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Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S. for Women Over 50

Traveling solo offers a plethora of benefits, from meeting new people to gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. However, traveling alone as a woman can pose several safety risks that are worth considering, which is why knowing where to travel ensures you have a memorable and safe trip. 

For those looking to stay closer to home, we’ve curated a list of the best places to travel as a solo woman in the U.S., from Sedona, Arizona, to Asheville, North Carolina. Whether it’s your first solo trip or fifth, it’s essential to carefully research destinations to find a city or region to explore that’s known for both its safety and attractions, so you can discover landmarks and new areas with peace of mind. Take a look at the best places to visit alone in the U.S. to find your next destination to explore.

Austin, Texas

Why Solo Travel is Perfect for Senior Women

A solo trip for women in the U.S. opens the door to a wide range of opportunities and learning experiences. Traveling alone allows you to travel on your terms, following your preferred itinerary while having moments for self-reflection. Here are some benefits to exploring some of the great places to travel alone to in the U.S.:

  • Freedom to explore at your own pace: When planning a solo trip, you can choose your ideal destination and activities that align with your interests without compromising with others traveling with you. From setting your schedule to finding activities that align with your energy level, you can ensure your adventure meets your expectations.
  • Engage in personal growth: Traveling alone can be the perfect opportunity for self-reflection. With more time to reflect, recharge and reconnect with yourself, you can grow in more ways than you would ever expect. Discover where your passions lie, gain a spark of creativity or find what truly brings you joy.
  • Enjoy enriching experiences: When planning a solo trip as a senior woman, you can find unique experiences that resonate most with you, whether they’re cultural, historical or nature-based activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring national parks or going on an art tour or wellness retreat, you can find an enriching experience that speaks to you.

While exploring the best U.S. solo trips for women introduces you to a wide range of exciting benefits, there can be challenges. Safety should always be kept top of mind, so choose destinations known for being women- and senior-friendly. Additionally, make sure a loved one, such as a family member or friend, has a copy of your itinerary and pack essentials like a basic first aid kit and necessary medications.

 

Top Solo Travel Destinations for Senior Women in the U.S.

Ready to reap the benefits of solo female travel? Take a peek at some of our top recommendations for good places to travel alone in the U.S. as a senior woman:

  • Sedona, Arizona: The American Southwest is ripe with adventure, and Sedona’s vibrant red rock formations, paired with wellness retreats and artistic inspiration, make this spot an excellent destination for a solo trip. You can find peaceful hiking trails and a welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers. Explore the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for unique crafts, or enjoy yoga sessions to reconnect with yourself.
  • Charleston, South Carolina: This historic, charming city with walkable streets is known for its beautiful architecture and wealth of cultural experiences, perfect for a solo traveler seeking relaxation and history. Southern adventures to Charleston bring you down cobblestone streets, to historic plantations, and along Waterfront Park through a harbor tour. With locals known for their hospitality and an easy-to-navigate city, Charleston is excellent for solo female travelers.
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico: With its rich arts scene, historic adobe buildings and peaceful surroundings, Santa Fe is ideal for solo women travelers interested in culture, art and nature. Explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum or walk down Canyon Road, popping into local art galleries.
  • The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina: For nature lovers, the Smokies offer scenic hikes, peaceful trails and opportunities for reflection in a beautiful, tranquil environment. As the most visited national park in the U.S. and Canada, the Great Smoky Mountains serve as a safe destination for solo female travelers interested in exploring the great outdoors.
  • Portland, Maine: This quaint, coastal New England town offers gorgeous lighthouses, fresh seafood and beautiful walking trails, perfect for a peaceful solo getaway. You can visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., and kayak along Casco Bay or enjoy a traditional lobster roll.
  • Asheville, North Carolina: One of the top places to solo travel in the U.S. is Asheville, a small mountain town known for its art scene, craft breweries and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it ideal for an enriching solo travel experience that mixes small-town charm with big-city experiences.

 

Tips for Solo Female Travelers Over 50

When discovering the best places to visit alone in the U.S., there are several important tips to keep in mind for a smooth and memorable adventure. Review our practical information and keep these tips for solo female travelers over 50 in your back pocket:

  • Staying safe while traveling alone: As a solo senior woman, make sure to choose well-lit accommodations, trust your instincts and keep emergency contacts handy. Prioritizing your safety can provide peace of mind and ensure you have a stress-free experience.
  • Packing tips for solo travel: There’s a lot that goes into any adventure, and packing might be one of the most stressful for any traveler. As you prepare for your solo trip, ensure you have the necessities, such as various layers of clothing that can be dressed up or down for varying temperatures and weather conditions, comfortable walking and hiking shoes to keep your feet and body supported while discovering new attractions, and having your toiletries, medications and safety equipment easily accessible.
  • Managing health and wellness while traveling alone: There are several ways to stay active and healthy while traveling, such as managing your medication, staying hydrated by backing a reusable water bottle or hydration pack, and eating a healthy diet while on the road by indulging in local cuisine that draws on fresh regional ingredients.

 

Why Choose Road Scholar for Solo Female Travel

At Road Scholar, our trips for solo female travel offer an exciting opportunity to join a diverse cohort of like-minded women while enjoying guided tours that create a supportive and enriching environment. By visiting great places to travel alone in the U.S., you can find senior-friendly itineraries and unique educational experiences that cater to solo women travelers over 50. Our expert guides ensure safety and comfort with accessible accommodations and carefully curated itineraries for the utmost enjoyment. Find an adventure today to see where you might end up next.

 

Embrace the Freedom of Solo Travel

Solo travel as a senior woman over 50 offers countless benefits, from partaking in enriching experiences to personal growth. Travel with confidence and embark on solo travel with other senior adventurers.

With countless cities across the country to visit, finding the right destination can seem overwhelming. At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of solo female travel destinations that are safe and educational, allowing you to easily find a program that piques your interests. Through our experiential learning programs, you can travel solo with the comfort of a group, allowing you to meet new travelers and enjoy spirited conversations while still embracing traveling alone.

No matter which of the safe solo trips for females in the U.S. you choose to explore, you’ll join an experienced guide who will provide in-depth insights into the culture, geography, wildlife and history of the city you’re exploring. Browse our tips for solo female travelers to learn how you can prepare for your big adventure.