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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

[/quote]

PP-How your trip go? Were you lonely? Did you have a hard time with the physical demands? I am open to broader tips about pulling off solo travel in old age! [/quote]

Trip was wonderful!  I would highly encourage all women to travel solo at least once in their lives.

I was not truly lonely because I was in English-speaking countries and could easily strike up a conversation with others. I always suggest first-timers or newbies do solo travel to English-speaking countries first.

I took public trains and buses all over, and being able to read the schedules, ask questions, etc. eased any concerns I had.

Dining alone doesn't have to be lonely - i love to people watch, and have a book or my phone to look at.  Dining earlier helps to get a table without feeling like you are taking up space. Or sitting at a bar for a meal is a great way to meet others. In NZ, I sat at a bar to eat an early dinner and struck up a conversation with a 20-something woman who was in the same career field as I had been.  We had such a good conversation, we wound up sitting at a table for awhile and talked about our experiences.

I would sign up for day tours or walking tours. Talking with others on the tour helped fill a desire to converse. Hotel/B&B owners are often very friendly, too.

Especially once you are a "certain age" I think it is easier.  Maybe people see their mom/grandmom in you and feel protective and helpful towards you. I always had someone offer to help with my bag even if I didn't really need it. Same with seats on transport - it is SO nice when others give you their seat after a long day of sightseeing!  Some benefits of getting older!

Otherwise, be realistic about what you can do physically and plan accordingly.  Only on one tour did I have a bit of trouble keeping up because the 20-something tour guide walked uphill fairly fast. I didn't let it bother me, though, because I knew I'd catch up.  If there was anything that I felt was risky physically, I just didn't do it and "sat it out" somewhere.  I didn't want my trip ruined because I overdid something. Speaking of which, I do make sure to purchase good travel insurance which includes a large medivac allowance.

Although I take solo trips I am not single. I am very fortunate that my DH does not mind my wanderlusting, and sometimes he joins up with me later in a trip. But if I can be totally honest I have had many more memorable experiences when I've been alone simply because I have more conversations with others/locals.  I find that you don't get approached for conversation as easily when you are a couple - people assume you don't want any interruptions, I guess. [/quote]

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