For many UK adults, the allure of solo travel continues to grow, but preferences can shift significantly with age. Lydia Swinscoe, a seasoned solo traveller with over two decades of experience, has shared her updated guide to city breaks, specifically tailored for those over 40. Having recently celebrated her 40th birthday, Swinscoe highlights how her travel style has evolved, moving away from budget hostels and packed party scenes towards more refined cultural, culinary, and comfort-focused experiences.
Swinscoe, who began her solo journeys 21 years ago, notes a distinct change in her priorities. While still embracing the spontaneity of independent travel, she now favours luxurious boutique hotels or art-filled Airbnbs over dormitories. The focus has shifted from overnight bus journeys to arriving fresh and energised, ready to explore temples, art galleries, and local life. Her chosen destinations often blend rich history with a 'gritty edge', ensuring both authentic experiences and high-quality accommodation and dining.
Among her top recommendations are Antigua, Guatemala, and Florence, Italy. Swinscoe first visited Guatemala at 19 and was captivated by its vibrant colours and Mayan textiles. Returning as a more mature traveller, she now appreciates Antigua's emerging food scene, artisan stores like Nim Po’t, and nature-filled hikes to active volcanoes. Her stay at Villas de la Ermita, with rooms from approximately £61 per night, exemplifies the blend of comfort and cultural immersion she now seeks.
Florence, Italy, is another standout for its whimsical street scenes and exceptional dining. Swinscoe describes it as ideal for those who appreciate fine food and can afford to 'splash out'. Her solo five-night stay involved admiring iconic architecture like the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, enjoying gelato, and indulging in oysters, Tuscan wine, and authentic Italian cuisine at places like Mercato Centrale and local trattorias. These choices reflect a desire for enriching, comfortable experiences, a departure from the typical backpacker trail.
This trend towards more discerning solo travel could see a shift in the UK's outbound tourism market, with a greater demand for bespoke experiences, higher-end accommodation, and culturally rich itineraries. While the overall economic impact on UK households and businesses is nuanced, a move towards luxury and cultural tourism could benefit airlines offering premium cabins, boutique hotel chains, and specialised tour operators. For UK savers, investing in diversified portfolios that include travel and hospitality sectors could be considered, though professional financial advice is always recommended.