7 Great Tips for the 50-Something+ Solo Female Traveler

The 50-something solo female traveler gets overlooked by the much younger solo travelers.

But it is “more mature” women who are traveling alone in greater numbers.

And I LOVE this!

Because I’ve been single for quite some time now, I have traveled solo most of my life.

It’s empowering.

It’s freeing.

I do have a good post on solo travel tips that I highly recommend checking out.

However in this post I want to hone in on those of us who are bit older because there are a few things that are different for us, simply due to our age.

So let’s dive into these awesome tips.

#1 Yes, you can still stay in a hostel

If you are traveling on a budget as a 50-something solo female traveler you can stay at a hostel.

Because hostels are not just for the young crowd.

Now you do want to be sure to choose the proper hostel.

Some hostels will be known more for parties and late nights.

You might like this.

You might not.

So choose the hostel that fits your wants and needs.

Maybe you are okay with dorm living and maybe you’re not.

The nice thing is some hostels will have private rooms but shared bathrooms.

Or even private rooms with bathrooms en suite. 

So hostels are not necessarily an absolute no.

And they can be a great way to save some money.

Just do some research to find the right one for you.

And it will be a fabulous way to meet other people — of all ages.

#2 Join some tours

This is a good tip for any solo traveler as it’s a good way to meet people.

But tours can cost money — some more than others — so for the younger traveler some tours may not be within the budget.

However as a 50-something solo female traveler you may have a little more money to spend on tours.

So by all means, take some tours.

This is a wonderful way to meet fellow travelers as well as learn more about the destination you are visiting. 

#3 Do those bucket list things now, before you can’t

I have a friend who is in her mid 60’s who took a trip a couple of years ago that involved getting into the outdoors.

I think she was doing some camping, hiking, etc.

I don’t remember exactly, but I do remember her telling me it was something she wanted to do before she wasn’t able to do it.

Now, I hate to think like this, but the fact of the matter is that there is going to be a time when you are physically not able to do some things as you travel.

So if you are a 50-something solo female traveler — or a bit older — perhaps now is the time.

For instance I definitely wanted to do a long distance walk.

So in 2017 I tackled the 96 mile West Highland Way in Scotland.

I was 51 at the time.

And I do want to walk a couple more long trails before I get to the point where I can’t. 

I may be able to handle 100 miles over a week to 10 days for another 10-15 years.

Or I may not.

So perhaps now is the time to do some of those more physical trips before you can’t.

#4 Splurge on something special for yourself

Maybe this means buying an exceptional bottle of wine or a gorgeous hand-made leather bag.

Or it may mean staying in a unique place like a luxurious castle.

Perhaps you want to splurge on a special experience such as an African Safari or a hot air balloon ride above Cappadocia in Turkey. 

As a 50-something solo female traveler, you deserve to do something extra nice for yourself.

Why wait?

Treat yourself to something truly indulgent.

#5 Use your wisdom and your skills

Are you an expert in something? 

Perhaps you can volunteer some time as you travel to teach or simply to help out in some way.

Or maybe you meet some younger people as you travel and can impart some basic life wisdom to the younger generation.

One thing that is wonderful about being a 50-something solo female traveler to another country is that many cultures outside of the USA tend to appreciate and respect the older generation.

So they may actually listen to you more than your own kids, nieces and nephews or younger members of your community.

How refreshing!

#6 Take a class / learn something new or revive a dormant interest or hobby

If you’re like me, you still love to learn. 

And we know how good it is for the brain to keep learning as we age.

So taking a cooking class, an art class, a language course or a history class might be for you.

Or maybe you just want to try something new like golfing, creating pottery or making beer.

Maybe you’re the 50-something solo female traveler who wants to “get back into” a hobby or interest.

The younger you may have loved to sketch or kayak.

Why not try these activities or hobbies again as you travel?

#7 Be yourself

The 50-something solo female traveler can travel without expectations from those she meets.

There’s no spouse expecting you to be or do certain things.

No elderly parents or children with their expectations.

You get a chance to let go and be you — and to rediscover yourself.

And the older you get, the less you care about what other people think of you.

Or maybe that’s just me! 

This is one of the best things about being a 50-something solo female traveler.

Final thoughts on the 50-something solo female traveler

Personally, I love traveling as a “mature” woman.

I feel like I know more, have more confidence in myself and can just be me as I travel.

I love seeing other women my age or older traveling alone.

It’s incredibly freeing and very empowering.

I get to do what I want, when I want and how I want.

Are you a 50-something solo female traveler — or a bit older?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your stories.

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.

I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!

 

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