The Travel Industry Association of America reports
that nearly 35 million adults took vacations alone between
2000-2003, and it is not only loss of a spouse among
older Americans that push them to hit the road on their
own. Other factors can be a spouse that is unwilling
or unable to travel and lack of a suitable alternative
travel companion with shared interests. Because of this
trend travel companies are slowly becoming more solo-friendly.
Singles of any age must deal with society's belief
that humans travel in pairs. The idea is further reinforced
by the travel and hotel industries' practice of adding
single supplement fees, which in effect penalizes people
who travel alone so travel operators can make up for
what they consider lost revenue. But older singles find
it even more difficult to overcome perceptions and find
the confidence to make travel decisions and manage the
details. Declining stamina, vision, and hearing add
to their concerns, as well as dietary restrictions.
For Helen, traveling completely on her own, managing
all the details and arrangements, and staying alone
in a hotel room was not a good fit. Nor was the idea
of being part of a herd of tourists pushed through a
tour operator's itinerary appealing to her. She found
exactly what she wanted when she discovered travel organizations
that cater to people over 50 and provide them with group
learning or adventure experiences around the world.
Some provide single rooms at no extra charge, while
others endeavor to pair singles with roommates that
click.
Elderhostel offers over 10,000 learning experiences
in 90 countries for adults over 55. The world is their
classroom and programs include accommodations, meals,
lectures, field trips and insurance coverage. Although
some Elderhostel programs are pricey, their website
lists programs specifically under $600, such as a trip
to Napa wine country in California and a study of the
land and life of the Hopi in Arizona.
A similar organization is Eldertreks, an adventure
travel company designed for over-fifties. They offer
worldwide itineraries for small groups that focus on
local culture, nature and physical activity. Eldertreks
is a good bet for those who prefer to get off the beaten
track.
Before you commit to any travel experience as a
single, as the tour operator these questions:
* Do you have single rooms?
* Do you have a room-sharing program that can link
me with a compatible roommate?
* What is your single supplement fee, if any?
When you do commit to your solo travel adventure, learn
as much as possible about the people and places you
will be visiting before you leave home. Although you
may be going as a single within a group, nothing adds
to the experience like striking out on your own for
a while to meet the locals and visit neighborhoods independently.
You are more likely to meet new people in new places
as a single than if you stick within your comfortable
group.
Seniors presently have more disposable income and more
time to spend it than ever before. Traveling alone at
a time when you thought you would be sharing the joy
of travel with a partner can seem like a sad choice,
but it is more satisfying than staying home wishing
for adventure. Travel is an enriching experience and
to decide not to do it out of fear of the unknown or
because there is no one to do it with is regrettable.
Travel adds to our lives and keeps us young.
As one wanderer put it, "Travel isn't something
you do in old age, it is something you do instead of
old age."
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