Grace and her Marvellous-Mother-in-Law have started a series of articles, with the first one published today (click HERE), about life as a singleton. So we welcomed this post from Age Space (the online resource for carers) with travel advice for those of us, on our own, planning one of the many UK holidays available.
We know that travelling on your own over 60, especially for the first time, can be a daunting experience.
This is why we consulted with the UK Holiday Group and asked them to share their advice for single seniors not yet ready to retire from their travels.
Win a fabulous 5 day holiday worth £299!
Plus, do you fancy winning a five-day stay at the Grand Burstin Hotel, half board, Folkstone, plus three local excursions; an escorted holiday with Grand UK Holidays worth £299? You just need to Enter Our Holiday Competition, and you can be in with a chance.
1. Find a holiday company you can trust
It might sound obvious, but it’s essential that you can book your senior singles’ holiday with confidence. Do your research and only make a booking with a reputable ABTA bonded company, so you can ensure your finances are secure at all times.
Using an established business with a proven track record is also advised. Not only will they have the experience required to make sure they craft the perfect singles holiday for over 60s, but you’ll get much better peace of mind knowing you’re going on a holiday that’s already proven to be a success for people travelling on their own.
2. Book a package tour for your solo holiday
By using a Travel Agent, or booking a complete package holiday, you won’t need to worry about what activities or sightseeing excursions to arrange whilst away.
Your holiday itinerary will all be in place before you travel, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience and selected excursions planned, ensuring you can make the most of your time away with the least amount of stress possible.
Before choosing a package holiday, it’s worth having a think about the type of activities that you want to get up to on holiday. Do you prefer more outdoors-y and active holidays or is exploring museums and sightseeing more your tthing? Have an idea of the experience you want, so you get the right package holiday with like-minded people.
Best GPS trackers for the elderly on holiday
If you’re worried about travelling solo or need peace of mind for a roaming relative – a GPS tracker alert is a great peice of modern technology. There are various ones on the market and, whilst we hate the terminology (we’re humans not dogs), this life saving kit can detect a fall, call for help in an emergency and pinpoint the wearer’s location.
Read our guide to the best GPS trackers for older people.
3. Book with an adults-only operator
Travelling alone can be a wonderful and liberating experience, more so if you can make sure you are in the company of like-minded holidaymakers. Booking an adult only trip away opens up the possibilities of you forming life-lasting friendships with other mature travellers in a similar position to you.
4. Bring a book for your over 60s holiday!
Although you are sure to make friends along the way, there are always moments that we like to spend alone, soak in the scenery and just reflect. Bringing a book with you means that you can always escape to a different world and never be lonely with nothing to do.
5. If you can, book a Tour Manager-escorted holiday
Tour Managers are a great way to break the ice and help introduce you to the other elderly single travellers on your trip. They are a smiling face and listening ears, there to answer any questions you may have and assist you when they can. They’ll put you at ease and create a relaxing and fun atmosphere along the way.
With all this in mind, there really is nothing better than being able to go on holiday on your own, feeling safe and having a wonderful time. Grand UK Holidays have a selection of Tour manager escorted coach holidays for the single mature traveller here.
Covid-19 Travel Advice
Since the government declared ‘Freedom Day’ on 19th July 2021, there aren’t any restrictions (at the moment) when you take a mainland UK staycation. Different operators, hotels or venues may encourage you to wear face masks in certain circumstances, and some might request that you are double vaccinated so please make sure you do your research before you book.
It’s worth bearing in mind that there are also things to observe if you are travelling to Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight or the Channel Islands, so you absolutely must plan in advance if you are holidaying at any of these destinations.
If you are planning a trip abroad, then again, different countries will have different expectations and it is imperative you understand what they are before your holiday.
Our main advice is to use your common sense when out-and-about, and although social distancing rules may no longer apply, when inside or in crowded public areas, keeping your distance and wearing face coverings are still advisable.
More top tips on planning a great holiday
Read some more Age Space top tips on planning a great holiday for, or with, older people, including if you need care while on holiday.
We hope that you have found this travel advice helpful, and can now enjoy a wonderful holiday either here or abroad.
