Are you one of those people that enjoy traveling alone? Many of us that like to have company on our travels may envy those people that do. When you want to travel but don't have a companion to vacation with you can miss out on some good times. I happen to know several people that even though they have numerous friends they choose to book into a resort, take a cruise or an adventure trip alone. If you are confident enough and comfortable doing this, traveling alone can be a great way to meet new people and have totally new experiences.
While there are the lone travelers, most of us wouldn’t consider it much fun to go off alone to the unknown. We usually have a certain expectation of how we want our vacation to go. We need to know that we will have someone to share the experience with, someone to have dinner with, explore and have conversation.
If you've been in a relationship for many years and suddenly find yourself single again traveling can be something that you put on the back burner because you just don't want to travel on your own. Whether you find yourself single from divorce or because your partner has passed away there will be a lot of adjustments to be made in the way you live.
Once you are ready to move on with living and if you have other single friends then the chances are that you may soon find someone that is compatible, and in the same situation as you that would love to have a travel partner. Going away with other couples whether family or friends is an option. But I know that most singles find that in doing this, it can be uncomfortable and a constant reminder that you are single.
It's especially challenging if you're recovering from the loss of a partner that has passed away because there's also a feeling of guilt. The fact that you're still here and they are not, why should you have enjoyment in your life? It's so easy to get stuck in a rut and you don't feel that you have the energy or desire to move on. Once you start getting involved with life again taking a vacation can give you a whole new perspective on life.
You may want to consider totally different types of vacations to those that you've taken in the past. If you've been used to taking family vacations where you spend most of your time at the beach you may want to consider a trip that involves a hobby or interest that you have a passion for. This could also be a great opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.
There are vacations where you can learn to paint. There are dance cruises for people that love to dance, and a number of other types of workshops that take place on cruise ships and other types of retreats and facilities that combine leisure and learning.
If you're a golfer that has always wanted to tour some of the resort style golf courses then maybe a golf vacation is something that would suit you. You may want to brush up on your own swing before you leave by trying out the Medicus dual hinge training aid so that you can truly enjoy the experience. What about going on a chartered fishing trip with a group of other fishermen or maybe you would prefer a relaxing fly fishing resort.
If you have never experienced a winter wonderland vacation you may want to take a vacation at a ski resort. If skiing is something you’re not up for you can snow mobile, maybe take a sleigh ride or sit in the lodge with a drink watching the activities and still be a part of the excitement.
Some would prefer to visit historical locations where you can take a tour around the towns and gardens to see the local architecture, and amazing outdoor water fountains. Visiting art galleries and museums is a keen interest for many. If on the other hand you are more creative there are trips that you can take where they focus on art. You can take an oil painting lesson or whatever type of painting you like from an expert, combining a vacation with an interests and a learning opportunity all at the same time. The options are endless, so what type of vacation do you want to take next?
Even for those that may have enjoyed traveling alone for many years as you get older there can come a time when you may not be comfortable doing this anymore. Just consider how many single people that would be happy to connect with other singles as travel companions. So if you've been longing to take a trip and have been putting it off because you have not wanted to go alone it's time to change all that!
Considering the thousands of single seniors that you could possibly connect with that want the same thing as you, it’s time for you to do some research. Always keep in mind that your safety and security come first when meeting strangers and finding someone compatible is a good idea.
Check to see if there's a senior travel group in your area. If there isn't maybe you could start one. A great place to check this out is at www.meetup.com If you haven't already checked it out you will be amazed at how many different types of groups will be available in your area for people of all ages. There are seniors walking groups, discussion groups, card players meet up groups etc. This is a really good place to start to meet and interact with other like minded people.
There are number of over 50s travel sites on the internet, here are a couple to get you started:
www.walkingtheworld.com -travel for over 50s
www.50plusexpeditions.com
If you want more life experiences and to see more of the world, don't put it off! Travel while you can still enjoy it. Don't wait for ‘One day’ because health issues and other unexpected events can come up and prevent you from doing what you want to do.
Author Bio: Shirley Price has written a number of articles related to retirement. She has also developed and presented planning your life in retirement workshops. Shirley lives in beautiful Vancouver BC. She is a mother and grandmother and the publisher of a website for the over 50s www.lifebydesignover50.com.