Dear Harriet:  I love to travel, but I have no one to travel with – the kids have left the nest, my partner is a bit of a couch potato, and my friends prefer to stay close to home.  I want to keep traveling, but I don’t know where to begin!  How do I make friends and stay safe while I globetrot solo?

Who says you need someone to travel with!  I’m in my early-sixties and in the last twelve months I’ve traveled thousands of miles alone.  My husband is not always available to come with me – and, while I sometimes travel with my daughter and my girlfriends, I also like traveling on my own but in an environment in which I know I’ll meet travelers and that I’ll be safe and well looked after during the journey. 

 If you’re in a group, the fastest way to get acquainted with other travelers is to change your seating routine: choose a different seat on the bus or dine at a different table – you’ll find it easy to fall into conversation with others.  Tell your tour guide some of your favorite hobbies and interests, he or she can introduce you to others in your group who share your interests.

Always trust your intuition when you travel – but give it a helping hand by packing safely and being prepared.

To see more of Harriet's tips, her article appears in the Summer Issue of Healthy Aging Magazine.. This issue is free as a digital copy or to purchase a print copy, click here.

Harriet Lewis is the author of 101 Tips for Women Travelers  and owner of Grand Circle Travel, tour operator for international travel geared toward the 50 plus market.