Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to travel solo—and maybe even prefer it?

I remember sitting waiting for my train to Oxford in the UK this past summer.

I was quite content just to watch all the commuters and fellow travelers make their way to or from their trains. 

And I had the realization that I didn’t need anyone else to make that moment sitting on the platform perfect.

At first, the idea of going alone felt daunting.

🔅 Would I be lonely?

🔅 Would I enjoy myself?

🔅 Would I be safe?

Yes solo travel is different but…

What I discovered was that solo travel isn’t just doable - it can actually be better!

Total Freedom

Want to sleep in until noon? Go for it. 

Feel like spending hours in a museum or skipping it entirely? It’s your call!

I spent five weeks at a wellness retreat this year... 

🔶 My schedule was completely mine and mine alone.

🔶 I got to wake up and if I felt like it I would head down to the beach and watch the sunrise, then meditate and journal.

🔶 An hour later I would head back to my villa and sleep for a couple of hours before heading off to my morning set of laps in the pool.

🔶 I am an intermittent faster so I loved the fact that I could choose when I wanted to break my fast and eat.

So, if you’re tired you can call it a day…

You’ll never have to miss out on something you love because someone else isn’t interested.

I know you’re thinking but won’t I feel lonely?

Trust me, you’ll be surprised how fulfilling solo travel can be. 

Depending on where you are traveling to you can have days where you are seeing and absorbing so many new sights and experiences. 

It’s tempting as a first time solo traveler to pack in activities for every day to stave off loneliness...

But this can be exhausting and quite frankly lead to loneliness rather than avoid it. 

I often get to the end of the day...

And all I crave is solitude to marinate in the sheer joy of the memories I just created.

I didn’t use to but I now deliberately plan “down or low key” days into any of my travel plans. 

It was the best decision I ever made when planning my trips.

I feel so much more relaxed and stress free even when on more adventurous trips.

It’s the old story of “slow down to hurry up”.

Its like the difference between sampling a number of different foods at a buffet vs. having one amazing cup of coffee in a beautiful setting.

The World Is So Much More Accepting Of Solo Women Travelers

I think one of the biggest surprises traveling solo is how we think we stand out like sore thumbs traveling alone but…

The reality is the rest of the world no matter what part of Planet Earth are just going about their daily business just like you and I would be at home.

And… the travel industry airlines, hotels, travel guides etc. are much more used to seeing solo travelers every day just like you and me. 

In fact this is what the travel industry is saying…

“Not only do women over 50 represent most of our travellers, they are also the ideal traveller – citizens of the world, culturally curious and focused on building connections”

If you were waiting for an invitation to travel solo its right there in that statement!

Self-Discovery And Personal Growth

I know sounds a little woo, woo, wa, wa.

But you don’t have to go all in on the whole “Eat, Pray, Love” thing just enjoy being very present and in the moment.

Without anyone else’s opinions to guide you, you’ll discover what you truly enjoy and how capable you really are.

I am an ad hoc Journaler but when I am traveling solo I make sure I carry a notebook and capture my thoughts.

I’ve surprised myself with ideas for my business when I wasn’t even planning on thinking about business.

Without distractions, you can truly savor the taste of that gelato or the sound of a street performer’s song.

When I was traveling this summer in the UK I was walking around the Ripon Cathedral in Yorkshire and there just happened to be a visiting Organist who was practicing.

Listening to him practice was like sitting and enjoying my own private concert in the most amazing setting.

Build Your Confidence

Yes, there might be moments of uncertainty when you are traveling solo…

But each time you solve a problem or try something completely new or different you feel like a superhero.

I was so proud of myself for managing to catch my first Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok and then flag down and take a songthaew ride on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.

And I while I am quite used to dining alone I was still hesitant to sit on my own at an amazing roof top bar and restaurant a gazillion floors above the Bangkok city lights…

Yet I did it and the staff gave me the most wonderful experience.

I would have been so disappointed if I hadn’t of pushed myself to create the most amazing memory.

Connecting With Locals And Fellow Travelers

As a deep introvert traveling solo has been a great way for me to pluck up the courage to speak to others.

I’ve gained more confidence traveling solo.

Even as an introvert I still like to have meaningful conversations. For some reason being in a foreign country allows me to be a bit more of an extrovert.

I’ve had the most meaningful conversations with locals simply because I was on my own and open to the experience and showed my curiosity with politeness.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world but felt held back, solo travel might just be the adventure you need. It’s not about being alone—it’s about discovering what makes you come alive.

Ready to try it?

Start with a short solo trip to a nearby destination and see how it feels.

I promise, you won’t regret it.

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Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus

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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.