Women in their 50s and 60s are no longer willing to sit idle knitting baby rugs or reading Mills & Boon novels.
They are unashamedly ditching their preconceived roles and embarking on travel adventures far and wide.
More than ever, women in this age bracket are looking for enriching experiences and willing to fly solo to tick off their travel bucket lists.
It doesn’t matter if their partners don’t want to travel, or they are suddenly finding themselves single, or they’ve been unpartnered for many years. They are not going to let small details like this hinder them, and are instead embarking solo on exciting travel adventures without any inhibitions whatsoever.
Why are more women in their 50s and 60s travelling solo?
Many women in this age group have shaken off taboos and ageist labels, and have decided that this time in their lives is their time. I can fully identify with this after reaching the milestone age of 50.
Many midlife women desire travel and adventure. We have worked hard, raised kids and retired from their jobs thinking “what now”?
In my case, this was the catalyst for seeking adventure and travel to new and foreign places.
When I found myself suddenly single, my immediate thought was that I was going to travel to all the places on my bucket list. I definitely wasn’t going to let life pass me by just because I was a “certain age” or because I was on my own.
I initially looked for safe travel options joining women’s group tours, then gradually became more adventurous.
Types of solo women travel
Launching into a solo travel experience does not necessarily mean venturing into the jungles of the Amazon with a backpack and a compass. There are many types of travel adventures that you can embark on solo.
Organised group travel by bus can be a rewarding and very safe way of seeking a solo travel experience
Women’s only travel groups are becoming increasingly popular, where you can travel with a small group of like-minded women
Hiking or biking holidays, whether in a group or self-guided, are also proving very popular
Cruises. Many cruise lines are now offering solo cabins, and most have solo or single social get-togethers on the ship
DIY travel itineraries where you plan and book your holiday
Organised train holidays are another way to see a country. The pre-planned itinerary includes your train fares, accommodation and sightseeing suggestions
Motorhome or caravan holidays. Many solo women are now seeing their own country by buying a motorhome and travelling around
Health or yoga retreats are a great way to escape and recharge your battery
Special interest holidays, including culinary classes, writing retreats, painting groups and following a sport like tennis championships or Tour de France
Kathy ready to set off on a cruise in Sydney
Solo women’s travel destinations
There is nowhere in the world that’s off limits, apart from some of the obvious countries where there is conflict or unrest. The best way to check if it is safe to travel to a certain country is to check out the Australian government’s Smartraveller website.
I have personally travelled perfectly safely to Bali, Indonesia, on a few occasions, as well as Vietnam, Japan and France. More recently, I travelled to Ghana in Africa. During these solo trips, I never encountered any problems.
I have gained inspiration from books like ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, ‘Wild’ and a movie called ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’. It has always been my dream to spend time in Italy alone, and this will be fulfilled in 2025.
Whilst the world is your oyster, start small and maybe embark on some solo trips within your own country. Then when you feel confident being a solo traveller look further afield.
Make a travel bucket list and start ticking it off!
Planning a solo travel itinerary
Travelling solo is about the planning and preparation. Write a checklist and adhere to it.
Here is how I plan my trips:
12 months prior, I decide where I want to travel, then work out the logistics. This includes finding the best time to visit and avoiding peak times
Nine months before, I do a draft travel itinerary of places I want to see within the country or countries I’m visiting
Six months before, I price airfares and look out for early-bird specials. I check the validity of my passport
Two months before, I book my accommodation and any additional flights required. I also find out whether I need immunisations, visas or other documentation for the country I’m visiting
One month prior to my trip, I purchase travel insurance. I even start compiling a packing list of things I need to take with me
One week prior I do all the last-minute things like checking my dates, travel documentation, confirming bookings, and ensuring that I have everything I need in my suitcase or backpack
Kathy in Iceland
Tips for solo women travellers
My biggest tip is simply to be organised and don’t overcomplicate your travel itinerary.
You need to accept that as a mature-aged person, you will get tired and need to rest and recuperate after flights.
Other tips include:
Travel light. It’s easier getting around with less luggage to try to handle
Make sure you take out enough travel insurance coverage for your trip. This is a no-brainer
Be organised with your travel documentation and store them in an accessible place, like a small backpack or in a folder or wallet
Purchase an eSIM card or local SIM card for mobile data when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi. That way you can always stay in communication if necessary and utilise Google Maps
Don’t look like a tourist. Have a confident air about you and go about your trip as if you know what you’re doing and where exactly you’re going
Have a decent pair of walking shoes with you. They will save your feet
Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten track a little and immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting
Keeping safe when travelling solo as a woman
As a first-time solo traveller, I was most fearful about getting lost or having my belongings stolen.
Keep your belongings with you at all times and make sure they are securely packed
Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery
Have a backup in case of theft. I always travel with two credit cards
Research common scams in your destination country or city and be careful not to fall for any
Be aware of unsafe areas in cities. Maybe ask your accommodation hosts or concierge where it is safe to visit as a woman tourist
Always have the name and address of your accommodation handy
Be careful with what you eat and drink. Nothing is worse than catching a tummy bug that may keep you bedridden for days
I rarely wander around after dark a city alone, unless I’m completely comfortable with the place
If people ask me whether I’m travelling alone, I often reply that I’m meeting a friend or my partner is joining me
Solo travel can be one of the most daring and exhilarating things you will ever do for yourself. It gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, and expand your mind and your horizons.
In my case it has given me a whole new identity.
Once you travel completely alone, you will truly find yourself.
Kathy in Ghana
Hero image showing Kathy on the Volta River Cruise in Ghana 📸 Kathy Marris
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