Why Your 50s Are the Perfect Time to Start Traveling Solo
There’s a big misconception that solo travel is only for 20-somethings with backpacks and unlimited time. Truth is, your 50s can be one of the best times to start exploring on your own—and here’s why.
You Know Yourself Better
By now, you likely have a clearer sense of what you enjoy—and what you don’t. You’re not traveling to impress anyone or follow trends. You can skip the parties, strenuous hikes (unless that’s what you want), or jam-packed itineraries if you want to. You set the pace. You are your priority.
You’re Done Compromising
When you travel solo, there’s no waiting for someone else to agree on a destination or wasting time doing things that don’t interest you. Want to spend all afternoon in a local café or wake up at 5 AM to hike? You can do that without needing to ask for permission or approval from anyone. I can assure you that it’s one of the most liberating aspects of traveling solo.
You Have Life Experience
You’re better at reading situations, listening to your instincts, and handling unexpected hiccups. That makes solo travel safer and more enjoyable. You may also be more appreciative of the experience you are living. It’s a special gift that we give ourselves.
You’re More Financially Savvy
Perhaps you’re no longer traveling on a student budget, but you also know how to make informed choices. You can invest in comfort where it matters and skip the things that don’t. Oh gosh! I remember how many nights I spent in smelly hostel rooms, sharing space with strangers, just to save a few bucks. Not anymore. I am not wealthy right now, but I can afford to choose comfort and cleanliness over cheap and shabby, and that’s luxury enough.
The Mindset Shift: From Fear to Excitement
The biggest thing that holds people back from solo travel in their 50s isn’t money or time—it’s fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of being lonely. Fear of something going wrong. And the biggest fear: What others think of me eating alone in a restaurant or just wandering alone.
Totally normal. But here’s the thing: most of those fears fade once you actually start the journey, as you realize that they have no grounds.
What if something happens and I’m alone?
You already navigate life on your own every day, even if you have had a companion all your life, I am sure you have made decisions on your own. Things happen even if you can take precautions (we’ll discuss those), but you’ll meet people along the way who are willing to help.
I got terribly sick at the beginning of my solo journey. It was a small city in Mexico, not very touristy and therefore with little medical infrastructure. I went to the closest pharmacy to ask where I could go that could attend to me right away, and they sent me to a private clinic a few blocks away. The doctor and owner of the clinic looked after me not only as an excellent doctor but with a motherly love and care. I can tell you many more similar situations when perfect strangers selflessly took care of me.
I do believe that if you trust the journey, you will find your way.
Will I feel out of place?
No one’s keeping score. Travelers come in every age and style. You’re not the only one out there doing this solo in your 50s, and once you’re on the road, you’ll realize how freeing it is not to care what anyone else thinks.
I’ve noticed a funny pattern: many times, when I enter a restaurant, I’m just ignored. I am not sure why. I have always thought that’s because I am by myself, so they would get a smaller tip, but I have no clue. But sometimes it happens, and I just choose to laugh about it. Sometimes I make a joke with the waiter, or I just wave, or I show myself to a table to see their reaction. They may continue to ignore me. Depending on my mood, I may just get up and go. Or I give a smaller tip—their loss. I don’t make it my problem, or something I should feel frustrated about. I think how lucky I am to be there in the first place.
What if I get lonely?
You might. I do, sometimes. But that’s okay. Alone time can be peaceful, not painful. And if you do want company, it’s easier than ever to connect with locals, fellow travelers, or friends back home. Plus, it’s much easier to meet people while you’re solo, and most of the time, people would approach you because of that.
I recall that when I set off on my solo adventure (I was 45 at the time), I kept meeting people along the way, and I yearned for some solitude.
Reframing fear as part of the adventure makes a vast difference. Once you do something that once scared you, your confidence grows. And that shift doesn’t stop with travel—it ripples through every part of your life.
Practical Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers in Their 50s
You don’t need to figure it all out at once. The key is to start simple, prepare smart, and focus on what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Start Small
Choose a destination that feels manageable. Maybe it’s a nearby town for a weekend getaway or a solo-friendly country like Portugal, Ireland, or Norway. If you are from the US, numerous destinations in the US are truly mind-blowing, both in terms of natural beauty and history. You don’t have to fly across the world right away—unless you want to.
Start with a weekend in your own country, not far from home, and see how it feels. Enjoy sitting in a cafe alone, watching people, or reading a book, maybe a local travel guide. Book a free walking tour of the city, which provides a general overview of all the things to do. Ask the guide for tips on good local eateries.
Choose the Right Accommodations
Look for places with excellent reviews, good lighting, and a safe neighborhood. Boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, and well-rated Airbnb listings with hosts who communicate effectively are ideal. I wouldn’t book a place with breakfast included because I love to explore local cafes. But it’s totally up to you. Whatever makes you happy.
Plan Just Enough
I love having a loose plan and leaving room for spontaneity. If you go just for the weekend, I would plan ahead, at least transportation, hotel/Airbnb, and transfer from the airport. If you plan to stay longer and want to explore, I would book the first three nights and then reassess my plans. Unless you already know exactly what you want.
There’s no right or wrong, really. The beauty of traveling solo is that you are free to change your plans and go with the flow.
Bring What You Need
Pack light, but don’t sacrifice comfort. Bring clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable, as well as comfy shoes, a cross-body bag, and any essential items for sleep or relaxation. A Kindle, journal, or your favorite tea can be little lifesavers.
Stay Connected, or not
If it makes you feel more comfortable, share your itinerary and travel insurance with a friend or family member. Use apps like Google Maps offline, WhatsApp to stay in touch, and download your hotel bookings to your phone. Staying connected adds peace of mind.
Trust Your Gut
This is your strongest safety tool. If something feels off, listen. Say no without guilt. Go with the option that makes you feel safest—even if it costs a bit more. Safety is priceless, and so is peace of mind.
I just decided not to go on a tour I really wanted to go to because I didn’t feel it, for some reason and that’s ok.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your First Solo Trip
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to solo travel, especially if it’s your first time. The best ones combine ease, safety, comfort, and just enough adventure to stretch you without overwhelming you.
What to Look For:
- Good infrastructure– reliable public transport or easy driving, clear signage, Wi-Fi, and services you can count on
- Safety– not just low crime stats, but places where solo women travelers are common and respected
- Walkability– cities or towns where you can explore on foot or with minimal hassle
- Friendly locals– destinations where it’s easy to ask questions, get help, or even strike up a conversation
- Language comfort– English-friendly spots can make that first solo trip feel way less stressful
First-Time Solo Travel Favorites:
- Portugal– Beautiful, affordable, safe, and welcoming. Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve are great starting points.
- Ireland– Easy to navigate, kind people, and stunning road trip potential.
- Mexico(select places) – Think San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, or Bacalar—laid-back, walkable, and rich in culture.
- Spain or Italy– Culture, food, and a balance of solo travel freedom with enough tourism to feel supported.
Pick a place that excites you but also feels doable. You want your first solo trip to be memorable for the right reasons, not because it was too much too soon.
Also, make sure you read a lot of travel articles from blogs like this one from like-minded writers, and read Facebook groups for solo travelers. You will see that you are not alone.
How to Stay Safe (Without Letting Fear Control You)
Safety is usually the #1 concern for first-time solo travelers, especially in their 50s. It’s smart to think about it, but it shouldn’t stop you from going. With a few simple habits, you can feel prepared and free. Then bad things can happen anywhere, even in your own city, unfortunately.
Trust Your Gut—Always
If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t worry about seeming rude or overreacting. Whether it’s a pushy driver, a weird hotel vibe, or a street that gives you a bad feeling—just walk away. Your instincts are your best defense.
Choose Where You Stay Carefully
Pick accommodations with solid reviews, ideally in safe and central neighborhoods. Look for lighting, walkability, and 24/7 front desk service. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for peace of mind.
Use Tech to Your Advantage
- Share your location with a friend
- Keep significant numbers written down
- Use offline maps
- Download local ride apps (like Bolt, Uber, or DiDi, inDrive, depending on the country)
- Enable location services and two-factor authentication for your main accounts
Be Smart with Your Belongings
Wear a cross-body bag or anti-theft purse, keep your valuables zipped and close to you, and avoid flashing expensive items. Backups of essential documents (both digital and paper) can be a lifesaver.
Go Easy on the Drinks
Having a glass of wine with dinner? Great. Getting tipsy in an unfamiliar place? Not worth it. Keep your clarity, especially at night.
Stay Calm and Collected
Confidence is part of safety. Walk like you know where you’re going (even if you’re not 100% sure), and keep a relaxed but alert posture. Most people are kind and helpful—you just need to stay aware and take smart steps.
Avoid walking alone in isolated dark streets wherever you are, I would avoid walking in isolated streets at night, especially in a city that you don’t know very well.
Mindfulness and Gratitude: The Unexpected Gifts of Solo Travel
One of the biggest surprises about traveling solo in your 50s? How much more present you become.
You’re not juggling someone else’s schedule or rushing to please anyone. You’re simply there. Noticing the sound of morning birds, the taste of your coffee, the way the air feels in a new place. Solo travel slows you down—in the best way.
And with that presence comes something deeper: gratitude.
You start appreciating the little moments more. The freedom to move at your own pace. The strength it takes to do something alone. Even the detours and delays feel meaningful because you’re learning how capable you really are.
Also, as I mentioned in a related article, traveling alone deepens your gratitude for connection. When you do meet someone kind, share a laugh with a local, or have a meaningful conversation with a stranger—it hits differently. You’re more open, more aware, and more grateful for those human moments. You’re reminded of how connected we all are, even when you’re technically “alone.”
You might find yourself journaling more. Smiling more. Saying thank you more often—not just to people, but to the experience itself.
Solo travel in your 50s isn’t just a vacation. It’s a reset. And it often gives you a new lens on both yourself and the world around you.
What You’ll Gain from Traveling Solo in Your 50s
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about seeing yourself differently. And when you take that first trip on your own in your 50s, what you gain often goes way beyond what you expected.
Confidence
Doing something that once scared you—booking the ticket, navigating a new city, eating alone—builds real confidence. You’ll come home realizing how capable you actually are.
Clarity
Without the noise of daily routines or other people’s opinions, things start to get clearer. What you want, what you value, what truly brings you joy—it all comes into focus when it’s just you and the road.
A Fresh Perspective
You notice the little things again. You become more open, more adaptable. Even everyday moments—like chatting with a barista or watching locals go about their lives—can shift how you see your own.
Deep Self-Connection
This is your time. There’s something healing about being alone in a beautiful place, with no one to answer to. You reconnect with parts of yourself that might’ve been buried under years of responsibility or routine.
A New Kind of Joy
There’s joy in doing exactly what you want, when you want. Joy in choosing the restaurant, the route, the rhythm of your day. It’s not selfish—it’s freeing.
And once you experience all this, there’s a good chance you’ll start planning the next one before the trip even ends.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about taking your first solo trip in your 50s, take this as your sign—it’s not too late, and you’re not too old. In fact, you might be more ready now than you’ve ever been.
Solo travel at this stage of life isn’t about proving anything. It’s about giving yourself permission to do something just for you. To reconnect with your curiosity. To see the world—and yourself—in a new light.
Start small if you want to. Take a weekend trip. Try a solo tour. Stay somewhere that feels safe and cozy. But most importantly, start. Because the longer you wait, the louder the doubt gets. And the truth is—you’ve already got everything you need to do this.
Your 50s can be the start of something completely new. And solo travel? It just might be the best gift you give yourself.
