Before Covid, we, senior women felt immune to life’s surprises. But a surprise like a pandemic, changed us. Women now have travel worry. It is 2023, we are restarting our travel life, with new emotions, plus a few more years under our belts. Go or not? That is the question.
Where to go? Some places are new to tourism but how long will they stay open? We visited Iran as a group of women when it opened- see photo below. There was a brief window. Those who did not, said it was a huge mistake. So go if a new place opens and is safe.
Examples: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and again Cuba with special conditions. All three have good infrastructure- roads and such, and frequent flights. Many locals speak English and want to engage with us as women travelers. There is much to see: art, architecture, food, cultures to experience. Important is that Americans can secure specific visas. And for Saudi and Qatar, women of all religions are welcome.
Go if Europeans are going now. North Americans discover places years after the Europeans travel. From Europe, flights to unusual places are shorter, cheaper. If the area had a history of European invasion/colonization, Europeans are more familiar.
Example: Uzbekistan in Central Asia. Between 1830-1900 the British and Russians fought the so called ‘Great Game’. Europeans know this area well from history and from black and white films. Example: Tanzania was explored by British Speke and Burton in 1857. The area was German then British by mandate in 1920. It is not uncommon to meet Brits whose grand fathers and great grand fathers fought or lived in Tanzania. This exciting country is not ‘foreign’ to most Europeans.
Go if the currency is low.
Examples: Currently despite inflation, the British Pound and Euro are low compared to recent fluctuations. That means lower local costs for shopping and meals. It can also translate to lower airport taxes which are part of your air ticket.
Go if you always wanted to.
Examples: Paris, Tuscany, Istanbul. Certain areas zing to women travelers. Paris is top of that list. Yes, currently there are strikes; these will stop once the French compromise on a new pension system. Once over, hotel space will be scarce. Book now, and stay on top of the situation. Best way to do that is to look for English language newsletters/e zines that report from the ground not from headlines.
Go to popular places when we have holiday crush here. Examples: Thanksgiving in Istanbul, Greece without the beaches.
Go if you ask the right questions that pertain only to you.
Example: Mexico with altitude: 7,000 for Mexico City and 6,100 for Ixtapan Resort, our go-to spa/fitness paradise. A smart question is do any women NOT go and why do they make that decision.
Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, 31 years of award winning tours for women. Our tours are listed on https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/ and we are available to chat on 646 309 5607 or by email.
