Need Encouragement

[Anonymous]

I am an older women about to embark on few weeks in Europe:solo.

Even though I did this with no qualms when I was younger, now I have trepidation. What if I get sick or sick? Will criminals see me as an easy mark? Will I be able to manage my (minimal) luggage?

Please only post if you are kind. I could use some encouragement that this trip will be a success.

[Anonymous]

You are going to have a blast. There's great healthcare, so no worries about that. It's also ok if you decide to take it easy and don't hit every single thing on your itinerary. Just go sit at a cafe and people watch if you're tired! Truly, you'll have a blast.

[Anonymous]

Have a great time!
If you get sick ... you will manage. They have doctors and hospitals there.
Use a travel wallet to protect against pickpockets.
Practice with your luggage now. Can you manage it?
You will do great!

[Anonymous]

Did you buy travel health insurance? Even if you didn't it'll probably cost less if you have to go to the ER there than if you do in the US. If you are allergic to any foods learn how to say "allergy" and the word you're allergic to in each language, so you can quickly get your point across.

If you look around with your mouth open in wonderment while clutching a map and a camera around your neck, then yes criminals will see you as an easy mark. If you walk with purpose where you're going you'll be fine. If you keep your passport and wallet hidden from view you'll be fine.

Of course you'll be able to manage your minimal luggage! You've already practiced carrying it up and down staircases and can totally do this.

You're going to be fine, and if you're not, you'll be capable of dealing with that too. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

You got this.

I have plenty of friends in their 60's 70's and 80's that do this.

Just be prepared.

Get a packsafe or travelpro bag to keep your stuff safe walking around.

Yes you can manage a carryon. Make sure it is sized properly for international travel. And has fabulous wheels.

Some friends take an extra cheep cell or buy one there in case their daily one gets stolen.

European medical care is pretty darn good.

Make a couple of copies of your passport just in case and your license and credit cards. Some people put this on their phone. We usually do both phone and printed copies left in hotel safe and or luggage in room.

[Anonymous]

I love this! Go you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You got this.

I have plenty of friends in their 60's 70's and 80's that do this.

Just be prepared.

Get a packsafe or travelpro bag to keep your stuff safe walking around.

Yes you can manage a carryon. Make sure it is sized properly for international travel. And has fabulous wheels.

Some friends take an extra cheep cell or buy one there in case their daily one gets stolen.

European medical care is pretty darn good.

Make a couple of copies of your passport just in case and your license and credit cards. Some people put this on their phone. We usually do both phone and printed copies left in hotel safe and or luggage in room.

You can also leave the copies with a trusted friend or relative who you can contact if you lose these things.

[Anonymous]

Going solo makes you more accessible to meeting people. I met lots of other travelers when I was backpacking alone. Now that I travel with my husband and stay in hotels that doesn't happen as much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a great time!
If you get sick ... you will manage. They have doctors and hospitals there.
Use a travel wallet to protect against pickpockets.
Practice with your luggage now. Can you manage it?
You will do great!

I also use a small change purse with 20 euros for lunch, drinks etc, and keep it in a pocket. That way you're not digging into your money belt, and if the change purse gets stolen it's not a tragedy.

[Anonymous]

What's nice about traveling alone is that you can see exactly what you want. You don't have to compromise on activities.

[Anonymous]

You can do it! It's so worth it.

I went solo to Europe last year after having not done so in decades. A few tips beyond the obvious stuff like stay in a safe neighborhood . . .

I brought two ATM cards and several credit cards. I left backups in the hotel safe. My passport stayed in the safe, too.

While I frequently stay at Airbnbs and the like when traveling with others, I only stayed in hotels while solo. In case I had any issues, especially with health issues, I wanted there to be someone at a front desk who I could call upon in an emergency.

I suggest staying in a hotel with a buffet breakfast. That way it's easy to grab a quick bite and be on your way. I didn't want the daily headache of finding a restaurant and waiting for food.

I suggest making dinner reservations most nights, especially on Fridays/Saturdays. I didn't want to deal with wandering around and getting turned down, either because places were full or they didn't want to bother with a solo diner. I like meeting people, so enjoyed sitting at bars in restaurants. Perhaps I didn't get to eat at the very best spots, but I had a plan and the comfort of not having to stress at the end of a long day.

One drink only per meal. I have zero tolerance and didn't want to get sloppy.

I wore blacks and neutral colors, spiffed up with a muted scarf and simple earrings. I could go nearly anywhere and didn't stand out from the locals.

[Anonymous]

If you are on Facebook, there is a private group you can join called Solo in Style: Women Over 50 Travelling Solo & Loving It!!

They are very supportive and you can post for advice while on your trip if you have Wi-Fi.

Hope you have a great time!

[Anonymous]

DCUM angels- thank you for coming through !

🤗

[Anonymous]

Op, we'd love to hear more. Report back to us along the way or when you get home. Here or on the Midlife Forum, which could use some uplifting threads!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, we'd love to hear more. Report back to us along the way or when you get home. Here or on the Midlife Forum, which could use some uplifting threads!

+1