With 86 on a solo journey: Valerie discovers the world and its freedom!

With 86 on a solo journey: Valerie discovers the world and its freedom!

After the death of her husband in December 2011, 86-year-old Valerie Simpson discovered her passion for travel. In order to leave the sad memories of Christmas behind, she undertook her first solo trip to Cyprus. Since then she has made a variety of trips in the past 42 years and has traveled Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Her last vacation led her to Italy in April, where she visited Piemont, Portofino and Cinque Terre and raved about Italian cuisine and the warm atmosphere there.

Valerie reports that not all trips went smoothly. So she experienced rain lasting in Italy during her stay and was dissatisfied with a 5-star hotel that didn't offer a wardrobe. Despite these little setbacks, she has gained a number of impressive experience, including visits to temples in Thailand, markets in Morocco and the picturesque coasts of Italy.

trips and challenges

Although Valerie loves traveling, her advanced age has brought some challenges. It has difficulties with balance, which is why she avoids high mountains. Nevertheless, it is confident and can rise stairs as long as there is a railing. On her travels, she met many friends of the same age whose loss she deeply affected.

In the future, Valerie plans to travel to enrich her experiences. Until the end of the year she has already on the plan for June, Albania in September and Switzerland, which she has visited six times. She particularly regretted that she has not yet been able to realize her dream of a trip to South America.

trips for single women from 60

The decision of Valerie to travel alone is in line with a larger trend that also appeals to women from the age of 60. This target group often looks for common interests and is increasingly encouraged to become more independent by traveling. The support of women on site and the cooperation with local, women -conscious tour guides are important aspects of these trips. These initiatives promote the intercultural exchange between women of different cultures and emphasize a fair payment for the tour guides and partners, so that the conditions for women in the countries visited are improved.

In the community of women traveling alone, there is also the opportunity to make contacts and make new friendships. This shows that travel is not only a personal discovery, but also an opportunity for stronger networking among women worldwide. Valerie Simpson is an inspiring example of all those who see their age as an obstacle, but as an incentive to travel.