Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

Women Over Fifty Who Travel Solo…Around the World. They Say You Can Too!

Have You Ever Wanted to Travel Solo? You know…just take off, all by yourself?

Have you always dreamed of traveling to exciting destinations. Flitting from here to there, drinking in the sights, experiencing the culture, actually seeing first hand all the exciting places you’ve only read about?

Are you a woman over fifty who would love to travel but circumstances have caused you to feel you’re not able to?

  • Is it because you have no one to go with you?
  • Are you afraid of traveling alone?
  • Is it because you can’t afford it?

What’s keeping you from seeing all the places you’ve always dreamed of? Do you really, really want to travel? The women you’ll read about below wanted it bad enough that they made it happen.

Most of these women felt the hardest part was just making the decision to do it. Some overcame their fear of traveling alone by first dipping their toe in with a short trip. Most dove in head first.

What would it feel like to sell everything you owned, stuff a backpack full of the only possessions you had left, and hit the road? No obligations and only adventure on your horizon?

The women below all travel. By themselves. They love it. In fact, they prefer it. Most of them are over 50.

  • Some are nomads with no permanent residence…going from one exciting destination to the next.
  • Some prefer luxury travel (but have found ways to experience luxury on a budget).
  • Some like getting into the nitty gritty of the cultures in places they stay, and live among the locals.

But what do they live on? How do they support their travels?

  • Some do house sitting. (House sitting in Italy? OMG, sign me up!)
  • Some work remotely at their regular profession from whatever country they’re currently exploring.  Play by day, fire up the computer and work by night.

They’ll tell you exactly how they do it.  The circumstances that caused them to make the decision to pack and go. They’ll tell you what it’s like to be completely on your own in a foreign country.

All of these women write blogs about their adventures. They share packing, safety, dining and etiquette tips for solo traveling that they’ve learned along the way. They share gorgeous photos from places some of us have only dreamed of going, and they tell us stories about their adventures.

They all have different stories, but the one thing it seems they are all saying is…

Anyone can travel, at any time, anywhere. You just have to decide to do it, and then DO IT!

So…grab your favorite beverage, settle in and prepare to be entertained. Clicking the red buttons will take you to each of their individual sites. Explore. Look at their photos. Visit the “About” pages on their sites to get to know them and their stories. I was fascinated. I’m sure you will be too. Enjoy!

Dyanne

Traveln Lass - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

TRAVELN LASS

So if it’s inspiration you’re after – a gentle nudge to make your own travel dreams come true, then you’ve come to the right place. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to think that my crazy travel tales (especially as a solo lass “of a certain age”) might inspire some other lass or lad (of any age) to follow their own brand of bliss, and just pop on a backpack and DO IT!

Note from PattiThis is one of my favorite sites. Dyanne is such an entertaining and engaging writer you feel as if she’s telling you stories over coffee. She’s down to earth and real, and just sounds like someone I’d love to know.

Barbara

Hole in the Donut - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

HOLE IN THE DONUT

Working for years at a job she didn’t enjoy, Barbara kept asking herself “Who am I, why am I here, and what is my purpose in life?”After becoming ill and suffering for five years, she was finally diagnosed and treated for chronic Lyme Disease.

As soon as she was healthy enough, she left her job, strapped on a backpack, and traveled solo around the world for six months, determined to visit the places she’d always wanted to see.

Upon returning to the States in September of 2007, she rented an apartment in Florida and continued to travel more than half of the time, while simultaneously pursuing freelance writing opportunities. By the end of 2009 she was traveling so much that it made no sense to maintain a home base, so she sold or gave away her remaining furniture and hit the road full time.

Sherry

Otts World - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

OTTS WORLD

I am currently in my mid 40’s and have been traveling and living on the road (yes, homeless) since 2006.  How did I become a digital wanderer, New Nomadcareer break guru, and have the most enviable job in the world?

I’m Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. But it’s not just about travel, it’s also about life experiences of a middle age wanderer.

I quit my corporate IT job in 2006 and said goodbye to blackberries, meetings and New York City. My original intention was to simply take a career break and come back after a year and determine next steps.   I traveled around the world to 23 countries, finding a new exciting world outside of my office walls.  My eyes were opened to possibilities and the beauty of simplicity; I didn’t want to go back to my old corporate existence.  Instead I sold my possessions and relocated to Vietnam for one year  in order to keep traveling.  To make money I taught ESL, sold photography, and started really working at  building a blogging and writing presence, including launching my other career break travel website,

Cheryl & Lisa

What Boundaries Travel - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

WHAT BOUNDARIES? TRAVEL

Before we started “What Boundaries? Live Your Dream!” we DID have normal jobs like everyone else. Really we did. But in 2007, we decided to sell everything and get an around-the-world plane ticket. This travel bug was only supposed to last 6 months, max. But somewhere along the way – we got hooked.

We’ve volunteered in South Africa and MexicoWOOFed in Hawaii and New Zealand, and backpacked across Europe and Asia. So far, we’ve traveled to 5 continents, 48 countries and well over 250 cities. And we’re just getting started!

Leyla

Women on the Road - solo travel | Women over Fifty Network

WOMEN ON THE ROAD

Women on the Road is for women who are curious, smart, enterprising, enthusiastic, inspired or dynamic – women who want to see the world on their own terms, usually solo (though someone might occasionally tag along) but always independently.

Women on the Road is for women who are ready to take one big fat bite out of life and smack their lips in glee afterward.

Women on the Road shows you how any woman, of any age, can hit the road, on her own – and enjoy every minute.

Mary Jo

Traveling with MJ - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

TRAVELING WITH MJ

MJ, is a traveler, travel writer, podcaster, and publisher. When she’s not on a trip, she’s planning or researching the next one and has a bag always packed, ready for the next great adventure. Her travel ethos is Value Luxury – that sweet spot where experience and price intersect to create WOW.

Tam

Travels with Tam - travel solo | Women Over Fifth Network

TRAVELS WITH TAM

When I became an emptynester, I began traveling more adventurously, and solo, as well as writing about my journeys, and thus Travels with Tam was born! My posts include many photographs, so if you love travel photography, food, wildlife and underwater photographs, you have come to the right place. I share stories about traveling, food, luxury hotels, adventure trips, scuba diving, and citizen science.

I want to inspire others to get out and see the world, to expand their knowledge and enlarge their perspective. You can travel and “do good” for yourself, others and our planet at the same time!

Penny

Adventures of a Carry-on - travel solo | Women Over Fifty Network

ADVENTURES OF A CARRY-ON

I’m a professional makeup artist with a bad case of wanderlust, an eye for detail, a WSET certified wino, and yes, I’m addicted to Italy.

A curious person, I’m interested in learning, creating, self discovery, connecting with people, having adventures, and discovering beauty. Travel writing and photography are just a way for me to express myself.

Adventures of a Carry-on is a place I’ve created to fill with all the things I find  beautiful and inspiring – art, architecture, culture, people, food and wine and of course, travel!

What you will find at Adventures of a Carry-on

You might find me stomping through vineyards in the Italian countryside, or flying over Napa Valley wineries in a hot air balloon.

I will share first-hand accounts of the places I’m traveling to including; intimate details of tours, wineries, restaurants, hotels and more. Travel lightly, experience deeply is the way I like to roll.

Janice

Tracey

Solo Traveler World - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network
Janice: A love of travel, personal loss and an empty nest all conspired for me to begin Solo Traveler in 2009. Resonating with thousands of readers, it quickly went from personal to public and the Solo Traveler Project began. Janice has been called the doyen of solo travel.
Tracey: One day, when I had dragged Janice out to yet another food and wine event, I was explaining what was special about each of the components of our meal: where the vegetables had been grown, how the cattle had been raised, and why the soil and climate of the local region resulted in a stunning wine. She invited me to write my very first post for Solo Traveler.

Now, as Editor and Food & Wine Travel Columnist for Solo Traveler, I eat, drink, and cook my way around the world, sharing my (frequently wonderful, sometimes unusual) experiences with readers.

Susan

Solo Trips & Tips - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

SOLO TRIPS AND TIPS

You are never too old to start traveling solo. I was already 30 years old when I took my first overseas trip alone. Actually, I was 29 years and 300+ days. I celebrated my 30th birthday while in Singapore.

There is no right way or wrong way to travel solo. Not everyone should become a nomad. Although I do think everyone should give solo travel a try at least once in their life! Even if you just get out and explore your own city alone, that too could be your start to solo travel my friend 🙂

Debbra

Tropical Travel Girl - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

TROPICAL TRAVEL GIRL

Tropical travel has become my passion. I’ve never met an island I didn’t like, although I’ve liked some better than others.  I’m often asked questions like, “What is your favorite island?” and “I’m thinking of going somewhere tropical on my next vacation. Where should I go?”

Through my destination content, blog posts, and photos, I hope to be able to help anyone interested in planning a trip to the tropics, and because every destination is different, I want to help you discover where your ideal island destination may be.

I’ll also be sharing information and advice about planning, packing, and how to navigate the ever-changing world of travel.

Jennifer

Solo Travel Girl - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

SOLO TRAVEL GIRL

I founded Solo Travel Girl because I found myself traveling alone, not lonely. My personal experiences are meant to inspire and empower other travelers to shed their fears and travel solo. I admit to still having uncomfortable butterflies when dining alone in a chichi restaurant or participating in an activity geared toward couples or families but I shrug off my insecurities and indulge in the moment of discovery and adventure.

Topics I blog about include Florida, domestic and international travel, culinary, nature-based/outdoor adventures, solo travel, girlfriend getaways, product reviews and travels with a dog.

Dr. Cacinda Maloney

Points and Travel - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

POINTS AND TRAVEL

I have traveled every six weeks of my life for over 25+ years.

A Doctor by profession, I gave up my career six years ago to travel the world even more!

Points and Travel is not your ordinary travel and lifestyle blog. We are a travel resource of content related to destinations about adventure, culture, and smart luxury travel–maximizing dollars for the greatest luxurious experiences.

Storytelling and photography are my two passions.  This is what I primarily do when I travel. Look for a great story about a place and then photograph it. My extensive travels have inspired me to write and share some of my extensive luxury travel experiences with you.

Donna

Nomad Women - solo travel | Women Over Fifty Network

NOMAD WOMEN

The whole point of Nomad Women is to help you, inspire you and empower all you current and future mature, experienced, wonderful Nomad Women, to get up, get out and see the world!

If you have any questions or comments that can help me achieve that, I want to hear them!

Do you know of any Over Fifty Women Solo Travelers that I missed? Shout them out in the comment below. Or if you’re a Solo Woman Traveler, be sure to comment with the name of your site!

Until next time…peace out.

Patti Huck image and signature

What Would You Do With $300 Million Dollars? Let’s Pretend.

What Would You Do With $300 Million Dollars? Let’s Pretend.

What Would You Do With $300 Million Dollars? Let’s Pretend.

$300 Million Dollars. Ooooh, Let’s Play Pretend.

Have you ever dreamed about it? What you would do with $300 Million dollars? As I’m writing this, Powerball is currently at $307 Million and Mega Millions is at $350 Million. We religiously buy a ticket each week. Somebody has to win, right? But when it gets this high we always start to dream a little, and inevitably at some point before the drawing we end up playing our Let’s Pretend game.

Well instead of just dreaming about it, go get yourself a calculator and a couple notepads, some snacks and a drink, and let’s get serious.

You don’t have to wait until the stakes are this high to play. If it’s Date Night and you don’t want to go out, get cozy with a glass of wine and play….Or when you’re on the road with nothing but boring scenery. Oddly enough, when money is tight and I’ve just paid bills with a particularly skimpy paycheck, this game can take me out of my head and pull me out of my bitchy mood.

Warning: This little activity does have the potential to ruffle some feathers. I know my hubby and I definitely don’t see eye-to-eye on several of each other’s spending choices and reasoning. As if this were real. Gaaah, I wish!

The likelihood of needing instructions should this situation arise is not as certain as say…making sure you have a Will prepared? But just in case, if you should find yourselves running in circles screaming like a banshee with fistfuls of cash and your eyes all bugged out, it would be awfully handy to have a blueprint to refer to that had been drawn up when the both of you had been in your right minds.

How Do You Play?

RULES: There are really no rules to this little game… except one. You have to be specific. You can’t just say “I’d give it away” (yeah, right), or “I’d quit work”. YOU HAVE TO PRETEND LIKE YOU REALLY HAVE THAT MONEY.  You JUST received it, and you need to come up with a plan for it – ALL of it, right away. TODAY. You’re going to map this all out on paper. And here’s the kicker – if you’re planning with someone else, you both have to agree.

SUPPLIES: Calculator. Paper. Internet Access(for checking your bill balances, prices of items for purchase, airfare costs, etc.) Whatever you use for charting and planning. A few hours of uninterrupted time.

HOW TO PLAY: Put yourself in the mindset above. Pretend that $300 Million is YOURS. Start with the day you learned you had it or would be receiving it. What’s the first thing you’d do when you had that cash or check in your hand or in your bank account? This is where you start the game – Planning out your entire first day.

  • Would you tell anybody? Who? Your kids? How would you tell them? Would you tell them separately or gather them together?
  • Would you celebrate? How? Go Someplace? Buy Something?
  • How exactly, from morning to bedtime would you spend that FIRST day?

Okay, now you’ve got your “HOLY SHIT, I’M RICH!” day planned and out of the way. Now you’ve got some major planning to do…

Some Prompts To Help You Along

I’ve included some questions below to help you with your planning, but this is YOUR game. Remember, you have to account for every bit of that $300 Million dollars.

By the time you’re finished, you’ll be prepared if this situation should arise. Good grief, it would be a shame to be caught with your pants down when this lump of money landed in your lap. You could end up mindlessly blowing through that whole chunk of change if you didn’t have a strategy in place. Okay…GO!

Some Food For Thought

  • Would you share it with someone? Who? Would you give portions of it away? How much and to whom? Why?
  • If you have kids or grandkids, would you give some to them? How much? Or would you just re-write your will and leave them a portion. Would you set up a trust account?
  • Would you pay off bills? Your house? Your cars?
  • Would you go on vacation? Where would you go? For how long? With who? How would you get there? How long would you stay?
  • Would you use some for health/self-improvement? Weight loss surgery? Hip replacement? Nose job? New boobs? Teeth implants?
  • Would having money make you feel courageous enough to take on something you’ve always wanted to do?  Sky diving lessons, Flying lessons? Bungee jumping? Hang gliding?
  • Would you memorialize the occasion? How? Plant a tree? Buy a ’63 split-window Corvette? Get a Tattoo? Buy a beach home in Tahiti?
  • Would you give some to charity? Which one? Why?
  • Would you just take off with no particular destination in mind, spend money willy nilly doing crazy, nonscensical, randomly quirky things that you find along the way? What direction would you go? What would you travel in? Would you need to buy it?
  • Would you anonymously hand out money? To what type of people or what organization? Would you sit at a restaurant and randomly buy people’s meals? Hand it out on the street? How much would you give? How often would you do this? Once a week? Every day? What other ideas do you have for random gifting? Anonymous deposits in bank accounts?
  • Would you quit your job? Finally tell your boss what you think of him/her? Go part-time? Work from home?
  • Would you buy the company you work for? Buy a different company? Start a new business? What kind of business?
  • What timeframe would you work in? Would you take a month to complete all your plans, or will you space it out over several years?
  • Would you invest your money? In what? Stocks? Real Estate? How much?
  • Would you hire a financial planner and leave your wealth completely in his/her hands?
  • Would you head to Vegas and attempt to double your windfall? How much would you set aside for gambling?

So what did you come up with? Do all those deniros have a place? Don’t you just feel so much better now that you have a plan in place?

Plan a Do-Overs Night.

On those evenings when you’re mindlessly channel surfing, turn off the tv and spend some time dreaming. It’s amazing how important and real this game becomes once you begin subtracting and adding, allocating for this and that, him or her.

Playing pretend for a few hours forces you to do some serious researching that you probably wouldn’t have bothered doing before. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised after actually researching it, that the world cruise you dismissed as an impossible dream may actually be within your reach…even without the $300 Million.

Remember…

Save

Until next time…peace out!

Patti Huck image and signature

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What would you do with $300 Million dollars? | Women Over Fifty Network