Solo Female Travel Over 40: How to Travel Confidently and Independently

Solo traveler up a mountain

Solo travel is one hell of a ride – especially for women who’ve spent years putting others first and are now ready to put themselves first. When I first started, I was equal parts excited and terrified. Would I get lonely? Would I get lost? (Spoiler: Yes.) Would I regret it? (Never.) But I’ve learned this: you don’t have to be fearless to do it. You just have to start. Solo travel isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being brave enough to try.


That’s why I’ve built three spaces to support your journey:

  • The Sisterhood of Solo Travelers – A Facebook group for women over 40 who want to cheer each other on and share the ups and downs.
  • Sisters Uncharted – My group travel initiative that blends the independence of solo travel with the support of traveling alongside like-minded women. Our first trip is launching in September 2026, and you can register your interest now!
  • Solo Uncharted – My personal blog, where I keep it real about the wild, wonderful, and downright frustrating moments of solo travel.


This isn’t about glossy Instagram perfection – it’s about real adventures, misadventures, and everything in between.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!


Why I Travel Alone


“Aren’t you scared?” they ask. “Don’t you get bored?” Honestly? Yeah, sometimes. But nothing beats the freedom of doing what you want, when you want.


If I want to sit with a beer for hours, people-watching in the middle of nowhere, I can. If I decide to go on some crazy side mission to find an obscure landmark no one else cares about, that’s my choice. It’s my adventure, and every time I step outside my comfort zone, I find new parts of myself I never knew existed.

Solo Traveler at a Buddhist temple - Empowering Solo Female Travelers Over 40
Preah Ang Thom | S Smith (2025)


The Bumps in the Road


Now, don’t let me fool you – it’s not all sunsets and scenic views. Solo travel comes with its fair share of hiccups.


I’ve been stuck in airports with one cancelled flight after another. I’ve had full-on breakdowns over Google Maps misguiding me down some back alley. Oh, and let’s not forget the respiratory virus in Cambodia that took me out of action for days.


But here’s the thing: every time I’ve faced something tough, I’ve found a way through. And that’s what bravery really is – it’s not about being fearless. It’s about pushing forward even when you’re terrified or completely over it. Because trust me, the view on the other side is always worth it.

S Smith (2025)


Why You Should Try It


You’re probably thinking, “I could never do that.” But you can. You just start small, and the rest falls into place.


You don’t have to be perfect, organized, or even remotely fearless to travel solo. I’m none of those things. What you need is curiosity, a sense of adventure, and maybe a bit of stubbornness to get through the rough days.


You don’t have to book a one-way ticket tomorrow. Start with a weekend away in your own country, eat alone at a restaurant, or explore a nearby city without an itinerary. Small steps lead to big adventures.


It’s not about avoiding mistakes – it’s about seeing what you’re capable of when you’re outside your comfort zone. Trust me, you’ll surprise yourself.


Join the Adventure

Join the Sisterhood of Solo Travelers on Facebook.
It’s full of women over 40 who’ve got your back, whether you’re planning your first trip or just need a bit of encouragement. [Click here to join now.]


You don’t need to have it all figured out – none of us do. Just take that first step, and the rest will unfold. Let’s see where this adventure takes you.


Ready to take the leap? Join the Facebook group today and start connecting with fellow solo travelers. And if you’re interested in our upcoming group trip, register your interest now- you won’t want to miss it!

Before You Go…

If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.

Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy affiliate links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them, I may earn a small commision – at no extra cost to you – so you’d be helping a fellow traveller out.

And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.

If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might enjoy my posts about Koh Lanta and Siem Reap.

Planning a solo trip? It can feel overwhelming at first, but I’ve got a guide to help – Why I Use Booking.com.

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