Quoted in a Trip Advisor Piece on Solo Travel

The Maldives

Maria, 62, attorney/podcaster/author, based in Washington, D.C.

Maria on beach in the Maldives (L); Scuba diving in the Maldives (R).

Image: Courtesy of Maria Leonard Olsen

What do you love about solo travel?

Stretching my comfort zone, seeing as much of the world as I can while I can, and learning more about myself.

How did you land on the Maldives?

I was already in the region, visiting southern Sri Lanka with a group for three weeks, and had always wanted to see the Maldives. Luckily, it was just a short flight away.

What did you do there that other travelers shouldn’t miss?

Many resorts here occupy entire islands and are often all-inclusive. Prices are high pretty much all times of year (I wouldn’t recommend the Maldives as a budget destination) but the scenery—powdery sand and turquoise water—truly doesn’t disappoint. Because my time was short, I chose a mid-priced resort not too far from the airport—Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. While the resort is known for its excellent diving, taking time to truly relax was a highlight of my trip and something I think everyone should prioritize.

If you want to experience local food, visit small cafés known as hotaa and try hedhikaa, traditional bite-sized snacks often served with tea; tuna is a staple.

What advice do you have for travelers taking their first solo trip later in life?

If you feel any hesitation about traveling solo, start small, like with a weekend trip. Especially if you’re a solo woman, there are plenty of travel groups for women over 50, like Road Scholar, from which you can venture out a bit on your own, as well. Trust your intuition, research the area and read reviews, let someone know where you will be, and, most of all, allow yourself to enjoy where you are because travel is an enriching experience that expands your perspective and joy.

Plan your trip to the Maldives

Read the full article here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lEhUy42WjDvQ-Where_to_go_on_your_very_first_solo_trip.html