Why More Women Are Choosing to Travel Solo
Traveling alone doesn't have to mean being alone.
For many women, solo travel is an opportunity to make their own decisions, follow their interests, and experience a destination without compromising on what they want from a vacation.
You choose where you go, what you experience, and how you spend your time. Luxury solo travel adds another important dimension: support. Instead of managing every detail yourself, you can have experienced travel professionals help with the planning, accommodations, transportation, excursions, and other elements of your journey.
The result can be a trip that combines independence with confidence, comfort, and expert planning. Solo travel can be particularly appealing to diverse women travelers.
Explore Dedicated Solo Travel Guides & Programs
Hover over any card below to slide open the guide drawer, access dedicated cruise reviews, women-only group itineraries, and over-50 planning resources.
Solo Luxury Cruises Guide
Discover top cruise lines offering dedicated solo staterooms, waived single supplements, and social yacht atmospheres.
Solo Travel Cost & Budgeting
Explore transparent pricing benchmarks, single supplement structures, and luxury inclusions.
Verified Solo Travel Offers
Access active luxury solo promotions, waived single supplement departures, and verified availability.
Is Luxury Solo Travel Right for You?
Solo travel doesn't look the same for every woman. Some travelers want complete independence and private experiences. Others enjoy meeting people during meals, excursions, or organized activities while still having time to themselves.
Travel on Your Own Schedule
You don't have to wait for someone else's availability before taking the trip you've been thinking about.
Enjoy Luxury Without Sacrificing Independence
Solo travel can include premium accommodations, fine dining, exceptional service, and carefully planned experiences.
Choose Experiences Based on Your Interests
Your itinerary can focus on the destinations, activities, culture, food, nature, or relaxation that matter most to you.
Meet Other Travelers Naturally
Best Luxury Cruises for Solo Women
Luxury cruising can be an appealing option for women traveling alone because it combines an established environment with opportunities to explore multiple destinations. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, travelers can enjoy onboard dining, enrichment, excursions, social activities, and time to relax-all while having their own space. When evaluating a luxury cruise as a solo traveler, consider more than the itinerary. What should solo travelers look for?
Solo Accommodations & Single Supplements
Some cruise lines offer staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers, while others may have different pricing structures for single occupancy. The cost of traveling alone can vary considerably depending on the cruise line, itinerary, accommodation, and departure.
Onboard Atmosphere & Dining Arrangements
Some travelers prefer a more social environment, while others value privacy and a quieter experience. Consider whether you prefer flexible dining, shared dining opportunities, or more private arrangements.
Curated Excursions & Social Activities
A strong selection of shore excursions can make it easier to explore a destination comfortably while also creating opportunities to meet other travelers.
Featured Luxury Solo Cruise Lines
Luxury cruise lines that may be relevant to solo travelers include Explora Journeys, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, and Windstar, among others. The best choice depends on your individual travel preferences, itinerary, and budget.
Explore our complete guide:Solo Luxury Cruises →
Women-Only Small-Group Tours
Small-Group Experience & Guidance
"Enjoy intimate group sizes with expert destination guidance, planned transportation, and seamlessly coordinated logistics."
- Intimate Group Pacing
- Expert Destination Guides
- Turnkey Logistics
Luxury Solo Travel for Women Over 50 and 60
Travel doesn't have an expiration date.
For women over 50 and 60, solo travel can be an opportunity to explore somewhere they've always wanted to visit, pursue new interests, or simply take time for themselves.
First-time solo travelers may have questions about safety, comfort, logistics, accommodations, and finding the right level of independence. Luxury travel can help address some of these concerns through carefully selected accommodations, experienced suppliers, organized transportation, and professional travel planning.
But women over 50 and 60 are not one single type of traveler. Some may want adventure and exploration. Others may prioritize culture, cuisine, wellness, history, wildlife, or relaxation. The goal isn't to fit every traveler into the same itinerary. It's to find an experience that fits you.
Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
The best destination for a solo woman depends on the type of journey she wants to have. Some travelers may be drawn to cultural experiences and historic cities, while others prefer cruising, wildlife, remote landscapes, or relaxing in exceptional accommodations.
Cultural Cities & Heritage
"The best destination for a solo woman depends on the type of journey she wants to have-immersing in historic streets, museums, and culinary arts."
Ideal for solo travelers drawn to cultural experiences, historic architecture, world-class gastronomy, and effortless walkability.
- How you want to spend your time: Exploring art, history, local cuisine, and architecture
- Preferred level of independence: High walkable freedom with optional private guided day tours
- Type of accommodations you enjoy: Historic luxury boutique hotels & central five-star properties
- Whether you prefer private or group: Perfect blend of independent exploration and private expert guides
Our Recommendation: European Cultural Capitals & Boutique Cities
Luxury Ocean & Yacht Cruises
"Cruising combines an established, secure environment with opportunities to explore multiple worldwide destinations in complete comfort."
Allows solo travelers to unpack once and enjoy private veranda suites, open-seating fine dining, and curated shore collections.
- How you want to spend your time: Relaxing at sea while waking up in a new boutique harbor daily
- Your comfort with travel environments: Turnkey onboard security, English-speaking crew, and vetted transit
- Your preferred travel season: Spring and autumn shoulder seasons for idyllic weather and fewer crowds
- Your overall travel budget: Predictable all-inclusive pricing with dedicated solo suites and waived supplements
Our Recommendation: Mediterranean, Greek Isles & Caribbean Yacht Voyages
Scenic River Cruising
"River cruising offers a structured, comfortable environment docking directly in historic city centers with built-in camaraderie."
Combines daily guided shore excursions, French balconies, and small ship social ease where solo travelers meet others naturally.
- Whether you want relaxation, exploration, or both: Gentle scenic sailing paired with active daily discovery
- Whether you prefer private or group experiences: Small-group cultural walks, bike tours, and wine tastings included
- Type of accommodations you enjoy: Intimate riverfront suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views
- How you want to spend your time: Effortless immersion in local folklore, vineyards, and castle towns
Our Recommendation: Danube, Rhine, Douro & Seine River Journeys
African Wildlife Safaris
"A luxury safari combines exhilarating wildlife adventure with extraordinary accommodations and expert naturalist guidance."
Small-group departures and scheduled flights eliminate navigation stress while delivering peerless five-star wilderness hospitality.
- How you want to spend your time: Daily morning and evening game drives witnessing the Big Five
- Type of accommodations you enjoy: Five-star luxury safari tented camps and private luxury lodges
- Your comfort with different travel environments: Round-the-clock professional guides, bush flights, and total care
- Preferred level of independence: Fully escorted small-group camaraderie with like-minded nature enthusiasts
Our Recommendation: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa & Botswana
Expedition & Polar Frontiers
"Explore remote landscapes from Antarctica to the Arctic on purpose-built luxury expedition vessels with world-class scientists."
Designed for adventurous solo women who value active Zodiac landings, polar wildlife, and exceptional onboard lecture series.
- How you want to spend your time: Zodiac cruising among icebergs, sea kayaking, and observing wildlife
- Whether you want relaxation or exploration: Intense bucket-list expedition days balanced by spa luxury
- Preferred level of independence: Expert expedition team guidance with shared discovery with fellow guests
- Your overall travel budget: High-value all-inclusive expedition inclusions with parkas, gear, and charters
Our Recommendation: Antarctica, Arctic Svalbard, Greenland & Kimberley
Women-Only Escorted Journeys
"Travel alongside like-minded women on thoughtfully planned group itineraries designed around comfort, culture, and safety."
Creates a supportive, inspiring group environment centered around women travelers with built-in companions and personal free time.
- Whether you prefer private or group experiences: Built-in community of inspiring women with zero single awkwardness
- How you want to spend your time: Curated group dinners, artisan workshops, and empowering shared memories
- Your preferred travel season: Tailored departures scheduled for optimal local weather and festival seasons
- Your preferred level of independence: Deliberate balance between group activities and personal leisure
Our Recommendation: Women Who Wander Signature Group Departures
How Single Supplements Work
One of the most important considerations for solo travelers is the single supplement. Understanding how single occupancy pricing works allows you to maximize your luxury travel investment.
Understanding Single Supplements
Single Supplement Definition
A single supplement is an additional charge that may apply when one person occupies accommodations normally priced based on double occupancy.
Pricing Variability
The amount varies by supplier, accommodation, itinerary, and departure-meaning there isn't one universal rule for solo travel pricing.
Why Single Supplements Exist
Many travel products are priced around two people sharing a room or stateroom. When one traveler occupies that space alone, the operator charges an additional amount.
Opportunities for Waived Supplements
Reduced & Waived Supplement Promotions
Some departures offer reduced or waived single supplements, solo accommodations, or special single occupancy pricing opportunities.
Travel Advisor Value & Access
An experienced travel advisor helps identify departures that offer better value, waived single supplements, and dedicated solo suites.
Looking for Solo-Friendly Pricing?
Ask Trips & Ships Luxury Travel about current promotions and available waived-supplement departures across luxury cruise lines and tour operators.
Solo River Cruising
River cruising offers another way for solo travelers to experience multiple destinations while maintaining a comfortable and structured travel environment. Relevant river cruise brands may include AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Riverside, and others. Solo pricing, accommodations, and available departures vary, so it's important to look at the specific itinerary rather than assuming every river cruise offers the same solo experience.
The Solo River Cruising Experience
A river cruise combines multiple destinations within one itinerary, guided shore excursions, onboard dining, and comfortable accommodations while docking in the heart of iconic destinations.
Best For
Solo women travelers who appreciate unpacking once, waking up steps from city centers, and enjoying effortless, structured exploration.
Highlights
- Multiple destinations within one seamless itinerary
- Guided shore excursions included daily with expert local guides
- Onboard open-seating dining creating effortless natural connections
- Comfortable accommodations with French balconies and panoramic river views
Social Camaraderie & Premier River Brands
Opportunities to meet fellow travelers naturally while enjoying an ideal balance between organized activities and personal time, sailing with the world's finest boutique river lines.
Best For
Social ease without forced group dynamics, plus access to reduced and waived single supplement sailings.
Highlights
- Relevant river cruise brands: AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Riverside, and others
- Opportunities to meet fellow travelers naturally during daily excursions and evening enrichment
- A balance between organized activities and personal time for independent wandering
- Specific itinerary evaluation to identify reduced or waived single supplements and solo cabins
African Safaris for Solo Women
A luxury safari can be an extraordinary choice for a solo traveler who wants adventure combined with exceptional accommodations and expert guidance. Rather than navigating a safari entirely independently, travelers can join a luxury small-group departure or carefully planned itinerary.
Premium Lodges, Expert Guides & Wildlife
A well-designed safari combines premium five-star lodges, expert licensed naturalist guides, and extraordinary wildlife experiences. Solo women travelers experience thrilling daily game drives while returning to world-class dining, spa amenities, and secure, luxurious tented camps.
Coordinated Logistics & Experienced Operators
A well-designed safari combines small-group travel, scheduled departures, and carefully coordinated transportation. For travelers considering a solo African safari, experienced suppliers such as Abercrombie & Kent and Micato may be relevant options. The right safari depends on your interests, preferred destinations, travel style, and desired level of comfort.
Solo Travel vs. Women-Only Group Travel
Solo Travel Style
Best for travelers who want greater independence and flexibility to set their own daily rhythms, destinations, and activities.
- ✦Private custom itineraries tailored exactly to you
- ✦Luxury ocean cruises with dedicated solo staterooms
- ✦Independent journeys with private guides and drivers
- ✦Boutique European river cruises with open seating
- ✦Small-group luxury safaris with scheduled departures
- ✦Freedom to change plans and spend time entirely as you please
Women-Only Group Travel
Best for travelers who specifically want to share the experience alongside other women with similar passions and interests.
- ―Built-in community of inspiring fellow women travelers
- ―Curated shared activities, private tastings, and dinners
- ―Expert-led guided excursions with complete support
- ―Comfortable small-group companionship throughout
- ―Opportunities to develop lifelong friendships and connections
- ―The security and peace of mind of an escorted experience
How Much Does Luxury Solo Travel Cost?
There is no single price for luxury solo travel. Your total cost depends on multiple components, and comparing total value rather than starting rates is essential.
Where to Spend More
Destination & Trip Length
Remote destinations, extended itineraries, and multiple flight segments impact overall investment.
Accommodation & Stateroom Level
Spacious veranda suites, luxury lodge categories, and private villa selections shape base costs.
Cruise or Tour Operator Standards
Ultra-luxury all-inclusive operators include gratuities, beverages, excursions, and transfers.
Single Supplements Impact
For solo travelers, the single supplement can significantly impact final price-making promotion timing key.
Private vs Group Travel Mode
Private dedicated guides and drivers carry higher investments than intimate luxury small-group departures.
Where NOT to Overspend
Waived Single Supplement Departures
Targeting select sailing dates where suppliers waive or reduce single supplement fees saves thousands.
All-Inclusive Value Comparisons
Evaluating total voyage inclusions (dining, excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi) rather than deceptive base rates.
Shoulder-Season Travel Timing
Traveling in spring or autumn yields premium suite availability and lower overall rates.
Early-Booking Promotions & Perks
Securing preferred solo stateroom inventory early unlocks advisor amenities and suite upgrades.
Travel Advisor Advisory Guidance
A luxury travel advisor identifies options that fit your desired comfort and budget without compromise.
Explore our complete guide:How Much Does Luxury Solo Travel Cost? →
How Trips & Ships Plans Luxury Solo Vacations
Planning a luxury solo vacation involves more than finding a destination and booking a hotel. Our approach is centered on expertly curated travel tailored to your comfort, independence, and dreams.
Luxury Ocean & Yacht Cruises
Hand-selected boutique cruise lines offering solo staterooms, flexible dining, and enrichment.
Women-Only Group Journeys
Escorted group departures designed around women travelers seeking connection and discovery.
Scenic River Cruises
Intimate river journeys with docking in city centers, included tours, and friendly social atmosphere.
Private Independent Travel
Women Who Wander: Curated Group Journeys for Women
Already interested in traveling with other women? Explore our Women Who Wander program for opportunities to experience the world alongside like-minded women while enjoying thoughtfully planned travel experiences.
Explore Women Who WanderAngela Hughes Authority & Credentials
Luxury Solo Travel Specialist & CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Angela Hughes
Angela Hughes is an internationally acclaimed luxury travel advisor and the CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel. With over four decades in high-end travel consulting, more than 121 countries visited, and founder of the 'Women Who Wander' travel community, Angela provides women travelers with peerless insight into solo-friendly cruises, waived single supplements, and safe, empowering journeys worldwide.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Over 4 Decades Designing Luxury Solo & Small-Group Itineraries
- Founder & Leader of the 'Women Who Wander' Travel Community
- Explored 121+ Countries Across All 7 Continents
- Specialist in Waived Single Supplements & Solo Suite Securing
- Direct Executive Relationships with Global Luxury Cruise Lines & Safari Suppliers
- Dedicated Advocate for Safe, Empowering, and Seamless Travel for Women
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning safe, inspiring, and exceptional luxury solo travel for women.
Yes. Luxury solo travel can take many forms, including cruises, river cruises, private journeys, small-group tours, safaris, and expedition travel. The right choice depends on your preferred level of independence and companionship.
Safety depends on the destination, itinerary, transportation, accommodations, and other factors. Professional travel planning can help you choose experiences appropriate to your comfort level and travel preferences.
Yes. Some luxury cruise lines offer accommodations, pricing structures, or departures that can be suitable for solo travelers. Options and availability vary by cruise line and itinerary.
A single supplement is an additional amount that may be charged when one traveler occupies accommodations normally priced for two people.
Some cruise or travel departures may offer reduced or waived single supplements, but availability varies. Promotions should be verified for the specific departure before booking.
Yes. Women-only tours can provide small-group travel experiences specifically designed around women travelers. Availability and itineraries vary by supplier and departure.
Absolutely. Women over 50 have diverse travel interests and can choose from independent journeys, cruises, small-group tours, safaris, and many other luxury travel experiences.
No. Solo travel describes traveling without your own companion, while women-only group travel involves traveling as part of a group of women. A solo traveler can choose either style.
Costs vary depending on the destination, trip length, accommodations, supplier, itinerary, and single supplement. A personalized quote is the best way to understand the cost of a specific journey.
Start by considering how much independence and companionship you want, your preferred destinations and experiences, your travel timeframe, and your budget. A travel advisor can then help identify suitable options.
Dining on luxury cruises and small-group journeys is designed to be flexible and welcoming for solo travelers. Luxury cruise lines feature open-seating dining where you can choose a quiet table for one, join shared tables hosted by officers or fellow guests, or enjoy in-suite white-glove dining. On escorted women-only and boutique group journeys, curated dinners and wine tastings provide seamless social ease without any awkwardness.
Solo women travelers can minimize or eliminate single supplements by reserving dedicated solo staterooms, booking during shoulder seasons, selecting promotional sailings with 0% to 25% reduced single supplements, or choosing small-group tours with guaranteed single accommodations. A luxury travel advisor can track supplier promotions and secure exclusive waived-supplement departures.
You Don't Need to Wait for Someone Else to Be Ready to Travel
Whether you're dreaming of a luxury cruise, an African safari, a European river journey, a women-only adventure, or a completely independent escape, there is a world of possibilities waiting for you. The right journey can give you independence without isolation, adventure without unnecessary stress, and luxury without compromising what matters most to you. You don't need someone to go with you. You need the right experience waiting for you.
Plan Your Luxury Solo Journey