first time traveling solo
 

I have not traveled solo in many years. Now that I am divorced and my kids will be away with their father, I am considering taking a solo trip in April. Any suggestions on destinations for a 40 yr old single female traveler?. I would like to increase my odds of having a successful trip so nothing too risky. I was considering Belize or Costa Rica?

It's very hard for us to suggest destinations for you without knowing you. Rather, consider thinking of ways of adapting to your choice of destination in a way to make them as friendly as possible for a solo traveler. Belize and Costa Rica both sound like lots of fun. I think if I were going to choose one of those I would consider a small group tour. Check out Oversees Adventure Travel. They have good tours to both places; small groups of 16 or less.

If you're looking for "nothing too risky" I'm not sure Belize would be on the top of my list, especially going female solo.

But as Grasshopper says, it is hard to help without knowing your interests or background.

Maybe something a bit more predictable to insure "a successful trip". I have had great times in different towns in Mexico and a couple of the islands of Hawaii. And of course major cities in Europe like Paris, Amsterdam, Geneva.

That said, I'm not into adventure style rugged vacations, and maybe you are.

Since you mentioned "nothing risky" a small group trip might indeed be perfect. Belize or Costa Rica would be nice options.

Similar to Overseas Adventure Travel is International Expeditions. Latin America is an area International Expeditions specializes in.

My favorite company for group travel is Natural Habitat, but it does only wildlife trips.

If group travel is not what you had in mind, those companys' websites or catalogs can give you an idea of what you might want to do on your own.

Have a great trip.

IME both of those areas are a bit third world so I do not understand why you would select them.

San Juan, PR, would be more my idea of not too risky, or a spa vacation as well would be a good choice.

If I were a real novice and Europe was not an option - great for solos, IMHO - I would take a cruise.

Check out MSC Cruises for really good single rates.

I'm still working on being an experienced solo traveler. Here are some suggestions on trips I've taken...

Cruises--check out cruisemates and cruisecritics websites. Both have singles/solos boards. I think that a cruise is a good '1st solo trip in years' experience.

I've also enjoyed solo time in both NY and London. Very easy to plan a trip and both areas have great public transportation system.

Faith

It appears the original poster is no longer registered, but maybe this information will be helpful to others.

Belize!! it is! Only!! if you are not the kind that needs to stay in a "Hilton" then, the island of Caye Caulker, Belize, is it!!! I have been there three times, solo, and heckeled only once...by..American men....if you are willing to look people straight in the eye and say :good day!" .....oh my,...this place is soooo laid back and fun!! But! you have to come forth to make that happin"......if you are willing...Caye Cauker is it!!!