Luxury travel for singles over 50: top destinations and tips

Whether you’re looking for a five star tour focused on culture and history, or a luxury retreat by a beautiful beach, the world is packed full of high-end travel experiences for singles.

Taking time out for yourself is essential in our busy world - join us as we walk though some of the top travel destinations for singles over 50, so you can start to plan your next trip.

What are the benefits of luxury travel for mature singles?

Traveling as a single person allows you to plan your own ideal itinerary, and meet new friends along the way if you want to.

There’s no doubt that time spent overseas offers huge benefits in terms of broadening your horizons, allowing you to learn about new places, people and cultures, and taking a break from everyday life to relax and return refreshed.

Traveling in style and luxury can be an ideal way to make the most out of limited vacation time, allowing you to do exactly what you want, with freedom and plenty of nice treats along the way.

This guide walks through some of the best luxury vacations for singles over 50 from the US, to whet your appetite.

What are the top destinations for solo travelers over 50?

There are great solo travel destinations for over 50s all over the world.

For this guide we’ve focused on:
Italy The UK Sri Lanka New Zealand Egypt Madagascar Costa Rica Argentina

By taking a spin through some hot spots for luxe travel across different continents, you can get a flavor and start to plan your own next adventure.

Luxury travel styles for singles over 50

Where you pick for your trip might come down to the type of travel that you prefer. We’ve covered everything from safari to city breaks, cruises and combinations of all the above. Here are some of the top options you might consider:

Luxury cruises

A cruise takes away all the hassle of travel - there’s no waiting in the airport for the next flight, you’ll simply be able to sit back and relax, and be taken to the next place to visit in luxury.

Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, with specific ships and operators focusing on single travel available if you’d like to use the opportunity to meet people without paying a single supplement for your cabin.

All inclusive resorts

Staying at an all inclusive resort means you can leave your wallet behind, and enjoy the facilities, food and drink at leisure.

High end all inclusive experiences also often offer extras like watersports, spa use, yoga or cooking experiences. Plus, you’ll easily be able to arrange tours via the hotel front desk if you want to get out and about a bit during your stay.

Are there travel groups for singles over 50?

Yes. The market for 50+ single travel is huge, and very well served by tour agents and groups. If you’re looking for luxury travel packages for singles, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

What are the best luxury destinations for singles over 50?

Let’s look more closely at some ideas for the best luxury vacations for singles over 50, split out by region.

Europe

Whether you want gourmet food, history and culture, nature or simply a world class hotel where you can relax and be pampered, Europe will have something for you.

Europe is hugely varied, from the sun drenched Mediterranean coasts and islands, to Scandi-chic in the north, with iconic destinations packed all the way in between. Europe won’t necessarily be the cheapest place to find solo travel destinations for over 50s - but it does have the benefit of being a relatively short flight compared to heading towards Asia and Oceania.

We’ve highlighted a couple of popular places to head for luxury travel as a mature and independent traveler to give you a flavor.

Italy

Italy has a lot to offer travelers of all types, but the sheer variety of experience you can get in a small geographic area makes it a winner for luxury travelers who want to get as much as possible from their trip.

Known for style, sophistication, great food and so much history and culture you just fall over it at every turn, Rome is a great place to start your luxe adventure in Italy. 5 star hotels are available throughout the city, with prices starting from around 300 USD per night, or more in peak season.

It’s extremely easy to navigate Rome alone if you want to see the sights, or you can join in a group tour, including specialist food tours and other themed experiences.

From Rome if you want to extend your trip without too much travel, you could also consider hitting one of the local beach resorts, such as Anzio which is only around an hour's travel away. Or, pair your trip with a visit to the stunning Italian Lakes if you’re craving the outdoors.

UK

If you’re flying from the US to the United Kingdom, the first stop on your itinerary is likely to be London. London’s compact and walkable center, which is pretty dense with tourist draws, makes this a fun place to visit alone or in a group.

While there are plenty of attractions which are more for families and kids, there are some world class museums, galleries and outdoor locations such as the Royal Parks which are great for over 50s looking for an adventure.

Luxury hotels in London’s center start from around 400 USD a night, but you can pay several times this for a night in one of the huge name hotels like The Savoy or The Four Seasons on Park Lane.

London has enough to fill a week or more pretty easily - but if you’re looking for variety, consider adding in a day or two in a historic town like Bath, or heading up to experience Scotland.

Bath can be reached from London by train in a couple of hours, while the Lonon to Edinburgh route takes just under 5 hours, at times through beautiful sections of the UK’s coastline.

Asia and Oceania

If you’re looking for the best luxury vacations for singles over 50, and have enough time on your hands to travel a bit further, heading to Asia or Oceania is full of adventure.

Asian destinations including India, Vietnam and Thailand are very well set to cater for luxury seekers, with plenty to do, amazing beaches, super friendly people and fantastic food. Prices in Asia can be very reasonable too. Or, consider Oceania, with no end of potential options in Australia and unique destinations like Fiji.

Whether you pick Asia or Oceania, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime. There are countless itineraries for luxury travel packages for singles in this region, but we’ve covered a couple of hot picks to get you started.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka isn’t huge, but it has an enormous variety of things to do, all within an easy drive or a scenic train ride. There are plenty of luxury hotel and accommodation options, including high end tented lodges in the national parks, if you fancy safari, converted historic buildings in the tea plantations, and beach side luxury in several areas.

Safari is covered by several different national parks, and although Sri Lanka does have a rainy season, the unique geography means that there’s usually at least one which can more or less guarantee good weather and good sightings. The mountainous tea plantations are also a good pick - if you’re looking for a taste of old colonial life, check out Nuwara Eliya’s Grand Hotel which offers graceful teas in the Tea Lounge (or gin on the terrace if you prefer).

Costs are lower than in many other countries, with 5 star hotels accessible from 300 USD or less a night. Shop around, and consider looking at a package made by a local travel specialist who will be able to create a personal itinerary based on your preferences, complete with access to your own driver 24/7 - all for a surprisingly low cost.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular destination for adventure seekers and gap year students, but can also offer a perfect taste of luxury if you’re a solo traveler over 50. With beautiful nature, vineyards to taste the local wine, unique history and culture, and interesting cities to explore, there’s something for everyone.

Because New Zealand is an attractive place for mature single travelers, there are many group tours offered by luxury agents which can be great if you’d prefer to make new friends on your trip. However, if you’re thinking of independent travel, it’s also a good proposition, as a safe country, with English speaking, famously friendly locals, to make sure you make the most of your vacation.

When it comes to hotels, New Zealand really knows how to do luxury. While you can find lower costs for some great hotels, the real high end accommodation here could set you back well over 1,000 USD a night. There are hotels, villas and resorts which cater to travelers with the highest of expectations - which will mean you can be sure that you get an exquisite experience, whatever you’re into.

Africa

Africa offers a unique mix of adventure, history, and nature - and in many destinations you’ll be able to experience true luxury, too.

As a hugely varied continent, Africa has many high-end travel experiences for singles, from exploring the souks in Marrakech, to best in class safari in a wide range of different places, or exploring the Garden Route in South Africa to taste the local wines.

There are many options for your African itinerary which makes this a good pick for both long and short visits. We’ve picked out a couple of great destinations to think about here.

Egypt

If you’re a history buff, Egypt is likely on your bucket list. And even if you’re not so into history, the prospect of cruising the Nile or diving in pristine waters may still make Egypt one to consider.

For many people, taking an organized group or private tour is the most practical way to see Egypt, giving you the flexibility to build out the package you want, and enabling you to make the most of your trip without the hassle of planning internal travel or attraction bookings.

One of the reasons that Egypt is a top travel destination for singles over 50 is the option to take a Nile cruise. If you’re heading to Egypt, this is a must-do, with many different luxury cruise options which allow you to take in the sights while being pampered, with high service levels, amazing food, and great amenities.

5 star hotels are available in many locations in Egypt, with surprisingly low prices in many cases. Depending on where you want to go, you could snag a room for 250 USD or less, although there are also plenty of places where the prices are far higher, largely based on location and season.

Madagascar

Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, and a good pick if you want varied adventure travel. Madagascar isn’t really on the tourist radar for many - which means that taking a tour here is the best way to make sure you’re able to navigate. It also means that you can visit some truly stunning locations without large tourist crowds to contend with.

Madagascar is a perfect location for nature and outdoors enthusiasts, with hiking and trekking, diving, fishing, whale watching - and, of course, a beach to relax on afterwards.

Madagascar luxury hotels start from a pretty low price point, although the range depends on the exact destination you pick. A tour agent can help you negotiate the very best itinerary to allow you to see all you want to see, while staying in luxury at top tier hotels in the city, on the beach - or wherever else you head to.

Americas

Relatively close to home, but full of adventure, you’ll find some of the best luxury vacations for singles over 50 in the Americas. With fairly accessible travel from the US, there are many destinations which specialize in high end travel, as well as cities and countries which lend themselves to independent exploration.

Of course, there’s a lot of choice for your luxury trip - but we'll start you off with a couple of hot picks.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has beautiful beaches and a huge diversity of wildlife, with jungles to explore, adventure activities, and plenty of opportunity for dining, relaxing or being pampered in a high end spa.

You may want to visit Costa Rica on a fully organized tour, but it’s also possible to arrange the key points of your itinerary independently and book tours to do specific things like visit the jungle. Hotels can help you book the activities you’re interested in, and you’ll be able to choose from private tours and groups, depending on your preferences.

Costa Rica quality hotels can range from a few hundred dollars a night to thousands, depending on the location you pick. Some hotels have spa or golfing facilities, while others are tented lodges for exploration in the local natural environment. You’ll need to shop around to compare your options - but the good news is that there’s something to suit everyone.

Argentina

Buenos Aires is a dreamy city, full of the passion of tango - a must see if you head there - with stunning architecture and amazing food. You could easily spend your trip in Buenos Aires alone, but Argentina also has far more to offer, whether you want to head to the mountains, ride horses or try the world famous wines.

Because Argentina is a popular destination for tourists from the US and many other countries, there are no end of specialist tour agents which can help you tailor make your trip. Whether you want someone to put together your entire itinerary, or simply need a guide to help you find the best Malbec in Mendoza, there’s help out there.

A modern 5 star hotel in Buenos Aires is likely to start from around 400 USD per night, but you could also pick a luxury rural retreat on a ranch or farmstay, which offers a unique experience - but can set you back over 1,000 USD a night.

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What are the advantages of luxury travel for singles over 50?

If you’re lucky enough to be able to travel in luxury, you’ll have plenty of choices for unique experiences and opportunities which may be trickier to plan on a shoestring.

That can mean getting insights into places others may not see, world class food and entertainment, and the reassurance that someone has your enjoyment in mind at every step of the way.

Primarily, luxury travel means you can make the most of your time away from home - whether you have a few days or a much longer break planned.

What are the setbacks of luxury travel for singles over 50?

The primary disadvantage of luxury travel as a single person is likely to be cost. Picking luxe hotels and activities does come with a higher price tag, but this can be managed by choosing a destination carefully.

Aside from this, many people worry about traveling alone - whether that’s being lonely or feeling daunted by navigating a new place. Again, luxury travel can actually be a smart way to get around these hesitations, as you can pick a tour which caters to all your needs - including group tours if you’re in the market for new friends.

How can singles over 50 plan a luxury solo trip?

Let’s look at a few final thoughts on planning to visit your favorite of our top travel destinations for singles over 50.

Choosing your destination

Destination will dictate a lot - including the overall cost of your trip, the climate, the available activities and more.

Here it’s worth thinking a bit about your budget and what you’d like to do - but then you can let your imagination run wild. There are luxury travel destinations to fit everyone out there, you just have to find the perfect match for you.

Booking travel and accommodation

Shop around for travel and accommodation as this will be the bulk of your budget. Choosing to book through an agent might get you a better package here, as agents can often access deals the public can not, and they’ll have an encyclopedic knowledge of the destination you’ve picked.

Packing

Final step - plan well ahead to make sure you pack all the things you need to make the most of your trip.

Your agent can help, but it’s also worth doing a bit of reading around likely requirements based on the weather as well as your activities, and any local cultural sensitivities.

Is it safe for singles over 50 to travel alone?

Travel can be daunting for anyone - but with good planning and sensible precautions, it’s perfectly safe to travel as a single 50+ person.

In fact, you’ll have the benefit of plenty of experience to avoid risky situations, while still being in the prime of life. Choose your destination and your activities carefully, and then get set to enjoy your trip.

There are many perfect solo travel destinations for over 50s, so the only limit here is your imagination. Use this guide to luxury travel packages for singles over 50 to get your research going, and make the most of your trip.