Solo sojourns more than worth initial angst

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/03/2022 (1617 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My husband and I, along with my sister, went on many trips together including cruises. He passed away three years ago and she passed away three months later.

I still wanted to travel, so I booked a river cruise in Europe, had a lovely time, met a couple from Ontario; we had most meals together, and we still stay in touch. I did not feel at all like a “fifth wheel” as I sat with other couples to have a drink or chat.

I know I was the only solo person on board, but it was just fine. I hope to do it again once it’s safe again to travel abroad.

— Love to Travel, Winnipeg

Dear Love to Travel: It’s great that you took the chance and went! It sounds like you had a great time. Your letter will give heart to senior singles who are a little worried about risking that first trip and going without a partner. It’s a bit like going swimming when people shout, “Jump in! The water’s fine!“ You just have to take that first chance — that’s all there is to it.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I recommend that “Nowhere to Go”— the solo senior who still wants to travel — try small group travel with a guide. Travel company Road Scholar offers educational travel and learning adventures for seniors, in large groups or small, and several levels of physical activity. Wild Women Expeditions leads small groups of women of all ages on adventure travel around the world.

This lady’s travel agent can help her choose a suitable travel company and trip, considering how physically active she wants her adventure to be.

I travelled with both of these companies and also with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, on well-organized tours led by a guide, and I had great experiences. A wildlife-viewing trip in Canada is a good way to start.

— Ms. Traveller, Manitoba

Dear Ms. Traveller: Thanks for writing in with your valuable experiences for “Nowhere to Go.” People should also know some group travel companies do all the baggage handling, which is great for a person who isn’t particularly tough, but is still raring to go on adventures.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: “Nowhere to Go” should know cruises are very friendly and attract a lot of nice people, and some who are travelling solo. I’m a divorced man in my late 50s. I met a beautiful woman when I went on a cruise ship last time, and we’ve kept in touch. I hope to go cruising with her again but I’d feel comfortable going by myself again, and “Nowhere to Go” should, too. She’d be treated well by the crew and staff, and meet people at dinners and other activities.

— A Travelling Gentleman, Manitoba

Dear Gentleman: People go on cruises for different reasons. Some are looking for romance (as it seems you are) and others just enjoy making new friends at dinners and activities. Hopefully, gentlemen like you can quickly tell the difference.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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