Traveling Solo After 50: 10 Top Destinations for Women Who Love Cooking Classes
Ladies, it’s time to pack your bags, grab your apron, and sharpen those knives (for chopping, of course). If you’ve hit 50 and are ready to mix wanderlust with your love of cooking, the world is your oyster—or croissant, sushi roll, or empanada. Traveling solo can be empowering and transformative, and cooking classes are the perfect way to spice up your journey, meet new people, and bring a taste of your travels back home.
Here are ten destinations offering some of the world’s best cooking classes—where you can stir, sauté, and sip your way through local cuisines.
1. Florence, Italy
For the Love of Pasta and Chianti
If Italy had a middle name, it would be Carbs. Florence, the heart of Tuscany, offers cooking classes that dive deep into handmade pasta, luscious sauces, and oh-so-delicious tiramisu.
What to Expect: Learn how to roll perfect ravioli, pair wine with your meals, and whip up silky gelato.
Why It’s Perfect: Tuscany is basically romance for your soul—think rolling hills, charming markets, and vino for days.
Best Class: Try a “Farm-to-Table Cooking Class,” where you’ll pick your own ingredients at a local market before heading to a villa for a hands-on lesson.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Zen and the Art of Sushi-Making
Japan’s culinary heritage is as refined as it is delicious. Kyoto, with its serene temples and geisha districts, is the ideal place to master sushi, ramen, or traditional tea ceremony snacks.
What to Expect: Learn the delicate art of rolling sushi, crafting tempura, and cooking the perfect bowl of miso soup.
Why It’s Perfect: Japanese cooking is all about mindfulness—plus, the portion sizes mean you’ll leave class feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Best Class: Take a Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) cooking class for a deep dive into Japanese culinary elegance.
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
Mole and Mezcal Magic
Oaxaca isn’t just a foodie destination; it’s the foodie destination. Known for its vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions, this is where you’ll master mole, tamales, and tacos like a pro.
What to Expect: Hands-on classes often start with a market tour, where you’ll learn about indigenous ingredients like cacao and corn.
Why It’s Perfect: Mezcal tastings and salsa dancing often sneak into the mix.
Best Class: Look for a “Mole Masterclass”—Oaxaca’s mole varieties are as complex as its history.
4. Paris, France
Mastering French Cuisine (and Wine, Obviously)
Paris is for lovers—of buttery pastries, creamy sauces, and fine wine. The City of Light is the ultimate spot to perfect your coq au vin or croissant game.
What to Expect: Professional chefs guide you through everything from baguette baking to creating the perfect soufflé.
Why It’s Perfect: Cooking in Paris feels like living your own version of Julie & Julia.
Best Class: Le Cordon Bleu offers short courses for foodies looking to dabble in haute cuisine.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Spices, Herbs, and Sticky Rice
Northern Thailand is a treasure trove of flavors, and Chiang Mai is the perfect place to explore it all. Learn to balance spicy, sweet, salty, and sour like a true Thai chef.
What to Expect: Classes often include visits to local markets and farms to pick your own lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
Why It’s Perfect: Thai cooking is therapeutic, with a perfect mix of chopping, stirring, and tasting.
Best Class: Try a full-day cooking class where you’ll make staples like green curry, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
Tajines, Spices, and Sweet Mint Tea
Marrakech is a sensory overload in the best possible way. From the bustling souks to the fragrant spice markets, it’s a feast for your senses—and your stomach.
What to Expect: Learn how to cook with a traditional tajine, blend your own ras el hanout spice mix, and bake flaky Moroccan pastries.
Why It’s Perfect: The mix of hands-on cooking and immersive culture makes every class feel magical.
Best Class: Book a workshop at a riad (traditional Moroccan home) for an authentic experience.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Paella Perfection and Tapas Galore
Barcelona combines vibrant culture with even more vibrant food. This is the place to master paella, whip up fresh gazpacho, and try your hand at crafting classic tapas.
What to Expect: Cooking classes here often feel like parties—complete with sangria and flamenco music.
Why It’s Perfect: Spanish food is about sharing, so these classes are a great way to connect with fellow travelers.
Best Class: Take a “Market-to-Table Paella Class” starting at La Boqueria Market.
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho-nomenal Noodles and Fresh Spring Rolls
Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance and freshness, and Hanoi is the epicenter of it all. From aromatic broths to crispy banh xeo, you’ll learn the secrets behind these iconic dishes.
What to Expect: Classes often include foraging trips to herb gardens and visits to bustling street markets.
Why It’s Perfect: Vietnamese cooking is light, healthy, and packed with bold flavors.
Best Class: Try a class that focuses on pho and banh mi for the ultimate Vietnamese comfort foods.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
Baklava, Meze, and Ottoman-Era Delights
Straddling two continents, Istanbul offers a culinary adventure like no other. From rich lamb stews to delicate baklava, the city’s food reflects its incredible history.
What to Expect: Classes often include lessons in layering baklava, preparing classic meze platters, and brewing Turkish coffee.
Why It’s Perfect: The flavors are exotic but comforting—just like the city itself.
Best Class: Look for a cooking class with a spice market tour included.
10. San Sebastián, Spain
The Pintxos Capital of the World
Known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxos bars, San Sebastián is a foodie’s paradise. This is the place to refine your tapas skills and learn the art of Basque cooking.
What to Expect: Classes often include lessons in grilling seafood, making traditional Basque stews, and assembling perfect pintxos.
Why It’s Perfect: It’s intimate, relaxed, and full of culinary surprises.
Best Class: Opt for a “Pintxos Cooking Class” where you can perfect these bite-sized delights.
11. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Seafood, Wine, and Mediterranean Magic
Hello, World!
Dubrovnik, with its stunning Adriatic views and charming old town, offers a culinary journey as rich as its history. Croatian cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean, Italian, and Balkan influences, making it a dream destination for food lovers.
What to Expect: Dive into fresh seafood dishes like octopus salad or black risotto, learn how to make hand-rolled pasta (šurlice), and bake traditional desserts like rožata (Croatian crème caramel).
Why It’s Perfect: The laid-back Mediterranean vibe paired with stunning coastal views makes every cooking session feel like a vacation within a vacation.
Best Class: Opt for a “Cooking in a Konoba” experience, where you’ll cook in a traditional Croatian tavern, often using ingredients freshly caught or picked nearby. Many classes also include wine pairings from Croatia’s burgeoning wine scene.
Croatia’s culinary traditions, combined with its warm hospitality and jaw-dropping scenery, make it a fabulous addition to any solo traveler’s list. Who wouldn’t want to whip up seafood risotto while gazing at the turquoise Adriatic?
Final Thoughts: Your Solo Culinary Adventure Awaits
Traveling solo after 50 isn’t just possible—it’s amazing. These cooking classes aren’t just about learning recipes; they’re about diving into new cultures, meeting incredible people, and discovering just how fabulous (and fearless) you are.
So, grab your passport, your appetite, and your sense of adventure. The world is waiting—and your next favorite recipe is just a plane ride away! Bon appétit!
