UK travel companies are seeing a rise in solo travel bookings, with a notable increase among older women who are choosing to explore the world independently, often without their partners.
Last month, tour operator Jules Verne reported that solo travellers make up 46% of bookings for trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Nearly 70% of these solo bookings are made by women.
We spoke with several women about the joys and challenges of travelling alone.
‘My grown-up kids are used to it now’
After Linda’s husband passed away in 2016, she used the money she saved by handling the probate herself to join a photography tour in Cuba. “Even though I didn’t know anyone on the tour, our shared love for travel and photography led to lasting friendships,” says Linda, 75, from Oxford. “I was hooked and have been travelling ever since, visiting places like Bolivia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Brazil, and India. I’ve also travelled solo around Europe twice with an Interrail pass, staying in hotels and other accommodations along the way.”
Linda, who is retired, always shares her travel plans with her family before she leaves. “My adult children are used to it now and don’t worry as long as I give them an itinerary in case I get lost,” she explains. “I check in with them at each destination, sending a photo of where I’m staying and posting updates on Instagram or Facebook. I also let them know when I’m safely back home.”
Her next adventure is a trip to India with a photography group. “I’d encourage other women to try solo travel. It can be scary at first, but once you take that step, you realize you can do it and have incredible experiences.”
‘Waiting 40 years to backpack across Europe made me appreciate it even more’
Claudia had dreamed of backpacking through Europe as a teenager, but her “concerned mother” prevented it. Four decades later, she finally made that dream come true. “The backpacking trip was everything I imagined,” says Claudia, 63, a registered nurse from Ontario, Canada. “I slept on overnight buses, stayed in mixed dorms with 20 people—the full experience, except for bar-hopping since I don’t drink.”
“Having waited 40 years for this trip made me appreciate it all the more. Complaints from others seemed trivial to me. With years of life experience, I knew how to handle things when they didn’t go as planned.”
Claudia remembers discussing travel plans with a colleague during night shifts, both looking forward to travelling after retirement. Sadly, her colleague passed away before they could fulfill those plans. “I travelled with others to over twenty countries before marriage and even had a six-week honeymoon,” Claudia recalls. “Life got busy, and before I knew it, I was in my 50s. My co-worker’s sudden death reminded me to start travelling again. I resumed in 2016, first with my husband, but the desire to travel solo soon returned. I spent my last birthday in September in Poland and Lithuania for almost four weeks, followed by trips to Ecuador in October and the Dominican Republic in November. Travel has taught me that ‘not now’ doesn’t mean ‘never’.”
Her next trip in 2026 will be a three-week stay in New Zealand.She adds: “Many women take on caregiving roles in one way or another, and solo travel offers the freedom to do something without having to negotiate with children, a spouse, or friends. What I love about traveling alone is that I can be my true self, free from the societal expectations of being a wife, mother, or employee.”
“There is no limit to what I want to do and can do.”
RoseMary at Seoul Botanical Park Greenhouse, South Korea. Photograph: RoseMary/Guardian Community
RoseMary’s interest in South Korea began when she started watching a TV series set there.
“I was very fragile after my partner of 20 years passed away seven years ago,” says RoseMary, 77, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “I noticed that television was full of shows about unhappy situations, and then I came across this very gentle and sweet series. It turned out to be from South Korea, and it really sparked my curiosity, so I decided to visit the country.”
RoseMary, who is retired, has traveled to South Korea twice, staying in Seoul—first in a hotel, and then through a house-sitting arrangement.
“For my third trip to Seoul, which will last over a month, I’ve arranged to stay in someone’s home,” says RoseMary. She plans to use it as a base and is excited to visit South Korea’s many dolmens (prehistoric stone burial sites).
RoseMary in Seoul during a protest in January 2025. Photograph: Handout/RoseMary/Guardian Community
The flexibility of solo travel has been especially appealing to her.
“It lets me set my own agenda completely,” she says. “There are no limits to what I want to do or can do. I don’t have to argue with a picky travel companion about where to eat.”
She recalls that her first trip to Seoul was met with “blank stares” from friends and family.
“Martial law was declared the night before I flew to South Korea for my second trip in December 2024,” says RoseMary. “My family and friends’ worry reached new heights of panic. The first thing I did after landing was dive right into the experience.”
“I try new things because I want to, not because I feel I have to.”
Caelin on her most recent trip to Barcelona, Spain in July 2025. Photograph: Caelin/Guardian Community
Caelin says she started solo traveling “almost by accident.”
“At 21, I flew to Peru for a friend’s wedding and decided to spend some time exploring on my own,” says Caelin, now 22 and working in marketing in Wellington, New Zealand.
“I thought I’d just fill the days, take some photos, and check the place off my list. But what happened was much more significant. I’m a naturally social person, always surrounded by people and talking, and suddenly I had only my own company. At first, I felt a bit lonely, but that slowly turned into something grounding. It was the first time I realized that being alone didn’t have to mean feeling left out—it could be peaceful.”
Caelin visiting Machu Picchu, Peru in July 2024. Photograph: Caelin/Guardian Community
Since that trip, she has traveled solo to Chile and Spain.
“Every time I go…””I’m discovering new things about myself,” she says. “There’s no pressure to perform, keep up, or apologize for wanting to slow down. That freedom actually motivates me to do more. I try new things because I truly want to, not because I feel obligated.”
“Even small moments like flying alone have become my favorite parts. It’s peaceful to sit with myself, free from distractions or conversations I feel forced to have. It reminds me that I can be content in my own company—that’s been one of my most important lessons.”
This experience has given her another boost.
“There’s a quiet confidence that comes from relying on yourself and realizing what you’re capable of,” she explains. “My parents were very worried at first. I understood their fears, but after two successful trips, they began to see how positive it’s been for me. I return calmer, more centered, and more confident. They can see that solo travel isn’t about running away from anything—it’s about choosing a life where I fully trust myself.”
‘Single supplements make solo holidays unaffordable’
Judith on her solo trip to Edinburgh. Photograph: Judith/Guardian Community
Judith travels solo but would prefer to share the experience with someone. She has family in Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany, plus connections to Spain and France, and has taken solo trips around Denmark and France.
“I’d rather not travel alone, but I don’t have anyone to join me,” says Judith, 69, from West Sussex, who works in a yacht chandlery. “The reality is, if I don’t go solo, I won’t go at all.”
Judith, who has three grown children and has been single for 25 years, points out that traveling alone can be expensive.
“I’ve been looking for a solo holiday to the Norwegian fjords for my 70th birthday, but the single supplement nearly doubles the cost, making it unaffordable. Many of us would travel solo more often if prices were fairer.”
“My last solo trip was on my birthday this year. I didn’t want to be home alone, so I took a train from southern England to Edinburgh. I explored the city and visited places like Rosslyn Castle, which I’d wanted to see for a long time. I enjoyed the freedom to come and go as I pleased, but eating alone can make you feel like you have no friends. Although I met some lovely people and had a great time, it would have been nicer to share it with someone.”
‘I struck up great conversations with strangers from all over the world’
Becky in a vineyard in Alsace on her interrailing trip in October 2025. Photograph: Becky/Guardian Community
Becky says she loves meeting and connecting with people during her solo travels. She has traveled extensively alone for work and pleasure, both independently and on group trips.
“I love it,” says Becky, 53, who works in education and lives in Leeds. “Honestly, I’ve had a few trips where I felt lonely, faced some hassles, or joined groups I didn’t connect with, but overall, it’s been fantastic.”
Becky and a flamingo during a gulet sailing trip in Montenegro, July 2025. Photograph: Becky/Guardian Community
“I’ve had safe and amazing experiences, met wonderful people, and gained incredible cultural insights. Traveling solo makes you more approachable, so you end up connecting with more people.”
She recently returned from her first solo interrailing trip.
“I highly recommend it,” she says. “I used night trains with women-only compartments to travel across Italy and took a pasta-making class with a lively, hilarious group of Italians.”While waiting for my next connection on benches, I met New Yorkers exploring their heritage and had wonderful conversations with strangers from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the I was captivated trend of adventurous women traveling solo with clear and direct answers
Getting Started The Basics
1 What does I was captivated mean in this context
Its a phrase that captures the feeling of being completely enchanted and empowered by the experience of solo travel leading to personal growth and a new perspective on life
2 Why is solo travel becoming so popular for women
More women are seeking independence selfdiscovery and the freedom to travel on their own terms without having to compromise or wait for a travel partner
3 Isnt it dangerous for a woman to travel alone
Like any activity it has risks but millions of women do it safely every year Danger can be significantly minimized with thorough research trusting your instincts and taking commonsense precautions
4 Ive never traveled alone before Where should I start
Begin with a short trip to a place known for being safe and easy for solo travelers like Japan Iceland or Canada This helps you build confidence
Benefits Mindset
5 What are the biggest benefits of traveling solo
You gain immense selfconfidence complete freedom to do what you want when you want and often make deeper connections with both locals and other travelers
6 Dont you get lonely
Sometimes but its often a passing feeling Solo travel actually makes it easier to meet people Staying in hostels joining group tours or using travel apps are great ways to connect
7 How does solo travel change you
It pushes you out of your comfort zone teaches you to solve problems on your own and gives you a greater sense of capability and resilience that applies to all areas of life
Practical Tips Safety
8 What are the top safety tips for a solo female traveler
Always share your itinerary with someone back home
Arrive at new destinations during daylight
Trust your gutif a person or situation feels wrong leave
Dont overshare your accommodation details with strangers
9 How can I meet people without seeming awkward
Stay in social accommodations like hostels with common areas book a small group day tour or simply strike up a conversation with other solo travelers you see
