The Rise of Solo Female Travel Over 40: Freedom, Confidence & Connection
Once upon a time, travelling alone as a woman was seen as unusual, even risky. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing lifestyle trends — especially for women over 40. More and more women are choosing to explore the world on their own terms, whether single, divorced, childfree, or simply ready for adventure.
But let’s be honest. Solo female travel isn’t always glamorous. It can feel awkward walking into a restaurant and asking for a “table for one”. Sometimes there are stares from couples or families who wonder why you’re alone. Other times, you may feel self-conscious wandering through a new city without anyone by your side.
And yet, despite the uncomfortable moments, the rewards of solo travel are unmatched: freedom, confidence, and empowerment.
At Sola Island, we believe solo travel after 40 isn’t just a trend — it’s a revolution
🌍 Why More Women Over 40 Are Travelling Solo
There are many reasons why women over 40 are embracing solo travel:
Independence – no waiting for a partner or friends to book.
Flexibility – you set your own pace, from leisurely mornings to spontaneous adventures.
Confidence – travelling alone builds self-belief in ways nothing else can.
Connection – meeting locals and like-minded women creates deeper, more authentic experiences.
Google searches for “solo female travel over 40” and “travel groups for single women UK” have skyrocketed in recent years. The message is clear: women are no longer waiting for permission to live their lives.
🍽️ The Truth About Dining Alone
One of the biggest hurdles women mention when travelling solo is eating alone. It can feel uncomfortable walking into a busy restaurant, surrounded by couples and families, and asking for a single table.
You may feel the stares. You may worry about what people are thinking. But here’s the truth: most people are far more focused on themselves than on you.
And with practice, dining alone can transform into one of the most liberating experiences of solo travel. Imagine enjoying a glass of wine at a Paris café, journaling your thoughts, or striking up a conversation with a local sitting nearby. What starts as discomfort soon becomes empowerment.
👀 Dealing With the Stares
Another common experience for solo women over 40: the stares. Whether it’s in an airport lounge, a hotel breakfast room, or on a guided tour, women often feel judged for being alone.
But here’s the shift: those stares don’t define you. They’re often just curiosity — and sometimes even admiration. The more women travel solo, the more we normalise independence at every age.
And when you’re part of a community like Sola Island, you’ll know you’re not truly alone. You’ll have a network of women worldwide who understand exactly how you feel — and who might even be waiting in the next city to meet you for a coffee.
✈️ Long-Haul Adventures: Beyond Europe
For some women, the idea of hopping on a plane for a short trip to Barcelona or Edinburgh feels achievable. But what about long-haul destinations?
Solo female travellers over 40 are increasingly venturing further afield:
Exploring temples in Thailand or Bali.
Road-tripping across the USA.
Discovering vibrant cities like Cape Town or Buenos Aires.
Embracing the beaches of Australia or the Caribbean.
Long-haul solo trips can feel daunting — the flights are longer, the cultures more unfamiliar, and the “what ifs” louder. But with the right preparation, they are some of the most life-changing journeys you’ll ever take.
Tips for long-haul solo travel:
Choose accommodation with strong reviews and a welcoming vibe.
Break up long flights with layovers to reduce fatigue.
Book a local group tour on your first day — it eases you into a new culture and helps you meet people straight away.
Pack light and smart (essentials only, with room for treasures collected abroad).
The moment you land thousands of miles away, knowing you got there entirely on your own terms, is indescribable. It’s independence in its purest form.
🌸 Why Sola Island Is Different
Unlike expensive retreats or rigid package tours, Sola Island offers women freedom. Here’s how it works:
You choose your destination — whether it’s a weekend in Europe or a long-haul adventure to Asia.
You book your own trip, your way.
You connect in the members’ hub to see who else is going.
You meet up for coffee, sightseeing, or shared experiences — without pressure.
It’s flexible, authentic, and empowering. Whether it’s a short break in Edinburgh or a long-haul journey to Bali, you’ll never feel like “the odd one out” again.
🚀 Solo Travel Isn’t Just a Holiday — It’s a Mindset
Proving to yourself you are capable. Building confidence outside of your comfort zone. Meeting women who share your story. Redefining what freedom and adventure look like at this stage of life.🌟 Final Thought
Join Sola Island today — the global hub for independent women aged 35–60. Travel your way, with women who understand.
Solo doesn’t mean alone.
