There can be something wonderfully freeing about booking a journey for yourself and no one else. It might be a short break to a familiar place, or a long-anticipated trip to somewhere completely new. Either way, solo travel after sixty is not about being reckless or impulsive. It is about being intentional. It is about preparing thoughtfully so that once you are on your way, you can relax into the experience, knowing you have taken care of the things that matter. 

The first part of any solo trip is choosing where to go. It sounds simple, but the answer is often less about geography and more about feel. What kind of place do you want to be in? Do you long for the rhythm of the sea, the bustle of a city, or the stillness of the countryside? Think, too, about how far you want to go, and how easy it is to get there. A long-haul flight may be worth it for the destination, but there is also no shame in choosing something closer to home if the idea of multiple connections and unfamiliar systems feels more stressful than exciting. 

Once you have chosen your destination, the next consideration is how you want to spend your time. Some people like to plan in detail, with an itinerary and key sights mapped out. Others prefer to arrive with a loose plan and see what the days bring. There is no right approach, but when travelling alone, it helps to strike a balance. A few anchor points in the week — a museum visit, a walking tour, a day trip — can give shape to your time, while leaving space for spontaneity. Too much structure can feel rigid. Too little can feel uncertain. 

Health and wellbeing are important, and not just in the obvious ways. It is worth checking any travel insurance carefully to make sure it covers pre-existing conditions or medication. It is wise to carry a list of any prescriptions you are on, in case you need to replace them abroad. And it is helpful to make sure someone at home knows your itinerary, even roughly, so that you have a point of contact if needed. 

These small acts of preparation are not about worrying. They are about peace of mind. They allow you to travel with confidence, knowing that the basics are covered. With that in place, the rest becomes easier; the conversations with strangers, the moments of quiet wonder, the unexpected discoveries. 

Technology can be helpful, but it need not be overwhelming. A phone with internet access can help you find your way, translate a menu, or book a ticket with ease. A printed copy of your accommodation details, your travel insurance, and a local map can act as a reassuring backup. A notebook, too, can be a lovely companion, something to jot thoughts or memories in, especially when you are experiencing things you might not want to forget. 

Travelling solo after sixty does not mean you must go it alone in every sense. There are always ways to connect with others, through local tours, community experiences, or even simply chatting to a shopkeeper or someone at the next table. What makes the experience yours is the ability to choose. To rest when you want to rest. To linger where something catches your interest. To create a trip that is shaped by your rhythm, not someone else’s. 

With a little thought and planning, solo travel can become one of the great pleasures of later life. Not because it is without challenge, but because it invites you to engage with the world on your own terms. To trust your instincts. To surprise yourself. And to find, in new places, something that resonates quietly with who you are now.