Want insight into one of the most powerful forces in tourism right now? Look in the mirror. That’s right, a recent survey of 1,630 North American women 50+ has discovered fascinating info about why we travel, what our preferences are, and how much we’re happy to spend on these pursuits that bring purpose and pleasure to our lives at this time. It turns out that women traveling solo, often in groups, are the new “in crowd.”

Hello, Ladies ages 45+! NextTribe takes small groups of fab women like you on fun, immersive adventures all over the world. See where we’re going here.

Called Invisible No More: The Ageless Adventuress, the survey was conducted by three tourism companies in partnership with JourneyWoman, the world’s first solo female travel resource, which published the results.

“For years, the travel industry has been focused on younger travelers, virtually ignoring the demographic trends that make older women so vital to the long-term sustainability of travel,” says JourneyWoman CEO Carolyn Ray. “With billions in buying power and a passion for adventure, the ‘Ageless Adventuress’ embraces her age and wisdom as superpowers. Women over 50 are living longer, healthier, and more active lives, with travel as an integrated part of their lifestyle to learn, build connections, and expand their worldview. They are no longer the industry’s afterthought—they are its future.”

Check out what the research revealed and get inspired to plan your next trip!

Money, Honey: We’re Spending Big to See the World

Ageless Adventuress found that the travel market for women 50+ will more than double, from $245 billion in 2025 to $519 billion by 2035. And why not? The numbers of us Gen X and Baby Boomer women are experiencing significant growth, and 98 percent of survey participants claimed to be the decision maker in their household. And one of the decisions we’re making is to get out of the house!

The size of the travel market for women 50+ is expected to grow from $245 nillion this year to $519 billion (more than twice as much!) in 2035.

Fortunately, the industry is taking note of what a dynamic demographic women this age are. Travel companies (like NextTribe) are working to address the needs of this demographic and spark their wanderlust.

Nothing but a Number: We Don’t Let Age Limit Us 

Ageless Adventuress learned that in the United States, 67 percent of all travelers are female, and 40 percent of those are women over 55. That adds up to about 32 million of us, representing a $214 billion market in the U.S. right now. What’s more, research shows that spending increases with age, with the 65 to 74 segment being the most affluent.

Clearly, “age in place” is all well and good, but American women are excited about aging all over the place!

Flying Solo: We Often Choose to Go It Alone

So who are we globetrotting with? Families, romantic partners, besties—sure, some of us appreciate having a companion to share the travel experience. But Ageless Adventuress respondents prove that we’ve got no problem exploring on our own; in fact, many prefer it. Of the 32 million American female travelers 55+, some 21 million go solo. Furthermore, the research found that solo travel by women is expected to grow to $363 billion by 2035—a 138 percent spending increase from 2025.

“It’s no surprise that so many women our age want to see the world as solo travelers.

“It’s no surprise to us that so many women our age want to see the world as solo travelers,” says NextTribe COO Jeannie Edmunds, noting that single rooms on NextTribe’s small group trips tend to sell out the fastest.

The majority of survey respondents (67 percent) self-identify as solo travelers. Of these, 41 percent prefer to travel on their own and 27 percent travel solo as part of a group. The pesky peeve to going it alone? The single supplement surcharge tour company contracts typically include. A whopping 78 percent of respondents objected to this charge, calling it the biggest barrier to solo travel and saying it makes them feel penalized for being independent.

Totally understandable, in Edmunds’ view. “However, we have a pretty good track record of matchmaking, successfully pairing solo travelers with each other. This not only saves you the price of the single supplement—money you can put toward more trips—it can lead to enduring friendships, even future travel buddies!”

Single Ladies: Most 50+ Female Travelers Are Unmarried

Maybe it’s hardwired into our brains, but women don’t like to leave living things unattended at home when we take off. And while it’s fairly easy to get a pet sitter or a neighbor to water our plants, a husband or wife is a whole different story! Perhaps that’s why most female travelers over age 50 are unmarried. Or maybe being single simply gives us the freedom to go our own way. Whatever the reason, 30 percent of survey respondents were divorced or separated, 19 percent were widowed, and 16 percent were never married. (Of the remaining participants, 24 percent were married, 4 percent were cohabitating, and 7 percent preferred not to answer.)

A woman’s relationship status shouldn’t necessarily dictate her travel plans. Even those who aren’t unattached can enjoy solo travel.

While it’s interesting to note that the majority of Ageless Adventuresses aren’t married, a woman’s romantic status shouldn’t necessarily dictate her travel plans. “When you’re unattached, you may feel more able to go where you want, when you want, but even women in committed relationships can often take off on their own now and then,” says NextTribe CEO Jeannie Ralston. “We’ve found that many women with a romantic partner often come on our trips solo because the couple has different travel styles or their partner doesn’t want to travel. Traveling solo is a great opportunity for personal growth and can even strengthen your relationship, in that absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder sort of way.”

Bottom line, the Ageless Adventuress survey says: Pack your bags and get going! You’ll enjoy it, you deserve it, and you can quite probably afford it. (Plus, NextTribe offers easy, interest-free monthly payments.) We couldn’t agree more!