Traveling solo at 71

All I can say is, go do it! I am 75, male, and have done maybe 6 trips to Europe solo (my wife doesn't want to go). Solo travel does have some real advantages, although it can get lonely a bit. The tips I would share-- good preparation is essential. I think that Rick Steves' books are truly excellent. He gives you frank, noncommercial advice, and is truly like an advocate for your travel enjoyment. Also, make sure you know how to find your accommodation if you're taking public transit from the airport. I think that pickpocketing is more of a problem in Europe than in the USA, so make sure you've figured out protection. The two times I've been pickpocketed were on crowded subways. Take any cards that you won't need out of your wallet. Download maps and translation to your phone prior to leaving home. I would say that your apprehension is normal. But, I have found in all of my Europe trips that should you need help or whatever that the number of English speakers around amazes you! Be sure to preface your questions to a native with "hablas ingles." Some people will be a little shy because maybe they don't speak English well. But you will have a BLAST! Everywhere you go there are remarkable things to see and experience. Also the fact that you are going in shoulder season will make things easier.

Here’s an excerpt from the trip report of my first solo trip in 2018:
What I did differently since this was a solo trip:
1. I didn’t book any apartments. For safety, I wanted to make sure there was either a front desk person or the owner lived at the location (or was at restaurant next door).
2. I planned more 2-day stays vs. longer stays. I knew that I could cover what I would enjoy in a town faster since it was just me. (I was in Lucca four days, and I felt like it was at least one day too long.)
3. In my planning, I was much more thorough. For example, I not only had each train ticket, but I had the info readily at hand for Plan B & C if I missed any train. This allowed me to really relax during the trip, knowing that possible issues were already considered & solutions decided.
4. I never left my money belt in my hotel room. I wore my passport, cc, ATM card & larger Euros at all times.

1. I planned periodic activities during the trip where I would be with other people speaking English. I figured this would be a nice way to avoid feeling lonely, and it was an excellent solution for me.
2. I connected with my hubby on FaceTime at night. We enjoyed catching up on our days and only had a couple of locations where the wifi was too slow.

What happened differently because this was a solo trip:
1. I spoke more Italian. I had concentrated on studying Italian with Duolingo, reviewed my Italian for Dummies book & some games that filled in the gaps for clock times & numbers. Since I was by myself, I felt less intimidated to try speaking Italian, and the more I tried it, the more confidence I gained. Most of my communication up to Montepulciano was just Italian language & hand charades.
2. I talked to more people. If I heard anyone speaking English, I would ask them where they were from. I talked to many people from England and others from Australia, USA, Poland, France & Canada. I also had an interesting conversation with an Italian biologist on the train about the difference in job career opportunities in countries. Her dad had worked in the US with an opportunity that they could have moved when she was young.
3. I didn’t enjoy dinners as much. It just wasn’t fun to eat a long dinner by myself. A few times, I would have a nice lunch & just pick up some veggies & fruit from a local market for dinner.
4. I was outside earlier in the morning. Possibly because I wasn’t staying up too late, I really enjoyed my mornings. I would eat a nice breakfast and be out taking photos while the colors were still vivid and before the streets were filled with people.
5. I shared my journey with my friends on Facebook. Previously, I never posted photos until we were home due to home safety, but since my husband was at home, I shared a few photos of Stresa, and people enjoyed my photos & commentary so much that I continued. It felt like I was talking to friends throughout my trip, and it even caused me to take other extra types of photos to help share the story.

Taking walking tours is a way to get a bit of contact with other people. I'm 73 and spend summers in Europe. I'm solo most of the time, but occasionally a friend joins me for a few weeks. I like not having to compromise on how I spend my time!

I am 79 and have traveled solo many times which includes nine cruises. I have recently returned from my third time sailing solo to and around Europe.

I love my solitude although I am friendly but there are times when I wish I had another to help me figure out how to get somewhere because I am bad with maps and directions.

I am thinking of spending one week in Paris, no cruise, this spring.

Where are you planning on going in March and April?

I agree that it will always be a trip to remember.

I'm 75 and have settled on a combo of independent travel time along with doing a multi day tour. This works for me and my personality.

I spent 4 weeks in France in October: 5 nights in Paris independently, 2 nights in Saumur ahead of the tour independently (well, met up with some friends there but did my own thing), spent 2 weeks (13 nights) on the tour, then back to Paris for 8 nights independently. That gives me a combination of time with others and time alone so I don't have to compromise, hahaha!!

Have you traveled solo for 2 months before? I've done 7 weeks but that was a combo of tours and time with family and friends so was not along much of that time. Are you a planner and have your itinerary mapped out along with hotel reservations/train tickets?

What is the thing that is causing you the most anxiety?

I DO recommend:

• at least 2 credit cards although I have started carrying 3, lol. Have them paid down and have big limits on them in case you have to throw money at a situation to get out of something or in case one of them gets compromised.

• Do you use ApplePay or GooglePay at home? If not, start. IF a CC gets compromised the company will of course send you a new plastic card BUT they will immediately update the card in your online wallet and you can start using that immediately.

• 2 debit cards on different financial institutions. I don't use much cash these days, usually just do Apple Pay but this last trip I wound up spending more cash than before. I think it is because I met up with a number of friends and wound up paying my part of meals/cab rides/etc with cash.

• Have a reliable cell phone, with data available, wherever you are going. As a solo woman I feel this is a necessity any more.

• Are you proficient with your cell phone? Take Screenshots of every ticket (museum/airplane boarding pass/train ticket) and file it in an album on your phone's photo app and in your Notes app on your phone. You can connect to them without wifi or data if you are in a black hole.

• Are you a light packer? As a woman, I have to have my suitcase light enough for me to carry up/down stairs in train stations and to lift it into the overhead on the plane. I keep mine under 20#. I used a 2-wheel roll aboard so my suitcase will never be as light as my light-packing pal Jean's is!

What a fun adventure!

79-year-old female here, traveling solo since 2022. Just do it!

Lots of great advice already for you!
I’m 70, female and travel solo a lot of the time , as my husband is a homebody and has no interest .
I love it.
I don’t know much about being solo in Spain, as my “place” is Italy on each trip I take.
You can do what you want, when you want.
You don’t have to be busy every minute you are away, but you do have to be comfy with being alone and also having a bit of down-time every few days.
Walking tours are great to have some conversations with others, perhaps sign up for short courses in something…maybe a two week Spanish language course at the beginning, or anything else that might interest you.
That way you’re not totally alone all the time.
I say get busy planning……you will enjoy your first solo adventure!

I can fill in the above post by saying that I (older female) travel solo very often, and go to Spain alone every March. Just returned from a trip to Madrid, Valencia, etc, and my partner joined me on this most recent trip. The difference I find is that you are much more able to connect with people--locals and tourists--while you are alone. (It's also much easier to find a seat at a crowded bar or restaurant if you are a party of one!!). I really like to go solo; I travel by train, often, to get to my destination, and I then rent a car and explore. I won't go into details about my own trips but I have to say that just about each and every person I met was helpful to the max. In airports, I get so many offers to help carry my bags. In restaurants, the staff are exceedingly kind to a single diner. I could go on and on but as someone said, above, just go!!!!!!

If you let us know where you plan to visit, maybe we can be of more help.

And you are not so old!!!

I would say the most important skills for solo travel are effective research and being comfortable in your own skin. Know what your travel goals are and plan trips to match. If the thought of eating alone in a restaurant bothers you, practice in advance.

I was just wondering if it was partly the length of your trip giving you pause. Have you traveled solo for that long before? If not, you might consider a shorter trip.

I would echo some comments already made. Credit card on Apple Pay is key; or don’t let your cc out of sight! I use eSIM on my phone which is easy to upload and instantaneously used rather than hunting down a SIM card. Book trains as far in advance as possible to save as they use dynamic booking. Learn to use WhatsApp before you go for connecting with home and Spanish businesses. I would agree that taking a small group tour every few days helps with loneliness as does video chatting with family. Also agree with staying at either a hotel or having quick contact with host both for safety and suggestions. You will be fine in Europe and have a blast. Highly recommend solo travel.

I spent a month solo in Spain last year. Got my AirBnB lodgings set in advance, which was the perfect decision for me. Did Babbel and Duolingo to try to pick up some Spanish before departure, which was useful; still couldn't really function well in a hypermarket (typically Mercadona or Carrefour). Traveled by train except for a day trip to Córdoba, done using a rental car from Málaga.

Had a great time, but got a bit lonely without my wife.