If ever a mountaintop village whispered, “You’ve got this,” it was Dorf Tirolo. Tucked high in Northern Italy, it became the scenic headquarters of my evolving sense of self-trust to continue the solo journey.
Armed with:
…I boarded the gondola. As the cable car rose, so did my spirits (and possibly my heart rate).
The view from the top was nothing short of cinematic—two lush valleys meeting like old friends. Over coffee and apricot cake at a mountaintop café, I realized something surreal: I’d daydreamed about this exact scene years ago. And now, here I was. Living it. Achieving it.
Feeling empowered (and perhaps gently nudged by caffeine and curiosity), I followed a steep rocky path beside a cattle fence which bordered a 1400m drop. I told myself I’d only go as far as the first bench seat. But bench after bench, I kept climbing. Triumphant, breathless and amongst the clouds, I finally reached the 1450m mark and was greeted by a flag and platform. This was about honoring a promise I’d made to myself: to live life with no regrets.
Sometimes, travel guides wear moon boots.
Waiting for a bus, I met a woman from Munich healing from an injury. She spoke of Schenna like it was a fairytale—and with the poetic timing only solo travel provides, I took it as a sign.
Schenna was sun-kissed, castle-framed, and blissfully walkable. As I strolled its charming paths, I had that quiet realization solo women travelers know well: I feel safe. I feel good. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
The view that unfolded at the end of a quiet lane—snow-capped mountains cradling a sun-drenched valley—felt less like sightseeing and more like soul-sighting. This wasn’t just about ticking off destinations. This was about allowing my inner compass to lead the way.
Spoiler: it’s an excellent navigator.
There was one dreamy wish left to fulfill: a peaceful walk lined with spring wildflowers and, if fate was kind, some fresh goat cheese.
From Bolzano, I boarded a train and a local bus into the Dolomites (bless the helpful soul at the tourist office who planned it all). I found myself at a tiny farmhouse perched above a green valley, greeted by David, the goat farmer, who welcomed me like family he hadn’t seen in years.
A boutique orga
nic dairy, he served homemade cheeses and salami that tasted like tradition. Then after enjoying his welcoming hospitality he guided me to a signed trail directly behind his home.
The path felt like a painted canvas—splashes of yellow, pink, violet, and wild blue skies above. My boots found their rhythm. My shoulders dropped. And a quiet truth settled in:
This wasn’t me being brave. This was me being the true me. Independent. Grounded. Grateful. And finally, fully present.
This wasn’t a vacation. It was a becoming—woven through valleys, villages, and quiet conversations with strangers.
To every woman especially over fifty, dreaming of going solo: you don’t need to chase reinvention. You already hold everything you need—intuition, courage, and the permission to say yes to your own dreams.
Live life with no regrets. Lace up your boots. The trail is waiting.
The most wonderful and freeing thing about this completely safe region is the variety of options of how you can spend your time.
Each day is a new adventure that as a tourist, you’ll have memories that will stay with you forever. As a fifty plus solo traveler, every step increases your feelings of courage, self-belief and empowerment which is something to pass on to the next generation of women.
Travel alone or bring friends where your journey is open to go in different directions for the day if you choose, or if you’d like support while you’re there, I can help you too.
To chat about the multiple options and times of year that personally reflect your desires of accomplishments, click here or call me directly. 0418 790 657
AFTA Travel Certificate - International 2006
Business Diploma - Northpoint College
Peace of mind
