Jules Verne has partnered with midlife women's community Noon to create bespoke travel experiences for 'queenagers', kicking off with a female-led Egypt tour this autumn. Olivia Palamountain reports

Jules Verne and Noon are collaborating to launch Noon Voyages, a series of tours specifically designed for "Queenagers" - women aged 50+ who, according to Noon founder Eleanor Mills, "embrace life on their own terms."

A2024 study by JourneyWoman shows this demographic drives more than 98% of travel decisions and makes up over 70% of all solo travellers at Jules Verne, yet women aged 50+ remain underserved within the travel industry.

The inaugural Noon Voyages tour will depart in autumn 2025 to Egypt, featuring exclusive visits to Cairo's new Grand Egyptian Museum, the pyramids and the Sphinx, guided by female Egyptologists highlighting women's roles throughout Egyptian history.

The experience will include "Noon Circles" and "Queenager Conversations" where participants can share experiences and discuss midlife challenges.

Debbie O'Neill, managing director at Jules Verne, says: "At Jules Verne we have always championed an adventurous spirit. As such, we are thrilled to be partnering with Noon to offer travel experiences that truly resonate with the trail-blazing Queenagers, a group that are calling out for travel experiences that reflect their unique lifestyles."

Eleanor Mills, founder of Noon, says: "Noon Voyages is all about giving queenagers travel opportunities they deserve and showing that there is plenty of adventure still to be had for women in the 50+ age group."

Mills cites Noon's research finding that over half of queenagers feel ignored or invisible in society, with 45% stating they don't feel the travel industry understands their needs.

"Through this partnership with Jules Verne, we are offering a travel product that directly serves women aged 50 and over and making a new Queenager paradigm in travel a reality," she adds.

Noon was founded by journalist Eleanor Mills, author of Times bestselling book Much More to Come; Lessons on the mayhem and magnificence of midlife. The community was created to support women navigating complexities including divorce, bereavement, redundancy and caring responsibilities.