As Modern Old Maids, we are used to doing a lot of hard things by ourselves; paying the bills, taking out the garbage, finding the bottom of a Ben & Jerry’s carton… but one of the scarier things to consider as a single woman is travel.
However, there’s never been a better time for women to explore the world on our own.
According to a recent study by Booking.com, 65% of women aged 50+ are more likely to take solo trips now compared to when they were younger. And why shouldn’t we? We’re wiser, more confident, and frankly, we’ve earned this!
Quick Facts:
👵🏼 65% of women 50+ are more likely to travel solo now than when younger
🛟 Top 3 safest countries: Iceland, New Zealand, Japan
🕰️ Average trip duration: 10-14 days
🤩 Most popular activities: Cultural tours, food experiences
Been There, Done A Lot Of It
I’ve traveled by myself quite a bit, including destinations like a pair of small islands off the coast of Africa called Sao Tomé and Principe, the Canary Islands, and Morrocco. I’ve gone to Thailand where I stayed at an elephant rehabilitation camp, and I’ve driven from Cape Town to Durban along the southern coast of South Africa with only myself as a co-pilot.
While there are admittedly moments I wished I could share with someone, just out of pure awe and disbelief, I’ve always found doing things on my own to be extremely freeing.
Without the need to coordinate schedules, food preferences, likes and dislikes with anyone else, I can wake up when I want and change an itinerary on a whim. I will always skip another breakfast buffet for a local spa experience.
Of course, there are certain things to consider…
Safe Countries for Women Traveling Alone
Safety is naturally a top concern for solo female travelers. Based on the 2024 Global Peace Index and countless traveler experiences, here are some of the safest countries for your solo adventure:
Iceland – Land of the Midnight Sun
- Low crime rates
- Excellent public transportation
- English widely spoken
New Zealand – Adventure with peace of mind
- Friendly locals
- Well-developed tourist infrastructure
- Beautiful scenic drives
Japan – Where tradition meets modernity
- Efficient public transportation
- Safe for late-night exploration
- Unique cultural experiences
Portugal – Sunshine, wine, and welcoming locals
Canada – Natural beauty with a safety net
Even when visiting a new city or region in our own country, as single women we know we need to take extra precautions. Traveling is no different if you keep your wits about you and your valuables in your unmentionables.
Making a Plan
Today, there are some amazing organizations that specialize in helping women get out there. If you’re new to single travel, consider starting with a guided tour that includes free time for solo exploration.
Women Traveling Together specialize in group trips for women over 50, offering a perfect balance of companionship and independence.
Postcard Adventure Travel has great itineraries for solo female travelers desiring fun-filled experiences without the stress of planning the details.
Solo Female Travelers supports local female-owned & led businesses in amazing destinations. A go-to resource for tips, tricks and expert advice on solo travel for women around the world.
Solo Traveler also has great ideas and deals for traveling parties of one.
International Women’s Travel Center offers in-depth articles and advice on traveling solo. For $3 a month you can get in on Tracey’s List of the best deals to book.
Where To Stay While You Slay
As a solo traveler, I’ve found that boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts often provide the perfect mix of privacy and social opportunities.
While sites like Airbnb and VRBO can help you find places off the beaten path or allow you to feel more like a resident, the fees and cleanup rituals they often require can make them more hassle than they’re worth for one person.
Websites like booking.com now have filters specifically for solo travelers, making it easier to find accommodations that cater to us.
Hostels for Seniors: Not Just for Backpackers Anymore
I know what you’re thinking, but forget what you think you know about hostels. Many now offer private rooms and mature-friendly environments perfect for senior solo travelers. Benefits include:
- Cost-effective accommodations
- Social common areas to meet fellow travelers
- Often centrally located
- Many offer women-only floors or sections
Hostelling International (HI) has locations worldwide and offers an age-diverse atmosphere, security lockers and front desk staff 24/7 and (drum roll please) quiet hours are enforced.
Hostelz.com offers a “50+ Age Filter” to quickly narrow down hostels with a more relaxed and mature vibe.
Another tip; on some sites, like booking.com, you can filter the reviews by age group, giving you the feedback you may find the most relatable.
Take Advantage of Your Singleness
Making reservations as a party of one can be a game changer. Venues have open single seats remaining that they’re happy to fill at the last minute. Walking up to the box office on the day of a show or event is your best chance of grabbing one of those leftovers.
The same can be said for booking local guided tours, there’s almost always room for one more whereas bigger groups may be out of luck. And if a restaurant you’re dying to try is booked solid, walk up and ask if you can sit at the bar. It’s usually the best seat in the house to people watch and make new friends (hint: always befriend the bartender.)
My First Solo Adventure
My first solo trip was to New Zealand for six months! The summer after college I was able to get a six month work visa for select countries, and as a snowboarder, it was going to be winter in the southern hemisphere.
I was nervous, but also excited. I’d traveled enough with family and friends to feel comfortable with airports and public transportation, but it was still so far away and for so long.
I found a job at a ski resort (known as a ski field to the Kiwis) and made some friends and when the season was over we traveled around the islands together. After that trip I never doubted myself again when making travel plans for just myself. It really just takes one virgin voyage to realize you’ve got this!
The beauty of solo travel is that you can be as social or as solitary as you choose. When I’m on my own, some days I join walking tours, meeting fascinating people from around the globe. Other days, I savor quiet moments alone in a museum or sipping coffee at corner cafés and watching the world go by. The flexibility to just wing it on your own is luxurious.
A Few Final Tips
1. Pack Light: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. I’ve learned to travel with just a carry-on and pack some travel laundry detergent. Trust me, no one will notice you’ve worn the same jeans for three days.
2. Stay Connected: Keep family updated on your whereabouts. I use WhatsApp for free international calls and messaging. Have a dedicated friend or family member you send a quick ping to every morning about your plans for the day and again when you’re safely back in your hotel room.
3. Trust Your Instincts: They’ve never been sharper than they are now!
4. Meet Other Travelers: One of the perks of traveling on your own is you’re more likely to meet new people and they can offer great advice. Apps like [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com) often have events for travelers in major cities. Look up local Facebook groups in advance where you can ask questions about the area and get insider tips on all kinds of things.
5. Consider Travel Insurance: Not just for your flight and accommodations; many will cover any injuries, hospital stays, and the cost of extending your stay if necessary.
6: Bring a Selfie Stick: Yes, they can make you feel like dweeb, but as a solo traveler, they’re a neccesity. Find one that doubles as a tripod to capture those moments no one would otherwise believe.
Embracing Solo Travel in Your 50s and Beyond
Remember, solo travel doesn’t mean being alone – unless you want to be! It means having the freedom to choose your own adventure, set your own pace, and discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. Whether it’s taking a cooking class in Italy, hiking Machu Picchu, or watching the cherry blossoms bloom in Kyoto, the possibilities are endless.
Start crossing off your bucket list and plan your solo adventure today. As the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” So pack your bags, book that ticket, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The world is waiting for you!
Buh byeeeee! 👋
Want to read more about women around the world who are ‘doin’ it for themselves?’ Check out this article “Welcome To The Old Maid Era: The Global Rise of Women Choosing Single Life.”
