The women over 50 embracing solo travel. Many are finding freedom in travelling alone later in life, and you can too - Cathay Pacific

Adventure is not only for the young – far from it. In fact, research shows that female travellers over 50 are increasingly seeking journeys filled with curiosity and meaning. And they’re going it alone.  

For many older women, a solo trip is a rare opportunity to step outside of long-established routines, says Professor Catheryn Khoo, a specialist in tourism at Torrens University Australia. “It may be the first time in decades that nobody else defines the itinerary, evaluates their choices or consumes their emotional energy,” says Khoo. 

The world also feels more accessible than before, says Jo Hendry-Prior, co-founder of the female-led luxury travel agency Alchemist Travel : “Much of the hesitation that once existed has been reduced by improved connectivity and the overall ease of travel today”.  

In April 2023, 53-year-old Jackie Handy from the UK chose to hike 800km along the Camino de Santiago, Spain’s historic pilgrimage route, to test her own resolve and at the same time raise funds for two dementia charities.  

“I was fascinated by the [idea] of walking across an entire country on your own with a backpack,” she says. 

Handy took six weeks to walk from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French border to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, allowing herself some much-needed time to process her mother’s own dementia diagnosis. “While I’m an extrovert generally, I wanted that introspection,” she says. 

Although Handy walked the route solo, she made friends along the way. They stayed in touch through a WhatsApp group and waited for one another to cross the finish line. “A bagpiper plays you into the plaza at Santiago de Compostela,” says Handy. 

She was so hooked on the experience that Handy decided to continue for another three days until she reached the coastal town of Muxía. “I suppose it allowed me to challenge the paradox of getting older and not being able to do something. I was able to prove to myself I could do it,” she says. 

Alone but not lonely
Californian Alison Antone, 51, lost her husband in January 2025. “I knew I didn’t want to live in the house I shared with my husband, because it would be too hard financially, emotionally, mentally…” says Antone. So, she decided to go travelling. In December 2025, she flew to Thailand with a friend, who stayed with her for two months, then Antone continued alone. So far, her journey has taken her through Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

As a first-time solo traveller, Antone began with a fairly structured plan, booking all her accommodation months in advance. “Now I feel better about being a little more flexible and spontaneous,” she says.

She relies on AI and fellow travellers to help her find local services or attractions, such as a tailor in Hoi An who could make her a custom outfit on her birthday, or a day club in Panglao where she could swim in the ocean.

For Antone, one of the biggest myths about travelling solo is that you’ll be lonely. “I think a lot of women think they’re going to be lonely or sad, but you get to choose how you want the story to unfold,” she says. “If you’re too afraid to talk to people then maybe you’re going to be lonely, but if you decide to ask [someone] a question, then who knows where that conversation could lead.”

Gaining a new perspective
Economist Vix Munro, 62 from New Zealand, has travelled solo since she was in her 20s. Her most challenging experience? A New Year’s Eve holiday to Malaysia that was initially planned with her partner, which turned into a solo journey when the pair separated just before the trip. She says, however, that the experience proved to be “incredibly cathartic”. “It made me feel quite invincible,” says Munro.

She recalls a piece of advice given to her by a fellow female traveller: “She said that when you travel on your own, you have 360-degree vision, because everything is around you.”

Destinations for solo female travellers over 50

Mar Pagès is co-founder of Solo Female Travelers , an online community for sharing tips and tours. These are her top female-friendly destinations for their blend of safety, convenience and adventure.

Tuscany‍ ‍
“Tuscany is a complete destination. You have the art and history, the wellness component and the slow food movement,” says Pagès. Visit historic cities such as Florence, bathe in the thermal spas of Saturnia or tour local vineyards and cheese producers.

Eastern Australia
According to Pagès, Eastern Australia makes it easy to combine urban experiences with outdoor adventure. Effortlessly hop between sightseeing in Sydney, stargazing at Uluru and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef – and even if you only have time for a city break, day trips are still possible. From Melbourne, for example, embark on a wine tour of the Yarra Valley or encounter penguins on Phillip Island.

Bali
It’s not hard to see why Hollywood fell in love with Bali. “We notice that travellers don’t have a specific idea of what to see or do in Bali, but rather they want to be surrounded by untouched nature, powerful waterfalls and neon green rice paddies,” says Pagès. “This is where you come to decide the next phase in life.”

Tips for solo female travellers

Seek out a friendly face
Feeling intimidated about travelling alone? “Choose a destination where you know someone. Knowing there is a familiar connection nearby can provide reassurance,” says Professor Khoo.

Pick the right seat
“I love to sit at the bar because then I get to chat to the bartender. I’ve received amazing recommendations from bartenders and servers. These are the kinds of insights you can't find online,” says Mar Pagès.

Switch up your schedule
If you don’t want to sit in a restaurant on your own in the evening, Vix Munro suggests having your main meal at midday: “It’s much easier to sit in a café during lunch than it is going out at 8pm.”