The world of travel is witnessing a significant shift, as women over 50 increasingly choose to embark on solo travel adventures, determined to explore the globe on their own terms.
During the 12 months spanning 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, a notable 36 per cent of all Australian travel bookings with Flight Centre were made by solo travellers for international trips, with 60 per cent of these solo bookings made by women.
This trend marks a significant change in the landscape of travel, reflecting the growing desire among women to set off on their own unique journeys.
Women travelling solo
Flight Centre customer Kylie Powers decided to explore the world following a breast cancer diagnosis that altered her life eight years ago. Approaching her 50s and with a husband and daughter who preferred to avoid long flights, Kylie decided to embark on solo journeys, embracing independence and fulfilling her travel dreams on her own terms.
Following her first solo trip to Europe in 2018, Kylie spent this past August in the US by herself, exploring Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC and San Francisco. Now, with the help of her Flight Centre agent, she is planning another adventure to Europe in 2025.
So why are women over 50 choosing to travel solo? From the opportunity to meet new people to getting out of their comfort zone in pursuit of personal growth, female travellers do not want to miss out on exploring the world.
Where to visit
Kylie recalls the moment that ignited her passion for travel. “At age 44 I was just about to start chemotherapy. As the nurse was injecting me she told me to imagine a place I would love to travel to,” Kylie shares. “With that, I burst into tears and told her it was always my dream to go to Paris.
“My mum was with me, and she said when you get through this we are going to Paris. So, it was something to plan and look forward to throughout my treatment. My husband knew how much this meant to me, and as our daughter was only eight years old, he stayed home with her while my parents accompanied me. I had a lot of time to myself to wander, giving me my first taste of solo travel.”
Luckily, Kylie’s family supported her wholeheartedly. “My husband and I have always had an agreement that if one of us feels really passionate about something we would support each other to make that dream come true.” After that first trip, Kylie was desperate to return to Europe as soon as possible. “My husband wasn’t overly keen on seeing Europe, my parents had already travelled a lot and it just seemed too difficult to organise with a friend. So, I decided to go on my own and once again my husband looked after our daughter while I was away.”
However, there are a few places that she’s waiting to share with a travel companion, including visiting Scotland and Ireland with her husband and daughter. “Irish and Scottish heritage is important to us. We also want to spend a white Christmas somewhere as we love to ski together,” says Kylie.
Concerns and fears about solo travel
As with any new venture, Kylie had some initial concerns including her safety, her health and how much she would miss her family. “I purchased the best luggage and a handbag that had special security and anti-theft properties. I also purchased a personal whistle alarm to carry with me and a door alarm for hotels. When I travel, I have many Facetime sessions with my family and always leave them a very detailed itinerary with time conversions, so we know when is a good time to catch up,” she explains.
“I have found a strength in me that I didn’t realise was there. I guess if you can kick cancer’s butt you can take on the world. That was the nudge I needed to chase my dreams. Life is no dress rehearsal and nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. I have seen so many amazing sites, visited so many places and met so many people,” says Kylie.
Just do it
When asked what advice Kylie would give to other women over 50 who are considering solo travel for the first time, she says: “Just do it. If you are nervous, maybe start small with a trip in your own country and when you are ready to venture overseas join a tour group. The most important thing is to have a travel agent who has experience with solo travel for older women. They will make sure you are staying in a safe area and close to transport.
“It was invaluable for me to be able to message my travel agent during my travels. My travel agent understands my needs, for example, features such as room service at hotels are important as I don’t often dine on my own, that’s my time to catch up with family and prepare for the next day.”
How Flight Centre can help
“Support is one of the most important things that we offer here at Flight Centre,” says Flight Centre agent Alex Kirk. “Having a dedicated agent who you have built a relationship with and who understands your needs is incredibly valuable when it comes to embarking on a safe and enjoyable solo trip. Whether it is to assist with complex itinerary changes or answer questions travellers may have leading up to their departure, or even during their travels, an agent can help take the stress out of solo travel and provide guidance and reassurance.
“On top of your dedicated agent, Flight Centre also has a 24/7 emergency assist team, so if anything urgent pops up out of hours or in a different time zone there is always someone available and ready to help.”
Flight Centre agents take the time to match the right product with the right customer. Alex finds that talking through exactly what a traveller wants to experience and get out of their trip makes all the difference. “Having that conversation and really getting to know what the traveller is aiming for will tailor our recommendations. This could be anything from recommending a different ground supplier that would be better suited to guide them, looking at different standards or styles of accommodation or looking at completely new destinations that may not have been thought of,” Alex explains.
Safety precautions
When it comes to women over 50 embarking on solo travel, many of them have similar concerns and questions. Alex says: “From my personal experience, the main concern would be safety precautions. Group tours are a great way to alleviate these concerns as travellers will still be able to have a solo travel experience while also having the added safety of being led by experienced guides and the company of other like-minded travellers.”
If travellers want a more independent journey, Flight Centre can ensure you book secure and central accommodation for each city. Airport transfers and day trips can also be arranged in advance for added peace of mind.
Have you ever travelled solo? Would you like to? Where would you go? Let us know in the comments section below.
To get started, visit Flight Centre.
Also read: Solo travel tips: Eating alone when travelling solo
