Stopping solo travel due to age?

[pwdebbie]

I understand how you feel. I traveled solo in my younger years, when I was single, but now after so many years of travel with a family or even just as a couple, I’m not sure how I’d like being solo again. For instance, I’m not sure I can scream on the roller coasters if no one who hears me knows me! It’s just not as much fun.

I road Slinky Dog Dash for the first time this week. I was paired with another widow lady who was there with her daughter and her family. We had been chatting in the line so knew a bit about each other. Well, I laughed so hard that she was in stitches. She couldn't stop laughing at my laughing.

 

[Pooh2]

As far as personal safety is concerned, of the many times we’ve flown domestically and internationally, we’ve only had one issue. Himself was careless of his wallet during TSA search (when one has to put belongings in bins) and his wallet was stollen. I kind of fault him as it was a very crowded situation and he took his eyes off his wallet that was by itself in a bin.

Too add to your warning:

What we now do is right after we show ID at check-in, tuck wallet (for him), small purse (for me) right into a certain pocket of the carry-on.

If one of us gets held up for further inspection, the other grabs the designated bag after it goes through the scanner.
Obviously, if you are solo this is not possible but having your wallet/purse tucked out of sight reduces the chance of having it swiped.

TSA precheck is also a huge help for us since I don't move so quickly anymore so not having to take extras out of the bag or deal with shoes is a big help.

 

[leebee]

I don't think I'll stop traveling solo for a while yet (I'm 68). I've always traveled solo long distance, driving from Syracuse to southern Maine in my early 30s, from Michigan to southern Maine (with toddler DD in tow) in my late 30s/early 40s, from PA to southern Maine in my mid-40s. DH was a grad student or just too busy as a faculty person to take the time off; if I didn't travel alone, I'd not have traveled. I've also flown around the country with DD since she was born (she's 31 now). These days my solo travel involves the 3 hour drive to my sister's home for a weekend or longer, or flying to Disney (super successful trip, 4 park days, in November). Wherever I'm going, someone at home (either DH or DD, or both) knows my itinerary, I check in from airports along the way when flying, and always contact them when I arrive at my destination or when I am leaving to go home. I don't have a smart phone, so I just take Disney as it comes, using guest services if I need to change or make an ADR. I do find that when I am on a road trip, I have to stop more frequently to get out of the car and stretch (especially since having my knee replaced), but that's about the only changes I've had to make when traveling solo. However, I do hope that when/if I slow down and it gets to the point that solo travel is no longer safe, I'll recognize this and stop traveling alone.

 

[Goldelpack]

I hope I never want to stop solo travel! I've had mobility issues since my mid 20's to the point where if I hadn't "given in" and use a scooter (or wheelchair when I was with others) my WDW vacations would have ended there. I turned 62 last July and those 40 years added lots more challenges. Once I not only recognized but created doable action plans I realized that there was no stopping these extreme physical vacations. Adaptation. Planning. For each "inconvenience" I create a take with me bag of necessities. Now it consists of tons of Lactaid (severe intolerance), at least 4 Imodium gels (easier to open gels than tablets and my hands don't always work well), several anti-nausea disolvables, Advil/Tylenol combo tablets, thumb splint (need 1 hand to always work for scooter), caffiene tablets, benedryl just in case. These go in a small baggie that stays in the scooter. Back in the day where I could do some walking I had a bag of blister care, wound care, lambs wool, etc for my feet. I no longer worry about doing this or that - I can easily go to a park and ride 0 rides and have a great day just looking at this awesome place. I nap. I stop in a restroom before and sometimes also right after all attractions just in case. It more than works for me. While I would be thrilled to go with others - I simply wouldn't consider it MY WDW time.

 

[goofyernmost]

I don't want to stop traveling alone or otherwise. Last spring I drove from Raleigh to Pigeon Forge, TN, by myself even though I met one of my daughters there. Also I drove from Raleigh to Burlington, Vt (about 950 miles one way) and back the previous September to visit friends and family. Right now I am pondering the thought of a road trip to Well's Beach, Maine in the spring. About 1000 miles one way. That one is not cast in stone yet and depends on how I feel. Being 76 years old I do have to consider a few things that never entered my mind a few years back.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

I don't want to stop traveling alone or otherwise. Last spring I drove from Raleigh to Pigeon Forge, TN, by myself even though I met one of my daughters there. Also I drove from Raleigh to Burlington, Vt (about 950 miles one way) and back the previous September to visit friends and family. Right now I am pondering the thought of a road trip to Well's Beach, Maine in the spring. About 1000 miles one way. That one is not cast in stone yet and depends on how I feel. Being 76 years old I do have to consider a few things that never entered my mind a few years back.

Check out Avelo Airlines from Raleigh for discount airfare. I go to Manchester, NH. You will need to rent a car but you many save time and money for hotel stays. Good luck.

 

[MIGrandma]

I love solo traveling and I’m 67 years old. That said, my week long November trip to Disney World let me know that kind of solo trip is one I’ll probably never do again. I tired out too quickly in the parks, doing only 5-6 hours a day. I enjoyed my trip, but it was just too much I think. I love traveling solo to Mackinac Island, Michigan. It’s only about a 3-hour drive from home. I go almost yearly, sometimes twice (spring and fall). It’s a much more leisurely and relaxing place to go than what Disney is. I also enjoy taking shopping trips, spending 3-4 nights in a hotel. In May I’m taking a 3 night solo trip to Ludington, it’s right on Lake Michigan. A favorite town to visit. Good hiking in the state park, lots of great restaurants, the marina park, shopping, and a balcony room to watch the boats

DH and I have both Find My and the Life 360 apps on our phones so we can see where the other is at all times, plus we text or talk once or twice daily. Our kids always know where we both are too, and know of any trips we or I have coming up. I do like to know where the nearest hospital is wherever we go, you just never know when you might need one.

 

[Judique]

I can easily go to a park and ride 0 rides and have a great day just looking at this awesome place.

Me too! No thrill rides for me so I usually shop while friends are doing those. I do have rides I like but I've done them lots of times so not a problem if I just wander.

 

[goofyernmost]

Check out Avelo Airlines from Raleigh for discount airfare. I go to Manchester, NH. You will need to rent a car but you many save time and money for hotel stays. Good luck.

I have checked them out, but no matter how inexpensive the flight, the car rentals are out of range. I have a car that I am paying for and spending almost $900 for a weeks rental while my car sits idle at home is unthinkable to me. I'll tell you something about me and growing older. It has gotten to the point where everything I loved to do all my life are no longer available for me. I always loved road trips and that is one thing I can still do. That said I would rather spend that money on hotel rooms along the way, than for a car that I will constantly know I didn't need. Plus I was also thinking about cutting across to Vermont and that would just add more driving anyway.

Me too! No thrill rides for me so I usually shop while friends are doing those. I do have rides I like but I've done them lots of times so not a problem if I just wander.

To each his/her own I guess, but after 40 years of going to my favorite place and then just sitting and watching others have fun is not anywhere on my wish list. The beauty of Disney parks is that most of the attractions are not thrill rides and even the thrill rides for the most part are much less "thrilling" than what is found in regular amusement parks. My financial situation along with my mobility problems are the things that stop me now. There are a few things that I think would be a little less then enjoyable for a person my age, but at 76 years old I still think that 98% of anything at WDW would be fair game for me.

 

[Judique]

I have checked them out, but no matter how inexpensive the flight, the car rentals are out of range. I have a car that I am paying for and spending almost $900 for a weeks rental while my car sits idle at home is unthinkable to me. I'll tell you something about me and growing older. It has gotten to the point where everything I loved to do all my life are no longer available for me. I always loved road trips and that is one thing I can still do. That said I would rather spend that money on hotel rooms along the way, than for a car that I will constantly know I didn't need. Plus I was also thinking about cutting across to Vermont and that would just add more driving anyway.

To each his/her own I guess, but after 40 years of going to my favorite place and then just sitting and watching others have fun is not anywhere on my wish list. The beauty of Disney parks is that most of the attractions are not thrill rides and even the thrill rides for the most part are much less "thrilling" than what is found in regular amusement parks. My financial situation along with my mobility problems are the things that stop me now. There are a few things that I think would be a little less then enjoyable for a person my age, but at 76 years old I still think that 98% of anything at WDW would be fair game for me.

No sitting happening! Disney took away all the seats. I'm lucky in that I have very few mobility issues and my financial situation is fine. What holds me back is vertigo.

Adding, I agree on the car. I'm a roadtripper and drive just about everywhere I go. This is especially reinforced when I've priced out a larger vehicle to take grands and their parents. I've rented a car for DD to drive (time issue so flew in) rather than rent a large vehicle we would all fit in together. Renting that car was a third of the price of anything that would seat 7 so combined with my car we got where we needed to go on our last trip together. Just me, I'm driving my own car.

 

[goofyernmost]

No sitting happening! Disney took away all the seats. I'm lucky in that I have very few mobility issues and my financial situation is fine. What holds me back is vertigo.

Adding, I agree on the car. I'm a roadtripper and drive just about everywhere I go. This is especially reinforced when I've priced out a larger vehicle to take grands and their parents. I've rented a car for DD to drive (time issue so flew in) rather than rent a large vehicle we would all fit in together. Renting that car was a third of the price of anything that would seat 7 so combined with my car we got where we needed to go on our last trip together. Just me, I'm driving my own car.

They do that in the malls here. Apparently in the winter the homeless are going into the malls at night and using the benches as a bed in a warm, dry spot. I don't think they mind the homeless using them at night, but they tend to just stay there the rest of the day as well. So the solution is to remove the benches which means all the massively elderly, like myself, have no place to walk in the winter. Not all seniors need the benches but I do so without them I must stay at home and lose out on a lot of exercise. Since I always buy something while I'm there they are losing that revenue too.

When I first moved here the mall I went to had a car from the local VW dealership parked in the open space. I walked buy it everyday for months and finally decided that I liked the looks of the Passat. I went to the dealer and when they asked me what vehicle I wanted I told them I wanted the one in the mall. I leased that car and had it for three years and then turned it back in. Leased a different new Jetta. I think that bit of advertising might have been worthwhile.

 

[pirate33]

I road Slinky Dog Dash for the first time this week. I was paired with another widow lady who was there with her daughter and her family. We had been chatting in the line so knew a bit about each other. Well, I laughed so hard that she was in stitches. She couldn't stop laughing at my laughing.

I love this story! I’m turning 59 this year and love my solo trips to WDW. I hope I can keep them up!

 

[Judique]

They do that in the malls here. Apparently in the winter the homeless are going into the malls at night and using the benches as a bed in a warm, dry spot. I don't think they mind the homeless using them at night, but they tend to just stay there the rest of the day as well. So the solution is to remove the benches which means all the massively elderly, like myself, have no place to walk in the winter. Not all seniors need the benches but I do so without them I must stay at home and lose out on a lot of exercise. Since I always buy something while I'm there they are losing that revenue too.

When I first moved here the mall I went to had a car from the local VW dealership parked in the open space. I walked buy it everyday for months and finally decided that I liked the looks of the Passat. I went to the dealer and when they asked me what vehicle I wanted I told them I wanted the one in the mall. I leased that car and had it for three years and then turned it back in. Leased a different new Jetta. I think that bit of advertising might have been worthwhile.

Regarding Disney removing seats: On one of our earlier trips (90ties maybe) I remember going into Main Street Bakery for their cinnamon roll. Came outside and took a seat on one of the benches that used to be out front. For those that are unfamiliar, MSB was where Starbucks now is and those benches are long gone. Anyway, I was sitting next to an older gentleman who told me he came to Magic Kingdom every day and sat on this seat watching the World go by.

I guess he and others weren't contributing enough revenue and like your mall, Disney found a way to make more space. Every time I get a bit tired and look for a seat, I think of him.

Adding: my go to now is Hall of Presidents. Just enough time to give me a break and cool me off.

 

[R&RsMom]

I’m 76 and still travel alone, mostly to Disney World, flying rather than driving. My husband is not a big fan of long-distance travel any more, and I still love to travel. So, I either go by myself, or see if I can treat one of my daughters to go with. Beyond Disney, I have been thinking about a bus tour within the US. It’s likely stretching my comfort level to think solo travel beyond North America.

 

[Judique]

I’m 76 and still travel alone, mostly to Disney World, flying rather than driving. My husband is not a big fan of long-distance travel any more, and I still love to travel. So, I either go by myself, or see if I can treat one of my daughters to go with. Beyond Disney, I have been thinking about a bus tour within the US. It’s likely stretching my comfort level to think solo travel beyond North America.

I have 1 son, 2 daughters and 4 grands.
Youngest DD traveled with me through her early 20ties, then took a break until March 2024. I don't expect that she will do much for a while.

Oldest DD and family will come whenever, but work and school just interfere. Still, we will fit a bit in.

Son and family will wait until they think their kids are old enough. Probably won't go for another 3 to 4 years.

I have a friend of my older DD who 'may' take a trip if it fits her schedule. I'm always on the lookout for suitable candidates as solo is great but having someone with you is also great if you are somewhat compatible.

 

[Lyndarella]

I just returned from a 2 week solo trip and I am 75. I walk slower now, but it gives me time to notice more of the details that the younger me rushed past. It is easy to overlook the clever names of the food places and the amusing names of some of the menu items when you aren't specifically looking for them. I chatted with cast members and received free cupcakes and extra rides for doing so! I rarely stayed out after dark, and rode only rides with short wait times.

I am going again in May with my cousin, so was comfortable skipping a lot of things I know we'll do then. If I didn't have another trip planned I probably would have done more. HOWEVER, the amount of walking I did was absolutely exhausting, even with frequent sit downs. The last day I just couldn't go again, as it was extra hot, and my legs hurt (shin splints, anyone?)

The hardest part for me was having to use so much technology. It doesn't come easily to me, and in my small world it is mostly avoidable! (I use a computer so don't do much with my phone.) I was always afraid that I couldn't find what I needed on my phone, or that I would lose or break it while trying. And the wi-fi at WDW isn't the best. But I'm glad now that I had to learn to depend on it.

I hope to keep going to WDW for a while longer. I even bought an annual pass this time, so I'm not done yet!

 

[macraven]

Well, when peeps turn 77, they walk a bit slower …just saying ….

 

[DL1WDW2]

This is a good topic.
I just want to add a reminder to stay hydrated in the Orlando heat.
That seems to be my biggest concern. It seems like one of those things you can easily ignore and then it can quickly become dangerous especially if you aren’t aware .

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Anyone ever experience DISNEY RASH?
Yep! It's a thing. Never had a problem with it until 2 yrs ago. Had no idea what it was but it was scary...Called my Dr from WDW bc I thought it was due to new meds for a newly-discovered auto-immune issue I had... But NO!
Good news is it is UGLY & SCARY, but harmless.
At least that's what my Dr determined.
Not offering medical advice here...Just FYI:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-disney-rash

 

[goofyernmost]

It has been around a while. A number of years ago it was a topic. As I recall it was thought that it was the suns heat and radiation from the paved areas in he parks because, at that point, it was mostly on the legs that were exposed while in the parks. My memory could be off here, but I do recall this being a topic of discussion either here or some other Disney board.