Motivations, Needs, and Perceived Risks of Middle-Aged and Senior Solo Travelling Women

A Study of Brazilian Female Travellers

Bibliographic Data

ID6437869
AuthorsMichelle Maiurro (0009-0007-9223-0880, University of Aveiro), Filipa Brandão (0000-0002-9323-4572, University of Aveiro)
Year2024
Volume18
Issue2
Pages273-292
Publication date2024-04-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Population Ageing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1874-7876 • E-ISSN: 1874-7884
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s12062-024-09450-z
OpenAlexW4395048361
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited67

The trend of senior women travelling alone is increasing as they feel empowered and independent. With more resources available at this stage of life, they choose to travel without the company of acquaintances, but rather with strangers in similar circumstances. Although senior women travelling solo is an important market segment in tourism, few studies have been conducted to better understand this group. This study aims to address the gap in knowledge by exploring the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of senior women who travel alone or with other women. We conducted a qualitative empirical investigation using semi-structured interviews with a group of Brazilian senior women who travel solo. The results demonstrate that travellers’ motivations and needs have a significant impact on their choice of accommodation and activities. Meanwhile, their choice of destination is influenced by perceived risks, with safety and health being prioritised. Additionally, this demographic is more demanding in terms of services offered and prioritises comfort, amenities, and accessibility. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that female solo travellers of advanced age are more affected by gender-related concerns than by their age during their journeys

Accommodation · Business · Geography · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Tourism · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Global Healthcare and Medical Tourism · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Social Psychology · Marketing

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