The Joy of Solo Travel: Why Older Women Should Embrace It

More and more women are choosing to travel alone. There seems to be a growing desire for independence, adventure and personal fulfilment as we reach later life.

After a lifetime of family holidays, we may find ourselves single again… through divorce or the death of a partner. The children have grown up and left home so it could be time to embrace this new chapter by exploring the exciting world of solo holidays – after all, we no longer have to slot holidays into the overcrowded and overpriced school holiday period!

Many career women got used to travelling alone for business – and loved it. Usually staying in a good hotel with plenty of time to explore the city in between meetings, they are looking to re-create that experience – without the meetings to interrupt the fun!

You don’t have to be single to enjoy a solo holiday, and in fact, many solo women travellers do have partners but have realised that taking a separate holiday can be a powerful way to strengthen their relationship.

Phocuswright, a US market research firm, reports that there was a 46% increase last year in people over 55 travelling without their significant other.

For couples who value independence, personal growth, and variety in their relationship, separate holidays can be a valuable tool for keeping the spark alive. Rather than seeing time apart as a challenge, view it as an opportunity to nurture both individual well-being and a stronger, more vibrant partnership.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of solo holidays for couples:

4 Ways a Separate Holiday Is Good for Your Relationship!

#1. Encourages Personal Growth

Spending time apart allows each partner to explore their own interests, take on new challenges, and return to the relationship with fresh perspectives. Whether it’s learning a new language, hiking a remote trail, or simply enjoying solitude, personal growth enriches the partnership.

#2. Reinforces Independence

Healthy relationships thrive when both partners maintain their individuality. Separate vacations reinforce self-sufficiency and help each person remain fulfilled as an individual, rather than relying solely on their spouse for happiness.

#3. Prevents Over-Reliance on Each Other

Spending time apart encourages self-sufficiency and personal fulfilment. When each partner has their own adventures and experiences, they bring more to the relationship rather than expecting their spouse to fulfil every emotional and recreational need.

#4. Reduces Relationship Stress

Even the happiest couples experience tension. Taking a break from routine responsibilities and daily pressures can provide a much-needed reset, allowing partners to return refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a renewed appreciation for each other.

Absence truly can make the heart grow fonder. Taking a break from each other’s daily habits and quirks can reignite appreciation and even rekindle romance. Reuniting after separate trips allows couples to reconnect with a sense of excitement and gratitude.

Going It Solo

Quite apart from couples, there are those women who are never married or are divorced. There is a societal shift towards divorce in later life, often initiated by the woman and driven by the baby boomer generation. These women have often had successful careers and are financially independent.

Whichever party initiates the divorce, it’s still a major life transition with many challenges. One of those challenges may be loneliness, so solo holidays are a superb opportunity to meet new people.

We might find ourselves at the “grandma” stage when our adult children rely heavily on us to help out with childcare. Grandchildren can be a joy, but we need to maintain some balance and create our own space. Scheduling regular solo trips is a perfect way to set some boundaries and we’ll have some great stories to tell the grandchildren when we return!

What Others Think

This is what 61-year-old Joanna Moorhead had to say about solo holidays:

“The fact is, I can do exactly what I want, when I want, because I’m holidaying alone. Like an increasing number of older women across the world, I’ve discovered the huge benefits solo travel has to offer.

It helps me to recharge my batteries, it’s empowering, and it doesn’t have to be horribly expensive (I generally travel off-season and midweek). It takes me out of my comfort zone in just the right way, allowing me to have the experiences, the food and the fun that I want.

Long lunches, casual friendships, no one to worry about: solo holidays are brilliant for older women like me.”

This quote is from Deborah Ives who split from her partner just before a trip they had planned together:

“I’d loved planning our trip to Borneo and thought: sod this, I’m not going to let it stop me going,” she says. “I remember feeling absolutely petrified as I was about to board my flight. But I had the most amazing time. It gave me a real sense of adventure and freedom. I remember days when I thought: no one knows where I am right now. It felt exhilarating.”

Many older women have done the hard work of raising a family and building a career. Now it’s time to get back in touch with what we really love to do when there is no-one else to worry about.

Check out this quote from Alison Henri who loves to travel alone:

“There are times in Spain or Italy when I’m in a restaurant and I look across and see parents, juggling two, three or four young children, waiting for that moment of calm when they can eat their own lunch before it gets cold. Twenty years ago, that was me; the fact that I can now sit and sip my drink unencumbered by anyone else feels like a reimbursement. It’s a freedom I didn’t imagine I would ever taste again, which makes it all the more precious.”

What Doubts Go Through Our Minds?

It’s clear that the good aspects of solo travel outweigh the difficulties for many but for those who have yet to try it, doubts simmer.

How Will I Cope with Eating Alone?

Tricks include choosing to go out for lunch rather than dinner and being picky about where you sit. A window seat or a table at the edge of the room rather than at the middle.

The irony is that in most places you will spot other ladies alone (usually engaging with their phones) – as well as couples who aren’t talking to one another!

Won’t I Feel Lonely?

Netta Weinstein, a professor of psychology at the University of Reading, has been researching the benefits of solitude vs the dangers of loneliness. She found that there is a big difference between solitude that is imposed and solitude that is chosen.

“Having space gives us time to connect with ourselves, and connecting with ourselves benefits our wellbeing,” she says.

The more she examined it, the more Weinstein discovered the rich benefits of time spent alone by choice. “There are patterns in time alone that researchers are only beginning to tap into,” she says. One of the main points seems to be the sense of autonomy that solitude can bring – and solo travel gives plenty of scope for that.

Where Would I Go?

Italy is made for wandering and people-watching from cafes. Plus, in the busy art galleries, the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, being alone is a distinct advantage – there is no one to get separated from amid the crowds.

The wellness industry has spawned many superb breaks that are perfect for older solo travellers. Tribe Sober is offering a 7-day ladies’ retreat in Bali – perfect if you are sober-curious or if you simply want to focus on your wellbeing with an international group of women.

Tips For Solo Journeys

Book a Taxi

When you book a taxi beforehand, someone is waiting with your name when you get off the plane.

Befriend the Staff in Restaurants

It’s fun to have someone to chat to, plus they will make sure you are not ignored and give you advice on what to try from the menu.

Go for Smaller Hotels

Smaller, family-run hotels can be easier than anonymous, corporate places and they are more likely to have single rooms available. It’s also easier to make friendly connections with the owners and staff.

Set a Goal for Your Trip

Have a project, so your trip has a focus: it could be a yoga retreat, or the focus could be on wellness or on developing an existing skill – writing or painting for example.

Keep a Travel Journal

A travel journal is a great way to record each day and build up treasured memories from your trips.

7 Reasons Why Solo Travel Is Great for Older Women

Solo travel is one of the most liberating experiences a woman can have, and for older women, it presents a unique opportunity to embrace freedom, confidence, and adventure. Whether you’re considering your first solo trip or looking for inspiration for your next journey, here are seven compelling reasons why traveling alone can be an incredible experience for older women.

#1. Travel on Your Own Terms

Gone are the days of compromising on destinations, activities, or schedules. When you travel solo, you get to set the pace, decide where to go, and choose how to spend your time. Whether you want to explore historical landmarks, relax by the beach, or immerse yourself in cultural experiences, the decision is entirely yours. No more worrying about pleasing others – this trip is all about what makes you happy.

#2. Reinvention and Self-Discovery

Solo travel is a chance to reconnect with yourself and embark on a journey of self-discovery. With no distractions or obligations, you can reflect on your personal growth, rediscover hobbies and passions, and gain a fresh perspective on life.

If you can find a retreat which includes personal coaching and plenty of time for reflection, this short break can be truly transformative.

#3. Boost Your Confidence and Independence

Navigating unfamiliar places, making decisions, and stepping outside your comfort zone are all part of the solo travel experience. Overcoming these challenges builds resilience and self-trust, proving that you are capable of handling anything. From managing travel logistics to embracing new cultures, every step taken alone is a boost to your confidence.

#4. Create Deep, Meaningful Connections

Traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely. In fact, solo travelers often form deep and meaningful connections with both locals and fellow adventurers. Without the buffer of companions, you may find yourself engaging in more conversations, joining local events, and forming friendships that could last a lifetime.

#5. Prioritize Your Well-Being

Solo travel allows you to focus entirely on your well-being. Whether it’s a rejuvenating wellness retreat, a peaceful nature escape, or simply taking long walks through charming streets, you have the space to prioritize what nourishes your body and soul. With no one else’s needs to consider, you can indulge in self-care without guilt.

#6. Affordable and Flexible Travel Options

Solo travellers often find it easier to take advantage of travel deals, last-minute offers, and budget-friendly accommodations. With no need to coordinate with others, you can book off-peak flights, stay in boutique hostels or cozy guesthouses, and explore destinations at a cost that suits you. The flexibility to change plans on a whim is another huge perk of traveling solo.

#7. A Sense of Adventure at Any Age

Adventure has no expiration date! Whether it’s trying local cuisine, taking a scenic train ride, or even going on a safari, solo travel reminds you that excitement and new experiences are always within reach. Age should never be a barrier to exploring the world, and every journey is a chance to create unforgettable memories.

“We don’t stop doing things because we get old…we get old because we stop doing things!”

Solo travel as an older woman is an empowering, joyful, and transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to embrace independence, discover new passions, and experience the world on your own terms.

So, pack your bags and take that leap – you’ll be amazed at what you discover about yourself and the world around you!

If you’re new to solo holidays and would like to book into a bespoke Wellness Retreat which has been created for an international group of 15 women, then perhaps you’d like to learn more about the Tribe Sober Solo Holiday in Bali.

If you have questions or if you’d like to jump on a call with Retreat host Janet Gourand just email janet@tribesober.com and we’ll discuss whether it’s the right Retreat for you!

You can catch an interview with Bali Retreat host Lynette here and with host Helene here.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you thought about going on a solo trip? Where would you like to go? Do you fear going on a trip on your own?