trips for singles over 40

33 Best holiday ideas for singles over 40 in 2023

Are you single and in your 40s? Are your friends all in relationships or with small kids and not available or keen to travel?

Don’t let that stop you from that dream trip, we’re here to help you with holiday ideas for travelers like you, single and over 40. 

• 1 Traveling solo after 40 
• 2 How to plan your holiday as a single traveler
• 3 Best group trips for singles over 40
• 4 Best vacation spots for singles over 40
• 5 Conclusion

Traveling solo after 40 

While age is just a number, there are some things that also evolve with time.

With age usually comes financial freedom, maturity and the hardship of getting over jetlag, I know that all too well! 

While you are still young (very young, if I may add), traveling in your 40s is not the same as traveling in your 20s or 30s.

You are most likely not looking to party it out all night long, sleeping at the beach or hitchhiking to save a few pennies, you are also not necessarily up to make a fool of yourself, or at least not all the time. 

Your taste is more refined, your interests wider and your purse thicker.

You are also most likely looking for deeper experiences that enrich your life, teach you something new or maybe provide a break from the daily busy life and less about partying all night long. You know what you want from life, and travel is it.

On the flip side, with age also comes confidence, and lack of patience.

You no longer need other people’s approval and you also don’t need a travel companion to go places.

You do your groceries alone, you live alone, you dine alone and you lead a fulfilling life all by yourself, you are your best travel companion and you are ready to continue living life to the fullest. 

Because your friends may be married and with kids, they can no longer afford, time-wise and financially, to travel as much as you, so you are keen to find a new tribe of like minded travelers who are also single and over 40 and who share your passion for discovering the world and have minimal family responsibilities. 

If all of the above resonates with you, you’ve come to the right place. And let me add, going on a singles holiday does not necessarily mean that you are looking for love (though you may still find it), but that you are looking to be surrounded by people like you or at a destination that is specifically catered to singles or which is just perfect for this moment in your life, solo or with newfound friends.

More and more Gen Xers are leading the return to travel , especially independently and solo and a lot of the women joining our women-only tours are in their 40s and either single or divorced, they are not letting the lack of travel companions stop them from traveling, they are treating themselves to a fabulous trip with other travelers like them. 

Find your perfect holiday for singles over 40 in this article and book that trip of a lifetime, you deserve it.

How to plan your holiday as a single traveler

Planning a trip can be complicated and confusing but before we jump right into choosing the right trip, it’s important to take a few minutes to think about what you can do and what you are trying to get out of it.

• What is your budget?
• Do you want to travel solo independently or join a group?
• What type of trip are you looking for? A more adventurous, a relaxing one, a culturally-focused one, or perhaps a foodie trip with lots of gastronomic experiences and maybe some wine tastings too?

A budget is usually the starting point when planning vacation at any age. It will help you set the tone for the type of trip you’ll have, the duration and help you weed out some options, such as the kind of tours available to you.

If you have a budget for the holiday, keep that in mind when going through the rest of this section to filter ideas and suggestions. If you don’t have a budget and are trying to save, check out some of our tips on how to save money for travel .

Travel style

The next decision is your travel style. Are you more of a solo traveler who prefers to travel independently or would you like to join a group tour where everything is planned for you and you can meet other travelers?

We are passionate advocates of solo travel and our Solo Female Travelers Facebook Group is the place to get help, support and advice for your first or your next solo trip at any age. A large percentage of our members are in their 40s and looking to go on a trip so you are sure to find yourself among your tribe. Go on, ask that question!

On the other hand, a lot of single travelers prefer to join group tours so that they can more easily meet others and reduce some of the burden of planning a trip by letting someone else do it for them. Traveling on your own means you need to do all the planning and this can require a lot of hours researching which not everyone enjoys.

Many of the guests on our small women-only tours for solo travelers like to book with us because of the convenience of knowing we put together trips that include the type of experiences they enjoy and where they meet like minded women, without having to spend hours finding the best activities, restaurants and local places.

In the next section, we will look at companies like ours that specialise in solo trips and have an age threshold.

Type of trip

Now that you know your budget and travel style, it’s time to narrow down your options a bit more by looking at the kind of trip you feel like going on.

There are many types of holidays for singles over 40 and if you asked 10 people you would most likely get 10 different answers, from a wellness retreat to an active holiday, a beach vacation, a city break and anything in between, if you can dream it, it is possible. 

In fact, we did ask our members and got more than 100 suggestions each different and unique. 

What’s your personality like? What is the purpose of your vacation? What are your interests? How much time do you have? What do you feel like? What do you want to get out of it>

Don’t let the fact that you are single stop you from choosing the vacation you most want, you can go party or to a festival alone or you can go to traditional honeymoon destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora if that is what you fancy, we’ve done it and we don’t regret it. 

Like an inspirational quote we love says:

“They called it loneliness, she knew it was freedom” – F.E. Marie

Here are some types of trips for singles over 40 to consider, the sky’s the limit:

• Active travel: This is for adventure seekers or for those who want to challenge themselves. Want to hike Kilimanjaro ? Don’t let the lack of a travel companion stop you from doing it!
• Luxury travel: A luxury trip is the ultimate in self pampering and is a great opportunity to let someone else take care of you, be it with a margarita by the poolside, a specially customized menu or a private guide and driver to take you where your heart desires.
• Sailing: A sailing trip is a great and efficient way to cover many destinations in just a few days and have an all inclusive experience on board. Cruises often offer great holiday packages for singles over 40 and are awesome places to meet fellow single travelers and have a blast onboard and onshore. 
• Wellness retreat : While we tend to associate wellness retreats with luxury trips, the two are not necessarily the same. Some retreats can be very affordable and provide a more rustic back to basics experience which does not make them any less appealing. There is a wide range of wellness retreats, from silent retreats to yoga retreats, detox holidays and everything in between. While these are not necessarily singles-only experiences, it is true that they tend to attract solo travelers more than couples and so you may find yourself surrounded by people like you.
• Gastronomic travel : We are big fans of traveling for food and wine and will do it anytime. There are many parts of the world where this kind of trip is becoming more and more popular and destinations where enjoying culinary experiences is more commonplace such as Italy , Spain or France. For example, our Tuscany trip has a heavy gastronomic component weaved into other cultural activities. 

What is it that you are looking for in your vacation as a single? Think about it as you move through the rest of the article.

Best group trips for singles over 40

Small group trips are an excellent choice for single travelers over 40s.

They offer a great way to enjoy travel in a setting where meeting others is easier and the fact that there is a predefined itinerary means you know what you’ll get to see and do without having to spend hours planning it. 

Additionally, you won’t need to worry about tours or activities needing a minimum number of guests, places charging you more because you are on your own or restaurants refusing service because it’s just you (yep, that is regularly reported by members of our online community ).

Where to start looking for the right travel groups for singles over 40? 

In the list below.

Women-only tours

Perhaps one of the most fun ways to travel is with like minded women with whom you can gossip, share a drink, have a laugh or simply identify with. The camaraderie and good vibes are endless.

Solo Female Travelers Tours

We curate our own intimate group tours specifically for solo female travelers and take our guests beyond the tourist hot spots to experience the local culture with a group of like minded women. 

We specifically focus on destinations where it’s usually too expensive or difficult to travel as a female alone, or where we know a group makes for a more fun experience. 

If you come solo, we pair you up with another woman so that no-one has to pay a single supplement and can cut out that extra cost. If you wish to, you can also upgrade to a single room.

Women from many different ages come to our tours, but the most popular age range is that of women in their 40s, many of whom are divorced or have never been married and can’t be bothered to wait for anyone else to go on that trip of a lifetime. 

You can view all our upcoming trips on our tours page . We have many travel styles included in our trips, some focus on wellness and luxury, while others are full of adventure and wildlife. 

Read : The 25 best women-only tour companies .

Group trips for solo women over 40

Traveling solo but in a group guarantees a memorable trip and is a fun and convenient way to travel.

All the planning, itineraries and accommodations are all set up so you don’t have to worry about anything and focus on having an amazing holiday. 

Solos Holidays

With more than 40 years of experience, UK-based Solos Holidays is a tour company that offers especially crafted holidays designed for single and solo travelers. 

They focus on creating sociable experiences where one can travel independently, but with the convenience of traveling in a group and having a tour leader. 

Solos Holidays have tour destinations across the world in Europe, America, Australia, Asia, The Caribbean and Africa. They have a mix of ages in their tours, but the majority of guests are above 40 years old. 

In order to appeal to a wider range of travelers, they have many holiday types with specific activities that match almost any interest.

There are group tours for the active which include activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports, yoga, golf, whale watching. They also have ClubSolos which is an exclusive tour in luxurious accommodation.

Exodus Travels has their own section of solo holidays for travelers in their 30s and 40s called Exodus Edits . 

Their tours are unique experiences such as cycling in Croatia or hiking in Morocco, that guarantee you’ll have the best time and share memorable moments with like-minded people in whatever activity level you choose: leisurely, moderate or challenging. Compare the tours and find the one that matches your interests.

Have a detox of the ordinary and make the most of your singles vacation going to a bucket list trip like Pyramids and Pharaohs in Egypt, Cabernet and Capers in South Africa or Street food and Sunshine in Sicily. 

Rick Steves

Rick Steves is an American expert in European travel and has a best seller guidebook series, a travel column, a TV show and a radio show.

His company offers tours throughout Europe and focuses on fun, affordable and culturally broadening trips. There are tours with a large group size, while others limit to small groups. His travel groups were recommended by members of our Facebook group.  

Some of their top sellers tours are Heart of Italy, Best of Paris and Best of Ireland. 

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations is a tour company that curates premium small group trips. Their mission is to make you travel in style, in trips that are fancier than most tour companies and offer high-end accommodation, fine dining, and unique experiences. 

They offer unusual and fascinating experiences in many of their tours like Twirling on the dance floor in Vienna, savoring Egyptian sun bread in a local village and learning about Oyster farms in Croatia. Groups are usually small but go as high as 40 members.

Their top destinations are Croatia, Switzerland and Italy. Don’t miss their special savings and discounts exclusively for solo travelers.

Wellness retreats for women over 40

Feeling like you need to recharge?

Disconnect to reconnect with yourself in an amazing retreat holiday, an ideal holiday for singles over 40 looking for an enriching experience, balance and relaxation. 

Take a break from the ordinary and embark on a wellness adventure, the destinations to choose from are plenty!

We recommend these companies to book your next retreat holiday.

Tripaneer is a travel booking marketplace and they have their own retreat platform called BookYogaRetreats . 

In this site, you’ll be able to find yoga retreats, holidays and courses in destinations all over the world including The Americas and Caribbean, Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Tripaneer has a wide array of retreat options, the main ones being yoga retreats , detox retreats and meditation retreats . 

If you need a reset and want to enjoy a wellness trip, check out these uniquely crafted retreats like a 6 Day Solo Traveler Package Holiday in Mexico or an 8 Day Deluxe Massage, Surf, Hike and Yoga Holiday in Portugal.

Tripaneer is a well trusted travel company which will connect you with the best of local culture in any destination, so you can have an unforgettable and enriching holiday. 

Fivelements in Bali

Fivelements Retreat Bali is an eco-conscious wellness retreat located on the banks of the Ayung River in Bali.

This is a place where you can encounter authentic Balinese Healing, plant-based cuisine and sacred arts. 

A great holiday destination for singles over 40, Fivelements offers a mix of healing cultures with innovative wellness concepts.

You can choose from different types of experiences like a personalized private wellness retreat, a wellness day, detox programs with plant-based cuisine, culinary experiences, etc. 

The accommodation options are nothing but luxury! Stay in stunning riverfront or hillside suites with pools and gardens. If you want something out of the ordinary, set off for a relaxing holiday in this wellness sanctuary, rooted in the Balinese culture.  

Chiva Som in Thailand

“A beautiful sanctuary where enrichment thrives and lives change”.

Recommended by our group members, Chiva Som is a place with a holistic approach to wellness, with two resorts located in Thailand and Qatar. 

The brand offers carefully curated retreat experiences, which include daily activities and treatments, for every kind of interest and health concerns.

You can search for your ideal retreat experience based on your goals, which can be relaxation, emotional and mental balance, detox, beauty, physical fitness, among others. 

If you’re looking forward to embarking on a journey that benefits your health and life, choose a retreat holiday in Chiva Som. Some of their most popular experiences are Art of Detox, Natural Renewal, Senior Wellness and Cranial Relief.  

BodyHoliday

BodyHoliday is a luxury wellness resort located in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

With a stunning beach, luxurious rooms and delicious cuisine, this spa resort focuses on well being and providing a pleasing holiday to every guest.

A fab thing about them is that a daily spa treatment is included with your room rate, so it’s the perfect holiday to let go, relax and recharge your mind. 

Each of their retreats is fully inclusive of luxury accommodation (with no single supplement), food and beverage, as well as all the activities related to the retreat you’ve chosen.

There’s a wide range of things to experience at the BodyHoliday, so if you wish to do something in your free time, take a yoga class or learn how to do Tai Chi all is possible.

You can choose from many exercise or wellness activities and the good news is the majority are included!

Our group member Lucy shared her review: “I have just had a week at The BodyHoliday St. Lucia. It is my first venture into holidaying alone and they make it very easy. There are activities from 7 am until 5 pm. Treatments included daily and communal tables if you want to make friends or have someone to chat about your day! A fabulous first venture into solo travel in my 40s”.

Escape to Shape

Feel like doing a full-on fitness trip to Lake Como, Italy?

Escape to Shape specializes in curating high-end wellness experiences that include luxury, sustainability, fitness and relaxation. 

Erica and Francesco, the company’s owners, put a lot of effort in planning and hosting each trip, with the ultimate goal of making sure travelers immerse in the local culture, have a positive impact on the local economy and make new friendships. 

All the trips have small groups which enjoy an enriching holiday and return home feeling refreshed and recharged. Additionally, you will travel sustainably and have contact with local guides and stay in environmentally friendly accommodations. 

If you’re feeling like you need a holiday escape, set off on one of their most popular tours like Markets, Magic & Mountains in Morocco, Multi Sport Adventure in Slovenia and A Journey Through Rajasthan in India. 

Retreat in the Pines

Retreat in the Pines has been hosting women retreats since 2004 in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas and the majority of their guests are solo travelers in their 40s and over. 

Their retreats include a variety of activities like yoga, meditation, hiking, wellness workshops, cooking classes, massages and more in small groups of 10-12 women, so the experience is personal and you get to meet like minded women and form connections and friendships. 

What we love about this company is that they are a female owned business and are committed to creating an ethical and environmentally aware retreat center. As they state on their website, “You are accepted as your authentic self – there’s no need for fancy yoga clothes and you don’t need to touch your toes”. 

So, if you’re longing for a solo holiday that involves community, attend one of their retreats, in which you’ll find healing, inspiration and connection. Retreat in the Pines has a very welcoming atmosphere, where every woman is supported and encouraged, without any judgement.

Fit & Fly

Editor’s note : Fit & Fly doesn’t currently offer any trips.

A company founded by attorney and travel writer Rebecca, Fit & Fly  creates fitness, wellness and cultural retreats in fascinating destinations. They empower women to take special care of themselves and make meaningful connections with other women. 

If you want to try an active vacation where you workout and relax at the same time, this is the travel company for you. The retreats include stylish accommodation, fitness classes, delicious eats, wellness activities, spa experiences, cultural excursions and more.

Fit & Fly has a supportive environment and instructors that make workouts challenging but doable depending on the guest’s capabilities.

The company welcomes women from all ages, though the majority of their guests are in their 40s & 50s, this makes it one of the best wellness tours for singles over 40.

Their top retreat destinations are Bali, Ibiza and Maldives, with a few more exotic places to choose from. 

Trips for women over 40 who want to be in the water

If your perfect getaway involves being near the water, go for a sailing adventure or a river cruise holiday. 

These trips are an incredible way to enjoy stunning sunsets and sea views, do snorkeling and excursions, and meet new people on board a catamaran, yacht or cruise (if you go fancy). Unpack once, visit many cities! 

Another World Adventures

Larissa, one of our group members , has a tour company called Another World Adventures that offers many sailing trips around the world.

We hosted an interview with her , in which she shared an experience that changed her life: she sailed a 100 year old tall ship during a transatlantic sailing voyage from Europe to Brazil. 

Larissa had an exciting sailing journey and this inspired her to launch her own company and offer genuine sailing expeditions.

“I organize sailing adventures on all kinds of boats from coastal exploring to ocean voyages. Most of the folk joining are solo and it’s always good times” she shared with us.”

This is a terrific choice if you want to have an out-of-the-box holiday experience. 

Another World Adventures has sailing trips with different activity levels, from sitting back and enjoying the ride, to learning new skills and helping sail tall ships, and of all durations, from a few days adventure to an over a month expedition. 

This trip will take you all over the world, from Scandinavia and the Arctic, to Europe, or Central America & the Caribbean. Sailing can be great for a single holiday, and you can choose from a variety of trip experiences like a digital detox, a wildlife encounter or going big and sailing across the Atlantic.  

AmaWaterways River Cruises

With 19 years of experience, AmaWaterways offers river cruises with fascinating itineraries in many destinations throughout the world, they even have special themed cruises like Safaris and Wildlife in Africa, Wine river cruises and Christmas river cruises in Europe. 

AmaWaterways are a great choice for a solo traveler over 40 thanks to their Solo Travelers Special , which includes ways to save on your solo booking: 25% single supplement on balcony staterooms or 10% single supplement on fixed window staterooms on select Europe and Asia river cruises.

The Solo Travelers Special also includes personalized crew service and assistance with planning excursions. 

If you have a week to take for your single holiday, the 7-nights Melodies of the Danube or the 7-nights Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle are exceptional choices and some of their most popular cruises.

Diving and sailing onboard the Tui Tai

While not necessarily a trip designed for solo travelers who are older than 40, the Tui Tai offers unparalleled beauty in one of the least visited parts of Fiji.

You board their tall ship and embark on 5 or 7 days of daily diving or snorkeling, cultural exploration of the main local tribes, nature and hiking and great onboard food. 

If you are not a qualified diver yet you can get your certification there, our Co-Founder Mar did, and we promise you that you will never dive anywhere as magical.

Swim among mantas, dive the most colorful soft corals, and explore a part of Polynesia that has yet to be flooded with tourists.

If you come on your own, we promise that the crew will take care of you and the family-style meals and excursions means you will always be in good company.

Trips for women over 40 who want to learn

If you are intellectually curious, an educational holiday is perfect for you.

In these group trips, travel is an enriching experience that is made better by the in-depth learning opportunities, plus you are already starting on the right foot since everyone on the trip shares the same interest for the topic or culture and a love of culture.

Road Scholar

A not-for-profit organization, Road Scholar is an innovative company that creates educational traveling experiences. 

As they state on their website, they are “a diverse community of knowledge seekers and explorers, united in the belief that lifelong learning is a vital part of overall wellbeing”. 

Road Scholar specializes in learning trips for people of 40+ years old and Kelsey Knoedler Perri, PR Director at Road Scholar, told us that almost 30% of their travelers in 2021 came solo and 80% of them were women. 

Their portfolio offers thousands of adventures in more than 100 countries. Immerse yourself in the Latin American ambience going on their South American Odyssey (Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru), discover Morocco and their Melting Pot of Cultures, or dive into the Cultural Highlights of Japan. 

They have a massive variety of destinations, travel styles and trip lengths, and they also offer a roommate option to avoid paying a full single supplement.

This is a very unique way to have a single holiday, focused on learning about the destinations, connecting with new people, and making the best of your vacation. 

Trips for women over 40 who want to learn a new skill 

Want to learn how to cook in Italy? Or how to paint in Spain? If you want your next holiday to add value to your life, go on a learning adventure to an exciting destination. 

There are many companies who specialize in learning holidays where you take classes, courses and activities, while immersing yourself in the local culture and meeting new people . It’s a fantastic way to invest in yourself and explore the world at the same time.

Look at these great options for a learning experience holiday. 

Creative Escapes

Since 2007, this award-winning company has offered photography holidays to amazing destinations worldwide. 

Creative Escapes bring together travelers in their 40s and 50s and take them on small group tours, in which they learn something new while meeting travelers with similar interests. Also, 95% of their guests travel solo, so it’s a perfect holiday for singles. 

We love the company’s concept: hand-built luxury photography holidays. 

Creative Escapes itineraries are focused on hidden gems that only locals know, so they tend to stay off the main and touristy landmarks, and instead take you to the best spots, bars and eateries of every destination. 

They have short haul tours of 5 days and long haul tours of 10-11 days long.

Their destination picks are exotic and unique, with trips to Nepal, Cambodia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Japan, Morocco and Bhutan. Along with, they also offer more specific locations and experiences like a tour to the Sahara desert, the Holi Festival in India or Yosemite Park in the United States. 

Barcelona-based Apertour offers professional photography workshops to some of the most exotic and photogenic destinations such as Oman, the Faroe Islands or Japan.

Group are very small and focus on personal attention with often 2 professional photographers for a group of 7 guests, honing in on the photography skills you’ll learn.

If you don’t want to go on a longer trip, they also offer city based photo workshops that are shorter in nature (2 to 6 hours), and will give you a different perspective on the place you are visiting, or live in.

Flavours Holidays

Operating since 1998, Flavours Holidays offers unique learning tours for solo travelers: quality cooking, painting, pilates, language and photography holidays. 

All the trip destinations are picturesque sites in Italy, Spain and the UK, where guests can learn from passionate chefs and experienced tutors. All their tours are custom-made for solo travelers, with over 80% of their guests traveling solo. 

The good news is they don’t charge single supplements, so you can have a comfy room for yourself.

Our top pick is the cooking holiday in Italy, they have options in many Italian sites: Tuscany, Puglia, Amalfi, Venice, Bologna and Sicily. 

Other great options for your singles holiday can be a painting tour in Andalusia, Spain or in the Scottish Highlands. These holidays are perfect for singles over 40 who want to learn something new while discovering places and cultures.  

The Himalayan Writing Retreat

The Himalayan Writing Retreat is a homestay-style accommodation in the Himalayas often frequented by those looking to write a book or pursue other artistic endeavours in peace and quiet that offers writing workshops and retreats with set departures.

Workshops are usually 4 days long and delivered by professionals. You can then choose to stay at the retreat longer. Food is offered on site and the beautiful surroundings are sure to inspire you.

Trips for women over 40 who are digital nomads

One of the best ways to enjoy life and immerse yourself in a new culture is by spending some time there living like a local.

If you are single and have the opportunity to work from anywhere (thanks COVID) you should consider moving somewhere else for a month and having a taste for what local life there is like.

We like the formula that is put together by companies such as Remote Year which allow you to work in a different country every month for 4 to 12 months depending on the program or even for as short as a week for their Unplug version. Or you can book a shorter stint with Unsettled which starts at 1 week only.

While these programs tend to attract younger travelers who are starting their digital nomad life journey and are looking for a community to keep them accountable, they can also be a great way to enjoy a fun-filled break without taking any annual leave.

Best vacation spots for singles over 40

We asked our wonderful community to share recommendations of the best destinations for a single holiday. Here are the top picks to have an epic vacation for travelers over 40, based on their personal experience.

Kilimanjaro climbing adventure in Tanzania

Instead of spending your savings on a mid-life crisis Porsche, do something challenging and potentially more rewarding and prove to yourself that you still have it with a mindset and physical challenge.

Nothing says achievement and self fulfilment like getting to the top of a really high mountain while supporting local women.

Our Kilimanjaro climb takes a maximum of 14 women to the Roof of Africa. Besides the beautiful landscapes with free roaming wildlife, the vistas and the fact that you get up and close with a high altitude glacier, the expedition is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something that is not only physically challenging but which puts your mental strength to the test.

All our guests come to the trip solo and make lifelong connections with the guides, porters and the rest of the female trekkers. There is something very special about bonding over a challenge that seems insurmountable only to conquer your fears and anxieties together.

What is more, our trip donates $200 for each booking to the Tanzania Women Guides Foundation and supports women receiving training to become guides so you will be making a difference in future generations of women in tourism. 

We have so far helped train more than 50 women and are completely changing the tourism landscape in the country with more women joining a 100% male dominated industry.

Challenge yourself and challenge stereotypes while changing lives.

A bucket list country for a solo trip, Thailand is a very popular and affordable destination. Locals are very welcoming, there is a stream of solo travelers of all ages and safety is not generally a concern. No wonder this is one of the top destinations for a first solo trip according to our Solo Female Travelers Survey.

Why is Thailand a great destination for single women over 40?

Thailand truly is a great destination for all ages and stages of life but we find it an especially interesting place to visit as a single woman over 40 because of the many fabulous luxury resorts at affordable prices where you can be spoiled rotten.

Try delicious Thai food, get massages at an affordable price and wander among temples and palaces. Once you have had your fix of the cultural side, take yourself on a beautiful beach holiday, Thailand is home to stunning stretches of white sand and numerous islands. 

If a wellness retreat is what you are after, Thailand has a huge selection, from the luxury retreat at Chiva Som mentioned above to the Thai boxing detox getaways in Phuket. 

Spain is a very tourist-friendly country with lots of beautiful places to visit and Barcelona is a wonderful destination for singles over 40 to indulge in great gastronomy and immerse themselves in beautiful architecture and ancient culture. 

Why is Barcelona a great destination for single women over 40?

In the words of one of our group members, Marta, “I think Barcelona is a great place if you are in your 40s and single; lots of parties all night long, lots of culture, delicious food and good weather all year round”. 

And we agree!

That’s why we take our only-women small group tours to Barcelona & Beyond . If you’re into an awesome nightlife and live atmosphere, set off to Barcelona where you can enjoy the city and the beach in the same place, plus acclaimed architecture and art museums.

Want to learn more and get our insider scoop on Barcelona and Catalonia? 

Our Co-Founder Mar is a local and has shared with us all the insights and hidden gems of the city. Go check out our detailed guide on everything you need to know about Barcelona and Catalonia : the must-visit sites, local spots, day trips, how to get around and much more. 

Join our Solo Female Travelers Tours to Barcelona

Rich in history and culture, Turkey has everything to amaze the traveler and whimsical locations such as Cappadocia that have become the stuff of dreams.

Although we do think Turkey is great at all ages, we do find it a destination that is perfect for those who are single and over the age of 40. 

Why is Turkey a great destination for single women over 40?

We find that the “mid-life crisis” can be fabulous in Turkey. Book a hammam appointment, indulge in fresh Mediterranean cuisine, sleep at a luxury hotel by the Bosphorus and generally enjoy life.

Sheri, a member of our community, suggests a visit to Istanbul: “The city is enchanting, to me. The people, the air, the Bosporus. The food! There is so much history and beauty there. Sitting on the Bosporus was truly magical”. 

And other members agree that hot air ballooning in Cappadocia with jaw dropping sunrise views is a bucket list experience not to miss. 

Italy has some of the best holiday destinations for singles over 40.

With dreamy sites like Tuscany , Amalfi Coast and Venice , ‘La Bella Italia’ offers outstanding art and architecture, delicious food, enchanting cities and beautiful landscapes.

Why is Italy a great destination for single women over 40?

It’s easy to see how Italy is such a great destination for women over 40. So many movies, books and stories feature women finding love, life and their purpose in life in Italy. There must be something in the ancient architecture, the wonderful nature and the food that causes all that!

Beyond the magic, Italy has lots of things to do so it’s a great choice for anyone, younger or older, but women over 40 are particularly well catered for by the culture, the food and the many old-world luxury properties.

Some great options are: wine tasting, winery visits and gastronomic experiences in Tuscany , walking the picturesque pastel-colored city centers of the Amalfi Coast , exploring the narrow alleys of the eternal city of Venice , taking a road trip in Sicily, or visiting renowned art galleries and museums in Rome.

Regarding accommodation, Italy offers a wide variety of places to stay from hostels to stylish villas to excellent hotels. Traveling within Italy is very easy and safe, with high-speed trains that can take you across the country in a few hours.

Renting a car is also a great option, roadtrips in Italy offer breathtaking views and landscapes and can take you from the mountains to the sea.

Have an Italian holiday if you’re looking to enjoy life in a foodie heaven filled with outstanding art, architecture and scenery.

Join our women only tours to Italy

A vast country with many exciting destinations, Mexico is full of charming cities, delicious food and lots of fun.

Why is Mexico a great destination for single women over 40?

While Mexico is a destination for all ages, it is true that it makes for a great trip if you are single and in your 40s or older because of how rich the heritage is.

According to Margunn, member of our Facebook group, “It’s a mix of everything. So much history, good food, nice beaches, handsome men, culture and music, beautiful nature, fun parties, friendly people. I always felt so welcomed in Mexico”. 

Home to 35 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, Mexico has an ideal city for every travel style, with popular destinations being the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico City and the quaint town of San Miguel de Allende or the foodie-central city of Oaxaca.  

If you’re willing to do an all-inclusive vacation on the beach, Mexico has some of the best resorts for singles over 40 such as Grand Velas Los Cabos , Hotel Xcaret Playa del Carmen and UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya will pamper you and give you everything you need for a fabulous vacation.

Safari adventure in Tanzania

A once in a lifetime experience, going on safari in Tanzania is an incredible option for an adventure holiday and a fantastic way to celebrate your 40s!

Why is a safari a great trip for single women over 40?

This is one of our top seller tour for solo female travelers , where we enjoy wildlife through the Ngorongoro Region and Central Serengeti, and also have time to relax on the beach in Zanzibar.

Tanzania has wonderful wildlife and many safari options across the country, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll observe lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, chimpanzees and many more animals in their natural habitat.

Besides exciting safaris, there’s plenty to do in Tanzania like discovering more about their history and culture by chatting with the friendly locals, meet red-cloaked Maasai people or enjoying the stunning beaches in Zanzibar.

Tanzania is also the ideal destination for all single climbers and trekkers out there, with the opportunity to climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro ‘s summit, otherwise known as ‘The top of Africa’.

Join our women-only tours to Tanzania

A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, with stunning beaches and luxury resorts, Maldives is an ideal vacation spot for single women over 40, trust us, you don’t have to wait for that special someone to enjoy it.

Go book that Maldives trip, and have a honeymoon with yourself, you deserve it!

Seneca, our group member, says: “It’s the furthest I’ve ever traveled and it’s a destination people tend to “save” for when they have a husband or boyfriend. I was single, it was my 45th birthday and I took myself on a solo birthday celebration. It was a bucket list trip and it was amazing”.

Why are the Maldives a great destination for single women over 40?

The Maldives is no longer a couple’s destination. Some resorts have started to offer single’s packages and there are lots of friends and families vacationing there and even “party” islands where singles come together.

Check out the solo packages from luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi , which was also one of the first resorts to pioneer the overwater villa concept.

Suggested by many of our members, Ireland is a marvelous country, very safe for solo female travelers and with a rich cultural heritage and amazing landscapes.

All this and the friendliness of the locals make it a fantastic destination for singles over 40, many of whom come all the way from North America in search of their roots.

Megan said: “It is a very lively and beautiful country; shopping, dining, loads of walking, live singing and dancing in the pubs, tours. The people are so incredibly friendly, kind, helpful, unassuming, lighthearted. I travelled solo and felt very safe and even dining alone”. 

Rexanna added: “The people are the best in the world. Mountains, rugged seasides and cliffs, beaches. Seafood! History and culture. Old architecture. Did I say the people are the friendliest! You can drive yourself anywhere you want to go, getting lost in Ireland is THE MOST FUN!”. 

Why is Ireland a great destination for single women over 40?

Besides the beautiful landscapes, Ireland is known for its lively atmosphere. The country has many events and celebrations throughout the year, so this is the place to meet people while dancing the night away.

In January, Dublin hosts the largest festival of traditional music in Ireland, and in March there’s a 5-day St. Patricks celebration.

These are interesting festivities in which you’ll have a good time and learn more about Irish culture during your holiday. 

If you’re into road trips, Ireland is the perfect place to have a scenic drive full of natural beauty and amazing castles. Northern Ireland has attracted many visitors because it was a film location of the popular TV show Game of Thrones. 

Besides Dublin, there are plenty of other lively cities to visit like Galway, Belfast and Cork, in which you will see the rich heritage of the country and try some delicious Irish local food with a modern twist. 

Morocco is a fascinating destination full of color, diversity, and interesting landmarks. We love Morocco, so much that it’s one of the destinations we take our women-only small group tours to.

From ancient medinas to the dunes of the Sahara, Morocco has something for every traveler.

Some of the top sites to visit while in Morocco are: Marrakech medina, the dunes of the Sahara desert, the blue city Chefchaouen, Fez, Ait Ben Haddou (where many Hollywood movies have been filmed), charming Essaouira, Casablanca (don’t miss the impressive Hassan II mosque), and many more.

Why is Morocco a great destination for single women over 40?

While this is a destination for all ages, we consider Morocco a great trip for single women over 40 because of the travel experience you already have.

Street harassment and touting can be overwhelming, especially in Marrakech, so having some experience solo traveling is useful before visiting Morocco.

Besides offering stunning cultural and historical attractions, this is a wonderful place to relax and have a wellness holiday on your own.

Check out Paradis Plage Resort , which is a beautiful complex that offers packages with activities related to spa & wellness, yoga and surf, and the many luxury hotels in Marrakech such as La Maison Arabe , Les Jardins de la Koutoubia , Amanjena or La Sultana .

Join our Solo Female Travelers Tours to Morocco

Right in the coast of the Pacific Ocean in South America, Peru is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and to magical vestiges like Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city located in the Andes mountains. 

Why is Peru a great destination for single women over 40?

Like Kilimanjaro , Peru and its many hiking itineraries and trails, are a personal challenge and a spiritual experience many women over 40 choose to go on solo.

One of our group members says: “The people, the different areas (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Colca Canyon), the food… just my entire experience. Private horse riding tour through the eucalyptus groves and private ruins above the city of Cusco was my favorite part”.

Culturally diverse and naturally gifted, we find that Peru is a good destination for those who like to have a bit of everything. Not to mention the spotlight the country, and particularly its capital, are getting with regards to culinary creativity and expression .

The Kingdom in the Clouds is one of the most spiritual, peaceful and beautiful countries in the world.

The air is cleaner than anywhere else due to the minimal pollution, the high altitude and the country’s negative carbon production record. The people are calm, and life happens without rush and stress.

Why is Bhutan a great destination for single women over 40?

From the moment you land in Paro you will feel like you are somewhere really special. The many Tibetan Bhudist temples, often constructed without nails, the clear alpine rivers, the untouched forests, the crisp cool air, the clean eating and the simple life, makes this a wonderful solo trip.

However, Bhutan is not for everyone. You can’t backpack or have a budget trip here because the country has imposed a daily fee of $200 per person for visitors , which is why this is probably a destination you need to save up for for a few years.

There are many destinations and holiday ideas for solos over 40, you just need to pick the right one for you.

Whether it is an independent solo trip, a group adventure, a retreat or a real challenge will depend on what you are trying to get out of it.

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Best Vacations for Singles Over 40

SOLO GUIDES

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Embark on a solo vacation and discover the contrasting landscapes, magnificent scenery and diverse cultures that the world has to offer. An abundance of exciting experiences are available for single travelers to uncover.  

While planning your next adventure, consider what activities and atmosphere you truly enjoy. When taking a vacation by yourself, relish the flexibility of selecting the best activities for your interests, and comfortably travel at your own pace.

Perhaps it’s admiring a unique collection at an art gallery, swimming at a tropical beach, taking a hike through nature, lounging at an all-inclusive resort, or wandering around lively city streets, there are countless experiences for solo travelers to try.

Read below for the best vacations for singles over 40, and discover your next journey!  

Beach: Maui

The lovely island of Maui is a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, adventurous activities, and colorful shops and eateries. For those looking for a dose of nature and enchanting beaches, Maui is one of the best spots to go on vacation alone.

During the day, relax in solitude on one of the stunning beaches, or take a hiking adventure to discover some of the best scenery in Hawaii. See the fascinating black sand beaches and impressive caves at the Wai’anapanapa State Park. After working up an appetite, be sure to try a fresh poke bowl.

For evening entertainment, browse through the many local bars, restaurants, and clubs, or visit the largest craft brewery at the Maui Brewing Co.  

For single travelers looking to spend their days lounging by the shore and basking in the sun, there are plenty of hotels and resorts located conveniently by the beach.

See the full list of  Best Beach Vacations for Singles .

Adventure: Costa Rica

Costa Rice is a treasure trove of natural sights with its tropical rainforest, volcanic formations and spectacular beaches. The diverse terrain and laid-back atmosphere make it a terrific outdoor adventure destination for single travelers in their 40’s.

One of the most popular adventure activities is a thrilling zipline experience, with the best spot being in Monteverde. Feel the breeze through your hair as you zipline through forest canopies and capture a scenic view of the mountains and ocean.  

Home to stunning beaches and year-round warm weather, Costa Rica is a top destination for learning how to surf. The Guanacaste region is quite popular for riding the waves, especially in the well-known Playa Tamarindo beach. Want to learn a new skill and make friends at the same time? Sign up for surf lessons at one of the many excellent surf schools and resorts in the area.

For a unique hiking experience, head to the Arenal Volcano National Park where you can book an exciting tour. Taking a hike on the trail reveals the beautiful scenery, magnificent viewpoints, lush greenery, and a glimpse of the volcano itself.  

Sightseeing: London

Recognized as one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities, London is brimming with historic architecture, fascinating museums, massive parks and gardens, world-class cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.  This energetic city makes for a fantastic solo vacation for those interested in sightseeing.

Visit Royal landmarks such as the famous Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Stroll through the eclectic stalls and grab a bite at the many delectable food halls throughout the city, including the Borough Market and the Camden market.

For a peaceful moment away from the city, take a break at the sprawling Hyde Park and the lovely Regent Park. Both parks feature stunning gardens, tree-lined paths and acres of open green space.  

Single travelers looking to experience the city’s nightlife will have plenty of options, from world-class theaters, to night clubs, to energetic pubs, and much more!

Check out  Solo Travel in London for our detailed guide on visiting this exciting city.

Skiing: Aspen

The town of Aspen is nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and is a renowned destination with over 5,500 acres of terrain. With four exceptional mountains to choose from – all of which are accessible through a single lift ticket – solo travelers can discover the varying terrain and exceptional trails geared to all skill levels.  

For those new to the sport, Buttermilk Mountain offers a wide range of beginner-friendly trails, along with exciting terrain parks for those that are experienced. The other three mountains, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass boasts a diverse collection of thrilling trails for seasoned skiers.  

Single travelers looking to finish their day with a drink can explore the town’s happy-hour hot spots including a live music club, a cozy lounge, a swanky one bar, and a vibrant tavern.

After a day of hitting the slopes, immerse yourself in the energetic vibe as you stroll around the exquisite shops and delectable restaurants. Aspen’s  natural beauty and spectacular mountains make it one of the best ski vacations for singles over 40.

Find other Thrilling Solo Ski Trips .

Budget-Friendly: Ho Chi Minh City

Solo travelers looking to get the most for their buck will appreciate this vibrant city. With plenty of delicious local foods, breathtaking landscape, a dose of culture, and a bustling atmosphere, it has everything you need for an amazing vacation on a budget.  

While Ho Chi Minh City is a great starting point, the short inexpensive flights and trains make it convenient to explore other cities across Vietnam. The city also offers a wide collection of affordable hotels, hostels, bars, and restaurants.  

From Ho Chi Minh City, solo travelers can book a day tour to head south to the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, a region primarily consisting of mazes of rivers, islands, and floating markets.  

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city filled with many tasty eateries, fun shops, and colorful markets. Stop by the Ben Thanh Market to browse through a massive selection of gifts, household items, clothes, and street food.  

Check out our guide for Solo Travel in Vietnam to learn more.

Read More for Solo Travelers Over 40 

• Top Destinations for Singles Over 40
• Cruise Guide for Singles Over 40

Popular Reads

Singles Holidays Over 40: Everything you need to know to have fun travelling alone

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Looking for singles holidays over 40? I did my first-ever solo trip at 35. I was separated from my now ex-husband and I loved to travel.

However, most of my friends were married so I really didn’t have anyone to go on holidays with – gosh did I feel like a bit of a loser.

Added to that high self-esteem was the fact that I was terrified to go away on my own. What if I didn’t speak to a single person the whole time? What if I got really depressed as a result? What if something went wrong? What would I do in the evening?

The whole notion of a holiday for singles over 40 was daunting. It’s almost funny to think back on that now – almost. I clearly remember those feelings.

It is now 10 years later and I have done quite a few vacations for singles over 40, a lot more trips with people I have met along the way, organized trips, partners at the time, trips with friends and family – you name it.

Traveling alone doesn’t need to become the way you always travel – instead, singles vacations for over 40s become part of the mix. Once you start traveling alone it is amazing how many people you meet as well as others in your life that come forward and issue invitations.

Anyway, you’re not at this point yet but I wanted to offer the comfort that you are not destined to take every holiday alone for the rest of your life. So I am assuming going into this that you would probably like to meet other people on your travel tours for singles over 40.

If you are annoyingly completely unconcerned about traveling on your own you are probably not reading this post.

Top 3 Organized Tour Companies for Over 40 Solo Travelers

#1 TOP PICK

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G Adventures ✔️ No single supplement ✔️ Free time in itineraries ✔️ Evening Group Meals

Encounters Travel ✔️ Private & Small Group Focus ✔️ 20 Years Experience ✔️ Range of Tours

Top Tips for Singles Holidays over 40

1. do something organised.

One of the best ways to do a singles trip over 40 is to do it with others. This doesn’t need to be other solos – it can be learning to scuba dive, a cooking trip, a photographic trip etc etc.

Singles holidays over 40 that start on a certain day means your first day will be the first day for other people – and this is one of the easiest ways to meet people.

Also, there will usually be an organized event to introduce everyone to each other and there will usually be planned activities on the best vacations for singles over 40.

If you do want to meet people I highly recommend attending as many planned activities as you can stand. Again doing a class or having a meal is one of the best ways to meet people.

⇒ For Great Vacation Ideas for Singles over 40 check out Explore .

My first over 40 singles holidays was an organized yoga week in Italy. Everyone arrived the same day, and it was for a week. There was yoga every morning and then breakfast. Days were fairly free with potential activities.

Then, there was late afternoon yoga and dinners you could choose to attend or not. The majority of people on the trip were traveling alone at 40, 30 and into their 50s.

I met others the first night and knew everyone by the end of the week. I also stayed in contact with three girls from the trip after I left.

This type of holiday is one of the best singles vacations for over 40-year-olds and a great option if you’re after European vacations for singles.

Solo Female Travelers Club is a community of more than 90,000, run by the fantastic travel bloggers Meg and Mar. The heart of the community is their Facebook group which has some great information and is the perfect way to meet other females interested in travelling solo.

Meg and Mar also run female-only small group tours that range from luxury retreats to adventurous expeditions in some awesome locations.

Another option that I think is one of the best trips for singles over 40 options is to try living a life Unsettled. In August of 2017, I spent a month living life Unsettled in Medellin Colombia and loved it.

Unsettled is a fantastic concept. Essentially it aims to give people the experience of living in a city for a month rather than being a tourist. This is a great alternative to typical singles travel groups over 40.

The way Unsettled does this is that it has about 25-30 people sign up, organizes apartments and coworking space and sets up activities that you can participate in as much or as little as you like.

The other people on the trip are your community, the hosts act as your connection to local life and having an apartment and workspace means it feels more like living.

Unsettled choose brilliant vacation spots for singles over 40 from Buenos Aires to Cape Town to Barcelona. I highly recommend checking them out.

⇒ If you decided to live life Unsettled then use the code  “ FRIENDSOFUNSETTLED ”  and tell them that the Boutique Adventurer sent you for a discount of USD$150!

2. Head to a spa/fitness/yoga etc retreat

A retreat or spa is fantastic for weekend getaways for singles over 40 as well as for longer singles trips over 40. Most retreats have a purpose – fitness, relaxation, yoga etc which gives a plan to the week that helps visitors to feel less lonely.

Also, you are much more likely to meet other like-minded travel singles over 40 if you are attending a retreat based around something you really enjoy. Again it is ideal to arrive at one of these locations for a set program retreat/course.

Many will have weeks that kick off on a certain day. However many do not. For those that do not have set weeks again, I would advise attending as many classes/walks/activities as you can manage.

It continues to be the easiest way to meet other people in a natural construct on holidays for solo travelers over 40.

Take a deep breath and introduce yourself to the person closest to you. A “Hi this is my name and I’m from x – how about you?” It is all you need to get going. The large majority of people will be friendly and will reply.

If you are feeling brave it is often good to say that you are traveling on your own for the first time and a bit nervous. I can almost guarantee you there will be other over 40s single traveler types on many of these types of trips.

In the majority of cases, this will result in a come eat with us offer then or later. I am assuming you can say this without tearing up – that might put people off a bit.

And don’t feel you should only speak to others on their own. Couples, in particular, are great for a chat – and very likely to invite you to join them for meals. They are often getting a bit bored with each other and keen for some new company.

Quite a few places where there are solo vacation packages now have talking tables at dinner. These are designed for those on singles holidays – and often frequented by non-solo travelers as they can sometimes be the most fun place to be at dinner.

This is certainly the case at Kamalaya (see my key tip below) – one of the best vacation spots for singles over 40 in the world. Most will have this on their website or ask about it when you are booking.

⇒ Read my posts on 30 Fantastic Solo Spa Breaks , the best Singles Ski Holiday options and the best vacations for over 50 singles options.

3. Podcasts

I love a good podcast and there are SO many. However, podcasts are particularly great for the 40 travel solo adventurer for a few key reasons. Firstly I always find having someone in my ear makes me feel less alone.

Secondly, you can download them on your phone and then play them anywhere – even without reception.

Thirdly, you can be sitting at a bar or a table and have your headphones in and people won’t know. This is good because most people won’t approach someone obviously reading a book. But if it is just headphones, they won’t realise until they approach you that you have them in.

It is always a good idea to sit at the bar/bar area rather than a formal table as it is much easier to chat to those nearby as it tends to be more relaxed and have the seats closer together.

4. Create a Blog

This does not need to be a big, full-on, lifelong commitment type blog. You can set up a free blog on word press easily and for no cost – for those of you that don’t know it is essentially an online diary.

The great thing about doing a blog is that it gives you a sense of purpose when you are traveling on your own – you are doing research for great things to do/places to eat to write it up for your blog. Not because you are someone who has no one to go on holidays with  – you are almost like a glamorous journalist.

It is also a great conversation topic. I can’t believe how interested everyone is when I tell them that I am a travel blogger. Everyone wants to know more.

If you are at a bar/tourist site/class whatever when you say hi to someone you can say that you are a blogger and would be interested in their opinion of whatever it is that you are doing – whether you are or aren’t.

It is also a great thing to tell say a bartender or a hotel owner as you can then find out more about the hotel/bar and get to know them better – and they are more likely to introduce you to other guests who might also be 40s singles.

I also find blogging great fun but that’s me. Remember you can always be just starting one – it doesn’t need to be a full-blown blog with 100,000 followers.

5. Consider the USA

America is very friendly – and I assume if you are reading this you speak English so it will be easy to communicate. Americans are much more likely to chat away to someone on their own and much more likely to keep a conversation going.

This also holds for meeting Americans in other locations around the world. This is particularly true in bars – and if you are a single female traveller. There are some great places to travel alone in the USA.

Vacations for singles over 40 in the USA are a great option. If you would prefer to take a designed singles vacation package over 40 specialists for your USA trip check out

⇒ Just You

⇒ Intrepid Travel

⇒ Exodus

Heading to vacation spots for singles over 40 in Europe? Check out this great post on 25 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe. There are quite a few European tours for singles over 40 in this post.

6. Vacation Packages

I have excellent news – you are not someone who is doomed to travel alone forever and most likely die alone – you are at the crest of a hot new trend. You are a trailblazer.

Travelling solo is the hottest growth area in the travel industry – and it is focused on the over 40s singles vacation. I have been watching this sector for 10 years and in the last couple of years there has been an explosion in the number of companies offering over 45 singles holidays, solo travel-based companies, no single supplement, solo weeks – you name it.

⇒ Check out my post on Singles Travel Groups for 30 different options for singles over 40 vacations packages.

This post has everything from adventure trips for solos over 40 to the best resorts for singles over 40 to food-focused travel groups for singles over 40.

A key tip here is don’t just limit yourself to your own country. Australia has quite a few companies which run single vacation packages over 40 travellers as does the UK.

And there are some great options for travel for singles over 40 Australia. I can tell you as an Australian that it is a very friendly place! For solo travel groups 40s + to Australia check out:

⇒ G Adventures

Here are four of the most popular trips for solo travelers on Explore

⇒ Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

⇒ Jordan Discovery

⇒ Walking in Northern Cyprus

⇒ Sri Lanka in Depth

7. Have loads of fun good books with you in case you start to feel lonely

There is nothing like a good book to keep you company when traveling solo! I keep adding to my list – please email me with more suggestions! I keep them all in my Amazon shop .

8.  Kamalaya

When it comes to the best vacation spots for singles in their 40’s my absolute favorite, and the place I recommend to all newly single friends who are terrified of traveling solo for the first time, is Kamalaya.

Kamalaya is on Koh Samui in Thailand. It is one of my favorite places in the world.

⇒ Read my super comprehensive guide to Kamalaya

I have been to Kamalaya Koh Samui four times – and three of those were solo. It is an absolutely stunning place and fabulous as a retreat. What elevates it for the solo traveler is the wonderful friendly feel of the place.

Everyone at Kamalaya is so welcoming and that extends to the guests. There are lots of classes and everyone tends to chat with those nearest to them – particularly before the class starts.

Best of all there is a talking table in the evening that is the place to be in the restaurant. I have met many interesting people at Kamalaya Koh Samui. Oh and at any given time about 40% of the guests are traveling alone.

There is a range of ages but it skews towards the singles travel over 40 end. There are not many couples so it is also a great post-break-up place as well.

This is one of my favorite places to recommend for singles holidays over 40’s might enjoy.

⇒ Compare Prices and Read More Reviews of Kamalaya

Frequently Asked Questions by those traveling solo over 40:

There are a few key questions that commonly pop up for the lone traveler no matter what type of trip you are planning. To be honest, the right answer for most of these is very much about your personal preferences but I can at least highlight the questions and give you some views.

1. Do I stay in a hostel or a hotel or a boutique hotel or where do I stay????

Let’s face it – few people over 25 want to stay in a youth hostel. I never wanted to stay in one at any age. But we all know that youth hostels are chatty and provide a theoretically easy place to meet people (although this is not guaranteed).

The good news is there is now a whole new segment of the youth hostel market that has gone premium. They are of course still youth hostels so many have shared rooms but they do have better sheets – or appear to.

There is always the option of staying at a youth hostel and getting a private room eg the equivalent of the penthouse suite.

This is a good article covering off lots of premium youth hostels. Northern Europe tends to be particularly good at these.

Generator Hostels is a chain of luxury hostels – all of them are currently in Europe – and I think offers one of the best options in this area. It does appear like it is more difficult to find this new segment in South America.

Australia has some good ones and I have also heard good things about Cape Town in this area. Let me know any more you find out.

Let’s move on to the other spectrum – 5-star hotels. Whilst I can’t guarantee anything I can tell you it is highly unlikely you will meet other people traveling alone easily if you stay at a 5-star hotel.

Great if that isn’t your intent but please don’t book this if it is your first solo trip – unless you’re keen for room service and in-room movies (which is often a fab solo night).

Yes, people are traveling alone for business but they tend to get up early, sit at breakfast with their head buried in their phone or laptop and then go for dinner with people in their local office.

In the middle is what I call boutique hotels. This is a broad definition – to me, this is about hotels with fewer rooms eg 20 or fewer and a bit more design-focused than say a Holiday Inn (for mid-range big chain hotels the same applies as 5 stars).

There is not as high a chance of meeting people as there is in a youth hostel but it is a lot better chance than there is a 5-star hotel. Yes, luxury singles holidays over 40s are possible in boutique hotels.

Here are a few tips for the lone traveler in boutique hotels:

• Choose a boutique hotel with a roof terrace/outdoor area for a drink. Kicking back with a glass of wine after a day exploring is a great time to meet people – especially if you have a full bottle/snacks and can share. Also even if you don’t meet anyone it is nice to have somewhere to sit other than your room when you are on your traveling alone

2. Go to breakfast at peak time. Breakfast is another great easy time to meet other people and chat – much easier than asking them how their day was later on the roof terrace

3. Say hi and smile to everyone you walk past in the hotel – that is an easy thing to do and makes it a lot easier then to say something more at breakfast/terrace drinks

4. Become friends with the owner/person at reception. Firstly this is an excellent way to find out good local restaurants and places to go. Secondly, let them know that you are on your own and that you are keen to meet people. They may introduce you to other guests or help break the ice. Or they may even suggest you do an activity with someone they know – anything can and does happen.

5. The more exotic the location the greater the chance of chat. I have never had much luck with this strategy in Italy and France. I have found that the best holiday destinations for singles over 40 tend to be more exotic – like Morocco, Istanbul or Burma .   People who travel to more exotic locations tend to be a bit more curious – and when you are having a more extreme experience you tend to want to share and compare more.

Personally, I tend to go to the boutique hotel option. However, I tend to limit it to a couple of nights and I always have Netflix/the Kindle stocked up as my backup plan.

If you’re after examples of good boutique hotels when you are a lone traveler here are a couple:

⇒ Hotel Empress Zoe in Istanbul

⇒ The Apsara in Luang Prabang Laos

⇒ Dar Roumana in Fes Morocco

6. If you’re a cat lover why not consider traveling with your cat ? These days there are great options for cat carriers that can make this a great experience for both you and your cat. And many boutique hotels these days allow pets.

2. Do you get your own room on a Singles vacations over 40s all-inclusive?

This is a tough one. Sharing a room gets you an immediate buddy. Most importantly you have someone with whom to go to meals.

However, you could easily get a total dud and then be stuck with them. Or worse someone annoying. And it means you get no time on your own. So what do you do?

As I said there is no easy response. My advice is to get a roommate if you are new to solo travel and/or worried about traveling alone. If you are more experienced and used to showing up at dinner on your own and you can get a single supplement, this would be my choice.

I had a brilliant experience with a roommate I had never met before when god forbid I had to share a tent on Kilimanjaro. But on holidays for singles over 40 I tend to get a single supplement whenever possible. Or I will share if it is only one or two nights.

3. How likely am I to meet a potential partner and/or someone for a fling?

If you’re a guy you probably have a good chance as there tend to be more women than men traveling solo – especially on organized trips and especially to more known locations.

If you’re female, I would put your time into online dating in your home country. Having said that you absolutely can use apps like Tinder and happn when traveling alone and they work – but this is definitely shall we say more in the fling territory as a general rule.

However, there is no reason you couldn’t specify what you were after; honestly, this is possibly your best option. I have a lot of friends or people I have met who met someone when traveling.

Personally, it has only ever happened to me once and it happened after the trip! But I think I must be a bit of a jinx – so don’t go on a trip with me.

I think the best chance – male and female – is to go on a singles adventure holiday over 40 skew. If you are a female and like being on a bike then a cycling trip is a great way to meet men in lycra – although some may come with their wives.

Locations like Cuba and Vietnam after often good ones for solo travel – as I said that touch more exotic has a lot of appeal for those travelling alone. Climbing a mountain is always a good option for a single adventure holiday if you’re over 40 – when I did Kilimanjaro I think of the 18 of us there were only 2 couples.

Anything, where it is more difficult to find someone who would want to do the same activity at the same time, is good for traveling alone.

Of course, a lot of “older” single people are coming out of potentially long-term relationships so are often re-examining their lives and thus are taking more risks and having more adventures – or looking for something physical to succeed at to buck up vulnerable self-esteem. An adventure holiday is a terrific option at this point.

4. What do I do about dinner?

Dinner is, without doubt, the toughest meal of the day when you are a lone traveler. Who wants to face the host saying Really – just 1 of you? It can break you!  So here are some of my tips:

• Always try to stay somewhere that allows you to eat dinner at the hotel. You may well be exhausted or  just not up to dinner on your own so the hotel is a  great option

2. Try somewhere more casual where you can go in for a drink and then grab something to eat – no awkward just one moments. Also, pubs and bars are more conducive to conversing than formal restaurants. I always try to eat at pubs and bars vs restaurants if I am traveling alone and feel like a chat

3. If you feel like chatting, definitely sit at the bar. Strike up a conversation with the bartender. This is often easier a bit earlier in the night when they are not so busy. They are of course someone to chat with and may have some fab local suggestions.

However, I also think it is much easier to join a conversation or include someone in a conversation when you have a neutral third party like a bartender. And you can always ask the bartender to help you meet other people.

4. I would encourage you NOT to go somewhere too upmarket – to me, this always highlights being on your own. Of course, go if you are dying to try somewhere and don’t mind – I tend to do the restaurants I really want to try at lunchtime when I am doing solo travel as I feel way less self-conscious and then go somewhere more casual for dinner

5. One of the toughest things is do you sit there staring out into the abyss or do you bring a book/magazine. The book/mag is great but can put people off speaking to you.

Personally, I think a laptop is better – it can be open, but you can sit back “in thought” and scan the room and look to make eye contact with a safe place to retreat.

I am also a big fan of podcasts – as long as you have sports-type small headphones in this scenario. You can easily have these but it will not be clear to others – so you are entertained but still approachable. If you have giant Beats headphones, obviously, you may as well be buried in your Kindle.

Got any burning question about solo travel that wasn’t in my post? Drop me an email and let me know and I’ll include them in my next solo travel post.

Want to read more about over 40s Singles Vacations?

Here are some more websites and articles that you might find interesting:

⇒ Solo Traveler website

⇒ Solo Holidays website

⇒ Best Travel Places for Singles Travel Article

Here are five travel companies that specialize in offering guided solo traveller groups 40s +:

⇒ Solo Female Travelers Club

⇒ Just You Travel

⇒ Explore Travel

Who Paid for Wh a t with this Post

I paid for everything associated with writing this singles holidays over 40 blog post. This was completely me travelling and not working with any tourism boards or hotels etc. I learned most of the above before I started this blog – well it is probably the thing that got me into writing a blog.

Posts you might enjoy:

Singles Travel Groups

All inclusive vacations for singles over 50

Vacations for over 50s singles

Solo Spa Breaks

Like this Singles holidays over 40 Post? Why Not Pin It?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Friday 14th of May 2021

Love this article!!! You are giving me that courage to go just do it and have a solo travel experience. It’s definitely in my buckets list. Especially now that I just got separate from a 19 yrs marriage. I truly need to do this. Thank you for the info and the tips.

The Boutique Adventurer

thanks Claudia - I highly recommend solo travel - the more you do it the better it gets. I am sorry about the end of your marriage - I have been there. And it is when I started travelling solo and it very much helped my recovery. All the best!

Jared James

Monday 3rd of August 2020

Not above 40 yet but I think I can do some of them, thanks for sharing ;)

Vluchten Zaventem

Tuesday 21st of April 2020

My first solo holiday was a few days in Paris several years ago. I found the days were fine as I was of sightseeing but the evenings where a bit hard to deal with. I did find the advice about going into a restaurant or bar if being followed works well. The waiters went out shouting at some guy who was bothering me. I now tend to spend a few days every few months on a solo holiday and love the freedom.

Wednesday 22nd of April 2020

Yes the evenings are more difficult aren't they? Going to a restaurant and sitting at the bar is often a great option - important to keep your travelling freedom!!

Thursday 30th of January 2020

These are great places to visit. I would want to try Namibia soon :)

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

After working too hard the past few months, I am looking forward to my trip in Thailand. Most especially the solitude in my resort. These tips here have helped me put things into perspective and I can't wait to get started on my trip in the coming days. Lovely article.

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Take These 20 Vacations For Singles Over 40

Try any of these 20 vacations for singles over 40. Finding oneself in the middle of a week-long college party isn't for everyone. Taking

Maggie J. • Aug 15, 2022

Try any of these 20 vacations for singles over 40. Group trips, cruises and all-inclusive resorts offer all kinds of options for single travelers of all ages. Finding oneself in the middle of a week-long college party isn’t for everyone. Taking these trips allows for the opportunity to meet up with peers, take in the culture, explore alone, party with other singles or simply relax in bed.

The older we get, the more we can afford to splurge on vacations. The days of penny- pinching are starting to subside, leaving the 40 -plus traveler with the taste for richer experiences. Don’t get it twisted, a night out in the club isn’t out of the question. Leaving before 2 a.m. may happen and not every vacation will have a club night in it.

Vacations for singles over 40 look like day trips on sailboats, resort vineyard tours, train rides and wine tastings. It looks like Turkish baths, spa days and homeopathic treatments. It looks like whatever you want it to look like. Adventure, relaxation, water sports, self-love, a chance at romance; read all of the options below to find your favorite getaway. If we missed one of your favorite single’s getaways, add it in the comments below. We want to know about it too!

The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio Italy

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Visit the romantic Lake Como, Italy. Stay at The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and feel like royalty as this expansive property gives high key castle vibes. Intricate chandeliers, grand pianos, plush furniture and gold finishes pair well with the thick curtains and double duvets atop the hotel’s cushy beds.

Blau Varadero Hotel, Cuba

Take a trip back in time and visit Cuba. Spend your spare time at Blau Varadero Hotel, Cuba , an all-inclusive resort well suited for single travelers over 40. Take salsa lessons, tan on the beach, spend time at the spa and indulge in their 24-hour food and drink options.

Rwanda, East Africa

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Most famous for its rare mountain gorillas, Rwanda could prove to be an interesting choice for a single traveler over 40. Stay at One&Only Gorillas Nest to experience the gorillas up close. They make the, “magic possible as you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorillas roaming free in its own natural habitat.” Mountains in the area reach over 14,000 feet, a hiker’s paradise.

A landlocked country with a stellar lake, travelers can spend time at the beach bars around Lake Kivu. Take a safari while in Rwanda and look for the Big 5; the leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and African buffalo.

Take Canada By Train

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Train travel is one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to see the world. Ride with Rocky Mountaineer through Canada on their Journey Through The Clouds Excursion. A week long journey starting in Vancouver with stops in Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary and more.

“Experience all the Rockies have to offer on this seven day journey to some of the most breathtaking places in Western Canada.”  Get the quiet time you deserve at a hotel each evening. See some of the most beautiful places in Canada by train and caravan when riding with Rocky Mountaineer.

Nassau, Bahamas

Book a Single Stateroom with Royal Caribbean and escape the supplement fees that cruises usually charge. Cruise with Royal Caribbean on an 8-Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. Leave from New York and set sail to Miami, Nassau and CocoCay.

Vail, Colorado

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This town is the mirror of a quaint Swiss mountain village. Great skiing and snowboarding, phenomenal restaurants with people from all over the world. Vail, Colorado is a shoe in for the top places for single travelers over 40 who like cooler weather (and luxury mountain towns).

Sit in one of the sun chairs outside with a fire roaring in front of you and watch everyone slide down the hills and ride back up the lift. Relax with a glass of wine in one hand while clearly keeping the other free for the cookies that are brought out on trays for the last run.

The author’s favorite place to stay while in town is The Arrabelle at Vail Square . It is The Plaza of the Rockies. The quietly classy atmosphere, the stately rooms and the impeccable service create a delicious mix for a seamless getaway. Visit the heated, salt water pool on the rooftop. If it’s snowing, the hot tub is a nice option as well. Last, don’t leave without trying their waffles.

Hiking, upscale shopping, mountain biking, movies and even an ice skating rink that turns into a grassy knoll for summer concerts, this town has it all.

Paloma Pasha Resort, Menderes, Turkey

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For those single travelers over 40 that love the water, a visit to Paloma Pasha Resort , Menderes, Turkey is right up your alley. Parasailing, snorkeling, canoeing and surfing are available to guests. With its own wine, this resort is definitely for the grown and sexy. Have a Turkish bath in the SPA Center. Partake in a stunning dinner at Quentine and then turn down for the night in the Terrace Suite.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming

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Take a week to learn about horsemanship. All experience levels are welcome. Saddle up for a trail ride or rustle up some cattle work. Stop by the Wild Horse and Mustang Center too. The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming hosts week long all-inclusive camps creating, “a very personal, small, and intimate experience… People say that cowboys rule The West. At The Hideout our Cowgirls rule the roost.”

Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas can be added to a lot of lists, but it actually is a great stop for the solo traveler over 40. Let’s start with the endless buffet and gambling options.

Concerts are non-stop in the city of lights. Katy Perry and John Legend will both have concerts there in October. The Blue Man Group and Criss Angel are super popular too.

There are a ton of daytime pool parties (like DAYLIGHT Beach Club at Mandalay Bay) and night clubs. Try Voodoo Lounge at Rio or House of Blues at Mandalay Bay for the over 40 single’s crowd.

Seville, Spain

A post shared by Seville Spain | 🇪🇸 (@seville)

Put Seville, Spain on the list of vacations for singles over 40 for its nightlife, art and history. This easily walkable riverside city hosts the oldest park in Europe and is beautiful and rich in culture.

BodyHoliday, St. Lucia

A post shared by BodyHoliday Saint Lucia (@thebodyholiday)

St. Lucia is calling and you answer with a stay at BodyHoliday . The all-inclusive resort focuses on relaxation, exercise, restorative beauty and diet for the solo traveler over 40. Boasting one of the world’s best spas, their treatment options are plenty and include Ayurvedic medicine, along with Ayurvedic cuisine. Thai chi, meditation and body yoga are available to guests as well.

Temptation Cancun Resort

Ready for a little single fun? Fly into Temptation Cancun Resort , an adults only, all-inclusive that focuses on the single traveler. With organized mixers, group day trips to Isla Mujeres, topless areas and delectable cuisine options, this could be the party resort singles over 40 come back to over and over again.

The Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Croatia

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Take a solo vacation to the Greek Isles. Visit Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia on a nine day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines. This cruise offers solo accommodations with their Solo State Room and even single’s common areas.

One of the first to add features for single travelers, Norwegian Cruise Lines aims to “Knock Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey off your bucket list and get [you] ready for some epic dining and culture. You’ll feel like a character in a movie, classily sipping wine and tasting local delicacies, and running around and exploring the ins and outs of the cities with nothing (and nobody) holding you behind!”

Solo tripping in Lisbon, Portugal

City Unscripted says Lisbon is one of the best cities in the world for solo travel. Walk down the narrow cobblestone streets of old Alfama. Visit in the summer and spend nights at different block parties celebrating the Lisbon Sardine Festival.

The Traveler Broads will be hosting a group trip to Lisbon next year. So, if you would rather hang with these two quirky, hilarious (yet knowledgeable) frienemy hosts, join their group trip geared toward single women over 40.

Summer in Alaska

Alaska has over 2 million tourists each summer, so even if you are traveling solo, you won’t have to feel like you are. At the same time, since Alaska is over one-and-a-half times bigger than Texas, there are plenty of opportunities to find alone time. Intrepid Travel invites solo travelers over 40 to their small, and adventurous group tours of Alaska.

Seward, Homer, Anchorage and Mount Denali are the most popular and ravishing destinations for nature lovers. When traveling as far north as Fairbanks, tourists will be able to experience the everlasting sunlight in the summer months. Midnight sun tanning is popular among tourists during these months.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are easily accessible through both Southwest and Delta Air Lines. Posh resorts line 7-mile beach and the swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are amazing. Grand Cayman is said to have the best cuisine in the Caribbean too.

Take a self discovery retreat outside of Maskall, Belize

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Take a self-discovery retreat outside of Maskall, Belize with Pure Abundance . Spiritual advisor Madison Jaye is joining forces with Patricia Wisdom for a journey of love, laughter and prosperity. “A time for sacred self-care, childlike play, healing, and unlocking the abundance you deserve.”

Maui, Hawaii

Sleep with a view of Haleakalā volcano, or on the side of it when visiting Haleakalā’s wilderness cabins in Maui, Hawaii. The beaches are amazingly blue and the surfing is world class.

Cruise the Galapagos Islands

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Cruise the Galapagos Islands on the solo tip with Metropolitan Touring and get the opportunity to see marine and land animals not found anywhere else in the world.

“The 2 Voyager Cabins are located on the Horizon Deck. They each… feature one large window, a very comfortable single bed, and plenty of space for solo travelers.” Upgrade for turn down service, wet suit rental and a personal tablet for use while cruising the islands.

LA Beach Tour

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Take a week-long road trip and spend time at some of the hundreds of beaches the Los Angeles area has to offer. Riding around and hanging out at hot spots like Laguna Beach , Santa Monica Pier, Huntington beach, Venice Beach and Long Beach just to start. Come for the boutique hotels, lively bar scenes and stay for the lovely beaches. A great trip for self-reflection, water-lovers or maybe to find your next boo thang.

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Singles Holidays for over 40s

Here at Friendship Travel we are committed to providing and designing your perfect over 40s singles holiday. Whether you are looking to take a relaxing week away to a beach resort, or fancy a bit of an adventure with a weekend of walking across the Yorkshire Dales, or even a safari, we guarantee you will enjoy every minute of your holiday with us. Although being an ‘over 40s’ holiday, we believe that mixing with other age groups enhances your travelling experience, with many of our customers telling us that a holiday with mixed age ranges makes their holiday that little bit more interesting.

Our singles holidays not only vary in destinations all over the world, but are also fantastic value for money. Friendship Travel have visited each of the resorts that are on offer, tried and tested for your peace of mind, so all you have to worry about is nothing!

Browse our selection of holidays using the button below.

A solo holiday exactly the way you want

We want you to have the time of your life on your over 40s singles holiday, and that’s why on all of our holidays you have the freedom to do as many or as few of our planned activities as you like. If you find that you would like to unwind and lose yourself in a book then you are more than welcome to do just that. You will get the chance to dine out with your Friendship Travel group in the evenings, share your own stories of the day and discuss what you have planned for the next day.

With you every step of the way

Included in the price is the fantastic service provided by one of our talented Friendship Hosts, who will be right with you to break the ice, introduce you to your fellow single travellers, and offer any advice or answer any questions you may have.

We also believe that communicating with fellow solo travellers is an important part of forming relationships before meeting in person. It can be daunting, so that’s why we have created the Chat Room  for your peace of mind. If you have any concerns or would like to see who will be joining you on your over 40s solo trip, then hop onto the forum and discover new friendships!

If you require any more information or would like to ask any specific questions about our singles holidays for over 40s, then don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help!

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10 Best Singles Cruises Over 40 for Solo Traveling

Have you ever dreamed of sunset salsa, moonlit mimosas, and waking up to new horizons, all while floating on the big blue? Dive into the untapped world of singles cruises over 40 . It’s not merely relaxing poolside; it’s about creating a ripple! And before you ask, “Aren’t those cruises just floating speed-dating sessions for the recently retired?” – think again.

Choosing the best cruises for our vivacious voyagers is an art, a mix of rhythm, relaxation, and just the right amount of revelry. Ready to drop the anchor on those misconceptions and set sail towards uncharted fun? “Seas the day, especially when there’s a singles cruise playlist on repeat!”

Are There Cruises for Singles Only?

Well, my solo explorers, the answer is a resounding “Aye aye, Captain!” In the vast ocean of cruise lines, there’s a special wave of offerings just for the singletons. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, stirred the waters with their solo cabins tailored for the lone voyager. These aren’t your granny’s single berths – think modern, chic, and just spacious enough for some solo dance-offs. And it doesn’t stop there!

The exclusive Studio Lounge aboard ships like the Norwegian Bliss is a haven for solo travelers to mingle without the fuss of the single supplement fee. So, in the realm of cruises for singles, you’re not just a drop in the ocean; you’re the whole wave!

Why Do Single People Go on Cruises?

Let’s debunk a myth: Cruising isn’t solely the domain of honeymooners or families juggling a tribe of energetic toddlers. For single travelers, cruises present a treasure trove of experiences that tick more boxes than a dating profile’s checklist!

Firstly, it’s the ease: One booking and you get a parade of fascinating destinations without the rigmarole of constant packing and unpacking.

Secondly, ships like those from Holland America Line or Regent Seven Seas often offer eclectic evening entertainment, wine tastings, and even dance lessons. Not to mention, the sheer range of shore excursions can turn any solo trip into an adventure narrative.

Lastly, for the socially inclined, cruises are a vibrant hub, offering countless opportunities to mingle with fellow passengers . In short, for solo travelers, cruising is less about being alone and more about choosing your adventure – with a side of splendid sunsets and sundecks!

Benefits of a Single Cruise

Ah, the joys of solo travel! And when it’s on a cruise ship, you’re in for an even bigger treat. Here’s why:

The Symphony of Self-Discovery

The freedom that comes with a single cruise is unparalleled. It’s just you, the sea, and endless horizons to chase. Every port, every shore excursion, is a chance for reflection, growth, and that delicious taste of independence. And with no itinerary set in stone, you can truly immerse in the rhythm of your desires, be it a tranquil river cruise down the Danube or a thrilling zipline across a Caribbean jungle.

Social Sailing

No, you won’t be the lonely sailor gazing at the sea. Cruises are a hotbed of social activity. Special cruise lines are well aware of the vibrant solo travelers community and they organize events and gatherings specifically tailored to foster connections. From themed nights to special solo traveler mixers, you’ll be clinking glasses with like-minded adventurers in no time. Who knows? Your next best friend or business partner might just be a cabin away!

Customized Cruise Comfort

When we talk about cruise-specific benefits for singles, we’re talking about more than just avoiding the single supplement fee. We’re talking studio cabins designed with the solo voyager in mind, exclusive access to lounges where you can relax with fellow singles, and a buffet of activities that cater to individual tastes. Plus, the cruise staff are adept at ensuring that the needs of single travelers are met, from dining arrangements in the main dining room to group excursions where solo doesn’t mean solitary.

In essence, a single cruise is less about traveling alone and more about embracing the world on your terms, with a little nudge of cruise luxury to sweeten the voyage!

Best Cruise Lines for Singles Over 40 for Solo Adventures

Let the oceanic odyssey of self-discovery begin! For younger travelers and those sailing solo and past the age of 40, these cruise lines are poised to offer exceptional experiences. The horizon beckons, let’s chart the course.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Trailblazers in the cruising cosmos, Norwegian Cruise Line was the first major cruise company to envision and introduce studio cabins designed especially for the unattached adventurer. Fancy a cozy yet stylish 100-square-foot space?

Their ships, including the famed Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, and the Norwegian Epic , are ready to serve. Beyond the private quarters, the exclusive Studio Lounge becomes the heart of interaction, a confluence of conversations and clinks. And as night falls? The bars, lounges, and adult-only zones turn vibrant with events and live music resonating till the wee hours.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Elegance on the sea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises cater predominantly to a mature clientele, but their shorter sailings often find favor with the lively 40s and 50s age group . But worry not about feeling out of place. The luxury cruise line shines in its commitment to solo voyagers. With a suite of services ranging from dedicated hosts to bespoke excursions, single travelers never feel adrift.

A slew of discounts frequently welcomes solo sailors, with impressive reductions on single supplements. But the true allure? Their all-encompassing package. Think Wi-Fi, gourmet drinks, curated shore excursions, and gratuities, all enveloped in your booking. Pricey? Perhaps. Worth every penny? Absolutely.

Silversea Cruises

For those in quest of opulence and edification, Silversea Cruises sets the gold standard. As a luxury enclave for those over 40, it promises intimacy with its smaller ship size, focusing on adult-centric and enlightening activities. An exemplar? The onboard resident photographers guide you through the nuances of wildlife and landscape photography.

Every journey boasts a theme cruise with a unique theme, fueling fascinating dialogues among fellow passengers. But here’s a heads-up: while the lavishness is abundant, solo cabins are conspicuously absent. Solo cruisers might find themselves paying a single supplement ranging from 25% to 75%. Yet, with periodic promotions, savvy sailors might snag a deal where such fees are generously slashed.

Holland America Line

Charting a course through the complex waters of solo travel, Holland America Line casts a wide net with over forty tailored activities that foster interactions. Whether you are shaking up at the cocktail mixer, reveling in team trivia, or line-dancing your way into new friendships, the itinerary is pulsating with possibilities.

From grooving in the B.B. King’s Blues Club to indulging in the rock-infused ambiance of the Rolling Stone Rock Room, this line strikes a chord. For tranquil souls, the culinary delights of America’s Test Kitchen or the serenity offered by Oprah Magazine-branded activities like yoga and book clubs offer a refreshing break. However, for other solo travelers, cabins are a coveted commodity, majorly available on ships like the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. Early birds get the worm, or in this case, their solo haven.

Steeped in over 180 years of maritime legacy, Cunard is the epitome of British cruising opulence. Among its armada, the Queen Mary 2 stands tall, offering an unparalleled transatlantic experience. Every ship in the Cunard fleet boasts solo cabins, albeit in limited numbers, underscoring the importance of early reservations.

A unique feather in Cunard’s cap? It’s the lone cruise line that welcomes the furry companions of solo travelers on its Queen Mary 2 transatlantic escapades. Their four-tiered accommodation system — Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, and Queens Grill — is married to distinct dining experiences. And for the fashion-forward, Cunard’s stringent dress code and themed evenings like Black & White or Roaring Twenties offer a runway on the waves.

Singles Theme Cruises

For those eager to find harmony on the high seas, theme cruises are a resonating note. These tailored voyages curate a milieu of like-minded aficionados, be it music fanatics, serial TV show enthusiasts, or even paranormal enthusiasts. Companies like Vacations To Go or Singles Cruise lay out a variety of itineraries aimed at the mature voyager.

From religious-centered cruises like Amazing Journeys for Jewish singles or All Christian Cruises to the vibrant LGBTQ-friendly offerings by Atlantis, there’s a spectrum to choose from. And for the audacious, Temptation Cruises is set to unanchor its thrilling adults-only journey for the venturesome souls, embracing both singles and couples.

Adventure Canada

Navigating the untouched corners of our planet, Adventure Canada offers an immersive experience in the wilderness. With a focus on education and conservation, their voyages are a confluence of adventure and learning. Designed for the inquisitive traveler, these journeys explore remote terrains, fostering deep connections with nature and indigenous cultures.

Royal Caribbean

The dynamic essence of Royal Caribbean resonates with the spirited traveler, blending adrenaline with serenity. These cruises reimagine the vacation experience, oscillating between heart-pounding activities like surfing simulators and sky-diving experiences to more tranquil moments in the adults-only Solarium.

Beyond the thrill, the bars, lounges specialty dining, and casinos offer mature social spaces. Their range of solo cabins, spanning from interior to virtual balcony staterooms, is in high demand. Early booking is a wise strategy to secure these havens of solitude amidst the vibrant ship life.

AmaWaterways Cruises

For those eager to venture off the beaten oceanic path, AmaWaterways offers a serene passage through Europe’s lifeblood rivers. With intimate ship sizes, it’s an intricate dance of familiarity and discovery. Each port, be it the romantic Seine in Paris or the majestic Danube, invites exploration.

Complementing the scenic beauty, activities like riverbank cycling or gastronomic tours enrich the experience. Their commitment to service and value positions them as a top pick for solo travelers over 40, yearning for an enriching voyage.

P&O Cruises

Sailing with a legacy, P&O Cruises caters to diverse traveler desires. While their fleet is expansive, the Arcadia and Aurora stand out as adult-only ships, resonating with the mature solo voyager. Meanwhile, the Britannia boasts the crown for cruise ships with the most solo cabins, with 27 distinguished spots, and 15 flaunting balconies.

Ideally positioned on the Lido deck, these cabins do beckon a cautionary note for those susceptible to seasickness. And for those pondering the age of the ships, rest easy. Both Arcadia and Aurora are set to be rejuvenated in the upcoming years, ensuring a blend of tradition and modern luxury.

Choosing the Ideal Singles Cruises Over 40

Embarking on a cruise as a solo traveler over 40 requires thoughtful decision-making. First and foremost, identify your key interests: Is it a specific destination, or perhaps the allure of a long, tranquil voyage? Duration plays a role; do you envision a quick escape or an extended journey?

Next, dissect onboard amenities. Are you captivated by luxury spas or perhaps intellectual seminars? Of course, your budget matters, ensuring your choices align with your financial comfort.

Several cruise lines shine in catering to the solo voyager over 40, such as Silversea and AmaWaterways, distinguished not just for their facilities, but also for their solo-friendly programs. Yet, the pivotal aspect remains personal preference. Your cruise should echo your passions, be it culture, adventure, relaxation, or all combined. After all, it’s your journey; ensure it resonates deeply with your spirit.

Is Cruising Alone Expensive?

Cruising solo can sometimes carry a higher price tag due to the “single supplement” fees many cruise lines charge. This supplement is a way for cruise companies to compensate for not having the usual two passengers in a cabin, both contributing to onboard spending. However, the trend is shifting.

Recognizing the growing market of solo travelers, several cruise lines now offer dedicated single cabins, eliminating or reducing these extra costs. Additionally, periodic promotions may waive these fees. While cruising alone can be pricier than sharing a cabin, the experience offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. The key is to research and find cruise deals tailored to solo travelers, ensuring both an affordable and memorable voyage.

Safety Considerations for Solo Travelers

Embarking on a solo cruise is a journey of self-exploration and freedom. However, the shimmering waters and exotic ports shouldn’t overshadow the paramount importance of safety. As solo voyagers chart their course, the autonomy and thrill come with unique challenges.

While the call for adventure is compelling, being well-prepared and conscious of potential risks ensures a smooth voyage. From safeguarding personal belongings to navigating new terrains confidently, this guide illuminates safety’s beacon for every lone traveler.

• Prioritize Safety: Emphasize the need to always put safety first, given the potential vulnerabilities of solo travel.
• Awareness is Key: Familiarize oneself with the ship’s layout and participate in all safety drills. Stay vigilant in unfamiliar environments.
• Protect Personal Items: Use onboard safes for valuables and consider secure bags when exploring ashore.
• Prioritize Health: Stay updated with health guidelines, practice good hygiene, and report any health concerns promptly.
• Address Loneliness and Targeting Concerns: Engage in group activities or excursions to foster connections. Share your plans with a trusted individual.
• Bottom Line: While solo cruising offers an unparalleled experience of self-discovery, it’s crucial to balance this adventure with safety mindfulness.

Navigating the vast expanse of the open seas on a cruise as a solo traveler is undeniably an exhilarating experience. It promises adventures, new friendships, and personal growth. Yet, as with any journey, it’s imperative to strike a balance between the thrill of exploration and the safeguarding of one’s well-being.

By staying informed, prioritizing safety, and choosing the right cruise tailored to individual preferences, solo cruisers can truly savor the essence of their voyage. Remember, while the allure of the horizon beckons, it’s the peace of mind and memorable experiences that make every journey worthwhile. As you set sail on your next adventure, let preparedness and prudence be your trusty co-passengers. Safe travels!

Do single people meet on cruises?

Absolutely! Cruises are a popular venue for single individuals to meet new people, whether it’s through specially curated singles events, shared excursions, or even casual interactions at dining areas, bars, and entertainment zones traditional cruise too. The communal nature of cruise ships fosters camaraderie and allows people to form new friendships and connections.

How old are people on singles cruises?

The age range on single cruises can vary widely based on the specific cruise line and itinerary. While some cruises cater to a younger crowd, others might target travelers over 40 or even 50. It’s always a good idea to check the target demographic of a tour company or particular cruise to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

How much is a cruise single?

The expense for an individual on a cruise can vary based on aspects such as the cruise operator, destination, length of the trip, and the kind of cabin chosen. Some cruise lines offer “solo cabins” which are designed specifically for single travelers and may be more affordable than regular cabins. However, some cruises might charge a “single supplement,” which is an additional fee for travelers occupying a cabin alone.

Digital Marketer

I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency.

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