Wander Solo Wander Free

Practical guides, honest advice and real-world inspiration for Solo Travellers Over 50

Wander Solo Wander Free

Practical guides, observations, honest advice and real-world inspiration for Solo Travellers Over 50

Not Your Usual Travel Blog

12-Years - 62 Countries - Entirely Solo

I’m Zander Kane, and I built The Road to Timbuktu on the fairly modest premise that most travel advice aimed at people my age assumes we’ve all quietly given up. We haven’t. I started travelling solo in 2014, after two years of debating with myself; should I go, should I stay, and have since made my way through 62 countries, mostly lost, faintly sunburnt, and arguing with hostel receptionists over bookings that definitely existed on my end. It started as a fairly transparent attempt to outrun my anxiety. It became a way of life instead.

START HERE

THAILAND

Temples, tuk-tuks, and tropical beaches. Thailand is solo travel heaven for over-50s… equal parts chaos and calm, with food worth flying for.

VIETNAM

From Hanoi’s buzz to Halong Bay’s calm, Vietnam is a feast of flavours, culture, and adventure… perfect for curious mature travellers.

JAPAN

Ancient temples, bullet trains, and steaming onsens. Japan rewards the curious and unhurried… ideal for a solo traveller who likes their adventures with a side of quiet.

BALI

Volcano hikes, jungle temples, and beach sunsets. Indonesia blends wild adventures with serene escapes… ideal for finding your solo groove after 50.

LATEST POSTS

NEW EDITION: EBOOKS

Notes From the Road, Not Always Fit for the Website

Subscribe for the occasional dispatch that never quite becomes a full travel guide, along with a quiet heads-up whenever something new appears on The Road to Timbuktu. I also share extra notes, observations and useful bits that won’t appear on the website, because not every thought requires 2,000 words and seventeen photographs to justify its existence.

There’s no daily bombardment, no sales pitch and no suspiciously urgent countdown clock. Just honest travel material, the occasional wandering thought and a reason to return when there’s something worth reading.

Pop your email in below. It’s free, and always will be.

TESTIMONIALS

James R. | Cornwall

The Longtime Follower

“I’ve followed this blog for 18-months now, and it’s only got better. Zander’s passion is genuine, the humour is spot-on, and the advice is gold. Even if I don’t book a trip, I feel like I’ve been somewhere new every time I read a post.”

Chloe L | Brighton | 53

Relatable and Honest Advice

“I stumbled across ‘The Road to Timbuktu’ while looking for advice on visiting Southeast Asia, and ended up binge-reading the entire post. Zander doesn’t sugar-coat anything. It’s honest, witty, and full of the stuff you actually need to know. Just solid, relatable guidance with a dry wit that made me laugh out loud more than once.”

Laura H. | Edinburgh | 62

Confidence Through Shared Experience

“As someone naturally anxious about new places, I found comfort in Zander’s honest accounts of travel mishaps and learning curves. It made me realise you don’t have to be fearless to go… it’s about finding the confidence along the way. His blog gave me the nudge I needed to book that long-postponed trip to Greece.”

Raj S. | Birmingham | 57

Feeling Seen as a 50+ Traveller

“Most travel blogs feel like they’re written for 20-somethings backpacking between bar crawls. Zander’s blog was the first time I felt genuinely seen as someone travelling later in life. His mix of humour, honesty, and practical advice made me feel not only welcome, but excited. I’m now planning my first solo trip to Portugal, and I’m 57!”

Jake P. | Leeds | 48

Finally… a Travel Blog with Personality!

“I’ve read more travel blogs than I can count, but Zander’s stood out straight away. It’s not just useful, it’s genuinely entertaining. I went in looking for itinerary tips and came out feeling like I’d had a pint with a mate who’s been everywhere and lived to tell the tale. Brilliant stuff.”

Pauline D. | Abingdon | 59

The Perfect Planning Partner for Solo Journeys

“I’m new to solo travel and a lot of the guides i found online are overwhelming. This blog is a breath of fresh air. The Rome itinerary was so clear and detailed, from transport to local food spots. I felt like I had a trusted map in my hand, and it gave me the confidence to explore alone. Highly recommended!”