I have time (though not unlimited money) thanks to a month off between jobs, and I want to take advantage of every minute of it. While I have a long list of household chores, I think I deserve a break, too. Any suggestions for a last-minute trip (ideally a week) for a middle-aged woman alone?
US or foreign? How exciting?
I don’t know what kind of vacation you like - outdoorsy, city sightseeing, chilling by the lake, etc.
But since you mention last-minute, one of my favorite ways to pick is to see where the cheap flights are: https://www.kayak.com/explore
What part of the country do you live in? I did a solo trip once in California. I had flown to San Fran for my grandma’s 80th birthday party. I rented a convertible, and after the party, I drove down the coast, stayed in mostly waterfront B & Bs and hotels, and just enjoyed the scenery and solitude. I went to the Monterrey Aquarium and some little museums. Went to a couple of wine tastings.
I also went to Europe by myself once.
What do you enjoy?
My Hubby does not like to travel - I do. Most of my recent trips have been solo. In the past 3 years, I’ve done London, Berlin, Hong Kong, Singapore, Siem Reap (Cambodia), NYC, Washington, DC, other US cities for work and/or pleasure, all solo. I find city travel very easy as a single. Even international cities are used to women business travelers. I’ve never had trouble with dinner, hotel (even having a drink in the lounge), transport.
I like cities because of all the options - museums, galleries, concerts, theater, etc. I keep myself going at whatever interests me and go at my own pace. I’ve not done a beach sort of destination solo. Not that I wouldn’t, I just think I might feel the lack of company if I laid around relaxing and reading as a solo, then went into a solo dinner for multiple days. I also like to hike but that is something I am hesitant to do much of as a single. My concern is for an injury and no one to help. I have done some solo hiking on popular trails with other people around and a cell phone, but I am very conservative in my choice of trail and careful.
My alma mater has one-week on-campus courses for adults in the summer – with lots of recreational and social activities. The program is very hospitable to people attending alone. I’ve done it three times and hope to do it again. https://www.sce.cornell.edu/cau/
What about a Road Scholar trip? You could ask for a single if available…or do the random roommate thing. A friend did this recently and loved it. Lots of choices.
Having lived there, I second the Monterey Penninsula as it is lovely, lovely, safe and between nature and art, there is much to explore. Stay in an airbnb or a nice bed and breakfast so there is a little human contact and conversation each day.
If you haven’t been to Washington DC, it is expensive to stay in but many attractions are free and it is a great walking city and lovely in spring. Find a place where you can take a class or two. If you like museums, sign up for tours. A week is sufficient to go to Paris or London and settle in to explore.
You could see if this company has any openings in the time frame you need, and if any of the trips fit your budget.
All women, all ages.
https://www.adventuresingoodcompany.com
I’ve also heard positive feedback about Road Scholar, which I see was mentioned upthread. That group will skew older.
My sister is a single woman in her late 50s. While sometimes she travels with friends or other family members, most of her travel as an adult has been alone. What she had enjoyed most has been fairly high-end bicycle tours, all over the world. Usually a group of 10-15 people, mixed ages and backgrounds, but generally nice, interesting people. Very knowledgeable and skilled guides, and other staff to pitch camps and transport luggage. I wish I could remember the company she likes, but I can’t.
She’s done this all over the world – China, Vietnam, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Spain, England, Malaysia, the Rift Valley.
Obviously, it’s not for everyone; you have to be fairly fit and an experienced bike rider. But the trips are planned as sightseeing trips, not tests of endurance or athletic performance. And it’s probably possible for one person to drop into one of them on short-ish notice.
I travel alone, too. No issue. And I second any part of coastal California. Have done that drive south from SF and San Diego (Coronado) is beautiful, too. But I see OP’s been to Kathmandu and wonder if that sort of casual thing is what she wants.
I did a trip to Italy with G Adventures and it was fabulous. Small group, mostly solo middle-aged women.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far – keep 'em coming. I live near Washington DC. I do love exploring new cities, but I also love the outdoors and hiking (though it’s not something I tend to do alone because of safety concerns). Now I can spend the afternoon pretending to work while I check out all these links and ideas.
What about Montreal and/or Quebec City? Vancouver is an outstanding destination also
The Charleston area has lots to do. Beaches on Kiawah. Historic sites. Restaurants. Warm weather.
I would book a long-distance trip based on a cheap airline ticket. If you do go to San Francisco, consider driving up to Muir Woods to see the redwoods.
Italy. Florence would be a good solo trip. If you prefer to travel with others, this small company does tour groups for women that are very personalized and less touristy: https://www.italianfix.com/
The island of Hawaii is great at this time of year. Rent a car and drive around the island staying in B&Bs or hotels along the way. There are interesting small museums and lots of hiking/snorkeling/outdoorsy stuff. I’ve done that, as well as Europe and all over the US alone and enjoyed it.
If you really want an adventure and enjoy hiking, you can hike the Kumano Kodo (sp?) trail in Japan. It’s a pilgrim’s route, traditionally for women in believe. There have been a few articles about it lately and it’s something that I’m dying to do solo.
Southern CA and AZ are good places to visit this time of the year. Joshua Tree Park is awesome, and there are beautiful hiking places in AZ, too.