At 50, you have accomplished much in life. The kids are all grown up, and the mortgage is likely paid off. But you are still active, working, and have a decade or more before retirement. So, why not take this opportunity to embark on a solo journey at 50 and explore the world at your own pace?
The Many Advantages of Travelling Solo at 50:
Embarking on a solo trip in your 50s is a unique opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone, enjoy your freedom, and discover new places. The luxury of being able to plan your itinerary without considering other people’s preferences and limitations is liberating. Of course, there will be challenges, but don’t let that hold you back! Embrace the opportunity to push your limits and see your capabilities. Read on to find out about the benefits of solo travel at 50 and the best places to go:
1. A Break From Routine and Responsibilities
The daily grind can be draining with constant demands and worries over work, finances, friends, elderly parents, adult kids, and more. The older you get, the more responsibilities and obligations you seem to have which can leave little room for rest. A solo holiday at 50 can provide a much-needed getaway from the fast pace of daily life and offer you a chance to relax and unwind.
Travelling to a new destination alone will allow you to take a step back from routine and focus on yourself. It is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in activities you enjoy without the pressure of caring for others. Single holidays will allow you to disconnect from distractions, pursue your own passions, focus on yourself, and slow down for a week or two. It is a powerful tool of self-care, and a unique opportunity to come back home feeling energised and refreshed.
2. A New Confident Happy You
Travelling alone at 50 is an incredibly rewarding experience because it provides an opportunity to explore the world at your own pace and on your own terms whilst giving you plenty of time to reflect on life. Setting out without commitments to others can lead to exciting experiences you have not encountered before. Best of all, solo travel can boost your sense of self-esteem and happiness because it pushes you to be more adventurous and outgoing as you venture into unknown territories. It also improves your resilience as you encounter and master unexpected and challenging situations alone.
3. Travel Where You Want When You Want
When you are in your 50s, it’s all about visiting new places, expanding your horizons, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people. You value each destination so much more than in your younger years, and since you have the freedom to travel where you want, you can find those hidden gems, try new foods, and spend as much or as little time in each new place. The world is your oyster.
Ideas for Independent Solo Holidays at 50
When deciding on the perfect destination, think about what is important to you. Are you after adventure, excitement, relaxation, or tranquillity? Do you want to immerse yourself in a new culture or get away from it all? You could go on a river cruise in Europe, a cooking holiday in Italy, or walk the Camino de Santiago – the choice is all yours, and yours alone. Once you have decided on your favourite experiences, it’s time to see which ones will fit your budget. Popular holiday destinations for solo travel include Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Germany, Iceland, and Spain – to name but a few. Here are examples of popular singles holidays for the over 50s:
1. City Trips
City breaks are one of the best ways to find out if solo travel is for you. With so many easily accessible options on your doorstep in Europe alone, the only decision you will have to make is where to go! Top of the list of the best city break destinations are Lisbon, Porto, Seville, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, Florence, Vienna, Ljubljana, and Budapest. These cities are safe, exciting, and often walkable. Our top tip is to join a free walking tour with a local tour guide when you arrive. It’s a fantastic way to get a first impression of the city, get some expert advice on places to eat and visit, and an opportunity to meet other solo travellers.
2. Wellness Retreats
Wellness retreats in Southeast Asia are popular amongst solo travellers in their fifties. They often provide educational programmes for attendees, such as environmental education, outdoor skills, cultural activities, and art classes. They also facilitate meeting people, learning new things, and getting some rest at the same time. In addition, you can join meditation and yoga classes to learn all about stress reduction, physical fitness, and mindfulness. If you have been feeling a little stressed lately, you could also book a psychedelic vacation, where you are taught to meditate by expert instructors. Other wellness retreats offer on-site amenities, such as outdoor recreational facilities, spas, and fitness equipment to help promote both physical and mental well-being, allowing you to relax in a peaceful setting.
3. Active Mountain Holidays
Whether you are a nature lover, outdoorsy, or one of those people who appreciate nature more with age, you will like the idea of holidaying in one of Europe’s many mountain resorts. From the Pyrenees to the Alps, and the Dolomites, you will find countless chalets and mountain huts, as well as 4- and 5-star hotels in the most picturesque surroundings. During the colder months of the year, you could try skiing in your 50s and many other winter sports, whilst birdwatching, hiking, biking, climbing, river rafting, or canyoning are best enjoyed in the summer months. Naturally, being active is a great way to meet other solo travellers which will only enrich the experience.
Conclusion
Solo travel at 50 may seem daunting at first, but there are so many ways to go on that first solo adventure. Whether you are embarking on the journey alone or going on a small group adventure with other solo travellers your age, the impact can be profound. You will feel liberated and empowered! We hope that our article has helped you overcome your hesitation and that you will book your first solo trip in 2023!
