Traveling Alone but Safely
Elderhostel Makes Seniors Feel Safer on Tours
Joyce Senkel is not one to stay home for lack of a travel companion. The single, 62-year old resident of Portland, Oregon has traveled on her own for years, first as a sales manager for an advertising company, and now for pleasure and learning with Elderhostel.
Joyce has attended 6 Elderhostel programs in 3 years, traveling alone 3 times. "My first Elderhostel experience was in Virginia Beach, Virginia," she says, "because I wanted to get as far away from Portland as I could, within the continental United States."
Now working fulltime in interior decorating, Joyce makes time to get away at least once a year - sometimes alone, other times with a companion. She takes it all in stride - it's a choice between staying home or going solo and not missing out on what life has to offer.
She feels sometimes it's good to travel alone by choice. "I see it as a way to refresh myself, get back in touch with myself," she says. "It's not difficult, especially with programs like Elderhostel."
Elderhostel interviewed Joyce about solo travel:
Elderhostel: Do you ever encounter other "solos" at Elderhostel programs?
Joyce: Quite a bit. At one program, one of the Elderhostelers was a gentleman traveling alone. His wife stayed home - she was a professional quilter in South Carolina and had other things to do that week. I've met others who have left a spouse at home to attend a program. On another program - in Arizona - I met a retired orthopedic surgeon whose wife was in an extended care home with Alzheimer's disease. And, I've met many single women like me.
EH: What motivates you to travel alone? Is it something you do frequently?
Joyce: I don't always opt to travel alone. Sometimes I can't find a companion to go with. Other times I truly look forward to traveling alone.
EH: What is Elderhostel like for you as a solo? Do you feel comfortable being there as a single?
Joyce: Elderhostel is a very comfortable experience for solos. You can socialize as much or as little as you want. There is always someone to talk to. You can eat meals together, chat between classes, but you can also room alone.
After hearing (other people) talk about their experiences with roommates, I'm more interested trying that because they were so enthusiastic and positive.
EH: What was your first solo travel experience? Where did you go, what did you do... and why did you choose it?
Joyce: Elderhostel was my first. It makes you feel so secure. I went to Virginia Beach all by myself. The program was Big Band, ballroom dancing, and weather/local climatology. That turned out to be the best one! That's one of the highlights of Elderhostel - the instructors. We had a professor who had been struck by lightning twice, worked as a television weatherman. He was just a kick in the pants.
EH: What were your friends' and family's reactions to your decision to "go solo"?
Joyce: Everybody kind of went "You're going where?!" and "Why?" "By yourself? Alone? Really?!"
EH: What is it about being in a group of fellow Elderhostelers that makes independent travel a positive experience for you?
Joyce: Having people to share meal times and some adventures with, is the best part. There are times when even if you are comfortable by yourself, you'd rather have companionship.
EH: In your opinion, what are some challenges facing older independent travelers?
Joyce: What's scary about going on your own is feeling compromised by age. Younger people are usually bolder about risk taking. People become more cautious and concerned with age. Women in particular feel vulnerable, and their anxiousness may easily be conveyed by how they carry themselves - which makes them more susceptible to what's out there. The more prepared you are, the more confident you appear, and less likely you are to be a victim.
The bottom line is, a program like Elderhostel is great for solos because they provide everything. They tell you what to bring and what you'll need, so you don't feel as though you're walking into something blind. It's all spelled out - where the facilities are, the weather, what to wear, whether to bring insect repellent. And, you know that the group is expecting you and that you will be looked out for.
EH: What advice or tips would you offer to other solos about independent travel - not just with Elderhostel, but in going anywhere on one's own?
Joyce: Do a bit of planning. Cover the bases - don't leave anything to chance. When you arrive you know you'll have a hotel room and an itinerary, and feel safe and secure.
EH: What destinations and activities are on your wish list for future travels?
Joyce: I can hardly wait to travel overseas with Elderhostel. I desperately want to go to Venice and Greece. You get more of an actual cultural experience with Elderhostel.
I'm looking forward to sharing a room with someone, participating in a service program. One presenter spoke about tutoring Indian children in Arizona, and it completely fascinated me. Gosh, what an opportunity!
The U.S. State Department has safety tips for women traveling alone.
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