Unforgettable Solo Trips for People Over 50

The travel bug can hit at any age, at any time. If it does in retirement and you find yourself itching to conquer an adventure, don’t wait around to find a travel partner! Solo travel can be an entirely rewarding and unforgettable experience when a little research is done.

Looking for a little inspiration to get the planning rolling? The following trip ideas are equally safe and unforgettable options for solo travelers over fifty.

Visiting the Ganges River is a right of passage for any traveler. The sacred river is one of the most religiously important bodies of water in the world. It’s not exactly stress-free to travel in India as a solo traveler but booking a cruise like the Uniworld Golden Triangle Wellness Cruise makes it easy and safe for solo seniors by way of expert local guides and a carefully vetted itinerary.

France is always a good idea — but if you’ve already done Paris a handful of times, it might be worth looking into the South of France. The Narbonne commune boasts incredible vineyards and also plays home to the ​​Hospitalet Jazz Festival, a multi-night outdoor music show right on the Chateau l'Hospitalet vineyard.

If an international trip isn’t in the cards at the moment, you can still get your fill of culture and wanderlust with a weekend trip to Seattle. The largest city in Washington also happens to be the blown glass capital of the country with beloved artist Dale Chihuly calling the city home. Consider taking a glass-blowing workshop at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio before paying a visit to the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass.

There’s a reason so many American seniors are choosing to retire in Portugal — the warmer weather and slower pace of life make it an attractive option to stop and smell the roses. Plan a solo vacation in the capital, Lisbon, and visit the very first Time Out Market. Or, head to Porto and drink your way through the famous namesake beverage.

The Rocky Mountaineer is considered to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The stunning train rockets through the Rockies and while the trip takes multiple days, it stops every night allowing passengers to sleep in various cities so they won’t have to worry about missing a single second of the spectacular scenery.

There’s something so soothing about watching the waves lap along the rocky coastline of the Aegean Sea. Island-hopping in Greece is an unforgettable experience and can easily be accomplished solo by way of an organized cruise, like the Holland America Greece and Greek Island Cruise Tours.

Don’t think you’re a cruise person? You’ve clearly never embarked on a trip with Cruise Croatia. The small ship cruises only hold 38 passengers — and they’re adults only. It feels like you’re sailing on your own private yacht through the Adriatic Sea with a handful of new friends rather than a mega cruise ship packed with strangers and their kids. 

Machu Picchu seems like one of those bucket list destinations that you have to do when you’re young and able to climb to high altitudes without issue. However, you can take a train directly from Tambo Del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the Sacred Valley region to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be met with a bus to take you all the way to the top. It’s all views and no sprained ankles or sweaty yoga pants.

Egypt is a major bucket list item for so many travelers — but getting around in Egypt is stressful. That’s why you’ll want to book a Nile River cruise with a well-established brand like Viking River Cruises. The Pharaohs & Pyramids tour itinerary includes an expert local guide from the time you land in Giza. The stunning longships are comfortable and well-air-conditioned, even in the stifling heat of the summer.

Alright, alright. You might not think an expedition trip to Antarctica would make the best option for a solo trip when you’re over fifty. However, you’d be surprised by how comfortable expedition cruise ships are these days. You could opt for the Holland America itinerary which reaches Antarctica but doesn’t allow guests to disembark on the White Continent. An option for a smaller boat would be Hurtigruten,  which arranges tours on the ground for those with all levels of mobility.

Sweden is one of the safest countries in Europe to visit — so you can feel confident strolling the streets of Stockholm or Malmö. Consider visiting during the holiday season when Sweden becomes alight with holiday markets, incredible light shows and decor, and a sense of festivity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

You don’t have to deal with a transatlantic flight to get a taste of Europe. Quebec City is teeming with French culture, from the cobblestoned streets of the Old City to the award-winning French fare that spans from fine-dining restaurants to casual bistros. Be sure to book a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, and indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Place Dufferin. It might be an English tradition, but this French town does it extremely well.

New York City is always a good idea for a solo trip — there’s something for everyone in the largest city in the United States. Manhattan is generally safe for solo travelers, which means you can go ahead and check out that evening Broadway show or score a late-night dinner reservation without hesitation.

If you’ve never experienced Turkish hospitality, we recommend immediately booking a solo trip to Istanbul. The city is one of the safest in Europe and you’ll be absolutely blown away by how kind citizens treat tourists. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered more complimentary tea than you can drink, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need directions. You’ll never feel alone in this mega-city, not just because of the friendly locals but because of the city’s incredibly welcoming cat population!

It might be a far-flung voyage, but Australia is one of the best destinations for solo travelers over 50. The English-speaking country is easy to navigate, the healthcare system is excellent, and the country is considered to be very safe. Consider taking a road trip down the Gold Coast or exploring the vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

If you’re more of a Margaritaville kind of traveler, you can’t go wrong with an all-inclusive somewhere down south. Resorts like Sandals or Club Med have excellent reputations for being fun, relatively affordable, and most importantly, safe for solo travelers of a certain age.

The East Coast of Canada has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Not only is it a short one-hour flight from New York or a ferry away from Maine, but its delicious food and welcoming population make it a great spot for solo travelers to kick back. Be sure to sample a lobster roll while you’re in town — the province boasts some of the best lobster in the world.

The Orient Express is considered one of the most historically significant and luxurious train rides on earth. While it doesn’t run quite as far as it did in its original glory days, you can still book an unforgettable trip from Paris to Verona, Venice, Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

If you’re looking for a great domestic road trip spot, look no further than Napa. The famous Californian vineyards make for a stunning holiday with options for group trips like the Platypus Wine Tours, which takes you to dozens of vineyards without the need to drive yourself. The small join-in groups are a great way to meet like-minded travelers while breaking the ice over a glass of local wine.

Montana has some of the most beautiful national parks in the world — which makes it a standout spot for solo travelers who prefer wide open spaces. Head to Yellowstone National Park to take in the dramatic canyons and rivers or visit Glacier National Park to check out Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that everyone should get to experience. Thankfully you can see the natural phenomenon from a variety of different destinations, including Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Alaska and certain Canadian provinces as well.

Going on safari seems like an ultra-privileged holiday reserved for the wealthy. However, there are a lot of safari tours that make it pretty affordable to get out there and see the best of the fauna and flora in Africa. G Adventures is a reputable option with safari tour packages available for the same price as an average trip to Paris.

Ask any frequent flyer where their favorite destination is, and they’ll likely say Japan. The country is safe and solo travel-friendly, whether you choose to explore by high-speed train or by way of water on a cruise. We recommend the Discover the Best of Japan itinerary with Royal Caribbean International.

We’ve been to dozens of countries and countless cities — but window shopping in Paris will always hit the spot when it comes to an inspirational solo trip. Paris is safe and easy to navigate on foot, but just be sure to break regularly for a glass of aperitif on a sidewalk terrasse!

If you want to step into a fairytale, book a tour of Cappadocia in Turkey. The region is known for hot air balloons at sunrise juxtaposed against volcanic ash formations known as fairy chimneys. It looks like you’re at Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory — if it were on Mars.