I am 75 years old, when is it too old to travel alone? am I not being a realist in my capabilities for travel? How do you other world travels feel about older travelers?
Charlotte, I think that requires a very individual analysis and response, only you and your physician know your personal limitations of mobility and balance, medical conditions, stamina, etc. It is very important that each of us understand our individual and changing capacities, limitations and budget. Walking around and using public transit can be very enjoyable parts of travel, I think, but sometimes taking a taxi just makes a lot of sense. Your post includes Lisbon, which is a wonderful but quite hilly and very spread out city.
Charlotte,
When your dead!
But seriously, too old to travel alone? Age is just a number. Can you carry your own bag? Can you manage way finding without help? Can you get around at home alone? Do you have a can do attitude? For some 30 may be too old to travel alone.
In 2016 I went with my 60 plus mom and teenage son. She was worried in the planning that she would hold us back, but she was the one always ready to go. We had to keep up with her! My son was convinced it was her magic insoles? I love to see those older than me traveling. It gives me hope that I can keep going.
If you are still able, do it!
Hi Charlotte!
Really???? Do you want to travel or not??? What the #"$%# as your age got to do with it?????
I'm going to send you a pm because I'm out of my mind so I can not write it here.
Charlotte,
Every person and person's body/health is different. People can suggest or encourage.
Do you eat good and exercise a fair amount? Some questions are rhetorical or thought-provoking; not trying to probe.
Don't worry about what others think. Persevere with a youthful spirit and mindset. :)
People travel well into their 80's (and even beyond.) I knew this elderly, widowed gentleman who was turning 80. He volunteered at a hospital a few days a week. He had never been to Disney World and was going with his daughter and her family. He had a ball. Just know your limits. Yes, I understand he was with family.
Have a chat with your doctor. Have a workup and physical if it's been a while.
In case of an accident, and you are unable to communicate that moment, it's so important the medics and other doctors know your med history to treat quickly and properly.
I suggest, since you are thinking of going solo, to have a couple of index cards (put in your passport book or somewhere safe on your person):
- With your doctor's name, a family contact name/number, any allergies you may have, any recent surgeries, your blood type, a list of meds you may be taking, etc. Also, the name of the place you are staying at.
(Just jot some bullet points -- nothing elaborate about your med history.)
If you have any mobility issues, take a folding cane to use as a "third leg." It does not count against your carry on and places will allow it because it is an assisted device.
You may have to have it inspected but no biggie. Yes, it will add weight to your bag to carry around during the day, but it may be a welcomed relief to know you have it. You can do a trial run with it in your day bag to see if it'll work in your favor.
Don't feel as if you "have to" do it all. Ask for help. There are nice people everywhere in the World.
Enjoy what you can but also recognize a time when you need to take a breather. People watching, journaling (if you do that), or just relaxing with an extra cafe or glass of wine (if you drink) can be very enjoyable. Absorb the scenery and everything surrounding it.
Keep aware. Take certain (obvious) precautions with your bag/money/credit cards, phone, etc. Are you on Skype or WhatsApp to keep in touch with family and friends now and then?
Think positive. Have fun!
Adding thoughts: Keep hydrated during the day. I've never smoked, but, if you do, then it may affect your stamina. So, of course take that into consideration.
Seventy-Eight
When you can no longer get travel insurance. Unless you are rich enough to pay repatriation costs out of pocket. Check eligibility before making nonrefundable travel purchases
Age really is just a number when it comes to travel. The real issues are things like health and stamina. This last is very important; as people age (even healthy people), their stamina starts to decrease. They have good energy initially, but then "poop out" more quickly. So, they need more frequent breaks, have to more careful to stay hydrated, are going to have more problems with sun and heat than younger folks, etc.
Lisbon is a particular issue because parts of it (specifically, the Alfama and the Bairro Alto) are very hilly. If you have problems on hills, you may need to plan for taxis to some places. Again, this can be an issue at any age, but may be more of a problem as people get older.
The point about insurance is a good one. As one gets older, the insurance premiums go up. I have family in Canada who used to winter in Florida - until the insurance coverage for this just became unaffordable for them.
What are your specific concerns? When you say "Am I not being a realist in my capabilities for travel?", the only person who can answer that is you - just what are the limitations on your capabilities?
Also remember that there's more than one way to travel. If you feel unable to travel alone, you may still be fine on a tour, a cruise, etc.
Charlotte, I will turn 75 this year and I plan to keep traveling -- just more sitting than before, more willingness to use taxis, more attention to getting ground-floor or elevator-assisted lodgings. Slow travel is much better than NO travel!
My experience is that other people don't care how old you are - though if you look old enough for a senior discount, ticket sellers will ask your age, just to be helpful. The only question is your physical condition. If your health is good but you feel you aren't up to lots of walking or standing or hills or stairs, sign up for a get-fit program (with advice from a medical practitioner).
My plan is to keep traveling until my body or my bank account runs out.
Its never too late or early to travel alone! If you're capable to walk, take care of yourself and your luggage and everyday needs, there's nothing to stop you from going there. but remember that Lisbon is not flat, thus might require more preparation on your side. Otherwise, I can't think why you should not go there alone