Because saving the world doesn’t mean giving up your hotel robe and mini bottles of Prosecco.
To travel more sustainably is no longer just the domain of sandal-wearing backpackers clutching hemp bags and eating lentils in eco-hostels. Oh no. These days, even us stylish solo female travellers over 50 can strut our stuff while treading lightly on the planet. Yes, you can sip your Aperol Spritz by the sea and still be kind to Mother Earth. And no, you don’t need to sacrifice your standards or your sense of humour.
Whether you’re planning a jaunt to Tuscany, a cruise around the Med, or a weekend in Whitby, travelling sustainably is not only possible – it can be downright enjoyable.
So grab a cuppa (organic, fair trade, naturally) and let’s dive into how you can travel more sustainably – with grace, flair and a touch of glamour.
Why Should Mature Solo Travellers Care About Sustainable Travel?
Let’s be honest – we’ve seen a few things in our time. We remember life before smartphones, we’ve survived shoulder pads and shell suits, and we’ve watched the planet change before our eyes. Now, as confident, independent women, we’ve got the time, money, and wisdom to make our travels more meaningful – and travel more sustainably.
And since we’re often travelling solo, we get to make all the choices. No compromise. No waiting for someone else to pick a restaurant. No passive-aggressively agreeing to yet another meat-heavy menu when you’d rather eat veggie. Bliss.
Travelling sustainably gives you the power to protect the places you love while exploring the world on your own terms.
- Pack Like a Planet-Saving Pro
Sustainable travel starts before you’ve even left the house.
- Choose eco-friendly luggage – Go for high-quality bags made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Think: less plastic, more panache.
- Ditch the disposables – Reusable toiletry bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, and a good old-fashioned bar of soap (remember those?) are all planet-friendly swaps.
- Say no to fast fashion – Instead of buying a new wardrobe for every trip, invest in timeless, versatile pieces. Bonus: less time faffing over what to wear = more time for sangria.
💡 Packing tip for the stylish and sustainable soloist: Scarves are your best friend. They double as accessories, beach cover-ups, makeshift picnic blankets, and even impromptu pillows on the train.
- Travel Light – Literally and Figuratively
The heavier your luggage, the more fuel your plane, train, or car uses. Plus, no one wants to be that woman wrestling a 30kg suitcase up three flights of stairs in a Parisian Airbnb.
- Pack smart – Choose mix-and-match outfits, and remember: no one’s judging you for re-wearing your favourite kaftan.
- Digital guides – Download maps, guidebooks, and travel documents to your device to reduce paper waste (and your handbag’s weight).
- Fly Less, Stay Longer
If we’re honest, the environmental impact of air travel is no joke. While teleportation is sadly not an option (yet), there are ways to make flying more sustainable:
- Take fewer, longer trips – Instead of three weekend getaways, opt for one extended stay. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint and get to properly immerse yourself in a destination.
- Fly direct where possible – Fewer take-offs and landings mean less fuel burned.
- Offset your carbon emissions – Many airlines offer this option, or you can use platforms like Carbon Footprint.
✈️ Top Tip: Consider taking the train for European adventures. It’s scenic, relaxing, and you don’t have to remove your shoes at security.
- Choose Sustainable Accommodation
Gone are the days when “eco-friendly hotel” meant compost toilets and no WiFi. These days, you can enjoy all the creature comforts with a clear conscience. Remember, travel more sustainably!
Look for:
- Green certifications – Think Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED.
- Locally owned stays – Support the community, get insider tips, and feel like a guest rather than a tourist.
- Places that give back – Many hotels support local conservation or community projects – and some even let you get involved if you’re feeling generous.
🛏️ Glam Green Idea: Book a boutique B&B or eco-lodge with solar power, water-saving features, and refillable toiletries. Just as comfy – and much kinder to the planet.
- Eat Local, Eat Seasonal, Eat Less Meat
Your taste buds can travel sustainably too.
- Support local markets and restaurants – Eating locally grown food not only reduces carbon emissions, but also tastes better (sorry, airplane chicken).
- Try plant-based meals – You don’t need to go full vegan, but choosing veggie dishes when you can makes a real difference.
- Avoid food waste – Order what you’ll actually eat. (Though let’s face it, who doesn’t finish their gelato?)
🍷 Sip Smart: Choose local wines and beers over imported ones. Supporting the local vineyard? How noble of you.
- Respect the Local Culture and Environment
This is where being a mature solo traveller really comes into its own. We’re naturally more considerate, a bit more clued up, and frankly less likely to be caught defacing ancient monuments for Instagram likes.
- Learn a few key phrases – A smile and a well-pronounced “hello” goes a long way.
- Dress appropriately – Especially in conservative regions. You can still look fabulous while covering your shoulders.
- Leave no trace – Take your rubbish with you, don’t pocket the pebbles, and resist the urge to carve your initials into anything historic.
🌿 Golden Rule: Take only photos, leave only footprints – and maybe a great TripAdvisor review.
- Use Public Transport (Or Walk Those Fabulous Feet)
Public transport is not only greener – it’s often the best way to experience a place like a local and travel more sustainably in to the bargain.
- Hop on a tram in Lisbon
- Ride the vaporetto in Venice
- Take a tuk-tuk in Bangkok (just check it’s electric!)
Or go old-school:
- Walk or cycle – Great for the environment, and even better for spotting hidden gems (and bakery windows).
👟 Solo Travel Bonus: No one to complain when you stop for your fourth coffee of the morning.
- Support Ethical Tours and Experiences
Want to ride an elephant? Please don’t. Want to take a cooking class with a local grandma? Absolutely.
- Avoid exploitative animal attractions – If you wouldn’t do it to your dog, don’t support it abroad.
- Look for community-based tourism – Think craft workshops, food tours, or homestays run by locals.
👜 Shopping tip: Buy souvenirs directly from local artisans. It supports traditional crafts, and your money goes straight into local hands – not a multinational gift shop.
- Travel Insurance That Covers More Than You Think
Look for travel insurance providers with ethical credentials – some now invest premiums in green bonds or offer eco-conscious perks.
Also, being covered means fewer emergency flights or resources if something goes wrong. Responsible and reassuring.
📋 Peace of mind with a planet-friendly twist. What’s not to love?
- Travel Insurance That Covers More Than You Think
Look for travel insurance providers with ethical credentials – some now invest premiums in green bonds or offer eco-conscious perks.
Also, being covered means fewer emergency flights or resources if something goes wrong. Responsible and reassuring.
📋 Peace of mind with a planet-friendly twist. What’s not to love?
- Inspire Others to Travel Sustainably
You don’t need a huge social media following to make a difference.
- Share your tips and experiences – Whether it’s in your travel blog, WhatsApp group or over a glass of wine with friends.
- Support sustainable brands and businesses – Word of mouth is powerful.
- Be the change – Every reusable water bottle, every train journey, every eco-hotel booking adds up.
👒 And let’s face it, we’ve been setting trends since the ‘80s – why stop now?
Final Thoughts: Travel with Purpose, Joy and a Splash of Sass
Travelling more sustainably as a mature solo woman isn’t about guilt or sacrifice. It’s about being mindful, making choices that align with your values, and embracing the joy of slower, more meaningful adventures.
So go forth, darling traveller. Pack your SPF, your reusable cup, and your sense of adventure – and show the world that stylish, sustainable solo travel after 50 is not only possible, but utterly fabulous.
