Travelling Solo After Grey Divorce

Hi friends, and thanks for stopping by to read Travelling Solo After Grey Divorce.

For many women, divorce – especially later in life – feels like the ground shifting beneath your feet. You may have built decades of routines around a partner, shared trips, and family vacations. Suddenly, you’re alone. The house is quiet. And the idea of taking a vacation by yourself can feel overwhelming.

I went through this myself. I’d travelled solo in my twenties and thirties without thinking twice, but after my divorce in my 50s, I realized many women my age struggle with the idea. Travelling alone can feel intimidating – but it can also be liberating.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world, the only question is: what’s really stopping you?

What’s holding you back?

When it comes to travel, the two big roadblocks are always money and time. We tell ourselves we’ll travel “someday” when we have both, but life rarely serves them up together. If you’ve got vacation days saved and a little nest egg in your travel fund, the only thing missing is often a travel companion.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need one.

The fear isn’t really about logistics. It’s emotional. Many of us grew up taking family trips. Then we got married and travelled with a spouse and maybe children. Fast-forward a few decades, and suddenly the thought of showing up alone can feel strange.

Building your travel fund

One of the smartest things I did after my divorce was start a dedicated travel fund. Well actually it took quite a few years before I found a job that paid well enough that I could put a little money aside. And yes, when I say little, I mean a little. Because sometimes I didn’t have a job where I could put any money aside.

I opened a separate online savings account so the money wasn’t easily accessible and couldn’t be spent on everyday expenses. The last job I had before I retired I was able to transfer $100 from each paycheck straight into that account.

I also tossed in “found money”: tax refunds, small bonuses, cash from side gigs. Watching that balance grow gave me motivation and made travel feel possible again. Even small amounts add up, and before long you’ve got a cushion that makes solo trips less stressful.

The reality of solo travel costs

It’s also important to be honest: solo travel isn’t always cheap.

Hotels & Cruises: Rooms are usually priced for double occupancy, so couples split the cost. Solo travelers absorb the full amount. Cruises often charge a “single supplement” of nearly 100% – you’re paying double for the same cabin.
Tours: Group tours are also typically based on two people per room. If you want your own space, the single supplement can be shocking.
Dream Trips: I’d love to take a cruise to Antarctica someday, but have you seen those prices? They’re steep enough for two people, and astronomical for one.

This doesn’t mean solo travel isn’t worth it – it just means you have to plan with both eyes open. Look for companies that cater to solo travellers, consider hostels or guesthouses with private rooms, and keep an eye on last-minute deals that sometimes waive single supplements.

Safety vs. Fear

Of course, personal safety matters. It’s smart to avoid regions where travel advisories warn of violence or instability. But don’t let fear lock you inside your house. You can ease into solo travel by starting with safe, familiar destinations. For example, book a package vacation to Disneyland or a resort where everything you need is on-site. Your risk is no greater than it would be at home.

Starting small

If being “alone” is what feels uncomfortable, begin by practising at home:

Go to the movies alone. You’re not chatting during the film anyway.
Treat yourself to a restaurant meal. Fast food is easy, but try a sit-down place. Will people pity you? Hardly. Most won’t notice, and those who do might admire your independence.
Take a weekend trip within driving distance. Spend a night in a nearby city. Explore at your own pace. Build confidence in little steps.

These small acts build the confidence to travel farther afield.

Practical planning

Once you’re ready for a bigger adventure, planning is half the fun:

Flights & Hotels: Use sites like CheapoAir.com or Kayak.com for deals.
Airbnb or Hotels: Pick whichever feels safer or more comfortable for you. Hotels often provide more structure and security; Airbnbs can feel homier.
Trip Research: Google your destination, read TripAdvisor reviews, and check travel forums.
Last-Minute Deals: Sign up for travel companies’ newsletters. Spontaneity sometimes saves money. Vacations To Go features last minute cruise specials.

And always, always prioritize safety: share your itinerary with a trusted friend, keep copies of important documents, and trust your instincts.