What scares you about travel?

[TomYagher]

Travelling with checked in luggage and going through customs overseas. Always concerned some baggage handler is going to put something in my bag. I hate that question where it says have you packed your bag yourself and has it been out of your sight/control? Because as soon it’s checked in, the answer should be yes, but I don’t think an airline (or a court) will accept that.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Or when your saved/safely downloaded BP fails and refuses to come back up, at the gate, either as a QR code or as a barcode.

 

[VPS]

Travel by myself or having to share trips with people I can't tolerate, on top of the all the issues mentioned above.
When my husband was alive, we used to travel extensively with no real worry whatsover, even when we had a few mishaps. Being together, we got the feeling of being secure, subconciously we morally supported each other and didn't have that feeling of anxiety which comes along with age; we just made sure taking turn to keep an eye on potential danger.
But after his death 5 years ago, my confidence vanished completely; being alone, I couldn't find the courage to travel by myself, besides the fact that there's no joy in solo travelling.
I'm actually trying to get to know this group with the same interest of travel, and with some luck, will find friends willing to share my future trips, as my SIN miles are about to expire.

I'm a long term solo traveller and I don't know your circumstances so unlike some others I won't tell you what to do but can I suggest you try a solo trip to somewhere like New Zealand where everything is familiar and just see how you cope. Whatever you decide - good luck

 

[Lynda2475]

Many travel challenges can create anxiety or worry, but planning, insurance and arming oneself with tools and information can help one tackle those situations. I consider that different to being scared i.e. actually fearing for safety.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I am trying to make new friends to start a new stage of my life but it's hard as we age.

Agree @mireille finding "friends" when we age/move/circumstances change is not always easy.
I found volunteering in the community was a good way to connect with like minded folk - or even join a group with similar interests ( U3a wasn't for me but the Neighbourhood House was)
We have a Singing group (no auditions, just turn up and be able to laugh +/-breathe!)
Have seen new folk to our beach town find their way, hope you do as well.

 

[latawiec]

Given GPS getting lost shouldn't be an issue. Download the offline map of where you will be and GPS allows you to navigate even without data. Take a paper map if you are worried about losing your device and in a country where English is not widely spoken and you don't speak the local language always take a business card from your hotel/airbnb (in the local lingo) so you can show a cabbie, police officet or concierge where you need to get back to.

In cities where certain areas are considered no go for solo traveller, only visit if you are being escorted by a local friend or reputable local guide and always let another loved one / friend know your plans so they can raise the alarm if you dont check back in as expected.

I dont think Ive ever been genuinely scared whilst travelling, but I do get anxious waiting for QF awards to ticket, or if there is traffic/delays making connections tighter than they need to be.

I avoid war zones for obvious reasons and also countries in the ME where women arent afforded the same rights as men. There is no joy in being disrespected or limited because you aren't a man or accompanied by a man; or taking risk of being imprisoned for being victim of a crime or assaulted at airport by staff purely based on your gender and age.



Couldn't disagree more. Solo travel is complete joy, no one to compromise with. IME when you travel solo you also interact far more with locals rather than talking with your travel companion. You should try it, crazy to miss out on seeing the world because you are single or can't convince a friend to come with.

For every trip I've done with a partner, family member or friend I've probably done another 6 solo, the best trips have been the solo ones. Those trips are the ones where I made new life long friends, didn't miss any experiences and didn't have to waste time visiting/doing things of no interest because of someone I was with.

Thanks Lynda for your great suggestions!

Definitely you are preferred solo traveler and also of a younger demographic.

Yesterday you stated:
"Those most pro cruising seem to fall into the retiree bracket, not my demographic."

So your preference profile significantly differs from the older demographic, that is in a different mental and physical shape (more fragile). And you will not make them younger or feel younger.

But I am sure that with a time passing you also will mature like a good wine.

In meantime, I wish you fully enjoy your younger age and your preferred way to travel. Good luck.

 

[Bundy Bear]

1. Turbulence, smoother flight much better for my state of mind, I know its a small one.
2. Losing a passport, I have misplaced it but not lost it but has happened to others and it sends chills down my spin hearing about it.
3. Getting sick overseas, I have got sick overseas but their could come a time when I am too sick to travel.

 

[Lynda2475]

I do not see how age is a major driving factor for solo travel?

If any thing younger people earn less and are more likely to need to travel with others to be able to afford it, that is why companies like Contiki, Intrepid etc pair up solo travelers to avoid singles supplements and reduce cost.

With age comes greater wealth and knowledge so actually makes solo travel more affordable and comfortable.

I fully intend to still be travelling solo when I reach retirement.

Obviously if you have a disability you need a carer to travel with you, but age in and of itself doesn't dictate whether you can travel solo. Some people just lack confidence, they could be any age.

But doing things outside our comfort zones is rewarding.

Noting that the OP did not state that she personally finds no joy in solo travel, but rather a blanket statement that there is no joy in solo travel. Whereas I and many others find much joy in solo travel. No one is saying you have to travel solo if you are scared to, but assuming there can be no joy to be had traveling alone is a false premise upon which to decide to not travel solo.

 

[n7of9]

I travel solo and my fears are never about myself, but about my family and friends' trauma back home if i get lost, kidnapped, injured, die overseas. My risk profile as i get older is changing a lot

 

[Scarlett]

I’ve read through the thread to this point and although many of the points made are perfectly reasonable, I can’t say I’ve ever been scared because of them.
Been to developing countries.
Been in vehicles that looked dodgy.
Flown in aircraft in developing countries.
Been in a war zone.

Long haul in whY isn’t scary; it’s discomforting sure, but if we’re honest, calling it scary is just an affectation.

If somewhere is genuinely scary then it is probably too risky, and then I’m not going, eg: Ukraine or probably most of West Africa at the moment.
However, if you are going somewhere (everyone has a reason to be going) all you can really do is learn the risks, mitigate them as best you can and then go and enjoy.

 

[drron]

Well I certainly have been scared during travel.
Manilla in 1993. Person murdered on the entry steps to the Sheraton just as we left the checkin.. Followed up by a summary execution by a policeman when he saw his stolen car drive by. Then a sting where ` 100 crooks were invited to a party. They all got machine gunned. At least the Police Officer in charge of that one had to flee the country.
I never felt comfortable passing groups of police.

Newark New Jersey. Went to see the SOL from the New Jersey side. Went through a very seedy are with drug deals going on with a great array of guns on display.

Yet not scared at all when a coup took place as we landed in Bangkok. A bit amused if anything with the sight of tanks outside the hotel.
Nor when arriving in Fiji within a week of 3 of their coups. Was in fact very interesting.

 

[Quickstatus]

Ive been waiting patiently but
No one has said "TDKWIA"

 

[latawiec]

Good suggestions Scarlett!

I’ve read through the thread to this point and although many of the points made are perfectly reasonable, I can’t say I’ve ever been scared because of them.
Been to developing countries.
Been in vehicles that looked dodgy.
Flown in aircraft in developing countries.
Been in a war zone.

Long haul in whY isn’t scary; it’s discomforting sure, but if we’re honest, calling it scary is just an affectation.

If somewhere is genuinely scary then it is probably too risky, and then I’m not going, eg: Ukraine or probably most of West Africa at the moment.
However, if you are going somewhere (everyone has a reason to be going) all you can really do is learn the risks, mitigate them as best you can and then go and enjoy.

I have done all these what you mentioned above and much more, even solo sailing.

It looks that you are also like Lynda from the younger demographic.


But I am of 74 yrs old. And this older demographic, particularly after 75 yrs is more fragile. Also quite often being subjected negative or non-welcome opinions...

And this creates scary impact on the older travellers. We the older demographic still would like to travel, but it is more scary and more risky, and with much expensive insurance.

And some older travelers are giving up at some age or stage.

I am still walking, swimming and snorkeling. But not running any more.
Like to keep active and positive as long as possible.

 

[Cossie]

The scariest thing that has happened to me was for me to stupidly give cheek to a drunken Ugandan policeman when leaving Eligu going to Nimule in the Sudan, early eighties.
He placed my backpack in a cell and it was coming out until I went in after it. Fortunately I was with my girlfriend at the time, otherwise I’m sure I would have disappeared.

 

[latawiec]

3. Losing my passport

Well, this is really scary and once I experienced such event.

In 1980th most hotels like to keep your passport. And one morning after the breakfast, and check out I get myself to airport where I realized that my passport is still in the hotel.
I took a taxi to get back to the hotel and again to the airport. It was really scary as it was possible to miss flight from Rome to Australia.
I still remember that it cost me extra $400 that I promised to the Taxi driver as incentive to get me back to airport on time before departure. And Rome is famous for a heavy traffic particularly before noon.
I was lucky on that occasion, and it was a hard-way learning that changed my habit of checking all needed documents.

 

[p--and--t]

Good suggestions Scarlett!

I have done all these what you mentioned above and much more, even solo sailing.

It looks that you are also like Lynda from the younger demographic.


But I am of 74 yrs old. And this older demographic, particularly after 75 yrs is more fragile. Also quite often being subjected negative or non-welcome opinions...

And this creates scary impact on the older travellers. We the older demographic still would like to travel, but it is more scary and more risky, and with much expensive insurance.

And some older travelers are giving up at some age or stage.

I am still walking, swimming and snorkeling. But not running any more.
Like to keep active and positive as long as possible.

Ermm. Im 73 and planning trips to 8 countries next year and doing early pricing on trips in 2025.

Age is a number. You can let it limit you or just factor it into your adventures.

I am however considering fully retiring in the next 12 months so I have more free time and be more flexible to pick up last minute deals.

 

[p--and--t]

Well, this is really scary and once I experienced such event.

In 1980th most hotels like to keep your passport. And one morning after the breakfast, and check out I get myself to airport where I realized that my passport is still in the hotel.
I took a taxi to get back to the hotel and again to the airport. It was really scary as it was possible to miss flight from Rome to Australia.
I still remember that it cost me extra $400 that I promised to the Taxi driver as incentive to get me back to airport on time before departure. And Rome is famous for a heavy traffic particularly before noon.
I was lucky on that occasion, and it was a hard-way learning that changed my habit of checking all needed documents.

Not lost one yet. But left it in a hotel safe in Athens after checking out and joining a 7 day tour where I wouldnt be returning back there.

Luckily some fast talking a few phone calls and a very helpful tour guide solved the problem and it was back in my hands later the same day.

 

[flyingsal]

When my kids were smaller, losing them was a real fear. Not so much now because they are a lot taller and not as hard to lose in a crowd. But that anxiety is still there.

 

[jastel]

Coming back to work....

 

[mireille]

I do not see how age is a major driving factor for solo travel?

Young, healthy, not a single care in the world, invincible, no fear of danger, looking for romance or casual hookups, no problems to worry about, no commitment. They work and have enough for their annual vacation to enjoy. They don't care about holidaying in luxury, they just want to have a good time.

With age comes greater wealth and knowledge so actually makes solo travel more affordable and comfortable.

Not really true, with lots of financial commitment; not everyone has a well paid job and a heavy bank account. Young people might have learnt a lot more tips and tricks through connection with a wider street-wise travel community. Mature travellers mostly book tours and go with what was offered.

I fully intend to still be travelling solo when I reach retirement.

I wish you all the luck to be able to.

I was also looking forward to my long-awaiting retirement so we could make the RTW trip; but life has dealt me a terrible blow before it came, with not only emotional but also physical trauma, hence my lack of confidence and vulnerability. It's been a long road but I'm on the mend, thanks to work which keeps the mind busy, eventhough I'm past age pension.

Latawiec is right in saying that the older democraphic is more fragile in every sense, with the need for seniors to travel together, as the thinking and values differ so much from the younger generations. Having said that, joining a group tour doesn't always warrant an enjoyable holiday. As with any relationship, there needs to be chemistry between people to create a good atmosphere and solo people should only be congregated with singles. Regardless of age, a spouse can always feel jealousy if their partner pays attention to the single party and eventually, the third wheel will be left out by themselves, among couples.

Joy is subject to one's priority; if the emphasis is on the destination, then yes, you don't need company to enjoy.
Destinations are only an excuse to travel and one part of the whole process for me and my husband to be together; there was no reason to leave home without one another.
Joy comes when I'm able to share my thoughts with someone of the same mind, not constantly fighting, criticising nor telling me what to do, wear or eat, with such condescending words, reason why I don't choose my existing friends as travel companions.