solo tours for over 40s

Best Tour Companies for Singles

Book your next adventure with one of these options.

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

A recent study showed that the solo travel industry is projected to experience a significant influx in the upcoming years. Whether you want to experience a solo adventure, see the world at your own convenience, or hope to meet new people along the way, there’s always something worthwhile about traveling by yourself. 

Luckily, there are plenty of travel companies that cater to solo travelers to make planning stress-free. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best companies for every budget and travel preference to support your wanderlust—including our top picks for women-only and solo parent travel.

8 Best Tour Companies for Singles of 2024

• Best Experience: Exodus Travels
• Best for Ages 35-50: El Camino Travel
• Best Sustainable: G Adventures
• Best for True Solo Travel: Black Tomato
• Best for Ages 25-39: For The Love of Travel
• Best for 50+: Overseas Adventure Travel Rates
• Best Female: Wild Women Expeditions
• Best for Solo Parent Travel: Intrepid Travel

Best Experience : Exodus Travels

Courtesy of Exodus Travels

Traveling solo on an Exodus Travels group trip means access to self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveler. Choose a walking wine holiday in Portugal or explore Egypt via cruise boat and sleeper train, for example. Additionally, its Exodus Edits collection offers shorter itineraries of up to five days and is geared towards travelers in their 30s and 40s—though they’re ideal for anyone looking for more vigorous activity such as ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica or sampling street eats and beach hopping in Sicily. 

There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveler, and chances are you may end up with your own room anyway. Booking a travel itinerary with UK-based Exodus Travels includes a full refund should the company need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or different person up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. Plus, travelers who book their third or more trips with Exodus receive a 5 percent discount on their next booking.

What’s more, the company works to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals including goals for responsible consumption and production, empowering local communities, and climate action considerations. Exodus Travels (founded in 1974) was awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Best for Ages 35-50 : El Camino Travel

Courtesy of Encounter Travel

According to El Camino Travel ’s founder, Katalina Mayorga, elder millennials are their strongest customer base. That means if you were born between 1980 and 1985 approximately, you’ll find yourself among curious, like-minded solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and the Eastern European nation of Georgia. Some trips even add a professional photographer to capture shareable shots so you can remain in the moment.

All of El Camino’s guided, small group trips max out at 12 participants. They’re also curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Sustainable : G Adventures

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

G Adventures is particularly known for its sustainable, responsible ethos. The company works with small, locally-owned hotels and operators to ensure your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting; outlines policies around child and animal welfare practices; aims to reduce single-use plastics, and works to ensure experiences taking place in Indigenous communities align with community goals.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures specializes in small group adventure tours to a host of destinations from Asia to South America and Africa to the Arctic. Nearly half of the travelers on every trip are flying solo, and there’s no single supplement if you choose to bunk with a same-sex roommate. Or, select your own room for a fee. 

A Chief Experience Officer leads each group tour and itineraries are searchable by travel style. For example, find wellness-centric trips like nine days of daily yoga, visits to Hindu temples, and partake in traditional healing ceremonies in Bali. Or travel with their partner, National Geographic, for an exclusive guided tour of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a visit to Soweto township in Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. 

G Adventures partnered with hostel booking service Hostelworld in 2021 to launch its Roamies itineraries. Its combination of backpacking and organized travel itineraries includes countries like Albania, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. The trips are marketed to 18- to 35-year-olds, though like-minded individuals keen on budget travel and communal environments may enjoy these trips, too.

Best for True Solo Travel : Black Tomato

Courtesy of G Adventures

Black Tomato specializes in bespoke luxury travel experiences. For those interested in traversing around the world solo and willing to pay a premium for tailored itineraries, its adventurous or culturally immersive experiences may just be your ticket.

Your travels might look like hiking and biking in Patagonia, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage through Bhutan and India, chasing glaciers and geysers in Iceland, or learning to cook Georgia and Armenia’s local dishes or Japan’s regional cuisine.

In 2017, Black Tomato launched its Get Lost adventure travel experience. With the support of a dedicated team, and without prior knowledge of where they're headed, Get Lost participants will find their way home from an undisclosed location. The location is selected based on a pre-travel questionnaire about which environment clients would like to immerse themselves in. Then, they show up at the airport and the adventure begins.

Best for Ages 25-39 : For The Love of Travel

Courtesy of Contiki

With 80 percent of individuals traveling with For The Love of Travel jet -setting solo, each trip is packed with opportunities to meet fellow Millennial and Gen Z travel enthusiasts. For example, within your small “crew” of up to 14 people, make new friends doing snow sports and unwinding in saunas in Lapland or devouring tacos and sipping mezcal in Mexico City. Trips range from four to nine days, including weekends in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness or an extended weekend in Costa Rica where you’ll hike through rainforests, relax in hammocks, and hike, bike, or surf.

According to company feedback, the average FTLOT traveler is 30 years old and interested in meeting new people while traveling . The company bills itself as a mid-range travel company, where “​​we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin-worthy meal and a private catamaran ride.” 

In 2022, FTLOT plans to offer at least 10 new itineraries including to Belize, Turkey, and Spain’s Basque Country. And for those with the flexibility, the company launched Sojrn in 2021 featuring month-long, themed stays in destinations like Cape Town—focused on biodiversity—and a fashion-oriented stay in Paris.

FTLOT requires an initial deposit and allows installment payments if not paid in full.

Best for 50+ : Overseas Adventure Travel Rates

Courtesy Flash Pack

Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at American travelers aged 50 and over. It offers guided itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and the South Pacific, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements to help select an itinerary that is best suited for you. For example, their Japan and South Korea itinerary advise that participants be able to carry their own luggage as the selected hotels do not have porter service.

Some of Overseas Adventure Travel’s most popular trips include 17 days of wending the Adriatic from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (think a walking tour in Dubrovnik, sampling traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo, and exploring the countryside near Zagreb). On another popular trip, you spend 15 days traveling through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending in Helsinki, Finland. All trips offer pre-and post-itinerary extensions, and either waive the single supplement entirely or offer a discount on a private room.

The company offers a free Roommate Matching Program which helps you find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they can’t find a match, your single supplement is deducted. Small group sizes typically average 13 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel won the Solo Travel Award for Best Tour in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary.

Best Female : Wild Women Expeditions

Courtesy of Overseas Adventure Travel

It began as an all-women, Canada-based canoe tripping company in 1991, and Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organized tour. The company also prioritizes hiring female tour leaders and on-the-ground guides. It offers outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities and with a range of physical abilities (“whether your greatest skill is tracking a storm or talking up a storm, summiting mountains or summoning courage, keeping your kayak in line or coloring outside the lines,” as the company describes).

The company travels to 31 destinations around the world like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Azores islands. Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are filtered on their website by activity, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horse riding. Imagine yourself sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos or scaling glaciers in Alaska. 

Most guests are solo travelers and there’s no single supplement to worry about as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Though if privacy is a priority, you can usually snag your own room for a nominal extra fee. Group sizes are kept small and social with between six and 14 women, depending on the itinerary you choose. The average group size is eight. 

Wild Women Expeditions also takes care to curate trips that avoid or minimize the disturbance of wildlife; supports environmental education and advocacy projects; and partners with social justice and women’s rights organizations.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best women-only adventure travel companies .

Best for Solo Parent Travel : Intrepid Travel

Courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Intrepid ’s family-themed holidays welcome adults traveling with children, including solo parents looking to travel with their kids without the stress of planning and coordinating a trip. Since each family’s travel needs and preferences are different, every itinerary includes an “essential trip information” section where Intrepid outlines whether the trip would be a good fit for you and your kids, as well as a physical rating from least to more strenuous activities. 

For example, an itinerary through part of the Amazon Jungle in Peru advises the jungle can be very hot and humid, and that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. On the other hand, an 11-day trip to Borneo island in Southeast Asia lists a minimum age of 5 and outlines a range of accommodations from hotels to guesthouses and jungle camps; on a few occasions, travel times between destinations range between four to five hours. Trips to Costa Rica, Tanzania, China, and Morocco are also listed.

Individuals under 17 years typically receive a 10 percent discount, and the company requires that adults have at least one child under 18 years traveling with them. As part of Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, itineraries support initiatives surrounding sustainability and conservation, climate education, and preservation of Indigenous culture.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

The Best Women-Only Adventure Travel Companies

14 Amazing Private Travel Experiences

Extreme Adventure Travel Vacations

The Surprising Ways Solo Travelers Are Discriminated Against

Tips for Traveling Solo With a Tour Group

Solo Female Travel: Why It's Worthwhile

Adventure Travel Trips with Austin Adventures

Multi-Sport Trips and Vacations Keep the Adrenaline Pumping

9 Reasons to Travel Solo in 2021

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

How to Make the Most of Solo Travel in the UK

Intrepid to Support Indigenous Experiences With 100-Plus Excursions in 2023

Jacada Travel: Private Guided Luxury Tours Planned by Insiders

How to Prioritize Individual Activities on a Couple's Trip, According to Experts

River Cruises Offer Pros and Cons for Budget Travel

9 Very Adventurous Things to Do in Costa Rica

Best Trips for Singles Over 40

DISCOVER MORE SOLO DESTINATIONS

Adventure  

Sightseeing

Solo travel provides the opportunity for individuals to branch out and determine the activities that they are truly interested in! Navigate a brand-new destination at your own pace, and discover the excitement of venturing out on a solo trip.

The best trips to take alone often include an abundance of solo-friendly activities that you can explore, while offering a social setting if you are also interested in meeting others!

Uncover the history and culture of a region, sample new foods, participate in outdoor activities, engage in the entertainment + social scene, and independently make your way around a new environment. There are countless cities that are ideal for single travelers over 40.  

Read below to discover the best solo travel destinations for your next adventure.  

Home to an ample collection of art galleries, pristine beaches, amusing shops, and lush gardens, San Diego offers plenty of exciting sights ideal for a solo getaway. 

Retreat to the massive Balboa Park for a quiet nature walk away from the bustling city. You’ll find plenty of activities, from the lovely botanical gardens, to a collection of cultural and historic museums, and a variety of nature trails.  

For those looking for a bit of thrill, book a hang-gliding or parasailing experience at the Torrey Pines Gilderport. At this popular center, encounter the sight of the coast with a myriad of colorful kites preparing for take-off. Or, catch the sunset and admire the stunning backdrop of the ocean.

With over 70 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of locations to take a dip in the water   and enjoy the ocean breeze. Stop by the secluded La Jolla Cove, the lively Mission Beach, or the Sunset Cliffs National Park.

See our Solo Travel Guide to San Diego to discover more about the city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is a popular destination for solo travelers to dive into a rich cultural experience in a bustling city environment. A cup of delectable Vietnamese coffee, a steaming bowl of pho, and many other local delicacies await you.  

Day tours can transport single travelers to the water-based region of Mekong Delta, filled with houses on stilts and mazes of rivers, where you can see how the majority of Vietnam’s agriculture is grown.

Stop by the Ben Thanh market, the city’s largest market where you’ll find endless rows of shops selling all type of goods, outstanding street food, and local produce.

Once the evening rolls around, visit Ho Chi Minh City’s lively streets of Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue. After dusk, these streets come alive with bright lights, energetic crowds, late-night eateries and shops, making it a vibrant backdrop for a leisurely evening stroll.

To learn more, read our Solo Travel Guide to Vietnam .

This vibrant city is notable for its massive parks, food + drink scene, and exquisite microbreweries. With no shortage of beautiful green gardens, enjoy a stroll through the International Rose Test Garden, home to over 8,000 dazzling roses. 

Grab a bite at one of the hundreds of food trucks sprinkled around the city, or stop by the Portland Farmers Market to sample the tasty cheeses, fresh pastries, aromatic coffee, and many other local delicacies.  

With an eclectic mix of social activities around the city, single travelers can choose from a diverse selection of late-night eateries, lively karaoke lounges, and adult-friendly retro arcades.  

Stop by Powell’s City of Books, considered to be the world’s largest independent bookstore. Spanning an entire city block, this neat treasure trove houses an extensive collection of classic books, new titles, stationary, gifts, and much more.

There’s plenty to do in the lively capital city of Hungary. See the intriguing architecture, enjoy the thermal baths, absorb the energetic atmosphere and culture of the city.

You’ll find a great selection of thermal baths in Budapest. Visit the popular Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a spa-like experience, featuring an extensive outdoor thermal pool with natural hot springs water, various indoor pools, saunas, and steam cabins.

Ride the funicular up to Buda Castle to explore this spectacular complex. While up in the historic Castle Hill district, wander over to Fisherman’s Bastion, one of the city’s top monuments. Step out onto the terraces to discover a wonderful panorama of the Danube River.

Stop by the Central Market Hall, a fantastic spot for solo travelers to grab a bite to eat. This vast market has a variety of food vendors selling prepared meals, fresh vegetables, smoked meats, as well as handmade crafts.

Check out our  Solo Travel Guide to Budapest to read more about exploring this city by yourself.

Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital city, often referred to as “The Paris of South America”, is brimming with European elegance that shine through the city’s design and architecture. It’s a cultural hub with theater performances, art, fashion, and an excellent food and wine scene. 

Single travelers can explore the vibrant nightlife, including a diverse selection of cocktail lounges, wine bars, night clubs, and cafes featuring riveting Tango shows.  

Catch a performance or book a tour of the Teatro Colon, an iconic staple of the art scene. This opulent opera house features top notch acoustics, grand hallways, ornate details, and impressive stained-glass skylights.  

Buenos Aires’ charming architecture is indeed a highlight, with many bustling neighborhoods to explore such as Puerto Madero which is a hip riverfront district, and the Recoleta, which is an upscale and fashionable street.

Amsterdam is often recognized for its cycling culture, easygoing atmosphere, and elaborate canal system. This lively and popular city is a great destination for solo travelers to navigate either by foot or bike.

The city center of Amsterdam is home to many remarkable museums that are a must-see, most notably the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Whether it’s daylight or after sunset, enjoy the magical experience of strolling through the beautiful neighborhoods of Amsterdam. 

Drop by the largest street market in the city, at the energetic Albert Cuyp Market. Sample the tasty fare, including the dutch waffle known as the Stroopwafel, and the delicious cheeses. If you want to mingle with other tourists, there are many guided walking tours that are popular amongst singles in their 40’s. Most are a few hours long, and cost approximately 35 euros.

With 300 miles of bike lanes intertwined through the city, single travelers can also hop on a bike or join a bike tour to uncover the hidden gems and beauty of the city. 

Read More for Solo Travelers Over 40

• Vacation Experiences for Singles Over 40
• Top Cruises for Solo Travelers Over 40

Popular Reads

Single, Love Travel, Over 40?

Age-matched travel across six travel styles

Holidays for Singles 40 & Above

Short a travel buddy and don’t want to travel alone.

Maybe you were a backpacker in your twenties, or even pushing it out to your 30's. Or perhaps you've passed the milestone of 40 with travel memories yet to create.

Where-ever you find yourself, now it's your chance to travel solo for the first time.

IS SOMETHING HOLDING YOU BACK from your Dream Holiday?

The idea of (now) travelling alone isn’t your idea of a fun holiday, and you’re left wondering about the options for solo travellers over 40.

Travelling solo in your twenties or thirtes, isn’t the same daunting prospect compared to being over forty – backpacking is the norm or there’s the option to join touring companies like Contiki or Top Deck. But Contiki and Top Deck have a cut off age, and you’re no longer in their sights. How easy is it in your twenties?  – no end of options for finding travel buddies and meet other solo travellers along the way. In your 20’s plenty of travellers are still single – there’s lots of other ‘twenty somethings’ doing the same.

DWINDLING OPTIONS?

Friends not up for the same travel plans you have in mind, or the same passion? Or your circle of single friends has shrunk and you’re wondering your options for travel without a travel buddy?

GETTING STARTED

Wherever you are at with your travel plans, you definitely made some inroads as you got this far and you found us – Wow, a travel company for solo travellers fo over 40 year olds , perhaps is what you’re thinking.

We’ll, you’re right – you fit right in! Because, we only look after solo travellers.

Nice change to the other mainstream packages out there – ads loaded with images of the perfect couple touring Europe, or soaking up romantic moments at a tropical resort, and so on and so on…. tragically failing to show single travellers in the picture.

Find Your Travel Style

Not all solo travellers are the same, and that’s why we’ve created 6 travel styles to pick from

• 'Discovery' – leisure touring
• 'On The Go' - walking and adventure tours
• 'Marine' – ocean and river cruising
• 'Combo' - mixing it up with tour & cruise combination packages
• 'Relax' - chill out resort package
• 'Essentials' - mindful on the budget, without scrimping on value for money

Age Matched Groups

Most of our tours are created for single-solo travellers 40 years and over , with a mix of age groups offered;  40 years & over, 45 years & over, 50 years & over , 40 to 59 years, and there’s others.   And our Cruise Circle for Solos  cruise groups are best suited to cruise fans 40 years and over. Our age-matched groups have a proven track record, and you can read the countless testimonials from your fellow solo traveller.

Get Travel News & Deals

The Great Ocean Walk holiday was a great introduction to singles tours and walking holidays. ... a small group with people of a similar age enabled everyone to get to know each other.... Janene, 44 years, Newcastle, NSW

Sitting On The Fence?

Solo travel tours for over 40's , or holiday packages for singles; whichever you identify with, all being one-in-same, if you haven't quite made up your mind call us - we can chat and help to answer your questions. Or perhaps it’s some guidance you’re after, and our Travel Team are on hand to help show you the way. Speak to one of our travel consultants, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm Sydney T: 1300 653 692.  Visit our  List of Holidays  and find your next adventure.

Back to HOME page

Search ALL TOURS

Search SOLOS ONLY tours

Search SOLOS MIX tours

Search CRUISES FOR SOLOS

Search DESTINATIONS

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Solo travel

Travel with g, myself and i.

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? Sure, you could hit the road all on your own. But going with a small group gives your solo trip more structure, guidance and safety, letting you get head-to-toe immersed in our world.

Our most popular solo trips

Why travel solo with g adventures, you’re in good hands.

All our trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer, aka CEO. These locally based expert guides are your adventure’s captain, keeping things moving, organized, and as safe as can be.

Easy on the wallet

Why should traveling solo be more expensive? We treat single travelers the same as the rest of the group, which is why we don’t charge single supplements.

Freedom to do you

Your trip is just that – yours. Want to linger at the market or grab a table at that cozy café? Go right ahead. We give your trip structure, but also plenty of free time.

Connection comes standard

With group sizes typically ranging from 12 to 16 people, you’ll have built-in community and connection with equally adventurous travelers from all over the world.

Always female friendly

Traveling solo as a woman can feel risky, but we’re committed to keeping everyone on our trips as safe as possible at all times. From our CEOs to our same-sex roommates, all women can adventure with confidence.

Some privacy, please

Want a room all to yourself? We offer single travelers a "My Own Room" option, meaning you could have a private room (and personal washroom) for your entire trip.

Know before you go

Never traveled solo or gone as part of a group before? We can get you sorted. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions or  get in touch with us any time.

We offer the “My Own Room” option on most of our tours, which guarantees you a room of your own for a modest additional fee. Cost and details of “My Own Room” vary according to the specific trip, so be sure to consult our trip summary pages for full details. On some tours, a single room may not be available at certain overnight stops, depending on the style of accommodation.

Wherever your heart takes you! Just about any place worth exploring is a good spot to venture out on your own.

Our groups often experience a good mix of ages, everything from travellers in their early-20s to those aged 60 and over. We sort all of our trips into Travel Styles, which guarantee that you’ll be travelling with people who share the same interests you do. Over the years, we’ve found that a good range of ages within a group often adds to the experience

On most evenings, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will organize a group meal. It’s pretty flexible; you can choose to dine with the group or head off and do your own thing. Other nights, your CEO may recommend a few nearby restaurants you can try. Again, you determine whether you want to stick with the group or go it alone.

Most of our trips split pretty evenly down gender lines. We average roughly 60:40 female-to-male, so you’ll never feel outnumbered.

On most G Adventures tours, the ratio of solo travellers to others (couples, friends travelling together, etc) is roughly 40:60. For privacy reasons, we can’t share information about your soon-to-be travelling companions ahead of time. Our tours appeal to a wide cross-section of adventurous people from all over the world united by a desire to experience our planet from a grassroots level. Our tours are conducted in English and tend to attract travellers from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Related articles

5 ways solo travel helps you meet new people

See how small group tours like National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures help spark lasting connections

Written by: G Adventures , 20 Feb. 2024 12:02 p.m.

Going solo: how to travel the world on your own

See how small group tours pave the way for incredible solo adventures (especially for women!)

Written by: G Adventures , 1 Feb. 2024 01:25 p.m.

I’m a solo traveller in my 40s; here’s why I love group tours

The solo travel bug came early for me, and the courage to act on it came much later.

In my teens and 20s, I daydreamed about going out into the world solo, yet my lack of courage to act on it held me back.

It wasn’t until my 30s that I did act on it. My first solo trip abroad was at the age of 32 with a group trip in New Zealand. I traveled with a group of awesome people I had never met from different parts of the world in the south island of NZ. After that positive experience, I never looked back.

I love solo travel!

Now in my 40s, this is my go-to mode of travel. I prefer solo travel, and a great way to do it is through a group experience either at the beginning of a trip, or for the whole duration. This summer, I did a group trip with Intrepid Travel in Portugal called  Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia . T his trip starts at the end of the Camino trail in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and ends in one of my most favourite cities:  Lisbon, Portugal .

Here’s more about it, along with the top 3 reasons why I prefer group travel when solo:

3. Your itinerary is already planned for you, including time on your own

With the Intrepid group trip in Portugal, we had a great schedule lined up for us each day. What I loved about the trip was the nice balance of solo time and time with the group. For example, on our first day in Porto  we were given a general walking tour of key areas in the city and then had a group dinner. It gave us a general feel for the city and was made special thanks to our local leader , Isabel (who was an amazing guide and all-round person).

Porto is Isabel’s hometown, so she gave the group a few insider tips that we would never have found otherwise. Each morning, we had free time to explore on our own or with other people in the group. I really loved having that time to go back and see more of what had interested me in our walking tour.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SOLO TRAVEL WITH INTREPID

2. People on your tour are like-minded and share similar interests

Our tour was food and wine-themed, and it attracted people who love food and wine as much as I do, so a comfortable rapport was established from the start. One dinner we had together stands out in my mind, when we went to the Alentejo Farmstay outside of Lisbon. We ate amazing food that was from the area, and exchanged stories, recipes, and had a few laughs about travelling mishaps!

I learned so much from the other people in the group, about their favourite wines, cooking tips and we had inspiring conversations about other places to travel to drink wine and eat food (of course!).

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL DEALS, GIVEAWAYS, TIPS & STORIES

A cooking class on the tour

READ MORE: NEVER A THIRD WHEEL: WHY I ALWAYS CHOOSE SOLO TRAVEL WITH INTREPID

1. You meet interesting people that you may never would have met otherwise

One thing I love the most about traveling solo is that you are more open to meeting new people. It gets you out of your comfort zone and motivates you to get to know people who you would never cross paths with otherwise! In my Portugal group trip we came from four different countries all over the world, and were different ages that ranged from 35 to 60+.

My friends on the trip were wonderful people with different life perspectives, but we all shared a common bond: a love for travel.

It was a wonderful way to see the world and expand the perspectives from our daily lives.

Ready to explore the world via small group tour? Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel with Intrepid.

(All images courtesy of Liz Oke and taken on Intrepid’s Real Food Adventure in Portugal .)

Feeling inspired?

Liz Oke is a marketing operations consultant based in Toronto, Canada. She also teaches at SCS at University of Toronto and the Canadian Marketing Association. In her spare time, she rides her bike, hikes, loves to cook and talk about travel. You can find her on the ‘gram at @miss_lizzzzzzz

You might also like

From delhi to udaipur, here are the five..., travel globally and think locally with intrepid leader..., follow the leader: tu vu will never stop..., turkey’s most underrated experience: mountain biking in cappadocia, the best thing about a family tour seeing..., why ninh binh and lan ha bay should..., love elephants here’s why you should visit mandalao..., why you should visit the most peaceful place..., what it’s like spending the night in a..., 10 things i wish i knew before hiking..., what i wish i knew before hiking to....

A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Ultimate Guide for Women Solo Traveling In Your 40s

Since I have been traveling alone in every decade of my adult life (now 44), I have a lot of wisdom to share. So if you are thinking of taking your first solo trip and wondering what to expect solo traveling in your 40s, you are in the right place.

This ultimate guide will contain all my best tips and advice as a seasoned solo traveler. Basically, everything you need to know for traveling alone as a woman in your 40s.

As I mentioned, I started my solo travel journey in my 20s and all through my 30s. Traveling by myself was certainly different when I was younger than it is now. Now we have the internet on our phones ; )

In so many ways I much prefer solo trips now in my forties than I did in my 20s! For me, solo traveling has been more enjoyable the older I get.

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Top Tips For Solo Traveling in Your 40s

When planning your first solo trip you will want to consider everything that I mention in this list when crafting your adventure.

#1. Book the Best Hotel in Your Budget 

The older I get, one thing is clear. I require a nice, higher-quality hotel . Being close to the nightlife is the furthest thing from my mind, but a hotel with an onsite fine dining restaurant is top of the list.

When you are looking for hotels consider a few key factors:

• Guest Rating
• Proximity to Transit

I could deal with a lot in my 20s when traveling alone when it came to the quality of my accommodations. But now in my 40s, I have up-leveled and I am not going back.

Expert Tip: Want to ensure the hotel is in a nice location? Map your hotel to other five-star hotels or high-end boutiques.

When choosing a hotel, I used to base it on what the star rating is , but I don’t do that anymore.

I learned that to get a four-star rating the hotel needs to offer room service. It doesn’t mean the hotel is guaranteed to be great, just because it has four stars.

Some of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in only had three stars. These were boutique hotels and they were way better than the four-star hotels I was finding.

Read the guest ratings in great detail! I like using Booking.com for most travel destinations and VBRO depending on where I am going.

#2. Pay for Convenience (You’ll Thank Me Later)

I know it may be important to stay on a travel budget , but I also know that when I am traveling solo I want to be as comfortable as possible.

That might mean splurging on that airport transfer when you arrive in a new city after a long flight.

When I was younger and traveling, like in my 30’s, I was confident I could navigate the transit. But now that I have been there and done that, in my 40s I just don’t want to bother with public transport.

I want to be the only one with her name on a whiteboard when I leave the baggage claim. Take me to my hotel now, please. Start your solo adventure in style! 

#3. Book Dinner Reservations In Advance

Are you a solo traveling foodie like me? If you love food and want the travel dining experience to go seamlessly, then book your dinner reservations ahead of time.

In some destinations, like on a solo trip to Paris , you might need to book a month or so away.

It is worth it, I promise! And if you are worried about dining alone , don’t be! Sure if you are traveling alone in your 40’s for the very first time, I get you might feel a little awkward to eat by yourself. 

But if you bring a book or plan a little project like editing your photos while doing the time will fly and you won’t notice you are alone nearly that much.

📲 Apps I use when booking restaurants are Open Table & The Fork .

#4. Research Age Appropriate Group Tours

An example would be maybe not joining a booze cruise that is marketed to 20-year-olds and finding something with a little more of a relaxed vibe.

When I traveled solo in Amsterdam in my 20s and took a canal cruise it was all the party. Then when I went back for a solo trip in my late 30s I opted for a cruise with dinner and wine tastings.

Joining group tours as a solo traveler is a fantastic way to meet new people and get a little social time on your trip.  

On my solo trip to Athens , I did a walking tour with a bunch of people and ended up with a couple of friends at the end of the day.

Several sites have free walking tours in most major cities! Walking tours, paid or free are one of the best ways to really see all that a city has to offer!

✈️ Looking to join an all-female tour? Travel with us! Join A Solo Woman Travel Small Group Trips !

#5. Invest in Safety Products to Ease Your Mind

Will I be safe traveling alone? I know that the top concern of the other women I meet traveling alone is being worried about being safe.

There are a number of things you can get to add extra security to your hotel room. A great way to do this is to get a lock like this one.

Portable Door Lock

Additional Safety and Privacy Perfect for Traveling Hotel

Another idea is having a personal safety alarm on yourself at all times. You can also add apps to your phone such as Mayday . Check out the other apps best for solo female travelers .

Solo Female Travel Safety Gear

Secondary Lock

Feel extra secure in your accommodations with this affordable secondary lock.

Portable Safe

Want to protect your valuables anywhere? This portable safe will do the trick!

Portable Wifi

Being connected makes me feel safe! Get a portable Wi-Fi device and have the internet everywhere!

Travel Insurance

I don’t care how safe the city is, things happen. I always get travel insurance anytime I travel!

Travel Apps for Women

Download 13 must-have travel apps for women

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number in Europe : Dial 112 & Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911

#6. Be Less Ambitious in Your Solo Travel Itinerary

When I was younger and planning my trip to Europe , I was very adventurous and pushed myself to see as many places as I could on one trip. Now, I much prefer to take it slow and not rush just to check another country off my list. 

I would say 3-4 nights in a city is a good start. Unless it’s a small village, then maybe 2 nights. When I travel solo in the Greek Islands I like to stay 4 nights on each island.

My idea of a dream trip is one where I can spend about 30% of the time relaxing and the other 70% exploring. Maybe you would rather spend more or less time relaxing.

When you go solo, the best part is there are absolutely no compromises. It’s amazing! 

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

#7. Join Solo Female Travel Groups in Your Age Group

These days there are so many ways to find others with similar interests! One of the best websites to find a new travel best friend is Meetup! You can find loads of activities that are local or abroad!

Facebook is also full of groups for different interests and age groups. I recommended joining some of these groups for solo female travelers to get an idea of a destination and seek any advice that other solo travelers may have.

You will be amazed at how many new friends you can make in these groups. They are filled with interesting people who all share a similar desire to travel. 

​In these groups, you can ask for advice on your travel plans and get suggestions for the best destinations in the country you are hoping to visit. 

I created a free-to-join Facebook Group, A Solo Woman Traveling.

#8. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a no-brainer . It is not something you just want to skip in order to save money. Your trip is an investment, and something you should protect.

Travel Insurance will ease your mind knowing if something unfortunate happens you are covered!

You can get affordable comprehensive coverage from Safety Wing !

#9. Upgrade Your Cell Phone Plan

Having a working cell phone is a non-negotiable. Don’t try to save money by thinking you will just use Wi-Fi when you find it.

While that is a nice trick to use less data , you want to make sure you have internet when you need it!

I would also recommend getting an international SIM card if you are going to be away for more than a week!

What works for me is going with Airalo , and with 150,000 + reviews, I am not alone.

#10. Renting a Car to See More

Consider renting a car for more freedom . When I was traveling when I was young I wasn’t confident to rent a car.

But now when I am traveling in my 40s I feel like I have the experience needed to rent a car and see more of the destination not being limited to just the public transit system.

Best Places To Go Solo Traveling in Your 40s

The destination you choose for traveling alone in your 40’s could be different than the destination you choose in your 20’s.

You want to find a place that takes you out of your comfort zone a little , but not one where you simply don’t belong. 

For example, going to Mykonos solo in your 20s may be more fun than in your 40s. A great place I would recommend you visit instead is an island like Milos.

Bascailly if the island is popular for students I would say stay away. It might even be a good idea to visit more of the idyllic small towns than big cities, depending on your travel style.

Some of my favorite destinations to visit alone in my 40s have been:

• Verona, Italy
• Milan, Italy
• Serifos, Greece
• Faro, Portugal

What to pack when solo traveling in your 40’s

I pack better now in my 40s than when I first started traveling by myself. You won’t need nearly as much as you think you might . 

Just remember whatever you bring you are lugging around the whole time. It’s a liability in my opinion! 

​Take the basics and consider the climate you will be traveling in. You want to be comfortable, but don’t bring more than a couple of sweaters. 

I wear the same thing at least twice on any given trip. No one cares, nor will they know you wore that shirt 2 days ago ; )

If you forget something, don’t panic, there are often plenty of opportunities to find a replacement for what you left behind. 

Packing Do’s

• Pack light and easy-to-fold clothes.
• Bring items versatile items for mix-matching
• Comfortable shoes (2 pairs)
• Take medications and supplements
• Electronic chargers and adaptors

Packing Don’ts

• Large bulky sweaters
• Luxury items (bags, wallets, watches, jewelry)
• Any “incase items” unless they couldn’t be purchased where you are going.

What NOT TO DO When Traveling Alone

1. Don’t Flash Valuables: Leave the Louis Vuitton at home. Seriously, avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash.

2. Don’t Share Too Much Information:  Be cautious about revealing your travel plans, accommodation details, or personal information to strangers. Where a fake wedding ring if you are concerned about unwanted attention. 

3. Avoid Risky Areas: Goes without saying I’m sure, but stay away from poorly lit, deserted areas, especially at night.

4. Don’t Overindulge: Limit alcohol consumption and never leave your drink unattended. I basically limit it to 2 drinks at dinner.

5. Avoid Showing Off Large Maps: This can mark you as a tourist. Instead, use discreet digital maps or apps on your phone. If you are feeling lost, locate a hotel or convenience store . There are usually people that can help.

6. Don’t Trust Strangers Blindly: While it’s great to make new friends, always be cautious. Trust your instincts.

7. Avoid Risky Modes of Transportation: Choose safe and reputable transportation options, especially at night. 

8. Don’t Keep All Valuables in One Place: Distribute money and important documents in different hidden pockets or locations. I also take pictures of my cards and passports and email them to myself.

9. Avoid Unofficial Tour Guides: Book tours with recognized and reputable tour agencies or guides. I like using Viator and Get Your Guide.

10. Don’t Forget to Inform Someone: Always let someone (a friend, or family member) know where you’re going for the day and when you expect to return.

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience when done safely. Always prioritize your safety and well-being, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable journey.

Pro Tip:  Even though I found solo travel to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting   travel insurance  to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

How to Explain Your Solo Trip to Friends and Family

​Deciding to take a solo trip is a big decision, and from personal experience, loved ones can have a lot of questions. Don’t be surprised if friends and family have a not-so-supportive reaction at first. 

Remember what is scary for them might just get projected onto your adventurous decision. It can take a few conversations to get everyone on the same page with your plans. 

Being prepared and having a well-planned solo travel itinerary typically calms those fears in others. 

I always share my location with my loved ones, it is easy to do if you with your phone. Just research how to do it based on your phone model.

A good tip for any solo traveler is to save places for emergency services in your phone ahead of time.

Tips to Save Money on Solo Trips

• Book travel in the shoulder and off-seasons. This will help with the cost of accommodations.
• Skip sit-down restaurants for both breakfast and lunch and hit the food trucks.
• Use flight alerts and use the search everywhere feature when using Skyscanner.

​Benefits of Solo Travel

If you are looking for a new life perspective , there is no better way to find one than taking a solo trip . You don’t even have to leave your own country. Hell, you could travel just a few hours away and go to a wellness retreat. Just get out there and spend time with yourself. 

I find that the more I travel alone, the more I enjoy my own company.  you are on  

The best experiences in my life have been when I took that chance and got out of my comfort zone. 

Not sure where to go? Take the quiz and find out which European City is the best for solo travel!

​Not sure if you are ready to go solo? 

Still contemplating whether solo traveling in your 40s is right for you?  If so, consider small group trips with other female solo travelers. 

There are a lot of great options for a small group tour that could be the perfect introduction to traveling on your own. You could book a city break vacation to fun places like San Francisco. Or, you could join my tour in Europe.

I am hosting trips for solo female travelers in the coming months and into next year! Want to learn more? Fill out the survey here!

Conclusion: Solo Traveling in Your 40s

I hope this blog post provided the information you need to feel confident to book a solo trip.

Solo travel can be the most transformative experience that will strengthen your inner confidence and ability in yourself.

Need some support to get started? I offer one-on-one coaching! Fill out the contact form here to get in touch.

FAQs Solo Travel in Your 40s

Yes, it’s safe to travel solo in your 40s, just as it is at other ages. Safety largely depends on the destination and the precautions you take. Many solo travelers in their 40s (and beyond) have fulfilling journeys. Women, in particular, might consider researching the safety of specific destinations, using registered taxis, and staying in well-reviewed accommodations. Staying aware of your surroundings and not sharing too much personal information with strangers is always a good rule of thumb, irrespective of age.

Absolutely! There’s a growing community of middle-aged solo travelers. Joining travel forums, participating in group tours, or attending local events and classes can be great ways to meet fellow travelers. There are also specific travel groups and platforms online where solo travelers in their 40s share experiences and arrange meet-ups.

Yes, many travel agencies and tour operators recognize the unique needs and interests of travelers in their 40s. These specialized tours often focus on a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, ensuring you’re with like-minded individuals. Researching online or consulting with travel agents can help you find the perfect group or tour.

Popular destinations can vary based on individual interests. However, some favorites among solo travelers in their 40s include cultural cities like Rome, Kyoto, or Barcelona; nature retreats in places like New Zealand, Costa Rica, or the Canadian Rockies; and relaxation spots in Bali, the Amalfi Coast, or the Greek Islands. Always consider your own interests and comfort levels, and research destinations accordingly.

Preparation is key. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Keep both digital and physical copies of your important documents. Research local customs and norms of your destination. Stay connected by keeping a local SIM card or a global roaming plan. Finally, always let someone know your whereabouts and your plans.

Looking For A Solo Travel Community?

It’s all about community! There is something here for everyone, whether you are just getting started or consider yourself a veteran solo traveler.

Find support, inspiration, and friendship by joining our community!

Pin It For Later

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

Related Posts

Are Solo Trips to Greece Safe For Women? The Truth From Female Travelers

If you are wondering “is Greece safe for solo female travellers” you’ve come to the right place. I have been taking solo trips to Greece for the past 10 years! It’s definitely a safe place for women to travel. In 2023, I moved and found a new home in Athens, a place where I’ve always…

Ultimate Guide For a Safe Solo Trip to Amsterdam + Map

So you are thinking of doing a solo trip to Amsterdam? Right on, Amsterdam is awesome. But is the city safe? An important question to ask for sure. Let me give you some assurance, YES! Amsterdam is safe. Take it from me, someone who’d spend hours searching “Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?” reading…

The Complete Day Trip to Verona Itinerary & Guide + Map

Let me take you on a day trip to one of my favorite Italian cities, VERONA! I’ve been to this picturesque town twice in the last few years! It is one of the easiest places to reach from nearby destinations such as Milan, Florence, and Bologna! Depending on where you are in Northern Italy, Verona…

The 5 Reasons & Life-Changing Benefits of Traveling Alone

Traveling alone is a life-changing step towards achieving inner confidence and strength. Once I started traveling, my world began to open up, and what I wanted for myself began to change rapidly. With each trip I took, I learned something new, and my life goals adjusted. I want to share my story and talk about…

The Top 5 Concerns For Solo Female Travelers

So you are planning on traveling solo? Hi, I’m Melissa, a single woman traveling alone for over a decade now. I’m very familiar with the questions should you be asking yourself about traveling by yourself. This whole site is a dedicated resource and guide to all things solo female travel. Once you declare your adventurous…

How To Spend 3 Days in Belfast Solo + Map

Looking for ways to spend 3 days in Belfast solo? More and more women are traveling to Belfast solo, and I was one of them! I had only planned on visiting Belfast for one day, but I loved it so much I stayed for three! Belfast itself is pretty small, so if you don’t have…

What are you looking for?

Singles Holidays Over 40: Everything you need to know to have fun travelling alone

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Looking for singles holidays over 40? I did my first-ever solo trip at 35. I was separated from my now ex-husband and I loved to travel.

However, most of my friends were married so I really didn’t have anyone to go on holidays with – gosh did I feel like a bit of a loser.

Added to that high self-esteem was the fact that I was terrified to go away on my own. What if I didn’t speak to a single person the whole time? What if I got really depressed as a result? What if something went wrong? What would I do in the evening?

The whole notion of a holiday for singles over 40 was daunting. It’s almost funny to think back on that now – almost. I clearly remember those feelings.

It is now 10 years later and I have done quite a few vacations for singles over 40, a lot more trips with people I have met along the way, organized trips, partners at the time, trips with friends and family – you name it.

Traveling alone doesn’t need to become the way you always travel – instead, singles vacations for over 40s become part of the mix. Once you start traveling alone it is amazing how many people you meet as well as others in your life that come forward and issue invitations.

Anyway, you’re not at this point yet but I wanted to offer the comfort that you are not destined to take every holiday alone for the rest of your life. So I am assuming going into this that you would probably like to meet other people on your travel tours for singles over 40.

If you are annoyingly completely unconcerned about traveling on your own you are probably not reading this post.

Top 3 Organized Tour Companies for Over 40 Solo Travelers

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Explore ✔️ Dedicated Offers for Over 50s ✔️ Small Group Tours ✔️ No single supplement

G Adventures ✔️ No single supplement ✔️ Free time in itineraries ✔️ Evening Group Meals

Encounters Travel ✔️ Private & Small Group Focus ✔️ 20 Years Experience ✔️ Range of Tours

Top Tips for Singles Holidays over 40

1. do something organised.

One of the best ways to do a singles trip over 40 is to do it with others. This doesn’t need to be other solos – it can be learning to scuba dive, a cooking trip, a photographic trip etc etc.

Singles holidays over 40 that start on a certain day means your first day will be the first day for other people – and this is one of the easiest ways to meet people.

Also, there will usually be an organized event to introduce everyone to each other and there will usually be planned activities on the best vacations for singles over 40.

If you do want to meet people I highly recommend attending as many planned activities as you can stand. Again doing a class or having a meal is one of the best ways to meet people.

⇒ For Great Vacation Ideas for Singles over 40 check out Explore .

My first over 40 singles holidays was an organized yoga week in Italy. Everyone arrived the same day, and it was for a week. There was yoga every morning and then breakfast. Days were fairly free with potential activities.

Then, there was late afternoon yoga and dinners you could choose to attend or not. The majority of people on the trip were traveling alone at 40, 30 and into their 50s.

I met others the first night and knew everyone by the end of the week. I also stayed in contact with three girls from the trip after I left.

This type of holiday is one of the best singles vacations for over 40-year-olds and a great option if you’re after European vacations for singles.

Solo Female Travelers Club is a community of more than 90,000, run by the fantastic travel bloggers Meg and Mar. The heart of the community is their Facebook group which has some great information and is the perfect way to meet other females interested in travelling solo.

Meg and Mar also run female-only small group tours that range from luxury retreats to adventurous expeditions in some awesome locations.

Another option that I think is one of the best trips for singles over 40 options is to try living a life Unsettled. In August of 2017, I spent a month living life Unsettled in Medellin Colombia and loved it.

Unsettled is a fantastic concept. Essentially it aims to give people the experience of living in a city for a month rather than being a tourist. This is a great alternative to typical singles travel groups over 40.

The way Unsettled does this is that it has about 25-30 people sign up, organizes apartments and coworking space and sets up activities that you can participate in as much or as little as you like.

The other people on the trip are your community, the hosts act as your connection to local life and having an apartment and workspace means it feels more like living.

Unsettled choose brilliant vacation spots for singles over 40 from Buenos Aires to Cape Town to Barcelona. I highly recommend checking them out.

⇒ If you decided to live life Unsettled then use the code  “ FRIENDSOFUNSETTLED ”  and tell them that the Boutique Adventurer sent you for a discount of USD$150!

2. Head to a spa/fitness/yoga etc retreat

A retreat or spa is fantastic for weekend getaways for singles over 40 as well as for longer singles trips over 40. Most retreats have a purpose – fitness, relaxation, yoga etc which gives a plan to the week that helps visitors to feel less lonely.

Also, you are much more likely to meet other like-minded travel singles over 40 if you are attending a retreat based around something you really enjoy. Again it is ideal to arrive at one of these locations for a set program retreat/course.

Many will have weeks that kick off on a certain day. However many do not. For those that do not have set weeks again, I would advise attending as many classes/walks/activities as you can manage.

It continues to be the easiest way to meet other people in a natural construct on holidays for solo travelers over 40.

Take a deep breath and introduce yourself to the person closest to you. A “Hi this is my name and I’m from x – how about you?” It is all you need to get going. The large majority of people will be friendly and will reply.

If you are feeling brave it is often good to say that you are traveling on your own for the first time and a bit nervous. I can almost guarantee you there will be other over 40s single traveler types on many of these types of trips.

In the majority of cases, this will result in a come eat with us offer then or later. I am assuming you can say this without tearing up – that might put people off a bit.

And don’t feel you should only speak to others on their own. Couples, in particular, are great for a chat – and very likely to invite you to join them for meals. They are often getting a bit bored with each other and keen for some new company.

Quite a few places where there are solo vacation packages now have talking tables at dinner. These are designed for those on singles holidays – and often frequented by non-solo travelers as they can sometimes be the most fun place to be at dinner.

This is certainly the case at Kamalaya (see my key tip below) – one of the best vacation spots for singles over 40 in the world. Most will have this on their website or ask about it when you are booking.

⇒ Read my posts on 30 Fantastic Solo Spa Breaks , the best Singles Ski Holiday options and the best vacations for over 50 singles options.

3. Podcasts

I love a good podcast and there are SO many. However, podcasts are particularly great for the 40 travel solo adventurer for a few key reasons. Firstly I always find having someone in my ear makes me feel less alone.

Secondly, you can download them on your phone and then play them anywhere – even without reception.

Thirdly, you can be sitting at a bar or a table and have your headphones in and people won’t know. This is good because most people won’t approach someone obviously reading a book. But if it is just headphones, they won’t realise until they approach you that you have them in.

It is always a good idea to sit at the bar/bar area rather than a formal table as it is much easier to chat to those nearby as it tends to be more relaxed and have the seats closer together.

4. Create a Blog

This does not need to be a big, full-on, lifelong commitment type blog. You can set up a free blog on word press easily and for no cost – for those of you that don’t know it is essentially an online diary.

The great thing about doing a blog is that it gives you a sense of purpose when you are traveling on your own – you are doing research for great things to do/places to eat to write it up for your blog. Not because you are someone who has no one to go on holidays with  – you are almost like a glamorous journalist.

It is also a great conversation topic. I can’t believe how interested everyone is when I tell them that I am a travel blogger. Everyone wants to know more.

If you are at a bar/tourist site/class whatever when you say hi to someone you can say that you are a blogger and would be interested in their opinion of whatever it is that you are doing – whether you are or aren’t.

It is also a great thing to tell say a bartender or a hotel owner as you can then find out more about the hotel/bar and get to know them better – and they are more likely to introduce you to other guests who might also be 40s singles.

I also find blogging great fun but that’s me. Remember you can always be just starting one – it doesn’t need to be a full-blown blog with 100,000 followers.

5. Consider the USA

America is very friendly – and I assume if you are reading this you speak English so it will be easy to communicate. Americans are much more likely to chat away to someone on their own and much more likely to keep a conversation going.

This also holds for meeting Americans in other locations around the world. This is particularly true in bars – and if you are a single female traveller. There are some great places to travel alone in the USA.

Vacations for singles over 40 in the USA are a great option. If you would prefer to take a designed singles vacation package over 40 specialists for your USA trip check out

⇒ Just You

⇒ Intrepid Travel

⇒ Exodus

Heading to vacation spots for singles over 40 in Europe? Check out this great post on 25 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe. There are quite a few European tours for singles over 40 in this post.

6. Vacation Packages

I have excellent news – you are not someone who is doomed to travel alone forever and most likely die alone – you are at the crest of a hot new trend. You are a trailblazer.

Travelling solo is the hottest growth area in the travel industry – and it is focused on the over 40s singles vacation. I have been watching this sector for 10 years and in the last couple of years there has been an explosion in the number of companies offering over 45 singles holidays, solo travel-based companies, no single supplement, solo weeks – you name it.

⇒ Check out my post on Singles Travel Groups for 30 different options for singles over 40 vacations packages.

This post has everything from adventure trips for solos over 40 to the best resorts for singles over 40 to food-focused travel groups for singles over 40.

A key tip here is don’t just limit yourself to your own country. Australia has quite a few companies which run single vacation packages over 40 travellers as does the UK.

And there are some great options for travel for singles over 40 Australia. I can tell you as an Australian that it is a very friendly place! For solo travel groups 40s + to Australia check out:

⇒ G Adventures

Here are four of the most popular trips for solo travelers on Explore

⇒ Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

⇒ Jordan Discovery

⇒ Walking in Northern Cyprus

⇒ Sri Lanka in Depth

7. Have loads of fun good books with you in case you start to feel lonely

There is nothing like a good book to keep you company when traveling solo! I keep adding to my list – please email me with more suggestions! I keep them all in my Amazon shop .

8.  Kamalaya

When it comes to the best vacation spots for singles in their 40’s my absolute favorite, and the place I recommend to all newly single friends who are terrified of traveling solo for the first time, is Kamalaya.

Kamalaya is on Koh Samui in Thailand. It is one of my favorite places in the world.

⇒ Read my super comprehensive guide to Kamalaya

I have been to Kamalaya Koh Samui four times – and three of those were solo. It is an absolutely stunning place and fabulous as a retreat. What elevates it for the solo traveler is the wonderful friendly feel of the place.

Everyone at Kamalaya is so welcoming and that extends to the guests. There are lots of classes and everyone tends to chat with those nearest to them – particularly before the class starts.

Best of all there is a talking table in the evening that is the place to be in the restaurant. I have met many interesting people at Kamalaya Koh Samui. Oh and at any given time about 40% of the guests are traveling alone.

There is a range of ages but it skews towards the singles travel over 40 end. There are not many couples so it is also a great post-break-up place as well.

This is one of my favorite places to recommend for singles holidays over 40’s might enjoy.

⇒ Compare Prices and Read More Reviews of Kamalaya

Frequently Asked Questions by those traveling solo over 40:

There are a few key questions that commonly pop up for the lone traveler no matter what type of trip you are planning. To be honest, the right answer for most of these is very much about your personal preferences but I can at least highlight the questions and give you some views.

1. Do I stay in a hostel or a hotel or a boutique hotel or where do I stay????

Let’s face it – few people over 25 want to stay in a youth hostel. I never wanted to stay in one at any age. But we all know that youth hostels are chatty and provide a theoretically easy place to meet people (although this is not guaranteed).

The good news is there is now a whole new segment of the youth hostel market that has gone premium. They are of course still youth hostels so many have shared rooms but they do have better sheets – or appear to.

There is always the option of staying at a youth hostel and getting a private room eg the equivalent of the penthouse suite.

This is a good article covering off lots of premium youth hostels. Northern Europe tends to be particularly good at these.

Generator Hostels is a chain of luxury hostels – all of them are currently in Europe – and I think offers one of the best options in this area. It does appear like it is more difficult to find this new segment in South America.

Australia has some good ones and I have also heard good things about Cape Town in this area. Let me know any more you find out.

Let’s move on to the other spectrum – 5-star hotels. Whilst I can’t guarantee anything I can tell you it is highly unlikely you will meet other people traveling alone easily if you stay at a 5-star hotel.

Great if that isn’t your intent but please don’t book this if it is your first solo trip – unless you’re keen for room service and in-room movies (which is often a fab solo night).

Yes, people are traveling alone for business but they tend to get up early, sit at breakfast with their head buried in their phone or laptop and then go for dinner with people in their local office.

In the middle is what I call boutique hotels. This is a broad definition – to me, this is about hotels with fewer rooms eg 20 or fewer and a bit more design-focused than say a Holiday Inn (for mid-range big chain hotels the same applies as 5 stars).

There is not as high a chance of meeting people as there is in a youth hostel but it is a lot better chance than there is a 5-star hotel. Yes, luxury singles holidays over 40s are possible in boutique hotels.

Here are a few tips for the lone traveler in boutique hotels:

• Choose a boutique hotel with a roof terrace/outdoor area for a drink. Kicking back with a glass of wine after a day exploring is a great time to meet people – especially if you have a full bottle/snacks and can share. Also even if you don’t meet anyone it is nice to have somewhere to sit other than your room when you are on your traveling alone

2. Go to breakfast at peak time. Breakfast is another great easy time to meet other people and chat – much easier than asking them how their day was later on the roof terrace

3. Say hi and smile to everyone you walk past in the hotel – that is an easy thing to do and makes it a lot easier then to say something more at breakfast/terrace drinks

4. Become friends with the owner/person at reception. Firstly this is an excellent way to find out good local restaurants and places to go. Secondly, let them know that you are on your own and that you are keen to meet people. They may introduce you to other guests or help break the ice. Or they may even suggest you do an activity with someone they know – anything can and does happen.

5. The more exotic the location the greater the chance of chat. I have never had much luck with this strategy in Italy and France. I have found that the best holiday destinations for singles over 40 tend to be more exotic – like Morocco, Istanbul or Burma .   People who travel to more exotic locations tend to be a bit more curious – and when you are having a more extreme experience you tend to want to share and compare more.

Personally, I tend to go to the boutique hotel option. However, I tend to limit it to a couple of nights and I always have Netflix/the Kindle stocked up as my backup plan.

If you’re after examples of good boutique hotels when you are a lone traveler here are a couple:

⇒ Hotel Empress Zoe in Istanbul

⇒ The Apsara in Luang Prabang Laos

⇒ Dar Roumana in Fes Morocco

6. If you’re a cat lover why not consider traveling with your cat ? These days there are great options for cat carriers that can make this a great experience for both you and your cat. And many boutique hotels these days allow pets.

2. Do you get your own room on a Singles vacations over 40s all-inclusive?

This is a tough one. Sharing a room gets you an immediate buddy. Most importantly you have someone with whom to go to meals.

However, you could easily get a total dud and then be stuck with them. Or worse someone annoying. And it means you get no time on your own. So what do you do?

As I said there is no easy response. My advice is to get a roommate if you are new to solo travel and/or worried about traveling alone. If you are more experienced and used to showing up at dinner on your own and you can get a single supplement, this would be my choice.

I had a brilliant experience with a roommate I had never met before when god forbid I had to share a tent on Kilimanjaro. But on holidays for singles over 40 I tend to get a single supplement whenever possible. Or I will share if it is only one or two nights.

3. How likely am I to meet a potential partner and/or someone for a fling?

If you’re a guy you probably have a good chance as there tend to be more women than men traveling solo – especially on organized trips and especially to more known locations.

If you’re female, I would put your time into online dating in your home country. Having said that you absolutely can use apps like Tinder and happn when traveling alone and they work – but this is definitely shall we say more in the fling territory as a general rule.

However, there is no reason you couldn’t specify what you were after; honestly, this is possibly your best option. I have a lot of friends or people I have met who met someone when traveling.

Personally, it has only ever happened to me once and it happened after the trip! But I think I must be a bit of a jinx – so don’t go on a trip with me.

I think the best chance – male and female – is to go on a singles adventure holiday over 40 skew. If you are a female and like being on a bike then a cycling trip is a great way to meet men in lycra – although some may come with their wives.

Locations like Cuba and Vietnam after often good ones for solo travel – as I said that touch more exotic has a lot of appeal for those travelling alone. Climbing a mountain is always a good option for a single adventure holiday if you’re over 40 – when I did Kilimanjaro I think of the 18 of us there were only 2 couples.

Anything, where it is more difficult to find someone who would want to do the same activity at the same time, is good for traveling alone.

Of course, a lot of “older” single people are coming out of potentially long-term relationships so are often re-examining their lives and thus are taking more risks and having more adventures – or looking for something physical to succeed at to buck up vulnerable self-esteem. An adventure holiday is a terrific option at this point.

4. What do I do about dinner?

Dinner is, without doubt, the toughest meal of the day when you are a lone traveler. Who wants to face the host saying Really – just 1 of you? It can break you!  So here are some of my tips:

• Always try to stay somewhere that allows you to eat dinner at the hotel. You may well be exhausted or  just not up to dinner on your own so the hotel is a  great option

2. Try somewhere more casual where you can go in for a drink and then grab something to eat – no awkward just one moments. Also, pubs and bars are more conducive to conversing than formal restaurants. I always try to eat at pubs and bars vs restaurants if I am traveling alone and feel like a chat

3. If you feel like chatting, definitely sit at the bar. Strike up a conversation with the bartender. This is often easier a bit earlier in the night when they are not so busy. They are of course someone to chat with and may have some fab local suggestions.

However, I also think it is much easier to join a conversation or include someone in a conversation when you have a neutral third party like a bartender. And you can always ask the bartender to help you meet other people.

4. I would encourage you NOT to go somewhere too upmarket – to me, this always highlights being on your own. Of course, go if you are dying to try somewhere and don’t mind – I tend to do the restaurants I really want to try at lunchtime when I am doing solo travel as I feel way less self-conscious and then go somewhere more casual for dinner

5. One of the toughest things is do you sit there staring out into the abyss or do you bring a book/magazine. The book/mag is great but can put people off speaking to you.

Personally, I think a laptop is better – it can be open, but you can sit back “in thought” and scan the room and look to make eye contact with a safe place to retreat.

I am also a big fan of podcasts – as long as you have sports-type small headphones in this scenario. You can easily have these but it will not be clear to others – so you are entertained but still approachable. If you have giant Beats headphones, obviously, you may as well be buried in your Kindle.

Got any burning question about solo travel that wasn’t in my post? Drop me an email and let me know and I’ll include them in my next solo travel post.

Want to read more about over 40s Singles Vacations?

Here are some more websites and articles that you might find interesting:

⇒ Solo Traveler website

⇒ Solo Holidays website

⇒ Best Travel Places for Singles Travel Article

Here are five travel companies that specialize in offering guided solo traveller groups 40s +:

⇒ Solo Female Travelers Club

⇒ Just You Travel

⇒ Explore Travel

Who Paid for Wh a t with this Post

I paid for everything associated with writing this singles holidays over 40 blog post. This was completely me travelling and not working with any tourism boards or hotels etc. I learned most of the above before I started this blog – well it is probably the thing that got me into writing a blog.

Posts you might enjoy:

Singles Travel Groups

All inclusive vacations for singles over 50

Vacations for over 50s singles

Solo Spa Breaks

Like this Singles holidays over 40 Post? Why Not Pin It?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Friday 14th of May 2021

Love this article!!! You are giving me that courage to go just do it and have a solo travel experience. It’s definitely in my buckets list. Especially now that I just got separate from a 19 yrs marriage. I truly need to do this. Thank you for the info and the tips.

The Boutique Adventurer

thanks Claudia - I highly recommend solo travel - the more you do it the better it gets. I am sorry about the end of your marriage - I have been there. And it is when I started travelling solo and it very much helped my recovery. All the best!

Jared James

Monday 3rd of August 2020

Not above 40 yet but I think I can do some of them, thanks for sharing ;)

Vluchten Zaventem

Tuesday 21st of April 2020

My first solo holiday was a few days in Paris several years ago. I found the days were fine as I was of sightseeing but the evenings where a bit hard to deal with. I did find the advice about going into a restaurant or bar if being followed works well. The waiters went out shouting at some guy who was bothering me. I now tend to spend a few days every few months on a solo holiday and love the freedom.

Wednesday 22nd of April 2020

Yes the evenings are more difficult aren't they? Going to a restaurant and sitting at the bar is often a great option - important to keep your travelling freedom!!

Thursday 30th of January 2020

These are great places to visit. I would want to try Namibia soon :)

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

After working too hard the past few months, I am looking forward to my trip in Thailand. Most especially the solitude in my resort. These tips here have helped me put things into perspective and I can't wait to get started on my trip in the coming days. Lovely article.

Like this post? Why Not Share It?

Thanks for Sharing!

33 Best holiday ideas for singles over 40 in 2023

Are you single and in your 40s? Are your friends all in relationships or with small kids and not available or keen to travel?

Don’t let that stop you from that dream trip, we’re here to help you with holiday ideas for travelers like you, single and over 40. 

• 1 Traveling solo after 40 
• 2 How to plan your holiday as a single traveler
• 3 Best group trips for singles over 40
• 4 Best vacation spots for singles over 40
• 5 Conclusion

Traveling solo after 40 

While age is just a number, there are some things that also evolve with time.

With age usually comes financial freedom, maturity and the hardship of getting over jetlag, I know that all too well! 

While you are still young (very young, if I may add), traveling in your 40s is not the same as traveling in your 20s or 30s.

You are most likely not looking to party it out all night long, sleeping at the beach or hitchhiking to save a few pennies, you are also not necessarily up to make a fool of yourself, or at least not all the time. 

Your taste is more refined, your interests wider and your purse thicker.

You are also most likely looking for deeper experiences that enrich your life, teach you something new or maybe provide a break from the daily busy life and less about partying all night long. You know what you want from life, and travel is it.

On the flip side, with age also comes confidence, and lack of patience.

You no longer need other people’s approval and you also don’t need a travel companion to go places.

You do your groceries alone, you live alone, you dine alone and you lead a fulfilling life all by yourself, you are your best travel companion and you are ready to continue living life to the fullest. 

Because your friends may be married and with kids, they can no longer afford, time-wise and financially, to travel as much as you, so you are keen to find a new tribe of like minded travelers who are also single and over 40 and who share your passion for discovering the world and have minimal family responsibilities. 

If all of the above resonates with you, you’ve come to the right place. And let me add, going on a singles holiday does not necessarily mean that you are looking for love (though you may still find it), but that you are looking to be surrounded by people like you or at a destination that is specifically catered to singles or which is just perfect for this moment in your life, solo or with newfound friends.

More and more Gen Xers are leading the return to travel , especially independently and solo and a lot of the women joining our women-only tours are in their 40s and either single or divorced, they are not letting the lack of travel companions stop them from traveling, they are treating themselves to a fabulous trip with other travelers like them. 

Find your perfect holiday for singles over 40 in this article and book that trip of a lifetime, you deserve it.

How to plan your holiday as a single traveler

Planning a trip can be complicated and confusing but before we jump right into choosing the right trip, it’s important to take a few minutes to think about what you can do and what you are trying to get out of it.

• What is your budget?
• Do you want to travel solo independently or join a group?
• What type of trip are you looking for? A more adventurous, a relaxing one, a culturally-focused one, or perhaps a foodie trip with lots of gastronomic experiences and maybe some wine tastings too?

A budget is usually the starting point when planning vacation at any age. It will help you set the tone for the type of trip you’ll have, the duration and help you weed out some options, such as the kind of tours available to you.

If you have a budget for the holiday, keep that in mind when going through the rest of this section to filter ideas and suggestions. If you don’t have a budget and are trying to save, check out some of our tips on how to save money for travel .

Travel style

The next decision is your travel style. Are you more of a solo traveler who prefers to travel independently or would you like to join a group tour where everything is planned for you and you can meet other travelers?

We are passionate advocates of solo travel and our Solo Female Travelers Facebook Group is the place to get help, support and advice for your first or your next solo trip at any age. A large percentage of our members are in their 40s and looking to go on a trip so you are sure to find yourself among your tribe. Go on, ask that question!

On the other hand, a lot of single travelers prefer to join group tours so that they can more easily meet others and reduce some of the burden of planning a trip by letting someone else do it for them. Traveling on your own means you need to do all the planning and this can require a lot of hours researching which not everyone enjoys.

Many of the guests on our small women-only tours for solo travelers like to book with us because of the convenience of knowing we put together trips that include the type of experiences they enjoy and where they meet like minded women, without having to spend hours finding the best activities, restaurants and local places.

In the next section, we will look at companies like ours that specialise in solo trips and have an age threshold.

Type of trip

Now that you know your budget and travel style, it’s time to narrow down your options a bit more by looking at the kind of trip you feel like going on.

There are many types of holidays for singles over 40 and if you asked 10 people you would most likely get 10 different answers, from a wellness retreat to an active holiday, a beach vacation, a city break and anything in between, if you can dream it, it is possible. 

In fact, we did ask our members and got more than 100 suggestions each different and unique. 

What’s your personality like? What is the purpose of your vacation? What are your interests? How much time do you have? What do you feel like? What do you want to get out of it>

Don’t let the fact that you are single stop you from choosing the vacation you most want, you can go party or to a festival alone or you can go to traditional honeymoon destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora if that is what you fancy, we’ve done it and we don’t regret it. 

Like an inspirational quote we love says:

“They called it loneliness, she knew it was freedom” – F.E. Marie

Here are some types of trips for singles over 40 to consider, the sky’s the limit:

• Active travel: This is for adventure seekers or for those who want to challenge themselves. Want to hike Kilimanjaro ? Don’t let the lack of a travel companion stop you from doing it!
• Luxury travel: A luxury trip is the ultimate in self pampering and is a great opportunity to let someone else take care of you, be it with a margarita by the poolside, a specially customized menu or a private guide and driver to take you where your heart desires.
• Sailing: A sailing trip is a great and efficient way to cover many destinations in just a few days and have an all inclusive experience on board. Cruises often offer great holiday packages for singles over 40 and are awesome places to meet fellow single travelers and have a blast onboard and onshore. 
• Wellness retreat : While we tend to associate wellness retreats with luxury trips, the two are not necessarily the same. Some retreats can be very affordable and provide a more rustic back to basics experience which does not make them any less appealing. There is a wide range of wellness retreats, from silent retreats to yoga retreats, detox holidays and everything in between. While these are not necessarily singles-only experiences, it is true that they tend to attract solo travelers more than couples and so you may find yourself surrounded by people like you.
• Gastronomic travel : We are big fans of traveling for food and wine and will do it anytime. There are many parts of the world where this kind of trip is becoming more and more popular and destinations where enjoying culinary experiences is more commonplace such as Italy , Spain or France. For example, our Tuscany trip has a heavy gastronomic component weaved into other cultural activities. 

What is it that you are looking for in your vacation as a single? Think about it as you move through the rest of the article.

Best group trips for singles over 40

Small group trips are an excellent choice for single travelers over 40s.

They offer a great way to enjoy travel in a setting where meeting others is easier and the fact that there is a predefined itinerary means you know what you’ll get to see and do without having to spend hours planning it. 

Additionally, you won’t need to worry about tours or activities needing a minimum number of guests, places charging you more because you are on your own or restaurants refusing service because it’s just you (yep, that is regularly reported by members of our online community ).

Where to start looking for the right travel groups for singles over 40? 

In the list below.

Women-only tours

Perhaps one of the most fun ways to travel is with like minded women with whom you can gossip, share a drink, have a laugh or simply identify with. The camaraderie and good vibes are endless.

Solo Female Travelers Tours

We curate our own intimate group tours specifically for solo female travelers and take our guests beyond the tourist hot spots to experience the local culture with a group of like minded women. 

We specifically focus on destinations where it’s usually too expensive or difficult to travel as a female alone, or where we know a group makes for a more fun experience. 

If you come solo, we pair you up with another woman so that no-one has to pay a single supplement and can cut out that extra cost. If you wish to, you can also upgrade to a single room.

Women from many different ages come to our tours, but the most popular age range is that of women in their 40s, many of whom are divorced or have never been married and can’t be bothered to wait for anyone else to go on that trip of a lifetime. 

You can view all our upcoming trips on our tours page . We have many travel styles included in our trips, some focus on wellness and luxury, while others are full of adventure and wildlife. 

Read : The 25 best women-only tour companies .

Group trips for solo women over 40

Traveling solo but in a group guarantees a memorable trip and is a fun and convenient way to travel.

All the planning, itineraries and accommodations are all set up so you don’t have to worry about anything and focus on having an amazing holiday. 

Solos Holidays

With more than 40 years of experience, UK-based Solos Holidays is a tour company that offers especially crafted holidays designed for single and solo travelers. 

They focus on creating sociable experiences where one can travel independently, but with the convenience of traveling in a group and having a tour leader. 

Solos Holidays have tour destinations across the world in Europe, America, Australia, Asia, The Caribbean and Africa. They have a mix of ages in their tours, but the majority of guests are above 40 years old. 

In order to appeal to a wider range of travelers, they have many holiday types with specific activities that match almost any interest.

There are group tours for the active which include activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports, yoga, golf, whale watching. They also have ClubSolos which is an exclusive tour in luxurious accommodation.

Exodus Travels has their own section of solo holidays for travelers in their 30s and 40s called Exodus Edits . 

Their tours are unique experiences such as cycling in Croatia or hiking in Morocco, that guarantee you’ll have the best time and share memorable moments with like-minded people in whatever activity level you choose: leisurely, moderate or challenging. Compare the tours and find the one that matches your interests.

Have a detox of the ordinary and make the most of your singles vacation going to a bucket list trip like Pyramids and Pharaohs in Egypt, Cabernet and Capers in South Africa or Street food and Sunshine in Sicily. 

Rick Steves

Rick Steves is an American expert in European travel and has a best seller guidebook series, a travel column, a TV show and a radio show.

His company offers tours throughout Europe and focuses on fun, affordable and culturally broadening trips. There are tours with a large group size, while others limit to small groups. His travel groups were recommended by members of our Facebook group.  

Some of their top sellers tours are Heart of Italy, Best of Paris and Best of Ireland. 

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations is a tour company that curates premium small group trips. Their mission is to make you travel in style, in trips that are fancier than most tour companies and offer high-end accommodation, fine dining, and unique experiences. 

They offer unusual and fascinating experiences in many of their tours like Twirling on the dance floor in Vienna, savoring Egyptian sun bread in a local village and learning about Oyster farms in Croatia. Groups are usually small but go as high as 40 members.

Their top destinations are Croatia, Switzerland and Italy. Don’t miss their special savings and discounts exclusively for solo travelers.

Wellness retreats for women over 40

Feeling like you need to recharge?

Disconnect to reconnect with yourself in an amazing retreat holiday, an ideal holiday for singles over 40 looking for an enriching experience, balance and relaxation. 

Take a break from the ordinary and embark on a wellness adventure, the destinations to choose from are plenty!

We recommend these companies to book your next retreat holiday.

Tripaneer is a travel booking marketplace and they have their own retreat platform called BookYogaRetreats . 

In this site, you’ll be able to find yoga retreats, holidays and courses in destinations all over the world including The Americas and Caribbean, Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Tripaneer has a wide array of retreat options, the main ones being yoga retreats , detox retreats and meditation retreats . 

If you need a reset and want to enjoy a wellness trip, check out these uniquely crafted retreats like a 6 Day Solo Traveler Package Holiday in Mexico or an 8 Day Deluxe Massage, Surf, Hike and Yoga Holiday in Portugal.

Tripaneer is a well trusted travel company which will connect you with the best of local culture in any destination, so you can have an unforgettable and enriching holiday. 

Fivelements in Bali

Fivelements Retreat Bali is an eco-conscious wellness retreat located on the banks of the Ayung River in Bali.

This is a place where you can encounter authentic Balinese Healing, plant-based cuisine and sacred arts. 

A great holiday destination for singles over 40, Fivelements offers a mix of healing cultures with innovative wellness concepts.

You can choose from different types of experiences like a personalized private wellness retreat, a wellness day, detox programs with plant-based cuisine, culinary experiences, etc. 

The accommodation options are nothing but luxury! Stay in stunning riverfront or hillside suites with pools and gardens. If you want something out of the ordinary, set off for a relaxing holiday in this wellness sanctuary, rooted in the Balinese culture.  

Chiva Som in Thailand

“A beautiful sanctuary where enrichment thrives and lives change”.

Recommended by our group members, Chiva Som is a place with a holistic approach to wellness, with two resorts located in Thailand and Qatar. 

The brand offers carefully curated retreat experiences, which include daily activities and treatments, for every kind of interest and health concerns.

You can search for your ideal retreat experience based on your goals, which can be relaxation, emotional and mental balance, detox, beauty, physical fitness, among others. 

If you’re looking forward to embarking on a journey that benefits your health and life, choose a retreat holiday in Chiva Som. Some of their most popular experiences are Art of Detox, Natural Renewal, Senior Wellness and Cranial Relief.  

BodyHoliday

BodyHoliday is a luxury wellness resort located in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

With a stunning beach, luxurious rooms and delicious cuisine, this spa resort focuses on well being and providing a pleasing holiday to every guest.

A fab thing about them is that a daily spa treatment is included with your room rate, so it’s the perfect holiday to let go, relax and recharge your mind. 

Each of their retreats is fully inclusive of luxury accommodation (with no single supplement), food and beverage, as well as all the activities related to the retreat you’ve chosen.

There’s a wide range of things to experience at the BodyHoliday, so if you wish to do something in your free time, take a yoga class or learn how to do Tai Chi all is possible.

You can choose from many exercise or wellness activities and the good news is the majority are included!

Our group member Lucy shared her review: “I have just had a week at The BodyHoliday St. Lucia. It is my first venture into holidaying alone and they make it very easy. There are activities from 7 am until 5 pm. Treatments included daily and communal tables if you want to make friends or have someone to chat about your day! A fabulous first venture into solo travel in my 40s”.

Escape to Shape

Feel like doing a full-on fitness trip to Lake Como, Italy?

Escape to Shape specializes in curating high-end wellness experiences that include luxury, sustainability, fitness and relaxation. 

Erica and Francesco, the company’s owners, put a lot of effort in planning and hosting each trip, with the ultimate goal of making sure travelers immerse in the local culture, have a positive impact on the local economy and make new friendships. 

All the trips have small groups which enjoy an enriching holiday and return home feeling refreshed and recharged. Additionally, you will travel sustainably and have contact with local guides and stay in environmentally friendly accommodations. 

If you’re feeling like you need a holiday escape, set off on one of their most popular tours like Markets, Magic & Mountains in Morocco, Multi Sport Adventure in Slovenia and A Journey Through Rajasthan in India. 

Retreat in the Pines

Retreat in the Pines has been hosting women retreats since 2004 in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas and the majority of their guests are solo travelers in their 40s and over. 

Their retreats include a variety of activities like yoga, meditation, hiking, wellness workshops, cooking classes, massages and more in small groups of 10-12 women, so the experience is personal and you get to meet like minded women and form connections and friendships. 

What we love about this company is that they are a female owned business and are committed to creating an ethical and environmentally aware retreat center. As they state on their website, “You are accepted as your authentic self – there’s no need for fancy yoga clothes and you don’t need to touch your toes”. 

So, if you’re longing for a solo holiday that involves community, attend one of their retreats, in which you’ll find healing, inspiration and connection. Retreat in the Pines has a very welcoming atmosphere, where every woman is supported and encouraged, without any judgement.

Fit & Fly

Editor’s note : Fit & Fly doesn’t currently offer any trips.

A company founded by attorney and travel writer Rebecca, Fit & Fly  creates fitness, wellness and cultural retreats in fascinating destinations. They empower women to take special care of themselves and make meaningful connections with other women. 

If you want to try an active vacation where you workout and relax at the same time, this is the travel company for you. The retreats include stylish accommodation, fitness classes, delicious eats, wellness activities, spa experiences, cultural excursions and more.

Fit & Fly has a supportive environment and instructors that make workouts challenging but doable depending on the guest’s capabilities.

The company welcomes women from all ages, though the majority of their guests are in their 40s & 50s, this makes it one of the best wellness tours for singles over 40.

Their top retreat destinations are Bali, Ibiza and Maldives, with a few more exotic places to choose from. 

Trips for women over 40 who want to be in the water

If your perfect getaway involves being near the water, go for a sailing adventure or a river cruise holiday. 

These trips are an incredible way to enjoy stunning sunsets and sea views, do snorkeling and excursions, and meet new people on board a catamaran, yacht or cruise (if you go fancy). Unpack once, visit many cities! 

Another World Adventures

Larissa, one of our group members , has a tour company called Another World Adventures that offers many sailing trips around the world.

We hosted an interview with her , in which she shared an experience that changed her life: she sailed a 100 year old tall ship during a transatlantic sailing voyage from Europe to Brazil. 

Larissa had an exciting sailing journey and this inspired her to launch her own company and offer genuine sailing expeditions.

“I organize sailing adventures on all kinds of boats from coastal exploring to ocean voyages. Most of the folk joining are solo and it’s always good times” she shared with us.”

This is a terrific choice if you want to have an out-of-the-box holiday experience. 

Another World Adventures has sailing trips with different activity levels, from sitting back and enjoying the ride, to learning new skills and helping sail tall ships, and of all durations, from a few days adventure to an over a month expedition. 

This trip will take you all over the world, from Scandinavia and the Arctic, to Europe, or Central America & the Caribbean. Sailing can be great for a single holiday, and you can choose from a variety of trip experiences like a digital detox, a wildlife encounter or going big and sailing across the Atlantic.  

AmaWaterways River Cruises

With 19 years of experience, AmaWaterways offers river cruises with fascinating itineraries in many destinations throughout the world, they even have special themed cruises like Safaris and Wildlife in Africa, Wine river cruises and Christmas river cruises in Europe. 

AmaWaterways are a great choice for a solo traveler over 40 thanks to their Solo Travelers Special , which includes ways to save on your solo booking: 25% single supplement on balcony staterooms or 10% single supplement on fixed window staterooms on select Europe and Asia river cruises.

The Solo Travelers Special also includes personalized crew service and assistance with planning excursions. 

If you have a week to take for your single holiday, the 7-nights Melodies of the Danube or the 7-nights Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle are exceptional choices and some of their most popular cruises.

Diving and sailing onboard the Tui Tai

While not necessarily a trip designed for solo travelers who are older than 40, the Tui Tai offers unparalleled beauty in one of the least visited parts of Fiji.

You board their tall ship and embark on 5 or 7 days of daily diving or snorkeling, cultural exploration of the main local tribes, nature and hiking and great onboard food. 

If you are not a qualified diver yet you can get your certification there, our Co-Founder Mar did, and we promise you that you will never dive anywhere as magical.

Swim among mantas, dive the most colorful soft corals, and explore a part of Polynesia that has yet to be flooded with tourists.

If you come on your own, we promise that the crew will take care of you and the family-style meals and excursions means you will always be in good company.

Trips for women over 40 who want to learn

If you are intellectually curious, an educational holiday is perfect for you.

In these group trips, travel is an enriching experience that is made better by the in-depth learning opportunities, plus you are already starting on the right foot since everyone on the trip shares the same interest for the topic or culture and a love of culture.

Road Scholar

A not-for-profit organization, Road Scholar is an innovative company that creates educational traveling experiences. 

As they state on their website, they are “a diverse community of knowledge seekers and explorers, united in the belief that lifelong learning is a vital part of overall wellbeing”. 

Road Scholar specializes in learning trips for people of 40+ years old and Kelsey Knoedler Perri, PR Director at Road Scholar, told us that almost 30% of their travelers in 2021 came solo and 80% of them were women. 

Their portfolio offers thousands of adventures in more than 100 countries. Immerse yourself in the Latin American ambience going on their South American Odyssey (Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru), discover Morocco and their Melting Pot of Cultures, or dive into the Cultural Highlights of Japan. 

They have a massive variety of destinations, travel styles and trip lengths, and they also offer a roommate option to avoid paying a full single supplement.

This is a very unique way to have a single holiday, focused on learning about the destinations, connecting with new people, and making the best of your vacation. 

Trips for women over 40 who want to learn a new skill 

Want to learn how to cook in Italy? Or how to paint in Spain? If you want your next holiday to add value to your life, go on a learning adventure to an exciting destination. 

There are many companies who specialize in learning holidays where you take classes, courses and activities, while immersing yourself in the local culture and meeting new people . It’s a fantastic way to invest in yourself and explore the world at the same time.

Look at these great options for a learning experience holiday. 

Creative Escapes

Since 2007, this award-winning company has offered photography holidays to amazing destinations worldwide. 

Creative Escapes bring together travelers in their 40s and 50s and take them on small group tours, in which they learn something new while meeting travelers with similar interests. Also, 95% of their guests travel solo, so it’s a perfect holiday for singles. 

We love the company’s concept: hand-built luxury photography holidays. 

Creative Escapes itineraries are focused on hidden gems that only locals know, so they tend to stay off the main and touristy landmarks, and instead take you to the best spots, bars and eateries of every destination. 

They have short haul tours of 5 days and long haul tours of 10-11 days long.

Their destination picks are exotic and unique, with trips to Nepal, Cambodia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Japan, Morocco and Bhutan. Along with, they also offer more specific locations and experiences like a tour to the Sahara desert, the Holi Festival in India or Yosemite Park in the United States. 

Barcelona-based Apertour offers professional photography workshops to some of the most exotic and photogenic destinations such as Oman, the Faroe Islands or Japan.

Group are very small and focus on personal attention with often 2 professional photographers for a group of 7 guests, honing in on the photography skills you’ll learn.

If you don’t want to go on a longer trip, they also offer city based photo workshops that are shorter in nature (2 to 6 hours), and will give you a different perspective on the place you are visiting, or live in.

Flavours Holidays

Operating since 1998, Flavours Holidays offers unique learning tours for solo travelers: quality cooking, painting, pilates, language and photography holidays. 

All the trip destinations are picturesque sites in Italy, Spain and the UK, where guests can learn from passionate chefs and experienced tutors. All their tours are custom-made for solo travelers, with over 80% of their guests traveling solo. 

The good news is they don’t charge single supplements, so you can have a comfy room for yourself.

Our top pick is the cooking holiday in Italy, they have options in many Italian sites: Tuscany, Puglia, Amalfi, Venice, Bologna and Sicily. 

Other great options for your singles holiday can be a painting tour in Andalusia, Spain or in the Scottish Highlands. These holidays are perfect for singles over 40 who want to learn something new while discovering places and cultures.  

The Himalayan Writing Retreat

The Himalayan Writing Retreat is a homestay-style accommodation in the Himalayas often frequented by those looking to write a book or pursue other artistic endeavours in peace and quiet that offers writing workshops and retreats with set departures.

Workshops are usually 4 days long and delivered by professionals. You can then choose to stay at the retreat longer. Food is offered on site and the beautiful surroundings are sure to inspire you.

Trips for women over 40 who are digital nomads

One of the best ways to enjoy life and immerse yourself in a new culture is by spending some time there living like a local.

If you are single and have the opportunity to work from anywhere (thanks COVID) you should consider moving somewhere else for a month and having a taste for what local life there is like.

We like the formula that is put together by companies such as Remote Year which allow you to work in a different country every month for 4 to 12 months depending on the program or even for as short as a week for their Unplug version. Or you can book a shorter stint with Unsettled which starts at 1 week only.

While these programs tend to attract younger travelers who are starting their digital nomad life journey and are looking for a community to keep them accountable, they can also be a great way to enjoy a fun-filled break without taking any annual leave.

Best vacation spots for singles over 40

We asked our wonderful community to share recommendations of the best destinations for a single holiday. Here are the top picks to have an epic vacation for travelers over 40, based on their personal experience.

Kilimanjaro climbing adventure in Tanzania

Instead of spending your savings on a mid-life crisis Porsche, do something challenging and potentially more rewarding and prove to yourself that you still have it with a mindset and physical challenge.

Nothing says achievement and self fulfilment like getting to the top of a really high mountain while supporting local women.

Our Kilimanjaro climb takes a maximum of 14 women to the Roof of Africa. Besides the beautiful landscapes with free roaming wildlife, the vistas and the fact that you get up and close with a high altitude glacier, the expedition is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something that is not only physically challenging but which puts your mental strength to the test.

All our guests come to the trip solo and make lifelong connections with the guides, porters and the rest of the female trekkers. There is something very special about bonding over a challenge that seems insurmountable only to conquer your fears and anxieties together.

What is more, our trip donates $200 for each booking to the Tanzania Women Guides Foundation and supports women receiving training to become guides so you will be making a difference in future generations of women in tourism. 

We have so far helped train more than 50 women and are completely changing the tourism landscape in the country with more women joining a 100% male dominated industry.

Challenge yourself and challenge stereotypes while changing lives.

A bucket list country for a solo trip, Thailand is a very popular and affordable destination. Locals are very welcoming, there is a stream of solo travelers of all ages and safety is not generally a concern. No wonder this is one of the top destinations for a first solo trip according to our Solo Female Travelers Survey.

Why is Thailand a great destination for single women over 40?

Thailand truly is a great destination for all ages and stages of life but we find it an especially interesting place to visit as a single woman over 40 because of the many fabulous luxury resorts at affordable prices where you can be spoiled rotten.

Try delicious Thai food, get massages at an affordable price and wander among temples and palaces. Once you have had your fix of the cultural side, take yourself on a beautiful beach holiday, Thailand is home to stunning stretches of white sand and numerous islands. 

If a wellness retreat is what you are after, Thailand has a huge selection, from the luxury retreat at Chiva Som mentioned above to the Thai boxing detox getaways in Phuket. 

Spain is a very tourist-friendly country with lots of beautiful places to visit and Barcelona is a wonderful destination for singles over 40 to indulge in great gastronomy and immerse themselves in beautiful architecture and ancient culture. 

Why is Barcelona a great destination for single women over 40?

In the words of one of our group members, Marta, “I think Barcelona is a great place if you are in your 40s and single; lots of parties all night long, lots of culture, delicious food and good weather all year round”. 

And we agree!

That’s why we take our only-women small group tours to Barcelona & Beyond . If you’re into an awesome nightlife and live atmosphere, set off to Barcelona where you can enjoy the city and the beach in the same place, plus acclaimed architecture and art museums.

Want to learn more and get our insider scoop on Barcelona and Catalonia? 

Our Co-Founder Mar is a local and has shared with us all the insights and hidden gems of the city. Go check out our detailed guide on everything you need to know about Barcelona and Catalonia : the must-visit sites, local spots, day trips, how to get around and much more. 

Join our Solo Female Travelers Tours to Barcelona

Rich in history and culture, Turkey has everything to amaze the traveler and whimsical locations such as Cappadocia that have become the stuff of dreams.

Although we do think Turkey is great at all ages, we do find it a destination that is perfect for those who are single and over the age of 40. 

Why is Turkey a great destination for single women over 40?

We find that the “mid-life crisis” can be fabulous in Turkey. Book a hammam appointment, indulge in fresh Mediterranean cuisine, sleep at a luxury hotel by the Bosphorus and generally enjoy life.

Sheri, a member of our community, suggests a visit to Istanbul: “The city is enchanting, to me. The people, the air, the Bosporus. The food! There is so much history and beauty there. Sitting on the Bosporus was truly magical”. 

And other members agree that hot air ballooning in Cappadocia with jaw dropping sunrise views is a bucket list experience not to miss. 

Italy has some of the best holiday destinations for singles over 40.

With dreamy sites like Tuscany , Amalfi Coast and Venice , ‘La Bella Italia’ offers outstanding art and architecture, delicious food, enchanting cities and beautiful landscapes.

Why is Italy a great destination for single women over 40?

It’s easy to see how Italy is such a great destination for women over 40. So many movies, books and stories feature women finding love, life and their purpose in life in Italy. There must be something in the ancient architecture, the wonderful nature and the food that causes all that!

Beyond the magic, Italy has lots of things to do so it’s a great choice for anyone, younger or older, but women over 40 are particularly well catered for by the culture, the food and the many old-world luxury properties.

Some great options are: wine tasting, winery visits and gastronomic experiences in Tuscany , walking the picturesque pastel-colored city centers of the Amalfi Coast , exploring the narrow alleys of the eternal city of Venice , taking a road trip in Sicily, or visiting renowned art galleries and museums in Rome.

Regarding accommodation, Italy offers a wide variety of places to stay from hostels to stylish villas to excellent hotels. Traveling within Italy is very easy and safe, with high-speed trains that can take you across the country in a few hours.

Renting a car is also a great option, roadtrips in Italy offer breathtaking views and landscapes and can take you from the mountains to the sea.

Have an Italian holiday if you’re looking to enjoy life in a foodie heaven filled with outstanding art, architecture and scenery.

Join our women only tours to Italy

A vast country with many exciting destinations, Mexico is full of charming cities, delicious food and lots of fun.

Why is Mexico a great destination for single women over 40?

While Mexico is a destination for all ages, it is true that it makes for a great trip if you are single and in your 40s or older because of how rich the heritage is.

According to Margunn, member of our Facebook group, “It’s a mix of everything. So much history, good food, nice beaches, handsome men, culture and music, beautiful nature, fun parties, friendly people. I always felt so welcomed in Mexico”. 

Home to 35 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, Mexico has an ideal city for every travel style, with popular destinations being the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico City and the quaint town of San Miguel de Allende or the foodie-central city of Oaxaca.  

If you’re willing to do an all-inclusive vacation on the beach, Mexico has some of the best resorts for singles over 40 such as Grand Velas Los Cabos , Hotel Xcaret Playa del Carmen and UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya will pamper you and give you everything you need for a fabulous vacation.

Safari adventure in Tanzania

A once in a lifetime experience, going on safari in Tanzania is an incredible option for an adventure holiday and a fantastic way to celebrate your 40s!

Why is a safari a great trip for single women over 40?

This is one of our top seller tour for solo female travelers , where we enjoy wildlife through the Ngorongoro Region and Central Serengeti, and also have time to relax on the beach in Zanzibar.

Tanzania has wonderful wildlife and many safari options across the country, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll observe lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, chimpanzees and many more animals in their natural habitat.

Besides exciting safaris, there’s plenty to do in Tanzania like discovering more about their history and culture by chatting with the friendly locals, meet red-cloaked Maasai people or enjoying the stunning beaches in Zanzibar.

Tanzania is also the ideal destination for all single climbers and trekkers out there, with the opportunity to climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro ‘s summit, otherwise known as ‘The top of Africa’.

Join our women-only tours to Tanzania

A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, with stunning beaches and luxury resorts, Maldives is an ideal vacation spot for single women over 40, trust us, you don’t have to wait for that special someone to enjoy it.

Go book that Maldives trip, and have a honeymoon with yourself, you deserve it!

Seneca, our group member, says: “It’s the furthest I’ve ever traveled and it’s a destination people tend to “save” for when they have a husband or boyfriend. I was single, it was my 45th birthday and I took myself on a solo birthday celebration. It was a bucket list trip and it was amazing”.

Why are the Maldives a great destination for single women over 40?

The Maldives is no longer a couple’s destination. Some resorts have started to offer single’s packages and there are lots of friends and families vacationing there and even “party” islands where singles come together.

Check out the solo packages from luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi , which was also one of the first resorts to pioneer the overwater villa concept.

Suggested by many of our members, Ireland is a marvelous country, very safe for solo female travelers and with a rich cultural heritage and amazing landscapes.

All this and the friendliness of the locals make it a fantastic destination for singles over 40, many of whom come all the way from North America in search of their roots.

Megan said: “It is a very lively and beautiful country; shopping, dining, loads of walking, live singing and dancing in the pubs, tours. The people are so incredibly friendly, kind, helpful, unassuming, lighthearted. I travelled solo and felt very safe and even dining alone”. 

Rexanna added: “The people are the best in the world. Mountains, rugged seasides and cliffs, beaches. Seafood! History and culture. Old architecture. Did I say the people are the friendliest! You can drive yourself anywhere you want to go, getting lost in Ireland is THE MOST FUN!”. 

Why is Ireland a great destination for single women over 40?

Besides the beautiful landscapes, Ireland is known for its lively atmosphere. The country has many events and celebrations throughout the year, so this is the place to meet people while dancing the night away.

In January, Dublin hosts the largest festival of traditional music in Ireland, and in March there’s a 5-day St. Patricks celebration.

These are interesting festivities in which you’ll have a good time and learn more about Irish culture during your holiday. 

If you’re into road trips, Ireland is the perfect place to have a scenic drive full of natural beauty and amazing castles. Northern Ireland has attracted many visitors because it was a film location of the popular TV show Game of Thrones. 

Besides Dublin, there are plenty of other lively cities to visit like Galway, Belfast and Cork, in which you will see the rich heritage of the country and try some delicious Irish local food with a modern twist. 

Morocco is a fascinating destination full of color, diversity, and interesting landmarks. We love Morocco, so much that it’s one of the destinations we take our women-only small group tours to.

From ancient medinas to the dunes of the Sahara, Morocco has something for every traveler.

Some of the top sites to visit while in Morocco are: Marrakech medina, the dunes of the Sahara desert, the blue city Chefchaouen, Fez, Ait Ben Haddou (where many Hollywood movies have been filmed), charming Essaouira, Casablanca (don’t miss the impressive Hassan II mosque), and many more.

Why is Morocco a great destination for single women over 40?

While this is a destination for all ages, we consider Morocco a great trip for single women over 40 because of the travel experience you already have.

Street harassment and touting can be overwhelming, especially in Marrakech, so having some experience solo traveling is useful before visiting Morocco.

Besides offering stunning cultural and historical attractions, this is a wonderful place to relax and have a wellness holiday on your own.

Check out Paradis Plage Resort , which is a beautiful complex that offers packages with activities related to spa & wellness, yoga and surf, and the many luxury hotels in Marrakech such as La Maison Arabe , Les Jardins de la Koutoubia , Amanjena or La Sultana .

Join our Solo Female Travelers Tours to Morocco

Right in the coast of the Pacific Ocean in South America, Peru is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and to magical vestiges like Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city located in the Andes mountains. 

Why is Peru a great destination for single women over 40?

Like Kilimanjaro , Peru and its many hiking itineraries and trails, are a personal challenge and a spiritual experience many women over 40 choose to go on solo.

One of our group members says: “The people, the different areas (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Colca Canyon), the food… just my entire experience. Private horse riding tour through the eucalyptus groves and private ruins above the city of Cusco was my favorite part”.

Culturally diverse and naturally gifted, we find that Peru is a good destination for those who like to have a bit of everything. Not to mention the spotlight the country, and particularly its capital, are getting with regards to culinary creativity and expression .

The Kingdom in the Clouds is one of the most spiritual, peaceful and beautiful countries in the world.

The air is cleaner than anywhere else due to the minimal pollution, the high altitude and the country’s negative carbon production record. The people are calm, and life happens without rush and stress.

Why is Bhutan a great destination for single women over 40?

From the moment you land in Paro you will feel like you are somewhere really special. The many Tibetan Bhudist temples, often constructed without nails, the clear alpine rivers, the untouched forests, the crisp cool air, the clean eating and the simple life, makes this a wonderful solo trip.

However, Bhutan is not for everyone. You can’t backpack or have a budget trip here because the country has imposed a daily fee of $200 per person for visitors , which is why this is probably a destination you need to save up for for a few years.

There are many destinations and holiday ideas for solos over 40, you just need to pick the right one for you.

Whether it is an independent solo trip, a group adventure, a retreat or a real challenge will depend on what you are trying to get out of it.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Home » Blog » 33 Best holiday ideas for singles over 40 in 2023

Over30Experiences

Small group travel, international trips & adventures. ages 30's & 40's., visualize the experience.

France + Spain

Connect and travel with people your age.

While we have a slight different style than when we'd travel in our 20s , we're still looking for affordable trips so we can make travel a priority in our lives. Most of our travelers in their 30s and 40s come solo, but others come with friends, as a couple, but always leave the kids at home. Meet like-hearted folks, who want to be active, and know life doesn't end when you turn 30!

In 2008, Co-founders Jared O'Toole & Matt Wilson started the popular media site Under30CEO.com. In 2012, they founded Under30Experiences which was named the Fastest Growing Travel Company by Inc. Magazine. For years, people asked "what happens when we turn 30?" Over30Experiences is the answer.

Want to travel abroad?

Quick Links

© 2022-2024 Shadow Concepts LLC. All rights reserved. "Over30Experiences", “Under30Experiences,” “O30X” & all associated proprietary marks are trademarks of Shadow Concepts LLC & its related entities. Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

• Monday 8.30am - 5.30pm AEST
• Tuesday 8.30am - 5.30pm AEST
• Wednesday 8.30am - 5.30pm AEST
• Thursday 8.30am - 5.30pm AEST
• Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm AEST
• Saturday Closed
• Sunday Closed
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Singles holidays for over 40s

Solo holidays for the over 40s.

Our small group adventure holidays are perfect for single travellers in their 40s, whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or this is your first singles holiday. You’ll be in great company on any of our tours. Our average small group size is just 11 people and usually includes around half solo travellers and the rest couples or friends travelling together. So whether you’re looking for a walking holiday or a wildlife tour , a cycling holiday or a cultural trip , there is an adventure waiting for you. Our trips attract people of all ages who love to explore, discover and share their love for travel. Yet our schedules are flexible enough that you can choose to do your own thing if you’d prefer. Enjoy your singles holiday for over 40s at your own pace. Our trips are graded from relaxed to full-on, so you can choose a trip that’s right for you, whether you like a busy itinerary or plenty of downtime to explore on your own. You’ll have all the excitement of travelling solo but with the safety of travelling in a group. Plus, all the day-to-day planning has been taken care of by our expert local tour leaders who will help you get to the heart of your destination. New to Explore? We’ve answered some of the most-asked questions about joining our tours as a solo traveller.

Adventure holidays for singles over 40

Our Cultural Discovery holidays are our most popular trips of all - from taking a Grand Tour of Morocco  to cruising along lakes and between fishing villages among other must-see  Cambodia Highlights , there's the perfect culture-packed trip for every single traveller over 40. Led by expert guides , every one of our cultural small group trips is designed to offer an authentic experience, beyond the tourist attractions and into the heart of the local culture. On some trips you'll even have the opportunity to stay and eat with locals, and travel on local transport - you'll truly have all the excitement of a solo trip, with a carefully planned itinerary so there's nothing for you to worry about but how to capture the moments! Speaking of the locals, many of our adventure holidays for over 40s offer you the chance to get up close to some of the world's most wonderful wildlife. The trip of a lifetime for nature lovers, our Wildlife trips could show you the  Highlights of Costa Rica , including its lazy sloths, noisy monkeys and vibrantly coloured frogs and birds, or perhaps you'd like to spot toucans, parrots and crocodiles as you  Discover Belize ?

If a  safari  holiday has always been on your Bucket List, our 15-day  Botswana Wildlife Safari  takes you into the carefully protected habitats of Africa's most magnificent wildlife so you can see white rhino, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, and lion in their natural and happy states. Holidays for single travellers don't come more unforgettable than this.

Active holidays for solo travellers in their 40s

Whether you're an avid walker, a keen cyclist or always enjoy trying something new, at Explore we offer action-packed small group activity holidays that make solo travel over 40 even more fun. On our best-selling  Toubkal Climb  Moroccan trekking adventure, you'll be guided through lush forests and remote villages before embarking upon an ascent of Jebel Toubkal - North Africa's highest peak, from where you can take in the panoramic and breathtaking views of the High Atlas. Or if you like to stretch your legs but don't want to tackle a tricky incline, go  On Foot in Northern Cyprus  to follow trails through the Besparmak Mountains, and admire its beautiful flora and fauna, Crusader castles and majestic coastline. Prefer to feel the wind in your hair on a bike? We offer many two wheeled-trips too, where we'll even provide your bike! Whatever level of cycling you feel ready to take on, whether that's a moderately challenging journey along Southeastern European roads as you  Cycle Albania , or a gentle, picturesque cruise alongside the  Canal Du Midi .

Popular tours for 40+ year old solos

Walking in madeira.

Turkey in Depth

Jordan Discovery

Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

Walking Jordan's Spice Trails

Why take a solo travel tour in your 40s with Explore?

Unforgettable experiences

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Other solo holiday ideas

Solo holidays, solo holidays for over 30s, solo holidays for over 50s, solo holidays for over 60s, solo adventure holidays, solo walking holidays, solo cycling holidays, ready for your solo adventure.

Read more about our solo travel adventures

Top 10 trips for solo travellers

10 unusual places to visit as a solo traveller

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

Solo travel guide for women

Where to go? Our recommendations by month

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure holiday

• Philippines
• Browse all trips
• Solo Travel
• Beach Breaks
• Wildlife & Safari
• Trekking & Cycling
• Short Breaks
• Tailor-Made Trip
• safety notes
• Your Privacy
• Terms of Travel

Registration is free and easy!

• Faster checkout
• Save multiple shipping addresses
• View and track orders and more

Group Travel For People In Their 30’s and 40’s

Where will 2024 take you ?

Where will 2023 take you ?

Popular Destinations

TRAVEL WITH ONE WORLD ADVENTURES

From the moment you book our trips, every single member of our team takes ownership of your holidays, endeavouring to create an experience that is personal and stress free.

THE ACTIVITIES

Whether it’s swaying to the beats at an impromptu street carnival or finding that elusive hole-in-the-wall tea vendor that only people in the neighbourhood are privy to, our activities are brushed with our own distinctive style; driven by a desire to veer away from the ordinary and pave a path along untrodden ground.

Given that we deal exclusively with travellers in their 30s to 40s, group travel with us becomes a fun and cohesive experience, fuelled by compatible individuals who are switched onto the same frequency.

Last Minute Offers

Our best last minutes offers. Book now and go!

10 Days Argentina & Brazil Adventure

• Argentina, Brazil

13 Days Turkey Indepth

12 Days Morocco Highlights

9 Days Tanzania Escape

11 Days Borneo adventure

15 Days Everest Base Camp

Popular tours.

14 days Diwali Special India and Nepal

• India, Nepal

13 Days Diwali Special Rajasthan Experience

14 Days Holi Festival Special Departure

• India and Nepal

11 Days Bali Paradise

10 Days Mexico Adventure

10 Days Discover Costa Rica

8 Days Explore Cuba

8 Days Discover Jordan

12 Days Authentic Sri Lanka

9 Days Wonders of Cambodia

• Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand

12 Days Majestic Rajasthan

8 Days India Golden Triangle

Travel tips.

How Helpful the travel tours for over 30s Sri Lanka Is!

Sri Lanka offers a variety of travel tours for adults over 30, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore and experience new cultures. From adventurous hikes through lush forests to serene beach getaways, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.

Boutique Hotels and Intimate Retreats: Ideal Accommodations for Solo Explorers

Boutique hotels and intimate retreats are becoming increasingly popular choices for solo travelers. These accommodations offer a unique and personalized experience that is perfect for those looking to explore the world on their own.

Navigating Friendships on the Road: A Guide to Making Lifelong Connections

Traveling is not just about exploring new places, it's also an opportunity to make meaningful connections with people from all over the world. In this guide, we will share tips and advice on how to build friendships while traveling - whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or joining group activities.

Empowerment Unveiled: Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in Their 30s and 40s

Are you a solo female traveler in your 30s or 40s looking for the perfect destination? We have curated a list of the top 10 destinations that offer an ideal mix of safety, culture, and adventure. Get ready to embark on an empowering journey with our recommendations.

Exploring the World in Your 30s: A Guide to Balancing Career and Wanderlust

Navigating the Decade: A Comprehensive Guide to Balancing Career Advancement and Global Exploration in Your 30s As you enter your 30s, it can be a time of great change and growth.

Embracing Wanderlust and Singlehood in Your 30s: A Journey to Self-Love through Solo Travel

Embark on a liberating journey of solo travel in your 30s, embracing the beauty of self-love and singlehood. Our guide delves into the transformative power of wanderlust, providing insights for personal growth and finding joy in navigating the world independently.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations for Solo Exploration

Discovering Hidden Gems: Unconventional and Exciting Solo Travel Destinations Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people seeking unique and adventurous experiences.

Navigating Romance on the Road: A Guide to Solo Travel Dating

Embark on a journey of love with our guide to solo travel dating. Discover the art of finding romance on the road, navigating relationships, and creating meaningful connections as you embark on your adventures in solo travel.

Solo Travel on a Group Tour with One World Adventures by Alyce: How Exploring Alone in Your 30s and 40s Can Transform Your Life

Solo Travel on a Group Tour with One World Adventures by Alyce: How Exploring Alone in Your 30s and 40s Can Transform Your Life.

Fearless, Fabulous, and Forty: Solo Travel Tips for Women in Their 30s and 40s

Are you a woman in your 30s or 40s looking to embark on an exciting solo adventure? Fear not! Here we'll provide some helpful tips for fearless and fabulous women seeking out the joys of solo travel. From choosing the right destination to staying safe while abroad, we've got all the information you need for a successful journey.

...to get newletter & receive our best offer

This website uses cookies

Our website uses cookies to ensure you have the best possible experience and to deliver epic content specific to you. We also share info about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. By continuing to use our awesome website, you consent to our us of this technology. Have a read of our Cookie Policy to learn more.

• Canary Islands
• UK & Ireland
• All UK & Europe Holidays
• The Caribbean
• All Worldwide Holidays
• Late Breaks
• Sightseeing
• Painting Holidays
• Ski & Snowboarding
• Christmas & New Year
• What’s New
• Solo Holidays
• First Time?
• Your Booking

Singles Holidays for over 40s

Here at Friendship Travel we are committed to providing and designing your perfect over 40s singles holiday. Whether you are looking to take a relaxing week away to a beach resort, or fancy a bit of an adventure with a weekend of walking across the Yorkshire Dales, or even a safari, we guarantee you will enjoy every minute of your holiday with us. Although being an ‘over 40s’ holiday, we believe that mixing with other age groups enhances your travelling experience, with many of our customers telling us that a holiday with mixed age ranges makes their holiday that little bit more interesting.

Our singles holidays not only vary in destinations all over the world, but are also fantastic value for money. Friendship Travel have visited each of the resorts that are on offer, tried and tested for your peace of mind, so all you have to worry about is nothing!

Browse our selection of holidays using the button below.

A solo holiday exactly the way you want

We want you to have the time of your life on your over 40s singles holiday, and that’s why on all of our holidays you have the freedom to do as many or as few of our planned activities as you like. If you find that you would like to unwind and lose yourself in a book then you are more than welcome to do just that. You will get the chance to dine out with your Friendship Travel group in the evenings, share your own stories of the day and discuss what you have planned for the next day.

With you every step of the way

Included in the price is the fantastic service provided by one of our talented Friendship Hosts, who will be right with you to break the ice, introduce you to your fellow single travellers, and offer any advice or answer any questions you may have.

We also believe that communicating with fellow solo travellers is an important part of forming relationships before meeting in person. It can be daunting, so that’s why we have created the Chat Room  for your peace of mind. If you have any concerns or would like to see who will be joining you on your over 40s solo trip, then hop onto the forum and discover new friendships!

If you require any more information or would like to ask any specific questions about our singles holidays for over 40s, then don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help!

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Solo Female Travelers Over 40

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

When I first started blogging in early 2010, solo female travel was a barely trodden topic.  The concept of long-term solo travel hadn’t even crossed my mind until I was 22. Solo female travel was especially unusual in my home country, the United States, and women traveling solo were more likely to be seen as reckless than inspiring.

Today? Google “solo female travel” in its various iterations and you’ll find countless women and resources. In fact, google “list of solo female travelers” and you’ll find plenty of round-ups detailing solo female travel bloggers.

There’s just one thing.

In most of these round-ups, women over 40 are consistently overlooked. In many instances, women over 40 are missing altogether.

Why is that? It’s certainly not for lack of value or experience! Some of my dear friends over 40 have travel experiences that will humble you in an instant, knowing that there’s so much more out there in the world.

It seems like so much of the media focuses on the superficial — “conventional” girls with carefully curated Instagrams and bikini shots. Most of the solo female traveler lists focus on young, white, straight women. And, quite frankly, as a 31-year-old straight white woman, I’ve benefited from this privilege enormously.

It shouldn’t be this way — and that’s why I’m introducing you to 16 fabulous women.

Unlike most of the round-ups out there, the women included here range in age from 40 to 75. They come from several countries and a wide variety of backgrounds. They inspire me on a daily basis with their adventurous spirits, gorgeous photography, and meaningful writing. They make me laugh. They provide me with deeply appreciated advice. They encourage me to see the world differently.

In short, they change my lives in little ways every day, and I hope they can do the same for you.

Barbara Weibel, Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel

Hometown/Current Location: Barbara grew up in Chicago but currently has no home. She just wanders the world full-time with backpack and suitcase in tow, writing about her experiences. The closest thing she has to a home is in Pokhara, Nepal, where she lives with a local family that “adopted” her five years ago this month.

About Hole in the Donut: For 36 years, Barbara worked in corporate jobs that paid the bills but brought no joy. At the age of 54, having suffered and recovered from a serious illness, she decided to walk away from a career to pursue her true passions of travel, writing, and photography. Since then, she’s been traveling the world, delving deeply into cultures and sharing the stories of her adventures on her blog, Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel .

Specialities: Cultural travel and local home stays, independent travel, solo female travel, travel photography

Read: Officially Adopted By My Yoga Guru and His Nepali Family

Carol Cain, Girl Gone Travel

Hometown/Current Location: Carol was born in Brooklyn, where she lived till she was 9, then moved to the Dominican Republic all through high school. She now lives in Maplewood, New Jersey.

About GirlGoneTravel.com: Carol is a former public relations professional who turned to travel writing as a way to share her perspective of the world from as a Latina, a New Yorker, and a lover of cultures, languages, and people. Though culturally she was told women were supposed to be home making babies and cooking for their husband, her world-traveling mother taught her otherwise, inspiring Carol to continue the example that her mom (a solo female traveler long before it was okay to be one), set before her. Her blog is a collection of those stories and more.

Specialities: Photography, culture, food, wine, local perspective

Read: From the People of Fiji, With Love

Lash, LashWorldTour Travel Blog

Hometown/Current Location: Lash grew up in the USA, in small towns in several states, finally ending up in Pennsylvania. Since 1998, she’s been traveling the world nomadically. She doesn’t live anywhere nor has a particular base.

About LashWorldTour Travel Blog: With 13 years of world travel under her belt, Lash created LashWorldTour Travel Blog to help inspire and educate other hopeful travelers about independent global travel. She writes regular travel tips, destination pieces, cultural insights, travel perspectives and personal travel stories as she continues exploring the world. With a growing love of photography, Lash continues improving her skills and producing a steady stream of photo galleries, photo essays and stand-alone images of landscapes, cityscapes and nature.

Specialities: Independent travel, female travel, travel photography, outdoor adventures, budget travel

Read: How I Afford Long-Term Travel

Carol Perehudoff, Wandering Carol

Age: In dog years, not even a teenager.

Hometown/Current Location: Carol Perehudoff grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (can you say that in one breath?) and has lived in the UK, Spain, and South Korea. Her current home is Toronto.

About WanderingCarol.com: The line that describes Carol the best is “she is often gripped with a desire to be elsewhere.” A former travel columnist for a major newspaper, Carol brings this same level of expertise to her travel blog, WanderingCarol.com , a luxury travel blog for those who love to laugh. It’s the unpretentious guide to luxury travel — because everyone needs a splurge or two in their life.

Specialities: Luxury travel, spas, outdoor adventure, history (preferably scandalous), and above all, fun

Read: Losing my cool in the footsteps of Coco Chanel in Paris

Claudia Tavani, My Adventures Across the World

Hometown/Current Location:  Claudia grew up in Cagliari, Sardinia, and is currently based there.

About My Adventures Across the World: A former human rights lawyer and academic, Claudia abandoned her career to follow her true calling, which has taken her on many adventures and misadventures across the world, and has involved rafting down some mighty rivers, hiking to some hidden archeological sites, zip lining across canyons, mountain biking down dangerous roads, camping on desert islands, and trekking to the craters of active volcanoes. Through her blog , Claudia shares her inspiring stories, provides tips for other travelers and occasionally goes on a rant. Her mission? Hiking her way up all volcanoes in the world.

Specialities:  Latin America (including Cuba), Sardinia, adventure travel, responsible tourism, volcanoes

Read: Why did I not meet the lovely, friendly Cubans everyone talks about?

Beth Whitman, Wanderlust and Lipstick

Hometown/Current Location: Born in Atlanta, grew up in New Jersey, but has lived in Seattle for the past 25 years.

About Wanderlust and Lipstick: Beth Whitman has been traveling the globe for more than 25 years as a solo traveler, businesswoman and philanthropist. She’s the editor of Wanderlust and Lipstick , one of the web’s most popular women’s travel sites, she runs tours through her company, WanderTours , and recently launch a non-profit organization, the WanderWorld Foundation .

Specialities: Solo travel, adventure travel, women’s travel, fitness

Read: Why Turning 50 Doesn’t Have to Suck

Heather Cowper, Heather on her Travels

Hometown/Current Location: Heather grew up in London but now lives in Bristol, England.

About Heather on her Travels: Heather’s blog is written for adventurous women aged 40+ who enjoy authentic travel with a little luxury thrown in. She travels widely in Europe and the UK as well as a few worldwide destinations such as India each year. Heatheronhertravels.com covers local cultures, delicious food, hiking and soft adventure and small ship cruising, bringing them to life with travel tales, colorful photography, video, and live social media posts.

Specialities: European travel, culture, food, hiking, cruising

Read: 13 stories from my charity visit to India – going off the tourist trail

Helen Suk, Not Without My Passport

Hometown/Current Location: Toronto, for both.

About Not Without My Passport: At 41, Helen gave up her home and career for a life of travel, freelancing and blogging as everyone around her settled into marriages, families and mortgages. She shares her experiences on her blog, Not Without My Passport , with the goal of inspiring others to seek new experiences and see the world in a different way.

Specialities: Travel photography, meaningful travel, travel inspiration, offbeat destinations, food

Read: Why I Choose a Life of Travel

Jeannie Mark, Nomadic Chic

Hometown/Current Location: Jeannie grew up in Canada and now lives in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

About Nomadic Chic:  Jeannie is a middle-aged woman that hopes to inspire other women to see that age has no boundaries. By sharing her stories through Nomadic Chick , her mission is to show that a life lived passionately exists for all women.

Specialities: Solo travel, women’s issues, writing, managing a creative business

Read: On Aging, Sex and Travel

Leyla Giray Alyanak, Women on the Road

Hometown/Current Location: Leyla was born in Paris, but she grew up in Spain, Italy, and Canada. She now lives in rural eastern France.

About Women on the Road: Leyla Giray Alyanak is an international journalist who uses her travel website to inspire women about lesser-known places, people and ideas. At 43 she bought a one-way ticket to Cape Town and traveled solo for the next three years. She documents it all on her website, a toolkit for solo women travelers.

Specialities: Culture, food, social issues, world affairs, art

Read:  25 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain to Visit in 2023

Mariellen Ward, Breathedreamgo

Hometown/Current Location: Grew up in Toronto, Canada and lives there now, though she spends almost half the year in India and South Asia.

About Breathedreamgo: Mariellen Ward is a professional travel writer who divides her time between Toronto and Delhi. Breathedreamgo.com , her award-winning travel blog about meaningful adventure travel, is inspired by her extensive travels in India. She writes for many print and online sites, co-founded the Toronto Travel Massive, Delhi Travel Massive and founded the WeGoSolo online community for female solo travellers. She has been featured in India Today, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveller India and on many lists of top bloggers, and she writes for online and offline publications including BBC Travel and Vogue India.

Specialities: Solo female travel, India, Canada, meaningful adventure travel, spiritual/wellness travel

Read: How I Quit My Job to Travel

Monique White, Mo Travels

Hometown/Current Location: Monique grew up in Los Angeles, went to undergrad at Notre Dame in Indiana, and law school at Howard University School of Law in Washington DC. She now lives in Holland.

About Mo’s Travels: Monique is a globetrotting mom of two is determined to enjoy every second of the journey, while writing about life as an expat living in Holland, her travels, and her quest to “run the world,” one destination race at a time.

Specialities: Running, family travel, the Netherlands, expat life

Read: Medinas, Minarets, and the Marrakech Half Marathon

Leah Walker, Leah’s Travels

Hometown/Current Location: Grew up in Texas; now living in Paris.

About LeahsTravels.com: Leah Walker is a France-based luxury travel and culinary writer who has contributor and editor roles with The Daily Meal, Bonjour Paris, Luxe Beat Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, Four Seasons Magazine and is also a travel ambassador for Atout France. When she’s not eating her weight in Tex-Mex and BBQ in Texas or traveling around Europe, Leah can be found writing at a cafe in Paris’ 8th arrondissement or wandering the city’s streets with camera in hand .

Specialities: Luxury, Paris, France, Texas, hotels

Read: Life’s a Trip, then you have a Double Mastectomy

Paige Conner Totaro, All Over the Map

Hometown/Current Location: Grew up in Richmond, Virginia; now lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

About All Over the Map: From the time she was teenager, Paige Conner Totaro hasn’t just dreamed of exciting, fulfilling travel, she has made plans and put them into action: in high school, she lived and worked with a family of Italian innkeepers; after college, she earned a graduate degree from a Dutch university; as a young mother, she developed a blog and co-authored an e-book aimed at encouraging families to travel; and when her twin daughters were twelve, she and her husband led them on a year-long sabbatical trip through 28 countries. Since then, she has traveled solo to Thailand, Spain, Mexico and Newfoundland. In her latest venture, Paige applies her talent, curiosity and wealth of experience to help others realize their travel dreams through her custom travel planning service, All Over the Map Travel.

Specialities: Family adventure travel, custom family vacations, family gap year travel, first-time travel tips, Europe

Read: A Walk Above the Water

Sherry Ott, Ott’s World

Hometown/Current Location: Sherry grew up in Peoria, Illinois, but for the last nine years hasn’t had a home base and has been completely nomadic.

About Ottsworld.com: Sherry has been inspiring wanderlust by blogging about her solo travel and adventures since 2006 when she escaped from corporate America. As a childless 40-something, she regularly takes her nieces along on her journeys as part of the Niece Project . She’s set foot on every continent, and even drove across a number of them in search of living a life less ordinary.

Specialities: Adventure travel, niece/nephew travel, location-independent lifestyle, hiking, solo travel

Read: How to Overcome Travel Fears

Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman

Hometown/Current Location: Born in Montreal, presently living in Toronto.

About Journeywoman.com: Journeywoman.com (aka Evelyn Hannon) began blogging from a travelling woman’s point of view back in 1997. Today she is known as “The Grandmother of Women’s Travel.” Her original mandate remains the same: to inspire all women to travel safely and well.

Specialities: Solo travel, travel tips, worldwide tour listings, what to wear, budget travel

Read: How to Cross a Road in Vietnam

Do you know another solo female traveler over 40? Share away!

Mon-Fri: 0900 -1800 Sat : 0900 - 1700 Sun& BH: Closed

ROOM OF YOUR OWN GUARANTEED

RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUSTPILOT

Over 20 Years Expertise

Holiday Search

SINGLES HOLIDAYS FOR OVER 40S

Our solo travel vision extends to adventurers of all ages. Over the years we’ve found that our travellers are all passionate explorers ready to discover the world and the Just You collection is varied enough to accommodate travellers over 40 of every persuasion. Whether you dream of sun-drenched relaxation or a once-in-a-lifetime African Safari or exploring the exotic Far East, you’ll find an array of inspiring singles holidays to choose from.

EXPLORE THE WORLD AS A SOLO TRAVELLER

First and foremost, we want to open up a world of unforgettable experiences to solo travellers over 40s. All our holidays and tours are carefully tailored for single travellers, bringing like-minded adventurers together, united by a shared joy of exploration and discovery. 

Explore our diverse range of solo holiday destinations for over 40s that span the globe, from the captivating landscapes of Europe , including Spain , Italy , and Croatia , to exciting adventures across various continents such as Asia , South America or Africa . Let your imagination wander as you anticipate the extraordinary journeys that await you.

EXPLORE THE UK AS A SOLO TRAVELLER

While our hearts beat for the thrill of globe-trotting journeys, our passion for uncovering local gems burns just as brightly. That's precisely why Just You proudly presents an exciting assortment of singles & solo holidays within the UK , tailored for those aged over 40. 

Whether you're drawn to the untamed beauty of Snowdonia's mountains , the invigorating walks through the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall , or a short break in Edinburgh , our collection offers a delightful array of UK getaways perfect for solo adventurers.

WE CAN TAKE YOU THERE

Experience South Africa

Ascend Table Mountain, search for the 'Big Five' on safari in Kruger National Park and tour the garden route on this unforgettable South African tour.

• Return flights
• 11 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
• 19 included meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 dinners

Chile, Argentina & Brazil

Chile's rippling vines, the cascading Iguaçú Falls spilling into Argentina and Brazil, the imposing statue of Christ in Rio and Buenos Aires' tango beats are just some of the iconic sights and sounds that make a tour of these three countries so desirable.

• 11 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels
• 13 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 dinners including a welcome drink

Spirit of India

Tour Old Delhi, enjoy a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges and visits to the shimmering Taj Mahal, and Amber Fort are among the highlights of this unforgettable holiday, which also includes the chance to search for the elusive tiger.

• 11 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels, 1 night in flight
• 27 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 11 dinners

WHAT HOLIDAY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Explore more on our short breaks.

Like all Just You holidays, our short breaks for singles over 40 are designed to make the most of your time. We’ll do all the heavy lifting and take care of the admin so you don’t have to. Whether you're considering a 3-day break to the vibrant streets of New York City, a breathtaking journey to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland or other equally remarkable destinations. We’ll do all the heavy lifting and take care of the admin so you don’t have to.

See All Short Breaks

GET ACTIVE WITH OUR SINGLES WALKING HOLIDAYS

Do you relish the chance to explore stunning new landscapes and marvel at awe-inspiring vistas? Have you got the stamina to do it on foot? Our extensive collection of walking holidays for singles over 40 offers an amazing choice of guided walking tours, taking in some of Europe’s most picturesque terrain, from the glorious hiking trails of Italy to the iconic pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago .

See All Walking Holidays

RELAX THIS CHRISTMAS WITH OUR SOLO FESTIVE GETAWAYS

Are you ready to infuse your holiday season with a touch of adventure? Our selection of Christmas breaks for singles over 40 invites you to embrace the festive magic while connecting with like-minded travellers. From enchanting European cities to charming Christmas markets, our curated breaks offer a blend of joyful celebrations for this special time of the year.

See All Christmas Breaks

SAIL AWAY ON OUR RIVER CRUISES

Created exclusively for solo travellers, our cruises for singles over 40 combine the excitement of a seafaring voyage with the comfort of a well-appointed, water-bound hotel. Our cruise collection takes in some of the world’s most stunning vistas from iconic European rivers and offers an exciting mix of vibrant city stops and scenic landscapes.

See All Singles River Cruises

EXPLORE OUR FAVOURITE SOLO TOURS

Cruising the Danube

• Just You Holiday Director
• 20 included meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners

Thailand - A Land of Smiles

Discover the many attractions of exciting Bangkok then travel northwards through Thailand to the city of Chiang Mai. Along the way, visit ancient ruins and stunning temples, before your journey comes to an end in the relaxing coastal resort of Cha-Am.

• 23 included meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Real Costa Rica

If you want to discover the real Costa Rica, this is the tour for you. It's packed full of unforgettable experiences and visits the stunning Caribbean coast.

• 10 nights in 4-star hotels & jungle lodges
• 21 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners

Walking the Amalfi Coast

Admire remote picturesque villages and stunning views as you get out and about in the great outdoors and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast on foot.

• 7 nights in a 3-star hotel
• 15 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

Cruising the Douro Valley

Even more ways to explore.

Beyond our walking holidays and Christmas breaks for singles over 40, we offer classic touring for a deeper cultural immersion, relaxing getaways , wildlife encounters for a touch of wonder, and no-fly holidays that align with your values or taste. Whether you're exploring history, unwinding, connecting with nature, or experiencing adventures closer to home, our selection of experiences invites you to find the perfect adventure.

Explore our Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly, the age of 40 can be an ideal time to travel. At this stage, you often have a combination of experience and vitality, allowing you to fully embrace new adventures and experiences.

There are numerous enticing destinations for individuals in their 40s. Consider exploring the captivating cultures of Spain, the historical charm of Italy, or the fascinating landscapes of Japan, all of which offer unique experiences tailored to your age and interests.

Solo travellers in their 40s have an array of travel experiences to choose from. Engage in guided walking tours to connect with nature and culture, embark on cultural adventures to delve into local traditions, or opt for relaxing getaways to unwind and rejuvenate.

Our holiday offerings are designed to bring together solo travellers of all ages. From travellers taking their first solo holiday just like you to those on their 10th holiday, you can be sure you'll fit right in.. You'll have the opportunity to connect and forge friendships with like-minded individuals who are also seeking enriching travel experiences, creating a supportive and enjoyable group dynamic.

Explore more Singles Holidays

• Singles Holidays Over 50s
• Singles Holidays Over 60s

• Active Adventures
• Beach Escapes
• Bucket-List
• Escape The Crowds
• For First-Timers
• Group Bookings
• Short stays
• Winter Getaway
• Safari Adventures
• Ambassador Adventures

Trip Styles

• Bucket List
• Short Stays

Trip duration

Collections

• For First Timers
• Winter Getaways
• Wildlife Trips

New and trending

• Our Newest Adventures
• Bestselling Adventures
• Iconic Flash Pack Experiences
• Adventures Coming Soon
• Meet Your Travel Experts
• Meet your Pack Leaders
• Don't be a tourist. Be a Flashpacker.
• The Flash Pack Foundation

How it works

• How it Works
• Payments, deposits & instalments
• Travel Extras
• About solo travel
• Careers at Flash Pack
• Partner as a Travel Agent
• Trip terms and conditions
• Safety with Flash Pack
• Flash Pack's privacy policy

Latest deals

• Your latest travel offers
• Your last chance to book

Insider trips

Sorry no insider trips are available right now, check back soon.

• Feed your inspiration with all the latest stories from our content hub.
• Relationships
• Career Tips

Top stories

Friendship Tips

Travel Tips

• See all articles

Favourite Trips

Destinations

Arrive Solo, Leave as friends

Boutique group adventures for solo travelers aged 30-49

Find your trip

750+ reviews on Trustpilot

Why Flash Pack?

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Flashpackers have to say.

Likeminded people

We’re only for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s and we obsess over the group dynamic. All to ensure you make fast friends.

Trips you can’t replicate

Our adventures are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences and handpicked hotels.

Hassle-free

We’ll sort the incredible people, the experiences, the hotels and the guides. You just have to turn up.

What to expect

• 98% travel solo
• Everyone aged 30-50
• 80% make friends
• Small groups of 16 max
• Hard to do by yourself experiences
• Hand-picked hotels

Where people like you come to travel

Whether you’re a first-timer or coming back for more – these are the adventures you don’t want to miss.

For First-timers

Bucket List Trips

Classic Trips

Balanced Trips

Adventures to fall in love with....

The trips solos like you can’t get enough of. Need help choosing? Book a call today and we’ll do the rest.

8 Days in Portugal

This is Portugal

8 Days in Greece

Greece: Athens & the Islands

12 Days in Japan

Japan: Another World

9 Days in Asia

Bali immersion: Jungles, waterfalls & untouched isles

8 Days in Croatia

Exclusive Croatia

7 Days in Belize

Belize: Jungles, Mayans & Manatees

7 Days in Italy

Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

8 Days in Morocco

Morocco Highlights: From Coast to Medina

Find more trips

What our customers say

We started the trip off as friendly strangers. But by the time the adventure was over, we felt like a family.

My perception of group travel before wasn't great – you have stereotypes. But Flash Pack changed it. It’s unique.

There was something so special about travelling with a group of people with the same mindset and willingness to adventure.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter.

Hear about our new adventures before anyone else

Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.

Be the first to hear about exclusive Flash Pack offers.

Access exciting competitions.

Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.

You are browsing our US website.

Please choose your current location below:

You are browsing our UK website.

Deals of the Week   Solo is the new black   Up to 50% OFF

USA Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ usa tours for singles / solo travelers with 13,560 reviews.

Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure

Our Chief Experience Officer Brianna Collins made our trip so special, memorable, enjoyable, and easy! She had everything planned out perfectly and was very punctual! She had a great attitude, positive energy, sense of humor, and was very professional and accommodating! If you get a chance to take a tour with Brianna Collins as your Chief Experience Officer, you will be very glad you did!

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

The tour was great and our guide Marie was well organized, informative and fun. It started badly when my friend and I who registered separately but clearly indicated we were travelling together and would be sharing a room were assigned to different buses. I don't know if the problem was with Tourradar or Bindlestiff or just a communication problem between the two companies but this was very upsetting. The two Bindlestiff guides worked it out so we were able to travel together as planned but it was a bad way to start the trip. In the future I would probably register directly with the tour operator to avoid issues like this.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Rachel De Genaro -our guide was excellent. It is unbelievable how well she preformed all the roles of a guide, cook, shopper, driver and care taker to all of us. She was phenomenal! She was calm and organized. She as well as the people in our group made the trip more fun and enjoyable. Thumbs up!!!! G adventures though could have been a better communicator as to what to expect and prepare

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

My wife and I had a wonderful week and experience in Utah! Everything was handled and we had a great trip. Our tour guide, Dave Showalter, was very knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with us throughout the trip. We were able to see and experience the 5 national parks along with some extras thrown in as well. Our small group was comfortable, friendly, and everyone contributed to us having an amazing week!

• In-depth Cultural

Wild West – 5 days

I had a wonderful time. The guided tour was great. The guide Jacob and Brenda were fantastic.

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Wynn is an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable. The food and accommodations were very good. It was an awesome trip!!! Planning on doing another!!

Magnificent West – 8 days

Vielen Dank an Roberto und Lorenzo für die umfangreichen Informationen und schönen Stopps. Leider war die Tour nur auf englisch und französisch. Es war nicht ersichtlich, dass man explizit einen deutschen Tourguide buchen muss. Da wir 2 Zimmer gebucht hatten, gab es leider auch einige Probleme und Missverständnisse. Das Barbecue mit den Navajos fiel wegen Corona leider ersatzlos aus. Das Frühstück in Las Vegas ebenfalls, dafür bekamen wir aber pro Tag und Person 10 Dollar zurückerstattet. Die Hotels entsprachen im Schnitt 2 - 3 Sternen. Trotzdem hatten wir eine schöne Rundreise mit vielen tollen Erlebnissen.

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

Tim was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and always upbeat. Time with the wildlife expert was phenomenal. the tour itself was excellent. The good ranking has to do with communications from Intrepid Travel, which were poor and lead to changed air flights and other headaches.

Vegas to San Fran

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Awesome tour. Our tour guide was excellent. Showed us a plethora of wildlife we never would have found on our own. Nice smooth trip.

• Sightseeing

Grand Canyon and More 3 day tour

This trip was incredible. It run very smoothly and our guide Chase was awesome. I would do it again. Everyone was so helpful and kind. The hotel was great.

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

The trip was a once in a lifetime experience with so much packed into just a few days. There are some things that I thought should have been done differently but overall the trip was amazing.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Journey National Geographic Journeys

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Hawaiian Explorer (8 Days, Intra Tour Air Hilo To Kahului)

• Ice Trekking
• Kayak & Canoe

Alaska: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure - 9 Days

Brushbuck Tour Guides were very knowledgeable, professional, organized, and provided a good time for all the patrons. There were some issues due to Covid but they had a back up plan for every curve ball they were given. Definitely recommend this tour company!

What people love about USA Solo Tours

Everything was great organized, our CEO Megan was so kind and well prepared.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

the best way to explore the vastness and glory of the Utah desert is by camping and hiking in small groups. I enjoyed this trip immensely, it was challenging enough but not too much. Our guide was a brave and resourceful powerful woman. I am planning my next trip with you already!

More Tours in USA for Singles and Solo Travellers

• Western USA tours (450)
• Sun Belt tours (292)
• Southwest USA tours (273)
• Eastern USA tours (144)
• Four Corners tours (131)
• East Coast USA tours (107)
• West Coast USA tours (106)
• Southern USA tours (66)
• Northeast USA tours (64)
• Southeast USA tours (63)
• Pacific Coast USA tours (51)
• Northern California tours (39)
• New England tours (34)
• Mideast USA tours (34)
• Central California tours (20)
• Central USA tours (18)
• Mighty 5 tours (17)
• Death Valley tours (16)
• Canada Alaska tours (13)
• Mid Atlantic tours (12)
• Pacific Northwest tours (12)
• Fall Foliage tours (11)
• Southern Califonia tours (8)
• Big Sur tours (7)
• Gulf Of Mexico tours (6)
• Midwest USA tours (5)
• Rocky Mountains tours (142)
• Appalachian Mountains tours (24)
• Mount Denali National Park tours (18)
• Sierra Nevada Mountains tours (18)
• California tours (86)
• Alaska tours (62)
• Hawaii tours (34)
• Utah tours (22)
• Colorado tours (15)
• New York tours (13)
• Texas tours (8)
• Florida tours (5)
• Grand Canyon tours (56)
• Yosemite National Park tours (44)
• Yellowstone National Park tours (37)
• Grand Teton National Park tours (14)
• Canyonlands tours (10)
• Arches National Park tours (8)
• Acadia National Park tours (5)
• Pacific tours (36)
• Lake Tahoe tours (18)
• Great Lakes tours (12)
• Seniors tours (560)
• Young Adults tours (30)
• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Travel Styles

• Budget (62)
• Luxury (68)
• Singles and Solo (638)
• For Couples (489)
• Young Adults (30)
• Seniors (560)

10 Tips for Traveling Solo After Retirement

Here are my top tips for senior travelers exploring the world on their own.

As a travel journalist, baby boomer, and an enthusiastic fan of seeing as much of the world as I can, I’ve flown, cruised, and driven a few million miles over the past 50 years or so. I’ve traveled with couples, friends, journalist groups, my husband, and most recently, I’ve taken a few trips on my own. 

While at some point in my life, I may have eschewed the idea of solo travel, I now find it a very pleasant way to go. For others like me who still have the energy to schlep through airports, the strength to carry a packed suitcase, the patience to spend 12 hours strapped into an airplane seat, and the curiosity to see new places, solo travel can be an exciting experience. 

I understand that others of my generation, and even younger folks, prefer to satisfy their urge to see the world by signing up with group travel companies that plan their itineraries, book their flights, reserve their hotel rooms, and arrange their meals and sightseeing tours. And I do recognize that certain trips, like adventure travels, are best managed in groups. You can even travel solo and join a group for a taste of both.

But I suggest taking a truly solo trip for the exhilarating experience of feeling independent, free to wander, and open to seeing for yourself what’s around the next corner. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your solo trips after retirement.

Do your research.

After deciding on my destination, I make the basic arrangements for flights and hotels. Some solo travelers like to play it by ear without making room reservations in advance — part of the adventure for them — but I suggest at least booking a room for the first night. We all arrive a bit tired, and it’s pleasant and safe to have a destination to start with. As far as flights, airfares vary by day of the week, airline, and connections, so it’s worth spending some time researching to save a few dollars on the flights. The same goes for hotels. Check booking sites and compare their deals by contacting the hotel directly.

Choose the right tour for you.

Picking the right tour for your needs can make seeing the top sights easy and stress-free. On a trip to Rome, I naturally wanted to see the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. So do thousands of others every day, especially during the peak travel months. I signed up with City Wonders for their morning tour when I learned that the company’s official Vatican Museums partnership enables their groups to use a special no-wait entrance. (Even skip-the-line groups often wait up to an hour.)

I recently spent a week in London on my own, and I booked a walking tour of London’s West End with Lookup London . A private tour fit my schedule, and we visited the theater district, Oxford Street, and St. James’s Church (a Bridgerton filming location) where an afternoon piano recital was taking place. I loved having my own tour guide, but I also enjoy small groups where there’s interaction among the guests and a chance to meet other travelers. 

Related: 14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

Seek out new experiences.

By new experiences, I’m not suggesting bungee jumping or ziplining across a rainforest canopy, although I know many senior travelers who would strap in without hesitation. And while I admire them for it, I’m thinking along the lines of a cooking class that includes visiting a market, shopping for ingredients, and then cooking with an entertaining chef, as I once did in Florence.

In London, I visited the posh Burlington Arcade, one of London’s most historic shopping destinations. A Beadle in a delightfully British uniform greeted me with a bit of information about the arcade. From there, I went to cosmetics boutique Code 8 , where a personalized lipstick shade was designed and created for me. Then, my next new experience was having my boots polished by a charming gentleman as I sat on a vintage shoeshine stand and watched shoppers walk by. I know — it’s not exactly skydiving, but they were a few of my novel experiences. You can choose your own.

Make a to-do list.

In wonderful destinations like Rome, Paris, or London, it’s easy to make a long list of places you want to see. Sometimes, it’s just not possible to do everything, so you may need to prioritize to be practical. “Save something for the next time,” is what I always say. 

If you’re a foodie whose “to-do” list involves restaurants, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially if you’re after Michelin-starred dining spots or those receiving lots of attention. Your list will also help you decide where and when to go based on location. In London, I combined a matinee at a West End theater with dinner at Sketch , a unique restaurant I wanted to experience.  

Keep an eye on your cell phone’s battery.

I relied on GPS to guide me around London on my recent trip, and I strolled around with the confidence of a local — until that low battery warning appeared. After a day of taking photos, texting, and using Google Maps, I had just about drained my phone. Fortunately, it was time to hop into one of those adorable black cabs, have a chat with the driver, and return to my hotel.

Now, I charge up and carry a battery, knowing that a day of sightseeing is about all my phone can handle. When you want to call an Uber or find directions back to your hotel, you don’t want to be stuck with no phone service.

Let someone at home know your travel plans.

For your security and for peace of mind for the folks at home, let someone know your itinerary. You don’t have to compromise your independence, but it’s advisable to let a friend or relative know what you’re up to. I leave my husband with a printed copy of my itinerary for my trips, whether I’m on a group trip with other travel writers or traveling on my own. And, of course, I text or call every day, although I admit once in a while I’m having such a good time that I forget. 

If your home will be empty while you’re traveling, hold off on posting Instagram photos that let the world know you’re out of town. Better to be safe and share your experiences when you get home.

Related: 15 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire

Be polite, but don’t be a pushover.

For your safety, always be aware of your surroundings and alert to what’s happening around you. If you’re uncomfortable in a place or with someone who approaches you, go with your instinct and get away. Sometimes travelers feel pressured to take a tour, go to a club, or accept a handout from someone on the street who then strikes up a conversation. If it doesn’t feel right, just move on. I know we don’t want to be rude or offend someone, but your personal safety is foremost, and you’ve had enough experience by this time to trust your gut.

And beware of pickpockets and scams.

AARP warns of the creative ways criminals take advantage of travelers. We’re distracted or perhaps overly trusting of strangers, so being prepared will help you avoid becoming a victim of theft.

On my first small group trip as a journalist, my wallet was stolen from my purse at a major tourist site in a European city. I won’t say exactly where because this can happen anywhere, even at your local shopping mall. I was unwise to carry my cash, credit cards, and wallet in a purse on my arm, but at least my passport was in the hotel safe at the time. Now I carry only what I need for the day in a secure crossbody bag or a hidden wallet which I use occasionally. Others prefer to use money belts for cash.

Be prepared.

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s good advice. Before you travel overseas, obtain some of the local currency, including small denominations. You might encounter places that only accept cash, like a small shop or place where you just want coffee and a snack. Also, you’ll want to tip hotel staff who help with your bags or provide other services. 

While you’re traveling to experience new places, it helps to know a bit about them before you go. I recently went to a small town in Italy — so small, in fact, that there were no taxis, no Uber, and no way to get to the nearby beach. Fortunately, the hotel found a driver to take us (and also fortunately, he came back to pick us up later). Naturally, that was a cash transaction, and I was glad to be prepared.

Consider buying travel insurance . Flight cancellations, baggage losses, accidents, and illnesses happen, and you’ll appreciate the comfort of knowing you’re covered. 

Travel light.

As a confirmed carry-on traveler, I consider myself a pretty good packer, but sometimes that 22” suitcase can get very heavy. That’s my sign to edit — do I really need those dress shoes? Or all those cosmetics? Probably not. Boarding a train, bus, or plane at a small airport without jet bridges requires carrying our own bags, so I make sure they’re manageable. While I appreciate it when another passenger helps me heave my bag into the overhead bin, I don’t count on that happening. (And it’s not the flight attendant’s job.)

Also, I always limit myself to two items. Then there’s no problem boarding a crowded flight where they check how much you’re carrying. Just as important, it’s easier to keep track of two things so nothing gets left behind. I do often start out with a purse, but I make sure there’s enough space to cram it into my personal item.

With these preparations, suggestions, and warnings, you can now proceed to plan your solo trip — hopefully, the first of many. 

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

Money latest: Chocolate can be a superfood - here are the healthier choices

Our cost of living specialist is back with a money-saving tip for using the internet abroad. Read all today's personal finance and consumer news - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast below.

Friday 10 May 2024 08:57, UK

• Interest Rates
• UK exits recession, official figures show
• Interest rate held at 5.25% | Bank of England: June rate cut 'not ruled out but not fait accompli'
• Gordon Ramsay to open new restaurants on London skyscraper

Essential reads

• Ed Conway on economy:  Britain out of recession with a bang
• How to avoid a holiday data roaming charge (while still using the internet)
• Mortgage rates up again this week - here are the best deals on the market
• How you can turn nightly chocolate into a superfood
• Cheapest 10 European cities for a holiday - and how costs compare
• Listen to the Daily above and  tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Britain is not just out of recession. 

It is out of recession with a bang.

The economic growth reported this morning by the Office for National Statistics is not just faster than most economists expected, it's also the fastest growth we've seen since the tailend of the pandemic, when the UK was bouncing back from lockdown.

But, more than that, there are three other facts that the prime minister and chancellor will be gleeful about (and you can expect them to be talking about this number for a long time).

First, it's not just that the economy is now growing again after two quarters of contraction - that was the recession. 

An economic growth rate of 0.6% is near enough to what economists used to call "trend growth", back before the crisis - in other words, it's the kind of number that signifies the economy growing at more or less "normal" rates. 

And normality is precisely the thing the government wants us to believe we've returned to.

Second, that 0.6% means the UK is, alongside Canada, the fastest-growing economy in the G7 (we've yet to hear from Japan, but economists expect its economy to contract in the first quarter).

Third, it's not just gross domestic product that's up. So too is gross domestic product per head - the number you get when you divide our national income by every person in the country. After seven years without any growth, GDP per head rose by 0.4% in the first quarter. 

And since GDP per head is a better yardstick for the "feelgood factor", perhaps this means people will finally start to feel better off.

But this is where the problems come in. 

Because while this latest set of GDP figures is undoubtedly positive, the numbers that came before are undoubtedly grim.

GDP per head is still considerably lower, in real terms, than it was in 2022, before Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget, or for that matter lower than in early 2019.

Raising another question: when people think about the state of the economy ahead of the election (and obviously these new figures are likely to increase the speculation about the date of the election), do they put more weight on the years of economic disappointment or the bounce back after them?

Do they focus on the fact that we're now growing at decent whack or on the fact that their income per head is, in real terms, no higher today than it was five years ago?

These are the questions we will all be mulling in the coming months - as the next election approaches. One thing is for sure: this won't be the last time you hear about these GDP numbers.

The chancellor is speaking to Sky News after the welcome news that the UK has exited a recession. 

"It's encouraging that the UK economy is growing faster over the last quarter, not just than France, Germany or Italy, but actually faster than the United States," Jeremy Hunt says.

"But I think what's more encouraging is the longer-term data that we are now seeing about the economy."

He praises the government's handling of the economy. 

"I think that for families who've been having a really tough time, this is an indication that difficult decisions that we've taken over recent years are beginning to pay off and we need to stick with them."

He nods to the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey's comments yesterday that inflation is expected to fall to 2% in the coming months: "So we're seeing that inflation is falling faster and I think people recognise it's been a very, very challenging period."

He's then asked whether the UK can compete with the US's economy in the coming years. 

Mr Hunt says he wants the UK to become "the new Silicon Valley" as a route into the tech sector. 

"Tech is the sector that is growing the fastest and will continue to grow the fastest," he says. 

Finally, he's asked when national insurance will be abolished - a recent Tory pledge. 

"We haven't set a date... we'll only do it when it's affordable and when we can do so without impacting on public services."

Our economics editor Ed Conway   is giving his first reaction to the ONS statistics that show the UK is no longer in recession. 

"These are great numbers," he says. 

"Certainly in the context of things, they are close to what we would normally historically call trend growth - a good rate of growth - and that's going back a long time. 

"They're better than expected... this is definitely some good news."

The UK economy is no longer in recession, according to official figures.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics said.

A recession, which is defined as two consecutive three-month periods where the economy contracts, was declared in February.

The previous set of figures showed that GDP, a major measure of economic growth, shrank 0.3% between October and December. It followed a contraction of 0.1% in the three months from July to September.

The slump was blamed on reduced consumer spending power as inflation and energy bills stayed high. Months of wet weather also contributed to keeping shoppers at home, commentators said.

Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, was buoyant about the figures: "It has been a difficult few years, but today's growth figures are proof that the economy is returning to full health for the first time since the pandemic." 

By Megan Harwood-Baynes , cost of living specialist

When my plane touched down on the runway of Manila airport, I was welcomed to the country with a text. Coming from Sky Mobile, the message informed me that using my phone abroad would incur hefty charges - including £2.16 for every megabyte (MB) of data I used.

One MB is equivalent to a short WhatsApp voice note message, and given my average monthly data allowance is 20GB (20,000MB), I would be quickly bankrupted if I continued to use my phone as normal. And while I love switching off from work while I am away, for me, the internet is as much a holiday essential as toothpaste and a hairbrush. 

From the ability to check Google Maps when out and about, or do a quick search to check I am not being scammed, it is now something I always factor into my holiday budget.

Welcome to the world of eSims

An eSim is an industry-standard digital SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile plan on your phone without the need to install a physical SIM into your phone.

TLDR - it means you can activate a short, temporary internet plan while on holiday for a fraction of the price it would cost you through your network provider.

I used an app called Global Yo (other providers are available, but this is the one I used), which has 24-hour plans from as little as 99c (71p) for 1GB. 

Once downloaded from the App Store, you can scroll through the list of countries to select your destination. Select the plan you want - while in the Philippines, I paid around £7 for a weekly plan that would give me 5GB of data. It is cheaper to do it day by day, but that also means you have to remember to top up each morning.

Once purchased, you are sent a QR code to scan - this will help you install the eSIM. The process varies by phone, but once installed, you go into the SIM manager settings on your phone. You can then toggle the settings so your calls and texts come via SIM 1 (your primary phone number), but mobile data uses the eSIM. This means you won't miss any vital text messages that come through to your phone number while on holiday.

The downsides

Not every network, or mobile phone, supports eSIMS, so check with your network provider before you shell out, and make sure your phone is unlocked. My sister, who lives in Hong Kong, wasn't able to install the eSIM on her phone but only realised this after paying £7.99 for a week's worth of data. 

We also had some difficulty installing it on my mum's iPhone, but that could be because we are all Android users.

You also have to be connected to WiFi /the internet to install the eSIM in the first place, so make sure you do it while at your hotel in the morning. A few times while I was paying each day I would forget this, head out and be without internet for the day. 

This wasn't exactly a hardship, but did mean I couldn't share with my Instagram followers what a great time I was having.

It can be hard to balance eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at chocolate - and why, before sugar and dairy is added, it's a superfood, in Sunna's view. 

A superfood is anything with a very high "nutritional density" - or lots of nutrients for few calories. 

Superfoods need a high concentration of antioxidants - molecules which neutralise unstable molecules that can harm your cells.

You can get antioxidants by purchasing expensive "greens" powders, but Sunna says plenty of supermarket options can be classified as "superfood".

"Chocolate is not unhealthy, it is actually a superfood - it's the sugar we added to it that is the problem," he says.

"Chocolate in the supermarkets tends to come in at only £27.50/kg, which is almost half the price of your cheapest greens powder." 

Sunna points out that cacao, from which chocolate is made, is in its own right a superfood and has more antioxidants than blueberries, acai berries and cranberries - well-known superfoods. 

"Cacao actually has more than 40x the antioxidants of blueberries in its raw form," he says. 

But, as he says, the added sugar is where the problems come in. 

Sunna's guide to buying chocolate

Sunna recommends picking chocolate that contains a high proportion of cocoa solids - which brings down the sugar content. 

Here's how the different kinds of chocolate stack up:

• Milk – 25% cocoa solids, 54g of sugar per 100g.
• Dark – 47% cocoa solids, 49g of sugar per 100g.
• 70% dark - 70% cocoa solids, 29g of sugar per 100g
• 85% dark - 85% cocoa solids, 15g of sugar per 100g
• 90% dark - 90% cocoa solids, 7g of sugar per 100g

"A typical milk chocolate only contains 25% cacao solids, and the first two ingredients are actually milk and sugar," Sunna says. 

"For chocolate to be a superfood, it has to be dark chocolate - at a minimum of 70% dark ideally."

A couple of pieces after dinner each night means you'll be consuming 200g of superfood chocolate a week for £5.50.

"If you're a milk chocolate fan, don't fret," Sunna says. "It is possible to retrain your taste buds in just 10 days to get the superfood benefits of 70% and above."

That might sound easier said than done, but Sunna says the trick is to start with the lower percentages and work your way up to the higher ones. 

"Get to a level you are comfortable with and then make sure you have a piece of chocolate every night for 10 days straight," he says. 

"The more you train the taste buds, the less sugar you consume."

The switch from milk chocolate to 70% dark will save you 2.6kg of sugar a year, while working your way up to 90% will save you more than 4.8kg of sugar a year (assuming 200g consumption per week). 

"Small chocolate changes - and a bit of work to train your tastebuds - can lead to huge sugar savings that are worth it not just for the reduction in sugar, but also the increase in antioxidants," Sunna concludes. 

Read more from this series... 

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with independent experts from  Moneyfactscompare.co.uk .  Today, finance expert Rachel Springall outlines what's been happening with mortgages this week, before honing in on the best rates for remortgaging…

Fixed-rate mortgage repricing has quietened down this week, but a couple of prominent lenders have made tweaks, such as Virgin Money increasing selected fixed by up to 0.2% and Barclays reducing by up to 0.39%. 

This comes off the back of a busy week for repricing, as lenders reacted to rising swap rates. 

The Bank of England's next rate decision will be in June, but it's uncertain whether a rate cut will happen, with some economists predicting no change until the last three months of the year.

Week on week, the overall average two and five-year fixed rates rose to 5.93% and 5.51%.

Looking at remortgaging, this week the lowest two-year fix for customers with 40% equity comes from The Co-operative Bank, priced at 4.76%, which comes with a £1,999 fee and offers borrowers £250 in cashback and provides a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package. This is available to those who borrow a minimum of £750,000.

Those looking to fix for longer will find the lowest five-year fixed remortgage deal comes from NatWest this week, available to those with 40% equity. Priced at 4.32%, this deal carries a £1,495 fee and offers a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package.

Best buy alternatives

As a remortgage customer, it's possible you are looking to save on the upfront cost of any deal. You might also want a deal to cover a valuation or legal fees. A best buy mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice in this instance.

This week the top packages on a two-year fixed remortgage deal at 60% or 75% loan-to-value come from First Direct, priced at 4.83% and 4.98% respectively, both of which come with a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package and charge a £490 product fee. 

If you want to borrow more, then there is a best buy deal priced at 5.19% from Suffolk Building Society at 80% loan-to-value, which carries a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package and charges a £1,198 product fee.

A five-year fixed mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer.

Vernon Building Society has a deal priced at 4.49%, and charges a product fee of £999 but does not carry any incentives. If you are borrowing at 75% loan-to-value, then Cumberland Building Society has a best buy package priced at 4.58% for five years, which includes a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package and charges a £999 product fee.

Looking for some longer Money reads for your evening/commute/lunch break?

Here's four from the last few months you might like...

Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? The psychologist's view

As exam season gets under way, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children if they achieve certain grades. 

While some parents lambasted the idea as "absolute potatoes", others told Sky News they saw their children's focus increase after offering up to £250 for the top results.

We also spoke to teachers and a psychologist...

What can I do if flexible working request declined?

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. A few weeks ago Sky News reader AJ2024 asked...

"While on maternity leave my employer rejected my flexible work request and told me to pick from four new shift patterns or take redundancy if they didn't suit me. All new shifts were full working hours. No support as a new mother and ruined my last few precious weeks. What are my rights?"

We got an employment lawyer to answer...

'£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Money blogger Jess Sharp spoke to people who swear they've made money from manifestation - before finding herself meditating under a tree to see if she could get in on the action...

The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we spoke with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website ...

Fraud is "rife" on second hand marketplaces including Depop, Shpock and Preloved, according to a new survey by Which?.

The consumer magazine/website found that, of 1,300 buyers, 32% had been scammed on a second hand marketplace in the two years to January.

The most common ruse involved consumers receiving incorrect goods or nothing at all, while others were delivered an empty package or fake goods.

57% of those surveyed said they had experienced a scam on Depop.

This compares with 53% for Shpock and 51% for Preloved and Nextdoor. 

Amazon Marketplace came in at 35%, while for Gumtree and eBay the figures were both 29%. 

The number for Facebook and Vinted was 24% and 22%, respectively.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said the survey’s findings were "worrying". 

"It's important that people properly check the seller's reviews and profile," she said, adding that marketplaces need to have proper checks in place and ensure that scam profiles are removed quickly.

Depop told the Guardian it offered protection for buyers and sellers and was investing in new technology. 

"We strongly encourage consumers who are buying and selling anywhere online never to share personal information with other users, to be very wary about following links to other sites, and to report any suspicious behaviour via in-app reporting systems."

Sky News has reached out to the other companies mentioned.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

• Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

A Plan to Remake the Middle East

While talks for a cease-fire between israel and hamas continue, another set of negotiations is happening behind the scenes..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From New York Times, I’m Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily.

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Today, if and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a ceasefire fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East. My colleague Michael Crowley has been reporting on that plan and explains why those involved in it believe they have so little time left to get it done.

It’s Wednesday, May 8.

Michael, I want to start with what feels like a pretty dizzying set of developments in this conflict over the past few days. Just walk us through them?

Well, over the weekend, there was an intense round of negotiations in an effort, backed by the United States, to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

The latest ceasefire proposal would reportedly see as many as 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

US officials were very eager to get this deal.

Pressure for a ceasefire has been building ahead of a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah.

Because Israel has been threatening a military offensive in the Southern Palestinian city of Rafah, where a huge number of people are crowded.

Fleeing the violence to the North. And now they’re packed into Rafah. Exposed and vulnerable, they need to be protected.

And the US says it would be a humanitarian catastrophe on top of the emergency that’s already underway.

Breaking news this hour — very important breaking news. An official Hamas source has told The BBC that it does accept a proposal for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

And for a few hours on Monday, it looked like there might have been a major breakthrough when Hamas put out a statement saying that it had accepted a negotiating proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire proposal does not meet his country’s requirements. But Netanyahu says he will send a delegation of mediators to continue those talks. Now, the terms —

But those hopes were dashed pretty quickly when the Israelis took a look at what Hamas was saying and said that it was not a proposal that they had agreed to. It had been modified.

And overnight —

Israeli troops stormed into Rafah. Video showing tanks crashing over a sign at the entrance of the city.

— the Israelis launched a partial invasion of Rafah.

It says Hamas used the area to launch a deadly attack on Israeli troops over the weekend.

And they have now secured a border crossing at the Southern end of Gaza and are conducting targeted strikes. This is not yet the full scale invasion that President Biden has adamantly warned Israel against undertaking, but it is an escalation by Israel.

So while all that drama might suggest that these talks are in big trouble, these talks are very much still alive and ongoing and there is still a possibility of a ceasefire deal.

And the reason that’s so important is not just to stop the fighting in Gaza and relieve the suffering there, but a ceasefire also opens the door to a grand diplomatic bargain, one that involves Israel and its Arab neighbors and the Palestinians, and would have very far-reaching implications.

And what is that grand bargain. Describe what you’re talking about?

Well, it’s incredibly ambitious. It would reshape Israel’s relationship with its Arab neighbors, principally Saudi Arabia. But it’s important to understand that this is a vision that has actually been around since well before October 7. This was a diplomatic project that President Biden had been investing in and negotiating actually in a very real and tangible way long before the Hamas attacks and the Gaza war.

And President Biden was looking to build on something that President Trump had done, which was a series of agreements that the Trump administration struck in which Israel and some of its Arab neighbors agreed to have normal diplomatic relations for the first time.

Right, they’re called the Abraham Accords.

That’s right. And, you know, Biden doesn’t like a lot of things, most things that Trump did. But he actually likes this, because the idea is that they contribute to stability and economic integration in the Middle East, the US likes Israel having friends and likes having a tight-knit alliance against Iran.

President Biden agrees with the Saudis and with the Israelis, that Iran is really the top threat to everybody here. So, how can you build on this? How can you expand it? Well, the next and biggest step would be normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

And the Saudis have made clear that they want to do this and that they’re ready to do this. They weren’t ready to do it in the Trump years. But Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has made clear he wants to do it now.

So this kind of triangular deal began to take shape before October 7, in which the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia would enter this three way agreement in which everyone would get something that they wanted.

And just walk through what each side gets in this pre-October 7th version of these negotiations?

So for Israel, you get normalized ties with its most important Arab neighbor and really the country that sets the tone for the whole Muslim world, which is Saudi Arabia of course. It makes Israel feel safer and more secure. Again, it helps to build this alliance against Iran, which Israel considers its greatest threat, and it comes with benefits like economic ties and travel and tourism. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been very open, at least before October 7th, that this was his highest diplomatic and foreign policy priority.

For the Saudis, the rationale is similar when it comes to Israel. They think that it will bring stability. They like having a more explicitly close ally against Iran. There are economic and cultural benefits. Saudi Arabia is opening itself up in general, encouraging more tourism.

But I think that what’s most important to the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is what he can get from the United States. And what he has been asking for are a couple of essential things. One is a security agreement whose details have always been a little bit vague, but I think essentially come down to reliable arms supplies from the United States that are not going to be cut off or paused on a whim, as he felt happened when President Biden stopped arms deliveries in 2021 because of how Saudi was conducting its war in Yemen. The Saudis were furious about that.

Saudi Arabia also wants to start a domestic nuclear power program. They are planning for a very long-term future, possibly a post-oil future. And they need help getting a nuclear program off the ground.

And they want that from the US?

And they want that from the US.

Now, those are big asks from the us. But from the perspective of President Biden, there are some really enticing things about this possible agreement. One is that it will hopefully produce more stability in the region. Again, the US likes having a tight-knit alliance against Iran.

The US also wants to have a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia. You know, despite the anger at Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of the Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, the Biden administration recognizes that given the Saudis control over global oil production and their strategic importance in the Middle East, they need to have a good relationship with them. And the administration has been worried about the influence of China in the region and with the Saudis in particular.

So this is an opportunity for the US to draw the Saudis closer. Whatever our moral qualms might be about bin Salman and the Saudi government, this is an opportunity to bring the Saudis closer, which is something the Biden administration sees as a strategic benefit.

All three of these countries — big, disparate countries that normally don’t see eye-to-eye, this was a win-win-win on a military, economic, and strategic front.

That’s right. But there was one important actor in the region that did not see itself as winning, and that was the Palestinians.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

First, it’s important to understand that the Palestinians have always expected that the Arab countries in the Middle East would insist that Israel recognize a Palestinian state before those countries were willing to essentially make total peace and have normal relations with Israel.

So when the Abraham Accords happened in the Trump administration, the Palestinians felt like they’d been thrown under the bus because the Abraham Accords gave them virtually nothing. But the Palestinians did still hold out hope that Saudi Arabia would be their savior. And for years, Saudi Arabia has said that Israel must give the Palestinians a state if there’s going to be a normal relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Now the Palestinians see the Saudis in discussions with the US and Israel about a normalization agreement, and there appears to be very little on offer for the Palestinians. And they are feeling like they’re going to be left out in the cold here.

Right. And in the minds of the Palestinians, having already been essentially sold out by all their other Arab neighbors, the prospect that Saudi Arabia, of all countries, the most important Muslim Arab country in the region, would sell them out, had to be extremely painful.

It was a nightmare scenario for them. And in the minds of many analysts and US officials, this was a factor, one of many, in Hamas’s decision to stage the October 7th attacks.

Hamas, like other Palestinian leaders, was seeing the prospect that the Middle East was moving on and essentially, in their view, giving up on the Palestinian cause, and that Israel would be able to have friendly, normal relations with Arab countries around the region, and that it could continue with hardline policies toward the Palestinians and a refusal, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said publicly, to accept a Palestinian state.

Right. So Michael, once Hamas carries out the October 7th attacks in an effort to destroy a status quo that it thinks is leaving them less and less relevant, more and more hopeless, including potentially this prospect that Saudi Arabia is going to normalize relations with Israel, what happens to these pre-October 7th negotiations between the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel?

Well, I think there was a snap assumption that these talks were dead and buried. That they couldn’t possibly survive a cataclysm like this.

But then something surprising happened. It became clear that all the parties were still determined to pull-off the normalization.

And most surprisingly of all, perhaps, was the continued eagerness of Saudi Arabia, which publicly was professing outrage over the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks, but privately was still very much engaged in these conversations and trying to move them forward.

And in fact, what has happened is that the scope of this effort has grown substantially. October 7th didn’t kill these talks. It actually made them bigger, more complicated, and some people would argue, more important than ever.

We’ll be right back.

Michael, walk us through what exactly happens to these three-way negotiations after October 7th that ends up making them, as you just said, more complicated and more important than ever?

Well, it’s more important than ever because of the incredible need in Gaza. And it’s going to take a deal like this and the approval of Saudi Arabia to unlock the kind of massive reconstruction project required to essentially rebuild Gaza from the rubble. Saudi Arabia and its Arab friends are also going to be instrumental in figuring out how Gaza is governed, and they might even provide troops to help secure it. None of those things are going to happen without a deal like this.

Fascinating.

But this is all much more complicated now because the price for a deal like this has gone up.

And by price, you mean?

What Israel would have to give up. [MUSIC PLAYING]

From Saudi Arabia’s perspective, you have an Arab population that is furious at Israel. It now feels like a really hard time to do a normalization deal with the Israelis. It was never going to be easy, but this is about as bad a time to do it as there has been in a generation at least. And I think that President Biden and the people around him understand that the status quo between Israel and the Palestinians is intolerable and it is going to lead to chaos and violence indefinitely.

So now you have two of the three parties to this agreement, the Saudis and the Americans, basically asking a new price after October 7th, and saying to the Israelis, if we’re going to do this deal, it has to not only do something for the Palestinians, it has to do something really big. You have to commit to the creation of a Palestinian state. Now, I’ll be specific and say that what you hear the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, say is that the agreement has to include an irreversible time-bound path to a Palestinian state.

We don’t know exactly what that looks like, but it’s some kind of a firm commitment, the likes of which the world and certainly the Israelis have not made before.

Something that was very much not present in the pre-October 7th vision of this negotiation. So much so that, as we just talked about, the Palestinians were left feeling completely out in the cold and furious at it.

That’s right. There was no sign that people were thinking that ambitiously about the Palestinians in this deal before October 7th. And the Palestinians certainly felt like they weren’t going to get much out of it. And that has completely changed now.

So, Michael, once this big new dimension after October 7th, which is the insistence by Saudi Arabia and the US that there be a Palestinian state or a path to a Palestinian state, what is the reaction specifically from Israel, which is, of course, the third major party to this entire conversation?

Well, Israel, or at least its political leadership, hates it. You know, this is just an extremely tough sell in Israel. It would have been a tough sell before October 7th. It’s even harder now.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is completely unrepentantly open in saying that there’s not going to be a Palestinian state on his watch. He won’t accept it. He says that it’s a strategic risk to his country. He says that it would, in effect, reward Hamas.

His argument is that terrorism has forced a conversation about statehood onto the table that wasn’t there before October 7th. Sure, it’s always in the background. It’s a perennial issue in global affairs, but it was not something certainly that the US and Israel’s Arab neighbors were actively pushing. Netanyahu also has — you know, he governs with the support of very right-wing members of a political coalition that he has cobbled together. And that coalition is quite likely to fall apart if he does embrace a Palestinian state or a path to a Palestinian state.

Now, he might be able to cobble together some sort of alternative, but it creates a political crisis for him.

And finally, you know, I think in any conversation about Israel, it’s worth bearing in mind something you hear from senior US officials these days, which is that although there is often finger pointing at Netanyahu and a desire to blame Netanyahu as this obstructionist who won’t agree to deals, what they say is Netanyahu is largely reflecting his population and the political establishment of his country, not just the right-wingers in his coalition who are clearly extremist.

But actually the prevailing views of the Israeli public. And the Israeli public and their political leaders across the spectrum right now with few exceptions, are not interested in talking about a Palestinian state when there are still dozens and dozens of Israeli hostages in tunnels beneath Gaza.

So it very much looks like this giant agreement that once seemed doable before October 7th might be more important to everyone involved than ever, given that it’s a plan for rebuilding Gaza and potentially preventing future October 7th’s from happening, but because of this higher price that Israel would have to pay, which is the acceptance of a Palestinian state, it seems from everything you’re saying, that this is more and more out of reach than ever before and hard to imagine happening in the immediate future. So if the people negotiating it are being honest, Michael, are they ready to acknowledge that it doesn’t look like this is going to happen?

Well, not quite yet. As time goes by, they certainly say it’s getting harder and harder, but they’re still trying, and they still think there’s a chance. But both the Saudis and the Biden administration understand that there’s very little time left to do this.

Well, what do you mean there’s very little time left? It would seem like time might benefit this negotiation in that it might give Israel distance from October 7th to think potentially differently about a Palestinian state?

Potentially. But Saudi Arabia wants to get this deal done in the Biden administration because Mohammed bin Salman has concluded this has to be done under a Democratic president.

Because Democrats in Congress are going to be very reluctant to approve a security agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

It’s important to understand that if there is a security agreement, that’s something Congress is going to have to approve. And you’re just not going to get enough Democrats in Congress to support a deal with Saudi Arabia, who a lot of Democrats don’t like to begin with, because they see them as human rights abusers.

But if a Democratic president is asking them to do it, they’re much more likely to go along.

Right. So Saudi Arabia fears that if Biden loses and Trump is president, that those same Democrats would balk at this deal in a way that they wouldn’t if it were being negotiated under President Biden?

Exactly. Now, from President Biden’s perspective, politically, think about a president who’s running for re-election, who is presiding right now over chaos in the Middle East, who doesn’t seem to have good answers for the Israeli-Palestinian question, this is an opportunity for President Biden to deliver what could be at least what he would present as a diplomatic masterstroke that does multiple things at once, including creating a new pathway for Israel and the Palestinians to coexist, to break through the logjam, even as he is also improving Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia.

So Biden and the Crown Prince hope that they can somehow persuade Bibi Netanyahu that in spite of all the reasons that he thinks this is a terrible idea, that this is a bet worth taking on Israel’s and the region’s long-term security and future?

That’s right. Now, no one has explained very clearly exactly how this is going to work, and it’s probably going to require artful diplomacy, possibly even a scenario where the Israelis would agree to something that maybe means one thing to them and means something else to other people. But Biden officials refuse to say that it’s hopeless and they refuse to essentially take Netanyahu’s preliminary no’s for an answer. And they still see some way that they can thread this incredibly narrow needle.

Michael, I’m curious about a constituency that we haven’t been talking about because they’re not at the table in these discussions that we are talking about here. And that would be Hamas. How does Hamas feel about the prospect of such a deal like this ever taking shape. Do they see it as any kind of a victory and vindication for what they did on October 7th?

So it’s hard to know exactly what Hamas’s leadership is thinking. I think they can feel two things. I think they can feel on the one hand, that they have established themselves as the champions of the Palestinian people who struck a blow against Israel and against a diplomatic process that was potentially going to leave the Palestinians out in the cold.

At the same time, Hamas has no interest in the kind of two-state solution that the US is trying to promote. They think Israel should be destroyed. They think the Palestinian state should cover the entire geography of what is now Israel, and they want to lead a state like that. And that’s not something that the US, Saudi Arabia, or anyone else is going to tolerate.

So what Hamas wants is to fight, to be the leader of the Palestinian people, and to destroy Israel. And they’re not interested in any sort of a peace process or statehood process.

It seems very clear from everything you’ve said here that neither Israel nor Hamas is ready to have the conversation about a grand bargain diplomatic program. And I wonder if that inevitably has any bearing on the ceasefire negotiations that are going on right now between the two of them that are supposed to bring this conflict to some sort of an end, even if it’s just temporary?

Because if, as you said, Michael, a ceasefire opens the door to this larger diplomatic solution, and these two players don’t necessarily want that larger diplomatic solution, doesn’t that inevitably impact their enthusiasm for even reaching a ceasefire?

Well, it certainly doesn’t help. You know, this is such a hellish problem. And of course, you first have the question of whether Israel and Hamas can make a deal on these immediate issues, including the hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and what the Israeli military is going to do, how long a ceasefire might last.

But on top of that, you have these much bigger diplomatic questions that are looming over them. And it’s not clear that either side is ready to turn and face those bigger questions.

So while for the Biden administration and for Saudi Arabia, this is a way out of this crisis, these larger diplomatic solutions, it’s not clear that it’s a conversation that the two parties that are actually at war here are prepared to start having.

Well, Michael, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

On Tuesday afternoon, under intense pressure from the US, delegations from Israel and Hamas arrived in Cairo to resume negotiations over a potential ceasefire. But in a statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that even with the talks underway, his government would, quote, “continue to wage war against Hamas.”

Here’s what else you need to know today. In a dramatic day of testimony, Stormy Daniels offered explicit details about an alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump that ultimately led to the hush money payment at the center of his trial. Daniels testified that Trump answered the door in pajamas, that he told her not to worry that he was married, and that he did not use a condom when they had sex.

That prompted lawyers for Trump to seek a mistrial based on what they called prejudicial testimony. But the judge in the case rejected that request. And,

We’ve seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world.

In a speech on Tuesday honoring victims of the Holocaust, President Biden condemned what he said was the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the United States after the October 7th attacks on Israel. And he expressed worry that too many Americans were already forgetting the horrors of that attack.

The Jewish community, I want you to know I see your fear, your hurt, and your pain. Let me reassure you, as your president, you’re not alone. You belong. You always have and you always will.

Today’s episode was produced by Nina Feldman, Clare Toeniskoetter, and Rikki Novetsky. It was edited by Liz O. Baylen, contains original music by Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for The Daily. I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• May 9, 2024   •   34:42 One Strongman, One Billion Voters, and the Future of India
• May 8, 2024   •   28:28 A Plan to Remake the Middle East
• May 7, 2024   •   27:43 How Changing Ocean Temperatures Could Upend Life on Earth
• May 6, 2024   •   29:23 R.F.K. Jr.’s Battle to Get on the Ballot
• May 3, 2024   •   25:33 The Protesters and the President
• May 2, 2024   •   29:13 Biden Loosens Up on Weed
• May 1, 2024   •   35:16 The New Abortion Fight Before the Supreme Court
• April 30, 2024   •   27:40 The Secret Push That Could Ban TikTok
• April 29, 2024   •   47:53 Trump 2.0: What a Second Trump Presidency Would Bring
• April 26, 2024   •   21:50 Harvey Weinstein Conviction Thrown Out
• April 25, 2024   •   40:33 The Crackdown on Student Protesters
• April 24, 2024   •   32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Michael Crowley

Produced by Nina Feldman ,  Clare Toeniskoetter and Rikki Novetsky

Edited by Liz O. Baylen

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Dan Powell

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

If and when Israel and Hamas reach a deal for a cease-fire, the United States will immediately turn to a different set of negotiations over a grand diplomatic bargain that it believes could rebuild Gaza and remake the Middle East.

Michael Crowley, who covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times, explains why those involved in this plan believe they have so little time left to get it done.

On today’s episode

Michael Crowley , a reporter covering the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The New York Times.

Background reading :

Talks on a cease-fire in the Gaza war are once again at an uncertain stage .

Here’s how the push for a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia looked before Oct. 7 .

From early in the war, President Biden has said that a lasting resolution requires a “real” Palestinian state .

Here’s what Israeli officials are discussing about postwar Gaza.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Michael Crowley covers the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The Times. He has reported from nearly three dozen countries and often travels with the secretary of state. More about Michael Crowley

Advertisement

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options