For many women in their 50s and beyond, a life chapter marked by retirement, divorce, or a softer “nest” has opened the door to something unexpected: solo travel. What’s more, many are doing it as a form of joyful reclamation—sometimes called pleasure-revenge travel—investing in themselves after years of putting others first.
✈️ Solo Travel & “Pleasure Revenge”: Rediscovering Freedom After 50
“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you wnat, on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.”
– Randy Komisar
🌍 What Is “Pleasure Revenge” Travel?
📈 Solo Travel by the Numbers
The term refers to spending on experiences solely for personal fulfillment—especially after life transition. For women over 50, it’s not about competing or showing off—it’s about honoring their desires and independence.
A profile in The Australian highlighted Laurie, an 83-year-old widow who trekked the Passu Glacier in Pakistan as part of an all-women trip. She said the journey restored her confidence after decades of caring for family. “When you’re married to someone for so long you lose your confidence when they’re gone… Where am I going next?” she asked herself.
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Surveys show 61% of women over 50 prefer solo travel, a significant jump from previous years.
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Another study estimated that 22% had taken two solo trips in the past year, and 43% had gone three or more times.
This isn’t just wishful planning—it’s actual, frequent travel.
🧭 Why Women 50+ Are Taking Off Alone
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Freedom & Flexibility
No compromising on routines: wake up when you want, linger over breakfast, change plans mid-trip. -
Self-Care & Mental Wellness
87% of women cited freedom as their motivation, while 78% said they wanted relaxation and personal challenge. -
Empowerment & Confidence
Solo travel builds courage—managing booking, safety, and logistics solo fosters deep self-reliance. -
Community & Connection
Many join women-only tours or groups. Solo doesn’t mean lonely—organizations like Road Scholar report wide participation.
📌 Planning Tips for Solo Travel Over 50
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Choose the Right Trip Style: Small group tours, women-only retreats, or culturally immersive programs often feel safer and more engaging.
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Prioritize Safety: Use tech (translation apps, offline maps), book solo-friendly accommodation, and carry backup documents.
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Pack Smart: Include comfort essentials—supportive shoes, layers, medications, and plenty of grace.
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Connect Locally and Online: Join communities like JourneyWoman or NextTribe for travel recommendations and virtual support.
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Set a Budget & Go: Many find this is money well spent. As Michelle Newton of Accenture says, it’s a “sanity spend” on personal growth.
📷 Common Destinations for 50+ Solo Women Travelers
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Wellness retreats and spa destinations
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Small group cultural tours (Italy, Morocco, Japan)
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Nature-focused travel (national parks, garden tours, safaris)
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Cruises tailored to single travelers or women-only groups
🧩 The Takeaway
Solo travel after 50 isn’t just about vacation—it’s about rediscovering yourself. It’s a conscious choice to step into joy, ease, and independence. Whether you want to trek in Pakistan, road-trip across Australia, or spend a weekend in a nearby town with a good book and no agenda—you deserve to do it on your terms.
So—pack your sense of adventure, leave insecurity behind, and ask yourself: Where am I going next?
– Julie W.
1.The Australian. (2023). “Meet the 83-Year-Old Widow Who Trekked Pakistan’s Glaciers Alone. 2.Overseas Adventure Travel. (2020). “Solo Women Travelers Over 50.” O.A.T. Travel Reports.
