Solo travel isn’t just for twenty-somethings with backpacks and unlimited time. Women over 40—especially those navigating life transitions—are hitting the road solo in record numbers.
In fact, around 80% of female travelers are 40+, with many in the 50+ bracket. But why?
And how can you take that first step if you’re new to solo adventures?
Why Women Over 40 Are Choosing to Travel Solo
For many, this stage of life is one of rediscovery. You might be an empty nester with newfound freedom, going through a career or life transition, or simply tired of waiting for others to join you on your dream trips. Some women travel solo because their partners aren’t interested, while others are financially secure and finally prioritizing their own adventures.
Whatever the reason, solo travel offers something powerful: independence, confidence, and the chance to reconnect with yourself.
First-Time Solo Travel? Start Here!
Solo travel can feel intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting, empowering experience. Here’s how to ease into it:
- Start Small: Try dining out alone, going on a solo day trip, or joining a local walking tour to get comfortable exploring independently.
- Join a Small Group Tour: This is a great way to ease into solo travel while having built-in support, company, and expert guidance.
- Seek Advice & Community: Women’s travel groups online are fantastic for support, solo travel tips, and inspiration.(Sneaky plug-You are welcome to join our online community here: Wanderlust Solo Travel Tribe-Empowering Women through travel.)
- Use a Travel Coach or Advisor: If booking and planning overwhelms you, professionals (like me!) can help create a smooth, stress-free experience.
How Do You Know What to Do When You Travel?
The beauty of solo travel is doing exactly what YOU want—but preparation helps. Here are some must-knows:
- Safety First: Confidence in flights, transit, and solo exploration is key. Research safe areas, transport options, and local customs.
- Use Technology to Your Advantage: Offline maps, WhatsApp, airline apps, and digital payment options can make navigating new places much easier.
- Don’t Over-Research: Too much information can be overwhelming! Focus on essentials like visas, local customs, and key logistics.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Try that dish you’ve never heard of, book a local guide, and step into experiences that take you out of your comfort zone.
Reinventing Yourself Through Travel
For many women, hitting 50+ can feel like a turning point. Family dynamics shift, careers evolve, and you might wonder who you are beyond your roles as a mother, partner, or professional.
Travel helps you rediscover your spark. It builds confidence, fosters connections, and reminds you of what you’re capable of. And guess what? You don’t need a huge budget! Pet sitting, home exchanges, and volunteer travel are all fantastic ways to explore affordably.
Forget outdated social norms that say you should “settle down” at this age. More women are reclaiming their independence and writing their own adventure stories.
What is a Travel Coach (and How Can I Help You)?
A Travel Coach isn’t just someone who helps with logistics—that’s what travel agents do. Instead, I help you:
Understand the deeper “why” behind your trip
Curate a meaningful, purpose-driven travel experience
Provide personal support before, during, and after your journey
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing reset, a spiritual recharge, or a bold adventure, I help you design a journey that transforms and empowers you.
Ready to Start Your Solo Travel Journey?
Solo travel is life-changing, and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need a confidence boost, personalized travel coaching, or a supportive community, I’m here to help.
Let’s make your solo travel dream a reality!
Want to join us on a adventure OR build your own adventure?
At Wanderlust Solo Women Tours & Wanderlust Travel Coaching I celebrate the spirit of exploration and support among women travelers.
Whether you’re seeking a room-sharing adventure or a solo escape, my tours and retreats are designed to cater to the diverse needs of all women. Or maybe you just need help in guiding you to plan your next journey? Let’s map-out an exciting, purposeful adventure for you!
Join us in discovering the world, one amazing destination at a time.

Gina Cambridge
Your host and founder of Wanderlust Solo Women Tours
If you have had any travel experiences you would love to share about traveling, I would love to hear about them. Please leave a comment below or feel free to get in contact.
Need help to travel confidently solo yourself? Want to get and explore and have some laughs and rediscover the true you? I am always here to help.
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