Advice for travelling solo: staying safe, having fun and top locations

Solo holidays can be a great way to see new places and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers. There are many ways to do it, and many places you could go. Here are some top tips to get you started.

In early 2025, Martin Barsley, 64, went on his first solo trip to Sri Lanka. “I had reservations,” he says, “but decided to give solo travel a try on the basis that anyone booking this tour would be like-minded.” Any initial doubts quickly dissipated. Taking a solo holiday as a single traveller over 60 can be empowering. Not only do you alone get to choose where you’d like to go – the world really is your oyster – but you get to set the itinerary. Go with an open mind, and you’re likely to make new friends and open the door to future holidays and experiences.

Finding the perfect solo holiday for singles over the ages of 50 and 60 has never been easier. The Association of British Travel Agents’ research reflects a growing appetite for solo travel, with 17% of respondents in its Holiday Habits 2024 survey saying they went on holiday by themselves in the past 12 months.

How to plan an over 50s solo travel trip

Start early

There’s nothing wrong with a last-minute getaway, but preparing a few months in advance can make travel less stressful on the day – and give you something to look forward to.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s country-specific travel advice pages are a one-stop-shop for information about entry requirements, safety advice and no-go destinations that may invalidate your travel insurance.

And if you’ll be hitting the road at your destination, you'll need to read up on overseas driving rules and whether you need an International Driving Permit.

Ensure you have important information

Take copies of important documentation, including your passport and travel insurance policy, or store them digitally in a password-protected ‘wallet’ on your phone.

Remember to write down any key mobile phone numbers – including emergency contacts – and to share your itinerary with friends and family.

Pay attention to what you pack

If you know you’re going to be on foot a lot, invest in a pair of trainers or hiking shoes you find comfortable – always test and break them in in advance. A cross-body or waist bag with zip pockets is also a must-have.

If the holiday involves demanding hikes, consider taking foldable poles. They will help reduce the impact on the knees, particularly during descents. According to outdoor equipment retailer Cotswold, walking poles redistribute 15-20% of your body weight from the legs to the upper body.

Look into tap water safety

Bring a re-usable water bottle to stay hydrated, ideally with in-built filtration. This will protect you from harmful bacteria which may be present in tap water in countries abroad.

Medical concerns

If you require repeat medication, you should look to order it in advance. You’ll want to make sure you’re travelling with copies of your prescriptions and depending on the medication, your airline may require a Medical Information Form (MEDIF). The NHS has a useful advice page dedicated to travelling with medicines and medical conditions.

If you have specific health concerns, then Age Co’s travel insurance policies may offer the peace of mind you’re looking for, with over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions covered.

Best destinations for solo travellers

Your destination will, of course, depend on your particular interests and tastes. Almost 20 years before his solo trip to Sri Lanka, Martin travelled there with his father to watch cricket. He had a connection to the island and “was able to explore the country’s history and culture”. For someone interested in photography, the rare birds on the island were a perfect match.

Martin (front and centre) on an elephant safari

If you don’t have such specific ideas here are three suggestions:

Japan

Japan can offer both ultra-modern and ancient in one. Try Tokyo, Kyoto and the deer park in Nara. Fantastic transportation links make it a good choice for people of all ages.

Australia

If you don’t mind a long flight from the UK, Australia is well known for its nature and laidback atmosphere. It’s a great place to go birdwatching, with 45% of its bird species found nowhere else on the globe.

Italy

Closer to home, why not consider Italy? From historic Rome and Milan’s boutiques to Tuscan vineyards and the beaches of Sicily and Sardinia, it has something for everyone.

Don’t feel the need to go for an ambitious trip straight away. For a first solo trip, consider an organised weekend away in the UK or a coach holiday for singles over 50 or 60. Solo tour operators offer short-break options ranging from spa weekends and festive breaks to ceroc (a modern partner dancing style).

Many operators offer dedicated solo travel for all types of holiday, from winter sun to luxury beach holidays, and special interest trips such as wine tasting, skiing and golf. You’ll avoid single-occupancy supplements on these trips. This is a type of charge which might affect you as a solo traveller taking a private room.

If you’re fairly active at home, adventurous holidays needn’t stop. Most ‘active’ solo holidays over 60 are graded according to difficulty, empowering you to choose a holiday according to your comfort level.

How to stay safe on a solo travel trip

Take some cash in local currency and if you can, two bank cards – leave one of these in the hotel safe so you have a back-up. When leaving the hotel, always hand in your room key at reception.

Keep your wits about you for pickpockets, as with any holiday. When walking, try to keep your bags and belongings away from the road side, move to the side of the pavement to use your phone, and bring clothing and bags with zipped pockets.

Should a pre-booked transfer fall through, go to the airport information desk to ask about alternatives.

Travel insurance is an important consideration. Whether you're looking for annual or single trip cover, Age Co Travel Insurance provided through AllClear covers more than 1,300 pre-existing conditions and offers up to unlimited emergency medical expenses as well as repatriation costs. It includes a 24/7 medical assistance helpline. Cruise cover is offered as standard on Platinum policies.

Consider an escorted holiday

If you’re nervous about long-haul travel or are new to solo holidays consider joining a group, or ‘escorted’ holiday. As well as removing the stresses that can come with exploring unfamiliar places alone, groups benefit from having a dedicated tour host to bring the destination alive, and experienced staff to talk to at the booking stage.

Destinations including Japan, India, the US and Canada are popular escorted holiday destinations for single travellers.

Solo cruises offer the best of both worlds for over 50s

Cruising solo affords the best of both worlds: a cabin to yourself, with organised excursions and companions at mealtimes.

Luxury cruise specialist Mundy Cruising works with 30 river and ocean cruise lines. “Many of our cruise line partners organise solo traveller meet-ups, group tables at restaurants and hosts who act as dance partners or dinner companions,” says Alex Loizou, director of sales and marketing at Mundy. “Some even offer a discreet pin (at the traveller’s discretion) to show hosts, officers and crew that they’re a solo traveller.

“We are available to coordinate pre- and post-cruise arrangements, including hotels, flights and transfers, and also act as a sounding board for accessibility options and recommendations for shore excursions,” Loizou adds.

General advice for solo travellers

Be ‘smart’ and put your phone to good use

Before travelling, download any local transport apps, accessibility information and maps you might use. For added peace of mind, and to avoid nasty surprises when you receive your bill, consider buying a travel eSIM (virtual SIM card). These can be bought before you depart and activated on arrival to unlock more cost-effective data in your destination and still allow you access to your regular SIM.

Find a ‘community’

Social media and other online travel forums can offer a wealth of resources, as can your real-life social network. Ask tour operators for similar trips or strike up conversations with other solo travellers your age. They might help you find your next destination – or travel companion.

Take the weight off

If travelling with a tour operator, transfers and luggage will likely be taken care of. If not, make life a bit easier by keeping some cash handy for tips at stations and hotels.

Talk to an expert

Picking up the phone is a great first step. Experienced solo tour operators can provide advice and help you consider your options.

Any concerns Martin had ahead of his trip to Sri Lanka about solo travel soon evaporated. The group gelled well, making it a fun experience. “I got to see the cave temples, climb Sigiriya and visit Galle, which I’d missed out on previously. Being an avid wildlife photographer and birder, there was also plenty of opportunity to explore these hobbies on the trip.”

Martin has more travel adventures planned, although he hopes to do these with his new partner. However, he still thinks solo travel is a rewarding way to explore the world. “I’d thoroughly recommend the experience to anyone.”

In summary

Keep these six things in mind when planning and travelling abroad solo:

• Consider a UK-based solo trip before looking abroad
• Pay attention to the difficulty grading of active solo travel holidays
• Think about the style and pace of holiday you’d like
• Cruises are a great option if you want to minimise planning and research
• Keep in regular contact with your loved ones back home – and consider an eSIM to minimise data roaming costs
• Choose an insurance policy that will cover you for theft, loss, travel disruption and health complications