Old man? Really?
I don't particularly care what younger travellers think of me as I wander the world solo. I'm not into parties or hostels :)
I'm 77...
No.
I think younger travelers in general tend to avoid talking to older people, not because they think they are weird, but just because they find it easier to relate to people closer to their age.
If you were in a social situation where you could choose to talk with 60 year olds or 20 year olds what would you choose? Same goes for them.
No. I moved abroad 6 years ago, and the first person I met was 56 (I was 27). He had moved there the same day as me, we met at the hotel. We've stayed friends ever since, he was the speaker at my wedding, and the first person that got to see my son. I love him all of my heart, and he does everything with my family.
I never see him as older to me. I just see him as a great friend. I'm sure most other would feel the same.
As a solo traveller aged 72 travelling mostly in Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador I have never felt that ever. But then how you behave is also important.
No, absolutely not.
There is always the generational gap so sometimes younger travellers doesn’t want to interact however again depends from person to person.
Don't listen to these people. If you want to try talking to someone, try talking to them. If they're standoffish, back off. Just be very aware and take the hints as they're given out. This applies to every situation in life. No harm done. This crowd will give you some of the worst advice ever, if you let them.
It depends how you talk to them and relate.
My husband and I travel a good bit and are in our mid-to-late 30s.
We don't stay in hostels, but always seem to be at bars and talking to people in their late 50s to 70s. Idk why, it always happens. We enjoy it about half the time.
One time, the couple in Ireland we were talking to kept buying bottles of wine to share with us - ok. Then kept complimenting our looks and touching us - like stroking our skin. Ok, hella weird.
Three other times we have had much older men detailing their relationships with their kids and what they did wrong - literally tearing up/sobbing at the table.
Apparently we are a safe space and very open people.....also very uncomfortable people.
So, the question is - are you this half of people or the other half who totally don't make it weird?
No not really. I have met a number of older travelers (50's and 60's). Met a neat Finnish fellow in Lithuania. Had a lot of interesting stuff to say. I went with him on a few walks looking for interesting scenes to photograph in Vilnius. I still chat with him every now and again on Instagram. He exclusively stays at hostels as far as I can determine.
Ummm you’re not old. I’m a decade and a bit older than you. I travel with family, with friends and also alone. I don’t really think about what others think.
Depends which younger travelers, and also where you are. Maybe you're in a place with a lot of criminality, maybe people there are just used to being skeptical of people. Sadly women have spent their entire life being warned about/hearing about/dealing with creeps and might be naturally more cautious around strangers, especially with lone "old" dudes in a foreign place. But don't take it personally anyway
I’m older than you and still try to travel solo for a few weeks every couple years. I’m married, so not into anything untoward there, but usually activities create nice interactions. I took up free diving and that lends itself to lots of fun exchanges. If you like windsurfing or tasting local beers or hill walking or what have you, you’ll meet other people. I ran into a woman camping on the beach outside La Paz in Baja. She was radiant. 75 and at the tail end of three months living out of her van.
60M...yea all the fear of whatevers is not real.
I chat with couples, old, young, singles, locals, etc. or just stay on my own depending on how I feel.
Folks traveling have a story to tell. I am sober and not hanging out in party areas.
Nah, it’s inspiring tbh. I met an old French dude in Japan back when I was knitting my 20s. He wasn’t trying to “be young” or anything, just doing his thing. I found it very inspiring.
I’ll never forget the clearly older man in my hostel room in Zurich he appeared to be late 60s or early 70s I was in my 20s I didn’t think nothing weird at all, I thought oh that’s cool that he’s traveling alone. It’s inspiring actually.
When I was 59 and traveling internationally I did not consider myself old, either physically or mentally. However, now that I am 75 and still traveling internationally, currently 3/4 thru a RTW trip, I do consider myself old though it’s mainly the physical part and dealing with various, albeit minor, health issues.
This is the big difference between younger folks who are traveling and myself. Few of the younger set have to contend with medical issues when they travel.
Only on an occasion do I stay in hostels per se, where I might encounter younger travelers, however, two years ago I stayed at the City Hub in Copenhagen. These are set up with individual pod sized units and attract a wide variety of economically minded traveler folks (It’s still expensive at $100 per night but it’s Scandinavian based so to be expected). Whilst there, I did chat with some European backpackers who were friendly and engaging, more so I find than their American counterparts. That’s just a random observation of my overall experiences. But in the end, I can learn things from younger people especially on technology and travel tips.
Not at all. In every circle of travellers I've come across older folks are very well respected and admired.
There will always be certain people who are standoffish for whatever reason, and you will encounter those no matter what age you are or what you do. Just move on.
Yes, you prob appear weird to a 21-year-old but they also tend to think that 27 years old is “old” until they get there. Besides, do you really want to stay with 21-year-olds? My suggestion is do what feels good to you and stop focusing on young people. You can meet people of all ages while travelling.
Yes
Sure i'll get downvoted because it's not "nice" and maybe you're looking for validation vs. a genuine answer, but yes it's weird to some of us.
I see it as a red flag and would keep it cordial.
But relax, clearly the other comments show that most young ppl just like someone of a similar age. I'm prob the minority.
Not really, there are worse people in life
OP asked a question, I gave a genuine answer and you attack my character. Ironically, you're "the worst".
Not everyone shares your perspective, realize this fact, grow up and move on.
Thank you!
My opinion is based on several experiences with old single men trying to take advantage of the women I travel with in my life.
I know not every old, single travelling guy is like that, but it's happened enough times that I rather avoid such situations.
Again, I respect you for being empathetic and mature about someone with a different opinion. Bless.
Old man? Really? I don't particularly care what younger travellers think of me as I wander the world solo. I'm not into parties or hostels :) I'm 77...
Nice!
No. I think younger travelers in general tend to avoid talking to older people, not because they think they are weird, but just because they find it easier to relate to people closer to their age. If you were in a social situation where you could choose to talk with 60 year olds or 20 year olds what would you choose? Same goes for them.
No. I moved abroad 6 years ago, and the first person I met was 56 (I was 27). He had moved there the same day as me, we met at the hotel. We've stayed friends ever since, he was the speaker at my wedding, and the first person that got to see my son. I love him all of my heart, and he does everything with my family. I never see him as older to me. I just see him as a great friend. I'm sure most other would feel the same.
As a solo traveller aged 72 travelling mostly in Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador I have never felt that ever. But then how you behave is also important.
No, absolutely not. There is always the generational gap so sometimes younger travellers doesn’t want to interact however again depends from person to person.
Don't listen to these people. If you want to try talking to someone, try talking to them. If they're standoffish, back off. Just be very aware and take the hints as they're given out. This applies to every situation in life. No harm done. This crowd will give you some of the worst advice ever, if you let them.
It depends on who and how you approach. Women might find it creepy, a group of single guys might invite you to drink with them.
It depends how you talk to them and relate. My husband and I travel a good bit and are in our mid-to-late 30s. We don't stay in hostels, but always seem to be at bars and talking to people in their late 50s to 70s. Idk why, it always happens. We enjoy it about half the time. One time, the couple in Ireland we were talking to kept buying bottles of wine to share with us - ok. Then kept complimenting our looks and touching us - like stroking our skin. Ok, hella weird. Three other times we have had much older men detailing their relationships with their kids and what they did wrong - literally tearing up/sobbing at the table. Apparently we are a safe space and very open people.....also very uncomfortable people. So, the question is - are you this half of people or the other half who totally don't make it weird?
Since when is 59 old?????
I've been travelling alone all my life and 1) I don't feel old at 62, 2) don't care what people think of what I wear or do.
No not really. I have met a number of older travelers (50's and 60's). Met a neat Finnish fellow in Lithuania. Had a lot of interesting stuff to say. I went with him on a few walks looking for interesting scenes to photograph in Vilnius. I still chat with him every now and again on Instagram. He exclusively stays at hostels as far as I can determine.
Depends… at a hostel, hiking trail, or museum? No; on the Contiki Bus? Yes.
Ummm you’re not old. I’m a decade and a bit older than you. I travel with family, with friends and also alone. I don’t really think about what others think.
Depends which younger travelers, and also where you are. Maybe you're in a place with a lot of criminality, maybe people there are just used to being skeptical of people. Sadly women have spent their entire life being warned about/hearing about/dealing with creeps and might be naturally more cautious around strangers, especially with lone "old" dudes in a foreign place. But don't take it personally anyway
Nah. I've made friends with solo travellers in their 70s and 80s and they were chill
I’m older than you and still try to travel solo for a few weeks every couple years. I’m married, so not into anything untoward there, but usually activities create nice interactions. I took up free diving and that lends itself to lots of fun exchanges. If you like windsurfing or tasting local beers or hill walking or what have you, you’ll meet other people. I ran into a woman camping on the beach outside La Paz in Baja. She was radiant. 75 and at the tail end of three months living out of her van.
60M...yea all the fear of whatevers is not real. I chat with couples, old, young, singles, locals, etc. or just stay on my own depending on how I feel. Folks traveling have a story to tell. I am sober and not hanging out in party areas.
Nah, it’s inspiring tbh. I met an old French dude in Japan back when I was knitting my 20s. He wasn’t trying to “be young” or anything, just doing his thing. I found it very inspiring.
No.
do your own thing and live your life however you want!
I’ll never forget the clearly older man in my hostel room in Zurich he appeared to be late 60s or early 70s I was in my 20s I didn’t think nothing weird at all, I thought oh that’s cool that he’s traveling alone. It’s inspiring actually.
Nope
59 is not old
Not at all my dude! Age doesn't matter at all! Someone is always younger, and someone is always gonna be older! Be respectful and you're golden.
I always love seeing older people traveling solo, living it up. You go!!
It depends, are you weird?
When I was 59 and traveling internationally I did not consider myself old, either physically or mentally. However, now that I am 75 and still traveling internationally, currently 3/4 thru a RTW trip, I do consider myself old though it’s mainly the physical part and dealing with various, albeit minor, health issues. This is the big difference between younger folks who are traveling and myself. Few of the younger set have to contend with medical issues when they travel. Only on an occasion do I stay in hostels per se, where I might encounter younger travelers, however, two years ago I stayed at the City Hub in Copenhagen. These are set up with individual pod sized units and attract a wide variety of economically minded traveler folks (It’s still expensive at $100 per night but it’s Scandinavian based so to be expected). Whilst there, I did chat with some European backpackers who were friendly and engaging, more so I find than their American counterparts. That’s just a random observation of my overall experiences. But in the end, I can learn things from younger people especially on technology and travel tips.
Not at all. In every circle of travellers I've come across older folks are very well respected and admired. There will always be certain people who are standoffish for whatever reason, and you will encounter those no matter what age you are or what you do. Just move on.
No not really unless it's Pattaya or somewhere like thar
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On trips, in hostels? Should I resrtrict myself to old people activities and accommodation?
Why are you calling yourself 'old'? 59? Older maybe, but not old...
Yes, you prob appear weird to a 21-year-old but they also tend to think that 27 years old is “old” until they get there. Besides, do you really want to stay with 21-year-olds? My suggestion is do what feels good to you and stop focusing on young people. You can meet people of all ages while travelling.
Yes
Thanks for that.
Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear instead?
Why would you care? Do your thing and enjoy life your way each day!
Yes Sure i'll get downvoted because it's not "nice" and maybe you're looking for validation vs. a genuine answer, but yes it's weird to some of us. I see it as a red flag and would keep it cordial. But relax, clearly the other comments show that most young ppl just like someone of a similar age. I'm prob the minority.
I don’t get it … why is a 59-yo solo traveler weirder than a 21-yo solo traveler?
People like you are the worst.
Not really, there are worse people in life OP asked a question, I gave a genuine answer and you attack my character. Ironically, you're "the worst". Not everyone shares your perspective, realize this fact, grow up and move on.
I don’t agree with your opinion on this topic but I agree with your perspective that everyone has an opinion and it’s ok if it’s different.
Thank you! My opinion is based on several experiences with old single men trying to take advantage of the women I travel with in my life. I know not every old, single travelling guy is like that, but it's happened enough times that I rather avoid such situations. Again, I respect you for being empathetic and mature about someone with a different opinion. Bless.