You scroll through those social media posts, dreaming of having your own solo travel adventure.
But you think, I’m not like them.
I’m too old.
I’d never be brave enough.
I wouldn’t even know where to start… and you keep scrolling.
I’m here to tell you: don’t let your age, no matter what it is, be a barrier to having purposeful, transformational, and memorable journeys!
I speak from experience.
I didn’t start my own solo adventures until my forties, and I’m still going strong.
These experiences helped me reclaim my confidence and self-worth. I have never looked back!
So let’s look at ways to help you embrace solo travel at any age.
Gina is the founder of Wanderlust Solo Women Tours, a travel company dedicated to empowering women through meaningful, confidence-building travel experiences.
After a major life reset at nearly 40, Gina left behind a conventional life and embraced solo travel as a path to healing, self-discovery, and joy.
Since then, she has traveled, worked, and volunteered in over 23 countries, transforming her passion into a purpose-driven business.
Through her tours and retreats, Gina creates safe, enriching spaces for women to connect, laugh, grow, and rediscover themselves – one journey at a time.
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What are your limiting beliefs and how can you break through them?
First, ask yourself: what’s holding you back?
Is it a lack of confidence, feeling too old, fear of doing it alone, or just overwhelm and anxiety about what “might” happen?
Let’s dismantle a few of these beliefs:
- Doing it solo – Joining small group tours, free walking tours, or staying in accommodations with communal areas or hosted experiences (like B&Bs or homestays) are great ways to connect with fellow travelers and the local community. Online groups are another option to make connections on the road. In fact, solo travel can often be more social than traveling with a partner, you’ll find many people just like you. You are not alone.
- Anxiety is real, but manageable – Anxiety often masks itself as excitement. The way you manage these feelings can make or break your trip. Build in downtime, this is essential. Give yourself space to rest, mentally and physically.
This might mean adding “free days” to your itinerary or choosing private room options on group tours. - Fear of something going wrong – Fear can interfere with the entire experience. But good planning helps reduce that. Have a “plan B” because travel doesn’t always go to plan. Technology is on your side now: download offline maps, translators, keep in regular contact with loved ones, and ensure you can access essential accounts if your phone goes missing.
- Confidence grows with experience-The more you do something, the more confident you become. Or as I like to say: “fake it till you make it.” Walk with purpose, don’t linger on your phone for directions, pretend you’re chatting with someone.
Familiarise yourself with airport layouts and arrival procedures (many airports offer detailed maps and guides). Learn the local currency conversion and keep notes on your phone for quick reference.
Having support, whether from family, friends, travel communities, or a travel coach, can make a huge difference in feeling validated and prepared.
You are more capable than you think!
No matter your age, many of the skills you use every day are transferable to travel.
Think about it, you manage a household, juggle family and work responsibilities, maybe even a side hustle. Of course, you’re capable of traveling solo!
Break it down into manageable parts:
- What do you want from this experience?
- How do you want to feel during and after it?
- What’s your budget?
Then dive into logistics: planning, prepping your home, packing, and finally, take-off!
As you use your everyday skills while traveling, those doubts will dissolve, and you’ll realise how incredibly capable you really are.
A travel coach can help you unlock your goals and navigate your journey with confidence.
Rolling with it, how to embrace the ups and downs of travel.
Let’s keep it real: things don’t always go to plan when you travel. But hey, does life ever?
Learning to roll with the good and the bad is part of the adventure. We grow from our mistakes (and we all make them).
Travel without fixed expectations.
Planes will be delayed.
Weather will cancel things.
That beautiful accommodation? Might not match the photos.
This is the reality.
But don’t let it put you off.
Build in flexibility, have a backup plan, and remind yourself that when things do go smoothly, they’ll feel even more incredible.
Is your age a barrier? Let’s leave that doubt behind.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’m asked whether my group trips have an age limit, or if someone’s age will hold others back.
It makes me sad, because so many women feel this way.
Yet women 50+ make up a huge part of the solo travel market!
Whether you’re 30 or 70, it’s not about your age, it’s about your mindset.
Embracing local culture, keeping an open mind, practicing conscious and purposeful travel, none of these have an age limit.
In fact, one of the things I love most about solo travel is the shared conversations and perspectives across generations.
Your life experience is invaluable. So don’t let your age hold you back.
Your adventure starts now!
Note: Physical limitations can affect anyone at any age, so always check the activity level and accessibility of group tours, accommodations, and excursions.
Benefits you’ll experience, and how this leads to newfound freedom.
As I mentioned earlier, it was solo travel that helped me rediscover confidence and self-worth.
Taking that first step can be profoundly life-changing (and to be honest, scary), but the growth doesn’t stop there.
Here are just some of the benefits:
- Increased confidence and self-esteem as you navigate unfamiliar situations.
- Enhanced creativity and a spark of new ideas and inspiration.
- Improved physical health, as you’ll likely be more active than at home.
- Broadened perspectives, challenging stereotypes and building empathy.
- A deeper appreciation for what you have, and importantly, who you are becoming.
- An opportunity to re-discover your true self and what gives you JOY.
Stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to discover what you’re truly capable of, no matter your age!
So stop the social media scrolling. Stop worrying about your age.
And start your own incredible journey, one where you believe, deep down, that you’re more capable than you ever thought.
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