There’s a particular freedom that comes with solo travel at this stage of life. You’ve spent years coordinating around other people’s schedules, preferences, and needs. Now you get to wake up in a new place and ask the only question that matters: What do I want to do today?

Why Solo Travel Works Now

Solo travel in your 50s and beyond offers something unique. You have the confidence that comes from decades of navigating the world. You know yourself—what you enjoy, what you need, and what you won’t tolerate. You’re not trying to impress anyone or prove anything. You’re simply experiencing life on your terms.

Many of us also have more flexibility now. Maybe the kids are grown, you’re retired or semi-retired, or you’ve reached a point in your career where you can take that time off. Whatever your situation, the opportunity is here.

Destinations That Welcome You

Portugal has become a favorite for solo women travelers, and for good reason. Lisbon and Porto offer rich history, stunning architecture, incredible food, and a walkable scale that makes navigation easy. The Portuguese people are generally warm and welcoming, and the country is among the safest in Europe. The pace is relaxed, the wine is excellent, and the cost is more reasonable than many European destinations.

Ghana offers something profound for Black women—a return to ancestral homeland. Accra is vibrant and modern, while Cape Coast provides historical connection through sites like Elmina Castle. The Year of Return initiative has made Ghana increasingly welcoming to diaspora travelers, and there’s a growing community of Black women who’ve visited and even relocated. The experience is often deeply emotional and transformative.

New Orleans provides that travel feeling without leaving the U.S. The food alone is worth the trip—gumbo, étouffée, beignets, po’boys. But there’s also the music, the architecture, the history, and the culture that makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else in America. The city is compact enough to navigate easily but rich enough to discover something new every day. Plus, the Black cultural influence is everywhere, from the music to the traditions.

Costa Rica is perfect if you want adventure with accessibility. The country is stable, friendly to tourists, and offers everything from beaches to rainforests to volcanoes. You can go zip-lining in the morning and soak in hot springs in the afternoon. Many resorts and tour operators cater specifically to older travelers, and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle is genuinely relaxing.

Savannah, Georgia offers Southern charm, history, and beauty in a manageable, walkable city. The squares are gorgeous, the food scene is thriving, and the history—while complex and sometimes painful—is important and well-preserved. It’s close enough for a long weekend but feels like a real getaway.

Martha’s Vineyard has been a haven for Black vacationers for over a century. Oak Bluffs specifically has deep roots in Black culture and community. Summer brings festivals, beaches, and a vibrant social scene, but the shoulder seasons offer peace and beauty without the crowds.

Practical Wisdom for Solo Travel

Choose accommodations wisely. Many solo women travelers love boutique hotels or bed-and-breakfasts where the staff gets to know you and can offer local recommendations. Others prefer the anonymity and amenities of larger hotels. Decide what makes you feel most comfortable and secure.

Share your itinerary with someone at home. Not because you’re expecting problems, but because it’s simply smart. Check in regularly via text or phone.

Trust your instincts. By now, you know when something feels off. Don’t ignore that feeling in the name of being polite or adventurous. Your safety matters more than any experience.

Connect with other travelers. Joining a group tour for a day or two, taking a cooking class, or booking a guided experience can provide both social connection and local insight.

The Gift You Give Yourself

Solo travel at this age is about more than seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself differently. It’s about proving to yourself that you’re still curious, still capable, still growing. It’s about coming home with stories that belong to you alone.

You’ll sit at a café in Lisbon watching the sunset, or walk through the Door of No Return in Ghana, or dance to live jazz in New Orleans, and you’ll think: I did this. Not we. I. And that feeling—of owning your experience, your joy, your adventure—that’s the real souvenir.

Where will you go?