Who says you have to travel with your partner?
A growing number of women over 50 are packing their bags and setting off on adventures without their spouses, not because their relationships are in trouble, but because they simply want to see the world on their own terms. I know, because I’m one of them.
And I’m far from alone. It’s part of a global shift that’s redefining solo travel. Once associated with backpackers or people travelling alone after divorce, today’s solo traveller is increasingly an affluent, adventurous woman in a happy relationship who refuses to let differing travel styles stand in the way of her next bucket-list experience.
According to guided solo travel specialist Just You, women now make up around 70–75 per cent of its travellers, with one of the fastest-growing segments being women whose partners simply don’t share the same appetite for travel.
“We’re seeing a lot of growth from female travellers that are actually in relationships,” says Adam Kemp, Managing Director of Travelsphere and Just You.
“I think typically people would have felt that most of our travellers would be divorcees or widowers. But actually, we’re seeing an increasing demographic of people who have long-term relationships but still want to travel as a solo traveller, perhaps their partner is unable to travel in the way they want to, or doesn’t have the interest they do in wanting to experience different cultures and communities.”
Rather than waiting years for schedules to align or convincing reluctant partners to climb mountains, explore ancient cities or spend weeks overseas, many women are deciding to go anyway. In my case, I love travelling both with and without my husband.
Experience Over Possessions
The trend which I find myself part of reflects the rise of the experience economy, particularly among women over 50, and is a trend we regularly write about in our sister site Women Love Travel.
After decades of raising families, building careers and caring for others, many mums like me, now have both the time and financial freedom to prioritise experiences over possessions.
Adam, who’s based in the UK, believes today’s travellers have adopted a true “carpe diem” attitude.
“They’ve worked hard, they have disposable income, and they have a serious carpe diem mindset,” he says.
Unlike younger travellers seeking budget adventures, mature solo travellers are looking for expertly planned itineraries, quality accommodation and the confidence that comes with travelling alongside like-minded people.
Solo Doesn’t Mean Lonely
Travelling independently doesn’t necessarily mean wanting to be alone.
“There is a big difference between solo travel and lonely travel,” says Charlotte Field, Just You’s Marketing Director.
Many first-time solo travellers worry about dining alone, navigating unfamiliar destinations or organising complex itineraries.
Those concerns have helped fuel demand for guided solo holidays that combine independence with community.
Just You has built its tours around that philosophy, guaranteeing every traveller their own room while offering shared experiences and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow travellers.
Technology Is Changing Solo Holidays Too
One of the newest innovations helping travellers overcome those pre-trip nerves is Kindred, a free online community developed by Just You.
Available via the web and app, Kindred allows travellers to meet other members of their upcoming tour weeks before departure through private group chats, discussion forums and travel advice.
Charlotte, who leads the Kindred community, says confidence is often the biggest hurdle for first-time solo travellers.
“Working for solo travellers, we’ve listened to what they want,” she says. “They come to us for more than just an amazing holiday. They want connections. They want confidence, they want inspiration, and they also want a sense of belonging.”
The idea is simple: by the time travellers arrive at the airport, they’re no longer meeting strangers.
“They’re meeting up with friends,” says Adam.
“It completely reframes the experience. It gives first-time solo travellers the ultimate safety net.”
Kindred is more than a social platform. Travellers exchange packing tips, organise airport meet-ups, share photos during their holiday and often remain friends long after returning home.
Charlotte says many conversations begin with nervous questions.
“‘Will I fit in?’ ‘What kind of people travel like this?’ We also see experienced travellers reassuring first-timers, and there’s nothing more authentic than customers telling potential customers what it’s really like.”
The technology has even proved invaluable when things don’t go to plan. During one European tour, a traveller was delayed at border control after her biometric scan failed. Using Kindred, she was able to contact her tour leader immediately, allowing the group to wait rather than leaving without her.
Bigger Adventures, Greater Confidence
Perhaps most surprising is that today’s solo travellers aren’t choosing easy holidays.
Instead, they’re embracing ambitious adventures across destinations once considered too difficult to tackle alone, from Central Asia’s Silk Road to remote African safaris and cultural expeditions across Europe.
“The over-55 solo market is hungry for genuine exploration,” says Adam. “They don’t want passive fly-and-flop holidays or traditional retirement cruises.”
A New Chapter
For me, solo travel is about far more than ticking destinations off a bucket list. It’s about discovering new places, forging unexpected friendships and reminding myself that a happy marriage and personal independence can go hand in hand.
As more women embrace travel on their own terms, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: going solo doesn’t mean being alone. In fact, travelling independently often makes it easier to connect with locals and fellow travellers because you’re simply more approachable than when you’re part of a couple.
And before anyone asks, yes, it works both ways. My husband loves heading off on kayaking adventures with his mates, while I set off in search of my next adventure. We return with new stories, fresh perspectives and an even greater appreciation for each other.
Perhaps that’s the real secret to modern relationships: giving each other the freedom to explore the world independently, knowing you’ll always have someone special to come home to.
Find out more
Just You offers guided holidays designed exclusively for solo travellers, with private rooms included and itineraries tailored to independent travellers.
Learn more at https://www.justyou.com
Discover the Kindred travel community at https://kindred.justyou.com
