Elderly females, aged 50 and above, are reshaping the concept of solo travel by embracing cultural experiences, fostering connections, and seeking personal fulfillment.
In a striking shift in travel trends, older women are embracing solo travel with open arms, driven by a desire for freedom, adventure, and independence. This new wave of solo travellers is not just content with exploring at their own pace, but also building self-confidence by overcoming challenges alone.
According to a recent survey by the women-only travel company, Girls' Guide to the World, these women are seeking holidays that offer discovery, authenticity, and purpose. Destinations like Iceland, Madeira, and Italy remain classic favourites, but more far-flung news such as Mexico, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Japan, Zambia, and Egypt are on the rise.
The allure of solo travel lies in the freedom and flexibility it offers. Unlike group travel, solo travel allows these women to embrace new cultures and explore at their own pace, while building confidence along the way. Popular walking and hiking destinations include England's Cotswolds, Arizona's Saguaro National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Canadian Rockies, and the Camino Frances route.
Cultural immersion is a top priority for 60% of women surveyed, and these women are not just interested in museums and benches. They want energy with intention and are comfortable with technology. Interest in hands-on activities and experiences, such as cooking classes, pottery studios, and art residencies, is also increasing.
Wellness and slow travel are other major trends being seen among older women travellers. Calmcations, trips which focus on restorative holidays and digital detox, are popular among this demographic. Retreats aimed at providing emotional balance and spirituality are also attracting older women.
Luxury, for these women, increasingly means time, connection, space, and access to them, instead of only amenities. Older women travelers are a financial powerhouse, willing to spend big on facilities that allow them to fully and deeply experience a destination, such as local guides and food.
Riderly, a motorcycle rental company, has noticed an increase in older women booking motorcycle tours, demonstrating that these women are also drawn towards riding holidays. Solo female travellers in their 50s and 60s are seeking active holidays, such as walking and hiking trips, and are not afraid to embrace the mechanical aspects of a motorcycle trip more readily than younger riders.
Interestingly, 48% of the women surveyed have already been on a women-only group trip, which can be a comfortable option for first-time solo travellers who don't have a partner to go with. However, 36% want more sisterhood and connection, while 28% prefer more wellness travel.
In conclusion, older women are redefining luxury and reshaping solo travel. They are seeking holidays that offer discovery, authenticity, and purpose, and are not afraid to embrace new experiences and cultures. Whether it's a cultural immersion trip, a wellness retreat, or a motorcycle tour, these women are making their mark on the travel industry.
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