Traveling solo as a woman over 50 has changed. It’s no longer just about checking off destinations—it’s about meaningful experiences. Women want to connect with others, learn new things, and enjoy a trip at a comfortable pace.
Photo by Marguerite Megalithic Burial near Marvão, Portugal
Plan a mix of solo time and group experiences.
For example, you can join a 10-day guided trip to Portugal and extend your stay for a few solo days.
A structured tour takes care of logistics while giving you time to meet people. Adding extra days lets you explore at your own pace.
Traveling alone? Stay in a place where you can meet people.
Generator Hostels are Stylish with private and shared rooms.
A trip centered on a hobby creates instant connections. Consider:
Painting retreats – Paintaway Tours focuses on art.
Biking trips – Backroads, Duvine, and Bicycle Adventures offer great options.
Walking tours – Intrepid Travel, Classic Journeys, and Country Walkers provide guided treks.
Cooking vacations – The International Kitchen in the US and Ballymaloe in Ireland offer hands-on experiences.
Photography adventures – National Geographic and Aperture Tours provide expert-led trips.
Small group tours make travel easy and social. Research carefully:
Pick a tour that matches your interests (history talks, group dinners, luggage assistance, etc.).
Understand the costs and what’s included.
Read reviews, especially negative ones.
Check if single occupancy rooms are available.
Suggested tour companies:
Luxury travel: Kensington tours
Plan a trip around giving back. Many programs let you volunteer abroad, providing a unique way to connect with a place and its people.
My Trip to Bristol, UK. In Search of Banski and other great street artists
Plan a theme – Whether it’s food, art, or photography, a focus makes travel more fulfilling.
Pack your hobbies like painting, sketching, or photography.
Look for workshops or walks that involve your hobbies. I always join street art walks and foodie tours and cook with a local class whenever I can.
When I went to Malaga, I signed up for a paella class and chatted with wonderful fellow travelers during dinner. I joined a French food cooking class in Edinburgh, where I met many locals.
Paella cooking class in Malaga
Try a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Morning walking tour, park visit, dinner.
Day 2: Food tour, dinner at a recommended spot.
Day 3: Museum visit, neighborhood stroll.
Day 4: Day trip to a nearby town.
Day 5: Photo walk, picnic.
Day 6: Bus tour, evening concert.
Day 7: Morning walk, street market lunch, movie night.
Day 8: Open day to explore or relax.
Day 9: Cooking class in the evening.
Give yourself downtime. Go to a movie, relax in a park, or enjoy a leisurely meal.
If dining solo feels daunting, start by practicing at home. Make lunch reservations at a nice restaurant and ease into eating alone. When traveling:
Book early dinner reservations.
Eat at a counter or communal table.
Bring a book or your phone for entertainment.
Be mindful of your surroundings.
Avoid oversharing your location on social media.
Choose accommodations in safe areas and read reviews carefully.
Get comprehensive travel insurance.
Use hotel safes or lock valuables in your suitcase.
Take Uber or taxis at night instead of walking alone.
Have you read articles about traveling, blending in with the local culture, or “How Not to Look Like a Tourist”?
It’s almost impossible to look like a local when you are traveling because all your clothes come from a different country.
Go for a discreet look. Wear clothes that don’t stand out. Pack neutral colors to mix and match easily; you might just blend in but don’t worry if you don’t.
Do you want to know more about traveling and packing? Here are my tips for Lisbon, Portugal.
Packing for a fantastic 3-day trip to Lisbon.
Packing for Lison in the fall: Keep it fun and simple.
Walking is the best way to explore, but public transport and taxis help when needed. For first-time solo travelers, cities like Edinburgh, Lisbon, Berlin, and Amsterdam are great options.
Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone. Whether you join a group, take a class, or focus on a passion, you’ll create memorable experiences.
Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure!
Bon Voyage!
Updated February 2025
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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2 Responses
Hi Marguerite, this is like the ultimate guide for solo travel over 50! A few of my favourite ways of travelling in there, from travelling with a theme to travelling like a local! Loving the site!
Hi Lara, Thank you! My trips have changed so much. I like the slower trips that allow me to get to know a culture while I do the things that I love!
Best,
Marguerite