Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.
Traveling can be a bit of a stress-test for a friendship – being in new surroundings with a different schedule, different food, and even different customs and languages can present challenges to your friendship if you’re not prepared. Some otherwise wonderful friends are not always the most ideal travel companions.
Before you embark on a long journey, it’s best to think ahead and talk in advance to make sure you and your travel partner are well suited to travel together.
Here are a few tips for how to communicate and plan to find the perfect travel partner:
Discuss Your Goals for the Trip
What do you most want to experience on this trip? Are you hoping for a relaxing visit to the beach, or a bustling sightseeing tour with an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend time alone, or stay together most of the time? Do you want to meet new people, or get to know each other better? Do you want to experience serenity or stimulation – do you want to retreat from civilization, or get caught up in the excitement of an urban center?
It’s best to have a sense of what kind of vacation experience you want to get, prior to embarking on the journey. Talk with your travel partner about your hopes and expectations. Even if you don’t agree on absolutely every aspect of the trip, make sure you have enough common ground and can support each other in finding your ideal vacation experiences along the way.
Set Boundaries and Personal Space Expectations
Traveling with a companion doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking moment together. Setting boundaries and discussing your expectations regarding personal space and alone time is essential. Some travelers enjoy spending their afternoons exploring solo or relaxing by the pool with a book, while others prefer to have a companion for every activity. Having an honest conversation about how much time you expect to spend together versus apart can prevent tension and ensure that both you and your travel partner enjoy the trip.
Read 5 Tips for a Better Travel Experience After 70.
Choose a Good “Roommate”
It’s wonderful to have a travel partner to share the adventure with – but make sure you are compatible. Is your travel partner easy to get along with in close quarters, or do they have a lot of particular needs that make it difficult to share space together? Do you enjoy each other’s company? Can you have fun talking to each other for hours – and more importantly, perhaps, can you enjoy the silence together and share space without constantly having to entertain each other?
Talk About Your Budget
Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money on accommodation and meal expenses, but make sure that you both have the same idea of what you want this vacation to cost.
Will you be splitting the costs of the trip (hotels, restaurant meals, tours, etc.) or each paying your own way separately? Does one of you have more expensive needs than the other – will you both be happy in a no-frills hotel, or do you need a more deluxe set of accommodations?
Talking about these issues in advance can avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings once you are on vacation.
Read 7 Carry-On Luggage for Women Over 60.
Choose Destinations and Activities Together
To make sure both you and your travel partner have a fulfilling trip, it’s important to choose destinations and activities that interest both of you. Create a list of must-see attractions and experiences that appeal to each person, and find common ground on how to prioritize them. For example, if one of you is interested in historical tours while the other loves nature walks, plan your itinerary to include a mix of both. Compromise and collaboration in planning will help avoid any potential conflicts and ensure that the trip is enjoyable for everyone involved.
Read Best New Zealand Tours for Over 50s.
Discuss Health and Mobility Needs
When planning a trip with a travel companion, it’s crucial to discuss any health or mobility concerns. Understanding each other’s physical capabilities can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you choose activities and accommodations that suit both of your needs. If one of you requires assistance with mobility or has specific health considerations, it’s important to plan accordingly. Whether it’s arranging for wheelchair-accessible accommodations, planning regular rest breaks, or ensuring easy access to medical facilities, having these conversations upfront will make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both parties.
Prepare for Unexpected Situations
Travel often comes with surprises, both good and bad. Preparing for unexpected situations, such as flight delays, changes in plans, or even minor health issues, can help keep stress levels down. Discuss how you both handle unforeseen circumstances and agree on a plan of action. Whether it’s purchasing travel insurance, having a backup itinerary, or knowing how to find local medical care, being prepared can turn potential travel hiccups into mere bumps on the road.
Take a Short Trip Together First
It’s often best to take a test run with your new travel partner, to make sure you can be a good team on the road. Before you book a round-trip ticket to the far side of the world, consider taking a short weekend trip to stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.
Choosing the right travel partner can make your vacations even more enjoyable and often affordable. Just make sure to discuss some expectations upfront to make sure you both can get the vacation experience you were hoping for – without any misunderstandings or disappointments along the way.
Rеаd 5 Vacation Planning Tips for Dynamic Older Travelers.
Explore Travel Groups and Social Networks for Seniors
If finding an individual travel partner feels daunting, consider joining a travel group or connecting with social networks designed for senior travelers. Many organizations and online communities cater to seniors who enjoy travel but prefer the safety and camaraderie of group experiences. Websites like Meetup, Seniors Travel Club, and specific Facebook groups can connect you with like-minded travelers. These platforms often host events and trips where you can meet potential travel partners or join organized group tours, making it easier to find companions with similar interests.
Read 7 Best Senior Travel Groups.
Also, read 7 Travel Groups for Black Seniors.
Consider a Travel Buddy Program
Several travel agencies and senior organizations offer travel buddy programs specifically tailored for older adults. These programs match you with a travel partner based on shared interests, travel styles, and preferences. For example, organizations like The Freebird Club or Senior Travel Buddies provide a platform to connect with other senior travelers looking for companions. This option is particularly useful if you’re open to meeting new people and exploring new destinations together with someone who shares your enthusiasm for adventure.
Read Travel Over 60 – Where to Go?
Also, read 7 Small Group Tours of Italy for Over 50s.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you ever traveled with a friend? What did you learn from the experience that you can share with the rest of the community? Do you have any other senior travel tips to share? Please join the conversation.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about traveling and exploring new cultures. Watch my interview with the fabulous and inspirational Evelyn Hannon.
