Best Vacations for Singles Over 50

SOLO GUIDES

The world is an exciting realm of contrasting landscapes, awe-inspiring scenery, and diverse cultures to uncover. Perhaps you’d prefer the convenience of a cozy cruise, having the ability to sail to multiple destinations. Or you would like to wander around and discover the history and culture of a particular city. There’s an endless list of intriguing solo vacations to choose from.

When taking a vacation by yourself, enjoy the flexibility of planning your own adventure, thoughtfully curate the activities that interest you, and determine the unique experience you’d like to embark on!

Whether your goal is to unwind on a stunning beach, travel on a budget, admire historic landmarks and art pieces, or hit the slopes on a skiing adventure, keep reading below for the best vacations for singles over 50.

City: Vienna

This dazzling city in Austria is an excellent choice for solo travelers, showcasing its distinctive charm via numerous imperial palaces, exquisite historic architecture, and a compelling music and theater scene.

Stroll through the historic district of Vienna and marvel at the striking architecture, spectacular parks, and fascinating museums. This mesmerizing hub is also filled with interesting shops and cozy cafes.

Discover Imperial traditions at Hofburg, a spectacular palace complex from the 13th century, or catch a performance from the Vienna Royal Orchestra at their stunning concert hall. Vienna is one of the safest major cities in Europe, making it a particularly popular destination for singles over 50.

At the Vienna State Opera House, admire the magnificent display of Renaissance architecture. Solo travelers can sign up for a day tour to see the opulent interior, including the grand staircase and marble hall, or test out the remarkable acoustics at one of the many spectacular shows.

Beach: Oahu

Oahu is an exceptional destination to go on vacation alone, with its compelling selection of beaches, shops + entertainment, restaurants, and nature. This Hawaiian island is popular among people in their 50’s who are drawn to its fantastic weather and stunning views.

For a breath of fresh air, hike up the Diamond Head State Monument, an impressive dormant volcanic crater with sweeping views of the surrounding ocean and islands.Get up close to diverse marine life and coral reefs at the breathtaking Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.

Plenty of parks are available for those looking to escape to a green oasis. Discover over 4,000 species of tropical plants at the Foster Botanical Garden, or take a leisurely stroll through the largest park in Hawaii, the Kapiolani Park.

Take a dip in the refreshing waters or admire the fascinating sunsets at the popular Waikiki beach. For a quieter experience, visit the Ala Moana Beach Park with its refreshing waters and lovely surrounding greenery. With its eclectic mix of activities, this island offers one of the best vacations for singles over 55.

Scenic Adventure: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is situated in northwest Italy, and is comprised of five coastal villages that are perched over the Italian Riviera. The scenery is picture-perfect with its colorful homes and rugged coastline. Of the five villages, Monterosso is the largest and offers the most amenities.

Trains connect people between the villages, providing the opportunity for those traveling alone to conveniently explore the charming beauty of each area. Wander through the quaint narrow alleys, capture the breathtaking views, go for a refreshing swim, or enjoy a meal on a cafe patio.

In the Cinque Terre National Park, you’ll find the popular Blue Trail. This scenic cliffside trail connects the five villages and is divided into four sections. It’s a good option for solo travelers that would like to embark on an exhilarating hike showcasing exquisite views of terraced vineyards, and the dramatic blue sea below.

Join a kayak or boat tour to experience the beautiful landscape from the vantage point of the sea, alongside a small group of travelers.

Read our Solo Travel Guide to Italy to uncover more spectacular destinations worth visiting.

Budget-Friendly: Hanoi

Visit the capital of Vietnam, where there’s an abundance of museums, rich culture, and delicious local food for solo travelers to unpack. Stretch your wallet with extremely affordable hotels, transportation, food, and day-to-day expenses.

At the classic Hanoi Opera House, see the French colonial architecture and choose from a variety of performances including traditional folk music, a bamboo circus, and orchestra concerts.

Stroll around the colorful Old Quarter, a bustling district containing over 40 streets that are flowing with goods. Browse through rows of shops and find bargains for silk, stationary, souvenirs, local delicacies and much more.

Single travelers can join one of the many day tours to the iconic Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most-visited attractions. Discover the beauty of the towering limestone islands, emerald waters, and fascinating caves.

See our Solo Travel Guide to Vietnam to learn more about this vibrant country.

Sightseeing: San Diego

Situated right on the coast of California, San Diego is home to lovely year-round weather, remarkable beaches, and intriguing activities for those on vacation alone.

Stop by Mission Beach or La Jolla Shores Beach for a refreshing dip in the water, or enjoy a scenic walk along the ocean. Admire the crashing waves and the sight of the soaring palm trees.

Don’t miss the massive Balboa Park, an extensive 1200-acre park located right in the city. As you explore the park, you’ll come across nature trails, a Japanese garden, diverse museums, and more!

Wander along the San Diego Bay via the downtown waterfront path, the perfect stretch for a leisurely daytime walk or a relaxing sunset stroll. Make a stop at the nearby Seaport Village, an energetic spot with plenty of outdoor eateries and shops.

Cruise: Mediterranean

With a cruise, an itinerary is conveniently planned for you, with a wide selection of stops in the Mediterranean. Consider a voyage to the Greek Isles, where you’ll discover the beauty of Santorini and Mykonos. Sail to Italy to see the iconic Renaissance architecture in Rome. Discover the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and intriguing castles on a cruise through Croatia.

Spend your days exploring the magnificent culture and history of cities such as Rome and Athens. In the evening, head back onto the ship where there’s plenty of entertainment and activities to take part in. Cruise ships have a great vibe, making it easy to meet new friends from across the world.

During the voyage, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the sea, dine at restaurants of your choosing, or join a cooking class or other activity! There are plenty of cruise lines with sailings to the Mediterranean that offer an abundance of on-board activities for single travelers to enjoy. These include: Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity.

View the full list of Best Cruises for Solo Travelers.

Skiing: Whistler

Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler boasts an outstanding resort with two massive mountains that showcase over 8,000 acres of exceptional terrain. The Blackcomb resort features over 200 marked trails, ranging from advanced trails to dedicated beginner zones.

Not just a place for skiing, this town is home to many other exciting activities. Whistler Sliding Centre offers the opportunity to take a ride down their Bobsleigh or Skeleton course. Experience the thrill as you propel through the world-class track at high-speeds, twisting and turning down the slippery course.

After a day on the slopes, single travelers have plenty of activities to explore in this vibrant town, including a relaxing soak in the waters at the Scandinave Spa, a delicious meal at one of the many top-rated restaurants, and a lively stroll through the Olympic Village.

See our complete guide to the Best Solo Ski Trips.