Career Kuel Thought Leader: Gayle Petrillo
Let’s talk conquering fears and starting to solo travel – at 70!
As I have written earlier this year, I’m celebrating my 70th birthday all year long and as part of that celebration, I’m challenging myself to continue to overcome the fears and phobias that have plagued me for years.
Solo Travel At 70:
Hubby Al and I usually travel together. In the past year or so he has decided that the travel bug no longer holds much interest and so having never traveled on vacation by myself, or at least without my spouse, it’s one of the fears I decided to conquer. He and I have never been apart for more than several days and I have traveled back East or returned to Tucson on my own on multiple occasions; however, beyond that, nada.
When friends encouraged Al and I last February to join them on a cruise vacation this summer, I hesitated. Al didn’t want to go and I wasn’t sure how it would work if I traveled without him. I knew the costs would be severely inflated as a single traveler both onboard the ship as well as for the land portion. Their itinerary included a seven night cruise followed by 10 days in five wilderness lodges throughout Alaska.
“This trip was a bucket list item for me and had been on my radar for years!
Previous Travel Plans:
This trip was a bucket list item for me and had been on my radar for years! I have never cruised and thought if I had an opportunity to combine a cruise to Alaska, it would check off two items simultaneously.
I reached out to a friend to inquire about her interest in going. She unfortunately had previous travel plans to Europe followed by a knee replacement. The second gal I asked was more of an acquaintance. Without even hearing the details, she jumped at the opportunity to likewise cruise for the first time and see Alaska.
We hesitantly plunked down our deposit in February and bought trip insurance. Our trip was extended three days since my plus one had never been to Vancouver.
Every week we searched upgrades, excursions and made lists of suggested packing tips, must-sees, etc. all the while worrying about being away from hubby, home and clients for 21 days.
Hubby, always the supportive and encouraging one was excited for my adventure. He is very independent, a great cook and housekeeper. I didn’t worry on that front. He would be just fine.
Solo Travel At 70 Outside My Comfort Zone:
In Vancouver I stepped out of my comfort zone.
We had dinner the first evening at Top of Vancouver, a rotating restaurant 45 stories tall, taking an elevator whose walls dropped revealing the climb. It was breathtaking, as was our two-hour dinner. This was a personal feat as years earlier in a similar venue I dropped to the elevator floor and literally crawled out into the dining room.
I also managed to walk the cliff walk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. And although my companion did cross the suspension bridge, my attempt at doing so was nothing if not a brave try as I did. I took the three steps and turned around as soon as I felt the bridge sway. When my friend returned, she said it was more frightening than the five zip lines in Costa Rica. She received a certificate for completing the cross.
I was more successful in climbing Grouse Mountain on the gondola and was rewarded with pictures of the two grizzly bears and ax throwing contest.
“I continued my foray into pushing my comfort zone..”
Finding Adventure With My Former Neighbors:
As we toured Alaska, from Ketchikan through the inside passage on to Anchorage and through Denali National Park, and on to Fairbanks on buses, trains, steamboat and catamaran, I continued my foray into pushing my comfort zone. I crossed bridges on foot, watched scenery pass beneath me from heights I had never been. We experienced different cultures and history, wildlife (whales, bears, moose, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters, seals, salmon run, trout, and caribou), glaciers, waterfalls, and a dog sled ride with Iditarod winners.
We mostly did things either as a twosome or foursome with my former neighbors. That said, I did things as a single as well. I ventured into bars to listen to music, participated in crafting and walked along rivers and through forests. Funny, I always say I’d rather see a bear than a snake. Well, there are no snakes in Alaska; however, there are bears and moose. While I saw several at safe distances, I’m glad I didn’t have the opportunity to test my common saying.
Traveling Alone With Friends At 70:
I’m grateful for the opportunity my friends provided me in sharing a life-changing adventure with them. The past 21 days were some of the best of my life.
My take-aways include staying in the moment, enjoying the company of others (new friends and old) in addition to my own company, and living for the experiences, there were so many! I encourage you to push your comfort level and experience what life has to offer in any and every way that becomes possible for you. It will be different for each of us, but don’t pass up opportunities that will expand your horizons and provide pictures and stories to share with your loved ones. Enjoy!
Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.
About the Author:
Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills.
