8 of the best trips for first-time solo female travellers
Female, 50-plus and first time travelling solo? Pick a trip that offers adventure and assurance
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Demand for solo holidays among female travellers over 50 is on the rise, with operators reporting strong growth from this demographic.
Intrepid Travel says 77% of guests on its Women’s Expeditions travel without a companion, and last year, nearly half of those were over 50. Meanwhile, Mercury Holidays has recorded a 55% year-on-year increase in its solo tour bookings.
It’s not just the touring sector that’s flourishing, with more mature women trying no-single-supplement cruises or enjoying a solo beach break. Here are eight holidays to recommend to clients who are new to travelling solo.
1. Solo cruise to Amsterdam from the UK
A three-night sailing from Tilbury to Amsterdam with Ambassador Cruise Line (pictured) is a gentle and good-value introduction to solo cruising. An overnight stay in the Dutch capital gives clients time to wander along the canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum or tour the Anne Frank House.
On board there’s plenty to do, from relaxing in the Green Sea Spa or Brontë’s Library to indulging in a five-course dinner.
Nicola Harper, head of distribution, says: “With Ambience being a small to mid-sized ship, it’s easy to meet like-minded people in a relaxed environment, and the three-night itinerary is a perfect way for solo women over 50 to build confidence.”
Book it: A Weekend Escape to Amsterdam costs £514 cruise-only for a solo traveller in an Inside Cabin. Departs October 15.
ambassadorcruiseline.com
2. Food tour in Italy
New this year, Tauck’s women-only departure in Piedmont, Italy’s slow-food heartland, is one for luxury lovers.
Starting in Milan, clients continue to Turin to soak up the art nouveau architecture, go truffle hunting in the Langhe hills, then indulge in a wine-tasting lunch and exclusive visit to former royal residence La Venaria Reale.
The accommodation is just as dazzling: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa is set amid vineyards, while Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore.
“The small group size makes it welcoming for those who want the ease of a guided trip without sacrificing independence,” says Europe brand manager Tina Poff.
Book it: An eight-day Week In Piedmont costs £8,567 (including a single supplement of £1,977), with listed excursions, most meals and transfers, departing October 1. Price excludes flights.
tauck.co.uk
3. Women-only hike in Peru
Image credit: RYAN BOLTON
For adventurous clients keen to discover South America, Intrepid Travel’s new Peru Women’s Expedition offers an all-female adventure. Activities include hiking the five-mile Chinchero to Urquillos trail, visiting the spectacular Poc Poc Waterfall and exploring the ancient ruins of Purmamarca, while meeting female business owners and artisans along the way.
Ashley McGough, women’s expeditions product manager at Intrepid Travel, says: “Travellers can delve deeper into a country and its history by connecting with those who know it best – local women whose families have called Peru home for centuries.”
Book it: Intrepid Travel offers an eight-day Peru Women’s Expedition from £3,576 per person for single-occupancy accommodation, transport, selected meals and activities, plus indirect flights with Avianca departing from Heathrow on September 18.
intrepidtravel.com
4. Solo holiday to Corfu
Ladies looking to be pampered should consider four-star Lena Mare Boutique Hotel on Corfu’s peaceful northern coast. Just a short walk from sandy Acharavi Beach, this 27-room property blends two pools and a wellness centre with Greek cuisine and junior suites offering sweeping views of the Ionian Sea.
“This hotel combines boutique comfort and our fully hosted group experience,” says Colum McLornan, managing director of solo specialist Friendship Travel. “This provides guests the confidence to explore while enjoying great company throughout their holiday.”
Book it: Friendship Travel offers seven nights’ B&B at Lena Mare Boutique Hotel from £2,100 for a Junior Suite for sole occupancy, three dinners, plus transfers and flights departing from Gatwick on October 2.
friendshiptravel.com
5. Solo-only Danube river cruise
All aboard Riviera Travel’s George Eliot, the world’s first river cruise ship dedicated to solo travellers. The Blue Danube itinerary is the company’s bestselling tour for 2026 and 2027.
Sailing through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, clients can explore Esztergom’s magnificent basilica, Bratislava’s beautifully restored Old Town and the grand boulevards of Vienna. Evenings are just as memorable, with classical music recitals and Hungarian folklore performances on board.
Vicky Billing, director of trade and partnerships in the UK and Ireland, says: “The Blue Danube is the perfect introduction to solo river cruising, particularly for women aged 50 and over. From the moment they join the holiday, solo guests are looked after with our meet-and-greet service at UK airports, then supported by our experienced cruise directors, creating a stress-free travel experience.”
Book it: Riviera Travel offers an eight-day The Blue Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers from £2,499. Includes all food and drinks, Wi-Fi, transfers and flights from Gatwick departing June 30, 2027.
rivieratravel.co.uk
6. Southeast Asian adventure
Image credit: Shutterstock/Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin
For clients dreaming of southeast Asia, Newmarket Holidays’ 14-day Heritage of Vietnam & Cambodia – Exclusively Solos tour offers the perfect introduction.
Kicking off in Hanoi, the itinerary includes sailing Halong Bay, visiting the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and ancient temples of Angkor.
Hayley Morris, head of trade and partnerships, says: “Vietnam and Cambodia are wish-list destinations many women over 50 put off, as they are unsure about going alone. This escorted tour solves that. They’ll have a dedicated tour manager throughout.”
Book it: Newmarket Holidays’ 14-day Heritage of Vietnam & Cambodia starts from £4,211, including nine guided excursions, 22 meals, and flights from Heathrow on September 30, 2027.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
7. Solo break in Madeira
Madeira strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adrenaline-pumping activity: clients can spend one day swimming in the crystal-clear volcanic pools at Porto Moniz, before tackling the coastal trails of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço the next.
In capital Funchal, Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel provides a comfortable base, with suites featuring private balconies perfect to enjoy downtime.
Michael Priest, head of product at Mercury Holidays, says: “Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel (pictured) is a strong choice for women over 50 embarking on their first solo holiday, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and range of amenities, from the outdoor pool to sun terrace and health club.”
Book it: Mercury Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B at Jardins d’Ajuda Suite Hotel for £520 staying in a Single Inland Room, including flights departing October 1 from Stansted. There is no supplement on trips between September 25 and October 31.
mercuryholidays.co.uk
8. Luxury expedition cruise for solo travellers
Image credit: Doriane Letexier
Ponant’s eight-day Icelandic Mosaic sailing pairs spectacular glaciers and waterfalls with the convivial nature of small-ship cruising. Starting and ending in Icelandic capital Reykjavik, clients sail along Iceland’s west coast, passing basalt cliffs, green tundra and steep volcanoes.
“Our shorter expedition voyages are ideal for women over 50 looking to explore destinations in comfort,” says Anthony Daniels, Ponant’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.
“Combined with the intimate L’Austral ship carrying just 184 guests, sociable atmosphere and no single supplements on selected departures, discovering the world solo on one of our ships is both practical and rewarding.”
Book it: An eight-day Icelandic Mosaic cruise on L’Austral costs £5,390, including excursions in every port of call, based on a July 9, 2027, departure. Excludes flights.
uk.ponant.com
Ask the experts
Rachel Mould, head of sales UK, Just You
“For women over 50 considering their first solo trip, the biggest concern is often feeling alone. With 70% of Just You customers being women, it’s easy to make meaningful connections. Plus, our Kindred community platform offers extra support, helping travellers feel reassured before their first solo adventure.”
Lyn Arnold, travel trade manager, Grand UK Holidays
“Focus on reassurance as much as the destination. For many women over 50, a first solo holiday is about building confidence. Tour managers are on hand to offer support, plus we have a no-single-roomsupplement policy.”
Suvira Riza, solo specialist, Travel Counsellors
“Solo travel can suit almost anyone. Understand your client’s confidence level, travel experience and what they want from a trip. Matching the holiday to the individual is key, as solo travel is never one-size-fits-all.”
Stu Darnley, national sales manager, G Adventures
“Going solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone. Our Solo-ish Adventures are ideal for women over 50 taking that first step, offering the reassurance of travelling with like-minded people.”
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