Travelling solo after 40 can seem scary to some.
But just because we don’t have a travel buddy, doesn’t mean we can’t fulfil those desires to explore the world, right?
My name’s Justine Waddington. I’ve travelled 60 countries as a solo traveller and I’m the founder of Encounter Travel, and since 2006 we’ve been organising small group tours for solo travellers over 40.
One of the joys of running organising solo tours around the world is watching the joy on peoples faces who previously might not have made the leap to join a travel group solo - and the lifelong memories and friendships they make.
I’m going to share 3 takeaways that everyone I speak to finds when they embark on a solo tour for the first time.
Ok, maybe 4. There is one very important one that I want you to experience first:
It’s that magical, unexplainable travel phenomenon.
What starts out as a trip by yourself, very quickly turns into lifelong friends!
So, here are the 3 takeaways people always have when they embark on a solo trip.
I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we all have that urge to explore.
But when you’re over 40, and that urge is still there, it can be quite daunting to do it solo or with people you don’t know yet!
Here’s what others who were in this exact position had to say…
'Touring China with encounter was the best experience ever. This was my first time travelling overseas on my own so travelling with solo people in my age group with everything organized made all the difference to me. I travelling in peace going to strange country where there is very little English. Everything encounter organized was spot on. The group of people (I now call friends) were the best ever group I could have travelled with everyone looked after each other. We all made sure no one got lost and all relazed at night with a couple drinks and plenty of laughs. One of the best holidays ever. Thank you Encounter for making this possible for me and thank you to all my group travelling buddies.'
Jenny, 61 years, Gold Coast, QLD
Encounter Travel has introduced me to solo travel and I'm now hooked after my first tour Discover Greece and the Islands. I have so many wonderful memories of the places, the history & culture, the food and of the wonderful people I traveled with. There was never a dull or lonely moment.
Lea, 64 years, ACT
After travelling to 60 countries and organising thousands of group tours for singles, I’ve encountered absolutely everything you could encounter in the travelling world.
That’s why we have people coming back for tour after tour with Encounter Travel - because they’ve been designed for you to experience absolutely all you could want to experience in your holiday.
Here’s what people have had to say about the difference an organised itinerary makes.
'Justine needs to be congratulated on her skill in creating a tour that encompasses everything that I needed in a stress free and exciting overseas holiday. Excellent itinerary, exceptional guide, fantastic hotels and food, quality buses and the company of terrific men and women sharing their spirit of fun and adventure. I look forward to my next Encounter tour in 2016.'
Marie, 67 years, VIC
'Encounter Travel offered me the perfect way to enjoy travel with a small group of people of a similar age. Every detail of the booking was taken care of and the accommodation and food was second to none. A highly recommended way to travel for solos!'
Lindy, 66 years, VIC
When you travel as part of a group, you’re not lonely. You still get that life-expanding sense of travelling by yourself, but you get to do it with people in exactly the same position.
One of the biggest fears that people have about solo trips are simple things - like eating dinner alone.
It’s a bit awkward to go travelling and eat at all these restaurants alone, right?
Well when you join a group tour for singles, dinners become a chance to socialise every night!
That’s why travelling in groups as a single is an ultimate experience, you get the rush of exploring by yourself while getting to know like-minded people at the same time.
Swoop up a deal when you book early.
