About Sue – Solo female travel over 50: My journey back to adventure!

From Backpacks to Blogging – My Travel Story

I’m Sue: data analyst by day, enthusiastic over-researcher of travel spots by night. In my 20s, I backpacked around Europe, road-tripped through the U.S. Southwest in an RV, and filled my passport with memories. I thought life would always look like that.

Then came marriage, kids, and Disney trips (no regrets on those churros). But somewhere along the way, my dreams of spontaneous travel got shelved between work deadlines and soccer practice.

What Travel Looks Like for Me Now

Now? My kids are grown ups, I’m no longer married, and I’ve jumped back into travel! This time learning to do it on my own. With a focus on comfortable shoes, unique and charming hotels, locally owned businesses, and solo travel that fits women over 50 like us.

Blending Data and Daydreams – Why I Started This Blog

I still work as a data analyst (yes, I geek out over a good formula), but I found myself with more time and craving creativity. I remembered my love of writing and photography, and had a lightbulb moment. A blog! It would blend all the things I love: travel, writing, design, and let’s be honest… spreadsheets. 😄

After binge-reading dozens of travel blogs, I was hooked. There’s nothing like getting a peek into someone’s real experience, especially when it includes tips I’d never find in a guidebook and stories that made me laugh out loud.

I’m Here for the Good, the Goofy, and the “Doh” Moments

Though a little nervous and awkward feeling about travelling alone at first, I feel like I've pretty much got it down now. (Read about my first forays into solo travel here). If I can help you feel just a little more ready to hit “book now,” even better. “High five,” as Borat would say.

As far as traveling goes, I love almost every part of it! I enjoy figuring out where to go, researching it to a ridiculous extent, finding unique local gems, and experiencing the iconic tourist sights.

My Gen X status means I don’t stay in hostels anymore (okay, except that one), and I’m over the roughing-it stage. I want safe, charming places with a splash of luxury and lots of character. I love learning something new, feeling surprised, and getting out of that “meh” zone we all fall into sometimes.

I know solo travel can feel scary, especially if you haven’t done it in a while or ever. I share my practical tips, embarrassing missteps, and wacky discoveries so you feel a little more confident, and a lot less alone. Like the time I had a complete meltdown at the Florence airport? Yeah, that’s in the blog.

A Few of My Favorite Places (and Dream Destinations)

Let’s Travel This Next Chapter Together

If you’ve ever stared at a “Book Now” button with equal parts excitement and anxiety you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, easing back into travel after a long pause, or just craving stories from someone who’s been there (and tripped over the suitcase), I’m glad you’re here.

This blog isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovery, confidence, and the occasional wrong turn that makes for a great story later. So pour a cup of tea (or wine, no judgment), dig into a post or two, and let’s figure this all out together.

Start with this story about my very first solo trip, and maybe bookmark a few others that make you feel seen.

Here's to new adventures,
Sue