Over 60, single and travelling solo - tips to guide you!

In this video I talk about solo travel as a retired, over 60 female.Thank you LEVEL8 luggage for sponsoring this video and enhancing my travel experience with the well-designed 28" Voyageur case with its deep capacity and easy maneuverability.

To receive 10% off your purchase of LEVEL 8 Luggage please follow link below and use the discount code SMALLLIFE10

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[kerryjames]

I wanted to comment because last May I had to say goodbye at Heathrow to my travel partner because she hadn’t realized she needed to renew her passport. I’m a 73 yr old female from the U S and hadn’t felt confident to travel by myself previously. But it was the best thing that could have happened (for me). I went on alone to France and Iceland. Had a great trip and now have the confidence I needed to travel solo. I found people to be so helpful and friendly and met other female solo travelers who have been on amazing adventures. I find it so liberating to travel alone and be able to do it ‘my way’. Thanks for the travel tips!

[rebeccamckenna]

Congratulations on your 1st sponsorship! Love your videos, hope all your hard work is rewarded.

[mfnannygram]

I love using packing cubes. I typically don't check my luggage so I'm always trying to maximize the space in my carry-on. The packing cubes allow me to stack and compress my clothing. Plus, they're just a great way to stay organized when living out of a suitcase.

[UrbanCountryStyleByJudy]

A couple of things I do before I travel:
1) take a picture of my passport so that if it’s lost or stolen it’s supposedly easier and faster to have it replaced with temporary docs from our embassy in the country I’m visiting
2) I print out an itinerary of my travels with all contact info for hotels etc where I’m staying and I give one to my son and take one with me. I’ve had my phone die in France and this saved me until I could get to Paris to replace it (I pay for cloud storage).
3) never leave your phone sitting on the table beside your plate. In your hand or stored away as phone theft is on the rise. I lost one this way when the table was cleared.

[shannonoakley]

Thank you Raina and thank you everyone for all the great tips!❤

[lindadorman]

I’ve been to 40 countries since 1990, first as a corporate expat, then as a digital nomad and now as a retired slow traveler. I usually spend 1 week to 3 months in each country. I prefer to stay in Airbnb’s for longer stays or hotels if it’s under a week. I check only one Level8 20” suitcase light enough for me to lift, plus a small Lovevook backpack that fits under the seat in front of me. At age 64, I’m paying more attention to knowing where the local medical facilities are, or how to call for help in an emergency!

[ladyinblack]

My tip: When I was going to England several years ago, I watched some videos on YouTube so I'd know what to expect. One was on how to purchase an Oyster Card (for transportation in London). The other was looking up my Tube stop, so I would know what the neighborhood looked like around it. I knew I'd be sleep-deprived when I got there, and it helped to have something familiar to look for.

[sharonthompson]

Hi, I just wanna say this was an excellent topic for many people. I worry about it all the time I’m alone and I’m 82 but in very good health physically and mentally and would still love to travel.
I love your site and look forward to your episodes each week. Keep them coming and have a wonderful time in Australia.

[Daydreamologist]

And I do believe that traveling solo can help one reflect and get to know oneself too. 🙃

[iknojwg]

Good video, Raina. I hope you have someone watching your home while you’re away. I wouldn’t let Youtubers know the exact dates you’ll be gone. Might be better to post travel videos when you return and post pre-recorded videos while you’re in Australia. I also go to the doctor and make sure I’m up-to-date on my vaccines and antibiotics for stomach bugs in that country. I’m in San Francisco. Have a pleasant layover! 🥰 P.S. Love the suitcase!

[BlueBird]

People should know that sometimes you need an ETA form for a layover, even though you’re not staying in that country. I flew to Vietnam with a layover in South Korea and Korea required the ETA.

Congrats on surpassing 40, 000 subscribers! And have a great trip!

[AnneBalboni]

My first trip abroad (to Italy) my best friend & I found that our phone battery barely made it if we used it for all our walking routes!!
We each brought a 10, 000 or 20, 000 battery pack and kept it in our waist/shoulder bags. It’s about the size of a phone.
Well worth having it!!

[kimmyers]

Congrats on you first sponsorship, Raina! I have that same Level 8 suitcase but in the smaller carry-on size. I love it! Those wide handles really do make interior packing easier. I use a Lovevook 15.6" backpack as my personal bag; the organization inside is excellent. I use packing cubes too. The one thing I might add for such a very long trip is a pair of compression socks for your legs. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time with your family.

[annitagalvan]

Hi Raina, I haven't realized how the 28 minutes of your video flied so quickly. I enjoyed watching every minute of it and your tips are all to the point, and very wise indeed.
Your suitcase, by the way, is great.
As someone commented, taking pictures of your credit cards and buying a whistle, are very important to have.
Have a great time, enjoy your holidays with your family and have a safe journey back.

[b.l.wilson]

Congratulations on your sponsorship!🎉
Your trip sounds amazing. I love traveling alone as well there’s so much peace and solitude.
Safety advice:
Purchase a whistle and carry it with you everywhere, it will be a noise maker and alert people in the area that you’re in danger. It can be large or small, worn on a neck chain/on the wrist/on a keychain as long as it’s easily accessible. 😊

[picklespears]

Thanks Raina|! Your skin looks luminous! Great advice and I'm with you on having your own space when travelling. Also I'm always cold on planes so I bring a pashmina wrap and a soft eye mask and earplugs to try and get some shut eye. Oh and I download videos and podcasts to pass the time as well. Enjoy your trip!

[Fan-ld]

Congrats on your sponsorship, very appropriate one too to compliment your video. Have a wonderful trip, Raina. Hope you can share some videos of it with us.✈

[kindred]

I love that painting behind you...much

[crankycorner]

Safe travels, and thank you for all the tips! I can't wait to see your videos in Australia. 🎉

[jackieangove]

Your vlogs are always amazing.Have a wonderful holiday and be safe . ❤