Statistics show that an increasing number of solo travelers, particularly those in the 50-plus age range, will take to the highways, the seas, and the airways in coming years. We may not be back to pre-pandemic numbers, and the demographics may have changed, but tourism is booming. At the beginning of 2023, the expectation was that 25% of Americans, or 83 million people, would consider booking a solo trip this year. That included singles of all ages — from 20-somethings to octogenarians — both women and men.
Seventy-two percent of women in the US have taken a solo vacation, and nearly 60% of them would do so again within the next 12 months, according to one survey. Interestingly, 84% of solo travelers are women, and many book group tours, although the number of unattached males who travel alone for leisure has also increased. The number one international destination for solo travel is Australia, and 71% of unaccompanied travelers have visited Australia.
As a travel writer, I am increasingly aware that there is a new paradigm for travel.
Moving to new places was a way of life for me in my younger years, and as I matured I found that I truly love the ability to pack up and go, no matter what the purpose. The tradition of travel, of exploring new destinations, continued throughout my young adulthood and into my marriage. None of that has changed as I have grown older.
For several decades, I traveled almost exclusively as one of a pair, except for the occasional business trip, or a journey by myself to visit family. The same was true for my spouse during those years.
I didn’t give solo vacations much thought as a travel style until recently. My spouse is typically as supportive of spur-of-the-moment travel as I am. We have enjoyed beach vacations and cruises, quick weekend getaways, long road trips, and numerous vacations to unique destinations. Every trip has been memorable in some way. We have not yet, individually or as a couple, participated in an escorted group travel experience, nor do we routinely book choreographed excursions in foreign destinations. We typically prefer to explore on our own.
Make plans based on your individual needs and preferences.
The reasons for solo travel in today’s world have shifted. Price is certainly one factor, as more and more travel providers have begun to cater to singles. Major resorts and cruise lines have adjusted “double occupancy” rates, making prices more attractive. Some offer bonus perks for single travelers. Safety and companionship are still a legitimate concern for some, although less compelling than in the past. Single men may previously have felt less stigma attached to solo travel, but the discomfort in some cases was just as real. That is now less a concern as the numbers of solo travelers increase. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be interesting and rewarding, and dining as a “party of one” doesn’t have to be a lonely experience.
While divorce or the death of a partner are still two of the primary reasons for solo travel, many choose to connect with friends or family at a destination, or for one segment of a trip. Take advantage of that freedom to plan your trips. Solo travelers have no need to consult with others about itineraries, daily schedules, sightseeing, dinner and entertainment plans, or even transportation and tour schedules. The many single travelers I have met recently speak of the autonomy they enjoy, and note that they particularly embrace their freedom of choice. They feel comfortable participating in group activities, but feel no obligation to always connect with others.
I, too, can enjoy solo travel, whether on assignment or strictly for pleasure, and I encourage my spouse to get away by himself or with others occasionally, as well. Our interests do not always mesh perfectly, and traveling solo to indulge our individual enthusiasms is the logical solution.
Here are some meaningful observations from my recent experiences:
Leisure travel differs from business travel in important ways. Traveling for business always entails a schedule and an agenda. Leisure travel can be a complex blend of timing, place, and mindset. Schedules can be altered “just because” at the last minute, and even well-thought-out itineraries and activities can be changed at will. For me, that’s a distinct benefit!
However, travel plans do not always unfold according to plan. Airport delays, reservation mix-ups, and random closures affect couples and groups equally, but they can be more difficult for a solo traveler, particularly for a tired, senior woman in a foreign city, a crowded airport or an unfamiliar cruise port.
During my years of travel, I have learned to be flexible, but I have not always been confident. I have, on occasion, made some unfortunate choices. I may make similar mistakes in the future. But, as is said, bad choices make for good stories!
So, I simply reiterate the advice I offer to any traveler: Always be flexible, and don’t forget to pack your sense of humor! Like a good Scout, I try to be prepared for the unexpected. I travel with a fully-charged cell phone, as well as a portable charger. I also tuck lemon drops and candied ginger (anecdotes for sudden nausea) into my carryon bag.
I do not hesitate to ask for help. I realize that I am not invincible!
An equally important recommendation: Always talk to strangers! Sharing travel frustrations makes them bearable. Exchanging smiles and small talk can be as pleasant as a quick nap, and you’ll part ways enriched by the connection with another human being.
This is the first of a series on Traveling as a Senior Woman. Follow me for more solo travel stories, and for additional tips on how to make every trip memorable.
A full-time freelance writer for more than a decade, Adrienne Cohen writes extensively about travel, food and drink, cruising, road trips, farm-to-table dining, alternative agriculture, and entrepreneurship. A classically-trained journalist, she is always in search of a good story, and her bylined work has been published extensively both online and in print media.
Right Off Main 
Solo Travel: Just Go
Statistics show that an increasing number of solo travelers, particularly those in the 50-plus age range, will take to the highways, the seas, and the airways in coming years. We may not be back to pre-pandemic numbers, and the demographics may have changed, but tourism is booming. At the beginning of 2023, the expectation was that 25% of Americans, or 83 million people, would consider booking a solo trip this year. That included singles of all ages — from 20-somethings to octogenarians — both women and men.
Seventy-two percent of women in the US have taken a solo vacation, and nearly 60% of them would do so again within the next 12 months, according to one survey. Interestingly, 84% of solo travelers are women, and many book group tours, although the number of unattached males who travel alone for leisure has also increased. The number one international destination for solo travel is Australia, and 71% of unaccompanied travelers have visited Australia.
As a travel writer, I am increasingly aware that there is a new paradigm for travel.
Moving to new places was a way of life for me in my younger years, and as I matured I found that I truly love the ability to pack up and go, no matter what the purpose. The tradition of travel, of exploring new destinations, continued throughout my young adulthood and into my marriage. None of that has changed as I have grown older.
For several decades, I traveled almost exclusively as one of a pair, except for the occasional business trip, or a journey by myself to visit family. The same was true for my spouse during those years.
I didn’t give solo vacations much thought as a travel style until recently. My spouse is typically as supportive of spur-of-the-moment travel as I am. We have enjoyed beach vacations and cruises, quick weekend getaways, long road trips, and numerous vacations to unique destinations. Every trip has been memorable in some way. We have not yet, individually or as a couple, participated in an escorted group travel experience, nor do we routinely book choreographed excursions in foreign destinations. We typically prefer to explore on our own.
Make plans based on your individual needs and preferences.
The reasons for solo travel in today’s world have shifted. Price is certainly one factor, as more and more travel providers have begun to cater to singles. Major resorts and cruise lines have adjusted “double occupancy” rates, making prices more attractive. Some offer bonus perks for single travelers. Safety and companionship are still a legitimate concern for some, although less compelling than in the past. Single men may previously have felt less stigma attached to solo travel, but the discomfort in some cases was just as real. That is now less a concern as the numbers of solo travelers increase. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be interesting and rewarding, and dining as a “party of one” doesn’t have to be a lonely experience.
While divorce or the death of a partner are still two of the primary reasons for solo travel, many choose to connect with friends or family at a destination, or for one segment of a trip. Take advantage of that freedom to plan your trips. Solo travelers have no need to consult with others about itineraries, daily schedules, sightseeing, dinner and entertainment plans, or even transportation and tour schedules. The many single travelers I have met recently speak of the autonomy they enjoy, and note that they particularly embrace their freedom of choice. They feel comfortable participating in group activities, but feel no obligation to always connect with others.
I, too, can enjoy solo travel, whether on assignment or strictly for pleasure, and I encourage my spouse to get away by himself or with others occasionally, as well. Our interests do not always mesh perfectly, and traveling solo to indulge our individual enthusiasms is the logical solution.
Here are some meaningful observations from my recent experiences:
Leisure travel differs from business travel in important ways. Traveling for business always entails a schedule and an agenda. Leisure travel can be a complex blend of timing, place, and mindset. Schedules can be altered “just because” at the last minute, and even well-thought-out itineraries and activities can be changed at will. For me, that’s a distinct benefit!
However, travel plans do not always unfold according to plan. Airport delays, reservation mix-ups, and random closures affect couples and groups equally, but they can be more difficult for a solo traveler, particularly for a tired, senior woman in a foreign city, a crowded airport or an unfamiliar cruise port.
During my years of travel, I have learned to be flexible, but I have not always been confident. I have, on occasion, made some unfortunate choices. I may make similar mistakes in the future. But, as is said, bad choices make for good stories!
So, I simply reiterate the advice I offer to any traveler: Always be flexible, and don’t forget to pack your sense of humor! Like a good Scout, I try to be prepared for the unexpected. I travel with a fully-charged cell phone, as well as a portable charger. I also tuck lemon drops and candied ginger (anecdotes for sudden nausea) into my carryon bag.
I do not hesitate to ask for help. I realize that I am not invincible!
An equally important recommendation: Always talk to strangers! Sharing travel frustrations makes them bearable. Exchanging smiles and small talk can be as pleasant as a quick nap, and you’ll part ways enriched by the connection with another human being.
This is the first of a series on Traveling as a Senior Woman. Follow me for more solo travel stories, and for additional tips on how to make every trip memorable.
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About adriennecohen221
A full-time freelance writer for more than a decade, Adrienne Cohen writes extensively about travel, food and drink, cruising, road trips, farm-to-table dining, alternative agriculture, and entrepreneurship. A classically-trained journalist, she is always in search of a good story, and her bylined work has been published extensively both online and in print media.