Menopause made me sweat more than Trump doing sudoku, but it also gave me a thirst for adventure. The hormonal shift that arrived in my fifties did not just bring hot flushes and sleepless nights. It brought something unexpected: a drive to explore the world. After decades of raising children, managing households, and putting everyone else first, I finally felt a pull toward my own desires. Here are the five reasons I made that choice.
Reason 1: The Hormonal Shift That Changed Everything
What hormonal shift happens during menopause? For years, I assumed the change of life was purely about mood swings and temperature regulation. I was wrong. The biological process is far more complex. As my oestrogen dropped, my testosterone increased. That shift altered my sense of risk and adventure.
Testosterone is not just a male hormone. Women produce it too, and it plays a role in confidence, drive, and willingness to take chances. When oestrogen declines and testosterone rises relative to it, many women report feeling bolder. I certainly did. The same woman who once hesitated to book a weekend away suddenly found herself dreaming of the Taj Mahal and the aurora borealis.
This is not a trivial change. It is a documented biological event that affects how women approach the world. For me, it was the spark that lit the fire. I realised that my body was telling me to move, to explore, to lead. Becoming a tour hostess in my sixties felt less like a career change and more like answering a call that had been ringing for years.
Reason 2: Redefining Midlife Travel for Women
How are midlife women redefining travel? The stereotype of the quiet retiree pottering around a garden does not match reality. Women in their sixties are the fastest-growing demographic in the travel industry. They are not content to sit still.
A survey by Solo Travelling found that 81% of lone travellers are older women. That figure stunned me when I first read it. It means that the majority of people venturing out alone are women who have lived through decades of responsibility and are finally claiming space for themselves. They are not waiting for permission. They are buying plane tickets.
This trend is not about escaping family. It is about embracing a new phase of life. Once children leave home, mothers can cut the psychological umbilical cord and think about themselves. I know this firsthand. The moment my youngest moved out, I felt a lightness I had not experienced in thirty years. The kitchen was quieter, but my mind was louder with possibilities. Joining a community of like-minded women through Club Avandra gave me a structure to channel that energy into real adventures.
Reason 3: Celebrity Inspiration and Shared Sentiment
What do celebrities say about travelling after kids? I found myself nodding along when I heard public figures express the same hunger for exploration. These are women who have lived full lives, and they are not done yet.
Meera Syal said she is desperate to travel outside school term dates for the first time in 30 years. That line hit close to home. For decades, every holiday was dictated by school calendars. You plan your life around half-terms and summer breaks. When that constraint vanishes, the world opens up.
Arabella Weir said she loves travelling more than ever and is a born again hiker. Ronni Ancona regretted not taking a gap year and wants one now. Joanna Lumley said a suitcase excites her more than a shoe shop. These are not idle comments. They reflect a collective shift in how women in their sixties view their time. We have done the nesting. We have roasted the chickens and wrangled the teens. Now we want to bite off more than we can chew.
Their words validated what I was feeling. If these accomplished women were chasing adventure, why should I hold back? Their enthusiasm gave me permission to take my own leap.
Reason 4: A New Motto and a Concrete Plan
What is the author’s new travel motto? I coined a phrase that sums up my current outlook: “Have Globe, Will Trot.” It captures the spirit of readiness. I am not waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now.
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Ways to Treat Postpartum Body Odor.
But wanting to travel and actually doing it are two different things. Planning trips alone can be overwhelming. Researching destinations, booking accommodations, navigating unfamiliar transport systems — it takes time and energy. That is why I teamed up with Club Avandra, a private members’ club for women offering curated trips. Membership costs £400 for the year, and it provides access to a community of curious women who want the travel thrills without the planning ills.
Club Avandra handles the logistics. I handle the enthusiasm. My first trip as a tour hostess will take me to Galicia, in northwestern Spain. We will hike sections of the Camino de Santiago, visit vineyards run by pioneering female winemakers, and explore places like Ourense and Punta Faxilda. The journey will include cellar tastings, long lunches, and plenty of laughter. It is exactly the kind of experience I craved: rich, immersive, and shared with women who understand the joy of rediscovering the world.
Reason 5: Embracing Adventure Before Dementia
What adventure does the author’s novel depict? I wrote a novel about a 69-year-old mother who is found dancing naked around a fire pit with a 39-year-old alpine horn player. That character embodies the attitude I want to live by. She embraces the phrase “Adventure Before Dementia.” Not to make light of that terrible disease, but to remind myself that time is finite.
If you feel the same, you understand why I made this choice. The window for physical adventures will not stay open forever. Knees wear out. Energy levels dip. The things I can do now might not be possible in ten years. That reality pushes me to act while I still can.
Leading groups of women through beautiful landscapes is not just a job. It is a way of living out the values I hold dear. I want to show that age is not a barrier to leading, exploring, and having fun. If a woman in her sixties can hike the Camino, taste wine in Galicia, and laugh with new friends, then she can do anything she sets her mind to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a tour hostess in my sixties?
You do not need a formal qualification, but you do need strong organisational skills, a friendly personality, and a genuine love of travel. Many tour companies, including Club Avandra, look for hosts who can create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Experience in hospitality, teaching, or group management helps, but enthusiasm and reliability matter more. Some companies provide training or orientation before your first trip.
Is it safe for a woman in her sixties to travel solo as a tour hostess?
Yes, it is safe, especially when you travel with a reputable organisation that handles logistics and provides support. As a host, you are part of a group, so you are never truly alone. Club Avandra designs trips with safety and comfort in mind, selecting destinations and accommodations that suit midlife travellers. Many women in their sixties report feeling more confident travelling now than they did in their younger years.
How do I find tour hostess opportunities specifically for women over sixty?
Look for private members’ clubs and travel groups that cater to older women. Club Avandra is one example, but there are others. Search online for “women-only travel groups” or “midlife adventure tours.” You can also contact local travel agencies and ask about host positions. Networking with other travelling women through social media groups can lead to opportunities. The key is to start small, build experience, and let your reputation grow.
