Traveling solo is a new trend that’s becoming popular among retired women. According to Entrepreneur, about 30% of married senior women have traveled alone without their partner. Retired women are choosing to explore the world on their own to embrace their independence and focus on self-care and personal growth. Here are 10 reasons why female Baby Boomers are going on adventures without their spouses, friends, or family members.
1. Independence and Freedom
Female Baby Boomers are relishing the freedom retirement brings. Without the burden of work and family obligations, they’re able to live an untethered lifestyle. As long as their budget allows, they can set off on an adventure whenever they please.
By exploring the world alone on their own terms, retired women are affirming their independence and redefining themselves beyond the roles they’ve previously occupied. Solo travel is enabling them to finally live for themselves after years of sacrificing for their families and employers.
2. Widening Social Circles
Solo travel is often viewed as isolating, but in reality gives travelers the opportunity to meet new people and make connections across cultures. During their solo vacations, retired women may strike up conversations and even become friends with locals, fellow travelers, and expats. Some retired women are also opting to join group trips organized by churches and other organizations, allowing them to widen their social circles while exploring new destinations.
3. Their Partners Don’t Want to Travel
According to a recent survey, 42% of Baby Boomer women say they’re traveling solo because their spouse or partner doesn’t have any interest in vacationing. Instead of trying to drag their partner along, they’re embracing their independence and choosing to explore the world on their own.
4. Differing Travel Preferences
Another reason many retired women are traveling solo is that their partner has different vacation preferences. Their differing travel styles make it hard to agree on a destination and itinerary.
Instead of compromising their desires to accommodate their partner, Boomer women are prioritizing their own needs by traveling solo. Setting off on their own allows them to create the perfect itinerary and cross off everything on their bucket list.
5. Embracing Adventure
Although Boomer women are retiring, they’re not slowing down! Instead, they’re choosing to welcome new experiences and a spirit of adventure by traveling to exciting destinations.
Retirees aren’t interested in basic beach vacations or road trips a few states over. Studies have shown that Boomers crave nature and adventure tourism and want to experience new cuisines at this stage in their lives. This is leading Boomer women to go on African safaris, hiking trips, and other nontraditional vacations so they can experience the thrill of exploration and discovery.
6. Traveling Solo Is Relaxing and Rejuvenating
After years of hard work, retired women are prioritizing their well-being and opting for solo travel as a way to relax and rejuvenate. Solo trips allow them to recharge their batteries and fully immerse themselves in their interests and hobbies. Without their partner or family around, retired women can focus solely on their own well-being instead of taking care of everyone else.
7. Personal Growth
Solo travel presents retired women with challenges that promote personal growth and resilience. Navigating unfamiliar places, overcoming language barriers, and solving problems independently all contribute to building confidence and self-reliance. Traveling solo helps Boomer women discover new sides of themselves and foster a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
8. Cultural Immersion
Traveling alone provides retired women with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture of their destination. Without a partner or friend to fall back on, solo travelers often find themselves more deeply engaged with the places they visit and people who live there. Trying local cuisines, participating in traditional ceremonies, and conversing with locals allows solo female travelers to gain a richer understanding of the world.
9. Solo Travel Has Become More Popular
Traveling solo has increasingly become a bucket list dream for many Americans. This trend has exploded in popularity according to Skyscanner, which reports that over half of its users are considering traveling alone. Many influencers also show their solo adventures on social media, which may be why more Boomer women are embracing this style of travel in retirement.
10. Traveling Solo Is Cheaper
Boomer women may be taking trips alone to help their vacation fund stretch further. Traveling solo can be much cheaper than bringing their spouse or family along.
Airline tickets are often the most expensive part of a trip, so cutting down this expense enables them to fit more experiences into their budget. Plus, vacationing alone also allows them to stay in smaller, more modest accommodations than they could when traveling with the whole family.
You Can Enjoy Traveling Solo Too
The term “solo travel” may make you think of young adults spending their summer backpacking through Europe. However, solo adventures don’t have any age limits. It’s never too late to strike out on your own and explore the world on your own terms!
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.