Most of us spend our lives dreaming of the day we will retire and have more time to travel. This time has come.
Like Diana Nyad, who swam to the Florida Keys from Cuba at the age of 64, once said, “You’re never too old to follow your dreams” and our list of holiday ideas for singles over 60 will help you get there.
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What women over 60 want when they travel solo
Solo female travelers across all age groups worry about safety, travel for empowerment and self-fulfillment and wish the travel industry did away with single supplements.
However, Boomer women are different from other age groups in various aspects, as highlighted in our annual Solo Female Travel Survey:
- 79% of Boomers travel solo because they prefer the freedom and flexibility of doing so, 77% to get away from the daily routine and 73% to connect with the locals.
- 64% of Boomers trust Government travel advisories and friends when it comes to travel advice, and 54% trust travel agents. Social media is less trustworthy than for other age groups.
- On the bucket list of solo female travel Boomers are Italy, Greece and Australia.
With this in mind, we have put together a list of holiday ideas for single women over 60 that are specifically suited to this age group.
Solo Women Tour Groups
The older you get, the less inclined you are to wait for a later date to do something you’ve always wanted to do with someone.
Solo female travel can be liberating and fulfilling, and if done with a group, it can also be a great way to make new friendships, share experiences and learn about other cultures.
More and more older women are entering the world of small group tours, specifically those aimed at women traveling solo.
Solo Female Travelers Tours
Solo Female Travelers Tours is our range of small group tours for women by women especially designed with the solo traveler in mind and curated to promote and elevate female owned businesses at the destinations we visit.
Ages on most tours range from 30 to 60+ and there is no upper threshold to join, the only requirement is the physical ability to participate in the activities. To find out if a trip is for you, you can see the number of daily steps and hours of driving on each itinerary page.
We offer a wide array of tours, from once in a lifetime tours to Iceland, Tuscany or Spain, to lesser known destinations like Oaxaca, Georgia or Sudan, and bucket list trips to Tanzania or Kilimanjaro. We are alway adding new destinations so your dream place is probably coming up soon.
What makes our tours different from all other travel companies, even those who focus on women only, is that we support women at the destinations we visit.
We did not set up the company to sell tours but to make a difference in the travel industry and we do so by employing only local and female guides and engaging the services of hotels and restaurants owned by women so we can contribute to a more gender-balanced travel industry.
We are particularly interested in supporting smaller, newer, female-owned businesses over multinationals or male owned businesses. New guides are hired and given the job training necessary alongside more experienced guides, so they can build their CV until other companies will deem them experienced enough to hire them.
Mixed Tour Groups
Engaging with a diverse group will expose you to different perspectives, ways of thinking and lifestyles. At the age of 60, you may want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, or want to make new friends who share your current passions.
The added free time from becoming an empty-nester or a widower means you have the chance of explore what you always wanted to try.
ElderTreks
Canadian-based ElderTreks offers small group tours (maximum 16 people) designed for travelers 50 plus and offering exotic, off the beaten path, destinations and adventure travel.
They support sustainable travel; for example, they use expedition ships instead of cruises for more personal interaction and reduction of their environmental impact, and their trips tend to be inclusive of flights and almost all activities and meals.
Their trips are long, minimum two weeks and some up to a month, and very in-depth, focusing on slow traveling through a region.
Saga Holidays
Saga Holidays is a publicly listed company with 70 years of experience in holistically catering to the senior segment, 50 years old and beyond.
Besides group travel which it only offers for guests over 40 years old, they also have hotel-based packages where you get bed and breakfast and discover the destination at your own pace, and rail journeys that explore a destination by train.
Their trips are longer and explore at a slower pace and, if you like to design your own itinerary, they can also put together a tailor-made holiday.
Since the 80s, Saga has ventured beyond holidays and also offers financial products and insurance, becoming a comprehensive lifestyle brand.
Learning Vacations
Traveling is one of life’s best learning experiences. Take this one step further by booking a vacation that is entirely focused on the learning component.
Several tour companies focus on providing a platform designed to learn a new skill, learning about a destination and participating in intellectual stimulation.
Road Scholar
Road Scholar is a not-for-profit company founded in the late 70s that caters to tour groups specially designed for travelers 50 years and older, with the majority of their guests being well over 60.
Because of the demographic that is at the core of everything they do, Road Scholar tours are slow and unrushed, so you don’t have to be extremely fit to explore your dream destinations.
The focus is on learning and the trips tend to be longer than regular tours because most of the guests are retired and aren’t short on time. Activity levels are clearly stated so you can see if a tour is for you.
One Week Courses at Oxford
Acquiring new knowledge while keeping your brain busy at an older age can help improve your memory and give you an additional incentive to enjoy the free time you never had before.
Enrolling in one of the one-week seminar style courses at Oxford University will provide that sense of purpose and the proud feeling that one can still learn new things, no matter the age.
As the reputation that precedes them, Oxford offers courses that are suitable for individuals of any age who wish to continue learning and thriving in small groups of maximum 12 students.
Pair their summer school for adults courses with a hotel booking in Oxford or apply for campus accommodation and participate in all the social events and field trips the university organizes as part of the summer program to have an amazing summer holiday filled with learning.
Earthwatch Expeditions
Earthwatch Expeditions is a non-profit organization that pairs researchers and scientists with volunteers for field research expeditions around the world. Your younger self would probably feel jealous of you for doing this so this is one of those vacations for singles over 60 that truly tick off a bucket list item.
Expeditions often provide interaction with people of the same interests and connection with nature and wildlife because a lot of the research programs focus on the impact of climate change on the environment.
Your days will be filled with field work observing nature and animals and learning more about the science behind them. Some recreational activities famous in the area your project takes place in are also built into the program so there is an element of exploration and travel.
Lucky Star Art Camp
Lucky Star Art Camp is an ideal holiday for women over 60 with a passion for art.
The camp is located in Texas and offers 5 day sleepaways every fall where the focus is on art classes and wholesome living. It is part retreat, part self-love journey, and it is exclusively for women.
The experience is open to women of all ages but skews older. You book the art tuition and then the room and board with the Waldemar Camp. If you come solo, you can have your own cabin, if you come with friends, you can all share.
Volunteering Programs for Singles Over 60
After years of working for profit, older travelers are more interested in making meaningful contributions while traveling which is why a volunteering vacation is a great holiday idea for women over 60.
Pro tip: Before you get started on your voluntourism search, check out our article on voluntourism and the pros and cons, plus important tips to find the right organization, one that does more good than damage to the local communities and that isn’t turning a well intended traveler into an exploitative individual.
Grown-Up Special from Project Abroad
The Abroad Grown-Up Special program specifically caters to volunteers over 50, ensuring that the projects are suitable and accommodating and allow them to share their skills and wisdom with communities in need.
The program provides an opportunity to feel needed and make a positive impact on the world but also offers an alternative form of tourism and a great way to spend your retirement.
By participating in volunteer work abroad, you can immerse yourself in different cultures, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain a deeper understanding of global issues. It’s a chance to combine travel with purposeful engagement, creating a unique and fulfilling experience.
Luxury Trips
These are the types of trips that everyone craves. After a lifetime of work and caring for others, this is your time to indulge and do something for yourself.
Here is a list of luxury holiday ideas for women over 60.
Luxe Tanzania with Solo Female Travelers
Going on safari is on everyone’s bucket list and our Luxe Tanzania safari + Zanzibar provides this experience with a luxury twist.
You won’t only enjoy the view of wild animals only a breath away, but you will also stay at the plushes accommodations on safari and in Zanzibar. Pair that with delicious meals, new friends, and unforgettable experiences to last a lifetime and you have the perfect trip for women over 60, no planning required.
Antarctica expedition
A quick look at most Antarctica small ship expeditions will testify to the fact that the clientele tends to be older and often made of singles.
The 7th continent is a trip of a lifetime that many save years for. Imagine floating among icebergs, seeing seals chilling on ice, watching penguin colonies, whales and walruses, and admiring the majestic landscapes from your cabin.
This is the trip you’ve been waiting for and you should choose wisely. A small ship, such as the Magellan Explorer with only 76 guests, ensures you will spend a lot of time on land and very little crossing the horrified Drake passage as you fly back from Antarctica. Antarctica’s conservation rules limit the maximum number of guests that can step on land to 100 at a time per ship, picking a vessel that has fewer than 100 guests maximizes your time on land which is what you want.
Wellness Retreats and Spiritual Journeys
Wellness retreats are the kind of holiday we never seem to have time for, until we reach 60 and retire and finally have the opportunity to do something for ourselves.
Knowing this, the retreat industry has started to offer programs tailored to the needs of older women, addressing physical and mental health concerns specific to this age group.
Solo September at The Body Holiday in St. Lucia
By choosing The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, a female over 60 can benefit from customized programs where the main focus is wellness, senior-friendly facilities (more than 50% of their clientele are seniors), a scenic environment and access to medical services.
These factors specifically cater to the needs and preferences of older women who leave the island rejuvenated and revitalized.
This is one of those holidays for women over 60 that you will rave about to all your friends because it is all about you and nobody else.
While you can visit anytime and design the holiday that is right for you, their September Solos programs focus on solo travelers with hosted dinners and single rooms, the perfect time to take that wellness retreat you’ve waited for all your life.
Detox Holiday at Resorts
The physical, hormonal and mental changes that women over 60 go through can cause high rates of anxiety and depression. Even though traveling does not erase those feelings completely, a time to reflect and reconnect with yourself can be very helpful in reframing your personal struggles.
Whether you are visiting some of the best detox centers in the US, an anti-aging clinic designed to boost your metabolism, a stay at an Asian wellness center or one of Europe’s fanciest retreats, you are sure to come out rejuvenated.
The wellness industry has come a long way and offers a range of services and treatments, beyond the more traditional massages.
Cryotherapy, yoga, face and body hydration, rejuvenation treatments, meditation, psychological support and group therapy sessions or even botox or surgical interventions are all on the menu.
For those looking for a complete disconnection from everyday life, there are silent retreats and nature-focused vacations that include long walks and hikes in nature. Milia Mountain Retreat and Restaurant, found on the island of Crete in Greece, is one of my favorites.
This unique eco-sustainable resort is where you get to connect with the mountainous nature while enjoying the fact that all your meals will be cooked fresh everyday from ingredients grown in the area.
You will be having a shower with water warmed on fire, heating is provided by a fireplace in your room and electricity relies solely on solar panels.
Disconnect from technology completely. Put your phone on flight mode, forget the outside world and concentrate on yourself. I call this hike, dine and dream.
Yoga Retreats
Staying active might be boring sometimes but it is essential.
If you are not into running, hiking, dancing and aerobics and prefer a more holistic approach, consider a yoga retreat.
Yoga is a mild type of exercise that helps both the body and soul. Studies prove that it can relieve you from stress and help with insomnia, back pain and arthritis. It improves strength, balance and flexibility, it’s good for the heart, it promotes self care and gives you a brighter mood.
Choose based on the location you wish to visit so that you can combine your solo traveling with a stay at one of the best yoga retreats in the world.
Top Destinations for Females Over 60
There are destinations that are just extra amazing for women over 60, as told by the respondents of our annual Solo Female Travel Survey.
El Camino de Santiago
The pilgrimage to St. James in Santiago de Compostela, is a spiritual and culturally enriching adventure for those who love walking and being in nature.
Known as El Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James, it includes a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain.
The route has been a significant Christian pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, and it remains popular today, attracting people from various backgrounds and beliefs.
El Camino de Santiago offers a transformative journey for those who undertake it, providing an opportunity for reflection, self-discovery, and connection with others along the way. It holds significance for both religious and secular individuals seeking a unique and meaningful experience.
The best way to enjoy this adventure is to join a small group such as the ones offered by El Camino Tours that have a maximum of 5-12 participants.
Their tour lasts 8 days and on the way you get to enjoy the local dishes, the unique landscape and accommodation at hotels with historical importance.
The complete walk from the beginning can take weeks and be over 800 km long but their tours cover just 100 kilometers or 62 miles of the full way. This is the shortest, most comfortable path to reach the cathedral. Once you arrive at the church they will give you an official certificate of completion of the route to take with you as a souvenir.
Cuba, for those looking to have a great time
Cuba is a country that offers a mixture of rich history, beauty, nature, culture and fun at the same time which is why it is great at any age but particularly carefree and inviting for seniors.
With a moderate to high level of fitness (there are no lifts anywhere in Cuba and the streets are all cobblestoned) you can have the most unforgettable fun-filled vacation.
Join our Solo Female Travelers tour to Cuba and support local women. Go hiking through tobacco plantations, take salsa dancing classes, learn how to make famous Cuban cocktails (daiquiri, Cuba libre, pina colada) and meet the many trailblazing women who make this country special.
Japan, for serenity seekers
Japan is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers over 60, offering a unique blend of traditional culture and modern experiences. There are numerous activities to keep you busy and many places to explore.
If I were to plan a trip to Japan I would definitely want to participate in a traditional Tea Ceremony. This is an excellent opportunity to get a feel of the art and culture of tea preparation.
A different but highly culturally immersive activity could be joining a Japanese Calligraphy Class. Known as “shodo”, this is the traditional art of writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink. It is a highly regarded form of artistic expression that combines skilled technique with a deep appreciation for aesthetics, balance and harmony.
If you enjoy bathing in hot springs choose to relax the traditional way. An Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring, as well as the bathing facilities and inns that often accompany these naturally heated baths.
They are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and have been enjoyed for centuries for their therapeutic, relaxation, and social benefits. Consider places like Hakone or Beppu for this.
Being in Japan and not trying the local dishes would be a crime. Try sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, enjoy ramen in Fukuoka, or indulge in beautiful kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) in Kyoto.
Japan does everything exquisitely, even the 7-Eleven, where you can enjoy colorful, fruity drinks, onigiri and noodles that you can warm up and eat on the spot and dozens of sweet treats that cannot be found in other countries.
Pro tip: Plan your visit during cherry blossom season (spring) to witness the breathtaking beauty of sakura in parks like Ueno Park in Tokyo or Maruyama Park in Kyoto.
Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and politeness, making it an excellent destination for female solo travelers over 60. Whether you’re interested in traditional arts, modern technology, or serene nature, Japan has something to offer for every traveler’s taste.
Portugal, for understated culture
Portugal is a wonderful destination for solo female travelers over 60, offering a rich blend of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Compared to other European destinations affordability makes Portugal an attractive option for those on a budget.
If we were to create a list of pros for 60 year old women to visit Portugal then the mild climate would definitely be at the top of the list. The pleasant weather conditions provide the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities.
Lisbon is one of my favorite European capitals. I find the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa fascinating and worth exploring on foot.
Worth visiting is the Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. Visit the coastal town of Cascais for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and proximity to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Although it is very easy to explore on your own by public transportation, there are plenty of travel agencies that offer daily or multi-day tours to Porto, Sintra and Cascais.
My favorite activity while in Portugal is attending as many Fado performances as I can while pairing the experience with Port wine drinking.
Fado is not only a musical genre but also a cultural expression deeply ingrained in Portuguese history that captivates audiences around the world with its emotional depth and storytelling tradition.
Performances usually take place in bars, with dimmed lights and singers’ dramatic voices odes to love and life’s struggles.
Portuguese cuisine is really worth the indulgence. Local dishes include delicious seafood, pastries like Pastel de Nata (the most famous ones being from Pasteis de Belem), and traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod).
If you are a wine drinker do sign up for wine tasting sessions or visit the vineyards in the Douro Valley. The landscapes of terraced vineyards are stunning.
United Kingdom, for history enthusiasts
No wonder the UK comes as a top bucket list destination on Solo Female Travel Survey. The country offers a plethora of activities and attractions for solo female travelers of any age but is particularly suitable for women over 60.
If you like museums and art galleries London could fill a full month and is home to iconic museums and galleries such as the British Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery.
Are you a theater lover? Attend a theater performance in London’s West End.
For history buffs, guided tours of landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey are essential.
If you like the countryside then you can spend a day or two in Cotswolds or The Lake District. The beautiful beaches of Cornwall show England’s best coastal gems.
Stroll through renowned gardens like Kew Gardens in London or the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and enjoy a relaxing day in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park in London if the weather is good.
Remember to plan your itinerary based on your interests and preferences, and don’t hesitate to join group activities or tours for socializing with fellow travelers. The UK offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable journey for solo female travelers over 60.
France, for food and wine lovers
France is the most visited country in the world and is good at every age.
The capital is the key entry point into the country and you can’t visit without tickets to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Complement the highlights with a stroll through charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais and why not, watching a show at the legendary cabaret Moulin Rouge.
If you are an art fanatic, you can’t miss the world-class art collections at the Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou.
After all the walking and exploring take your time to breathe while on a river cruise along the Seine. You can book a tour online, the rates are reasonable depending on the services offered. Based on your mood you can enjoy snacks or drinks at the same time and arrange to cruise either in broad daylight or sunset.
When you’re done visiting all the museums and art galleries and just crave for some relaxation it’s time to head to the French Riviera. Countless opportunities to soak up the sun on the glamorous beaches and explore the vibrant markets of Nice and the artistic atmosphere of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
The French are famous for their wines; Bordeaux and Champagne are the best options for wine tours in beautiful vineyards and world renowned cellars.
Italy, eat pray and explore
Italy offers a wealth of activities for solo female travelers over 60, with the perfect blend of historical richness, cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, and delightful cuisine.
Magical cities such as Florence, Rome and Venice complement the fashionable capital of Milan, the stunning coastal area around Amalfi, the beautiful Dolomites mountains or the celebrity playground of Lake Como.
Starting with Rome, considered the country’s best open-air museum, you can fill days with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and its Roman Forum, the Vatican museums and the Pantheon, all of which require advanced bookings.
Pro tip: When in Italy, do not buy bottled water, refill your own at the drinking fountains that are in most cities and towns. It’s fresh, clean and safe to drink.
Florence will impress you with the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery where you can see masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli including the famous David sculpture, and will serve as the gateway to the Hollywood-famous region of Tuscany.
In Venice you can treat yourself with a gondola ride after exploring the narrow alleys and canals and marveling at St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
Take a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello and their vineyards and lemon farms perched by the side of the mountain.
No matter where you are, order an aperol spritz before your meal, Italians call this an aperitivo, or pre-dinner drink, and involves a light alcoholic beverage and small snacks. And remember, cappuccino is only drunk at breakfast time, after that is just espresso or espresso macchiato.
Other considerations for female travelers over 60
Now that you have read all my suggested holidays for single women over 60, I also wanted to add in some considerations that are relevant for all solo women travelers but particularly for those over 60, such as your travel style and your backup plans, aka, travel insurance.
Should you travel independently or with a group
If you are an experienced solo traveler that has been doing this for a long time then you won’t be intimidated traveling independently, regardless of age.
However, if you are new to solo travel, group tours give you the opportunity to expand your horizons without worrying about a thing. We have mentioned several group tour ideas in our list above and know, from our annual survey, that they are favored by senior travelers because of the convenience of having someone else plan the trip and knowing that someone will be there to look out for you.
Travel Insurance
No matter if you are traveling with a group or independently, the most important arrangement you need to take care of when traveling solo is getting travel insurance, even if it becomes increasingly difficult with age.
We come across at least one case a day among the members of our facebook community wishing to have thought of getting travel insurance before leaving home.
We like to use an aggregator of insurance companies like Travel Insurance Master where you can enter your personal details and see various policies.