
Kate Langbroek embraced the chaos of midlife with a fearless leap into solo travel.
She shared moments that were both raw and hilarious—from stripping down at a nudist beach to devouring a whole rotisserie chicken in her car.
Life after 50, it seems, is meant to be messy, indulgent, and unapologetically yours.
At 59, Kate Langbroek wasn’t simply revisiting Italy—she was reclaiming it on her own terms.
Her recent social media post from a Puglian beach, featuring her au naturel, sparked conversation, but it was her caption that captured hearts: 'Travelling solo seems to be a massive pendulum swing. I am either wracked with self-loathing or loving myself sick.'
Italy has long held a special place in Kate’s life.
She and her family lived in Bologna from 2019-2021, an experience she chronicled in her bestselling book Ciao Bella! Six Take Italy.
The move followed a near-tragic moment in her family’s life—her son Lewis’ battle with leukaemia—which Kate described as a catalyst to seize life more fully.
Returning now without husband Peter Lewis and their four children, she balanced her solo adventures with hosting No Filter and launching a new podcast with Nath Valvo.
The Emotional Pendulum of Solo Travel
Kate’s description of solo travel as a 'massive pendulum swing' resonated with experts and followers alike.
Comedian Dave Hughes quipped, 'Stop thinking about yourself. Studies have shown the happiest people are those that think about themselves the least,' highlighting the paradox of solo exploration.
'I love solo travel. It's an opportunity to remember who you are and what you like to do. As mothers we do a lot of accommodating for others and it's important to also consider ourselves.'
Italy: The Perfect Playground for Solo Adventurers
Italy remains the ultimate playground for solo adventurers over 50.
The country topped the list of solo travel destinations for 2025, boasting everything from Roman ruins to Venetian canals, fashion-forward Milan to the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast.
Safety, accessibility, exceptional cuisine, and a culture that celebrates life’s pleasures make it ideal for first-time or seasoned solo travellers.
Major cities and tourist hubs offered a secure environment, while public transport and English-friendly tourism made navigation simple and stress-free.
The Freedom of Travel After 50
Solo travel after 50 carries a special freedom.
There’s no longer a need to worry about judgment while eating that rotisserie chicken in the car or wandering streets at whim.
Followers praised Kate’s candidness, commenting, 'Look I'm pretty much the same at home too! One day I think I'm fabulous and the next an old witch—but I'd prefer to be doing it in Puglia.'
Others echoed the value of prioritising personal enjoyment: 'As mothers we do a lot of accommodating for others and it's important to also consider ourselves.'
Tips for Planning Your Own Italian Adventure
Experts suggested May or late September for trips to Italy, when shoulder season offered pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower costs.
From mid-2025, Australian travellers also needed ETIAS authorisation (€7 online approval) before flying.
Kate’s journey illustrated that emotional highs and lows were a natural part of solo travel; a sense of humour, good shoes, and patience turned even awkward moments into memorable stories.
The Courage to Go It Alone
Kate Langbroek’s Puglian adventure wasn’t just about picture-perfect sunsets—it was about embracing life boldly in your late 50s.
As travel experts observed, 'The greatest souvenir from solo travel in Italy isn't something you can carry on—it's the confidence, independence, and joy of discovering both a new country and yourself along the way.'
Watching Kate navigate the magnificent and messy aspects of travel reminded everyone that life truly was a combination of magic and pasta… and sometimes a solo rotisserie chicken is exactly what the soul needs.
What This Means For You
Solo travel offers the freedom to explore without compromise, giving you the chance to follow your own curiosity and schedule.
The emotional ups and downs that come with travelling alone are completely normal and part of the journey, allowing for growth and self-awareness.
Italy, in particular, provides a safe, accessible, and culturally rich environment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure later in life.
Travelling solo also creates space for personal reflection, self-discovery, and complete control over your experiences.
For readers considering their own independent journeys, these benefits highlight how solo travel can be both empowering and deeply rewarding, offering the perfect opportunity to embrace life on your own terms.
If Kate Langbroek’s bold solo adventure inspired you, there’s another remarkable story that shows just how transformative travelling alone can be at any stage of life.
One woman made the life-changing decision to leave her job at 60 and set off on a solo journey around the world, embracing the freedom and self-discovery that comes with independent travel.
Her journey offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone considering taking a leap into solo exploration, much like Kate’s Italian adventure.
Kate Langbroek naked selfie sparks attention as she travels solo in Italy — Coverage of Kate Langbroek’s nude beach selfie and her solo travel adventures in Puglia.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15110041/Kate-Langbroek-naked-selfie.html
Italy solo tours & vacations 2025/2026 | Intrepid Travel US — Highlights the experience and emotional ups and downs of travelling solo in Italy, including the quote from Kate Langbroek.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/italy/solo-travel
Kate Langbroek—Profile Talent — Overview of Kate Langbroek’s life, including her move to Bologna with her family from 2019-2021.
https://profiletalent.com.au/talent/kate-langbroek/
Ciao Bella! | Book by Kate Langbroek | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU — Details Kate’s book about living in Italy and the motivations behind the move after her son’s leukaemia battle.
https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Ciao-Bella!/Kate-Langbroek/9781761420849
Solo Travel in Italy 2025: The Ultimate Guide | CuddlyNest — A comprehensive guide to Italy as a top solo travel destination in 2025, including safety, top cities, and cultural highlights.
https://www.cuddlynest.com/blog/solo-travel-in-italy-2025-the-ultimate-guide/
Read more: Discover How This Woman Quit Her Job at 60 And Travel the World Solo: You Can Do It Too!
Have you considered solo travel, or are you already a seasoned adventurer ready to embrace your own rotisserie chicken moment?