Traveling solo is an empowering experience for women. The trend is going strong, with an NBC article highlighting the desire among American females. It cites a tourism survey showing that 40% of women were keen to travel solo in 2025. Older women are more into solo travel because of their high disposable income.
Midlife travel tips for women – Photo by Avi Waxman on Unsplash
Travel tips for women over 40 traveling solo
If you are over forty and plan to go solo, expect a blend of freedom, reflection, and adventure. Midlife is the best time to go for it as most women have life experience, financial stability, and a clearer understanding of personal values. Why not embark on a journey that nurtures your spirit and broadens your horizons?
Be ready to reap the reward of solo travel, whether you want to reignite a sense of adventure, seek relaxation, or expand your worldview. Before that, follow these tips to make the trip worthwhile.
Begin with a Budget
Creating a comprehensive travel budget ensures stress-free solo travel, especially in midlife. Saving advice notes that a six-week solo trip across the US can cost $5,500 to $6,000. The amount includes food, lodging, transportation, incidentals, and a few worthwhile experiences. However, don’t expect luxury in this budget, but it surely keeps you comfortable.
Of course, the expense will be bigger if you pick a destination overseas. Start by assessing your available resources and allocating funds to key areas. When buying flight tickets, compare prices across aggregators and book in advance for the best deals. For accommodations, check trusted platforms offering reviews and secure booking, prioritizing safety and comfort.
Estimate daily expenses like meals, transport, entry fees, and small indulgences. Remember to set aside extra for unforeseen expenses and invest in comprehensive travel insurance. Also, keep room for spontaneous experiences without breaking your budget. You can use apps and online tools to track expenses in real-time and ensure financial confidence.
Choose an Appropriate Destination
When selecting your destination, consider places that align with your interests, comfort level, and safety requirements. Marie Claire lists the best destinations for women solo travelers. These include Colombia, Georgia, Cuba, Italy, and Sri Lanka. You may also explore nearby destinations for less money and time.
Research cities and countries with a strong reputation for solo female travelers. Look for low crime rates and positive reviews from women. Older women prefer factors like culture, history, and nature when choosing their destinations. Prioritize places with reliable public transportation and clear tourist infrastructure.
Language barriers can be part of the adventure, but you can rely on translation apps even after forty. Alternatively, consider destinations where you feel comfortable communicating or where English is widely spoken. Check policies that might impact women traveling solo, including required visas, documentation, or restrictions.
Keep Your Health Needs in Mind
Midlife travel requires a proactive approach to health, even more so when you are alone. Pack a personal medical kit with your prescription medications, first-aid items, and remedies for common travel illnesses. Schedule a checkup, discuss your itinerary with your doctor, and update relevant vaccinations.
Some older women struggle with conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Seek advice about managing them. A transvaginal mesh was once recommended as a long-term solution, but it soon received bad press for its defective design. TorHoerman Law notes that several women have suffered and filed lawsuits against manufacturers.
Transvaginal mesh settlement amounts may be huge, between $150,000 and over $400,000, because the damage is significant. You can imagine the cost of treatment for mesh erosion and organ damage. Women in midlife should consider safer options like medicines, Kegel exercises, and bladder control instead.
When traveling, stay hydrated, eat nutritiously, and prioritize sleep, particularly when changing time zones. Ensure that you have a travel insurance plan that covers medical care abroad if needed. Travelers with dietary restrictions or health concerns should also research local cuisine in advance.
Enjoy Slow Travel
Rushing from one sight to another can diminish the deeper joys of travel. Moreover, it can be exhausting if you are already dealing with midlife challenges like menopause. Embrace slow travel for a more meaningful experience.
According to the Good Trade, slow travel focuses on intentionality and connection. To experience it, you need to accept that you cannot see everything in one lifetime. Rather, you must stay longer at one place to know it better and experience it to the fullest. Spending more time in fewer places lets you feel the rhythm of local life.
Another rule you must follow is to prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on meaningful activities rather than exhausting checklists. Learn and participate in local activities like cooking classes, art workshops, or guided tours that align with your interests. Do not over-schedule when traveling solo after forty. Leave blocks of time open for spontaneous discoveries or rest.
FAQs
Why is the forties the best time to travel for women?
Forties are about greater self-assurance, clarity of purpose, and fewer familial obligations. Finances may be more stable, and you have the confidence to set priorities. You can savor new experiences, invest in personal growth, and reconnect with yourself away from the routines and expectations that defined earlier decades.
How to deal with loneliness while solo traveling?
Feeling lonely occasionally is normal when traveling alone, but there are effective ways to overcome it. Stay in social accommodations like boutique hotels, B&Bs, or hostels with common areas where you can meet fellow travelers. Take group tours or classes, as they also offer social opportunities. Embrace being alone and use the solitude for reflection, journaling, or enjoying your hobbies.
How to socialize when traveling alone?
Building connections on the road can be enjoyable and enriching. Fortunately, there are many ways to do it. Look for walking tours, food tastings, cultural workshops, or volunteer opportunities. You can use online platforms and apps to connect with like-minded adventurers. Don’t hesitate to greet fellow travelers, hotel staff, or locals.
Midlife solo travel offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and self-discovery. At this age, you are full of confidence, self-assurance, and wisdom. You can take on the world alone, but it always makes sense to be prepared. With practical planning and an open heart, every journey you choose can be enriching and memorable.
Adventure on!
