Why Cruising is Great for Solo Travelers and Introverts

There aren't many holidays that are so well suited to solo travelers and introverts as cruising.  Where else can you go that you have the perfect balance of social interaction and as much quiet personal time as you desire.

Honestly, I never expected to find myself on a ship with thousands of my closest friends.  It sounded like my worst nightmare, until I tried it.  My first cruise was on a very small ship, 700 passengers and was not full, so it was a great way to try it out.  I was so pleasantly surprised that I booked my next cruise just a few weeks later.

This was the grand experiment.  It was a much larger, more traditional cruise ship with every possible amenity and 3,000 passengers.  I was very nervous when I saw all the people getting ready to board our vessel.  I knew there was no going back.  Good or bad, I would be stuck on this ship for the next 10 days.  I kept reminding myself of the fantastic experience I'd just had and that if I didn't do anything but stay in my stateroom and order room service I would be fine.

That is the biggest and most critical tip I have.  Pick the cabin that you really want because if you're like me, you'll be spending a good amount of time there.

Location is everything - don't book below public areas like the pool or nightclubs or near lifts, unless you need the access.  You'll hear everyone coming and going and be trapped with the noise that you are hoping to retreat from.  I always choose a cabin with an unobstructed balcony, mid ship on a high deck for the best privacy and views.

Dining is fantastic onboard, you can go to any one of the complimentary or specialty restaurants any time of the day or night or you can join the main dining room if you're in the mood for a little company.  Most days, I prefer the buffet or one of the smaller places where I can enjoy my meal while looking out at the water.

If it gets a bit too busy, I can just leave, same goes for all the other options.  Sometimes, I will dress up and go out to see one of the shows and discover it's more than I bargained for.  It's easy enough to go back to my cabin, sit on the balcony and listen to the sound of the waves as we sail along.

Always bring earplugs, headphones and entertainment of your choice.

I like to keep books, movies and some music on my kindle.  That way, if I happen to be situated too close to a loud party or noisy neighbors, I can still maintain my quiet environment.

There are several places onboard that offer respite from the maddening crowds.  The library and internet cafes are particularly quiet.  If you want to sit on deck just find an area away from the pool and you can soak up the sun, read or just relax.  Most ships have a walking track on the upper deck, so you can go for a walk while looking out at the ocean.  Also, the spa is a fantastic place to unwind and be guaranteed peace and serenity.

I love being able choose whatever I want to do whenever I feel like doing it.  No deadlines or commitments.  I don't have to worry about scheduling anything unless there is something I want to do.  If it appeals, I simply show up and enjoy. 

Most cruises have relaxed their dress code so dining is casual to dressy with only a few cruise lines requesting formal attire on certain evenings.

Even with that, I've found a cocktail dress to be more than adequate and if it doesn't suit you simply go to one of the other restaurants.  Sometimes, putting on my bathrobe and ordering in is the perfect evening.

Have I mentioned how much I love room service?  Some ships still offer in-room dining free of charge, others have a small service charge, which has long time cruisers very upset.  For me, paying less than I would tip someone to bring my meal is a charge I'm happy to pay.  To sit on my balcony and have my breakfast delivered is a true luxury.

Part of the fun of cruising is being able to visit different destinations without having to change accommodation.  I generally don't book shore excursions through the cruise line.  I prefer to hire a taxi or some other local transport, so I can explore the area on my own.  Two things to keep in mind when going by yourself - first and foremost be safe and give yourself plenty of time to return to the ship.  If you are late getting back, they will sail without you.

That's the advantage of booking with the ship, they will make sure you get back in time and will likely not leave if you are delayed.  

You have many resources to assist you and they are wonderful about keeping you informed.

Each evening you will receive a full listing of information for the following day.  Activities, port and safety information, weather etc.  Also, there will be various television programs and announcements with more detailed information. 

A personal cabin steward that will make up and turn down your room each day and is also a great source of information about the ship and many of the ports you will visit.  Also, guest services are very friendly and happy to help in any way they can.

I now understand why so many people love cruising.  It is by far the most relaxing way to travel and I can't wait for my next adventure on the sea!

Have you ever taken a cruise?  Was it alone or with a group?  Do you prefer more activities or quiet time?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Master Packing List for Women

I'm starting to get ready for my trip to Europe next month.  Planning and packing are part of the adventure for me and really gets me into the spirit of my trip.  

I take carry on bags only (rolling backpack and tote) so I need to keep it light.

Before every trip I print a copy of this list and modify it for climate, duration etc. but as of yet I haven't forgotten anything major without ever checking my bags.  For me, traveling light is critical for an easy, carefree journey and I hope this will help you as well.

Clothing:	Personal:	Miscellaneous:
Slacks	Shampoo	Tickets
Jeans	Conditioner	ID (Driver License)
Shorts	Bath Soap/Gel	Passport
Dress	Toothbrush	Cash
Skirt	Toothpaste	Debit & Credit Card
Tee Shirts	Dental Floss	Back Pack
Tank Tops	Deodorant	Water Bottle
Blouses	Body Lotion	Sunglasses w/strap
Panties	Hair Spray	Book
Bras	Makeup	Journal
Stockings	Face Cream	Glasses
Nightgown/Robe	Sunscreen	Personal Door Lock
Swimsuit	Hair Brush	Camera
Flats/Heels	Hair Dryer	Sweater
Boots	Razor	Jacket
Tennis Shoes	Q-Tips	Umbrella
Sandals	Personal Hygiene Supplies	Scarf/Gloves/Hat
Belts	Sleep/Allergy Tablets	Jewelry-Watch
Slip/Camisole	Imodium, Dramamine	Cell Phone & Charger
Slippers	Advil	AC Int'l Adapter
Travel Space Bags	Ginger Tea	Kindle

Planning the Perfect Short Getaway in Florida

Sometimes you need a break but don’t have the time or budget for a big trip.  Short little getaways can be the perfect solution.  For me, the combination of sun and sand can really set me right in a short amount of time.  Making me feel like I’ve stepped into a tropical paradise even though I may only be a couple of hours from home.  All my stress seems to vanish when I’m sitting on the beach, eating fresh seafood and watching the world go by.  

I always look for specials and let that help determine where I will go.  I also travel off or shoulder season as much as possible, which helps to avoid the crowds and is less expensive.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that certain areas in Florida have low season during the summer.  Unless you are going to a major tourist attraction or large city a lot of the smaller towns have great deals when the “snowbirds” have gone back home.

This trip I decided on Fort Myers, Florida, a small town on the Gulf of Mexico.  I had heard good things about the area but had never been, so I decided it was time for a visit.  

I love going somewhere new, it always refreshes my love for travel and everything feels like an adventure. 

I check airfare and hotels at the same time to make sure that both will be in line with my schedule and budget.  Sometimes, I can find a great package that will provide both at a discounted price.  There are so many different resources on the internet that you can get lost in the maze, so I stick with one or two major travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity.  After making my selection I check online reviews for the area and hotel to make sure it will be to my liking.

The hotel I chose was very affordable, situated just 10 minutes from the beach and they had kitchen units, so I could cook my own food while I was there.  I like to go out occasionally when I travel but I don’t want it to be a requirement, so this was perfect.

I flew in late Thursday and was instantly charmed by the small, very friendly town.  

Getting to the hotel was very easy with 24-hour taxi service right outside the door.  I rarely rent a car when I’m out of town and much prefer to take public transportation whenever possible.  Also, talking to the driver you will get a lot of great local information.  They’ll tell you about things to see and do that you might not have found on your own.  The same goes for the hotel, they are a wealth of information about the area and are a fantastic resource.

Between the taxi ride and checking in at the hotel I found that not only was there a great place to buy fresh food right down the block but there were several places to eat and a shuttle that would take me directly to the beach. 

I had only been gone a few hours, but I felt like I was a world away. 

Anxious to get started, I woke early the next day and went downstairs for breakfast before heading out on my grand adventure.  I always like to take a little walk around where I am staying and familiarize myself with the area.  Also, I have made some fantastic discoveries, like a great little bakery right around the block.  So, I’m always eager to see what I might find.

Now it was time to find the bus stop for the beach shuttle.  Which was just as advertised, very close to the hotel and a full day schedule to and from so I could stay as long as I wanted.  The bus driver was happy to give me some great pointers on where the best stops were along the way.  Something that I found after so many years of traveling is not to plan too much.  You want to give yourself the time and luxury of letting things evolve. 

I got off at the stop recommended by the driver and was thrilled.  It was a beautiful little park at the edge of the water with almost no one there.  The gorgeous white sand beach was like powder with lots of beautiful seashells everywhere.  I walked down the beach to the pier and stopped by a waterfront café for lunch before heading back to the hotel.  

What a wonderful time I was having, and it was just the first day. 

This was exactly what I needed, something so relaxing and away from my daily routine and it was so easy to do.  Sometimes I forget just how great a short little getaway can really be.

Do you like short or longer trips?  Are you a planner or more spontaneous with your travel?  What type of environment is the most fun or relaxing for you?  Join the conversation and share your stories.

Happy Travels!

Published on Sixty and Me

Treasure, Transfer or Toss - Downsizing in Retirement

When I downsized before moving to Florida, I put my most cherished possessions into one small 5 x 10 storage unit and left my car with my daughter.  At the time, I was a bit concerned that I might be getting rid of too many things but I didn’t want to store anything that wasn’t useful or meaningful to me.  The only thing I took with me was my laptop and one carry-on bag packed with summer clothes.  I didn’t know how long I would stay in Florida so I only took what I needed for a short vacation.

That short trip turned into a year and a half of living in a lovely furnished condo right on the river, just a few minutes from the beach.  Not only did I not miss anything but I found that even the one bag might have been too much.  All you really need is a couple of swimsuits, sun dresses and sandals to be very comfortable in the heat and humidity.  I found that I wore a lot more sunscreen and a lot less make-up and never worried about what I had left behind. 

Emotionally, it was one of the most freeing experiences of my entire life.

Everything I had could be put into the trunk of a car and moved wherever I wanted to go with ease.  It was such a relief to not feel weighed down by a home and all of the things I had accumulated over the years.

Just a few months ago I decided to return to Colorado.  I missed my family and thought it was time to finally get the rest of my things out of storage, so I rented a small apartment and closed out my storage unit.  What I’m discovering now is that except for some of my kitchen supplies and precious mementos from my family there are very few things that I want to keep.

It is amazing to me that I still have this much after the first round of downsizing.

I kept much more than I want or ever need, like my massive supply of Tupperware that I rarely if ever use and the unbelievable amount of clothes that I haven’t worn in 10 years.  I suppose that I wasn’t quite ready to part with everything at the time.

Now, after living so simply, I’m ready for Phase 2 – this is the real test.  Am I willing to part with those things that I thought I couldn’t do without a couple of years ago? 

I think I know the answer but time will tell.  I am applying for a job that will take me all over the country and will require me to live in temporary accommodation for just a few months at a time.  I would like to keep those things that are truly precious to me, if I can manage it but not so much that I feel tied down.

This isn’t the lifestyle for everyone, but for me it feels like one last grand adventure before I settle into retirement.

I am thrilled at the prospect of being able to move freely to different locations and enjoy the experience without the burden or obligation of too many possessions.  Even coming home from Florida was frustrating when I realized how much I had accumulated while I was away.

There is also a very spiritual component to this purging for me – I do believe that whenever you clear space in your life you make room for something new to come in.  I’m ready for a change and have no resistance to letting go of those things that have given me joy.

My work now is to find the process that will be most effective for me.

I like the Treasure, Transfer or Toss philosophy of downsizing.  If it is something I love, I will keep it (or take a photo and store it electronically).  If it is something that someone else may have use for, it will be donated and everything else will go in the trash or to be recycled.  Why I thought I needed to keep 20 t-shirts or 10 pair of jeans that I never wear is beyond me.

Then there is the process of Swedish Death Cleaning.

The approach is to purge your home and organize your possessions so that your children won't be burdened by your belongings after you pass away.  I know it sounds morbid, but after having the responsibility of going through my mother’s things after she passed, while I was grieving, was unbearable.  That is something I would never want my children to endure.  

When I think about it those terms, I realize I can let go of much more and leave them with only those things that truly matter.  I want them to know that I kept that special plant they gave me for Mother’s Day 60 years ago or the lovely candle holder they made for me in grade school.  If it doesn’t have a significant memory attached it will be gifted to someone who may have some use for it.

With the new year upon us, this feels like the perfect time to begin.  I want to start fresh with nothing to hold me back from this new and exciting chapter of my life after 60.

Have you downsized recently?  Was it a difficult process or did you feel relief in letting go of things?  What changes have you experienced after clearing the clutter?  Share your stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me