More people are discovering the joys of hitting the road (or skies) alone — and seniors, particularly older women, are getting in on the trend. Nearly 70% of those surveyed for American Express Travel’s 2024 Global Travel Trends Report said they planned to take at least one solo trip this year. And the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s 2024 Industry Outlook said a surge in interest in solo travel is expected this year, especially for women traveling alone.
In interviews, older Long Islanders said they now have the time, and many have the money, for globetrotting. For varied reasons, they may find themselves alone — perhaps they lost a spouse or partner to death or divorce, or their loved one’s health is declining. Other seniors said they preferred to travel solo because they want to try something new or immerse themselves in an activity or locale that may not be of interest to their spouse or friends.
“We’ve seen an increase in solo travelers ages 55 to 70. Many are women who have gone through a major life event and want to get back out there to reaffirm their independence and autonomy through wellness and adventure travel,” said Rebecca Alesia, an Oyster Bay travel adviser with SmartFlyer. “I also have clients, single men in their 70s, who are triathletes and Ironmen who adore doing Backroads and other group travel on their own.
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