I get asked this a lot: “But doesn’t it feel strange to travel without your husband?”

 And the honest answer? Sometimes, yes.

Especially now, since my husband passed.

But even before that, when long-haul flights became too difficult for him, I had started taking solo trips.

And you know what? He was my biggest cheerleader. 

He loved hearing my stories, seeing the photos, and Facetiming and texting me with what new things I had seen or discovered.

For so many women, though, solo travel doesn’t feel like an option…

Not because of logistics, but because of EMOTIONS!

Guilt. Fear. That little voice whispering, “Is this selfish?”

Can we take a moment to chat about this?

You Don't Need A Permission Slip To Explore The Worlds

Somewhere along the line, we got the idea stuck in our head that if we’re in a relationship, we’re only allowed to travel together. 

But here’s the thing—your passport has your name on it.

There’s no rulebook that says if your husband or partner isn’t joining you, the trip is off.

In fact, there are some very valid, even healthy reasons to travel solo when you’re partnered:

• Your partner doesn’t want to travel — maybe they’re a homebody, or maybe airports just aren't their thing.
  
  

• They can’t travel — due to health, mobility, work, or simply lack of interest.
  
  

• Your schedules don’t align — retired or semi-retired? Self-employed? You might have the time they don’t.
  
  

• Traveling solo is less stressful — you get to do things your way, on your time, no compromising on pace or plans.
  
  

It’s actually good for your relationship — space and independence can bring perspective, appreciation, and new energy.

So Let's Deal With The Guilt...

You know the…

I’m spending money on myself, I’m having fun without him, What will people think? kind of guilt.

Here’s the truth: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s a NECESSITY!

You’re not abandoning your relationship…

You’re nourishing your soul. 

And let’s be honest, coming back lit up, refreshed, and full of stories? That can only be a good thing.

Many women over 50, married or not, are stepping into this beautiful, freeing stage of life where travel for single women over 50, or senior women traveling alone, is no longer unusual.

It’s normal and powerful.

You’re allowed to say:

 🧳 I want to go

 🌍 This matters to me

✈️ I’m going to have an experience of my own.

But What If My Husband Doesn't Want Me To Go?

This can be one of the hardest parts. 

Some women have told me they hold back because their partner just isn’t on board.

That resistance often comes from fear, uncertainty, or long-held beliefs about what’s “appropriate.”

But here’s something to consider:

• You’re allowed to want something for you.
  
  

• Is this really about me or something deeper for him?
  
  

• What might reassure him… how you will keep safe, that this could be reciprocal and you would support him or how this can help your relationship?

Sometimes we show what’s possible, not by asking for permission, but by inviting understanding.

My Story

One of my favorite solo adventures was a 6-week trip to Thailand, Australia and New Zealand while my husband stayed home. 

He wasn’t able to travel that far anymore, but he wanted me to go.

He knew how travel fed my soul.

He encouraged me with words like “why are you asking me what to do, you don’t need my permission, just do it”...

He would follow my itinerary, and check in with me daily for the latest update.

Knowing he supported me made my trips all the more meaningful.

If you’re in a similar position, maybe your partner can’t travel, or just isn’t interested, know this…

And yes, I know I was extremely lucky to have such a supportive husband.

But that didn't mean he had his reservations, we worked through what those concerns were...

The biggie... he was worried about my SAFETY!

Equally we talked through what it would be like for him to be home ALONE ;-)

Painting both those pictures helped us both figure out how to make it happen so...

You can still go.

There’s still a world out there waiting for you to enjoy, in your own way.

Here Are A Few Mindset Shifts To Help You Say Yes To Yourself

If you’re thinking about how to travel alone for the first time, here are some simple ideas to help shift from hesitation to empowerment:

1. Think of it as an act of self-care: You’re not escaping. You’re expanding.
   
   

2. Start small: A weekend getaway. A wellness retreat. A train trip to a nearby city.
   
   

3. Connect with other women solo travelers: This community is vibrant, welcoming, and full of wisdom.
   
   

4. Read stories from other women: Solo travel for women over 50 and solo travel for women over 60 is more common than you think.
   
   

Plan a trip that feels right for you: Whether it’s a beach, a boutique hotel, or a museum-filled city break, let it reflect who you are now.

So What Do You Do? Here Goes...

You don’t have to wait.

 You don’t have to explain.

You don’t need to ask for anyone’s permission to go.

Women solo travel not because they have to, but because they want to and that’s enough.

And if you’re craving connection, confidence, and that little nudge to take the first step, you’re not alone.

Interested in more... join my Facebook Group

If you found this blog valuable I would invite you to come join a community of like minded women.

Women Over 50: Travel Safe, Confident and Connected

So cheers to wheels up to winging your way on your next travel building lasting memories.