Footloose and fancy-free: Online travel advice to older and younger women. (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barrett, Anne E.; Douglas, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Journal of women & aging. Volume 32:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 439
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Age -- gender -- leisure; life course; Social work with older people -- United States -- Periodicals; Social work with women -- United States -- Periodicals; Older women -- United States -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2020.1766943
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-2841

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Increasing numbers of women, of all ages, are choosing to travel alone – a trend accompanied by online articles providing advice to them. However, we are aware of only one study examining these articles, and it gave no attention to age. We conduct a content analysis of 75 online articles directed at solo women travelers, including 29 written for older women. Results revealed three themes – regulating risk, letting go, and discovering self. Their prevalence varied by articles' targeted age group, with those aimed at younger women focusing on solo travel's risks and those for older women highlighting its rewards.