Solo Travel After 60: Safety Tips and Destinations for Women Traveling Alone

You raised the kids. You worked the career. You took care of everyone else for decades. Now you have the time, and maybe the desire, to see the world on your own terms.

Solo travel after 60 is one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel industry. Women are leading the way. They are boarding planes, booking river cruises, and checking into hotels by themselves. And they are loving it.

But traveling alone does bring some extra things to think about. Safety, health, logistics, and loneliness are all real concerns. The good news: with a little planning, you can handle all of them.

Here is what you need to know.

Why Solo Travel Is Worth It

Before we get into the how, let us talk about the why. Women who travel alone often say the same things:

Freedom. You eat when you want. You sleep when you want. You spend two hours in a museum or skip it entirely. Every decision is yours.
Confidence. Figuring things out on your own builds a kind of self-trust that stays with you long after the trip ends.
New connections. Solo travelers meet more people than couples do. When you are alone, you are more approachable. Conversations happen naturally.
Self-discovery. Time alone in a new place helps you reconnect with who you are, separate from your roles as mother, wife, or caregiver.

If the idea excites you even a little, that feeling is worth following.

Safety Tips That Really Matter

Safety is the number one concern for women traveling alone, at any age. These tips are practical and proven.

Before You Go

Tell someone your plans. Share your itinerary with a family member or friend. Include flight numbers, hotel names, and contact information. Update them if plans change.
Make copies of important documents. Scan your passport, ID, insurance cards, and prescriptions. Email copies to yourself and a trusted person at home.
Research your destination. Read about local customs, common scams, and areas to avoid. Travel forums and blogs by women solo travelers are excellent sources.
Register with the State Department. If you are traveling abroad, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It helps the embassy reach you in an emergency.
Get travel insurance. This is not optional for anyone over 60. Make sure it covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Policies start at about $50 for a short trip.

While You Are There

Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. You do not owe anyone an explanation. That uncomfortable feeling exists for a reason.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your phone charged but not always in your hand. Walk with purpose. Make eye contact. Criminals look for people who seem distracted or unsure.
Do not share too much. It is fine to be friendly, but avoid telling strangers your hotel name, room number, or that you are traveling alone. A simple “I am meeting friends later” works.
Use hotel safes. Keep your passport, extra cash, and backup credit card locked up. Carry only what you need for the day.
Take the first cab in line. At airports and train stations, use the official taxi queue. Avoid rides from people who approach you inside the terminal.
Check in regularly. Send a quick text or photo to someone back home each day. It takes 30 seconds and gives everyone peace of mind.

Health Precautions

Carry your medications in your carry-on bag. Never pack them in checked luggage. Bring enough for your trip plus a few extra days.
Keep a medical information card. Write down your conditions, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts. Keep it in your wallet or phone case.
Know where the nearest hospital is. Before you arrive at each destination, look up the closest hospital or urgent care clinic.
Stay hydrated and rested. Travel is tiring. Do not try to see everything in one day. Build in rest days, especially if you are changing time zones.
Wear comfortable shoes. This sounds simple, but sore feet can ruin a trip faster than almost anything. Break in new shoes before you leave.

The Best Destinations for Solo Women Over 60

Some places are especially welcoming to women traveling alone. Here are several favorites, based on safety, ease of travel, and things to do.

Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for solo travelers. The people are warm and welcoming. English is widely spoken. The food is wonderful, and the cost of living is low compared to other Western European countries.

Where to go: Lisbon for culture and history. Porto for wine and riverside charm. The Algarve coast for beaches and relaxation.

Why it works for solo women: Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Public transportation is reliable and affordable. Restaurants are happy to seat solo diners without making it awkward.

Ireland

Ireland is famously friendly. Conversations with strangers happen naturally in pubs, on buses, and in shops. The scenery is stunning, and the country is easy to get around.

Where to go: Dublin for museums and theater. Galway for music and the Wild Atlantic Way. The Ring of Kerry for dramatic coastal scenery.

Why it works for solo women: English-speaking, safe, and culturally welcoming. Irish hospitality is genuine, not just a tourist slogan.

Japan

Japan may surprise you, but it is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers. The trains run on time (to the second). The food is extraordinary. And the culture is endlessly interesting.

Where to go: Tokyo for energy and shopping. Kyoto for temples and gardens. Hiroshima for history and reflection.

Why it works for solo women: Extremely low crime rates. Public transportation is spotless and efficient. Solo dining is completely normal and comfortable, with many restaurants designed for single diners.

New Zealand

If you love nature, New Zealand is hard to beat. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the people are genuinely kind.

Where to go: Queenstown for adventure (at whatever level you choose). Rotorua for geothermal wonders and Maori culture. The Milford Sound for one of the most beautiful boat rides on Earth.

Why it works for solo women: English-speaking, very safe, and full of organized tours that make it easy to explore without a car.

The United States: National Parks

You do not have to leave the country to have an incredible solo trip. America’s national parks offer some of the best solo travel experiences anywhere.

Top picks: Acadia (Maine), Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee and North Carolina), Sedona and the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Olympic National Park (Washington).

Why it works for solo women: No language barrier, no passport needed, and park ranger programs offer guided hikes and talks that are perfect for meeting other travelers.

Group Tours: A Middle Ground

If full solo travel feels like too big a step, consider a small group tour designed for solo travelers. Several companies cater specifically to women over 50.

These tours handle the logistics (hotels, transportation, guided activities) while giving you the social connection of a group. You get your own room, your own time, and a built-in group of people to share meals and experiences with.

Look for companies that:

Specialize in women-only or 50-plus travel
Keep group sizes under 16
Include free time in the itinerary
Have strong reviews from solo travelers

Dealing With Loneliness

Let us be honest: there will be moments when you wish someone were there to share a sunset or a good meal. That is normal and does not mean you made a mistake.

Some ways to manage loneliness on the road:

Stay in social accommodations. Small guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts tend to be friendlier than large hotels. You are more likely to chat with other guests over breakfast.
Take a class or workshop. A cooking class, a walking tour, or an art workshop puts you in a room with other people who share an interest.
Eat at the bar. In restaurants, sitting at the bar or counter is the best seat for solo diners. You can chat with the bartender and other guests, or enjoy your meal in peace.
Call home. A five-minute video call with a grandchild or friend can fill you right back up.
Write it down. A travel journal helps you process your experiences. Many solo travelers say that writing about their day is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.

You Are Ready

The biggest barrier to solo travel is not money or health or logistics. It is the voice in your head that says, “I could never do that.”

You can. Thousands of women your age are doing it right now. They started the same way: a little nervous, a little excited, and ready for something new.

Book the trip. Pack the bag. Go.

The world is waiting, and it is friendlier than you think.

Reported by Dorothy Marshall with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.

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