Beginner Solo Traveler? This is what I'd do as a woman over 50!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

LINKS: 1. She's The World Travel (Ireland Trip): shestheworld.com/travel-exper... 2. Sister Stay: www.sisterstay.com/ 3. Viator: www.viator.com/ 4. Airbnb Experiences: www.airbnb.com/ 5. Guruwalk: www.guruwalk.com/ 6. **Level8 Suitcase: amzn.to/3PfWq46 7. **Crossbody Purse: amzn.to/3pTMZhE 8. **RFID Wallet: amzn.to/3PgCuOF 9. **SurfShark VPN: get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer... 10. **Travel Insurance: bit.ly/483pgLC **Amazon storefront for all my favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/genxgypsy **Airfare Deals with FareDrop: faredrop.com/?fpr=christi80 If you'd like to help me get through the hours of filming and editing it takes to get these videos published, you can buy me a coffee (or a glass of wine) here...it will be greatly appreciated!!: www.buymeacoffee.com/genxgypsy **Don't forget to subscribe, hit that like button and share with other fellow adventurers (or wannabe adventurers!)* ⭐ ⭐ Links marked with * are affiliate codes/links which mean... if you sign up/buy a product (at no extra cost to you) I make a little bit of money so I can keep entertaining, inspiring and creating content to help you travel better :-)⭐⭐

[@traceyrusthoven2097]

I went to London alone December 2023 and have a trip to Dublin (alone) booked for this December and I’m 60. My husband doesn’t enjoy the long flights anymore but encourages me to embrace my desire to travel 😊

[@lynnencouleurs]

I'm 61 and will be solo in Amsterdam at the end of March. I've been all booked for a couple of weeks now. Listening to you tonight, it's EXACTLY how I've booked my trip. Hotel in a great part of town, car waiting for me when I step off the plane, walking tour, food tour, museums, canal cruises, tulips and windmills all booked. From me to me. Exciting and less apprehensive after listening to you. It's how it should be. Big thanks!

[@hiviolet007]

I’m 68 and just returned from 2 weeks solo in England. Not my first solo trip but it was the longest. I had a great time! For anyone over 65 that will be doing several train trips within the U.K., get the senior rail pass. It’s only £30 and is good for a year. Saves 1/3 off all train travel AND if you go to London, you can save 1/3 off all public transport if you have a rail pass. I really got my £30 worth!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

That is a great deal!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@PattyB917]

Solo to Barcelona and then solo on 14 day TA cruise… at 73! Fall 2024

[@lesliedawson7364]

I’ve solo’ed to Ireland twice so far and will be going again in October. Let’s eat is their version of door dash. They have a great hop on hop off bus tour in Dublin. I’m lucky to have friends that live there and let me stay with them. But I do stay at the Clayton airport hotel the night before I have to leave since they have a shuttle to the airport every 20 minutes

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Having friends in cool places is the best!! 🙂

[@mswhizz56]

My husband only travels under very specific parameters that are way too constricting for me so I have been traveling without him for years. I have done a few solo trips but have found that I also enjoy solo trips with a group simply because they take care of the details. I have traveled with “Women Traveling Together” 3 times so far and can recommend them if you are leery of traveling on your own. It is amazing how quickly the camaraderie forms between members of the group. I also really appreciate that WTT allows to do your own thing if you aren’t interested in the planned activity. Love the shoe tip but probably would switch it out for my phone since that is the one item I am always double checking I have when I walk out the door.

[@pjhosang2977]

I was in Ireland and Scotland last Spring. Originally, I was going alone but a friend decided to go with me. I have travelled alone to Amsterdam, Rome and around Australia. When asked, I always says my friends are meeting me soon, so good tip.

[@danahumphries4933]

At 51 I am going to Aberdeen Scotland in April all by myself. I can’t wait.

[@kellydooling]

i went to ireland solo for 2.5 weeks in april 2023 and i highly recommend it! i took day tours for some areas and rented a car for everything after dublin. my biggest stress was learning to drive on the other side of the road, but after about a day or two, it felt totally natural. i visited dublin, glendalough, county meath, giant’s causeway/belfast, cashel/cahir, kinsale, killareney and the np, dingle/slea head drive, cliffs of moher, doolin, the burren, cong (with one solurge night at ashford castle), connemara np, and galway. it was all fantastic!! enjoy the trip with your mom! oh, and no way would i book a shared room at a hostel. 😅

[@GenxGypsy1968]

The driving on the other side of the road seems so intimidating until you do it! Definitely one of the things I was glad I was forced to do in Japan...now I'll never be intimidated about renting a car anywhere. Sounds like an amazing trip!! 🙂

[@kellydooling]

@@GenxGypsy1968 It was! Your Japan trip is inspiring me to maybe try that within the next few years. :)

[@Bluenosergirl]

Hopefully solo to Japan next year. Either land trip or cruise around Japan

[@laurablanton703]

This is such a timely video. Not solo but going to Tokyo with my 17 year old daughter on a school trip. I am excited about it and also looking for some solo ideas too.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Tokyo is a great city to do things as a solo woman, very safe and clean and easy to navigate. You're going to have a wonderful time. I love traveling with my daughter ❤

[@ifxequalswhy]

GREAT video, Christi! OMG the shoe in the safe... ❤! Extra tip regarding the headphones if you feel you are in danger: use them to pretend you are on the phone with someone. You can even say things like 'yeah, I'm just around the corner from you and I just passed the XYZ coffee shop that's on the corner (insert a business that you see as you're talking).' I've done this more than once in different countries as well as in US cities. That person that seemed to be following me a little too closely disappeared every time. This has even worked when I've been with my husband and we've thought someone was sketchy and possibly about to mug us.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

That is a fantastic tip!!! Thank you for sharing 😃

[@valkyr8]

I decided to stay at a hostel in Chicago in 2023. While it was fun meeting new people, I 100% agree that I am no longer hostel material. It was challenging getting up and down from the top bunk. LOL! 100% agree on having your transport and food arranged when you get to your destination! That was ideal when I arrived at 6 am in Iceland.

[@MeiLee-t2v]

Thanks for this interesting video. One of my friends is planning a trip to Scotland where her ancestors are from. I will forward it to her. By the way, I'm a middle-aged man, and if someone asked me if I was travelling alone, I would lie with a clear conscience. Nobody should be asking you that question, whether it's a tourist spot or your local mall.

[@cindywest6536]

Hi Christie! I just recently found your channel and became a subscriber! I usually travel "solo", although sometimes I meet up with my best friend who lives in another state on some trips. I am a birder, so I prefer to travel through an organized birding tour company. That way I'm traveling with a professional guide and like-minded people and go to places that would otherwise be very logistically difficult to find for particular species of birds. We also usually stay in remote ecotourism lodges rather than large hotels in the city other than our first and last night. Next month I am off to Taiwan!!! Thank you for providing great tips for packing and travel essentials...things that even with all of my years of travel experience, I have never thought about!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I would love to go on a Bird tour, how fun! I was really trying to make Taiwan work when I was in Japan and Seoul last summer, but just didn't have the time. So much untouched natural beauty there, have an amazing trip!!

[@debraedwards7048]

Solo traveler in my late 60s-- heading to Ireland and Scotland this fall. Visited Portugal last December-- lovely-- stunning and very safe. Enjoy your videos-- have gotten many tips from them!

[@Twogirlsabroad]

Just got back today from a solo trip to Barcelona. Last year this was my first solo female travel trip. I went back. I’m plus 50 but I’m still 32😉😉lol!! But I did it and so can you!! I’m not saying I wasn’t scared because I was but I did all the research on the location and I had a great time. I didn’t over plan and I had time to do other stuff. I planed some like the real must do for me. Then I added as I went but I had a budget. Helpful advice travel light!!! You only have you to carry what ever you travel with and you have to carry it yourself. Having stuff is not that important. Just go and have a great time!!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Exactly!! All of this ❤️

[@tinas_craft_creations]

I love solo travel. Since 2019 I've taken 6 trips, but only 1 international so far but ill definitely do more

[@ksmargol]

Leaving for Portugal this week.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Fun!! Definitely high on my list, hopefully in the next year or two!

[@lrogers707]

truly enjoyed this video - I agree about ride share, hostels,...thank you

[@Ms.Masta123]

I’m going on my first solo trip to Scotland this summer and so excited. Thanks for all the tips 😊

[@David-gx6od]

Many hostels have private rooms. I love staying in hostels!

[@MyCrazyLifeLori]

I too will be traveling to Ireland in July! I would love to see what you are packing!

[@tmkrueger]

Ireland and England in May.

[@clarkl4177]

YES to Hostels--as a now 60-something woman 😎 One of my VERY favorite places to stay are hostels--NOT necessarily in the US!! But all around the world they are done right. One of my favorite things about Tokyo was staying in an all-women's hostel! Peaceful, friendly, connections were easy to make. Additionally, many provide a very private bed, although small. I would NOT choose an open sides style, no, no😕Keep in mind that some hostels also have private rooms or all women suites, etc. I would highly recommend that you consider the possibility of a hostel stay for your budget, cultural connections AND friendly travel.

[@SbMathis-c4y]

Portugal - Solo Independently Women - 67 years old 🎉

[@kuan8490]

You should try Singapore, one of the safest countries.

[@TheSeniorsHub]

Hats off to all..go travel.

[@CandiPinki]

Most of this is good but I disagree with some of your tips. I think having Internet all the time to be extremely helpful and comforting. I would never travel without an international plan especially alone. I definitely plan my transportation from the airport but buses and trains are pretty good in other countries! For instance, the train in London is great and around $20 versus $150 ride. And in Japan, the bus is easy and much cheaper than a taxi. Just like in the U.S., rideshares are sometimes better than taxis. If my choice is between walking in the dark on a sketchy street or a rideshare/taxi, I'm picking the ride every single time!!! I do agree that it's good to lie about being alone and to trust your gut! If that street gives you a bad feeling, go a different way. As for the safe, I recommend putting your small items in a plastic baggie. That way you can be sure that you got everything out of it and nothing is hiding in a corner

[@SimplyKatieWalks]

I always travel solo at 56. Thanks for this video! My trips this year are KC, Cleveland, and Toronto. 🎉🎉 I would add Portugal is a great solo trip🎉

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Right now Norway and Portugal are my top two destinations I want to make work somehow over the next year!

[@Saigonchic]

At 56, I just booked with Gate1 a trip to Portugal in Oct with a group. I’m excited n scared at the same time. Just got back from India with my sister

[@MariadeLuzSaldivar-v1t]

So happy see your video of travel 🧳 hope to go in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 this year or next year ❤✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@1h1a1z1]

Just asking where you're staying solo in Toronto? I'm looking to go but am finding hotels downtown really expensive as a solo traveller.

[@DebbyCastrillo]

So odd that this week I have been looking up Solo Cruising, and here you are with a Solo advice video!! I want to go to Alaska, and have been searching KZbin for ideas. I know you were in Alaska a lot, so maybe I'll go back and look at some of your old videos. Also, here's something odd.....I used to rent a cabin in the NC mountains for a month each winter and it was VRBO. Each time I stayed there, the 'door code' was the same !! Freaked me out that anyone could have come in the cabin using that code !!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Alaska is a perfect spot to do a cruise, that was my first experience traveling there. It's so vast, that you could spend your entire vacation just driving from one point to another. One thing I haven't gotten to do yet in Alaska is the Alaska Railroad to Denali. If you can work that into your future trip, I would definitely do it!

[@DebbyCastrillo]

@@GenxGypsy1968 I had an Alaskan adventure planned many years ago and it included the trip to Denali, but 'divorce' got in the way, lol lol. That is a great idea and I had forgotten about that train to Denali!

[@pinkmoonrisin]

Love your channel! Great content! I need your help! I am not very high maintenance, but, I do prefer to take a regular size can of aerosol hairspray. Should it go in a checked bag or can I carry it in my carry on with Global Entry or TSA precheck?

[@ShesTheWorld]

Must be checked

[@ShesTheWorld]

Love this content!

[@ShesTheWorld]

Hop on hop off buses are great too. We book custom trips as well for solo travelers

[@GenxGypsy1968]

It does have to go in a checked bag. No aerosols are allowed in the cabin due to pressurization issues. But I totally understand about travel hair!! 😁

[@rebeccagonzalesfinley5751]

When are you traveling to Spain I would love to join

[@FLPeach00]

Do you carry any kind of personal alarm? I’m looking for ideas and suggestions since I can’t take pepper spray or my other protection device on my future solo trip & cruise. TIA 😊

[@DebbyCastrillo]

Did you make a video about your Iceland trip? Was that with a group? Its also on my 'list' !

[@GenxGypsy1968]

My Iceland trip was before I started doing KZbin, so I only have pictures...but that just means I need to go back again so I can do a video about it 🙂

[@sandybaldwin1883]

❤ FYI……The link under the Level 8 bag is for guruwalk.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you for the head's up, all fixed now 😀

[@staceypleasants]

It was nice to hear you mention Nicaragua. Contrary to what the us government would have people believe, it's probably one of the safest countries in the world. Although San Juan Del Sur and Bluefields are quite a bit more dangerous than the rest of the country

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I lived in Hacienda Iguana for about a year (just north of San Juan Del Sur), but traveled all over the country. Loved it there!!

[@sunflowerfields4409]

Amsterdam and London. So excited!! Airbnb solo, no thanks. Hostels? I'm too old for that. I stay in well populated areas and not on the outskirts of town. (which would be my preference no matter what because who wants to spend so much time traveling into where you're really going?) Good point about knowing where to eat when you get there! I looked up some places and found one just a few steps from the hotel. No need to shlep half way across town after an 11 hour flight plus customs and getting to the hotel. And yes, I splurged and booked a ride. I know the public transit is easy but not with jet lag and the 11 hour flight. I'm embarrassed to say I did that because everyone I know says just take the train it's easy, but this time, nope. I'll take the train to my next destination and then to the airport when I go home.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Yes, the transportation day of arrival is kind of a non-negotiable for me now. I know myself well enough that I don't want to have to figure out public transport no matter how "easy" it is...especially lugging all my bags around with me. Totally worth every penny in my humble opinion 😃

[@sunflowerfields4409]

@@GenxGypsy1968 YES! I'm glad it's not just me. "Easy" a relative term when you're exhausted and hardly know your own name. How am I not subscribed to your channel? I've watched so many of your videos. Subbing now.

[@MiaHessMusic]

I stayed at hostels in my early 20s. Never again! I'm 69.

[@nnajj01]

Hotel all the way!

[@caleahmarie365]

Do you vlog your trips? If so, where can we watch?

[@PraveenSrJ01]

I was thinking 💭 the same thing 😊

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I do have a vlog channel I just started, has a few videos from my Japan/ Seoul trip... many more to come when I have time to edit them 🙂 The channel is @christi travels

[@jodycoyote3916]

excellent idea suggesting lying about being alone

[@melissaadk46]

If anyone asks if I’m traveling alone, they are automatically on my creepy radar!

[@rose-mariedekoning8471]

Amsterdam is a city, not a country. The country name is The Netherlands and it has plenty of beautiful cities and places to visit that aren't Amsterdam. But yes, the Netherlands is very safe for women to travel solo in. Just use common sense.

[@anna062169]

She said great PLACES, not great countries 🙄