Single Senior Travel

There’s nothing that compares to the rejuvenating effect of a change of scenery, but if you’re a senior and single, you may feel that you’re stuck with the same old shrubbery. Traveling alone can get lonely—and traveling as a single on a tour or on your own can be expensive. Most tours and cruises charge on the basis of double occupancy, so if you travel on your own you almost always have to pay a single supplement. And hotel rooms and rental cars are billed by the day no matter how many people squeeze into them.

Finding Traveling Companions
If you’re an unattached senior, but would rather not travel alone, there are alternatives. One solution is to make a connection with another solo traveler and hit the road together. Mention your desire to travel with other people at gatherings of family, friends, and congregants and you will undoubtedly leave with a few helpful leads.

Another approach is to recruit friends and acquaintances and start your own travel club, much like people start book clubs. You could get to know each other by taking a few day trips to test the group dynamics—and if that works, set your sights on more distant horizons.  If all else fails, Web sites like Connecting: Solo Travel Network, Travel Acquaintance, and Travel Chums are good ways to size up potential fellow travelers.

Get the Single Supplement Waived
If you’re set on taking a tour, you could request that the single supplement be waived. It never hurts to ask! Tours and cruises are more apt to look favorably on your request during their off-season, especially when you book at the last minute. You can also try booking through a specialist. The larger travel companies buy rooms and cabins in bulk and often have the leverage to demand single supplement waivers. Companies like Grand Circle and Saga, which specialize in senior travel, can often find single accommodations, reduced supplements, or supplement waivers. If you’re successful, you’ll have the privacy you want at a rate you can afford and the opportunity to mix with other travelers on your own terms.

Whether you find a partner to travel with or find a way to go it alone, it will be worth the effort. You’ll return from your adventure with a fresh new perspective on the world and a renewed appreciation for the comforts of home.