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On a solo trip at 86: Valerie discovers the world and her freedom!
An 86-year-old woman has been traveling alone and discovering different cultures since 2011. Her future travel plans take her to Croatia and Albania.
On a solo trip at 86: Valerie discovers the world and her freedom!
After her husband's death in December 2011, 86-year-old Valerie Simpson discovered her passion for travel. To leave the sad memories of Christmas behind her, she took her first solo trip to Cyprus. Since then, she has undertaken a variety of trips over the past 42 years, traveling to Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Her last vacation took her to Italy in April, where she visited Piedmont, Portofino and Cinque Terre and raved about the Italian cuisine and the warm atmosphere there.
However, Valerie reports that not all trips went smoothly. During her stay in Italy she experienced persistent rain and was dissatisfied with a 5-star hotel that did not offer a wardrobe. Despite these minor setbacks, she has had a number of impressive experiences, including visits to temples in Thailand, markets in Morocco and the scenic coasts of Italy.
Travel and challenges
Although Valerie loves traveling, her advanced age has brought with it some challenges. She has difficulty with balance, which is why she avoids high mountains. Despite this, she is confident and can climb stairs as long as there is a railing. On her travels she met many friends her own age whose loss affected her deeply.
In the future, Valerie plans more trips to enrich her experiences. By the end of the year she has already planned Opatija in Croatia in June, Albania in September and Switzerland, which she has already visited six times. She particularly regrets that she has not yet been able to realize her dream of traveling to South America.
Travel for single women over 60
Valerie's decision to travel alone is in line with a larger trend that also appeals to women aged 60 and over. This target group often looks for common interests and is increasingly encouraged to become more independent through travel. Supporting local women and working with local, women-conscious tour guides are important aspects of these trips. These initiatives promote intercultural exchange between women of different cultures and emphasize fair pay for tour guides and partners, thereby improving conditions for women in the countries visited.
In the community of women traveling alone there is also the opportunity to make contacts and make new friends. This shows that traveling is not only a personal discovery, but also an opportunity for greater connectivity among women worldwide. Valerie Simpson is an inspiring example for those who see their age not as an obstacle, but as an incentive to travel.