What once seemed daring has become almost natural: more and more women in their 40s, 50s, or 60s are traveling solo. They choose freedom, setting their own pace—whether in Bangkok, Barcelona, or on a spontaneous weekend trip with a local train ticket. Two women show how different solo travel can look—and why both share the same conclusion:
Traveling alone makes you stronger.
Uli (56): Adventure on two wheels
Uli travels light. No “what-if” outfits, just the basics, a scooter, and an open heart. She loves waking up and deciding: stay today, move tomorrow. Her favorite region? Southeast Asia.
“For me, being alone there never meant being unsafe,” she says. People help, invite, give tips—solo travel for her is a dance between retreat and encounter.
“Traveling alone showed me how strong I really am.”
She skips party hotspots, heading instead for islands and temple towns. “Funny enough, in Stuttgart I wouldn’t go out alone at night. In Bangkok, I do. Isn’t that crazy?”
Bettina (63): Culture, confidence & little escapes
Bettina isn’t a backpacker, she’s a flâneuse. With a small suitcase and a head full of ideas—novels, audiobooks, museums—she makes the most of her limited time as a teacher. In a gallery she lingers as long as she likes, in a café she treats herself to that second cappuccino. And when she craves company, she simply starts a conversation.
“Every step you take makes you braver.”
Even tiny breaks count: a folding chair in her car, a book, some snacks, two hours by the Rhine—mini-vacations on the spot.
Her retirement list is long: Buenos Aires, Alaska, Japan. “Before, I had no money. Later, no time. Now I finally have both.”
More than just a trend
Whether after a breakup, out of pure desire, or simply because no one else is free—more and more women are embracing solo travel. And they all report the same: they return bolder, freer, clearer.
A study shows:
- 60% travel for freedom
- 45% for self-worth & independence
- a third because no companion is available
Self-reliance instead of safety net
Navigating, negotiating, planning—many discover their strength only when they travel alone. As Alison Browne, author of Solo Travel Over 50, puts it:
„Hell YES to traveling solo over 50. Jump out of your comfort zone, dance in the streets—do it just because you can.”
And the best part? You never come back truly alone.
Safety first
- Always share your location with friends/family
- Use safety apps (bSafe, Geosure)
- Respect local rules: clothing, night travel, safe neighborhoods
- Keep digital copies of your documents
- Use networks like Solo Female Travelers Club or NomadHer for support
Platforms & inspiration
- NomadHer – International app & community
- Adventurous Kate – Solo women 40–75
- Pink Compass – German blog empowering solo women
- Solo Female Travelers Club – 300.000 members worldwide
- Sisterhood Travels – Group trips for women 45+:
👉 And you? When will you treat yourself to your first solo adventure?
Share your stories in the Belle&Yell Community and inspire others!
