Have you been telling yourself you’ll travel “one day”?
One day, when work is less demanding.
One day, when the children have grown up.
One day, when you’ve got more confidence.
One day, when you’ve saved enough money.
One day…
If you’ve ever dreamed about Solo Travel for Women Over 40, that “one day” could be now.
In this week’s episode of Moving Through Menopause, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria Kamau, an ICF-certified travel coach who has travelled to more than 90 countries. Together we explored why so many women over 40 put their travel dreams on hold—and how they can finally move from saying ‘one day’ to confidently saying ‘I’m going!’ If you’re curious about travel experiences uniquely designed for and by women over 40 who want to journey solo, keep reading.
Why Do Women Wait to Travel?
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centred on something that extends far beyond travel. For those curious about solo travel, women over 40 often bring a unique perspective to their journeys.
As women, we often spend decades caring for everyone else:
- Our careers.
- Our partners.
- Our children.
- Our parents.
- Our communities.
By the time we finally have a little more freedom, many of us have forgotten what *we* actually want. Travel becomes something we keep moving to the bottom of the list. Maria explained that many women could travel more than they do, but they struggle to give themselves permission. That really resonated with me. Whether we’re talking about movement, exercise or travel, so many women have spent years putting themselves last. Embracing Solo Travel for Women Over 40 can help change that mindset.
Midlife Isn’t the End, It’s the Beginning
Menopause often brings enormous change. Many women experience:
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety
- Loss of confidence
- Reduced motivation
I certainly recognised those feelings during my own perimenopause journey. Sometimes even just thinking about packing a suitcase feels exhausting. Yet, paradoxically, this stage of life can also become the perfect opportunity to rediscover ourselves. As responsibilities begin to shift, many women finally have space to ask, ‘What do I want? Perhaps the answer is travel. If you are wondering about solo travel experiences specifically created for women over 40, this is exactly the time to explore such adventures.
Is Solo Travel Safe for Women Over 40?
This is one of the biggest questions women ask. Maria believes that although sensible precautions are always important, technology has transformed solo travel, making it more accessible and safer, especially for women over 40 who wish to experience travel alone.
Today’s travellers can:
- Share live locations
- Use eSIMs to stay connected
- Pre-book airport transfers
- Research destinations thoroughly
- Keep family updated throughout their journey
Most importantly, she reminded me that many of the precautions we take while travelling are the same ones we should take at home. Preparation, not fear, is the key for anyone considering travel—and that’s especially true if you’re a woman over 40 traveling solo for the first time.
Travel Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
One of my favourite moments in the conversation came when Maria said that travel doesn’t have to be expensive—but it does need to be prioritised. For women over 40, solo travel is more accessible when costs are well planned.
Instead of asking:
Can I afford to travel? She encourages women to ask, What am I choosing instead?
We all make decisions about where our money goes; perhaps it’s a new car, a bigger television, another wardrobe full of clothes. Maria’s philosophy is simple: Choose memories over ‘stuff’. The experiences we collect often stay with us long after material purchases have lost their excitement. And, for solo travel, women over 40 can prioritise unique memories over possessions by simply choosing to say yes to new adventures alone.
Travel Builds More Than Memories
Travel changes us, not simply because we visit beautiful places. But because we discover something about ourselves. Every new country, unfamiliar street, delayed flight or unexpected challenge reminds us that we’re more capable than we thought. This is especially empowering for women over 40 who embark on solo travel journeys.
Now our confidence grows through these experiences. The same principle applies to movement. I often tell my physiotherapy and Pilates clients that confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes because of action. Travel works in the same way. And with solo travel, especially for women over 40, each experience contributes to a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery.
Staying Physically Ready to Explore
As a physiotherapist, I am passionate about the importance of remaining physically active as we age. Life is easier the fitter we are, and the physical demands of travel are no exception. For those interested in solo travel for women over 40, being physically prepared opens up so many more opportunities for exploration.
Many women worry about:
- Carrying luggage
- Walking long distances
- Negotiating airports
- Climbing steps
- Feeling strong enough
The good news? These are exactly the kinds of skills we can improve. Regular strength training, Pilates, yoga and walking all help prepare your body for travel, particularly if you’re embarking on solo adventures as a woman over 40.
Maria’s Top Tips for Carefree Travel:
- Travel light.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Don’t over-schedule every day.
- Build recovery time into your itinerary.
- Choose experiences that match your energy levels.
- Avoid conflict with travel partners by sharing your wishes and desires for your trip.
Travel isn’t about proving anything. It’s about enjoying the experience. And for solo travel, women over 40 can find true joy in the freedom and discovery the journey brings.
Find the Courage to Say “I’m Going”
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation wasn’t about passports or packing. It was about permission… The message for solo travel for women over 40 is clear: give yourself the permission to go!
- Permission to spend money on yourself.
- Permission to prioritise your dreams.
- Permission to stop waiting for the perfect time.
Because the truth is, the perfect time rarely arrives. Your first journey begins with a simple decision. I’m going! With solo travel, women over 40 can take that very first step and embark on an adventure that is truly their own.
Watch the Full Podcast
If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling again, or travelling solo for the very first time, I think you’ll love this conversation. Together, Maria and I discuss:
- Why women over 40 postpone travel
- Solo travel safety tips
- Affordable travel planning
- Building confidence through travel
- How travel supports healthy ageing
- The importance of movement and physical preparation
- Why travel can become one of the greatest investments you make in yourself if you are considering solo travel as a woman over 40.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
Thinking About Your Next Adventure?
If you’re looking for a supportive way to combine movement, relaxation and travel, I’d love you to join my upcoming Pilates and Yoga retreat. This retreat is perfect for solo travel, especially for women over 40 who want to reconnect with themselves through movement.
This retreat is designed specifically for women who want to move well, feel stronger, build confidence and create unforgettable memories in beautiful surroundings. It’s an ideal starting point for any woman over 40 considering solo travel.
Because life isn’t about waiting for “one day.” It’s about deciding that today is the day you begin. And for women over 40 seeking solo travel, that decision could be the start of your greatest adventure.
Find out More about this amazing Women’s RetreatListen to more episodes of the Moving Through Menopause Podcast HERE
By Phillipa Butler | Moving Through Menopause
