Alright, let’s be real. You’re over 50. The kids might be gone, your job might be… well, just a job, and you might be wondering what’s next. Maybe your partner’s idea of a wild time is a new remote control. Maybe you’re navigating life after a big change.
Whatever it is, there’s a solution you might not have considered: traveling by yourself.
Yep, just you. No compromising on where to eat, no waiting for someone else to finally get their passport. It’s not about being lonely; it’s about being free. And you’re not alone in thinking about it. Tons of people in our community are doing it and loving every minute of it.
Why Your 50s and Beyond are the Perfect Time to Go Solo
Think about it. This might be the first time in decades that your time is actually YOUR time. Here’s how solo travel can tackle some of those big, looming life questions:
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Is your relationship in a rut? Go on separate trips. You’ll come back with actual stories to tell each other that don’t involve what the neighbor did with their garbage cans.
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Did your partner retire and now thinks a vacation means puttering in the garage? Don’t let their hobby stop your adventure. Go see the world and come back refreshed.
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Empty nest got you down? Remember who you were before you became a human Uber service? Travel solo to find her again.
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Suddenly single? There is no bigger confidence booster than navigating a foreign train station or ordering a meal in another language all by yourself. It’s a comeback tour, and you’re the headliner.
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Feeling invisible at work or in life? Travel somewhere new. Strangers don’t know you’re “supposed” to act a certain way. You can just be you.
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Bored out of your mind? Planning a trip—even a small one—gives you something exciting to focus on besides the dust bunnies under the couch.
The Fantastic Perks of Traveling Solo at This Age
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Blissful Selfishness. For once, every single decision is yours. Feel like eating gelato for breakfast? Go for it. Want to spend three hours looking at one painting in a museum? Nobody is tapping their foot beside you.
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Your Confidence Will Get a Workout. Figuring things out on your own is incredibly empowering. You’ll return home standing a little taller.
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Rediscover Yourself. Without a family relying on you, you get to remember what you actually like to do. It’s like a reunion with your coolest self.
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Try Weird New Stuff. Always wanted to try flamenco dancing? Or see if you like oysters? Travel is the perfect excuse to experiment. No one back home has to know if you’re terrible at it.
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Become a Rock Star to Younger Generations. Seriously. Younger travelers often see solo travelers over 50 as the ultimate goals—independent, interesting, and fearless. You’re not just traveling; you’re modeling a fantastic way to age.
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Have Actually Interesting Conversations. When you’re alone, people talk to you. You’ll get insights from people of all ages you’d never get if you were tucked away in a couple’s bubble.
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Get the Respect You Deserve. In many cultures, age is valued. Your gray hair might get you better service, a helping hand, or a warmer welcome.
How to Actually Do This: Two Main Flavors
You’ve got options, depending on your mood and energy level.
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The DIY Approach (Independent Travel): You plan it all. It’s more work, but the freedom is unbeatable. This is for the “I’ll figure it out as I go” crowd.
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The Let-Someone-Else-Do-It Approach (Group Tours/Cruises): This is the zero-hassle option. Everything is planned for you, and you’ve got instant companions if you want them. The best part? Many tour companies now offer trips with little or no extra “single supplement” fee. It’s a game-changer.
A Few Grown-Up Safety Tips (Because We’re Smart)
We’re not 22 anymore, and that’s okay. Our safety plans are just more sophisticated.
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Get Travel Insurance. Especially for medical emergencies. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.
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Pack Your Meds in Your Carry-On. Always. In their original bottles. Trust me on this.
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Ask for Help. Need a wheelchair or a golf cart at the airport? Arrange it ahead of time. There’s no prize for suffering through a two-mile terminal hike.
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Pack Light. If you can’t carry it yourself easily, you brought too much.
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Wear Sensible Shoes. This is not the time for flimsy flip-flops. Good support is your best friend.
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Bring a Backup Pair of Glasses. Because being blind in a foreign country is a lousy plot for a vacation.
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Leave the Good Jewelry at Home. You want to blend in, not attract the wrong kind of attention.
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Don’t Blast Your Plans on Social Media. Save the photos for when you get back. Your empty house doesn’t need an announcement.
Where Should You Go?
Anywhere you want! But if you want some easy wins to start:
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Western Canada: Mountains, friendly people, and no language barrier. It’s stunning and easy.
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The UK: All the charm of a foreign country without struggling to ask where the bathroom is.
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A Road Trip: The ultimate freedom. Crank the music, stop at weird roadside attractions, and go at your own pace.
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A River Cruise: Unpack once and see a dozen places. It’s travel made effortless.
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A Learning Vacation: Always wanted to paint? Speak Italian? Make pasta? Go somewhere and take a class.
Final piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to go back to places you loved when you were younger. You’ll see them with completely new, wiser eyes. And that might just be the best trip of all.
