running from grief—it’s about creating space to heal. It allows you to carve space to grieve, grow, and rediscover joy. My mantra is “Don’t just live life – Design it!
In conclusion, if you wait for someone to travel with you, you may never travel anywhere. Break free from societal norms, learn to travel solo, and discover the world and a new you.
Free Resource:
👉 Download my “Senior Solo Safety Kit” (link)—includes emergency phrases, a packing list, and my tested gear picks.
Ready for More?
If you’re craving personalized guidance, let’s work together in a one-on-one online life design session. We’ll:
- Uncover your unique travel goals and fears.
- Create a step-by-step plan tailored to your dreams.
- Turn “someday” into a booked ticket.
“You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s design your first solo trip—together.”
Book Your Session Now
