How to Plan Your First Solo Travel Adventure

It’s been over 40 years but I remember the first few trips I took alone like they were yesterday. I was so excited and nervous. At the same time, I knew it was something I had to try.

I would read stories about all of the wonderful places in the world and fantasize about going on those trips, never really believing I would actually go. Finally, I let my desire overcome my fear and I booked a short solo trip, not far from where I lived.

Now, four decades later, I am barely home from one adventure before I am planning the next.

Everywhere I go, women ask me how I do it, so, I thought I’d share some of my tips on how to plan your first solo travel adventure.  Just a word of caution – it can be very addictive and can change your life forever!

Planning for Your Solo Travel Adventure

The first step is to think of something you enjoy doing. Do you like visiting gardens or parks, museums, outdoor activities or sporting events?

Whatever you like to do at home you will enjoy even more when you are away. I love to hike in the mountains so that is what I decided to do for my first trip. Having a sense of purpose helped to calm my nerves.

I recommend staying close to home at first; this will ease the stress of feeling like you are too far away. My first trip was only an hour from home and I knew if I didn’t like it or if anything happened I could easily leave; it was very reassuring.

Next, decide where you want to go, how far away and for how long. I began with just a weekend – drive on Saturday morning, go hiking, stay overnight and drive home on Sunday. It seems so easy now but at the time this was a very big deal for me.

Managing Your Bookings

Whether you are driving, flying or taking a bus, you will need to make arrangements for how you will get there and where you will stay. The Internet has made this process so much easier so you can research and book everything online.

I always check multiple sites before I make any travel arrangements. I start with Expedia and Travelocity and then check the specific hotel or airline website for more detailed information and the best rates.

Many airlines offer vacation packages that include airfare, hotel and car so it is easy to book all of them together. Before I book anything I check Tripadvisor.com to see the reviews from other solo travelers. I am very careful to make sure that where I am going is safe and that I will be comfortable.

Also, I make refundable arrangements. It can cost a bit more but I want to make sure that I can cancel without penalty.

Depending on where I am going and what the costs are sometimes I purchase travel insurance. Also, I always have a contingency plan, just in case.

Looking for Tours and Excursions

Depending on what you plan to do, you can either book organized tours or go independently. Many of my early trips were to visit lovely botanic gardens in various states so I would check into my hotel and then go from there.

I very often take walks in the park or gardens here at home so it did not feel uncomfortable to do this on my own in a new city. The one thing I always do is plan my transportation before I leave the hotel – directions, bus schedule, taxi etc.

Getting the Most from Dining Out

For some women traveling alone this can be a big concern. It is one of the reasons that I always book a hotel with a restaurant onsite. If I am feeling uncomfortable for any reason or perhaps just don’t want to go out I can order room service and stay in.

Early on, when I went out, I took a book or my journal to occupy myself if I felt bored or uneasy. Now, with phones and tablets, most of us have something available all the time.

Try not to be too distracted. A lot of people will talk to you when they see you are on your own but won’t interrupt you if you seem too engrossed in your phone.

Honestly, it has become one of my greatest pleasures. I always plan at least one night when I dress up and treat myself to a nice dinner out. I’ve met wonderful people all over the world and always look forward to this part of any trip.

Embrace a Little Self-indulgence

For me, this has become one of the best things about traveling on my own. I get to do what I want, when I want and always do something special for myself. It doesn’t have to be expensive just anything that makes me happy.

It might be a nice meal, massage, cute pair of earrings or just a nice warm bath with a glass of wine at the end of a great day. No matter what it is, it helps me remember that I deserve to treat myself with love and kindness.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Have you ever traveled on your own? If not, would you like to? What solo travel advice would you like to offer the other women in our community? Join the conversation and share your stories below.

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

Why I Love to Travel

Some people stay in one place most or all their lives and are very content.  Then there are some, like me, who crave change and move frequently from place to place.   I don’t know if it because we moved a lot when I was growing up and that is what I became accustomed to or if it is because I have a genuine desire to go somewhere new.  It may be a little of both.

Am I running away from something or toward it?

I think the answer to that has evolved over time.  As I’ve grown older, I have begun to appreciate how important it is to be comfortable in your environment.  I truly love the experience of seeing new places and living there allows me to really immerse myself in the community, something you can’t do if you’re just a visitor.  Then there is the homebody in me that needs a peaceful, nurturing environment to thrive. 

A big sign that I am ready for a change is when I begin to feel trapped or isolated.  No matter how comfortable my surroundings may be, if I feel uneasy in my space I must leave.  My answer to that is to seek out a new location.  It doesn’t matter to me if it’s near or far, I have moved out of state and out of the country with a suitcase and plane ticket.  Sometimes I don’t even have a place to live when I arrive.

It is a thrilling adventure.

Arriving in a new city with only a hotel or B&B booked feels very fun and carefree.  Then reality sets in and you realize that you actually need to find a place to live if you are going to stay for any length of time.  Suddenly, making those arrangements and trying to get settled in your new place takes on a life of its own and can consume all your free time.  Sometimes I wonder if that is part of the appeal to me.

I’ve always loved the start-up of any project I’ve worked on.  It’s the ongoing maintenance I don’t really care for and soon will become bored and start looking for the next new thing.

As soon as something catches my interest the planning begins.

I enjoy preparing to go almost as much as the actual event.  Deciding what to do with my personal belongings, how and when I will leave etc., it’s great fun to plan for the adventure.  There is also an element of fear that seems to enhance the experience.  I am always cautious about what I am doing and know that if, for any reason, I don’t want to be there, I can come home.  It feels like a good safety net and gives me more confidence to give it a try. 

I always miss my family when I’m away and after a certain amount of time, visits will no longer suffice and I must return home again and I begin to arrange that.

With each change comes a new perspective on my life.

Looking back, I realize how much each of those experiences has taught me and how much it makes me appreciate the wonderful life I have.

Whenever I am in a new place it is an opportunity to explore an entirely different side of myself.  I am very good at blending in and becoming part of that environment, much like a chameleon.  It gives me a chance to try something new and see what fits and what doesn’t. 

Metamorphosis

Every time I return from one of my extended excursions, I feel transformed.  I have added something new that was not there before and my world has expanded.  It is that experience that keeps me wanting more.  It helps me remember that no matter how old I get, I still have the capacity to grow and change in ways that I never imagined.

I don’t know if it is bold, brave or stupid but it is something that makes me feel more alive than staying in one place ever could. 

For now, I’ll enjoy the respite of my new home-base and wait to see where the next adventure takes me.

Do you prefer to stay in one place or do you like to move around?  What is the biggest change you’ve made and how did it make you feel?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Restarting Yoga at 61

I practiced yoga many years ago and really enjoyed the focus it brought to the chaos that was going on in my life as well as the physical benefits.  Gradually, I began doing less until I eventually stopped altogether.

Over the years, I have thought about restarting my practice but didn't really find a way that was easy to maintain with my hectic travel schedule.  I need something I can do at home or away, even in a small hotel room that doesn't require any special equipment or clothing.  I also needed something gentle and simple to perform.  Not a torturous twisting into difficult or uncomfortable positions.

After watching the Introduction to Gentle Yoga on Sixty and Me http://sixtyandme.com/gentle-yoga-for-seniors-videos/ I thought I might give it another try.  So today, when I woke up stiff and achy from sleeping in a not very comfortable hotel bed I decided to see if it might help.

Today, I tried Gentle Yoga Video 1 – Focus on Joints and before I was even half way through my body felt looser and the pain I woke up with this morning was already softening.  The instruction in the session was easy to follow and very gentle on my body.  Cat, the instructor, is very good and gives you a lot of options to modify the movement and stresses to not do anything that is uncomfortable for you.

For me, one of biggest benefits of this practice is the focus on the body with breathing and stretching that improves my flexibility and strength.  After such a great experience, I'm looking forward to working my way through the series.

If you are a beginner or just a senior who might need a gentler approach to this practice you might consider trying this.  http://sixtyandme.com/gentle-yoga-for-seniors-videos/

Thank you very much to Sixty and Me for sharing these great videos!

Fantastic Family Trip to Walt Disney World

As a solo traveler, I am not accustomed to planning trips for groups.  When I asked my family to join me in Florida for a trip to Disney World I was thrilled that they would be coming but then the logistics of how to arrange this type of event became somewhat daunting.  Even booking the flights, which for me, is usually seamless, took a lot of careful attention to detail. 

There are many books, blogs and websites that specialize in trips to Disney and can provide some great information to help with your planning, so we took what we needed and customized the trip to suit our specific needs.  There were 7 of us, ages 6 – 61 with all the different interests and preferences of a multi-generational family.  My daughter and her husband did a fantastic job researching and arranging all our activities and events and I think that is the real key to a great trip – good planning!

Day 1  Travel

Southwest Airlines - This is our domestic airline of choice.  They are consistently a pleasure to travel with and provide fantastic service at a low cost.

Alamo Rental Car – The agent at the rental counter was extremely friendly and helpful in providing the perfect vehicle for our trip.

Embassy Suites Tampa Airport Westshore – This was great space for our large family and with adjoining rooms we could still be together.  The hotel staff made us all feel right at home.  It was great location close to the airport, restaurants and shopping.

Besito’s Mexican Restaurant – The food and atmosphere at the restaurant was very good.  Our server gave us a lot of special attention and even brought the children good luck Mexican worry dolls.

Day 2 At the Beach

Clearwater Marine Aquarium – This was an additional excursion as we were in the area and loved the Dolphin Tale films and the wonderful story of Winter and Hope.  This is a very special place and to get to see and interact with so many of the rescue animals was fantastic.

Clearwater Beach – Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – This was a perfect spot for lunch and an afternoon on the beach.  The kids loved playing in the water and collecting sea shells.

VRBO Rental Orlando– We were very pleased with the house and the location.  It was a beautiful 7-bedroom villa with a large covered patio and pool that the kids loved.

Day 3 Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

This was our first-time visiting WDW so it was the perfect place to begin our incredible journey.  Immediately, we were impressed with how friendly, clean and well organized everything was.  Young and old we were all amazed and filled with wonder in this magical place.

Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern – We didn’t really know what to expect when we arrived but we loved the incredible food and service we received.  It was a Thanksgiving family style meal – Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, bread, cranberry sauce and the best Pot Roast any of us have ever had, the macaroni and cheese and toffee dessert were especially popular.  My daughter has a gluten allergy and I have never seen anyone cater to her the way they did at WDW.  They made her feel very special and assured her she would have the same meal as the rest of the family only gluten-free.  We found this true at all of the parks and could not have been more pleased.  As a mother, it meant a lot to me that she was treated with such kindness and respect and not like a problem.

Day 4 Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

This was by far the busiest day and took some serious endurance.  We wanted to get to the park early so we could go to Pandora and ride the Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.  To say this is an out of this world experience is such an understatement.  The design and realism was unbelievable.  Even waiting in the queue felt like you were walking on Pandora, every detail was stunning.  It was literally breathtaking and the most intense ride I have ever experienced.  I would actually take a special trip back to Florida just to do that again and would love to see it at night.

Day 5 Walt Disney World EPCOT

After all of the intense, adrenaline-filled excitement from the day before, this was a calmer, more peaceful day.  It might have been a little anti-climactic for the kids but as tired as we all were I think it was perfect.  We had a wonderful time just meandering through all the different countries and enjoying the lower key more educational rides and activities. 

Here are some of the things that we discovered that helped make this a great experience for our entire family.

Air Travel – If you are booking for a group you should contact the airlines.  There are different requirements for groups traveling on the same or independent itineraries.  Also, you may qualify for some discounts that are not posted on their websites. 

We found less expensive airfare by flying into Tampa instead of Orlando.  It is always a good idea to check alternate airports for your flights, just confirm your location and check distances before you book. 

Extra Activities – Check out other things to do in the area.  We loved going to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the beach before heading to Disney World.

Where to Stay -  Choose accommodations close to where your main activities will be, it gives you more time to enjoy your vacation.  We loved coming home to relax in a private pool after a long day out.

What to take – We found it easier to purchase additional supplies when we arrived so we didn’t have to bring it all on the plane (sunscreen, beach towels, snacks, drinks, etc.).  Also, it was less expensive than buying them at the destination. 

Every person had one backpack with the following - Collapsible water bottle, frozen bottle of water, cooling neck-tie, disposable rain poncho, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, flip-flops, assorted non-perishable snacks.  You can take food and water into all of the Disney parks and there are many places to refill water and get additional food.  It kept us fueled and hydrated while walking around and held us over until our main meals. 

Driving/Parking – One of the biggest issues we heard about before going to Disney was the parking and how difficult it could be.  After considering all our options, we decided to drive and park ourselves in the standard lots.  We went early, before the park opened, took the transportation provided at the park.  It was a very quick and easy and worked out perfectly for our group.

What we learned – We are very happy that we were so well prepared with our supplies.  It is easy to underestimate how much food and water you need for long days in the heat and humidity.  Having protection from the sun and rain was also essential, it helped keep us much more comfortable.  The walking and standing is intense - we wore tennis shoes but it was nice to have sandals and flip-flops to give our feet a rest later in the day.

Planning your day at the parks is critical (booking fast passes in advance, going to the busiest attractions first, when and where you’ll take breaks etc.).  Also, we wore matching shirts on the first day and it made it very easy to see each other and keep our group together.  We realized on day 2 how well that had worked and would do it every day for any future trips.  Planning is great but you also need to stay flexible and adapt to changes that inevitably come up when you travel.  The only thing we might do differently would be to build in a little more down time but on a short time frame we wanted to do and see as much as possible.

This was such an incredible journey for all of us and now we are looking forward to our next fantastic family adventure to Disneyland Paris!

Have you been to any of the Disney Parks?  What are your best tips and advice for families traveling together?  We’d love to hear your comments and stories about your family adventures!

A Grandmother's View of the Magic Kingdom

When I began planning for our trip to Walt Disney World, it seemed like it would be a fun family vacation.  What I didn't expect was what a wonderful and magical experience it would be.

With 7 of us ranging in age from 6 to 61 I was a little unsure of how this was going to work out.  We had never spent that amount of time together, not to mention walking endlessly in the scorching Florida heat.  I am still impressed by how well we all did, no serious issues of any sort and considering the conditions, that is amazing.

To watch my grandchildren as they experienced this for the first time was incredible.  It took me back to my past and showed me a glimpse of the beautiful future I have with my precious family.

It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

Ready - Set - Go

So, you’ve just booked your fantastic holiday or family vacation, now what?  Getting ready to leave is much more complicated than just packing.  There are so many arrangements that need to be made before leaving home.  It doesn’t matter if it is for a few days or a few weeks, there are some things you need to remember to do.

Years ago, I would wait until the last minute to begin planning for an upcoming trip.  It caused so much stress, I couldn’t really enjoy the experience and ended up exhausted before I ever left.  I already had a great packing list that helped me remember what I wanted to take on the trip so I began to add other things I needed to do before I left.  Now, I don’t worry if I’ve forgotten something because it’s all on the list so I can just relax and enjoy getting ready for my new adventure.

Personal:  I like to have my hair cut and nails done before I leave on my trip so I book that and any other personal appointments a couple of weeks before my departure. 

Documentation and Communication:  I make a copy of my essential information (passport, itinerary, credit cards) and email to myself as well as to an emergency contact.  That way someone always knows where I am and can help me if my documents get lost or stolen.

I contact my phone service provider and check what coverage I will have at my destination.  I always switch my phone to manual updates while I’m traveling to save on data charges.  Also, if I am going to an expensive coverage area I will put my phone on airplane mode and just check when I’m in a free Wi-Fi area.  I also notify my bank and credit card company of my travel plans so my cards stay active while I’m away. 

Shopping:  I make a list of any special clothing items and travel supplies that I might need (bathing suit, sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, medications, clear plastic bags for airport screening, etc.), snacks and some type of frozen or non-perishable food to eat when I return home so I don’t have to shop right away.

Household:  Stop mail, newspaper or any other home deliveries and set light timers.  You can also have a friend come in to water plants, take any flyers off your door and open and close blinds occasionally. 

I always keep a few ice cubes in a plastic dish or baggie in my freezer, that way if the power should go out for any length of time you’ll know if the food you have frozen will be safe to eat after you return.

Just before I leave the house I turn off all the water, set my thermostat to an appropriate temperature (warm during winter, cool during summer), unplug all small appliances (coffee maker, toaster etc.), clean the refrigerator and take out the trash.

 International:  If my trip will be out of the country I add some additional items to my list.  I verify that my passport is valid for at least 6 months past the end of my trip, check any visa or immunization requirements and purchase an electrical adapter for the country I’ll be visiting.  I take paper copies of any maps/guide/translation information that I need as phones don’t always work in all areas.  I also double check that my credit/debit cards will be accepted and purchase a small amount of the local currency before I go. 

I used to arrange my lists by the type of trip I was taking but I realized that it is much simpler if I stick to one basic list and just modify it for whatever clothes or special items that I need.  I also purchase duplicate travel supplies and keep them separate from those that I use at home so I’m not stuck if I happen to forget my hairbrush or toothbrush after getting ready the morning that I leave.

It doesn’t matter if I’m traveling by car, train or plane for a weekend getaway or an extended trip, I use the same list and just modify it for whatever I need.  I love knowing that I can easily plan my trips and don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time I want to go away. 

What are some other things that you do before leaving on a trip?  Do you use a travel or packing list to help you prepare?  Do you enjoy planning for your time away?  Share your experiences and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me