English 
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know what an advocate I am for solo travel. I’ve written numerous blog posts sharing my experiences – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly – packed with advice for those who might be a little more reticent about setting off alone. But lately, life has changed. I recently remarried, and with my husband newly retired, solo trips may become less frequent. Naturally, I’ve had questions: Will I still travel alone? Will my solo travel advice still be relevant?
I’ve asked myself those same questions. And my answer? Absolutely, it’s still relevant!
Because while the logistics of my travels may shift, the essence of what I stand for remains unchanged. I am still the woman who overcame the paralysing social awkwardness of eating alone for the first time after losing my husband. I’m the woman who was broken into while sleeping, injured on a solo road trip and kept travelling. I learned Spanish and salsa dancing to deepen my experience in Cuba, took sailing lessons to better explore the Caribbean, hiked solo for three days through Ecuador, and got caught in a bushfire while volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia. I may not always be travelling solo now, but those stories, that strength, and that purpose still live within me.
Because here’s the truth: I never set out to promote solo travel for the sake of it. What I represent is something deeper. I believe midlife is not a deadline – it’s an invitation.
An invitation to rediscover yourself. To rewrite your story. To reclaim your sense of adventure.
After losing my husband, I stood at a painful crossroads. Grief had stripped away who I thought I was. But travel helped me find my way back. It became a path to healing, clarity, and confidence. And that’s what I want to offer you.
You don’t need the perfect moment, the ideal travel companion, or unshakable confidence to begin. You just need a spark. A whisper that says: what if you went anyway?
Because I’ve lived through the after—after love, after loss, after letting go of the life I thought I’d have. And I know this: you are more resilient, capable, and brave than you think. All you need is that first step.
So yes, I may travel with my husband now. But the heart of my message remains unchanged. I want to help you take that dream off the shelf, dust off your passport, and boldly say “YES!” to this next chapter.
Because through travel, I help women turn grief into growth, fear into freedom, and midlife into the most powerful adventure yet.
And that journey? It’s still yours to take—solo or not.
Top 5 Reasons Why Midlife is the Best Time to Start Travelling Solo
- You Finally Know Who You Are In our 20s and 30s, we’re often trying to figure out who we are and what we want. But midlife brings the gift of clarity. You’ve survived heartbreak, loss, and reinvention. You know your strengths, your limits, and your values. That self-awareness makes solo travel deeply empowering – because you’re showing up fully as you.
- You’re Done People-Pleasing Midlife is when many of us stop living by other people’s expectations and start listening to our own desires. When you travel solo, you choose your own pace, itinerary, and priorities – no compromises. Want to spend three hours staring at a waterfall or dancing under the stars in a plaza in Seville? You absolutely can.
- You Have More Freedom – And You’ve Earned It Whether the kids have flown the nest, your career has shifted gears, or you’re newly single or retired, midlife often opens up time and space in ways the earlier stages of life didn’t. You may finally have the flexibility and resources to travel, and the confidence to prioritise yourself – guilt-free.
- You Travel with Purpose, Not Proving You’re no longer travelling to tick boxes or impress anyone. Midlife travel is more intentional. You seek meaning, connection, growth—and that’s where the magic happens. Whether it’s a cooking class in Vietnam or walking the Camino de Santiago, these aren’t just experiences, they’re chapters in your story of transformation.
- You’re Braver Than You Realise By midlife, you’ve likely already survived things you never imagined you could. You’ve faced life’s curveballs – grief, change, resilience – and come out stronger. That inner strength is your greatest travel companion. Solo travel doesn’t require fearlessness – it requires trusting that you’ll figure it out. And you will.
So, if you’ve ever said, “I wish I could do that…” – consider this your invitation.
Midlife is not too late. It is exactly the right time.
Say yes. Take the first step. Let travel show you what’s waiting inside you—and where it can take you next. Looking for support, guidance, or inspiration for your own journey? I’m not just here to tell my story – I’m here to help you write yours. What is currently holding you back from taking that first step? Or what is your best piece of advice for those who may be reticent? 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, over on YouTube we are visiting the Acropolis in Athens. Have you been? This iconic historic site offers breathtaking views, fascinating architecture, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilization – all perfect for anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, in just 90 seconds, I show you why the Acropolis remains a must-see and the best thing to do in Athens if you are seeking inspiration, culture, and connection. See it for yourself HERE.
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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 – Travelling through Grief and Overcoming Social Awkwardness
Blog – How to Survive a Bushfire in Namibia
Video – Best Thing to Do in Athens Exploring the Acropolis
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 Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme 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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