English 
Travel can be one of the most empowering gifts we give ourselves in midlife. It’s not just about the destination – it’s about rediscovering who we are, reigniting our confidence, and proving (mostly to ourselves!) that joy and freedom don’t have an age limit.
Yet, as women in midlife, safety often tops the list of concerns when planning transformative travel. We want adventure, but we also want to feel secure enough to enjoy every step.
The good news? With the right preparation, tools, and mindset, safety doesn’t have to hold us back. In fact, facing these challenges head-on is part of the transformation.
Here are the top 5 safety concerns for women in midlife—and practical ways to overcome them:
Personal Safety in Unfamiliar Places
Walking alone at night, navigating busy cities, or being unsure about “safe” areas can feel intimidating.
Solutions:
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations (I usually use Expedia or Booking.com for trusted feedback, delving into the reviews ALWAYS). Choose places in central areas which are usually well-lit to minimise late-night journeys. I would rather travel to tourist attractions using public transport during the day and be in busy local areas at night. Check out my post on hotel safety HERE for more. The photo above shows a happier time in St Lucia, after being broken into in my sleep earlier in the trip (you can read the full story on the post)
- Carry a small, discreet personal safety alarm or whistle. These are lightweight and can give peace of mind.
- Most importantly, project confidence. Walk with purpose—even if you’re checking Google Maps. If you are, don’t check maps and walk at the same time. Stop, regroup and if needed walk with equal confidence in the opposite direction. Few opportunists will mess with anyone who walks like they own the place!
Health and Medical Concerns
We’re more aware of our health now than when we were in our twenties, and worries about illness, medication, or emergencies abroad can hold us back.
Solutions:
- Pack a compact health kit with essentials: prescriptions, painkillers, rehydration sachets, and plasters.
- Keep a digital copy of prescriptions and medical information. Get any vaccinations recommended and carry a digital copy of your vaccination records as well.
- Invest in solid travel insurance – it’s not a luxury; it’s freedom to travel without fear. Check out Safety Wing to see if their policies match your requirements. Make sure any insurance that you do take out covers you for all activities you plan to undertake and any countries you visit, even if just travelling through.
Financial Safety and Scams
Losing money, credit cards, or being scammed can feel like a worst-case scenario.
Solutions:
- Use a cross-body bag with anti-theft features (slash-proof straps, lockable zippers). I much prefer this to travel belts or neck wallets as it allows you to look less like a tourist.
- Carry a backup credit card and split your money – never keep it all in one place. Only take out one card and the cash you think you will need for the day’s activities.
- Trust your intuition. If something feels “too good to be true,” step away. Experience has gifted us wisdom – lean into it.
Loneliness and Isolation
Safety isn’t just about avoiding danger – it’s also about feeling emotionally secure. Being alone can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Solutions:
- Join group day tours or classes to meet others while maintaining independence. Food tours or cooking classes are also a perfect way to spend an evening learning more about the culture while eating very well at the same time!
- Use community platforms (like local Facebook groups or travel forums) to connect with fellow women travellers.
- Reframe solitude as strength. This is your chance to truly listen to yourself.
- You can read my full blog post on Alone vs Lonely via THIS LINK.
Technology and Connectivity
Getting lost, not being able to contact loved ones, or struggling with tech while abroad is a modern safety concern.
Solutions:
- Invest in a local SIM card or eSIM for data and navigation.
- Share your itinerary with a trusted person back home.
- Download offline maps before you go – you’ll never be stranded without directions.
- Check out THIS POST for my favourite tried and tested travel apps and websites.
For all these and more, check out my blog post on 15 Top Safety Tips for Women Travelling Alone HERE.
Reclaiming Confidence Through Safety
Here’s the truth: safety is never about eliminating risk – it’s about managing it. By preparing smartly, you create space to travel with confidence. Each step you take, each moment you step outside your comfort zone, is a reminder that midlife isn’t about slowing down – it’s about rising into a new phase of freedom.
Travel is transformational because it teaches us how strong we already are. By addressing your safety concerns, you open the door to the joy, confidence, and freedom you deserve.
So, pack that safety whistle, double-check your insurance, book the ticket – and trust yourself. You’ve navigated so much in life already. You are more capable, resilient, and ready than you think.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, what’s your biggest safety concern when travelling? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
This week on YouTube has all been about the Camino and we are now on Day 9 of my recent journey along this legendary trail. If you have missed anything then you can watch all the videos so far (they are less than 2 minutes each) via THIS LINK. If you haven’t already, why not Subscribe while you are there and hit the bell 🔔icon which will trigger a notification every time a new video is published.
Whether the Camino is on your list, you are looking for ideas for your first solo adventure, you are curious about rural Spain or you just want to see the realities of taking on such an epic challenge, then head over now and I would love to hear your thoughts.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – 16 Essential Hotel Safety Tips for Women Travelling Alone
Blog – Alone vs Lonely – 15 Top Tips for Combatting Loneliness as a Solo Female Traveller
Video – Walking the Camino Francés: A Transformational Journey
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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