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‘Wander’ women: The rise of the older solo female traveler

More women over 50 are packing their bags and jetting off alone. And they’re not necessarily booking one of those lovely, lazy beach stays (as nice as that is).

Adventure Travel to new, lesser-traveled destinations was the most popular type of Travel for the 50-plus crowd, according to a global study from solo travel publication Journeywoman. Bucket List destinations included the U.K., Europe and Scandinavia.

But some solo adventurers are opting for ports even more far-flung. Per Forbes, citing data on older female travelers from the Adventure Travel Trade Association: “Among some of the most popular adventure-focused trips are Adventure Life’s Fly-and-Cruise Antarctica—an eight-day journey, starting in Punta Arenas, Chile. You then fly two hours to King George Island, board the Magellan Explorer and cruise among the icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales of the white continent.”

If that doesn’t whet your wanderlust, here are some other hot destinations for intrepid solo globetrotters, according to The Solo Female Traveler Network:

  • Japan: Known for its safety and blend of modernity and tradition, Japan offers travelers the chance to explore everything from bustling Tokyo to serene Kyoto.
  • Portugal: With its warm hospitality, charming towns, and affordable costs, Portugal has become a favorite for solo adventurers. Highlights include Lisbon’s vibrant streets and the scenic Douro Valley.
  • Costa Rica: A haven for eco-tourism, Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and wellness retreats make it an ideal destination for those seeking rejuvenation and adventure.
  • New Zealand: Renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, New Zealand is perfect for solo travelers who love hiking, exploring, and immersing themselves in stunning landscapes.
  • Bali, Indonesia: Known for its spiritual and wellness retreats amidst beautiful scenery and beaches, Bali offers a peaceful, rejuvenating experience.
  • Iceland: Popular for its natural beauty, low crime rate, and peaceful, welcoming vibe, this country is known as one of the safest destinations for solo travelers. Key attractions range from the vibrant city life of Reykjavik’s to a rejuvenating soak in the Blue Lagoon. Also, not to be missed: stunning waterfalls, geysers, and geothermal areas of the Golden Circle.

No travel buddy? No matter

The solo trend isn’t just about adventure travel. Another survey conducted among Journeywoman’s global tour operator network showed that 77% of all bookings in 2022 came from female solo travelers over the age of 55. Another popular category was, unsurprisingly, wellness and self-care.

We recently reported on Japan’s “silver backpackers” – older women who embark on Bucket List, at times lifechanging, trips—and they often do it alone. They’re at a stage of life where they find themselves with newfound freedom. Children are grown, careers have wound down, and there’s finally time to prioritize personal dreams and passions, including the opportunity to reflect, recharge, and explore the world on their own terms.

A study from the non-profit Road Scholar, which specializes in educational travel for older adults, found that while some of their solo tourists were unpartnered (mainly those over 65), at least 60% of the women were married, but chose to travel without their spouse. When asked why, 42% of women surveyed said their spouse “isn’t interested in traveling” while 40% said “they have different interests when it comes to travel.”

Responding to the trend, travel companies and group tour operators are working to cater to these female jetsetters, providing safety-enhanced, curated experiences that combine the freedom of solo travel with the camaraderie of like-minded travelers, fostering a sense of community.

Tours tailored for solo travelers

With a plethora of options available, it’s easier than ever for women to embark on solo journeys without feeling alone. Here’s a sampling:

  • Road Scholar: Known for its educational focus, Road Scholar offers immersive trips worldwide, with options tailored for solo travelers.
  • Women’s Travel Club: This company specializes in small group tours for women, creating safe spaces for connection and shared adventures.
  • Intrepid Travel: With a commitment to sustainable tourism, Intrepid Travel offers women-only tours that combine cultural exploration with local experiences.
  • Walking Women: For those who enjoy active vacations, Walking Women organizes guided hiking trips across scenic destinations in Europe and beyond.

Travel more, live longer

Research tells us the rewards of travel extend far beyond the destinations themselves. Exploring new places stimulates the brain, enhances creativity, and can even delay cognitive decline. The activities involved in travel, such as walking tours or Yoga retreats, contribute to cardiovascular health and overall health. Travel also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Meeting new people and experiencing different cultures promotes connection and combats loneliness, which can negatively impact longevity.

In fact, as we reported here, a 40-year European study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, found that travel promotes overall wellness and longevity. This backs up previous research from the State University of New York at Oswego which found that vacationing every year reduced the overall risk of death by about 20 percent, and the risk of death from heart disease by as much as 30 percent. 

The bottom line

The big takeaway for us: the rise of the solo female traveler among older adults is a testament to the power of adventure and self-discovery at any age. In the true spirit of SuperAging, these young-at-heart globetrotters are proving that it’s never too late to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

More on SuperAging travel:

6 ways to get the most out of your next trip – the old-fashioned way

“Wellness” tourism could hit $1.3 trillion this year — and longevity is a big part of it

Riding the rails: The timeless allure of train journeys

Can taking a vacation help you live longer? Here’s what the experts say

Where can you live abroad for as little as $1,000 a month?

The health and longevity benefits of nature therapy

Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.

Our mission is to curate the avalanche of news, research reports, expert advice and other content about longevity and healthy aging, to give our readers a practical blueprint for "getting older without getting old." In a short period of time, we have seen steady audience growth and, in particular, strong growth in our social media presence, which is now generating over 200,000 impressions a month. We offer a mix of original content and links to useful content from a wide range of sources.

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