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Here’s a list of the best vacations for solo travelers over 50, guaranteed to make solo travel worth it for you.
The thought of traveling alone can be intimidating, more so if you are in your 50s. Because as we grow older, we might start feeling a little less capable, so why explore the world alone?
Why Take a Solo Vacation in Your 50s?
Solo travel is for people over 50 just as much as it is for those in their thirties. While you can wait to travel with your friends when available, some things are better experienced alone.
Solo travel for women over 50 is about living your best life. It’s about ticking off some bucket list items and making new memories.
Whatever the reason, taking that solo trip may be one of your life highlights and most rewarding experiences. So, muster the courage and plan for that trip you have been putting off for a while now.
Top Tips for Solo Travelers Over 50
Going on a vacation is the best way to rejuvenate yourself. However, if you are alone or older than 50, your excitement to travel may get diminished due to some loneliness and health concerns.
To ensure that you get the most out of your trip and reduce stress, here are our top tips for traveling solo over 50:
Book early
Book early to get a good deal. You can book well ahead in advance so that you have a range of options to choose from when it comes time for your holiday.
Always carry a valid ID card
Whether you are going to a secluded place in your own country or somewhere in distant lands, it is advisable that you carry valid proof of identification along with you.
In case of any unfortunate happenings, this could come handy to identify yourself especially if the authorities have found you unconscious and there is no one to remind you who you are.
Pre-book for local transportation
Before leaving from home, make arrangements to book a cab or a ride that will take you from the airport to your hotel before flying out, and vice versa when coming back.
This would save you time because airports can be very crowded during peak hours.
Pack light clothes
Don’t pack too many things because you will still have to carry all that luggage during your flight and it could get tiresome after a while.
Pack light clothes such as T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and singlets for daytime and only one or two pairs of formal outfits for evening dinners.
If you need help packing, check out our packing tips. You might want a new set of luggage and don’t forget to get yourself Packing Cubes to organize your clothes.
Book your accommodation near tourist spots
To make your holiday enjoyable, choose a hotel which is centrally located so that you can easily visit various attractions without wasting much time on commuting.
The overall idea is to travel smart and avoid stress due to the lack of planning ahead of time! Happy vacations!
Best Destinations for Solo Travelers Over 50
Planning a solo vacation can be daunting. There are many things you’ll have to consider, from where to go to what to do for fun upon your arrival.
To help you, we’ve rounded up the best destinations for solo travelers over 50.
Greece
Magnificent landscapes, a rich history, hospitable people, stunning beaches, and great weather are just a few of the things that take you to Greece. It is where western civilization began, and the country is steeped in history and culture to match.
It has one of the most extensive coastlines in Europe and boasts stunning islands surrounded by deep blue waters and sprinkled with white-washed houses all through.
You can visit the traditional tourist havens in Mykonos and Santorini, but you can also have fun exploring off the beaten path. If you are a lover of shopping or food tourist, you will have enough new experiences.
The nightlife is vibrant and bustling, so the night owls can find the perfect place to cap off their days. Because the winters are mild, you can visit at any time of the year. The best time to visit is the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October when the weather and prices are favorable.
The beauty of Greece makes it appealing to solo travelers who are over 50. Be sure to bring your comfortable shoes.
Let’s Go to Greece in 2023!
Iceland
The Nordic island nation of Iceland is known for magical and dreamy lava rocks, black beaches, dramatic landscapes, and a larger-than-life attitude.
Have you ever experienced the midnight sun?
If not, you’ll be happy to know that Iceland is just below the Arctic Circle. There are summer nights from mid-May to late July that has 24hours of daylight.
One of the highlights during the colder months is the northern lights (aurora borealis) from September to mid-April. It’s not all about light though, Icelandic geothermal baths at the misty Blue Lagoon are an experience you should have.
Plus, a walk on the pebbly black beaches will feel like nothing else you have experienced.
Iceland conserves some of the unique marine wildlife. On display are animals like minke whales, beaked whale dolphins, humpback whales, and puffins.
Geology buffs will also love a visit to the glaciers, volcanoes. Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage is popular for Þingvallavatn lake and Sifra Fissure.
While you are at it, don’t forget to experience an Icelandic horse and enjoy Icelandic hospitality. This country is on many lists of best destinations for solo travelers over 50.
You will want to pack a scarf and warm jacket.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a “must-see” at least once in your lifetime. Experience its spectacular mountain scenery, mouth-watering cuisine, and a treasure trove of adrenaline-pumping activities. Switzerland is ski heaven with slopes where diehards, starters, and first-timers can all have fun.
The Swiss Alps are breath-taking, but you can also take your shot of the world’s most photographed mountain—the Matterhorn, here. Shop some of the most exclusive chocolates, cheeses, and fondues, with over 400 cheeses available and some with protected statuses.
You’ve heard of the reputation Swiss watches have. Visiting Switzerland is the best time to pick one from Rolex, Schaffhausen, Tag Heuer, among many others.
Switzerland is a mixed bag of cultures and languages. You’ll certainly love the slow but sure pace of life even in the big cities like Zurich, Basel, or Geneva. It is a peaceful calm country that will match whatever description of a solo trip you want.
Switzerland also borders 4 European nations Austria, Italy, Germany, and France. And with its reliable train infrastructure, you can have breakfast and lunch in Italy and dinner in Switzerland. You can take the Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan.
The train ride is so comfortable, and you can sit back and enjoy the incredible views. Switzerland is definitely one of the best destinations for solo travelers over 50.
Chile South America
If you haven’t already put Chile in your travel plans, here’s why you should. With the Andes on one side and the Pacific on the other, there is a diversity of cultures, landscapes, and activities you can engage in all over the country.
Adventure tourism is a popular reason to visit Chile because you can literally go from glacier to desert all in one country.
Not to mention the experiences you can have in the middle. Given the open expanse of Chile, you can stargaze in the clear skies of northern Chile or visit one of the Astronomical observatories in the region.
Wine Country in Chile
Chile is also a leading wine producer. And you can have a taste of exotic reds, whites, and sparkling whites in the splendid natural beauty of Chile. Limari Valley, Casablanca Valley, Leyda Valley, and Maipo valley are some of the wine-producing regions.
Here you can experience great wine, food, and weather to match. Visit Patagonia for beautiful landscapes.
Be sure to see a huaso (Chilean Cowboy) in rural Chile. And stop over at Puerto Varas for stunning beaches and water activities. You surely won’t run out of experiences in this nation.
Japan
Japan has everything to make top solo travel for women over 50 destinations. Whether you want to explore Japanese culture and history or Japanese cuisine, or an experience of the Japanese civilization, a trip to Japan has everything to make for a memorable vacation.
Japanese people are proud of their hygiene, and their cleanliness and order show throughout the county. They are a friendly and polite nation with a reputation for being uncommonly welcoming.
It is a country steeped in history and culture, and there are over 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to show for it.
You will find some of the most picturesque scenes in cherry blossom season, whether it’s temples you like to see, unique architecture, or unique interior design.
The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is an experience you ought to have among other advanced technologies like futuristic Capsule hotels.
Fashion lovers can make a trip to Harajuku—Tokyo’s most stylish areas, and anime and manga fans can see plenty of anime-themed experiences, including Pokémon Mega Centre Tokyo and Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
Mexico
Closer home, Mexico is a favorite for solo travel women over 50. For one, it is the fantastic weather that keeps people coming. Beyond tourist areas and resorts, Mexico is such a vibe; you have to experience it for yourself to appreciate it.
Let’s start with Mexican cuisine.
Forget about the Tacos and tortas from the movies. Authentic Mexican cuisine is tantalizing, with seafood and other foods reflecting the rich Mexican food culture.
Mexico is a place of music. You can experience different music styles starting from Mariachi bands to reggaeton hits and more. Mexican people are naturally hospitable and always willing to help, whether it’s with directions or food, etc.
Diversity of flora and fauna
Mexico is also full of diverse flora and fauna. If you’re lucky and the stars align, you can see the endangered axolotl or the cacomistle. You might also see prairie dogs and vaquita porpoises.
A party isn’t complete without a taste of tequila. Tequila like mezcal, and pulque, which you can enjoy while relaxing on the world-class beaches. Off the beaten path, places like Oaxaca, Yucatán peninsula, and more will give you a taste of authentic Mexico.
Visit the mystical Mayan ruins to see Mexico’s rich history. Enjoy the experience of Mexican arts & culture.
Hit the museums to see renowned artwork from Mexican icons like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros or live out the Day of the Dead. Wherever you go, there is plenty to fill a solo traveler’s itinerary.
USA
It might be home, but the USA is such a vast and diverse country to guarantee new experiences for any solo traveler who dares. It is the melting pot of all the world’s cultures, and you will find each curated in their special corner of this great nation.
The US’s history speaks for itself. You will find it curated in over 35000 museums littered all over the nation, covering different areas of interests and subjects.
From the north, down south, are unique ecosystems from the everglades to Yellowstone to Glacier Bay to Wrangell–St. Elias and the Grand Canyon to explore. But that’s not all. Being a vast country, you can experience different climates in different regions, which most residents take for granted.
The US has the best of what the world offers in terms of cultures, foods, and activities. Therefore, it’s safe to say that every interest and taste can find something worthwhile to do in this vast nation.
It is a trip closer to home but still makes the list of best destinations for solo travelers over 50—definitely a good start to build your confidence before venturing into international locations.
Solo travel is definitely something you should experience at least once in your life.
And once you get over the fear: the fear of being alone, unsafe, bored, and scared, you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.
Have you embarked on solo travel before? Where did you go? How was the experience?
We’ll love to hear all about your adventures below. Maybe you can inspire someone to embark on a trip on their own finally.
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