SOLO TRAVEL Over 50: What It's Like | Janice Waugh | Solo Traveler
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Janice Waugh is the founder of Solo Traveler - which she started over the age of 50, after the death of her husband. Even prior to this pivotal moment, she had a lifetime of solo travel experience, and she shares practical tips and advice on her website and Facebook community.
In this interview, we discuss the ins and outs of solo travel, especially solo travel over 50, and also how to handle remote work while traveling.
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things to Do Before Traveling Long-Term! Learn from my 12 years of full-time travel and remote work abroad: bit.ly/3iTqIbu
Here's what we cover:
00:00 - Intro
03:18 - Janice Waugh's origin story
05:50 - How solo travel is different (even as an introvert)
13:18 - Solo Traveling above the age of 50
19:13 - Janice spoke at the Smithsonian Institute!
20:19 - The business of running Solo Traveler
22:52 - Remote work while traveling
25:51 - Solo Traveler emails, and why it's worth subscribing to
28:49 - Advice for solo travelers who want to take their job on the road
31:21 - Where to find Janice Waugh and Solo Traveler World
32:42 - Final advice for aspiring solo travelers over 50
Check out the amazing Solo Traveler website here: solotravelerworld.com/
They also publish and update monthly the only list of tours and trips for solo travelers with no or low single supplements. You can sign up to get her newsletter and monthly tours update at the link above.
You can find the Solo Travel Society FB community here: / solotravelsociety
For more info, check out: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/
And let's connect on my other social channels!
Facebook: / theprofessionalhobo
Twitter: / hobonora
Pinterest: / theprofessionalhobo
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things to Do Before Traveling Long-Term! Learn from my 12 years of full-time travel and remote work abroad: bit.ly/3iTqIbu
60 years young and taking my first trip to Europe in the Spring of 2023, AND doing it solo, thrilled that I found you both!
Yay!!! Happy travels!
I’m much older & plan to keep going solo as long as I can
I’m 74 and about to do my first European solo trip-haven’t been there for 30 years.
@@mickeyrieger4733 wonderful! Have a great time!
my mom is about to turn 60 and travels solo all the time! she inspired me to stop being scared and take my first international trip 🫣
66 and leaving next week for a 4 month, solo trip to Malaysia, Thailand, China (mostly) and Korea.
Someone asked me yesterday, upon hearing I would travel alone, "but who will take care of you?"
I said "ME"!
I'm nervous, but a friend pointed out if things go super badly, I can always just come home. That took the pressure off. LOL
That's amazing! What an exciting trip.
And it's normal to be nervous. I still get a bit nervous before every single trip I take.
I have travelled solo to Mexico several times and am off to Portugal soon. Am a woman who just turned 80! Can do when I want and what and how, also meet more people.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing, and happy travels!
You are my inspiration!! I will be 71 soon and am planning on a trip to NZ in 2025 to visit family.
2026 will be my 1st solo,I think Im going to cruise due to a limited out come.
What about when you are over 80! Next month I go to Ireland and will meet up with a small group for about 10days and then on my own fly from Belfast to Edinburgh for 8 nights and then home.
I would travel much more but my husband is in assisted living with dementia. I spend time with him everyday but take that 3 week respite every year and come home renewed and with more patience.
When my mom died, I took a bike ride in Italy alone. When my brother died, I took a solo bike ride in France. Solo travel is very therapeutic. Last year, at 66 I had a health scare, to process my new reality, I took a two month bike trip from Paris to Normandy, Brussels, Mannheim,Basel, Constance and Vienna. The challenge was empowering and healing. I came home with the comfort of knowing I'm going to be okay.
Wow - that is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for sharing!
I just found your channel. Great information. Thank you so much.
My first trip to Europe was in 1972 when I was 20. I went with a friend but he got sick the 2nd day there and took all his money and went home. I stayed and hitchhiked and rode trains for 6 weeks all over Europe. It changed my life. I'm 71 now and heading to Croatia & Portugal for a month, solo.
That's fantastic! (And welcome to my channel - thanks for commenting and sharing a bit about you) :-)
I have travelled to a number of Caribbean islands as well as Mexico - St. Lucia, Curacao, Antigua, Bermuda, Aruba. Additionally, I have travelled to Alaska, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland. All this after 50 :)
I did my first solo trip (to Europe) in 2000. I really did not think I was doing anything strange - my parents were mad about it - but to me, it just seemed like what I was supposed to do.
I did something similar! Solo travel always felt natural.
In the Philippines old people are taken to the first place in a queue. So much respect also in Asia
Yes! I actually address this in an upcoming video. Stay tuned!
Great interview, thank you. I am solo traveling for many years. I’m 66 now, my last trip in Europe for 5 months, driving 10000 km, my company is my cat! It’s very fun. I am back four months ago and got ready for the next trip.
Awesome!!! Where will your next trip take you?
I recently took a solo trip to Yucatán, Mexico. There were some lonely moments when I wished I had a travel companion, and it was also great. I had a great time with the freedom to do exactly what I wanted when I wanted, and met some people I enjoyed spending time with. I’m looking forward to doing more.
Indeed, solo travel can be a double-edged sword.
Thank you for this. I am 55 and my dream since I first read the book Madeline (I was 5) was to go to Paris. My husband and children don’t want to go and I have had a couple of friends that said they would go fall through. My workmate said I should go by myself but I am hesitant. I appreciate your insights, encouragement and cautions.
Thanks for sharing Elizabeth! I hope you have increased confidence to get out there and have some travel adven tures.
Elizabeth, I first traveled solo at 65, and it was so easy. I just returned from the UK, where I traveled with two others, and while they were lovely companions, my next trip there will be solo. Just remember Nora’s safety tips and you’ll be fine. 😊
@@brenda5511 Thank you so much for the amazing inspiration, Brenda!
If you are hesitant maybe do a practice trip alone to somewhere nearer. Also there are many different kinds of travel - there are small group trips and day tours so you don't have to be alone all the time unless you prefer
All of the solo travel info I’m finding on UA-cam is about women solo travelers, and I’m enjoying learning from them. But I’m wondering: Are there any men over 50 or 60 doing this?
Oh yes - many!
Good to see you ladies! I know Janice as well. I'm a solo traveler who started at 40+ and still loving it! In fact, I love it so much that I sold my home and all my belongings to become a full-time digital nomad.
My laptop is all I need to do what I love and earn money from it too.
No regrets!
Great interview! I’m an over 50 full time solo nomad now travelling around Australia after having spent several years travelling extensively around the United States. It’s great to hear other women’s perspectives on this lifestyle! 😍
Thanks for sharing, Lisa! Awesome that you're in Australia....not a bad place to be weathering the pandemic, that's for sure. :-)
I saw this video maybe last year, and thought that I was ready but realized that I wasn't. Well ladies, I've taken the plunge, and will be traveling this April on my own. I live on the East coast of the United States and have always wanted to go to San Diego, on the West coast and nobody wants to go. I'll be taking the train across country. I realize that being on a train for over 40 hrs is still somewhat of a controlled environment, but at least I'll be seeing the country first hand and not through the eyes of other travelers. Also I've always felt that there was a stigma about solo travelers that they don't have any friends or family. I realized that this is a misconception. I have friends and family, but we want different travel experiences. I subscribed to this channel and requested the checklist to solo travel. Thank you for the encouragement. Its just what I needed.
Congrats on taking the plunge, Melanie! Glad you're also pushing past misconceptions as well as comfort zones. It's all good!
I am thrilled by your plans! Hope you’re having a fantastic time right now!
Nora, I am so glad to have found your channel. I am Australian, have just turned 49, and in a few months I am taking off to travel the world for as long as I can (at least until there are any grandchildren - hopefully a few years off yet!).
Some people are scandalised by this, and my adult daughters aren’t especially enthusiastic about the idea and worry something will happen to me. Needless to say, it hadn’t really occurred to me that this could be a bad idea - it’s been my lifelong dream!
I suppose the only thing that concerns me is I would like to meet a partner at some stage as I’ve been single for quite awhile now, but I hope this can still happen if I hit it off with another FT traveller. So I’ll leave that up to fate.
May I ask how old you were when you ventured off? Feel free to ignore if I’m being intrusive! 💕
I'm so excited for your upcoming travel adventures! I was 30 when I sold everything to travel full-time (almost 20 years ago now!). But I know plenty of people in their 50s and 60s and beyond who have ventured into this lifestyle....solo too! So you'll be in good company, never fear.
Love solo traveler newsletter!
It's great!
I just found your channel and it's like the sea has parted. I love this. I'm solo traveling beginning next month, also a 60+ widow. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much Cynthia! Glad you found my channel, and this video in particular.
Im almost 63 and will be traveling solo and on a plane myself for the first time
Im nearly 63 years young and doing my first solo in 2 weeks.
YES!!!!! Happy Travels!
So great talking travel with you. Thanks for having me on this series. Love that you're doing this series.
Thank you Janice! You were a terrific guest.
Love these interviews, Nora! And you've spoken to some of my favorite fellow travelers, too. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you so much, Kate! They're coming, every other week! :-)
I traveled solo which was all in all a good experience. I did have a little tough time in Morocco, I definitely was followed on on evening but because i stayed aware I was able to realize and remove myself. I honestly wish a I was less “nice”. Those that target travelers with many a scam will seem to be so non-assuming in putting themselves in your presence. You may never realize what happened. You need to be able to give a cold shoulder to someone once in a while.
It's so tricky, when we as travelers want to connect with local people. But you're right- sometimes, especially in some cultures, being too friendly isn't a good thing.
I truly enjoyed the interview thanks Nora and Janice. I am over 50 and still have not positioned myself to make the leap into traveling solo. The interview moved my "Think I Can." monitor closer to doing so.
That's awesome, Mike! Glad you're that much closer. :-)
You two gals are so up my alley right now. Taking the leap a few short years from now and fully appreciate your generously rendered anecdotes.
I am 63 this year and am going to take the leap on my own beginning next year , teaching English abroad in Mexico ... Good luck to you , take good care !
@@mermaidgirl3730 That's awesome! Happy travels. :-)
Hi Nora & Janice, your vlogs about senior solo travelers are incredibly insightful and captivating❤ I'm setting out on a journey to explore senior solo travelers and healthy aging practices. Hoping our paths cross down the line!
Thank you - and happy travels!
Ending my grieving with a plan to go to Ireland solo was the best healing for me. I am still working on that plan. Yes meeting people is a great benefit. I am a member of Janice ‘s program , as well as yours Nora. ☺️
That's awesome, Elaine! Will you do an independent / solo trip, or will you join a tour?
@@NoraDunn I am planning a solo trip. I would like to live in Ireland for a year, but understand Ireland will not necessarily grant me a visa to do that. I have joined a women’s group of solo travellers in Ireland. I thoroughly enjoy your site and valuable information you share.
@@elainegeber4604 Fantastic! Happy travels, Elaine!
Thank you both so much! Just subscribed to both of your YT channels. And very much looking forward to my first holidays as solo female 50+. Cheers!
Woohoo! Thanks Judith, and happy travels!
I'm closer to Janice's age and always have a blast at hostels and as a solo traveler. You're more approachable than 2 or more. Locals give me great recommendations and warnings as needed. There's a professional cadre (maybe union) of crying travel babies around the world and throughout Italy a union of nonnas who shake their fingers warning "Deve stare attente!" Turks are super protective of women and always helpful. Locals want everyone to be safe and have a great experience in their country. JUST DO IT!
Great advice!!
Thank you Janice :)
This was a great interview. Thanks! I'm also a 50+ solo traveler.
Great analogy of being in the passenger seat
I signed up for her newsletter during the watching of this video.
Awesome - thank you!
As a lifetime member of Hostelling International, and staying in hostel whenever I travelled since 1997, I have noticed more and more mature people as well as families staying in hostels. The HI Hostel in Belfast isn’t a party hostel. One of the receptionist here is a very warm and friendly elderly man.
I made the mistake of staying in a hostel during spring break in San Francisco with my former husband many years ago and it was party all night while we trying to sleep in our private room. I still prefer to travel solo. Love your channel!
Very important to choose hostels carefully! There's quite a range, as you've undoubtedly discovered!
Great video although I travel with my husband it's like traveling alone because with the excuse of not speaking English all the planning and booking is left to me. One thing is for sure I will never stop traveling 😂
Good on you, Susan!
Yes great point, we r not the same person we were 30 years ago
This is was an awesome interview! Thanks Nora and Janice for your words of wisdom.
Glad you enjoyed it, Lorelei!
Both so vibrant, from enjoying what you do so much?
I’m new to retirement and new to your channel
I just finished a trip to Panama and OMG I want to be a permanent traveler now. The roadblocks.....ugh. stuff, pets, money.
I hear you, Ann! Thanks for sharing, and stick around - perhaps in this interview series you'll the advice and inspiration you need to make it happen.
Travel slowly :) - what great advice - take it all in
Agreed!
Great video
Thanks!
I turn 50 next year and already done one solo trip and plan to do more, I have subscribed to your channel so looking forward to seeing more 👍
@@melsmidlifeadventures1364 - Woohoo! Thank you for subscribing, and happy travels!
I want to travel in my 50s
so watching again 3 years later. I have not traveled again, but I am moving closer to that goal. Do you have any links to other solo female travelers that are older? There are hundreds of younger ones... but I am looking for videos of women my age.
Check out Journeywoman! It's a site and community dedicated to solo female travelers over 50! journeywoman.com/
@@NoraDunn thanks!!
Dear Janice, your story is incredibly inspiring, and we are captivated by your experiences. Currently, we are conducting research on senior solo travel, focusing on examining vlogs of senior solo travellers like yourself. Your insights and perspectives would be invaluable to our study. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about your journey. If you could kindly provide us with a contact email, we will follow up with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering our request, and we look forward to your reply. Cheers.
Hi Edmund,
I don't know if Janice will see this comment, so I would suggest you reach out to her through her website: solotravelerworld.com/
Planning on going to visit family in NZ in 2025. It will be my first overseas trip. I will be 72.
Awesome! Enjoy, Rita!
I want to travel but i have lots of cats and a dog and i would miss them too much
So a week away is good enough for me..
A week is a nice length for a trip!
@Nora Dunn I agree and I look forward to doing it soon. I'm almost 50 and never been on vacation ever..still trying to figure out where to go first
What if you don’t want to be ‘approachable’ and you’re not looking to ‘make new friends’ ? lol
Does anybody know what the comments that they make about “single supplements” are about, and they mention 20% or 10% or 100%… And I just don’t understand the reference… I’m new to all this…
A single supplement is an additional fee (a percentage of the per person fee) that you need to pay if you are going solo. This is because some fees (eg: the cost of a cruise) is based on the assumption that two people are booking a cabin together. If just one person is booking a cabin, the single supplement makes up for the fact that they are basically earning half as much to sell a cabin to one person vs two.
Hope this helps!
The internet is full of nasty gynophobes typing "Women! Never travel alone!" ~ which to me is the same as typing "Women! Never have a life!".
Yea. Bye.