Why More Women Over 50 Are Choosing to Solo Travel
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Road Scholar data show women make up about 85% of solo travelers, boosting independence.
- Safety concerns persist; prepare with itineraries, offline maps and emergency apps.
- Solo travel increases social contact via group tours, hostels, Meetups and apps.
Here’s a fun scenario for you: Imagine you’re sipping vinho verde at a sidewalk café in Lisbon, watching the sunset paint the terracotta rooftops gold. There’s no one to consult about dinner plans, no compromises on tomorrow’s itinerary. It’s just you, a good book and the thrill of being exactly where you want to be. For a lot of women over 50, this isn’t just some daydream — it’s their reality.
Solo travel is having a moment and growing among older adults (and among these, women often outnumber men). Road Scholar — a U.S.-based travel organization for older adults — reports that about 20 % to 30 % of its 80,000–100,000 annual travelers go solo and of those solo travelers roughly 85 % are women. For most women, this is about more than just booking a trip alone; it’s about reclaiming independence.
Go on, be selfish
Traveling with others means negotiating. Someone wants to sleep in while you’re itching to catch the sunrise. They’re craving Italian while you’ve been dreaming about that hole-in-the-wall taco stand. Solo travel eliminates all of that.
But, the appeal is more than just choosing your own restaurants. Women over 50 have often spent decades of their life putting other people first — raising kids, building careers, caring for aging parents. Solo travel offers something radical: permission to be completely, unapologetically selfish with your time and choices. If you feel like spending three hours in a museum, you can. Or if you feel like skipping that famous landmark to explore a local market instead, you can absolutely go for it without guilt.
Where solo travelers are heading in 2026
Some destinations are better for solo travel than others, especially for women. Lisbon, Portugal remains a top pick. In 2025, Lisbon ranked second globally among destinations rated most welcoming to solo travelers, according to TUI Musement. Kyoto, Japan also works really well for solo exploration. The city has a peaceful mix of temples, gardens, historical districts and traditional cultural experiences like tea ceremonies (many of which are solo-friendly).
There are plenty of places to pick from, though. When you’re doing your own research, look for places ranked highly for safety, walkability, public transport and a welcoming vibe — like Iceland or Switzerland.
Staying safe while traveling solo
Unfortunately, safety concerns most often stop many women from traveling alone, but preparation beats paranoia every time. Start by sharing your itinerary with someone back home and checking in regularly. Download offline maps (like Maps.me) before you arrive, so you’re never lost without cell service.
Book accommodations in well-reviewed, central locations for your first night. Once you’re oriented, you can venture further. Always trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is. Leave the situation without worrying about seeming rude.
Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals. Consider a money belt or hidden pocket for valuables.
Apps like TripWhistle Global SOS can quickly connect you to emergency services anywhere in the world, giving you that extra peace of mind on the road. For building community, Meetup is a great way to find group activities — from hikes to language exchanges — or even Bumble For Friends, which can help you connect with locals or other travelers in a low-pressure, safety-first environment.
Alone, but never lonely
One of solo travel’s best-kept secrets is that you can actually meet more people when you’re alone. Couples and groups often create their own little bubbles. Solo travelers are more approachable, and locals are more likely to strike up conversations.
Group tours designed for solo travelers split the difference between independence and community. Road Scholar, Intrepid Travel and Flash Pack organize trips where everyone’s traveling alone but experiencing destinations together. You get your own room but share meals and excursions with like-minded adventurers.
Even staying in hostels (yes, there are even grown-up versions) or joining free walking tours creates instant opportunities for connection. Everyone’s there by choice, doing their own thing, which makes for surprisingly authentic conversations.
Planning your first solo adventure
- Start small. The idea of international solo travel feels overwhelming, a weekend in a nearby city lets you test the waters without committing to a two-week expedition.
- Stay somewhere with a 24-hour front desk and easy access to public transportation.
- Research is your friend, but don’t over-plan and be sure to leave room for flexibility. Some of the best travel moments happen when you stumble upon something unexpected because you gave yourself time to wander.
- Pack light since you’re carrying everything yourself. A good rule to live by is to lay out what you think you need, then remove half. You can always buy forgotten items (and laundromats exist everywhere).
- Budget for the occasional splurge. Solo travel means paying by yourself at hotels and not splitting meal costs, but it also means spending money exactly how you want. If a cooking class or spa day will make your trip memorable, do it!
Your turn to go
Solo travel after 50 is all about proving to yourself that you’re capable, adventurous and deserving of experiences that are entirely your own.
The world is full of places that will welcome you, whether you arrive with a companion or not. The question isn’t whether you can travel alone, it’s whether you’re ready to give yourself permission to be brave and try.
Your itinerary is waiting. And this time, you’re the only one who gets to write it (and how empowering is that?)
This story was originally published December 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
