solo travel for 50 year olds

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Solo Travel Over 50: Embrace New Adventures on Your Terms

July 18, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Solo travel over 50 and you will find new interests, gain new confidence, and discover new ways to manage a major life transition.

More people over 50 are traveling solo than ever before.

More than a quarter of the respondents to our annual reader survey are over 50. The percentage is similar on Facebook where we host the Solo Travel Society with over 270,000 participants. Dozens, sometimes thousands of people engage with other solo travelers there every day.

Whether you're in a relationship or are fabulously single, solo travel delivers so much more than the typical travel experience. And whether you are traveling independently or with a group, solo travel does not necessarily mean that you are alone. Taking a cooking class, a walking tour, or attending a meetup on a subject you are passionate about are all great activities for solo travelers. They can connect you to people of all ages from all over the world.

But before we get into the best reasons to travel solo over 50, let's look at the major life transition you may be facing, some of the questions that are arising now, and why this might be the perfect time of your life to head out on your own.

Table of Contents

Travel Solo to Navigate a Major Life Transition

If you're over 50, you are likely facing a major life transition. As a 50+ you may:

• be content with your career and no longer looking for challenges there.
• have adult children who are no longer at home.
• be part of the sandwich generation with parents and children requiring your attention.
• have a relationship status that is complicated.

In the many-faceted world of those over 50, life is changing. You are facing a major life transition and it may not be clear what you're transitioning to.

Where will you redirect your energy?

Perhaps you're experiencing one or a number of the situations below. See how solo travel can help.

• Have you been in the same relationship for decades? Is it getting a little tired? Take separate vacations and return with lots to say to each other.
• Is your spouse or partner uninterested in travel? Going solo is your answer. See the world and return refreshed to your relationship.
• Have your kids just left the nest? Then it’s time to find out who you are again. You can’t really do this with a companion who knows you and expects you to act in certain ways. Get away. Travel alone and rediscover yourself.
• Are you suddenly single, either by divorce or loss? Solo travel is a real confidence builder , a great way to make a comeback.
• Are you concerned that people at work see you as old? Head out on a solo adventure and people will quickly adjust their attitudes.
• Is work dull with little hope of things changing? Solo travel over 50 will inject some challenge into life.
• Is money tight? Solo travel can be inexpensive. It’s much easier to save on hostels, hospitality stays, great deals, and cheap flights when you travel alone.
• Do you have health problems? Stress is a major contributor to most health problems. Plan a solo holiday where you set the schedule and take a break from the stress in your life.
• Did you retire early? Do you have time to travel but family and friends don’t? No need to sit around and wait for them. Go solo and enjoy.
• Is it time for change? Travel alone, reflect, analyze, and explore your possibilities without the influence of others.

Best Reasons to Travel Solo Over 50

Maybe we all need a little time to ourselves, to make decisions, discover our strengths, and experience more autonomy. Maybe we all need to travel solo.

• Enjoy your freedom.  If you have spent most of your life surrounded by and responsible to others this is your chance to be responsible to no one but yourself. Go to bed when you like. Get up when you like. Eat, drink, wander, explore what you like. It's all up to you.
• Gain confidence from that independence . Whether you're traveling solo on a tour or independently, there is a confidence-building element to solo travel for having jumped into a somewhat unknown situation on your own.
• Discover who you are when you’re not meeting the demands of a spouse or children . When responding to everyone else, who has time to get to know oneself? Solo travel over 50 gives you that opportunity. Do what you couldn’t afford or didn’t have time to do when younger.
• Explore new interests.  Solo travel can be a gateway to new interests. Whether it's music or hiking or discovering like I did last month that I like champagne, try something new. Maybe you wouldn't go to a bar by yourself at home but on the road in a town like Nashville , how could you possibly stay in with all that music around you? Perhaps  hiking is not part of your lifestyle but if you find yourself in the Lake District of England you may just find a new love. Solo travel is a chance to try something new.
• Model a different kind of aging. I find that many people in their twenties and thirties are really curious about me. They seem to look at me as the kind of person they want to be when they get to my age – which, in their mind is very, very old. They see me as bold and welcome me into their conversations. And they often tell me that I am not like their parents at all. It seems I'm an alternative model for their future.
• Expand your world with cross-generational conversations . Talking with people younger and older than me breaks me out of my limited world and gives me a better understanding of the issues faced by others. And they amuse me. I remember walking down a street in Italy with an American man in his twenties. He turned to look back at a beautiful young woman who had passed us and said to me, “I love Italian women. They have great junk in the trunk.” Really! Whatever I think about his comment, to have such access to young attitudes is wonderful, if not curious and sometimes disturbing.
• Enjoy the respect age receives in other countries . My hair is grey. Given the courtesy I receive in some countries I have thought that I present as older than I am. Then I realized that it's actually about age being respected more in other cultures. Traveling on a train in India a young man wouldn't dream of moving me from my seat even though I was willing (insisting) and had, by means of a seat shift, taken his. No, his response was, “but you are our guest.” I suspect someone younger may not have been treated quite so well.
• Reboot your life that may otherwise be on autopilot . Feeling a bit bored? Need to shake things up a bit? Need new stimulation? Solo travel can give you this. Fulfill lifelong dreams that may not be shared with a partner. Many partners take separate vacations to pursue their personal dreams. Go for it.

Different Options for Traveling Alone

There are two basic ways to travel solo.

• Independent solo travel
• Solo travel on a tour

Independent Solo Travel

Independent solo travel is when you plan, navigate, and negotiate everything yourself. The downside is all that work and responsibility if you don't enjoy it. The upside is freedom and independence. It's exhilarating! Most of what we write here is about independent solo travel. Here's a guide to over 500 posts on Solo Traveler.

Solo Travel on a Tour or Cruise

This is solo travel in a group where the planning and organizing is all taken care of for you. Every day you have a guide and the group heads out to another activity. No fear of being lonely, eating alone, or your safety. The tour takes care of everything.

Most companies organize tours and have a few solos on them. There are a few companies that just cater to solo travelers. Check out our  Deals  page for our exclusive list of solo-friendly tours with no or very low single supplements from multiple companies. You can also receive our monthly Newsletter and Advisory of Deals by email. Just click here and sign up for the Solo Traveler Newsletter.

Also read: How to Choose a Tour for Solo Travelers: Top Tips for Savings and Fun

Solo Travel Safety Considerations

Every week, people reach this blog by using the search term “solo travel after 50.” These words are frequently paired with concern for safety. There seems to be some concern about age and solo travel. From my perspective, there shouldn’t be.

Being 65, I think I'm qualified to address this issue. And, as you might imagine, I believe that it is not only safe to travel solo after fifty but also, for all the reasons above, important.

That said, at a certain age we become more aware of safety issues. When we were young, optimism prevailed. Concerns were tossed into the wind. Not so much now. So, here I have a few safety tips specifically for older solo travelers.

• Get travel insurance . If you're over 65 this can be a problem. It gets more expensive the older you are but it can also save your bacon. Read how travel insurance has saved me a number of times in  A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers.
• Put medications in your carry-on luggage . Eliminate the possibility of being separated from your daily medications should your baggage go astray. Pack all medications in your carry-on. It's always recommended to keep all meications in their original containers from the pharmacy. Read  How to Get Through an Airport by Yourself with Ease
• Request special services in advance . I've walked more than a kilometer from my plane to the airport exit. For some, this may be too long a trek. Consider your abilities and request any special support you need a few days in advance of your flight.
• Travel light . There's nothing worse than being in a position where you can't get help and you can't manage your bags on your own. Read  Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List .
• Wear quality shoes . Balance starts to go after a certain age. It's a subtle process. Not obvious at first but, under the right (or should I say, wrong) circumstances, a twisted ankle, or worse, can easily happen. I gave up my beloved Merrell sandals for my more stable Eccos a couple of years ago.
• Have back-up glasses . I lost a pair hiking once. It's simple to do. Best to have a backup pair.
• Keep the bling at home . At this stage of life you may have some beautiful jewelry but that doesn't mean you have to take it traveling. Keep it at home where it's safe and you won't attract attention to yourself.
• Don't promote the fact that you're away on social media . It may be exciting to be going on a solo adventure but don't announce it to the world. You want your home to be safe as you travel as well.

Also read  Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Tips for Those Who Travel Alone .

Great Destination Ideas for 50+ Travelers

In reality, the best destination for any solo traveling boomer (the baby boomer generation is generally defined as people born from 1946 to 1964) is up to them. You might want to climb Mount Everest and if you're up to the challenge, it's a great destination for you. So what can I offer in terms of destinations? How can I generalize? Here are trips that just about anyone can enjoy and they don't involve learning another language.

• Spectacular Western Canada.  I traveled Western Canada by plane, train, and car a few years ago. The grandeur of the mountains, the friendliness of the people, great hikes, and small towns made it a great trip. It was simple to plan and affordable. You can read about it here:  Western Canada Itinerary: Top Things to See and Do  and  British Columbia by Train: Budget or Luxury. It’s Your Choice.
• The United Kingdom.  The UK has so much to offer. The culture is different but the language is the same, making it interesting and easy. London is a top destination for most of us. I find the center of the city to be very safe. I've walked at night and had no problem. Read  Solo Travel London on a Budget: Top Tips for Free and Cheap and  Best Places to Stay in London: Accommodation for Solo Travelers . I'll never tire of Northern Ireland's glens and its dramatic Causeway Coastal Route. Read  Solo Travel Northern Ireland: Tips for Belfast and Beyond .
• Road trip!  I love a road trip. I especially love a road trip along the coast and through a rugged landscape and one that drops me into small towns and villages to meet locals. I've taken two such road trips in Canada, one in New Brunswick and the other in Nova Scotia. Both provinces are very accessible by car for those who live on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Read  15 Great Solo Road Trips: All Solo Traveler Tested .
• An educational holiday.  I set a goal for myself to become fluent in French. I have improved greatly by using holiday time for French immersion classes in Quebec City and Lyon, France.
• A river cruise.  A river cruise covers many destinations in one trip with only one unpacking and repacking involved. That makes it easy. Read 12 River Cruise Tips for Solo Travelers: How to Make the Most of Your Journey .
• Walking trips . I really enjoyed my walking trip on the Isle of Skye . On the path, I would stop, take in the view, and find a huge smile stretching across my face. I smile a lot but smiling just because the air and view and exertion are so wonderful is not part of my regular day. I really suggest walking trips. You can be as adventurous as you like. I encourage you to read this post by Susanne, a reader from Austria:  Solo Travel Destination: The West Highland Way, Scotland .
• Creative travel . Creative travel is travel for the express purpose of learning something new. It may be cooking or a language, dance or painting. Creative travel helps you enter your destination through the local culture and by meeting locals and learning from them. Read  Creative Travel Tips: Discover More of a Destination and Yourself.

Some Additional Solo Travel Tips

Traveling solo late in your second act (or maybe in your third) is a wonderful experience. Whether you go for luxury or budget travel, it's all available to you. I'd like you to remember a couple of things.

• Others will welcome the excitement of you . You are, by the mere fact that you're traveling solo, adventurous to many. You liven up an evening for people. I have enjoyed many a coffee or meal with travelers and locals who welcomed me into their conversation. I enrich them as they enrich me.
• Hostels are not just for the young . Once referred to as youth hostels, today they are just hostels. Some, like the YHA hostels, are still non-profit but others are part of hostel chains. Yes, just like boomers, hostels have grown up. As the hostel clientele of the 60s and 70s has matured, so have hostels. To get a sense of staying at hostels as a boomer, read  The Hostel Experience for Solo Travelers: What to Expect. How to Stay Safe .

And one final comment:  don't hesitate to return to places you visited when you were younger . One of the great benefits of solo travel over 50 is that the knowledge gained and life lived over the years will take you to a deeper understanding of a destination than you could possibly have had before.

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

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Best Trips for Singles Over 50

DISCOVER MORE SOLO DESTINATIONS

Adventure  

Sightseeing

Embark on an exciting solo trip, where you enjoy the flexibility of carefully selecting a destination that you’re truly interested in, and comfortably explore it at your own pace.

While on the road, solo travelers have the opportunity to choose a more peaceful vacation where they can quietly explore and become immersed in their surroundings, or opt to socialize and meet up with other travelers along the way.

There’s a multitude of captivating moments to experience on a solo getaway. The best trips to take alone can include engaging activities such as food + wine tastings, discovering historic landmarks, attending theater performances, and scenic nature walks.  

Whether you’re looking to branch out on your first solo trip, or you’re a seasoned traveler in search of a new destination, check out the list below for the best cities to visit as a single person in their 50’s.

In Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen, discover a relaxed city with beautiful landmarks and fantastic cycling culture.

Stroll through the buzzing neighborhood of Nyhaven, which is steeped in history and culture. Along this quaint harbor, discover the colorful houses, remarkable wooden ships, and a wide range of eateries and shops. 

Stop by the Rosenborg Castle to view the astounding artwork, ancient artifacts, and beautiful textiles from various centuries. This 400-year-old-castle is also where you’ll discover the iconic crown jewels from the Danish Royal families.

Grab lunch at the Torvehallerne, a fantastic food hall lined with various delicacies including delectable pastries, aromatic coffee, fresh produce, cheeses and olives, and much more. This energetic food hall is a great spot for single travelers to grab a quick bite at your own pace, while sampling a diverse variety of tasty items.

See our Solo Travel Guide to Copenhagen if you’re interested in learning more about this city.

Chiang Mai 

Located in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is noted for stunning historic temples, an array of delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere. This enthralling city is a fantastic option for solo travelers.

A highlight in the city is the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a late-night market lined with rows of merchants showcasing a diverse mix of handicrafts, clothing, colorful lanterns, spices, souvenirs, and much more. Take in the energetic aura while browsing through the numerous shops, and sample the local delicacies at the food vendors.

Explore the array of magnificent temples, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Don’t miss the most-visited temple, the Wat Phra Singh. Built in 1345, the complex features elaborate architectural details, stunning patterns and designs, and impressive large stupas wrapped in gold.

For an interactive experience, join a cooking class to learn about the local cuisine and create a delicious meal in a fun group setting!

The capital of Austria is well-known for Imperial palaces, elegant historic architecture, and classical music + arts.

Stop by the Schonbrunn Palace to admire the beautiful original furnishings and aura of sophistication. One of the top attractions for visitors, take a group tour to join other single travelers in uncovering the history of this stunning building. Don’t miss the superb gardens located behind the palace, which is an attraction all on it’s own.

Make your way to the historic center of Vienna, which is brimming with remarkable architecture, grand buildings, and spectacular parks. As you stroll through this majestic neighborhood, you’ll also encounter specialty museums, as well as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Immerse yourself in a live performance, or take a tour at the magnificent Vienna State Opera. This leading opera house is a spectacular display of Renaissance architecture, featuring a grand staircase, marble hall, and fantastic acoustics.

An urban city surrounded by mountain ranges and cool ocean waters, Seattle is also home to top-notch coffee (it’s the site of the first Starbucks), an iconic food market, and distinctive landmarks.  

Bring your appetite to the Pike Place Market, a buzzing farmer’s market containing a large selection of appetizing eateries. Navigate through the countless rows of beautiful flowers, tasty prepared meals, fresh vegetables, divine pastries, and handmade craft items.

For single travelers looking to sample a diverse variety of local foods while in a fun group setting, consider booking one of the many awesome food tours!

For a spectacular view of the city and surrounding nature, stop over at Kerry Park. At the vantage point, catch a view of the city skyline with the downtown skyscrapers and the famous Space Needle, as well as Mount Rainier off in the distance. With plenty of benches and greenery around, enjoy a peaceful break away from the busy city.  

Situated on the southeastern coast of Spain, Valencia is rich in history, culture, and timeless architecture.  

Start with a visit through Casco Antiguo, the charming old town that’s bursting with energy. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, ancient cathedrals, vibrant street art, and wonderful mix of restaurants and shops. Throughout the city, you’ll encounter plenty of eye-catching traditional Spanish architecture.

At the massive Central Market of Valencia, stroll through an endless assortment of shops. Solo travelers will find plenty of delectable items at this lively market. Don’t forget to try the tasty tapas and famous rice-dish that originated from Valencia, the aromatic paella.  

Being right on the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia offers lively beaches such as the Playa de la Malvarrosa. Venture down the stunning coastline, which showcases a long narrow beach with bright blue waters and clear sand.

Read More for Solo Travelers Over 50 

• Top Vacation Experiences for Singles Over 50 
• Cruise Guide for Singles Over 50

Popular Reads

9 Great All-Inclusive Vacations for Singles Over 50 You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 04/04/2024

The world is a big place, and there are plenty of incredible destinations to explore. However, traveling solo can be intimidating, especially if you’re 50 or older and have never traveled alone.

Solo travel for people in their 50s and above is not meant to be a daunting experience. In fact, it is just as exciting as it is for people in their 20s or 30s. From relaxing beach destinations to cities with booming nightlife, there is something to suit all travelers, including those who are older.

All-inclusive packages and accommodations are a great way to mitigate some of the stress that comes with traveling. To ensure a seamless travel experience, here are some of the best all-inclusive vacations for singles over 50 .

BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION PACKAGE: Short on time? You can’t go wrong with an Amalfi Coast Walking Holiday that also covers Rome.

BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION: Short on time? You can’t go wrong with Wymara Resort & Villas – adults only heaven in the Carribean.

9 All-Inclusive Vacation Packages for Singles Over 50

One of the easiest and most exciting ways to travel as a single over 50 is with a group. Below are several all-inclusive vacation packages exploring some of the world’s top destinations for older travelers.

Top 3 Singles Vacations Over 50 All-Inclusive

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wymara Resort and Villa ✔️ Caribbean ✔️ Infinity Pool ✔️ Full-Service Spa

Amalfi Coast Walking Vacation ✔️ Pompeii Visit ✔️ Capri Day Trip ✔️ Stay at a Family Run Italian Farm

Temptation Cancun Resort ✔️ Adult-centric Activities ✔️ Party Oriented ✔️ 24 hr Premium Beverage Service

1. Amalfi Coast Walking in Southern Italy

For those seeking adventure, take a trip to Southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This picturesque stretch of coastline overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno.

One of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful destination is on foot. In and around the coastline are plenty of trails for you to explore. This ranges from relaxing woodland walks to thrilling clifftop hikes.

Throughout your eight-day trip, you and 15 others will stay with an Italian family at the peaceful farm home, Agriturismo Luna d’Agerola .

From here, you will be covering various trails and stopping by several attractions. Below is a breakdown of what to expect on each day of your Amalfi Coast vacation:

• Day 1: Arrive at Naples Airport and check in at your accommodation.
• Day 2: Enjoy a ridge walk, taking in views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
• Day 3: Walk to Amalfi along the Ancient Republic’s path.
• Day 4: Take a day trip to Capri by boat and admire its 2,000-feet high cliffs.
• Day 5: Enjoy a walk in the Ferrier Natural Park.
• Day 6: Spend the day exploring Pompeii and Vesuvius.
• Day 7: Follow the ‘Walk of the Gods’ path to the town of Positano.
• Day 8: Travel back to Naples Airport, where your trip will end.

Along the way, you will also have plenty of opportunities to eat homemade organic food and sample some delectable wines.

⇒ Check Prices and Availabilityfor this Amalfi Coast Singles Tour

2. singles weekend in san diego, california.

San Diego , California, is famed for its white-sand beaches and year-round sunny weather. This sun-kissed destination invites you to join a fun group of singles on this organised tour as you explore some of the city’s top attractions.

Want to join me on a small group female trip to Africa? I am heading to Kenya in October on an 8 night safari with Walking Wild Africa and would love you to join me. It’s a unique mix of game drives, walking safari and some chill time. Make sure you tell Kim that you want to go on the tour with The Boutique Adventurer so she gets the right one!

During your weekend getaway, you will stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego. This is a lovely four-star hotel centrally located in Downtown San Diego. Here, you can access a relaxing indoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar serving various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The weekend trip is jam-packed with a series of fun activities that you can enjoy. Below is a brief look at what’s included in this trip:

• Day 1: Arrive at your accommodation, meet your group and host, and enjoy dinner.
• Day 2: Visit the Old Town Historic Park during the day and Seaport Village at night.
• Day 3: Go whale-watching and visit the US Midway Museum and the Gaslamp District.
• Day 4: Visit Balboa Park and ride the famed carousel. Conclude your trip with a lovely farewell dinner back at the hotel.

This is an ideal trip for singles over 50 looking to get out, but who don’t have too much time to spare. There is plenty to see and do and adequate time to relax.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for this San Diego Weekend

3. best of portugal.

Portugal is considered one of the best places to travel for singles over 50, as getting around the country is quick and easy. You could travel between Lisbon and Porto by train in less than three hours if you wanted to.

To get the most out of your visit to Portugal, consider joining this Best of Portugal Singles Vacation. During your trip, experience the country’s vibrant culture while exploring its charming villages and scenic landscapes.

You might enjoy reading my article on the best solo resorts in Florida.

You’re also sure to taste some delicious food and wines and meet some friendly locals along the way.

The Portugal singles vacation begins following your arrival in Lisbon. Here is what you can expect on this nine-day trip:

• Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, meet your group, and check in to your hotel.
• Day 2: Discover Lisbon on a full-day guided city tour.
• Day 3: Take a drive to Sintra and admire the Moorish and Manueline-style palace.
• Day 4: Enjoy a free day in Lisbon and a sunset cruise on the Tagus River.
• Day 5: Begin your trip to Portugal’s Silver Coast by stopping at Obidos and Nazare.
• Day 6: Get a guided tour of Coimbra, then visit the UNESCO-listed Porto.
• Day 7: Go on a cruise of the six bridges to the renowned World of Wine.
• Day 8: Go wine tasting in Douro Valley and visit vineyards in Portugal .
• Day 9: Spend the day exploring Porto, then head to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.

During your visit, you will stay at two hotels, namely the Olissippo Marques de Sa in Lisbon and the Exe Almada Hotel in Porto. Both of these accommodations offer a comfortable space from which to explore Portugal’s many attractions.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for this Best of Portugal Singles Vacation Package

4. Greece Island Dreams Singles Vacation

Another popular destination among singles is Greece. Here you will find several islands, all home to incredible sites and beautiful white-sand beaches. If you’re looking for a summer vacation, check out this fantastic Greece Island Dreams Single Vacation .

On the Greece Island Dreams Singles Vacation, you will have the opportunity to see some of the country’s top attractions. This includes the Acropolis in Athens, ancient ruins in Crete, the ever-popular Mykonos, and plenty more. Here is a 10-day Greece itinerary for your singles vacation to the Greek islands:

• Day 1: Arrive in Greece and begin your trip by visiting the Acropolis of Athens.
• Day 2: Head to Mykonos, where you’ll find gorgeous beaches, boutiques, and more.
• Day 3: Go on a Jeep tour around the island of Mykonos.
• Day 4: Take a day trip to the island of Delos to visit the Temple of Apollo.
• Day 5: Head from Mykonos to Santorini, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece .
• Day 6: Go beach-hopping on Santorini island and watch the sunset.
• Day 7: Travel from Santorini to Crete, the largest Greek island.
• Day 8 & 9: Go sightseeing in Crete and visit the Palace of Knossos.
• Day 10: Depart from Crete back to Athens before heading home.

To see you through your trip, you will stay at some of the best hotels in Greece. In Athens, stay at the five-star Royal Olympic Hotel . This is just a short walk from the Acropolis. In Mykonos, enjoy a stunning room in the San Antonio Summerland Hotel .

Other accommodations in the Greece Island Dreams Single Vacation Package include the El Greco Hotel in Santorini and the Silver Beach Hotel in Crete.

Greece is a wonderful holiday destination. There is plenty to see and do on each of its beautiful islands. Whether you wish to go sightseeing in Athens or Crete or partying in Mykonos or drinking wine in Santorini, this trip includes something fun for all singles.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for this Greece Island Dreams Vacation

Best All-Inclusive Accommodations for Singles over 50

Some travelers may prefer an all-inclusive accommodation to a package with a set itinerary. The hotels and resorts listed below provide plenty of opportunities to relax, meet new people, and explore.

5. Temptation Cancun Resort

🌟Rating: 8.3/10 I 📍Location: Cancun I 🏩View on Booking.com

Cancun is one of the best places to visit in Mexico and a popular destination amongst travelers seeking a beach vacation. It is renowned for its spectacular white-sand beaches, turquoise blue sea, and pleasant weather. It is also home to some of the best hotels and resorts.

One of the best accommodations for singles visiting Cancun is the five-star Temptation Cancun Resort . The resort is located directly on the beach and within a short distance from the bustling town center.

The Temptation Cancun Resort is considered a more high-end party-oriented adult resort. Here you can expect non-stop activities, many designed to introduce single guests to one another.

Temptation Cancun Resort offers all-inclusive packages to guests. Below are some of the benefits you can expect throughout your stay:

• Daytime adult-centric activities, including a booze cruise to Isla Mujeres.
• Evening entertainment, including live music, DJ’s, performances, and more.
• Access to the spa, which offers a variety of treatments, massages, and facials.
• Access to a professional beauty salon offering services to both men and women.
• 24-hour Premium beverage service with a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

There is plenty of fun to be had at this adults-only resort. This includes everything from thrilling watersports on the beach to a pyjama and lingerie casino.  

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Temptation Cancun Resort

6. wymara resort & villas, turks & caicos islands.

🌟Rating: 9.1/10 I 📍Location: Grace Bay I 🏩View on Booking.com

Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the Caribbean and forms part of the Bahamas island chain. Like many regional destinations, this tropical archipelago nation is renowned for its crystalline waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts.

One notable resort for singles over 50 is the Wymara Resort & Villas . This upscale adults-only accommodation is located right on Grace Bay’s powdery sand. If you’re looking for a space to relax and soak up the sun, this is the place to be.

To ensure a stress-free vacation, the boutique-style Wymara Resort & Villas offers guests an all-inclusive stay. This way, you do not need to worry about where to eat or what to do. Everything you need for a relaxing stay is already included.

Here are some of the things offered in this package:

• Free shuttle service to the Casablanca Casino.
• Incredible nightlife, which includes music, dancing, and more.
• Plenty of daytime activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
• Access to the award-winning Exhale Spa.
• Access to two on-site restaurants serving gourmet, tropical-tinged dishes all day.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Wymara Resorts & Villas

7. occidental papagayo, costa rica.

🌟Rating: 8/10 I 📍Location: Costa Rica I 🏩View on Booking.com

Costa Rica is a comfortable country to travel to as an older traveler. It is a gateway to Latin American culture, making it a vibrant place to visit. It is also considered by many to be a tropical paradise, boasting rich green forests, pristine beaches, incredible waterfalls, and more.

A great hotel to see you through your Costa Rica vacation is the all-inclusive Occidental Papagayo . This is an adults-only resort overlooking Culebra Bay’s dramatic cliffs. You will find plenty of relaxation options and activities to get people to mingle here.

Occidental Papagayo’s all-inclusive package is ideal for single travelers over 50 as it covers almost all your travel needs. Food, drinks, entertainment, and more – there is never a dull moment at this accommodation. Listed below are some of the inclusions you can expect:

• Daily activities including kayaking, water aerobics, bird watching, and more.
• Evening entertainment, including live music, disco, and plenty of drinks.
• Scuba diving lessons (equipment available for rental).
• Access to four restaurants and bars, including the Premium Level Lounge.
• Access to the hotel’s health and wellness center includes a Vichy shower, Turkish bath, hot tubs, and private rooms for various treatments and massages.

Occidental Papagayo offers a lovely environment for guests to relax and interact with one another. Costa Rica is also a popular destination amongst backpackers and expats, so you will also meet some fellow travelers.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Occidental Papagayo

8. barceló bávaro beach – dominican republic.

The Dominican Republic is another popular holiday destination in the Caribbean. Known for its beautiful beaches, incredible golf courses, and luxury beach resorts, this is the perfect spot for a laid-back vacation.

One of the best resorts for singles over 50 is Barceló Bávaro Beach . This is an adults-only resort located right on the beach. While the resort markets itself as a romantic getaway, it’s also a favorite amongst singles and hosts an annual Singles Week.

This event provides endless opportunities to meet and interact with other travelers. Scheduled activity programs comprise sports tournaments, themed parties, dance contests, and more.

While it sounds rather busy, you will also have plenty of time to relax, whether on the beach, beside the pool, or at the spa.

Barceló Bávaro Beach also offers an all-inclusive package. Below are some of the perks of staying at this lovely beachfront hotel:

• Access to the golf course as well as golfing lessons.
• Day and nighttime activities for adults.
• Nine bars and poolside drinks service.
• Four buffet options, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Five à la carte restaurant options: seafood, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and French cuisines.

With so much to do at Barceló Bávaro Beach, there is little reason to leave the resort. From fitness classes to a lively casino, there is something for everyone.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Barcelo Bavaro Beach

9. sivananda ashram yoga retreat – bahamas.

🌟Rating: 4.5/5 I 📍Location: New Providence Island I 🏩View on TripAdvisor

For a retreat focusing on spiritual and physical wellness, head to Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat. This wonderful all-inclusive resort is located on New Providence Island in the Bahamas.

This all-inclusive resort offers a truly authentic experience. Instead of endless entertainment and restaurant options, Sivananda Ashram welcomes its guests to embrace the yoga lifestyle. And what makes it all the more relaxing is that it’s set within a majestic tropical garden right beside the beach.

There are many benefits to staying at this all-inclusive resort. Some of these are listed below:

• Daily schedule of meditation.
• Several yoga classes throughout the day.
• Uplifting talks from yogis, scientists, healers, and religious leaders.
• Two vegetarian meals daily.
• Various beach activities, including snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing.

This is also an ideal space for singles who have experienced a life-changing event, such as divorce or the death of a loved one.

As a place of healing, Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is an ideal accommodation for anyone looking to find peace and happiness. 

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Sivananda Ashram

Footnote on the Best All-Inclusive Vacations for Singles Over 50

Travelling is not meant to be intimidating, even if you’re in your 50s or 60s. In fact, it only gets more exciting with age. As you get older, you learn to appreciate even the smallest of details, making travel all the more wholesome.

In this article, we covered some of the best all-inclusive vacation packages and accommodations around the world. Whether you’re in need of a peaceful getaway or something more social, you are sure to find something to meet your travel needs. For more vacation options, check out these Bali retreats for singles

I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this all-inclusive vacations for singles over 50 post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Last updated on April 20th, 2024

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• Senior Travel

14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

These senior-friendly travel companies offer tours and travel experiences as diverse as their clients.

The benefits of travel, whether it's a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees and seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless — their own city, state, country, and even the whole world are all waiting to be explored.

It should be recognized that seniors are as diverse as any other generation, perhaps even more so as their years of experience have taken them in many directions. While their interests, abilities, values, and habits may vary, it can safely be said that for many, travel is in their plans.

Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors , or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes by offering tour options ranging from independent to fully guided, budget to luxury, and group to individual. The 14 organizations listed below are either aimed specifically at mature clients or feature experiences that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of travelers.

Walking the World

Operating out of Grand Junction, Colorado, Walking the World offers walking and hiking tours mainly for travelers over the age of 50 who want to be immersed in the destinations they choose. Experienced hikers will enjoy its Rocky Mountain National Park tour , for example, with treks of up to 10 miles on some days during the eight-day itinerary. Meanwhile, the Ireland trip covers 11 days of exploring fishing villages, rolling green hills, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Daily walks range from four to eight miles and are described as gentle to moderate.

Road Scholar

Originally launched as Elderhostel in 1975, the company rebranded in 2010 as Road Scholar , recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners who have participated in their lectures, tours, field trips, and educational experiences over the years. Participants are typically over the age of 50 and ready to learn from travel or focus on a specific interest. Trip themes such as grandparent adventures (special types of trips you can take with your grandchild), cruises, urban exploration, art and history, historical sites, and academic topics can be browsed by destination, activity level, and interest to help clients select their ideal tour experience.

Adventures Abroad

While Adventures Abroad largely caters to travelers over 50, tours are open to adults of all ages, and operate on every continent except for Antarctica. The company's "soft adventure" trips, which concentrate on the culture and history of a destination, don't include strenuous activities, though a reasonable degree of fitness and the ability to walk are required. Trips are rated from one to three based on physical activity, with the first level featuring only leisurely walks and level two meaning more time on your feet each day. Level-three trips might include walks or hikes on uneven ground for three to seven hours, though at a leisurely pace. Specific trips are suggested for each activity level for easy planning.

An adventure travel company designed for people ages 50 and over, ElderTreks offers small-group adventures — think wildlife safaris, hiking trips, cultural journeys, and other unique expeditions — in more than 100 countries. The tours are rated by activity level, ranging from one to five. At level one, travelers should be able to walk for one to two hours, whereas at level five, they'll need to be capable of hiking for eight to 10 hours.

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Senior Cycling

Specializing in bicycle tours for active adults ages 50 and up, Senior Cycling limits groups to a maximum of 13 participants. And they are always accompanied by the "sag wagon" in case someone needs a break from riding. Trips are rated at two levels: intermediate (for the occasional rider who prefers bike paths and flat terrain for 20–40 miles per day) and advanced (for those who are at ease with up to 50 miles per day, hills, and traffic). Custom tours can also be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Firebird Tours

With a focus on clients ages 50 and over, Firebird Tours offers small group trips to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that deliver value, comfort, and quality. Themes for guided tours include gastronomy, history, architecture, and the Northern Lights , as well as theater and opera. Private family tours are also available, with destinations and activities suitable for a wider age range depending on the group.

Seniors interested in active vacations should check out Backroads , based out of Berkeley, California. While tours are open to all ages, the majority of participants tend to be over 50. Guided biking, walking, and hiking tours to a variety of destinations are geared toward adults, but also include options for families traveling with "teens and kids," "older teens and 20s," and those in their "20s and beyond." The company's Dolce Tempo tours offer a more relaxed pace, and include trips such as the Easygoing E-bike Tour in California wine country and the Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour in New Zealand.

Overseas Adventure Travel

With a variety of trips available to destinations on every continent, Overseas Adventure Travel makes a great choice if you're interested in seeing the world via small-ship cruises. In addition to guided land tours for groups of eight to 16, OAT offers sailings through the Norwegian Fjords, along West Africa's coast, and throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Mature travelers are often attracted to the flexibility of the trips and the ability to personalize activities. Recognizing that many of their customers travel alone — including a whopping 85 percent of their female clients — the company has created its getaways with solo travelers in mind, whether they're first-timers or experienced adventurers.

EF Go Ahead Tours

Operating out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, EF Go Ahead Tours offers a selection of small group tours for 10 to 22 guests. The senior-friendly trips focus on interests such as food and wine, adventure, and safaris, as well as specific destinations and seasonal events (think Oktoberfest in Germany, annual holiday markets in Europe, or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland). Traveling alone? The company's solo tours provide private rooms and personalized experiences especially geared toward those traveling by themselves. Clients can also gather their own group and take advantage of the services of EF's professional coordinators.

Kensington Tours

If you're looking to create a fully customized, privately guided trip based on your group's specific needs and travel preferences, look no further than Kensington Tours . Their expertise in more than 100 destinations worldwide makes planning easy, whether the goal is a culturally immersive experience, enjoying fine wine and dining, discovering the history of a place, or relaxation. While these arrangements are ideal for mature travelers who appreciate ease and luxury, the company also provides experiences for multigenerational travel in countries like Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and South Africa, featuring kid-friendly trips that come with private vehicles, local guides, and dining options fit for the whole family.

Intrepid Travel

A leading adventure tour operator known for its efforts to make travel accessible to all, Intrepid Travel offers a good mix of bespoke and ready-made itinerary options that can be adapted to suit your group's comfort level. Intrepid's Accessible Tours are especially inclusive, with trips that are designed for every type of traveler. Whichever trip you decide to book, you'll have access to local destination specialists to help you choose the perfect places to stay as well as organize transportation, activities, and guided tours, depending on your needs. The company's Walking & Trekking trips, suitable for a range of fitness levels, are especially popular with seniors, though adults of all ages are free to join in.

YMT Vacations

In business since 1967, YMT Vacations designs all-inclusive trips with mature travelers in mind. Prices cover hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours, baggage handling, and the expertise of tour directors and driver guides. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and the company arranges travel for popular events such as the Rose Parade in California. A number of river cruise and transatlantic sailing options are also available.

Grand European Travel

Grand European Travel is an AARP-preferred travel provider (check the website for members-only discounts) that promotes itself as a one-stop shop to help clients plan their desired travel experiences. The company represents a collection of 30 travel brands — including the likes of Trafalgar and Insight Tours — which, altogether, cover seven continents. Offerings range from budget to luxury getaways, and everything from cruises to land tours. Thinking of taking a multigenerational trip? Browse the company's family experiences section, stocked with tours fit for all ages, whether you're into all-inclusive European river cruises or exploring U.S. national parks.

Country Walkers

Country Walkers aims to introduce travelers to new landscapes and cultures around the world by traveling on foot. Established in 1979, the Vermont-based operator offers walking tours in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Tour types include guided (in a small group of up to 18) and self-guided (in a private group of up to 12), providing a great option for independent exploration. Travelers can choose from five levels, starting at "easy walking," which includes a daily distance of two to six miles for up to four hours per day. "Moderate walking," the mid-range option, suggests four to 10 miles and up to six hours of walking per day. Trips at the "challenging walking" level might go up to seven hours a day on foot, covering anywhere from six to 14 miles. Guests of all ages should be able to find a destination and tour that's best suited for their interests and fitness level.

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SOLO TRAVEL , SOLO TRAVEL ADVICE

Best single travel group tours for the over 50s.

Are you looking for the best group travel companies for singles over 50?

Then you’ve come to the right place. I have over 20 years of first-hand experience of singles trips and can help you find the group travel company and tour that is the best fit for you.

For the most part, these group tours have been excellent experiences, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history and to make lasting friendships with fellow travellers.

As well as being a relatively hassle-free way of travelling, small group tours are a superb way for a novice solo traveller to get their feet wet before striking out independently.

But is group travel right for you and, if so, which are the best single travel groups? And what should you look for when choosing a group tour company, especially as a solo traveller over 50 ?

Group travel companies cater to a range of travel styles and budgets. As with most life choices, ultimately the deciding factors will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.

In this article, I will identify the best single travel group tours for the over 50s.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Best Travel Companies for Singles Over 50

I’m going to nail my flag to the mast from the outset.

Based on my experience, the best group travel companies for singles over 50 are Explore and Exodus Travels .

These two group tour operators offer the following:

• Small group sizes
• Good value for money
• Older age demographic
• Different styles of travel to suit all solo travellers
• Flexible booking conditions

However, Intrepid and G Adventures are also worth considering

They offer:

• Adventure tour focus
• Range of travel styles to suit all single travellers

 More about all of these companies later.

Why You Should Book a Group Tour as a Single Traveller

It’s not difficult to see why group travel is booming in popularity .

Firstly, it’s super easy. Someone else takes the pain out of organising your trip. You merely rock up at the airport for your flight.

And as your itinerary will be put together by someone in the know you can be confident that you will cover the ‘must-see’ sights.

Tour leaders are a mine of information and there’s an excellent chance that you will gain more cultural and historical insight from group travel than if you are left to your own devices.

But for me, the main benefits of organised group travel are its time efficiency and the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

If you are a working person, the efficient use of time is the greatest advantage of group travel.

As your land arrangements are taken care of, you can hit the ground running.  And as group tour itineraries are smart about how they structure their time, you can cover larger distances and see more things in a shorter space of time.

This is an enormous boon for working people trying to shoehorn as much into their previous annual leave as possible.  

Loneliness and not being able to share the moment is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling alone . Not a problem with group travel; instant companionship is part of the package.

In my experience, bonds form quickly and often more intensively than in ‘real life’. Sometimes, parting from the group at the end of the tour can be a wrench, contributing to post-travel blues when you get home.

However, an added bonus is that some of these relationships persist once back on home soil.

There’s safety in numbers and if you are anxious about your personal safety when travelling alone , the security of a group tour may be the answer for you.

Finally, the last two years have shown us that travel can be a precarious pastime. 

The coronavirus pandemic forced me to curtail a solo trip travelling across Japan by rail . With my return flight cancelled and few alternative options available, finding a way home resulted in a few more grey hairs, whilst teaching me some valuable travel lessons!

Contrast this with a small tour group I chatted with as I was boarding my plane home.

Yes; they also had to curtail their holiday. However, Wendy Wu Tours, their group travel company, took care of all of the arrangements for them.

I confess that I was more than a little bit envious.

My Experiences of Group Travel

It all began in New Zealand on a short Contiki bus tour of the South Island.

This was party bus central. Although this was huge fun as a thirty-something, I wouldn’t want to repeat it in my 50s. My liver couldn’t take it.

My next group travel experience could not have been more different.

The place was India, the group tour operator was Bales Worldwide (subsequently acquired by Virgin Holidays ), the style was luxury travel for less . Not exactly getting down and dirty with local people, comfortable air-conditioned coaches whisked us from one 5-star hotel to the next.

Subsequent group tours have been more modest, largely travelling with Explore and Exodus Travels and visiting destinations from Iran to Libya, China to Sri Lanka .

How to Choose Single Travel Groups 

Group travel is a thriving market with multiple operators offering an enormous and evolving range of group tours that singles can book. Although my favourite group travel companies are Explore and Exodus, I wouldn’t automatically restrict my choice to these two companies.

Before you click on that ‘Book Now’ button there are ten important questions you need to first ask before booking a group tour.

• What is your budget?
• Is a single room important to you? 
• How many other people do you want to be travelling with?
• What are the likely demographics of your fellow travellers?
• Will the accommodation fit your travel style?
• Is the itinerary balanced?
• How will you get from A to B?
• Are local guides used?
• Is there a robust refund and cancellation policy?
• What is the company’s approach to sustainable travel?

Small Group Tours for Single Travellers Over 50

For me, this is the number one choice for group travel for over 50 singles. With small group tours, you will be travelling in a group of 8  – 18 people, sometimes fewer, very occasionally more.

On a trip to Thailand and Cambodia with Explore Worldwide, there were just six of us. But on another trip to Morocco, we numbered 20.

This involves mostly private transport, with a few local options thrown in.

Many small-group tour operators will offer different tiers of trips , the cost of which is largely determined by the quality of digs. Both mid-range price tours and the more comfortable options are suitable for travellers over 50 singles.

Whilst the more expensive trips may attract older travellers, this is not always the case. The group tour to Sri Lanka was one of Exodus Travels’ Premium trips and the age of my fellow travellers ranged from those in their 30s right up to their early 70s.

Equally, it’s not a given that the mid-range price tours will be exclusively filled by younger travellers.

In my experience, the mid-range price small group tours attract a wide range of age groups from millennials up to retirees. Accommodation tends to be clean and comfortable and, if you are lucky, you will be treated to a luxury stay for a few nights.

My favourite small group tour companies

My favourite small group tour companies are Explore and Exodus Travels . I have notched up a dozen trips with them, evenly split between the two companies.

That suggests that there is not a lot to differentiate between these two operators.

Both companies offer well-balanced itineraries across the globe. Broadly speaking Explore and Exodus Travels cater to the same market and some of their itineraries are strikingly similar.

The baseline price for Explore trips tends to be less but check for optional activities that will attract additional fees.

>>> FIND OUT WHAT OTHER TRAVELLERS ARE SAYING ABOUT EXPLORE HERE AND ABOUT EXODUS HERE

EXPLORE WORLDWIDE: HEADLINE FACTS

• Established in 1981
• Group size: 6 – 20 people. Average group size is 11.
• Proportion of solo travellers: 60% of those on Explore group tours are single.
• Tour groups usually comprise a good mix of solos, couples, and friends travelling together
• Age demographics:  Explore’s group tours attract travellers of all ages. On those that I have joined, ages ranged from 30s to those in their 60s. 
• Local guide on all tours
• Commitment to sustainable travel and having a positive impact on local communities. The company’s main focus is climate change.
• Trips are classified by pace: full-on, moderate, relaxed
• Accommodation graded as simple, comfortable or premium
• Frequent traveller loyalty scheme –  5% discount after two trips; 7% discount after four trips; 10% discount after nine trips. They promise to reward loyalty to previous tour group companies.

>>> CHECK EXPLORE’S CANCELLATION POLICY HERE

EXODUS TRAVELS: HEADLINE FACTS

• Established in 1974
• Group size:  6 – 20 people
• Proportion of solo travellers: 50% of those on Exodus group tours are single.  Tour groups usually comprise a good mix of solos, couples, and friends travelling together
• Age demographics: Exodus’s group tours attract travellers of all ages. On those that I have joined, ages ranged from 30s to those in their 60s. 
• Commitment to sustainable travel and having a positive impact on local communities
• Premium holidays allow you to discover the world from a more comfortable base each evening
• Excellent frequent traveller loyalty scheme –  5% discount after two trips; 10% after seven trips. In addition to these discounts, the higher-tier loyalty scheme includes greater booking flexibility.
• Online departure lounge forum to get to know fellow travellers before leaving home

>>> CHECK EXODUS’S CANCELLATION POLICY HERE

My favourite small group tours

MOROCCO WITH EXPLORE

This was one of my first group travel experiences and one of the most memorable. The itinerary was fast-paced – I needed a rest when I arrived back home! – but unbeatable in terms of sheer variety and fun. It’s also inexpensive.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS MOROCCO TOUR

SRI LANKA WITH EXODUS

This Premium group tour allowed us to appreciate the diversity and culture of Sri Lanka in considerable comfort. We weren’t lucky enough to spot leopards in Yala but you can’t have it all!

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SRI LANKA TOUR

GUATEMALA & HONDURAS WITH EXPLORE

Visiting Guatemala with a few days in Honduras, this trip combined visits to indigenous communities in the highlands around beautiful Lake Atitlan with those to the early Maya cities of Tikal, Quirigua and Copan (Honduras). The best of Central America in a nutshell.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS GUATEMALA & HONDURAS TOUR

CHINA WITH EXPLORE

This 15-day tour of China was fast-paced but ticked off many of the country’s highlights, including the Great Wall and Xian’s Terracotta Army. To break the pace, it included a relaxing cruise along the Yangtze.

>>> CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS CHINA TOUR

Other small group travel companies for singles over 50: Intrepid and G Adventures

In the interests of transparency, I confess that I have not yet travelled with G Adventures or Intrepid. However, I know people who have used both companies and would travel with them again.

The main reason that I have given them a wide berth is that their portfolio has been geared towards the 18-30 crowd.

However, in the last few years, both companies have expanded the breadth of their offerings to attract older customers, with a higher comfort level and premium accommodation. Because of this shift in focus, Intrepid and G Adventures are now credible group travel options for singles over 50 .

Cost-wise they are very comparable

>>> FIND OUT WHAT OTHER TRAVELLERS ARE SAYING ABOUT INTREPID HERE AND ABOUT G ADVENTURES HERE

INTREPID: HEADLINE FACTS

• Established in 1989
• Group size: An average of 10 people on a group tour
• Age demographics: The average age of Intrepid’s travellers is 44
• Adventure travel focus
• 4 grades of trips: Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium

>>> TAKE A LOOK AT CURRENT DEALS FROM INTREPID HERE

G ADVENTURES: HEADLINE FACTS

• Established in 1990
• Group size: Up to 15 people per tour but the average is 10 people
• Age demographics: The average age of travellers across all of G Adventure products is 44. On its National Geographic style trips, this rises to 59.
• “Locally-based” guide on all tours (it’s not clear if this is the same as a local guide)
• Offer tours in a range of travel styles

>>> TAKE A LOOK AT CURRENT DEALS FROM G ADVENTURES HERE

Finally, let’s take a brief look at two other types of group travel for singles: overlanding and bus tours.

Overlanding Group Travel

Don’t expect 5-star hotels on overlanding group tours. By day, you are likely to be travelling in a converted truck.  By night, you’ll be sleeping under canvas or in budget hotels . 

Group participation is the norm. You will be expected to roll up your sleeves, from cooking to pitching your own tent.

However, if you don’t mind more basic conditions and getting stuck in, overlanding is an effective way of covering a lot of ground on a modest budget, especially across vast swathes of Africa, Asia and South America.

And as all meals are usually included, budgeting is easier .

Overlanding is not for me – I’m not keen on their larger group sizes – but may be an option for those seeking more adventurous travel.

33% of travellers with Dragoman , the most well-known overlanding group travel company, were 25 – 44 and 42.5% were between 45 to 64 years old. (AITO data 2018).

Bus Tour Group Travel

At the budget end of the market, bus tour group travel has much in common with overlanding trips.

Group sizes tend to be large and lively. Accommodation is basic which is reflected in their price. The guides are not always locals.

Two of the big players in the budget bus tour market – Topdeck and Contiki – cater to 18 -30 / 35-year-old travellers only.

Higher-end operators such as Titan Travel , Saga Travel and Trafalgar Tours , offer bus tours that are geared towards older travellers.

Again, group sizes can be large, but the group tours offered by these companies have more of a focus on cultural immersion than partying and include more upscale accommodation.

Group Travel for Single Travellers: Final Thoughts

Sadly, group travel has become synonymous with coachloads of camera-wielding tourists on a mission ‘to do’ a country in a few weeks. This is not necessarily the case.

Yes; there will be some large coach tours that stick to this traditional model of group travel. Equally, there will always be travellers who want to tick off tourist destinations en masse and be taken to restaurants serving familiar food.

I’m not passing judgment on this. What I am saying is that small group travel offers an alternative to travelling in a coach with 40 other travellers. They aim to offer more authentic travel experiences , use local guides and have better eco-credentials.

If you are contemplating travelling alone for the first time, joining a small group tour is an excellent way of doing this in a safe and supported way. Just make sure that you do your homework before handing over any of your hard-earned cash.

Even though I am a seasoned independent mature solo traveller, I would have no hesitation in booking another small group tour. Based on my experiences, as a solo traveller in my 50s, I would look at Explore or Exodus Travels in the first instance, followed by Intrepid and G Adventures.  

If you are unsure if group travel is a good fit for you, take a look at my assessment of the pros and cons of group tours . Or if you are figuring out how to choose your perfect tour, take a look at my small group travel checklist.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

2 thoughts on “ Best Single Travel Group Tours for the Over 50s ”

What trips do you have planned for august through October of this year

Due to the ongoing pandemic, sadly not that many. Just a trip to Scotland. But I have started to look at UK group tours because of the assurances given if the coronavirus disrupts travel plans.

Comments are closed.

Best Cruises for Singles Over 50: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

Embark on a journey through the world of cruises for singles over 50.

Discover the joy of meeting like-minded individuals, exploring exotic destinations, and indulging in a blend of relaxation and excitement, all crafted to create unforgettable experiences at sea.

What cruise line is best for older singles?

Holland America Line is renowned for its sophisticated and relaxed voyages, ideal for mature singles seeking cultural enrichment.

Viking River Cruises appeals to those interested in intimate, educational experiences with a focus on local traditions and history.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more casual atmosphere with its “Freestyle Cruising” concept and is notable for its studio cabins designed for solo travelers, providing a cost-effective and sociable option.

Which cruise line is best for 50 year olds?

Celebrity Cruises is favored by those in their 50s for its modern luxury and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, offering a variety of dining and enrichment activities.

Royal Caribbean appeals to the more active and adventurous, with innovative ships featuring activities like rock climbing and surfing simulators.

Princess Cruises is ideal for those seeking a balanced experience, combining traditional cruising elements with modern amenities and a wide range of social and adventure opportunities.

Understanding the World of Singles Cruises

Definition of singles cruises.

Singles cruises are specially organized cruise trips that cater primarily to unmarried and unattached individuals.

These cruises provide a unique environment where single adults, particularly those over 50, can enjoy a vacation tailored to their preferences.

They often include specialized activities and social events designed to foster interaction and connections among passengers.

Difference Between Singles Cruises and Regular Cruises

Unlike regular cruises, singles cruises are specifically designed to cater to the needs and interests of solo travelers. The key differences include:

• Targeted Activities: Singles cruises offer events like speed dating, dance parties, and group excursions, encouraging mingling and camaraderie among guests.
• Rooming Options: They often provide more flexible accommodation choices, including reduced single supplements or room-sharing options.
• Social Environment: The atmosphere on a singles cruise is usually more conducive to meeting people, with a focus on inclusivity and community-building.

Popularity Trends in Singles Cruises for Over 50s

Singles cruises for individuals over 50 are gaining popularity due to several factors:

• Demographic Shifts: With an increasing number of people in this age group being single, there’s a growing demand for travel options that cater to their specific needs.
• Social Networking Opportunities: These cruises offer a unique platform for individuals over 50 to meet and connect with peers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
• Tailored Experiences: Cruise lines are now offering more curated experiences, from adventure-themed cruises to cultural explorations, appealing to the diverse interests of this demographic.

In recent years, the cruise industry has seen a surge in this niche market, with many cruise lines expanding their offerings to include themed cruises, such as for music lovers, food enthusiasts, or adventure-seekers, all tailored towards singles over 50.

This trend reflects a broader shift in travel preferences among older adults, who are increasingly seeking experiences that combine leisure, learning, and socialization.

Choosing the Right Cruise

Top cruises for singles over 50.

When selecting a cruise for singles over 50, it’s important to consider the unique offerings and environments of different cruise lines.

Here are some of the top cruises known for providing exceptional experiences for this demographic:

Holland America Line

• Highlight: Known for its elegant ships and diverse itineraries, Holland America offers a refined experience with a focus on cultural enrichment and culinary excellence.
• Popular for: Solo traveler programs, cooking classes, and onboard workshops.

Viking River Cruises

• Highlight: Offers intimate, cultural immersion experiences with a focus on history and local traditions. Ideal for those seeking educational and relaxed voyages.
• Popular for: River cruises in Europe, offering a more intimate setting with fewer passengers and more personalized attention.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Highlight: Famous for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, Norwegian Cruise Line provides a more casual, flexible approach to cruising with a variety of dining and entertainment options.
• Popular for: Studio cabins designed specifically for solo travelers, eliminating single supplements.

Silversea Cruises

• Highlight: Offers a luxury cruising experience with all-inclusive amenities, including gourmet dining and butler service for every suite.
• Popular for: Smaller, more exclusive ships and exotic destinations.

Royal Caribbean International

• Highlight: Known for its adventurous spirit, Royal Caribbean offers a plethora of activities and entertainment options, from Broadway shows to rock climbing and surfing simulators.
• Popular for: High-energy atmosphere and a wide range of onboard activities.

Celebrity Cruises

• Highlight: Balances modern luxury with a sophisticated atmosphere. Known for its attentive service and stylish design.
• Popular for: Wine tastings, art auctions, and culinary events.

Princess Cruises

• Highlight: Combines traditional cruising elements with modern amenities, offering a wide range of activities and programs for singles.
• Popular for: Its diverse itinerary options and enrichment programs like guest lecturers and hobby classes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Selecting the right cruise involves considering several factors:

• Destinations and Itineraries: Depending on your interest in cultural exploration, relaxation, or adventure, choose a cruise line that caters to your preferred style of travel.
• Ship Size and Style: Some may prefer the intimacy of smaller ships, while others may enjoy the extensive facilities of larger liners.
• Onboard Activities: Ensure the cruise offers activities that align with your interests, whether it’s culinary workshops, fitness classes, or social events.
• Budget: Consider the overall cost, including any additional fees or expenses that may arise.

Understanding Your Personal Preferences

Before selecting a cruise, it’s crucial to identify what you’re looking for in a vacation.

Ask yourself questions about your preferred style of travel, destinations of interest, desired level of activity, and the kind of people you want to meet.

This self-reflection will guide your choice and ensure your cruise experience aligns with your expectations.

Factors to Consider

• Destination Preferences : Consider whether you’re interested in tropical beaches, cultural European tours, or exotic locations like Antarctica or the Galapagos Islands.
• Duration of the Cruise : Cruise durations vary from short getaways to extended voyages. Determine how long you want to be away and what fits your schedule.
• Type of Cruise Line : Different cruise lines cater to different demographics and interests. Luxury lines offer a more refined experience, while mainstream lines provide a variety of activities and entertainment options.
• Ship Size and Amenities : Larger ships offer more amenities and activities but can be overwhelming. Smaller ships provide a more intimate experience but might have fewer amenities.
• Budget : This includes the cost of the cruise itself, travel to the port, shore excursions, onboard spending, and any additional fees.
• Solo-Friendly Features : Look for cruises that offer reduced single supplements, solo cabins, and events specifically for single travelers.

Researching and Comparing Cruises

• Use online resources, travel forums, and reviews to gather information.
• Attend travel expos or speak with travel agents specializing in cruises for singles over 50.
• Compare the inclusions, exclusions, and policies of different cruise lines.

Booking Your Cruise

• Book well in advance for the best prices and cabin selection.
• Consider travel insurance, especially for longer or more expensive cruises.
• Look out for special deals and promotions targeted at solo travelers.

Preparing for Departure

• Ensure your passport and any required visas are up to date.
• Familiarize yourself with the embarkation process and any pre-cruise requirements.
• Check the cruise line’s dress code and pack accordingly.
• Join online groups or forums to connect with fellow travelers before the cruise.

Preparing for Your Cruise

Booking process and tips.

• Early Booking Advantages : Booking early can often secure better deals and ensure availability, especially for popular destinations or during peak seasons.
• Last-Minute Deals : Alternatively, last-minute bookings can offer significant savings, although choices may be limited.
• Utilizing a Travel Agent : Consider using a travel agent who specializes in cruises for singles over 50. They can provide valuable insights and handle the details of your trip.

What to Pack

• Essentials : Travel documents (passport, visas, travel insurance), medications, and emergency contact information.
• Clothing : Pack for the destination’s climate and the cruise’s dress code. Include formal wear if required, comfortable shoes, and leisure attire.
• Electronics : Chargers, adaptors (for international travel), camera, and entertainment devices.
• Health and Safety Items : Hand sanitizers, first-aid kit, and any personal hygiene products.
• Miscellaneous : Books, travel guides, and any hobby-related items you enjoy.

Travel Insurance and Health Considerations

• Insurance : Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for medical coverage, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
• Health : Visit your doctor for a check-up and discuss any vaccinations or medications needed for your destinations. Ensure you have enough prescription medication for the duration of the cruise.

Pre-Cruise Communication and Social Forums

• Cruise Line Resources : Utilize resources provided by the cruise line, such as apps or websites, for pre-cruise information and networking.
• Social Media and Forums : Join social media groups or forums related to your cruise to connect with fellow travelers beforehand.
• Setting Expectations : Engage in conversations about planned activities and excursions, but also be open to new experiences and spontaneous plans.

Logistics and Travel Arrangements

• Transportation to the Port : Plan how you will get to the cruise port, considering flights, transfers, or parking if driving.
• Pre-Cruise Accommodation : If arriving early, book accommodation near the port for convenience.

Managing Finances and Communications

• Budgeting Onboard : Understand the cruise’s payment system, including what is prepaid and what will be additional.
• International Roaming and Connectivity : Check your mobile plan for international travel or consider purchasing a SIM card or onboard Wi-Fi package.

Onboard Experience

Accommodation options.

• Solo Cabins : Explore the availability and features of solo cabins, designed specifically for single travelers.
• Choosing the Right Cabin : Consider factors like location (proximity to common areas, lower or higher decks), size, and amenities (balcony, window, etc.).
• Room Sharing Options : Some cruises offer roommate-matching services for solo travelers who want to avoid single supplements.

Dining and Cuisine

• Dining Styles : Understand the range of dining options available – from formal dining rooms to casual buffets and specialty restaurants.
• Solo Dining Tips : Learn about solo-friendly dining experiences, such as communal tables or dining events for single travelers.
• Special Dietary Needs : How to communicate and manage dietary restrictions or preferences.

Activities and Entertainment

• Group Activities : Discover group activities designed for singles, like cocktail parties, group excursions, dance lessons, and themed nights.
• Solo Options : Explore activities suitable for solo enjoyment, such as spa treatments, lectures, or lounging by the pool.
• Onboard Entertainment : Delve into the variety of entertainment options, including shows, concerts, movies, and casinos.

Socializing and Meeting People

• Icebreakers and Social Events : Participate in specially designed icebreakers and social events for single cruisers.
• Networking Tips : Strategies for meeting new people and making friends, such as joining clubs or groups based on interests.
• Respecting Privacy and Boundaries : Importance of respecting personal space and boundaries while socializing.

Health and Wellness

• Fitness Facilities : Utilize the onboard gym, fitness classes, or outdoor activities to stay active.
• Wellness Programs : Engage in wellness and relaxation offerings, including yoga, meditation, and spa services.
• Health Services : Familiarize yourself with the onboard medical facilities and services.

Exploring the Ship

• Orientation and Tours : Take part in orientation tours to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and amenities.
• Finding Your Favorite Spots : Discover quiet areas for relaxation, scenic spots for views, and social hubs for interaction.

Staying Connected

• Internet and Wi-Fi : Understand the options and costs for staying connected at sea.
• Staying in Touch with Fellow Cruisers : Use apps or social platforms facilitated by the cruise line to communicate with new friends.

Shore Excursions and Exploration

Types of shore excursions.

• Cultural Tours : Explore local history, art, and traditions through guided tours.
• Adventure Activities : Engage in activities like hiking, snorkeling, or kayaking for the more adventurous traveler.
• Culinary Experiences : Participate in cooking classes, wine tastings, or local market visits.
• Leisure and Relaxation : Opt for beach days, spa visits, or leisurely strolls in scenic locales.

Choosing the Right Excursions

• Matching Interests : Select excursions that align with your personal interests and hobbies.
• Physical Requirements : Understand the physical demands of each excursion and choose ones that match your fitness level.
• Group vs. Solo Options : Decide whether you prefer group excursions for socializing or solo explorations for more personal experiences.

Preparing for Excursions

• Booking in Advance : Reserve popular excursions early to ensure availability.
• Essential Items to Bring : Pack suitable clothing, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, water bottles, and any necessary equipment.
• Safety Briefings : Attend pre-excursion safety briefings and understand the guidelines.

Balancing Group Activities with Personal Exploration

• Mix of Planned and Spontaneous : Balance organized excursions with personal time to explore at your own pace.
• Local Interaction : Take opportunities to interact with locals for an authentic experience.
• Flexibility : Be open to changing plans based on recommendations or newfound interests.

Safety Tips

• Stay Informed : Be aware of local customs, laws, and safety advisories.
• Communication Plan : Keep in touch with the cruise ship about your whereabouts, especially if exploring alone.
• Health Precautions : Take necessary health precautions, including carrying medications and staying hydrated.

Making the Most of Your Shore Time

• Cultural Sensitivity : Respect local cultures and traditions while exploring.
• Photography and Journaling : Capture memories through photography or journaling.
• Reflecting and Relaxing : Use shore time for both exploration and relaxation, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Health and Safety on Board

Medical facilities and services.

• Onboard Medical Center : Familiarize yourself with the location and services offered by the ship’s medical center, including available treatments and medications.
• Medical Staff : Understand the qualifications and availability of onboard medical staff.
• Emergency Procedures : Be aware of the ship’s emergency procedures and how to access medical care in case of an emergency.

Staying Healthy on Board

• Hygiene Practices : Follow recommended hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and using hand sanitizers, to prevent the spread of illnesses.
• Food and Water Safety : Adhere to food safety guidelines, especially when eating at buffet-style meals.
• Fitness and Wellness : Utilize fitness facilities and participate in wellness activities to maintain your health and well-being.

Safety Protocols

• Safety Drills : Participate in mandatory safety drills and familiarize yourself with the ship’s safety protocols, including the location of lifeboats and muster stations.
• Personal Safety : Practice personal safety measures, like not sharing personal information with strangers and being cautious in social situations.
• Sea Safety : Follow guidelines for sea safety, especially during rough weather, by staying informed about weather conditions and adhering to safety advisories.

Navigating Emergencies

• Emergency Contacts : Have a list of emergency contacts both on and off the ship.
• Evacuation Procedures : Know the evacuation procedures and routes on the ship.
• Communication in Emergencies : Understand how to communicate in case of an emergency, including how to use the ship’s communication systems.

Mental Health and Well-being

• Support Services : Be aware of any mental health or counseling services offered onboard.
• Managing Stress and Anxiety : Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, like spa treatments, meditation, or reading.
• Social Interaction : Balance social interaction with personal time to maintain mental well-being.

Travel Insurance and Health Coverage

• Insurance Details : Ensure you understand the details of your travel insurance, including what is covered in terms of health and emergencies.
• Pre-existing Conditions : Notify the cruise line of any pre-existing medical conditions and ensure these are covered by your insurance.

Making the Most of Your Single Cruise Experience

Building lasting connections.

• Engaging with Fellow Travelers : Tips on initiating conversations, joining group activities, and participating in social events to meet new people.
• Friendship Etiquette : Understanding how to build meaningful connections while respecting personal boundaries and cultural differences.
• Staying in Touch : Ways to keep in contact with the people you meet, using social media, email, or organizing future meet-ups.

Personal Development Opportunities

• Learning New Skills : Explore onboard classes and workshops, from cooking to photography or dance, as opportunities for personal growth.
• Cultural Enrichment : Engage in cultural and educational activities offered during the cruise and shore excursions to broaden your horizons.
• Self-Reflection and Growth : Use the time away from daily routines for self-reflection, exploring personal interests, and setting new life goals.

Documenting Your Experience

• Photography and Video : Tips for capturing memorable moments and scenic views, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual smartphone user.
• Journaling : Keeping a travel journal to document your thoughts, experiences, and the people you meet.
• Sharing Your Journey : Ideas for sharing your experiences with friends and family through blogging, social media, or personal storytelling.

Embracing Solo Travel

• Enjoying Your Own Company : Learning to appreciate solo moments, whether it’s enjoying a sunset, reading a book, or simply relaxing by the pool.
• Independence and Confidence : Embracing the independence that comes with solo travel and the confidence gained from navigating new experiences.

Participating in Onboard Activities

• Trying New Things : Encouragement to step out of your comfort zone and try new activities available on the ship.
• Balancing Rest and Activity : Finding a balance between participating in activities and taking time to rest and rejuvenate.

Planning Your Next Adventure

• Reflecting on Your Experience : Assessing what you enjoyed most about your cruise to inform your choices for future travels.
• Utilizing Cruise Resources : Using the cruise line’s resources and loyalty programs for planning your next trip.
• Joining Cruise Communities : Becoming part of online or local cruise communities to stay informed about future cruise opportunities and specials.

Post-Cruise Considerations

Staying in touch with new acquaintances.

• Building Lasting Friendships : Strategies for maintaining the relationships formed during the cruise, such as regular communication, social media connections, or planning future meet-ups.
• Creating Travel Networks : Leveraging new friendships to create networks of travel enthusiasts for future adventures.

Providing Feedback and Reviews

• Cruise Line Feedback : Importance of providing feedback to the cruise line to share your experience and suggest improvements.
• Online Reviews : Writing reviews on travel websites and forums to help future travelers make informed decisions.

Reflecting on Your Experience

• Personal Reflection : Taking time to reflect on what you enjoyed, what you learned, and how the experience impacted you.
• Sharing Stories : Sharing your adventures with friends, family, or through social groups to relive the memories and inspire others.

• Utilizing Lessons Learned : Applying the insights gained from this cruise to plan future travels more effectively.
• Early Planning : Starting the research and planning process for your next cruise or travel adventure.
• Loyalty Programs : Exploring loyalty programs or repeat cruiser benefits for potential savings and perks on future cruises.

Reintegrating into Daily Life

• Transitioning Back : Tips for easing back into your daily routine after an extended time away.
• Incorporating New Habits : Implementing new habits or hobbies picked up during the cruise into your everyday life.

Documenting Your Journey

• Organizing Photos and Memorabilia : Creating photo albums or scrapbooks as a keepsake of your cruise experience.
• Writing and Blogging : Continuing to document your journey through writing or blogging, which can be a therapeutic way to relive your experiences.

As our journey through the Ultimate Guide to Cruises for Singles Over 50 comes to a close, we hope it has illuminated the vibrant world of cruising for the mature solo traveler.

These cruises offer more than just a getaway; they present a gateway to new friendships, cultural explorations, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or social connection, the high seas offer something for everyone.

We encourage you to embrace the opportunity, step aboard, and set sail on a voyage of discovery and joy. Here’s to your next great adventure on the waves!

FAQs on Cruises for Singles Over 50

Q1: what are the best cruise lines for singles over 50.

A: Top cruise lines for singles over 50 often include Holland America Line, Viking River Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises. These lines are favored for their varied itineraries, solo-friendly accommodations, and a wide range of activities.

Q2: Are there specific activities for singles on these cruises?

A: Yes, many cruises offer activities tailored for singles, such as cocktail parties, group excursions, dance lessons, speed dating events, and communal dining options to encourage socializing.

Q3: How do I avoid paying the single supplement?

A: Some cruise lines offer solo cabins or reduced single supplements. Others may provide roommate-matching services. Always inquire about solo traveler promotions when booking.

Q4: Is it safe to go on a cruise alone if I’m over 50?

A: Absolutely. Cruises are generally safe for solo travelers. It’s important to follow standard safety practices like being aware of your surroundings, not sharing personal information with strangers, and participating in the ship’s safety drills.

Q5: What should I pack for a singles cruise?

A: Pack based on your destination’s climate, the cruise’s dress code, and planned activities. Essentials include travel documents, medications, comfortable attire, formal wear if needed, and personal items.

Q6: How can I meet other single travelers on the cruise?

A: You can meet others by participating in singles-specific events, joining group activities, dining at communal tables, and being open to starting conversations in common areas like the pool or lounge.

Q7: Are themed cruises a good option for singles over 50?

A: Yes, themed cruises can be excellent for singles over 50 as they cater to specific interests or hobbies, making it easier to meet like-minded individuals.

Q8: Can I find cruises that cater to singles without being a “singles cruise”?

A: Yes, many regular cruises are welcoming to singles and provide activities and environments conducive to meeting people, even if they are not specifically labeled as “singles cruises.”

Q9: What kind of cabin should a single traveler choose?

A: This depends on personal preference and budget. Solo cabins are a great choice, but balcony cabins or ocean-view rooms offer more space and views. Consider the location for convenience and comfort.

Q10: How do I handle meals as a solo traveler?

A: Cruise ships usually offer flexible dining options, including communal tables for solo travelers, buffet-style meals, room service, and specialty restaurants. You can choose based on your comfort level and desire to socialize.

Q11: Are there any age restrictions for singles cruises?

A: While some singles cruises might target specific age groups, many are open to all ages. Cruises for singles over 50 are specifically tailored to the preferences and lifestyles of the mature demographic.

Q12: What if I need medical assistance while on board?

A: Cruise ships have medical facilities and qualified medical staff to handle a range of health issues. It’s also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Q13: Can I stay connected with family and friends while cruising?

A: Yes, most ships offer Wi-Fi and internet packages, although connectivity might vary depending on the location. Check with the cruise line for options and costs.

Q14: How do I choose the right shore excursions?

A: Consider your interests, physical fitness level, and desired pace. Look for excursions that align with your interests, whether it’s cultural, adventurous, or leisurely.

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Singles holidays for over 50s

Solo holidays for the over 50s.

Our small group adventure holidays are perfect for single travellers in their 50s as you’ll be in great company. Our trips attract people of all ages from all over the world who love to explore, discover and share their love for travel. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to socialise and the flexibility to do your own thing if you’d prefer. Our average small group size is just 11 people and includes approximately half singles and the rest couples or friends travelling together. You’ll enjoy the thrill of travelling solo in your 50s but with the safety of travelling in a group. Plus, our expert  local tour leaders who will help you get to the heart of your destination. New to Explore? We’ve answered some of the most-asked questions about joining our tours as a solo traveller.

Adventure holidays for single travellers over 50

The world's a big place - where are you yet to explore? Our  Cultural Discovery  group adventure trips allow you to discover a new destination beyond just its tourist attractions - you'll learn about its history and culture through visits to historic sites and experiences, as well as meeting, and often even staying with, local people or tribes. Wherever you choose to go, you'll be made to feel welcome and truly at home with friendly like-minded people, and all at a pace that suits you. Cuba is one of our most popular destinations, particularly for solo travellers over 50, and it's so easy to see why. Whether you take our faster-paced  Cuba Libre!  group adventure holiday, or take a slower pace while you see  The Best of Western Cuba , this colourful and captivating country will amaze you at every corner, with vintage cars and rum bars lining the streets of vibrant Havana, pastel-coloured historic buildings and rich culture in Santiago De Cuba, and the story of Che Guevara to be discovered in Santa Clara. Should you wish to adventure a little closer to home, our moderately and relaxed pace group adventure trips to Europe and Turkey could be just the ticket. It may be the world's smallest continent, but Europe offers some of the richest experiences to be found anywhere on the globe - from admiring the  Highlights of Andalucia , to immersing yourself in the historical  Treasures of Turkey . If you're looking to be truly dazzled on your solo adventure on one of our group trips, let the magic of Iceland and its natural wonders amaze you on our Land of the Midnight Sun  trip, or seize the chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on our winter itinerary - surely an experience that everyone has on their Bucket List.

Active holidays for solo travellers in their 50s

Popular tours for 50+ year old solos

Jordan discovery.

Walking in Madeira

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

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Why take a solo travel tour in your 50s with Explore?

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From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

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Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

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Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

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How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Other solo holiday ideas

Solo holidays, solo holidays for over 30s, solo holidays for over 40s, solo holidays for over 60s, solo adventure holidays, solo walking holidays, solo cycling holidays, ready for your solo adventure.

Read more about our solo travel adventures

Top 10 trips for solo travellers

10 unusual places to visit as a solo traveller

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

Solo travel guide for women

Where to go? Our recommendations by month

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure holiday

Tour, Trips, & Travel Groups for Adults Over 50 in 2024/2025

Our 4,319 most popular 50-plus travel trips. compare tour itineraries from 430 tour companies. 14,739 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular 50-plus travel tours.

Egypt Group Discovery 9D/8N

• Dive into the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s city life Cruise along the Nile like a local on a traditional Felucca Visit the magical city of Luxor and learn about Egyptian history Marvel at ancient Egyptian sites including pyramids and temples

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Solo Travel for a 50 Year Old.... - Solo Travel Forum

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Hello Fellow Trip Advisor Friends....I am a recently retired 50 Y.O. who is looking for solo travel adventures. I have done solo travel throughout Europe and am fine with navigating that part of the world on my own.

I'm seeking a travel company that could help me organize trips to other parts of the world where I am not so brave going the solo route.

I've scoured the internet and it seems that most companies that specialize in solo travel either have trips for those under 30 or those 60 or over....I'm in an odd niche group that does not seem to have a real home.

I'm not opposed to paying a small supplement, but not some of the high charges I've seen on some of the sites.

Any thoughts, ideas would be sincerely appreciated.

Happy Travels

You could be doing this backwards, in my opinion. Choose a destination. Then, if it is a place where you really ought to do it as an organized tour (China, for example, or Kenya), then find out who is the expert in that part of the globe.

Us 50-somethings are in an age bracket that gets ignored in the mass market. Too old for month-long backpacking treks, too young for post-retirement journeys. I know people in their 50s who have used Road Scholar, but I have no personal experience with them. I almost pulled the trigger on a two-week Madagascar trip that I saw on Atlas Obscura, which I thought would have me traveling with people of a similar outlook as mine, but I passed. I would consider them in the future for a more difficult trip (such as Madagascar), but, again, no personal experience to report.

I do think that there are parts of the world outside of Europe that are quite manageable for a solo traveler. A while lot of people who post in this forum seem to have self-organized multiple trips to Southeast Asia. I also think southern South America (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay) is also very easy to self-organize. I've done that. And no single supplements when you self-organize!

I see things like age is just a number. Some people have been "ridden hard and put up wet" and some dont feel or look it.

An indiana jones quote i like.. "its not the years, but the miles"

If you were to go on one of the 60s tours, do you think you would like it or that it would be too slow and all if the participants would be using walkers or???

Have you asked if they would accept you or asked what the daily activies/plans are?

Unless you ask you wont know.

You dont say where you want to go, but have you considered doing the logistic work yourself?? Transportation and lodging and all or some attractions? Once you arrive you can join a tour or pre arrange for one.

Travel isnt an all or nothing deal. You can mix and match to how you wish or want to do it.

For what its worth, im an 56 old male solo traveler.

Im in paris now on a short trip, but im doing s.america in sept. This sept will be 3rd ?trip and i have more planned.

I'm not clear about what you want.

Do you want help from a company to organise a trip or do you want an escorted group tour to fit your demographic?

I have used Inside Japan, Tribes Travel and Rainbow Tours for tailored trips to Japan, Zambia, Zanzibar/Mafia Island and for Madagascar with great success. I would use any of those companies again.

You tell them where you want to go, what sort of thing you want to see/do, give your budget and length of trip, they propose an itinerary, you comment and when you agree, you send them a deposit and they sort out all the details of travel, accommodation, guides and tickets/reservations.

Inside Japan and Rainbow Tours also do escorted small group tours but I prefer tailored trips so I haven't tried the tours.

I have had Inside Japan organise 5 trips in Japan for me so far with probably a couple more to come. That is a function of both the country (which is the most astonishing combination of the ancient, subtle and beautiful and the absolutely bonkers) and the company (which has an amazingly in depth knowledge, an eye for detail and excellent local connections.

If Japan interests you but you want to go with a group, I have seen photos of their small group tours and they look quite varied in age.

Tribes Travel organised my solo safari to Zambia. Their suggestion (based on my lowish budget and desire to avoid crowds) was to go in March. It was perfect. There were two other people at two of my lodges and half a dozen at the third. As we all ate at a shared table with the guides it was companionable without the sometimes forced camaraderie of an escorted tour.

My trip to Madagascar was with my husband, so not solo. Rainbow Tours organised a magical trip for the two of us, including getting us around a sticky situation that had developed in a town we needed to go thorough.

People do go to Madagascar completely on their own, but I was glad we had guides and drivers selected by a company with local knowledge.

I would almost always chose a tailored trip over a group tour. except for a country like Iran where an escorted tour is required for a visa. I lack the patience for group travel but other people love groups.

I spent a month in Ecuador on my own, with tour group for Galapagos, and then part of a group in the Amazon. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can perhaps start with a tour until you are acclimated, then do your own thing. Even several day trips may be sufficient.

Personally, I don't understand searching out tours just for solo travelers but maybe this link will help with finding a group of your age desires

https://solotravelerworld.com/solo-travel-deals/

What about a singles cruise to an area of interest? Vacationstogo lists singles cruises by age brackets.

first, buy a good guidebook worldwide lonely planet and read it.

then map out places of interest and counties, your budget traveltime safety of vacation interest in food weather culture type of vacation sun beach, winter adventures Ecco tours and cities you like to visit. last go on TA and read travel forums on counties and reviews, it's easy.

try central America and South America its very budget friendly also some islands in the Carribean are too.

you don't need a travel company to decide your vacation your probably a more of a seasoned traveler than they are.

As I don't know your location, I can only offer advice relating to the UK; please provide further details.

I'm in my 40's and have traveled with a couple different companies. I think the way to do it is definitely decide where you want to go first and then look for companies operating in the area. I've had amazing experiences when I've gone with local companies, as opposed to the international ones (they just hire the local company and charge you more). It does, however, take a lot of research to seek these companies out, and to find the ones that are responsive and good with Westerners. I also always email and ask who else is booked on a trip - gender, age, nationality - which will help you decide. If nothing else, I can recommend Eternal Landscapes in Mongolia and Sahaa Sahara in Tunisia. Both co-run by expats and locals. Both amazing. Good luck and have fun! Oh... and yes. it is pricey to do a solo tour with a company. The best happy medium I've come up with is small group, when the group is really small, 2-6 people (which is why you enquire before booking).

Thank you for the advice. Very much appreciated. This is all new to me so I'm happy to learn anything I can.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

I've done multiple trips with G Adventures and one with Tucan Travel mostly in Central and South America. All have been their standard trips (no age restriction, no "luxury"). In my 50's I've been at the younger or middle of the age range on my past 3 trips. I've only been the oldest one time and that was hiking the Inca Trail when I was in my late 40's. One of the trips had a couple of people that should have been on a senior's trip but on the others, we were an active group who didn't care about the ages of our travel mates.

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Travelling single? Small group travel could be just the ticket 

Is a Japanese onsen calling you? Or maybe a flavour-packed taco in the streets of Mexico City has your name on it? Whether you’re travelling solo, single or simply can’t be labelled, our small group tours are the perfect way to explore a destination and meet like-minded people. While our tours aren’t exclusively for single travellers in their 50s or 60s , you'll be part of a small group of intergenerational, adventure-hungry individuals who are just as keen to explore as you are. From swapping anecdotes over Aperols on the Amalfi Coast to late-night chats under the desert skies of Wadi Rum, it’s often those moments of connection – big and small – that are most memorable. 

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Perks of travelling single with Intrepid

Single and keen to mingle?

Our trips can be great for singles over 50 and 60 as we take care of safety, logistics and transport so you can focus your time on the joy of travel. We don’t offer the classic ‘singles-only’ tours, but we do provide the perfect base for people looking to get to know others, usually a varied mix of ages, nationalities, cultures and more. Since our tours are so diverse, this could mean you’re on a trip with couples in their 40s, singles in their 20s, family groups or people travelling on their own in their fifties and beyond. Our tours aren’t specifically designed for making perfect matches, but hey, if it happens, it happens .

Small numbers, big sites

The best part of travelling in a small group is the friends you can make in the most unlikely of places – we’re talking while hiking the Inca Trail or cooking dhal in  Sri Lanka . It also means a bunch of new faces to share the world’s most epic experiences with and a few people around to watch your back (especially when walking through a traffic crossing in Vietnam ). No matter who you’re sharing your tour with, you’ll be docking at unbelievable sites, meeting local people and getting a one-of-a-kind journey - single or not, we think that's pretty epic.

Safety and logistics

Travelling solo at any age can feel like a big deal, especially when venturing to far-off places. That’s why small group tours are the perfect fit, no matter if you’re travelling alone at 25 or 65. We’ll do the planning, manage the itinerary, handle the transport and keep safety in mind - all so you can immerse yourself to the max. Not to mention, your guide will be able to support you with potential language barriers, give recommendations, show you the best spots for photos and so much more. Don’t just take our word for it, find out for yourself.

Local knowledge and unique perspectives

Maybe you’ve already seen the big sites and now looking for a different experience or new perspective. That’s where we come in. Our tours are led by our Local Leaders, all of whom are experts in their corner of the world and are out there showing it to others right now. Their knowledge of their country’s attractions, delicacies, cultures and communities is something you probably won’t get to experience elsewhere. Find yourself ducking into unknown hotspots and learning more than just the basics when you’re on one of our tours.

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Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip as a senior.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Who are Intrepid travellers?

Intrepid adventures are for travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're travelling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers. 

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over. 

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travellers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website. 

I’m travelling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Learn more about solo travel

I have a disability – can I join an Intrepid trip?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognising that on many trips you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport. 

Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travellers – such as booking ground floor accommodation, or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travellers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by travelling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact our sales team for further information on any of our itineraries. 

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re travelling internationally. Minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you. 

Will I have my own room?

It's your call. Rooming on our trips is organised on a twin-share basis, but most of our trips also have the option to pay an extra fee for your own room. Just let us know at the time of booking and we'll arrange it for you. 

For twin-share rooms, we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. 

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis. In those instances it will clearly be stated in your Essential Trip Information. 

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling alone or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). Depending on how you're feeling, you may want to have some downtime, ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you. 

What makes a small group tour better than a coach tour?

The main difference between a small group tour and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travellers each (on average) while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

Learn more about the differences between a small group tour and a coach tour

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Texas mother arrested after allegedly leaving young children alone to take a cruise

A Texas woman was arrested after allegedly leaving her children at home alone to take a cruise.

Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, left her 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter by themselves in their Houston apartment to go on vacation on April 4, according to a criminal complaint.

She is charged with abandoning a child with intent to return.

Deputies with the Harris County Constable’s Office made a wellness check on Tuesday following a call for service. A witness told them that neighbors in the complex were concerned about the safety of two kids left on their own in one of the units. The witness said other residents had seen Williams leaving with bags and luggage and did not see her come back.

“The apartment was in complete disarray and had trash and left-over food all over the unit,” the document said. There was a “very potent smell of urine” inside as well.

“No adults were present supervising the juveniles, and none appeared to have been present since the Defendant’s departure,” the document continued. Deputies also found a camera in the apartment that Williams used to watch and talk to the kids during her trip, and her son had a phone he used to text her.

The document did not specify which cruise line Williams sailed with or where she went. “Deputies tried contacting the Defendant to make the scene, but she was not cooperating and was switching up her story on her whereabouts,” the document said.

The Houston Fire Department was called to ensure the children “were in good health and not malnourished,” and Child Protective Services reported to the scene before releasing the children to their aunt.

An attorney for Williams was not listed.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Singles vacations for over 40s

Solo adventures for 40 to 50 year olds.

Our small group adventure vacations are perfect for single travellers in their 40s, whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or this is your first singles vacation. You’ll be in great company on any of our tours. Our average small group size is just 11 people and usually includes around half solo travellers and the rest couples or friends travelling together. So whether you’re looking for a walking vacation  or a wildlife tour , a cycling vacation  or a cultural trip , there is an adventure waiting for you. Our trips attract people of all ages who love to explore, discover and share their love for travel. Yet our schedules are flexible enough that you can choose to do your own thing if you’d prefer. Enjoy your singles vacation for over 40s at your own pace. Our trips are graded from relaxed to full-on, so you can choose a trip that’s right for you, whether you like a busy itinerary or plenty of downtime to explore on your own. You’ll have all the excitement of travelling solo but with the safety of travelling in a group. Plus, all the day-to-day planning has been taken care of by our expert local tour leaders who will help you get to the heart of your destination. New to Explore? We’ve answered some of the most-asked questions about joining our tours as a solo traveller.

Adventure vacations for singles over 40

Our Cultural Discovery trips  are our most popular trips of all - from taking a Grand Tour of Morocco  to cruising along lakes and between fishing villages among other must-see  Cambodia Highlights , there's the perfect culture-packed trip for every single traveler over 40. Led by expert guides , every one of our cultural small group trips is designed to offer an authentic experience, beyond the tourist attractions and into the heart of the local culture. On some trips you'll even have the opportunity to stay and eat with locals, and travel on local transport - you'll truly have all the excitement of a solo trip, with a carefully planned itinerary so there's nothing for you to worry about but how to capture the moments! Speaking of the locals, many of our adventure vacations for over 40s offer you the chance to get up close to some of the world's most wonderful wildlife. The trip of a lifetime for nature lovers, our Wildlife trips could show you the  Highlights of Costa Rica , including its lazy sloths, noisy monkeys and vibrantly colored frogs and birds, or perhaps you'd like to spot toucans, parrots and crocodiles as you  Discover Belize ?  

If an African safari has always been on your Bucket List, our 15-day  Botswana Wildlife Safari  takes you into the carefully protected habitats of Africa's most magnificent wildlife so you can see white rhino, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, and lion in their natural and happy states. Vacations for single travelers don't come more unforgettable than this.

Active adventures for solo travelers in their 40s

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I rescued a tiger from an nyc apartment — and other animal tales from bronx zoo honcho’s 50 years on the job.

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It’s a Bronx tail.

For 125 years, the Bronx Zoo has dazzled and inspired visitors with exotic and beautiful creatures like gorillas and tigers and lemurs — oh, my!

“Guests love to see the care, the dedication and the passion that our staff have for making sure that these animals were well cared for,” Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo and a Throggs Neck native, 64, told The Post.

“There’s the connection and the bond they have between each other.”

In honor of the quasquicentennial jubilee, the Bronx Zoo is rolling out a new quarter-mile walking trail of beastly art on Saturday called Animal Chronicles, which features 13 unique environmental scenes, 68 sculptures of critters and more artistic nods to the zoo’s illustrious history in animal rescue.

“It’s just amazing, you know?” Breheny said. “People say you can learn something from talking to anybody. It’s the same thing here. You can learn something from interacting with any animal.”

He’s enjoyed this unique connection firsthand for quite some time: Breheny has been at the zoo for 51 years, starting with a role at the children’s zoo when he was 14 in the early 1970s. As a young animal lover, Breheny admitted he simply filled out a form, made a call and was hired.

“No, I never thought I would be in this position,” he joked of his current job title.

Mane attraction

During his five decades on the job, Breheny has interacted with all of the zoo’s creatures, including working the camel rides in his early years. However, some of the wildest stories with the animals happened outside the confines of the zoo — but still on the job.

In 2003, Breheny, who has a graduate degree in biology from Fordham, was attending a speech on responsible pet ownership when, ironically, he was summoned to yank a tiger illegally kept inside a Harlem apartment.

“I honestly didn’t believe it. I thought it would be like an ocelot or a bobcat,” he recalled. “People exaggerate all the time.”

It turned out to be Ming, the infamous “fully grown” tiger who “took up the entire apartment,” and Breheny and his team were responsible for getting the tiger out of the apartment. It took two doses of sedatives to knock the big guy out.

While the Ming rescue has been the most adrenaline-pumping incident of Breheny’s tenure, there were other eventful incidents involving “venomous snakes” over the years, too.

Around 2005, Breheny had been in talks with the Pakistani government to obtain Leo, a rare snow leopard who brought new genetics into the species population.

“His genetic contribution through breeding was really important to the snow leopard population in North America,” said Breheny, who noted cubs of a few generations past are currently on display.

Numerous animal inhabitants also evolved into celebrity attractions at the Fordham Road institution, going all the way back to the 1903 snow leopard attraction, North America’s first showcasing of the species.

In 1990, Rapunzel the Sumatran rhinoceros — a currently endangered species — was a fan favorite until her death in 2005.

Breheny most remembers her “easy-going” demeanor and as a “great animal.”

There was also Pattycake, the first gorilla born in NYC. In 1972, she was born in the Central Park Zoo, but broke her arm young and was transferred to the Bronx Zoo. She became an incredibly important permanent resident in the early 1980s before she died at 40 in 2013.

“That was the first gorilla that we raised. She was certainly a charismatic animal,” Breheny said.

“We learned how much infant gorillas are like infant humans.”

As the majestic gorilla grew, integrated and bred, she also was one of the first to start painting. Breheny has one of her final works inside his office.

Born to be wild

Since 1899, the zoo — a haven for alligators, lemurs, penguins, poison dart frogs and more from around the world — has blazed a trail in the field of animal care.

“One of the biggest advancements I’ve seen is how the animals and staff interact through advances in behavioral enrichment and training,” said Breheny.

He added that while years ago, animals would have to be put under anesthetic for blood work tests, now trained workers are able to safely collect samples while the patients are fully conscious.

Even with big cats, picking up their tail to draw blood can be safely executed. \

Initiatives like this began in 1901. While still in its infancy, the zoo launched the first American veterinary program in a zoological park, which evolved into a full-on animal hospital in 1916.

More so, the beastly oasis, first called the New York Zoological Park, was intentionally created to play a pivotal role in preservation — a stark contrast to what the nation had seen at the 19th century’s turn. The tourism magnet was a happy coincidence.

“When they were planning the zoo around 1895, everyone in America still had the idea, ‘This is just another circus-type of thing,’ ” Angel Hernandez, the official historian of the Bronx Borough President’s Office, told The Post.

“There was no place to study the animals, their habitats and the countries they originated from,” Hernandez said. “So the idea was that the New York Zoological Park was to be innovative and to address these issues — and to give more animals space.”

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Crime and public safety | ‘every single day’: judge tells woman to remember destroying family of pregnant teen she killed, removing baby from womb, as she hands down 50-year prison sentence.

Yovanny Lopez, husband of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez who was slain while nine months pregnant, after Clarisa Figueroa, 51, entered into a guilty plea to first-degree murder charges for the April 23, 2019, killing of Ochoa-Lopez, at Leighton Criminal Court Building on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. (Family photo)

Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Arnulfo Ochoa, father of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, breaks down as he walks with assistance from family and friends toward the Cook County medical examiner's office on May 16, 2019.

Raquel Vriostegui, center, mother of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, walks toward the Cook County medical examiner's office on May 16, 2019.

Marlen Ochoa Lopez's husband Yovany Lopez, front center, and a group of family and supporters bow their heads during a prayer before releasing balloons in her honor, in what would have been her 20th birthday, in front of her mural in Pilsen on Nov. 16, 2019. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)

Raquel Vriostegui, mother of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, talks to media outside the Cook County medical examiner's office on May 16, 2019.

Arnulfo Ochoa, center, father of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, breaks down as he walks with assistance from family and friends toward the Cook County Medical Examiner's office on May 16, 2019.

Yovany Lopez, husband of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, talks to media outside the Cook County medical examiner's office on May 16, 2019.

Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

In the 4100 block of West 77th Place in Chicago, people leave flowers and stuffed toys to memorialize slain teen Marlen Ochoa-Lopez on May 16, 2019.

Mourners gather in the 4100 block of West 77th Place in Chicago to memorialize slain teen Marlen Ochoa-Lopez on May 16, 2019.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks during a news conference to announce the arrest of three offenders in the case of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez on May 16, 2019.

Chicago police watch over a home at 4100 W. 77th Place in Chicago on May 15, 2019.

This photo provided by Chicago Police on May 16, 2019, shows Desiree Figueroa. The prosecution presented premeditated murder charges were filed against Figueroa and her mother, Clarisa Figueroa, in connection with the death of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, who was strangled before her baby was taken from her. of the uterus. (Chicago Police Department)

A photograph of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez is set near flowers and stuffed animals at a memorial set up outside a house at 4100 W. 77th Place in Chicago, Thursday, May 16, 2019, where the body of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez was recovered.

The backyard of a house at 4100 W. 77th Place in Chicago, where the body of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez was recovered.

Pastor Jacobita Cortes, second from right, offers a prayer at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago on May 15, 2019, for Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, a pregnant teen who was reported missing on April 23, 2019, and whose body was recovered on May 14, 2019.

Nicolasa Santiago, left, a neighbor, and Evelin Perez place flowers at a memorial set up outside a house at 4100 W. 77th Place in Chicago, where the body of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez was recovered, on May 16, 2019.

With the five-year anniversary of the slaying of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez looming, the woman accused of killing the teen and cutting her baby out of the womb in a sensational case that drew international attention was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Clarisa Figueroa, 51, entered a guilty plea on charges of first-degree murder Tuesday. She had been charged with murder, kidnapping, dismembering a human body and other felonies in the April 2019 killing of Ochoa-Lopez, who was nine months pregnant.

She appeared in court at the Leighton Criminal Court Building sitting in a wheelchair, while family members of Ochoa-Lopez lined the front row of the gallery carrying a photograph of Marlen’s young family.

“They … live every single day with the actions that you put into motion on April 23, 2019,” Judge Peggy Chiampas said after she accepted the guilty plea. “Every single day, I want you to think of those individuals. Every single day.”

Figueroa strangled the teen with a cable, slicing open her abdomen from side to side, removing the baby from the womb and placing him in a bucket, prosecutors said. The baby, Yovanny Jadiel Lopez, died months later.

“The memory of my infant son’s last breath in my arms is complete agony,” wrote Marlen’s husband Yovanny Lopez in a statement read to the court by an advocate.

Lopez and his family wore shirts that displayed a photograph of a sunflower field, which he said was Marlen’s favorite flower.

In his victim impact statement, he said his other son Joshua “has lost his mother forever.”

“The death of my wife Marlen in this matter has hurt me physically, scarred me emotionally for which I will never recover,” he said in the statement.

After the hearing, Pastor Julie Contreras, a family friend, said she was with Lopez when he held his son at the hospital.

“I had never heard a sound come out of a human being the way I heard it come out of him,” she said.

Figueroa’s daughter, Desiree, 29, previously agreed to testify against her mother in exchange for a sentence of 30 years in prison. She pleaded guilty to murder in January.

A third co-defendant, Piotr Bobak, the boyfriend of Clarisa Figueroa, last year pleaded guilty to a felony count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to four years in prison.

The mother and daughter lured Ochoa-Lopez to their Southwest Side home with the promise of free baby clothes, prosecutors have said. Ochoa-Lopez was last seen leaving her high school in the Little Village neighborhood. Clarisa Figueroa planned to raise the baby herself, and tricked Bobak into believing the baby was his child, according to police and prosecutors.

After cutting out the baby, Clarisa Figueroa called 911 and announced that she had delivered a baby who was not breathing, prosecutors have said. As paramedics arrived, she was holding the baby with its placenta and umbilical cord attached.

Both were rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. The newborn had problems breathing and appeared blue.

About two weeks after Ochoa-Lopez was last seen, detectives investigating her disappearance learned the teen had gone to the Figueroa home the day she disappeared.

They went to the home and were told by Desiree Figueroa that her mother had recently had a baby, and found Ochoa-Lopez’s car parked nearby.

Detectives visited Clarisa Figueroa at the hospital, but she denied that the teen came to her home the day she disappeared. Police eventually used DNA to determine Clarisa Figueroa was not the baby’s mother.

When detectives arrived to search the Figueroa home, Bobak was outside cleaning a rug with bleach and a hose, prosecutors said during a bond hearing in 2019. When Bobak saw the officers, he dropped the bleach and hose, and walked away, they said.

Ochoa-Lopez’s decaying body was found in a garbage can outside the Figueroa home with the coaxial cables used to strangle her still around her neck, prosecutors have said.

After police discovered Ochoa-Lopez’s body and her hospitalized child, her husband, Yovanny Lopez, told the Tribune he prayed for the baby’s recovery, though family were told he had brain damage.

“It’s so hurtful losing a wife that you spent beautiful moments with,” he told the Tribune at the time.

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What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

Pew Research Center has conducted many surveys about abortion over the years, providing a lens into Americans’ views on whether the procedure should be legal, among a host of other questions.

In a  Center survey  conducted nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision that  ended the constitutional right to abortion , 62% of U.S. adults said the practice should be legal in all or most cases, while 36% said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Another survey conducted a few months before the decision showed that relatively few Americans take an absolutist view on the issue .

Find answers to common questions about abortion in America, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, which have tracked these patterns for several decades:

How many abortions are there in the U.S. each year?

How has the number of abortions in the u.s. changed over time, what is the abortion rate among women in the u.s. how has it changed over time, what are the most common types of abortion, how many abortion providers are there in the u.s., and how has that number changed, what percentage of abortions are for women who live in a different state from the abortion provider, what are the demographics of women who have had abortions, when during pregnancy do most abortions occur, how often are there medical complications from abortion.

This compilation of data on abortion in the United States draws mainly from two sources: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, both of which have regularly compiled national abortion data for approximately half a century, and which collect their data in different ways.

The CDC data that is highlighted in this post comes from the agency’s “abortion surveillance” reports, which have been published annually since 1974 (and which have included data from 1969). Its figures from 1973 through 1996 include data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and New York City – 52 “reporting areas” in all. Since 1997, the CDC’s totals have lacked data from some states (most notably California) for the years that those states did not report data to the agency. The four reporting areas that did not submit data to the CDC in 2021 – California, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey – accounted for approximately 25% of all legal induced abortions in the U.S. in 2020, according to Guttmacher’s data. Most states, though,  do  have data in the reports, and the figures for the vast majority of them came from each state’s central health agency, while for some states, the figures came from hospitals and other medical facilities.

Discussion of CDC abortion data involving women’s state of residence, marital status, race, ethnicity, age, abortion history and the number of previous live births excludes the low share of abortions where that information was not supplied. Read the methodology for the CDC’s latest abortion surveillance report , which includes data from 2021, for more details. Previous reports can be found at  stacks.cdc.gov  by entering “abortion surveillance” into the search box.

For the numbers of deaths caused by induced abortions in 1963 and 1965, this analysis looks at reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. In computing those figures, we excluded abortions listed in the report under the categories “spontaneous or unspecified” or as “other.” (“Spontaneous abortion” is another way of referring to miscarriages.)

Guttmacher data in this post comes from national surveys of abortion providers that Guttmacher has conducted 19 times since 1973. Guttmacher compiles its figures after contacting every known provider of abortions – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, and it provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond to its inquiries. (In 2020, the last year for which it has released data on the number of abortions in the U.S., it used estimates for 12% of abortions.) For most of the 2000s, Guttmacher has conducted these national surveys every three years, each time getting abortion data for the prior two years. For each interim year, Guttmacher has calculated estimates based on trends from its own figures and from other data.

The latest full summary of Guttmacher data came in the institute’s report titled “Abortion Incidence and Service Availability in the United States, 2020.” It includes figures for 2020 and 2019 and estimates for 2018. The report includes a methods section.

In addition, this post uses data from StatPearls, an online health care resource, on complications from abortion.

An exact answer is hard to come by. The CDC and the Guttmacher Institute have each tried to measure this for around half a century, but they use different methods and publish different figures.

The last year for which the CDC reported a yearly national total for abortions is 2021. It found there were 625,978 abortions in the District of Columbia and the 46 states with available data that year, up from 597,355 in those states and D.C. in 2020. The corresponding figure for 2019 was 607,720.

The last year for which Guttmacher reported a yearly national total was 2020. It said there were 930,160 abortions that year in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, compared with 916,460 in 2019.

• How the CDC gets its data: It compiles figures that are voluntarily reported by states’ central health agencies, including separate figures for New York City and the District of Columbia. Its latest totals do not include figures from California, Maryland, New Hampshire or New Jersey, which did not report data to the CDC. ( Read the methodology from the latest CDC report .)
• How Guttmacher gets its data: It compiles its figures after contacting every known abortion provider – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, then provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond. Guttmacher’s figures are higher than the CDC’s in part because they include data (and in some instances, estimates) from all 50 states. ( Read the institute’s latest full report and methodology .)

While the Guttmacher Institute supports abortion rights, its empirical data on abortions in the U.S. has been widely cited by  groups  and  publications  across the political spectrum, including by a  number of those  that  disagree with its positions .

These estimates from Guttmacher and the CDC are results of multiyear efforts to collect data on abortion across the U.S. Last year, Guttmacher also began publishing less precise estimates every few months , based on a much smaller sample of providers.

The figures reported by these organizations include only legal induced abortions conducted by clinics, hospitals or physicians’ offices, or those that make use of abortion pills dispensed from certified facilities such as clinics or physicians’ offices. They do not account for the use of abortion pills that were obtained  outside of clinical settings .

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The annual number of U.S. abortions rose for years after Roe v. Wade legalized the procedure in 1973, reaching its highest levels around the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. Since then, abortions have generally decreased at what a CDC analysis called  “a slow yet steady pace.”

Guttmacher says the number of abortions occurring in the U.S. in 2020 was 40% lower than it was in 1991. According to the CDC, the number was 36% lower in 2021 than in 1991, looking just at the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported both of those years.

(The corresponding line graph shows the long-term trend in the number of legal abortions reported by both organizations. To allow for consistent comparisons over time, the CDC figures in the chart have been adjusted to ensure that the same states are counted from one year to the next. Using that approach, the CDC figure for 2021 is 622,108 legal abortions.)

There have been occasional breaks in this long-term pattern of decline – during the middle of the first decade of the 2000s, and then again in the late 2010s. The CDC reported modest 1% and 2% increases in abortions in 2018 and 2019, and then, after a 2% decrease in 2020, a 5% increase in 2021. Guttmacher reported an 8% increase over the three-year period from 2017 to 2020.

As noted above, these figures do not include abortions that use pills obtained outside of clinical settings.

Guttmacher says that in 2020 there were 14.4 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. Its data shows that the rate of abortions among women has generally been declining in the U.S. since 1981, when it reported there were 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women in that age range.

The CDC says that in 2021, there were 11.6 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (That figure excludes data from California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.) Like Guttmacher’s data, the CDC’s figures also suggest a general decline in the abortion rate over time. In 1980, when the CDC reported on all 50 states and D.C., it said there were 25 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.

That said, both Guttmacher and the CDC say there were slight increases in the rate of abortions during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Guttmacher says the abortion rate per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 rose from 13.5 in 2017 to 14.4 in 2020. The CDC says it rose from 11.2 per 1,000 in 2017 to 11.4 in 2019, before falling back to 11.1 in 2020 and then rising again to 11.6 in 2021. (The CDC’s figures for those years exclude data from California, D.C., Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.)

The CDC broadly divides abortions into two categories: surgical abortions and medication abortions, which involve pills. Since the Food and Drug Administration first approved abortion pills in 2000, their use has increased over time as a share of abortions nationally, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher.

The majority of abortions in the U.S. now involve pills, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. The CDC says 56% of U.S. abortions in 2021 involved pills, up from 53% in 2020 and 44% in 2019. Its figures for 2021 include the District of Columbia and 44 states that provided this data; its figures for 2020 include D.C. and 44 states (though not all of the same states as in 2021), and its figures for 2019 include D.C. and 45 states.

Guttmacher, which measures this every three years, says 53% of U.S. abortions involved pills in 2020, up from 39% in 2017.

Two pills commonly used together for medication abortions are mifepristone, which, taken first, blocks hormones that support a pregnancy, and misoprostol, which then causes the uterus to empty. According to the FDA, medication abortions are safe  until 10 weeks into pregnancy.

Surgical abortions conducted  during the first trimester  of pregnancy typically use a suction process, while the relatively few surgical abortions that occur  during the second trimester  of a pregnancy typically use a process called dilation and evacuation, according to the UCLA School of Medicine.

In 2020, there were 1,603 facilities in the U.S. that provided abortions,  according to Guttmacher . This included 807 clinics, 530 hospitals and 266 physicians’ offices.

While clinics make up half of the facilities that provide abortions, they are the sites where the vast majority (96%) of abortions are administered, either through procedures or the distribution of pills, according to Guttmacher’s 2020 data. (This includes 54% of abortions that are administered at specialized abortion clinics and 43% at nonspecialized clinics.) Hospitals made up 33% of the facilities that provided abortions in 2020 but accounted for only 3% of abortions that year, while just 1% of abortions were conducted by physicians’ offices.

Looking just at clinics – that is, the total number of specialized abortion clinics and nonspecialized clinics in the U.S. – Guttmacher found the total virtually unchanged between 2017 (808 clinics) and 2020 (807 clinics). However, there were regional differences. In the Midwest, the number of clinics that provide abortions increased by 11% during those years, and in the West by 6%. The number of clinics  decreased  during those years by 9% in the Northeast and 3% in the South.

The total number of abortion providers has declined dramatically since the 1980s. In 1982, according to Guttmacher, there were 2,908 facilities providing abortions in the U.S., including 789 clinics, 1,405 hospitals and 714 physicians’ offices.

The CDC does not track the number of abortion providers.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that provided abortion and residency information to the CDC in 2021, 10.9% of all abortions were performed on women known to live outside the state where the abortion occurred – slightly higher than the percentage in 2020 (9.7%). That year, D.C. and 46 states (though not the same ones as in 2021) reported abortion and residency data. (The total number of abortions used in these calculations included figures for women with both known and unknown residential status.)

The share of reported abortions performed on women outside their state of residence was much higher before the 1973 Roe decision that stopped states from banning abortion. In 1972, 41% of all abortions in D.C. and the 20 states that provided this information to the CDC that year were performed on women outside their state of residence. In 1973, the corresponding figure was 21% in the District of Columbia and the 41 states that provided this information, and in 1974 it was 11% in D.C. and the 43 states that provided data.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported age data to  the CDC in 2021, the majority of women who had abortions (57%) were in their 20s, while about three-in-ten (31%) were in their 30s. Teens ages 13 to 19 accounted for 8% of those who had abortions, while women ages 40 to 44 accounted for about 4%.

The vast majority of women who had abortions in 2021 were unmarried (87%), while married women accounted for 13%, according to  the CDC , which had data on this from 37 states.

In the District of Columbia, New York City (but not the rest of New York) and the 31 states that reported racial and ethnic data on abortion to  the CDC , 42% of all women who had abortions in 2021 were non-Hispanic Black, while 30% were non-Hispanic White, 22% were Hispanic and 6% were of other races.

Looking at abortion rates among those ages 15 to 44, there were 28.6 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic Black women in 2021; 12.3 abortions per 1,000 Hispanic women; 6.4 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic White women; and 9.2 abortions per 1,000 women of other races, the  CDC reported  from those same 31 states, D.C. and New York City.

For 57% of U.S. women who had induced abortions in 2021, it was the first time they had ever had one,  according to the CDC.  For nearly a quarter (24%), it was their second abortion. For 11% of women who had an abortion that year, it was their third, and for 8% it was their fourth or more. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

Nearly four-in-ten women who had abortions in 2021 (39%) had no previous live births at the time they had an abortion,  according to the CDC . Almost a quarter (24%) of women who had abortions in 2021 had one previous live birth, 20% had two previous live births, 10% had three, and 7% had four or more previous live births. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

The vast majority of abortions occur during the first trimester of a pregnancy. In 2021, 93% of abortions occurred during the first trimester – that is, at or before 13 weeks of gestation,  according to the CDC . An additional 6% occurred between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and about 1% were performed at 21 weeks or more of gestation. These CDC figures include data from 40 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

About 2% of all abortions in the U.S. involve some type of complication for the woman , according to an article in StatPearls, an online health care resource. “Most complications are considered minor such as pain, bleeding, infection and post-anesthesia complications,” according to the article.

The CDC calculates  case-fatality rates for women from induced abortions – that is, how many women die from abortion-related complications, for every 100,000 legal abortions that occur in the U.S .  The rate was lowest during the most recent period examined by the agency (2013 to 2020), when there were 0.45 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. The case-fatality rate reported by the CDC was highest during the first period examined by the agency (1973 to 1977), when it was 2.09 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. During the five-year periods in between, the figure ranged from 0.52 (from 1993 to 1997) to 0.78 (from 1978 to 1982).

The CDC calculates death rates by five-year and seven-year periods because of year-to-year fluctuation in the numbers and due to the relatively low number of women who die from legal induced abortions.

In 2020, the last year for which the CDC has information , six women in the U.S. died due to complications from induced abortions. Four women died in this way in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. (These deaths all followed legal abortions.) Since 1990, the annual number of deaths among women due to legal induced abortion has ranged from two to 12.

The annual number of reported deaths from induced abortions (legal and illegal) tended to be higher in the 1980s, when it ranged from nine to 16, and from 1972 to 1979, when it ranged from 13 to 63. One driver of the decline was the drop in deaths from illegal abortions. There were 39 deaths from illegal abortions in 1972, the last full year before Roe v. Wade. The total fell to 19 in 1973 and to single digits or zero every year after that. (The number of deaths from legal abortions has also declined since then, though with some slight variation over time.)

The number of deaths from induced abortions was considerably higher in the 1960s than afterward. For instance, there were 119 deaths from induced abortions in  1963  and 99 in  1965 , according to reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC is a division of Health and Human Services.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published May 27, 2022, and first updated June 24, 2022.

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in Europe

Nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, by more than two-to-one, americans say medication abortion should be legal in their state, most latinos say democrats care about them and work hard for their vote, far fewer say so of gop, positive views of supreme court decline sharply following abortion ruling, most popular.

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