(BPT) - The thought of navigating a new destination without a familiar companion and stepping outside the comfort of a group is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth. Traveling solo means replacing compromise with total independence, transforming every decision into an empowering act of self-discovery that restores your spirit and sharpens your sense of self. Recently, the AARP's 2026 Travel Trends survey found that travel remains a top priority for 86% of older adults, and with its known physical and emotional benefits, each step of the journey is a chance to boost your health, happiness, and sense of community.
"For the modern traveler, solo travel isn't about being alone. Rather it is a unique moment where you are able to have the freedom to choose your own pace," said AARP Services Director of Travel Steve Guilday. "Whether you're joining a small-group cultural experience, a cruise with like-minded travelers, or a wellness-focused retreat, solo travel allows you to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and make connections you might not otherwise do when traveling with others."
While the enthusiasm for travel remains high, the AARP survey also notes that cost remains the biggest hurdle. However, older adults are becoming "deal hunters," with more than half taking advantage of loyalty programs like an AARP membership to stretch their budgets.
Savvy Planning. Like any other travel, start your solo adventure by choosing the kind of trip you would like to experience. Through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, you can plan an R&R beach vacation, foodie tour across a new city, or solo hiking trip without paying full price. With exclusive deals, seasonal offers, and special savings on hotels, car rentals, and cruises, AARP members can get a $50 gift card of their choice when they book a flight vacation package and receive up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and more. For a limited time, you can kick off summer with an escape and save 30% or more off select hotels. Plus, get a $100 gift card on stays of 3+ nights when you book via AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia. Offer ends 05/25.
Cruising to a New Community. Solo travelers often find it easier to meet new people. By choosing to take a cruise, many find camaraderie without being constrained by a traditional travel partner. Explore a new destination or enjoy one of your favorites as you sail from port to port. Utilizing your AARP membership, take advantage of Holland America Line's fleet of 11 ships with more than 500 sailings a year to all seven continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Additionally, you can receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, based on the length of the cruise and the stateroom chosen.
Or set sail with HX Expeditions where you can experience some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet from Antarctica to Alaska and Greenland or the Galápagos Islands to the Northwest Passage, and more. AARP members and any travel companions can circumnavigate the world and receive a 5% discount on all cruise fares. You can also receive a €100 per person onboard credit. This offer will be stackable with all in-market HX offers. Terms and conditions apply.
If your solo adventures have you looking to stay closer to land, travel to the city centers and towns that dot picturesque riverbanks, exploring diverse landscapes and the fascinating history and cultures. You can sail the rivers of the world from the waterways of Europe to the Nile in Egypt, India's Ganges, and the Mekong in Vietnam with Grand European Travel (GET). AARP members save up to $100 in addition to any promotional savings on all-inclusive luxury river cruises. Plus for a limited time, you can sail in style with up to 20% off 2027 all-inclusive river cruises and enjoy world-class gourmet cuisine in luxury accommodations on Europe's rivers and beyond. Members save an additional $100 per member when they book directly with GET. Ends 5/31.
The Year of the Rail. In 2026, traveling by train is no longer merely an option of getting yourself from point A to B, but rather it can be the destination itself. With more options that offer a seamless blend of efficiency and upscale comfort, travelers are able to swap out the stress of airport security for panoramic views, high-speed travel, and rejuvenation. You can use your AARP membership to save 5% on more than 40 rail and cruise vacations with Vacations by Rail in popular destinations like France's famous waterways, the Rhine and Danube Rivers, Alaska's Inside Passage and trans-Atlantic crossings.
Navigating Miles Not Stress. A solo road trip could offer you the ultimate wellness retreat as the day-to-day stresses feel further behind you the more miles you travel. For a limited time, AARP members looking for a little alone time to rediscover the joy of their own company can save up to 35% off base rates when you choose to Pay Now or Pay Later at the Avis or Budget counter — giving you the perfect combination of savings and flexibility.
Finding a Strategic and Safe Stay. When traveling alone, you do not want your evening resting place to be filled with any unwanted surprises. An AARP membership gives you peace of mind and plenty of options with the nearly 7,400 Choice Hotels® properties around the world. Members save 10% on their stays and for a limited time, you can receive 15% off 2+ night stays if you book by December 31, 2026. Check out their website for additional terms and stay dates.
At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, you can plan ahead and save more. With over 6,500 properties in North America, members save 20% off the Standard Rate when booking at least seven days in advance and selecting the "Pay Now & Save, Non-Refundable" option. Or, you can save 10% off the Standard Rate and get flexible booking when you select the "AARP Members: Save 10%" rate.
Solo travel is the ultimate act of self-care, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily demands and reconnect with yourself. Learn more about additional discounts for AARP members by visiting https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits.
