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Travel doesn’t have to feel like a race. For many women over 50 who travel solo, slow travel offers a chance to savor the world instead of zipping through it. Instead of packing a week with as many sights as possible, slow travel invites me to pause, breathe, and let experiences sink in. In this post, I’ll share why this mindful way of seeing the world feels right for women like me, and how anyone can bring it into their trips.
When I think about my best travel memories, I realize it’s never about how many cities I checked off my list. It’s that café where the owner remembered me (Eggs & Co. in Paris) or the afternoon I lost track of time in an art market. That’s the heart of slow travel—choosing depth over speed.
Slow travel means I choose to spend more time in fewer places. Instead of hopping between highlights, I set a gentler pace. I rent a little flat for a week in a town, shop at the market, and settle into a daily rhythm. The goal isn’t to fill every hour. It’s to notice small details I’d miss if I rushed. I build routines—like a morning walk or a favorite bakery—just like at home, but with new sights and smells. That’s how slow travel sets itself apart from classic, fast-paced tourism. It’s about soaking in where I am, not racing after what I “should” see.
Life feels different after 50. My body appreciates a less frantic pace. Slow travel cuts down on stress. I don’t have to haul heavy bags from train to train. I get time to recover when I need it, and there’s room to wander without pressure.
But it’s not only about comfort. It’s about meaning. Meeting people feels easier when I stay longer in one place. Familiar faces turn into friendly conversations. I get a stronger sense of the place than I ever would breezing through.
Traveling on my own, this approach gives me freedom but also a sense of belonging. Slow travel makes it simpler to find routines, friendships, and little joys every day. I come home feeling I know a place, not just its tourist spots.
Anyone can adjust their trip to match a slower rhythm. I find it helps to let go of the urge to see everything and trust that the best parts can’t be planned. If you want to test out this way of travel, here’s what works for me
Start by picking a place that tugs at your curiosity. It doesn’t need to be famous. Sometimes small towns or quiet neighborhoods feel richer for slow travel than big cities. I look for places with easy walking, local shops, and safe streets. When I plan, I skip packed itineraries. I plan just one primary site in a day. The rest, I leave open for what each day brings. I pack light so it’s easy to roam or change plans if something calls to me. Less luggage means less stress.
Booking longer stays in one place often saves money, too. I prefer to rent an apartment or small house. Having a kitchen and washing machine makes life comfortable and reduces how much I have to carry. Staying put changes how I see a place—it feels like a home, not a hotel
Safety sits at the top of my list, and slow travel helps with that. By staying in one place longer, I get familiar with the neighborhood and local routines. I learn who’s around and where I can ask for help.
Before I head out, I share my plans and lodging info with a family member or friend. I keep my phone charged and buy a local SIM card when I arrive to stay connected. I find comfort in scheduling regular check-ins, even a short daily message. Joining local classes, walking groups, or even using apps designed to connect travelers helps me build a support system. There’s also comfort in recognizing faces at the local bakery or park after a few days.
One of the biggest freedoms in slow travel is trading bucket-list pressure for richer moments. I skip tourist traps if they don’t interest me. Instead, I look for cooking classes, local art workshops, or volunteer opportunities. These activities connect me to the local way of life and open up unexpected friendships.
I make space for little surprises—a street festival, a neighbor inviting me for tea, a shopkeeper sharing a recipe. Sometimes the best experiences come from a wrong turn or a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop at a park bench and people-watch.
Focusing on these small daily joys makes any trip deeper. I leave with more lasting memories. Travel isn’t just about where I went—it’s about the stories and people I met along the way.
Slow travel lets me build a rich, personal connection with every place I visit. For women over 50, especially those traveling solo, it brings comfort, peace of mind, and deeper joy. Gone is the rush. In its place is a new way of seeing—a trip that feels like living, not just sightseeing. I encourage anyone to try this approach, slow down, and let every journey become a story worth telling.
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.
