Freedom, Community, And The Rise Of The Solo Woman Traveler with Tracey Nesbitt // 177
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone—or paying extra.
Discover how midlife women are exploring the world with confidence and community.
Why More Women Over 50 Are Traveling Solo
Have you noticed how many women in midlife are starting to travel on their own?
For many women, this season of life brings something new: time, freedom, and curiosity. Children are grown. Careers may be shifting. Relationships may look different than they once did.
Instead of slowing down, many women are asking a different question:
What’s next for me?
Solo travel has become one beautiful answer.
In a recent conversation on the Solo Travel Adventures podcast, solo travel expert Tracy Nesbitt, co-founder of Solo Traveler, shared why this moment in history is uniquely suited for women exploring the world on their own.
We’re seeing more single-person households than ever before. Women are living longer, staying active longer, and embracing new experiences rather than waiting for retirement.
Travel becomes part of that unfolding next chapter.
The Hidden Cost That Stops Many Solo Travelers
If you’ve looked into tours or cruises as a solo traveler, you may have run into something frustrating: the single supplement.
Many travel companies price their trips assuming two people will share a room. If you travel alone, you may be charged an extra fee—sometimes up to 100% more.
That additional cost stops many women from booking trips they’d love to take.
But the industry is slowly changing.
As solo travel grows, more companies are creating options specifically designed for solo travelers.
One of the most helpful resources for finding these trips is Tracy’s List, a curated monthly list created by Solo Traveler.
What Is Tracy’s List?
Tracy’s List is a monthly email subscription that highlights carefully vetted tours and cruises with zero single supplements.
Each month includes a small selection of trips from around the world, chosen for their value and unique experiences.
Instead of endless searching, you receive a curated list of possibilities—from train journeys through the mountains to unique adventure trips across different continents.
For many solo travelers, this kind of resource removes one of the biggest barriers to booking a trip.
(You can explore more resources and tips at https://cherylbeckesch.com.)
Are Group Tours Still Solo Travel?
Some people assume that joining a tour means you’re not really traveling solo.
But Tracy sees it differently.
A tour can actually be one of the best ways to start.
Today’s tours often include:
- Free time built into the itinerary
- Multiple activity options
- Opportunities to explore independently
- Social connection when you want it
River cruises are especially popular for solo travelers because ships dock directly in towns. You can join group excursions—or simply wander through a café-lined street on your own.
You still have independence. You just have support around you.
How Solo Travel Builds Confidence
One of Tracy’s earliest solo trips taught her a powerful lesson.
Standing on a street in Paris with only a paper map—and no smartphone—she had to find her way back to her accommodations after missing the last tour bus.
It wasn’t easy.
But by the end of that long walk, something had shifted.
She realized she could figure things out.
That quiet confidence often becomes the unexpected gift of solo travel.
As Tracy shared during our conversation:
When you learn to navigate a foreign city, that sense of capability carries into the rest of your life.
Simple Ways to Start Solo Travel
If you’re curious about solo travel but feeling nervous, consider starting small.
Try a staycation
Spend a night or two in a nearby city and explore like a tourist.
Choose a destination with a familiar language
Places like the UK or Canada can feel easier for a first international trip.
Consider a flexible tour
Look for tours that offer built-in free time and activity choices.
Ask questions
You don’t have to know everything before you go. Travelers everywhere ask for help—and people are often happy to assist.
Solo Travel Is About More Than the Destination
The places you visit matter.
But the deeper transformation often comes from the experience itself.
Solo travel invites reflection, courage, curiosity, and personal growth.
It creates space to listen to yourself again.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what a new season of life calls for.
If solo travel has been on your mind but you’re unsure where to begin, this is something I support women with through 1:1 travel coaching. Together, we create thoughtful travel plans that match your season of life, comfort level, and curiosity.
You can learn more here:
https://cherylbeckesch.com/workwithme
