Why Midlife Is the Best Time to Travel Solo (Even if You're Not Alone)

Jessica Seiders
Jun 28
5 min read

You’ve raised the kids, built a career, managed a household, and probably kept a million things running behind the scenes.

Now, things are starting to shift.

Maybe the house is quieter, your calendar is lighter, or you feel the pull to do something for yourself. And in the quiet moments, you find yourself asking, “What’s next?”

If that question’s been gently tugging at your soul, here’s your answer: travel.

Not just any travel, either. This is your time for a bold, beautiful, maybe-solo adventure that puts you back at the center of the story.

middle aged woman in the city looking satisfied and happy — Source

Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a permission slip. And solo travel (yes, even if you’re married or surrounded by people 24/7) is one of the most powerful ways to step into this season with joy, curiosity, and confidence.

The Perks of Traveling MIDLIFE

You Know Yourself Better Than Ever

Here’s the thing about traveling in your 40s, 50s, and beyond — you're not guessing anymore.

One of the most underrated gifts of midlife is self-awareness.

You’ve already figured out what you like, what you don’t, and what drains your energy. You don’t need to cram five museums into one day to feel like your trip “counts.”

You don’t need to impress anyone. And you definitely don’t have to justify wanting quiet mornings, long meals, or wandering through a market without a schedule.

Midlife women often travel not to escape their lives, but to reclaim parts of themselves that got buried along the way.

You’ve been the caretaker, the peacemaker, the planner. Now it’s time to be the adventurer, the learner, the witness.

older female sitting down and relaxing enjoying life — Source

Maybe you want to hike up a volcano at sunrise. Or maybe you’d rather sip coffee by the lake and journal. You get to decide what lights you up. And you don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to go after it.

That kind of clarity is a superpower. And at midlife, you’ve earned it.

You’ve Got More Freedom (And Resources) Than Before

Solo travel in your 20s usually meant budget hostels, shared bathrooms, and figuring out which pasta you could afford. But now? You likely have more financial flexibility and a clearer sense of how you want to spend your time and money.

You’ve worked hard for it, and now you can spend it on memories instead of mortgages.

That means you can splurge a little on comfort. Maybe it's a boutique hotel with a view. Maybe it's a guided hike, a private driver, or a restorative spa afternoon.

You're no longer just collecting passport stamps, but investing in experiences that feel meaningful.

woman solo traveler in a ferry looking out into the ocean — Source

You also might have more time than ever before. You can travel in the off-season, stay a little longer, and avoid the chaos of school holidays or work crises.

This kind of freedom is a gift. And it opens the door to deeper, more intentional travel.

It’s Not About “Finding Yourself” But About Reconnecting

Midlife can bring a lot of transitions, kids leaving home, career shifts, and personal reinvention. Travel gives you the space to sit with that “what now?” question without all the daily noise.

Being in a new place strips away some of the roles we carry: parent, partner, caretaker, manager. And what’s left is you. Just you. That’s not always comfortable, but it’s powerful.

female traveler on top of a hill hiking — Source

Maybe it happens over a cup of tea with a local host in Guatemala. Maybe it’s while watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlán. Or in the quiet moment when you realize you haven’t checked your phone in hours.

You don’t have to fix anything. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a little space to breathe and listen.

Traveling Solo Doesn’t Mean You’re Always Alone

Let’s clear this up: solo travel does not mean you’ll spend your entire trip in silence or isolation. In fact, solo travelers often connect more deeply, both with locals and fellow travelers, because they’re more open and present.

You can join a local cooking class, chat with artisans at a village market, or meet another traveler during a morning hike. These connections are often richer because you’re showing up as yourself, without distractions or expectations.

And if full-on solo travel feels like too big a leap, there’s a middle ground: group trips that build in solo time.

You can still explore independently during the day and then meet up with a small group for dinner or an activity. It’s the best of both worlds, giving you both connection and freedom.

Why Guatemala Is a Great Place to Start

So why mention Guatemala? Because it checks so many boxes for midlife travelers, especially women looking for something real. Plus, it's not overly polished or packed with tourists.

It’s beautiful, but not showy. Welcoming, but not overwhelming. Rich in history, culture, and color, with just the right mix of calm and adventure.

You can explore colonial Antigua, where cobblestone streets lead to rooftop cafés and stunning volcano views. You can head to Lake Atitlán, where each village around the water has its own personality: artsy, spiritual, laid-back.

beautiful and calm Lake Atitlan in Guatemala with a boat passing by and a volcano in the background

There are yoga studios, language schools, weaving cooperatives, cacao ceremonies, and markets where you can learn directly from women who’ve passed down their traditions for generations.

Guatemala invites you to slow down. And it offers the kind of travel experience that’s more about depth than spectacle.

Is It Safe? Yes, with Smart Planning

Safety is a valid concern, especially for solo women travelers. The good news? Midlife travelers tend to have solid instincts, and now, you trust yours.

In Guatemala (and anywhere you travel), the basics go a long way:

Book well-reviewed accommodations, especially ones run by local women or small collectives.
Avoid traveling at night alone or hopping on random buses. Use trusted shuttles or private transfers.
Don’t overpack your schedule or take unnecessary risks.

Travel with awareness, not fear. You’re seasoned. You know how to read a room, sense when something feels off, and ask for help when needed.

Also, be kind to your body. Altitude, new foods, and busy days can take a toll. Hydrate, rest, and remember: you're here to enjoy yourself, not power through.

Community Travel Can Be Even More Meaningful

If solo travel feels intimidating, group travel is an amazing option, especially with the right group.

At Traveling Women Official, we create small-group trips for women who want to explore meaningfully.

Our Guatemala trips aren’t about packed itineraries or tourist traps. They're about thoughtful travel, real conversations, and connection with both the place and the people.

group of women sitting on the grass in a field — Source

You’ll meet women in similar life stages, share stories, and leave not just with photos, but with a deeper sense of clarity and community.

We handle the logistics. You just show up ready to explore.

You’re Not Late. You’re Right on Time.

Midlife travel doesn't mean you're playing catch up, but it's about stepping forward.

You’ve spent years showing up for everyone else. Now, you get to show up for yourself.

Whether you travel completely solo or join a group of like-minded women, this is your moment to embrace what’s next, not just with hope, but with intention.