Taking the plunge into solo travel
I'm with Fiona Dalton, talking about everything you need to know about solo travel. We talk about travel formats, solo supplements, eating on your own and Fiona shares her own inspiring stories.
Solo travel has exploded in popularity - especially among women over 50. But if the words “solo travel” still conjure images of dining alone with a sad sandwich or battling awkward silence in a hotel room for one… this episode will change that.
I’m joined by veteran travel industry leader, sabbatical queen, and travel podcast host Fiona Dalton, who’s here to bust myths, drop brilliant tips, and make the case for why solo travel might just be the greatest gift you can give yourself in your Prime Time. Fiona is an experienced solo traveller herself - and tells some great home truths.
We cover everything from travel formats and solo supplements to those weirdly intimidating solo dinners - and Fiona shares her own inspiring stories from biking NZ to driving Scotland to road-tripping the fjords of Norway.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
The solo travel market is worth half a trillion dollars - and growing fast. It’s not niche anymore, it’s a juggernaut.
Women are leading the charge. Around 65% of solo travellers are women, rising to 75% in the luxury space. And no—it’s not because we outlive men (although… also yes).
Solo doesn’t mean sad, single, or stranded. Fiona breaks down four fabulous ways to travel solo:
Free and independent (hello, soul-searching)
Small group adventure tours (with built-in buddies)
Cruising and sailing (no unpacking required)
Immersive experiences (think language schools and walking holidays)
Just divorced or never partnered? Great. Partner won’t travel? Also great. You can absolutely go anyway and thrive.
The dreaded “solo supplement” explained. Why it exists, how to avoid it, and how to spot the magic words: “Solo supplement waived.”
Eating alone isn’t tragic. How Fiona does it. And it’s totally fine to bring a book, journal, or just savour your own company.
The one superpower of solo travel? You’ve got to be the first to say hello. Fiona shares how a single “Hi, I’m from Sydney” has led to lifelong friendships.
Bucket list inspiration:
Cruising the Norwegian fjords
Driving the Scottish NC500
Learning Italian in Tuscany
Riding the Otago Rail Trail
River cruising the Douro
Sailing French Polynesia
And yes… Antarctica is on the list too (with no solo supplement!)
BorrowBox hack. If you're road-tripping solo, Fiona swears by your library’s free audiobook app. Pre-load it. Queue your books. Thank her later.
Solo travel is self-development disguised as a holiday. It’s not just about destinations - it’s about building confidence, finding joy in your own rhythm, and making space for midlife reinvention.
Where can you get your copy?
If you want to pre-order the book (and I’d love you to as it helps us get the attention of the retailers) you can order your copy on Amazon or in any other bookstore below.
Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife will be available in all the stores that sell books from Wednesday 30th July 2025. And there’s lots of wonderful retailers I’d like to showcase who are able to sell you a copy.
First, consider buying from your local bookseller.
A special shout-out to all the small and boutique bookstores that have been such generous supporters of Epic Retirement and Prime Time. If you get the chance to pop into one and pre-order or grab your copy, you’re not just buying a book — you’re backing the brilliant diversity of booksellers who help keep our reading lives rich and vibrant. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
Or, if you’re shopping the big lanes, here’s where it’s available, online and off. (And there’s heaps more)
We’re having a book launch online event!
To celebrate launch day, I’m hosting an online book launch event with my publisher, Sophie Hamley from Hachette. We’ll go live at 1pm AEST on Wednesday 30th July for a casual chat about the book, the ideas behind it, and a few juicy behind-the-scenes bits. I’ve been working on the slides — there’s some free lessons in this event!
It’s free to attend, and you can register here. I’ll send out access details a few days before via email to those who’ve registered.
The How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course is back for August kickoff! And the Earlybird 25% off won’t last!
This 6-week program has helped thousands of Aussies get retirement-ready—with smart strategies for money, time, health, happiness and purpose, travel and your home as you age.
🎟️ The 25% off early bird spots are still open (in fact we’ve added extras - but not for much longer)
👉 Check it out here and download the new brochure for Spring 2025
Let’s make your retirement epic.