My solo trips changed and became more personal. I am always meeting people, learning things and creating things. How do you travel?
Updated September 16, 2026
Hobbies help you connect with a place, meet other like-minded travelers, and even some locals.
Remember, your trip doesn’t have to be all about sightseeing. Next time you travel, do it around a hobby. Take a few “me” days and learn something new or join workshops around your interests. Your are going to love doing something just for you.
When it comes to choosing a hobby to bring on your trip, choose something easy to carry.
Watercolor or gouache: For instance, you can create a compact watercolor kit just for traveling. Pack a few brushes and a medium size notebook.
If sketching is your thing, you only need a few good pencils and a small sketchbook.
Sketching or drawing are fun travel hobbies because they allow you to slow down your trip and enjoy the scenery you are sketching. Sketch on the trains, in restaurants, or in plazas.
Photography and videography are the easiest to travel with. Just take your camera or your phone.
If you are passionate about cooking, seek out cooking classes and workshops in the places you’ll visit.
I joined cooking classes in Malaga, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Cambodia, Badajoz and other places. During my courses, I met people who gave me foodie tips and joined some fellow students for dinner and walks during my trip. I visited food and flower markets that were not on the tourist path. My cooking adventures allowed me to change how I travel and I always try to add a cooking workshop.
Websites like Airbnb Experiences, Viator, and Meet-up often offer a variety of workshops and classes.
Do a general search on Google and see what comes up.
Instagram and Facebook are also a good places to search.
Remember to read the reviews before signing up.
Let’s find a new and exciting hobby for you, now.
Answer these two questions:
Let’s say that you like to walk. You can make walking your hobby but more interesting by adding something to your walk.
Search for: Historical walks, women group walks, Travel walks in France (or any other country). There are many sites similar to Backroads where you can choose a trip.
Now you can travel for your hobby and make the trip about your walk or add the walking adventure to your trip.
If you prefer to sew, knit or write, look for week-long workshops.
If you want to have a solo experience, search for a teacher with whom you can work and learn from.
I took painting classes on one of my trips, and they changed my whole perspective of the city I was visiting. I have been painting since.
Solo trips are fantastic because you can do what you when you want. But they can be lonely at times. A hobby is a perfect way to deal with that. Travel with a purpose.
If you don’t like to eat dinner alone, search for an evening cooking class. It’s a great way to be around other people, you won’t feel lonely, and you’ll learn how to make a new dish. Win, win.
I always take my sketchbook to dinner and sketch things around me, making me less aware of being alone at a restaurant.
Have you heard of urban sketchers? They are a group that gets together to sketch different parts of the city, and some travel to different places to sketch all sorts of situations. Search “urban sketches” and add the city you are going to.
Search for megalithic stones or do a trip around flowers and landscapes. Does architectural photography interest you? Go to cities with cool buildings. You can photograph with your phone or a camera, which are both portable and easy to carry. Join a photo walk to meet fellow photographers and get to know the city, or join a workshop.
I am a big fan of traveling with a theme, and I plan trips around my interests, whether traveling solo or with friends. My hobbies have always been part of my themes, and some trips have only been about my hobbies.
Theme: Botanical gardens
For example, if you like botanical gardens, go to places with botanical gardens and make all about gardens. If you travel to the UK, go in the late spring, when the flowers bloom, and choose cities with botanical gardens. It will be such a treat.
Theme: Learning how to cook the perfect paella
Do you want to learn how to make the perfect paella? Did you know that each region has its own recipe? And they all believe their’s is the best. And they are. Go to Spain and attend paella cooking workshops in every city you visit.
Theme: Photographing megalithic stones in Portugal and Scotland. Now there is a fascinating subject that will take you to places in the middle of nowhere and to popular places such as Stonehenge.
Join classes and workshops.
Do you want to do a photography trip? You can join a class in France or go on a National Geographic expedition.
More photo tours: Jim Cline photo tours
Painting vacations for singles
Remember to research your workshop well. Understand what is included in your stay, and read reviews about the location, rooms, food, and quality of services. If you have any doubts, write to the organizers. If they are dismissive, look elsewhere.
Ceramic workshops.
Week-long hike.
Sewing, knitting, or weaving fabric workshops.
Baking bread.
Glass blowing.
Calligraphy.
Basket weaving.
Vacation with an artist. Find something you like, choose an artist who resonates with you, and book a session. There is nothing like working one-on-one with an artist. It’s relaxing and a great way to learn something new.
A friend recently did a workshop in Spain with VAWAA artists and was delighted with her experience. She went to a city she never would have and her host was generous in the classes.
Traveling becomes much more enjoyable when you incorporate a hobby into your adventures. Get out of your comfort zone and learn something new during a solo or group trip.
A week-long retreat or a few random workshops will spice up your trip.
Are you traveling with friends? Imagine the fun of attending a workshop with friends, it could be an incredible bonding experience and a great way to create lasting memories.
Hobbies are the best invention ever. A hobby is a way to get to know an activity that helps you relax or satisfies your curiosity. Remember, do not turn your hobby into a job. You cannot get paid for a hobby; it’s not a job. Having had said that, there are many people who gave up their 9-5 jobs and started to work in their hobbies.
Hobbies help you relax. When you get involved with your hobby, you will take a break from your work, daily routines, and responsibilities.
A hobby will help you lower your stress levels.
Hobbies help you get out of a rut. Do something different, step outside your comfort zone, and let your creativity take over.
Hobbies are good for your mental health because they will distract you.
Hobbies help you spark your creativity.
Hobbies can be a fun and easy way to meet people.
You do not have to commit to hobbies, so if you don’t like something, do something else. A hobby is something you do for yourself, so never feel guilty for changing it.
Take your hobby with you when you travel, or travel to do your hobby.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
Welcome to the sunny side of life for women over 50! We aim to create a space where women feel empowered, supported, and inspired to lead their best lives after 50. Join our Instagram!
Share this article with your friends!
By providing your email here, you will receive a notification every time Marguerite posts a new article :)
By providing your email here, you will receive a notification every time Marguerite posts a new article :)
