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Experts share their tips of where to go and what to expect

By Gary Guthrie of ConsumerAffairs
September 9, 2024

Photo

Okay, ladies, time for some truth-telling. Which of the following would you NOT like to deal with on your next travel experience:

  1. A partner who snores
  2. A partner who is more interested in finding where the nearest McDonalds is than a quaint cafe that serves warm croissants
  3. A partner who wants to sit in the hotel room and watch ESPN while you want to go out and shop or lay by the pool
  4. All of the above
  5. None of the above

If you chose 4, then read on because this article is for you.

Solo travel is a hot ticket for women these days and for many (if not all) of the reasons in the little quiz above. In fact, new research from Road Scholar shows that 85% of its solo travelers are women baby boomer women who are embracing solo travel as society becomes more accepting of older women doing their own thing.

Its easier than its ever been, too. Many destinations cater to older travelers with senior discounts, easy-access transportation, and senior-friendly activities.

Travel, at its core, embraces possibility. Youre booking your first international flight, youre taking in the hums and whispers of a city you only knew before from pictures, youre using hand gestures peppered with a few shared words to get directions, insists Farryl Last of GoAbroad.

Dont be surprised if you come down firmly on the side of alone times immense possibility after assessing the pros and cons of solo travel. Whatever your reasons for traveling, youre in for adventure when you dare to do it on your own.

And, yes, hubby can stay at home

Sure, a number of the women who travel solo are widows, but theyre really in the minority. The Road Scholar study researchers found that 60% of our solo travelers are married women traveling without their spouses. Women who are thinking possibility.

Their reasons for traveling solo? Well, 42% said their spouse wasnt interested in traveling, while 40% mentioned having different travel preferences.

And it's not about the wiveswanting to be away from their spouses, but rather about exploring a part of them that theyfeel drawn to at this stage in their life.

I cherish the freedom to explore and do things on my own schedule, says 66-year-old Marcia Henderson, one of the Road Scholarsolo travelers. I love walking, hiking, and immersing myself in nature, culture, and history. My husband has knee issues and doesnt share my passions. It would be a waste not to travel just because he doesnt enjoy it. This is my passion, and he fully supports me, just as I support his love for golf.

If the pushback continues, KAYAKs Annika Ziehenthinkseveryone should experience solo travel at least once in their life. If someone questions your sanity, or accuses you of being irresponsible, spoiled, or self-centered, rest assured that you're not.

I think it is okay to be all of that once in a while and to simply follow your heart. 'You do you'should be the anthem of solo travel,"Ziehen said.

A chill way to discover yourself and feel better

In addition to not having to compromise on plans or deal with another persons drama, one of the key pluses is discovering yourself.

Traveling alone gives you time to reflect and figure out what really matters to you almost like hitting the reset button on your life. As you get out of your comfort zone, tackle new challenges and find out that you can overcome obstacles like how to get aroundLondon on the subway, you'll also build confidence. And who knows, you might even make some cool new friends along the way.

Travel has a lot of health benefits, too. Walking around new places helps you stay active, and the fresh experiences keep your mind engaged. Plus, traveling on your own schedule allows you to prioritize rest and relaxation, which are vital for maintaining good health.

Where you probably walk only 4,000-5,000 steps a day during your normal routine, traveling could easily take your step count to 12,000-18,000 steps per day and it wont even seem like that many as you peruse all the interesting places, shops, and restaurants in a faraway place.

Lonely schomonely

If you think traveling solo equates to loneliness, dont. There are lots of places in the world where people are friendly and happy to provide a safe welcome mat when you cross their borders.

For example, Australia. The Land Down Under frequently tops lists of friendly countries because of the laid-back nature of the locals, as do Portugal and Taiwan, and this list that gives a lot of love to the Scandinavian countries.

But, is it the answer?

While solo travel can be empowering and inspiring, it's also essential to consider things like your personal comfort and safety.

Potential downsides like loneliness or navigating new places solo can be addressed with good planning. Mosttravel agencies these days know exactly what group tours work best for solo travelers or where to find organized senior travel programs that offer a mix of independence and companionship. And if you have health concerns, many travel companies specialize in providing accessible, senior-friendly options.

One of the questions that frequently comes up about solo travelers especially ones on cruises is the single supplement upcharge. But thats changing quickly.

A number of cruise lines have also invested more in one-person staterooms in recent years. Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans last month to add nearly 1,000 cabins for single occupants across its fleet.

A Road Scholar spokesperson added that it, for one, doesnt charge a penny more for solo travelers beyond the extra cost incurred from hotels and it offers a unique roommate matching option to help singles save, as well.

It's your call

Ready to explore the world on your own terms? Solo travel is a great way to rediscover your sense of wonder and independence. Whether it's Maine for a week or Europe for a month, it's never too late to make new memories and discover new aspects of yourself. So pack your bags and let the adventure begin!



Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images


Posted: 2024-09-09 11:15:59

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More News From This Category

Consumer News: Dollar General announces back-to-school sale

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 22:07:08 +0000

Over 70 items will be priced $1 or less

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
July 11, 2025

  • Dollar Generals back-to-school sale is running through September 6.

  • There are opportunities for parents and teachers to save on all back-to-school essentials.

  • Both Dollar General and national brands will be part of the ongoing sale.


Dollar General is sharing the details of its back-to-school sale.

One of the biggest headlines out of the sale: over 70 back-to-school items will be priced at $1 or less.

"Dollar General stands ready to deliver on our commitment of everyday value to help families as they shop for back-to-school items, Steve OBrien, Dollar Generals vice president, division merchandise manager, said in a news release.

Whether youre a parent stocking up on supplies, a teacher preparing their classroom or a student getting ready for dorm living, we offer the essentials you need at prices that will help support a confident start to the school year.

Details of the sale

The back-to-school sale is running now through September 6, at Dollar Generals over 20,000 locations.

Heres what shoppers can expect from the ongoing sale:

  • 70+ back-to-school and stationery items priced at $1 or less, including essentials like folders, notebooks, and composition books

  • A selection of Crayola variety coloring packs for $2 and under

  • Fashionable and functional backpacks for just $5 each, available in several colors, patterns, and designs

  • Crayola crayons, Elmers glue sticks, notebooks, binders, and $1 deals on folders, pencils, and more

  • Dollar General is offering $5 off $25 every Saturday, with extra opportunities for $5 off $25 on planned weekdays in July.

  • Deals on lunchbox favorites:

    • Sales promotions on fruity snacks including Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, and Fruit Rollups two for $5 and select Dole products three for $6.

    • Special offers on family-favorite PB&J fixings, like Welchs Jelly & Peter Pan Peanut Butter, two for $5.

    • Crunchy treats including Cheez-Its three for $6 and Keebler items two for $6.

Savings for teachers

In addition to parents saving on supplies and back-to-school essentials, Dollar General is also offering deals for teachers.

Heres a look at how teachers can save ahead of the new school year:

  • The Dollar General Teacher Social Media Sweepstakes will award 20 educators with a $250 Dollar General gift card. The sweepstakes runs July 15 August 30 on Dollar Generals Instagram.

  • Verified teachers can receive 30% off select stationary through September 6.

To save even more, consumers can sign up for the Dollar General rewards program to get exclusive coupons and more opportunities to save.


Read More ...


Consumer News: FCC axes Net Neutrality rules, which weren't in effect anyway

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 22:07:08 +0000

The move is denounced as "political theater"

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
July 11, 2025
  • FCC removes Net Neutrality rules from its books, even though they were not in effect.
  • A federal appeals court, in a suit brought by telecom companies, had held the rules were improper.
  • The argument has gone back and forth since the Obama administration.

Net Neutrality is not a topic that brings crowds of demonstrators surging into the streets but it has important implications in a world that is driven largely by online communications.

The Obamaadministration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) constructed a framework of rules and regulations intended to ensure that everyone had equal access to broadband. That made telecommunications companies responsible for providing service on just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms to users across the nation.

Those rules were repealed during Donald Trump's first term in office earlier this year and reinstated during President Biden's term. But earlier this year, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in a suit brought by major telecom companies that the ruleshad been wrongfully adopted and that broadband providers cannot be treated as utilities.

Telecoms aren't utilities?

The court determined thatbroadband is an "information service" not a "telecommunications service," meaning the FCC lacks the authority to impose net neutrality regulations under the Communications Act.

Today, theFederal Communications Commission issued an order announcing its decision to remove the agencys Net Neutrality rules. The agency neglected to provide advance notice or give the public an opportunity to comment.

The consumer group Free Press called the FCC's action "little more than political grandstanding."


"Its true that the rules in question were first stayed by the 6th Circuit and then struck down by that appellate court in a poorly reasoned opinion. So todays bookkeeping maneuver changes very little in reality," said Matt Wood, the group's vice president of policy and general counsel.

Rules protecting Net Neutrality have broad bipartisan public support; the issue generated record numbers of public comments during prior agency proceedings on these essential open-internet safeguards, Wood said.


"Theres no need to delete currently inoperative rules, much less to announce it in a summer Friday order. The only reason to do that is to score points with broadband monopolies and their lobbyists, whove fought against essential and popular safeguards for the past two decades straight," Wood said. "It also shows subservience to Elon Musks incredibly destructive government-by-chainsaw attitude which seems to have outlived Musk himself in some corners of the Trump administration."


Read More ...


Consumer News: New study explores how tracking your steps can improve your mental health

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 22:07:07 +0000

Just 1,000 extra steps per day is linked to a lower risk of depression

By Kristen Dalli of ConsumerAffairs
July 11, 2025

  • Findings from a recent study found that walking moreespecially aiming for around 7,000 steps per daywas linked to fewer depressive symptoms in adults.

  • Every extra 1,000 steps per day correlated with about a 9% lower risk of depression.

  • The effect was consistent across ages, sexes, and step-tracking methods, suggesting walking is a universally accessible mentalhealth tool.


Researchers from the University of CastillaLa Mancha (UCLM) teamed up with international colleagues to examine how daily walking relates to depression in adults.

The team pooled data from 33 observational studies involving around 96,000 participants, all tracked using wearable devices such as pedometers and accelerometers.

Their goal? To find out whether walking more each daymeasured objectivelycould be tied to lower rates of depressive symptoms and risk.

The study

The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis:

  1. They searched multiple literature databases up to May 2024 and identified 33 studies (27 cross-sectional, 6 longitudinal) involving over 96,000 diverse adults.

  2. These studies tracked daily steps using reliable wearables and measured depression using clinical diagnoses or symptom questionnaires.

  3. Participants were grouped by step ranges (e.g.,

  4. They adjusted for variables like age and sex and checked the robustness of results.

The results

Ultimately, the results were promising. The study found that adults walking 5,0007,499 steps/day had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those walking under 5,000 steps per day.

The more participants walked, the better their mental health. The study showed that walking 7,5009,999, and especially 10,000+ steps/day, showed even stronger links to lower depression-related symptoms.

Notably, hitting around 7,000 steps/day stood out, as it was linked to a marked reduction in future depression risk compared to fewer steps.

Its also important to note that with each additional 1,000 steps/day, depression risk dropped by roughly 9%.

What does it mean for you?

Walking is free, simple, and easy to integrate into daily life. This analysis suggests even light, regular stepsespecially around 7,000+ per daycan add up to real mentalhealth benefits.

It doesnt require gym time or intense workoutsjust consistent movement. Boosting your daily step count, even in shorter bursts, may help protect against depression.

Daily step counting could be an important strategy in the general population to promote physical activity and contribute to the prevention of depression, researcher Bruno Bizzozero Peroni wrote.

Based on the available evidence, we emphasize the need for further longitudinal studies to clarify the protective role of daily steps in preventing depression during adulthood. In the meantime, if you've read this far, stop reading and go for a brisk walk.


Read More ...


Consumer News: GM agrees to settle oil-consumption lawsuit in Oklahoma, other states pending

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:07:08 +0000

Owners of certain models could get payments of up to $500

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
July 11, 2025

  • Owners of certain GM trucks and SUVs in Oklahoma could get $500 checks as part of a nearly $25 million class-action settlement.
  • The lawsuit claims some GM vehicles burn excessive oil, risking engine damage.

  • Eligible owners must act before the July 28 deadline to join the settlement.


Owners of specific General Motors vehicles in Oklahoma may soon receive hundreds of dollars as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement addressing excessive oil consumption in certain trucks and SUVs. Similar suits are pending in several other states.

The named plaintiff in the case isDurwin Hampton, a Poteau, Oklahoma resident who noticed troubling issues with his truck shortly after purchase.

At about 35,000 miles, I noticed that it was burning more oil than usual, Hampton said. It just kept getting worse as it got more miles on it.

The lawsuit alleged that GM marketed and sold the affected vehicles as safe and reliable without disclosing that they could consume an abnormally high amount of oil. Such issues, plaintiffs argue, result in low oil levels, poor engine lubrication, and potential engine damage.

Nearly $25 million settlement fund

As part of the settlement, General Motors has agreed to contribute nearly $25 million to a fund. Clay Barnett, one of the attorneys representing vehicle owners, said eligible individuals who join the lawsuit could each receive about $500.

Vehicles included in the settlement

Vehicles covered under the settlement include:

  • 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe

  • 2011-2014 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL SUVs, and trucks equipped with Generation IV Vortec 5300 LC9 engines manufactured on or after February 10, 2011

Barnett estimates around 30,000 vehicles in Oklahoma could qualify. Half of these owners bought their vehicles from authorized GM dealers and should have received notice by mail. However, Barnett notes that approximately 15,000 owners who purchased their vehicles elsewhere may need to submit additional information to join the lawsuit.

How to check eligibility

Oklahoma residents who bought affected vehicles can visit oklahomagmenginelitigation.com to check eligibility and file claims. The deadline to join the settlement is July 28.

Despite agreeing to the settlement, General Motors denies any wrongdoing or liability related to the allegations. The company has not publicly commented on the lawsuits outcome.


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Consumer News: Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles to fix fuel pump

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:07:08 +0000

A defect in the pump can cause the engine to stall

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
July 11, 2025

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 850,318 vehicles across the United States to fix a potentially defective fuel pump that could cause engines to stall unexpectedly, raising the risk of a crash, federal regulators announced Thursday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem involves low-pressure fuel pumps that may fail and reduce fuel flow from the tank to the engine, potentially leading to sudden loss of engine power while driving.

This recall is for certain 2021-2023 model year Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Bronco, Ford F-Series Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition, said Mike Levine, a spokesperson for Ford.

The defect may affect roughly 10% of the recalled vehicles, NHTSA estimates.

Before complete failure occurs, drivers might notice warning signs including:

  • Engine misfiring

  • Rough idling or running

  • Reduced engine power

  • Illumination of the check engine light

NHTSA disclosed that it has received six consumer complaints alleging power loss due to fuel pump failures in affected Ford vehicles.

Ford has not reported any crashes or injuries tied to the issue as of the recall announcement.

Owners of vehicles included in the recall are expected to receive notification letters from Ford with instructions for scheduling repairs. The automaker will replace the faulty fuel pumps free of charge.

For additional information, vehicle owners can visit the NHTSA recalls website or contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealership.


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