Call us: (910) 742-5324
Call us: (910) 742-5324
When I boarded the plane for my very first solo trip in my 40s, I thought the biggest challenge would be logistics like navigating airports, finding my hotel, and figuring out where to eat alone. What I didn’t realize was that travel would change something much deeper: the way my brain felt. I came home sharper, more alert, and filled with energy I hadn’t felt in years. Now, as a woman over 50, I know that solo travel isn’t just a luxury; it’s one of the best gifts we can give our brains.
I typically think only of the emotional benefits of solo travel and not the cognitive benefits. Let’s look at this further. I kind of like the idea of telling people I travel for brain health, don’t you?
Science has confirmed what many travelers experience firsthand: travel is healthy for your brain. A 2024 study of older adults in the U.S. found that long-distance leisure travel is associated with lower levels of loneliness and depression and higher cognitive function. The very act of getting away, navigating unknown places, and engaging with new people literally helps your brain stay strong.
Are you ready to travel with other women who share your travel interests? Check out Sisterhood Travels’ amazing women-only tours around the world.
Travel also provides what researchers call a “well-being lift.” Meta-analyses of vacation research show that travel significantly boosts health and happiness, even if the effects fade after returning home. Don’t you think that’s a powerful reason to build regular travel into your lifestyle? I certainly do! After 50, we’re at a stage where brain health matters more than ever, and travel is a fun, fulfilling way to invest in it.
One reason travel is so powerful for the brain is novelty. At home, we move through familiar patterns—same grocery store, same morning routine, same streets we drive. While comforting, routine doesn’t challenge our brains. Travel forces us out of autopilot.
Think about trying to buy a metro ticket in a foreign city. Your brain is firing in multiple directions: problem-solving, memory recall, even language skills. Or picture yourself wandering into a museum filled with art you’ve never seen before. You stretch your mind as you make new connections and soak in information. Each new experience is like a mini workout for your brain. Now that’s exercise I can get behind.
Now, layer solo travel onto that. When you travel with others, you share decisions about where to go, what to eat, and how long to stay. Traveling solo puts you fully in charge. Every choice is yours, from navigating public transit to deciding whether to linger in a cafe or strike up a conversation with a local.
This independence strengthens decision-making skills and self-confidence, which reinforces cognitive health. You’re not just seeing unknown places; you’re proving to yourself, over and over, that you can adapt, trust your instincts, and thrive outside your comfort zone.
Now let’s look at women-only group travel: it combines the brain-boosting independence of solo exploration with the safety and camaraderie of traveling alongside like-minded women. You’re free to make choices that matter to you, while also enjoying guided experiences that keep you engaged, learning, and socializing.
For example, you might spend the morning exploring a historic neighborhood on your own, then meet up with the group for a cooking class. The balance of solo discovery and shared learning is ideal for stimulating the brain while reducing stress.
I remember one trip where I wandered the winding streets of Paris, map in hand, determined to get to Le Bon Marche from my hotel near the Eiffel Tower so I could purchase my first Longchamp handbag. Every twist and turn required focus and memory. When I finally found the iconic department store the pride and satisfaction I felt weren’t just emotional; it was mental exercise. I recalled my day with my fellow travelers later that evening while we learned how to use the metro to get to the Moulin Rouge. That day alone involved navigation, problem-solving, memory recall, social engagement, and emotional connection — all proven brain-healthy activities.
We often think of brain health in terms of crossword puzzles or exercise, but travel may be just as important. Instead of seeing it as indulgence, think of it as preventive care. When you prioritize travel, you’re investing in mental resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being, all of which make aging not just manageable, but joyful.
At Sisterhood Travels, we believe travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about keeping your mind and spirit vibrant well into your 50s, 60s, and beyond. We carefully craft our women-only group trips to stimulate your curiosity, provide opportunities for learning, and surround you with supportive women who share your love of adventure.
Because when you travel, you’re not just collecting photos; you’re building a healthier, sharper, more confident you. And that’s a souvenir worth bringing home.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
