Are you a small channel content creator with fewer than 1,000 subscribers looking for ways to improve the quality of your content and drive more subscribers to your channel? We've launched the Emerging Content Creator Grant program through The New Retired Me. Whether you just have a few videos, or have been on UA-cam for a decade or longer, you can apply if you have fewer than 1000 subscribers! Check out the videos on this channel that explain it in full. Or go directly to the application form and fill it out. We are accepting applications through July 3, 2023. Here's the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfUseEqf-_6OS4JPJV9iL74T7okgrfLgHiWUAieHdgS_ewTg/viewform
As a woman who travels alone, I would add that I never let anyone know I’m by myself. Most people assume you’re with someone else. If asked, I may say that my husband’s back at the hotel.
Depending on lodging...ask for 2 keys and not by stairs/ at end of hallway. And make sure they don't announce your room # for others to hear ( if single female).
I'm currently sitting solo at a campsite by a lake. My husband does not enjoy camping, but I love it. Occasionally getting away for a couple of nights by myself makes me a better person when I get back home.
Outstanding information for the solo traveler Tim!! You have certainly done your homework!! As an Elder Orphan, I've been traveling alone since my husband passed in 2015. Ten cruises and several month long driving trips later, I absolutely agree 100% with ALL of your talking points! Logistics is my "thing", so planning every little aspect of a trip is kind of crucial to me. However - on one trip out west, I decided to throw caution (and my planned itinerary) to the wind and just explore. Turns out that was one of my favorite trips. One of the best things I did on that trip was ask the waitress at a local hole in the wall eatery..."If you had the day off, where would you go and what would you do?" Without hesitation, she said, "I would drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and go to the rodeo." Bet you can guess what I did that day - LOL!! Had I stuck to my well planned itinerary, I never would have experienced a FUN day I will never forget! Packing light has never been my speciality - until - I was charged an extra $200 ($100 each way) for an overweight piece of luggage on United Airlines. Turns out, I really didn't need all those fancy dress clothes, shoes to match 12 outfits and all the fancy accessories and toilitries for a seven day cruise! Lesson well learned!! I'm on a mission for my next trip to pack everything I need in a carry-on backpack. No fuss and no frills. Your suggestion of packing cubes is spot on, as is washing the "essentials" in the sink. Items dry pretty quick and stopping at a laundromat along the way can also be an interesting, fun and rewarding experience - yep - I could write a book about that!! LOL!! As far as "trusting your gut" - YES, absolutely!! Additionally, don't look like a tourist - don't stand around reading a map and looking like you are lost!. Be confident in what you're doing, where you're going (even if it's in the wrong direction) and like you said... always be mindful of your surroundings. Your APP suggestions are great - I will incorporate them into my next trip. And - sharing your itinerary and checking-in is excellent advice! Since I have no relatives, neighbors or friends to share my itinerary or check-in with, I think for my next adventure I will simply send an email to my attorney before leaving. Guess I should let him know where I'll be in case he happens to read a national news story about an unidentified old lady running around in her birthday suit somewhere in the Canadian wilderness. LOL!!
I just lost my husband and after 30 years I'm having to learn, or I should say, becoming comfortable with doing things on my own. So thank you for putting this informative video.
What great memories!!!! Backpacked SOLO across England Scotland all of Europe for 3 months...what a GIFT to myself ...almost moved to Scotland or Salzburg but returned to the US for work family future....keep traveling exploring experiencing your world - local and abroad but ALWAYS be respectful of the people place history culture language...
Good information. As a solo female traveler, I’ll add to your part about knowing where the U.S. embassy is when traveling abroad- register with the U.S. State Department online so they know how to reach you in the event something happens. I’ve received important emails from the local embassies/consulates when incidences happened (ie: bombings, natural disasters). Travel boldly!
It is so important to know your vacation style and what to avoid. For many of us it is a big expense to take any type of vacation. If you find yourself on the wrong vacation with the wrong people then it is a devastating loss that becomes more notable for its failures than the wonderful memories you hoped you'd have. Thank you for the very helpful video. We come from a time when separate vacations were seen as a harbinger of marital discord. One of the things I love about my son's generation is that they talk with each other about what it is they want to do and sometimes it makes sense for them to enjoy separate vacations, events, or experiences. I really enjoy traveling with someone. Not a gang, 'the more the merrier' has never been something I have experienced. The more the more miserable is more like it, each person is looking to fulfill the vision they hoped to experience. Parties of 2 or 3 are ideal for me. I don't have a problem with letting other people take control for a portion of the trip, I like being exposed to something I would have never considered. I get where you are coming from though, i just don't think it is for me. I enjoy this channel but when i see you alone, even though i know it is your choice and your heart's delight I often project my feelings of loneliness onto you and wish you had a travel companion. Sounds like you have it down to a science and are reaping the benefits of all that advance planning. Enjoy!!
Great video, Tim! I know it’s harder for people with children, spouses or significant others to do solo travel. It can be a struggle to give their partner freedom, but is so important. It is deeply in the realm of people pleasing that prevents us from explaining to our partner why it is important and what we are missing by lacking those experiences and solitary times. It took me a while to help my husband understand that there are things I want to do and do not want to miss out on that he is not interested in. Over time I was able to explain that I would not be happy with without the option to take this time away to learn, go and do what did not interest him.
You are a warrior, even as an introvert. Im an extrovert but have learned to relish my alone time. Not so sure though I would travel alone abroad or even through the US. Im a realist, and I see whats going on and through, and I know my perimeters .
In 2019 I took a 16 day trip to the British Isles in a carry-on bag. Never looked back, only travel in carry-on now. I love packing cubes. I travel with a local Travel Coach company, I've made friends with several of the ladies who are also widows. We have so much fun. As an older woman, I would not travel completely alone now. Yes, good manners make such a difference.
I really like this message. I'm married but my husband is a home body who doesn't like to travel so I mostly travel solo. I get to go where i want, and do what I want when I get there. I highly recommend that everyone try solo travel even if not single.
Packing cubes saved my sanity. I started with the old school type, but then when the super lightweight parachute type material came out, I bought those to travel, and use the older, heavier ones to store my folded clothing.
When I have room left, I pack underware and shirts I dont like anymore and dump them every day. White clothes are beautiful, but not practical. I take soft cover books or used books and toss every page I have read. I choose touristic destinations and stay 70 miles away from them: Same landscape without tourists. I have always water with me and dried fruits and nuts. Depending on the country, I dress like an accountant. No floral shorts, no bulky sandals. Then I appear as a working expat and they treat me in a restaurant as a single woman way better. There are dark, decent, washable pants. I change my jewelry into steel jewelry and leave my wedding ring at home. When I want to have an adventure, I go to the hairdresser. Last time they did a Lady Di cut, it was hilarious. When I send pictures, I choose only weird things because the attractions are enough shown. I dont take pictures of people.
Your videos that I've seen have great content, a variety of topics. And you do a great job of presenting them, sometimes a little preachy but always good. Imo, solo travelers are a certain type of personality. I admire you all. I finally conquered going to restaurants alone, comfortably, not often but being alone is not a reason I don't. Traveling, to me, is for sharing the experience not to mention safety in numbers in unknown locals. To each his own for sure. As someone else commented, it's likely easier for men.
The one issue with using points for airline tickets and hotels is that your relationship is no longer with the airline or hotel, but with the credit card travel agency. That's usually not a problem, but if weather causes delays, or the hotel is overbooked, this causes friction, as the hotel or airline can't be contacted directly, but through the credit card travel agency. I had the experience going to Hawaii, where the hotel was overbooked. They didn't have real reservations, but a soft commitment with the agency. I only use points from a vendor (hotel chain or airline), not through a bank's travel agency. As far as travel insurance goes, once one is on Medicare, travel insurance gets more complicated. Supplements or Advantage plans include some support, but with lifetime limits. Travel insurance frequently has preexisting condition restrictions. This can lead to very expensive uncovered expenses. These are rare, but but unheard of. Edit: I meant to say the health coverage internationally from travel insurance.
I typically buy through the portal for airline tickets, but you can transfer those points to pretty much any airline and purchase, with points, directly from the airline.
Yes. On my trip to NYC earlier this year, I used my credit card travel points for my hotel, which was in the Marriott family. The booking didn't show in my Marriott app, so I asked if I could add it, and they said "no". I wasn't expecting to get any Marriott points, I just wanted the booking to show on my app.
I think you are very smart to start packing now. I'm going to Germany on Viking Cruise in September and told my family I'm going to start packing now. Very good travel advice indeed even though I'm not traveling alone. Also need to remember to protect your wallet. Joan
I wish this video applied to me, but I'm much too afraid to travel alone. However, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your videos and the background in this video was my favorite by far. I have lived in AZ for about 15 years and I find that I still miss the green of my home state CA.
Here is one that I learned, Dov'è il bagno? For real. I still think it’s easier for a man to travel solo. Women are easy targets in some respects from cab drivers to walking down a busy street. Thank you for the advice though.
Night is 8-12 hours, still have many hours of daylight to enjoy. I've been to about 25 countries by myself and find that the overwhelming majority of people are kind and busy living their own lives.
As a widow I do solo travel, but it is mostly where I can drive to. For example I am taking a trip next month to visit my sister who lives 640 miles away. I can drive that in one day but this time I am going to take 3 days to get there and explore some places along the way. At Christmas I like to go to places that celebrate the season like Branson, Gatlinburg, and Galena IL. It is hard to get into the holiday spirit when family is not close. Every February I head to Hilton Head to just relax for a week or two, ride a bicycle and enjoy sitting on the beach in the good weather. Last February I went to Destin FL to just stay in one place and enjoy the area. I also travel with a friend and we split the cost of everything. She usually looks up all of the good places that we might like to see together, and good restaurants. We took a cruise to AK, a 12 day trip to HI, and a week in WI and AZ so far. I purchased a new car in 2017 so I would not have to face breakdowns along the way. It did happen twice for minor things but there are usually Honda dealers to take the car to. I found packing cubes for the AK trip and love them. Now I use compression travel cubes. A trip to Canada in Sept. will require me to pack light. I purchased 2 Marino wool shirts and socks you spoke about. I learned something about the passport. Take a picture of the last page. The number there will make it easy to replace it if it is lost or stolen. I am laughing about the latte and napkin. Even in the US back in the 1950s what you called things depended on the region. I remember my father ordering a milk shake in New England and complaining about it because there was no ice cream. What he got was chocolate milk. The waitress said Oh you want a Frappe. In eastern PA you asked for soda, in western PA a pop and in New England a tonic. In TN they had no idea what mashed potatoes were and nowhere outside of PA, NY, and NJ did anyone have a clue about a pretzel. Like you I don't get into debt for the trips. I charge everything during the year to get rewards points and have Wyndham, Hilton, and American Airline miles to use. While I travel I only charge the hotel, a rental car, and the gas. Everything else is paid with cash. When my husband and I were young and had kids we didn't have the money to spend on entertainment when we traveled. Now I am doing everything I want to. My friend and I took the good excursions on the AK cruise, did an expensive food tour in Tucson and the full day at Old Tucson Wild West Show. 4 years ago I spent 4 full days in the 4 Disney parks. In Branson I took in a show every night and while in Ashville NC I took in Christmas at the Biltmore. Thank you for that suggestion about finding good places. My son lives in Marietta GA and I am there a couple times a year. I will have to check some of those places out. Someone mentioned Helen GA. I was there for a week last May and it is really a nice town to visit. My son and his family stayed with me there for the weekend. I don't know how many more good years I have to live, but I intend to enjoy every minute of it while I am here.
I am preparing for a week long educational seminar. I will be solo for this and I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the suggestions. An extra item I am looking at is making sure my electronic storage is cleaned out so I can store electronic notes and photos. Side note from a family vacation several years ago is the location didn’t have 911. When going to local law enforcement office they had local phone number posted however no area code!?
I just went away for 2 nights last week on my own. Barnsdale gardens in Rutland and a garden exhibition at the NEC Birmingham. I loved it. I drove there and back to both. It filled me with confidence. Ok it was only about 200 miles away but it was still a trip away alone.
My biggest tip;, because I have a terrible sense of direction, is to always make notes of how to get back to your tour bus or whatever transportation spot. This I've learned kind of the hard way when I got "turned around" on some of the places I've been in Europe. My biggest example is that I took the right train, but wrong direction, to get back to my hotel on the outskirts of Zurich. The train into the city went through a somewhat industrial area. Going back, I was amazed how I had missed so much beautiful scenery coming into down. Then it dawned on me that I was going in the wrong direction. I got off at what turned out to be an almost deserted station. Fortunately I didn't have to wait a terribly long time to get on one back. To your point, that was some years ago, and I didn't have a SIM card or even internet. I would have been stranded had the train not come.
Explore youtube for more tips too. The other day, I saw a “suggested” video from a couple traveling in Europe on problems with their Airbnb and how they resolved them. Lots of things I hadn’t considered checking (the place had no light bulbs in any of the lamps) among others that were more problematic and potentially expensive. I’d never used the service internationally and have had no issues domestically so it was an eye opener.
Words of wisdom and excellent life experiences. I have a good marriage but we have different interests and that’s ok! I realized recently you are in Chattanooga or close by, I’ve heard of many of the places you’ve shared. I’m in Georgia not far from Rome! Come visit Cartersville!
A G-R-E-A-T Tip was the Idea of Taking a Trip or Exploring a Place CLOSE to Home, such as Your Camping Trip. Insight that would Answer a few Question's floating around in your mind. 🤔
WHen I was in college, I planned to visit an aunt who was living in Italy at the time. I prepared by taking a semester of Italian and reviewed it right before going. I thought I was all prepared when I needed to find a bathroom. I asked a man at the restaurant where the bathroom was nd then realized my mistake. I did not memorize all of the directional words that were in his answer! I ended up in a dark bacement before stumbling on to where I wanted to end up. I never made that mistake again!
@@TheNewRetiredMe If you stay the night you need reservations early. The place that looks like a castle has rooms with full kitchens- but yum...the German food is very good! I hope the Ohm-pa-pa bands are playing when you go. If I were going to be in Bama (I might) I'd come up & join your fun!
Are you a small channel content creator with fewer than 1,000 subscribers looking for ways to improve the quality of your content and drive more subscribers to your channel? We've launched the Emerging Content Creator Grant program through The New Retired Me. Whether you just have a few videos, or have been on UA-cam for a decade or longer, you can apply if you have fewer than 1000 subscribers! Check out the videos on this channel that explain it in full. Or go directly to the application form and fill it out. We are accepting applications through July 3, 2023. Here's the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfUseEqf-_6OS4JPJV9iL74T7okgrfLgHiWUAieHdgS_ewTg/viewform
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As a woman who travels alone, I would add that I never let anyone know I’m by myself. Most people assume you’re with someone else. If asked, I may say that my husband’s back at the hotel.
Good point!
Good one. Will use in future.
Depending on lodging...ask for 2 keys and not by stairs/ at end of hallway. And make sure they don't announce your room # for others to hear ( if single female).
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Say he's visiting some guys at the P.D.
I'm currently sitting solo at a campsite by a lake. My husband does not enjoy camping, but I love it. Occasionally getting away for a couple of nights by myself makes me a better person when I get back home.
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Outstanding information for the solo traveler Tim!! You have certainly done your homework!! As an Elder Orphan, I've been traveling alone since my husband passed in 2015. Ten cruises and several month long driving trips later, I absolutely agree 100% with ALL of your talking points! Logistics is my "thing", so planning every little aspect of a trip is kind of crucial to me. However - on one trip out west, I decided to throw caution (and my planned itinerary) to the wind and just explore. Turns out that was one of my favorite trips. One of the best things I did on that trip was ask the waitress at a local hole in the wall eatery..."If you had the day off, where would you go and what would you do?" Without hesitation, she said, "I would drive to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and go to the rodeo." Bet you can guess what I did that day - LOL!! Had I stuck to my well planned itinerary, I never would have experienced a FUN day I will never forget!
Packing light has never been my speciality - until - I was charged an extra $200 ($100 each way) for an overweight piece of luggage on United Airlines. Turns out, I really didn't need all those fancy dress clothes, shoes to match 12 outfits and all the fancy accessories and toilitries for a seven day cruise! Lesson well learned!! I'm on a mission for my next trip to pack everything I need in a carry-on backpack. No fuss and no frills. Your suggestion of packing cubes is spot on, as is washing the "essentials" in the sink. Items dry pretty quick and stopping at a laundromat along the way can also be an interesting, fun and rewarding experience - yep - I could write a book about that!! LOL!!
As far as "trusting your gut" - YES, absolutely!! Additionally, don't look like a tourist - don't stand around reading a map and looking like you are lost!. Be confident in what you're doing, where you're going (even if it's in the wrong direction) and like you said... always be mindful of your surroundings. Your APP suggestions are great - I will incorporate them into my next trip. And - sharing your itinerary and checking-in is excellent advice!
Since I have no relatives, neighbors or friends to share my itinerary or check-in with, I think for my next adventure I will simply send an email to my attorney before leaving. Guess I should let him know where I'll be in case he happens to read a national news story about an unidentified old lady running around in her birthday suit somewhere in the Canadian wilderness. LOL!!
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I just lost my husband and after 30 years I'm having to learn, or I should say, becoming comfortable with doing things on my own. So thank you for putting this informative video.
My condolences on your loss.
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So sorry for your loss ❤
I'm with you! So much to learn .
so sorry!
“You do not have to be a slave to what everyone else wants to do”. Clicked like 😊❤. Thx for your wisdom.
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What great memories!!!! Backpacked SOLO across England Scotland all of Europe for 3 months...what a GIFT to myself ...almost moved to Scotland or Salzburg but returned to the US for work family future....keep traveling exploring experiencing your world - local and abroad but ALWAYS be respectful of the people place history culture language...
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Good information. As a solo female traveler, I’ll add to your part about knowing where the U.S. embassy is when traveling abroad- register with the U.S. State Department online so they know how to reach you in the event something happens. I’ve received important emails from the local embassies/consulates when incidences happened (ie: bombings, natural disasters). Travel boldly!
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Nice peaceful setting for your video, thanks for the travel tips for us solo ppl.
Enjoyed your camping video too 😊
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Solo travel can be addictive.
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yes!
I bet!
I have traveled solo for many years. I currently have been traveling for 2 weeks with 2 little dogs driving over 4k miles. Thanks for sharing ❤
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It is so important to know your vacation style and what to avoid. For many of us it is a big expense to take any type of vacation. If you find yourself on the wrong vacation with the wrong people then it is a devastating loss that becomes more notable for its failures than the wonderful memories you hoped you'd have. Thank you for the very helpful video. We come from a time when separate vacations were seen as a harbinger of marital discord. One of the things I love about my son's generation is that they talk with each other about what it is they want to do and sometimes it makes sense for them to enjoy separate vacations, events, or experiences.
I really enjoy traveling with someone. Not a gang, 'the more the merrier' has never been something I have experienced. The more the more miserable is more like it, each person is looking to fulfill the vision they hoped to experience.
Parties of 2 or 3 are ideal for me. I don't have a problem with letting other people take control for a portion of the trip, I like being exposed to something I would have never considered.
I get where you are coming from though, i just don't think it is for me. I enjoy this channel but when i see you alone, even though i know it is your choice and your heart's delight I often project my feelings of loneliness onto you and wish you had a travel companion.
Sounds like you have it down to a science and are reaping the benefits of all that advance planning. Enjoy!!
I’m sorry to hear of your loneliness. I can certainly understand where you’re coming from. Most importantly, I’m glad you’re here. :)
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@@TheNewRetiredMe Thanks Tim
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Great video, Tim! I know it’s harder for people with children, spouses or significant others to do solo travel. It can be a struggle to give their partner freedom, but is so important. It is deeply in the realm of people pleasing that prevents us from explaining to our partner why it is important and what we are missing by lacking those experiences and solitary times. It took me a while to help my husband understand that there are things I want to do and do not want to miss out on that he is not interested in. Over time I was able to explain that I would not be happy with without the option to take this time away to learn, go and do what did not interest him.
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You are a warrior, even as an introvert. Im an extrovert but have learned to relish my alone time. Not so sure though I would travel alone abroad or even through the US. Im a realist, and I see whats going on and through, and I know my perimeters .
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In 2019 I took a 16 day trip to the British Isles in a carry-on bag. Never looked back, only travel in carry-on now. I love packing cubes. I travel with a local Travel Coach company, I've made friends with several of the ladies who are also widows. We have so much fun. As an older woman, I would not travel completely alone now. Yes, good manners make such a difference.
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I really like this message. I'm married but my husband is a home body who doesn't like to travel so I mostly travel solo. I get to go where i want, and do what I want when I get there. I highly recommend that everyone try solo travel even if not single.
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Love traveling alone at my own pace and going where I want to go!
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Packing cubes saved my sanity. I started with the old school type, but then when the super lightweight parachute type material came out, I bought those to travel, and use the older, heavier ones to store my folded clothing.
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Great talk, Tim! I like the new studio. The lighting is very nice!
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When I have room left, I pack underware and shirts I dont like anymore and dump them every day. White clothes are beautiful, but not practical. I take soft cover books or used books and toss every page I have read. I choose touristic destinations and stay 70 miles away from them: Same landscape without tourists. I have always water with me and dried fruits and nuts. Depending on the country, I dress like an accountant. No floral shorts, no bulky sandals. Then I appear as a working expat and they treat me in a restaurant as a single woman way better. There are dark, decent, washable pants. I change my jewelry into steel jewelry and leave my wedding ring at home. When I want to have an adventure, I go to the hairdresser. Last time they did a Lady Di cut, it was hilarious. When I send pictures, I choose only weird things because the attractions are enough shown. I dont take pictures of people.
I have also dumped old clothing. It’s a nice way to free up space!
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No you didn't hear the unsubscribe button clicking. That was me clicking the subscribe button 😂
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It could also have been me clicking the unsubscribe button just so he *could* hear it, but immediately resubscribing. 😁
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Your videos that I've seen have great content, a variety of topics. And you do a great job of presenting them, sometimes a little preachy but always good. Imo, solo travelers are a certain type of personality. I admire you all. I finally conquered going to restaurants alone, comfortably, not often but being alone is not a reason I don't. Traveling, to me, is for sharing the experience not to mention safety in numbers in unknown locals. To each his own for sure. As someone else commented, it's likely easier for men.
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The one issue with using points for airline tickets and hotels is that your relationship is no longer with the airline or hotel, but with the credit card travel agency. That's usually not a problem, but if weather causes delays, or the hotel is overbooked, this causes friction, as the hotel or airline can't be contacted directly, but through the credit card travel agency. I had the experience going to Hawaii, where the hotel was overbooked. They didn't have real reservations, but a soft commitment with the agency. I only use points from a vendor (hotel chain or airline), not through a bank's travel agency.
As far as travel insurance goes, once one is on Medicare, travel insurance gets more complicated. Supplements or Advantage plans include some support, but with lifetime limits. Travel insurance frequently has preexisting condition restrictions. This can lead to very expensive uncovered expenses. These are rare, but but unheard of. Edit: I meant to say the health coverage internationally from travel insurance.
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I typically buy through the portal for airline tickets, but you can transfer those points to pretty much any airline and purchase, with points, directly from the airline.
Yes. On my trip to NYC earlier this year, I used my credit card travel points for my hotel, which was in the Marriott family. The booking didn't show in my Marriott app, so I asked if I could add it, and they said "no". I wasn't expecting to get any Marriott points, I just wanted the booking to show on my app.
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It's so helpful to get tips from someone who has already been there, done that. Thank you!
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I think you are very smart to start packing now. I'm going to Germany on Viking Cruise in September and told my family I'm going to start packing now. Very good travel advice indeed even though I'm not traveling alone. Also need to remember to protect your wallet. Joan
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I wish this video applied to me, but I'm much too afraid to travel alone. However, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your videos and the background in this video was my favorite by far. I have lived in AZ for about 15 years and I find that I still miss the green of my home state CA.
Wow! After reading some replies, I feel like such a wimp! Some very awesome and brave women out there!
Do only what you feeling safe! 😊
@@pinkagave4774I'm like you it's hard for me to go to a restaurant alone. ☕
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Hi, Tim! Thanks for the tips!!
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Here is one that I learned, Dov'è il bagno? For real. I still think it’s easier for a man to travel solo. Women are easy targets in some respects from cab drivers to walking down a busy street. Thank you for the advice though.
So true, women are hassled and worse when traveling alone. We have to be careful not to go out at night, and to be vigilant at all times.
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Night is 8-12 hours, still have many hours of daylight to enjoy. I've been to about 25 countries by myself and find that the overwhelming majority of people are kind and busy living their own lives.
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As a widow I do solo travel, but it is mostly where I can drive to. For example I am taking a trip next month to visit my sister who lives 640 miles away. I can drive that in one day but this time I am going to take 3 days to get there and explore some places along the way. At Christmas I like to go to places that celebrate the season like Branson, Gatlinburg, and Galena IL. It is hard to get into the holiday spirit when family is not close. Every February I head to Hilton Head to just relax for a week or two, ride a bicycle and enjoy sitting on the beach in the good weather. Last February I went to Destin FL to just stay in one place and enjoy the area. I also travel with a friend and we split the cost of everything. She usually looks up all of the good places that we might like to see together, and good restaurants. We took a cruise to AK, a 12 day trip to HI, and a week in WI and AZ so far. I purchased a new car in 2017 so I would not have to face breakdowns along the way. It did happen twice for minor things but there are usually Honda dealers to take the car to. I found packing cubes for the AK trip and love them. Now I use compression travel cubes. A trip to Canada in Sept. will require me to pack light. I purchased 2 Marino wool shirts and socks you spoke about. I learned something about the passport. Take a picture of the last page. The number there will make it easy to replace it if it is lost or stolen.
I am laughing about the latte and napkin. Even in the US back in the 1950s what you called things depended on the region. I remember my father ordering a milk shake in New England and complaining about it because there was no ice cream. What he got was chocolate milk. The waitress said Oh you want a Frappe. In eastern PA you asked for soda, in western PA a pop and in New England a tonic. In TN they had no idea what mashed potatoes were and nowhere outside of PA, NY, and NJ did anyone have a clue about a pretzel.
Like you I don't get into debt for the trips. I charge everything during the year to get rewards points and have Wyndham, Hilton, and American Airline miles to use. While I travel I only charge the hotel, a rental car, and the gas. Everything else is paid with cash. When my husband and I were young and had kids we didn't have the money to spend on entertainment when we traveled. Now I am doing everything I want to. My friend and I took the good excursions on the AK cruise, did an expensive food tour in Tucson and the full day at Old Tucson Wild West Show. 4 years ago I spent 4 full days in the 4 Disney parks. In Branson I took in a show every night and while in Ashville NC I took in Christmas at the Biltmore.
Thank you for that suggestion about finding good places. My son lives in Marietta GA and I am there a couple times a year. I will have to check some of those places out. Someone mentioned Helen GA. I was there for a week last May and it is really a nice town to visit. My son and his family stayed with me there for the weekend. I don't know how many more good years I have to live, but I intend to enjoy every minute of it while I am here.
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Great advice! Thanks much. 👍🏻
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Thanks for the tips.
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On a solo road trip now and in fact in Chattanooga for a couple of days!
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Have fun! And welcome!
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Very helpful great advice thanks Tim
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I am preparing for a week long educational seminar. I will be solo for this and I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the suggestions. An extra item I am looking at is making sure my electronic storage is cleaned out so I can store electronic notes and photos. Side note from a family vacation several years ago is the location didn’t have 911. When going to local law enforcement office they had local phone number posted however no area code!?
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I just went away for 2 nights last week on my own. Barnsdale gardens in Rutland and a garden exhibition at the NEC Birmingham. I loved it. I drove there and back to both. It filled me with confidence. Ok it was only about 200 miles away but it was still a trip away alone.
It counts!! :). Good for you!
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My biggest tip;, because I have a terrible sense of direction, is to always make notes of how to get back to your tour bus or whatever transportation spot. This I've learned kind of the hard way when I got "turned around" on some of the places I've been in Europe. My biggest example is that I took the right train, but wrong direction, to get back to my hotel on the outskirts of Zurich. The train into the city went through a somewhat industrial area. Going back, I was amazed how I had missed so much beautiful scenery coming into down. Then it dawned on me that I was going in the wrong direction. I got off at what turned out to be an almost deserted station. Fortunately I didn't have to wait a terribly long time to get on one back. To your point, that was some years ago, and I didn't have a SIM card or even internet. I would have been stranded had the train not come.
Wow! What a story!!
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I remember y'all laughing your heads off at my story of asking for napkins in the London restaurant. 🤣
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Right up the alley of trying to say I'm embarrassed but people thinking I mean pregnant! This was before all the translator software.
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Always, very good information....thanks
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😊 well said! ❤
And thank you for the 💡
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Explore youtube for more tips too. The other day, I saw a “suggested” video from a couple traveling in Europe on problems with their Airbnb and how they resolved them. Lots of things I hadn’t considered checking (the place had no light bulbs in any of the lamps) among others that were more problematic and potentially expensive. I’d never used the service internationally and have had no issues domestically so it was an eye opener.
UA-cam is a great research tool!
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Words of wisdom and excellent life experiences.
I have a good marriage but we have different interests and that’s ok!
I realized recently you are in Chattanooga or close by, I’ve heard of many of the places you’ve shared. I’m in Georgia not far from Rome! Come visit Cartersville!
Hi, neighbor!!
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I would rent a cabin the woods! I want to have that!
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A G-R-E-A-T Tip was the Idea of Taking a Trip or Exploring a Place CLOSE to Home, such as Your Camping Trip. Insight that would Answer a few Question's floating around in your mind. 🤔
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All great advice. I’ll be in Rome soon too! I’ll keep my eye out for you! (Just kidding)
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WHen I was in college, I planned to visit an aunt who was living in Italy at the time. I prepared by taking a semester of Italian and reviewed it right before going. I thought I was all prepared when I needed to find a bathroom. I asked a man at the restaurant where the bathroom was nd then realized my mistake. I did not memorize all of the directional words that were in his answer!
I ended up in a dark bacement before stumbling on to where I wanted to end up. I never made that mistake again!
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Napkin= feminine product, i laughed out loud 😂
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Why did you choose to set in the middle of all that green mold; the bench, the fence, etc.?
It’s a bench in our back yard. I like the serenity.
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Fantastic Video - just sent you an email regarding your travels.
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how do i find a secret app to store important papers on phone?
I use an app called Don’t Touch This. Not sure if it is still available or not.
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@sheliagentle8127 just be sure you back up your important papers some way- a thumb drive, etc. If your phone suddenly quits, you will be at a loss.
Great video! Can you produce a video on AI. It's very scary for some of us
I will! Thanks!
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New you tube show you might like..Alex the cameraman. It's new.
Thanks!
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Hmmm... Helen, GA wasn't on the list. That's concerning and confusing.
That’s because it’s over 110 miles away.
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hmmm ok apparently I didn't choose the same route when I looked it up.
@@Good-DaySunshine well, in full disclosure, I am planning a trip to Helen around Oktoberfest time. :)
@@TheNewRetiredMe If you stay the night you need reservations early. The place that looks like a castle has rooms with full kitchens- but yum...the German food is very good! I hope the Ohm-pa-pa bands are playing when you go. If I were going to be in Bama (I might) I'd come up & join your fun!
@@Good-DaySunshine It would probably be a car camping trip. :)
I'm solo thanks for the video Tim. I've been alone for 14 years. 😎😎
Wow Pam! I was adding up how many years I've been alone yesterday and honestly was shocked... doesn't seem like seven yrs.
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Tempus fugit 😂
@@PamHaynes-oo3ck Bless you!
Wow, one solo trip and now you're an expert.
Funny. I’ve made probably 35 solo trips. Just not for this channel. :)
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First 🙂
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@@akontarini "Your Maa-Jesty" [slow curtsy]
a good video would be how to use ai if youve dont know where to start
Point taken. :). I’ll work on that.
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I have to navigate the unknown just driving around town with all the road works we have going on right now. 🚧🦺👷🏻 All good advice, once again. 😊
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Great information. Thank you.
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