Have you ever thought about solo travel? …just leaving everything behind and getting out there to explore this great, big world? If it keeps pulling at you, it’s probably worth exploring. Solo travel actually opens you up to a whole new world of people. You tend to chat more with the locals than when you’re focused on your group of friends or partners.
Conversely, if you’re a solo travel aficionado and are looking for new places to travel, this list might give you an idea or two. Some are on the beaten path, like New York and Paris. However, others are further astray, such as Austin and Breckenridge. We hope you’ll give one of them a try!
New York, New York
The City of Bright Lights might seem like an intimidating prospect, but there’s a good reason for it to be on this list. People in New York are so busy going about their business that you won’t feel out of place being here alone.
If you’re a bookworm, book two nights at The Library Hotel on E. 41st – which puts you in Midtown – and wander around the area. You’ll feel perfectly safe during the day, as you explore the museums, stroll through Central Park, and treat yourself to a few trinkets at Saks Fifth Avenue.
To help you craft the perfect itinerary, here are 25 unforgettable experiences in New York City.
London, England
The same goes for London. Amidst a maze of streets and a tangle of subways or tubes, how could you ever tackle the city on your own? As in New York, stick to the big ticket items like The Tower of London or a tour of Kensington Palace. This guide to London’s best markets might give you an idea of what else you’d like to see.
If you can, splurge on a four- or five-star hotel for the feeling of comfort and safety it will provide. The concierge, too, will be able to help you make your way to any of the sights you’d like to see. And, if you’re a royal watcher, this list of the 20 best royal attractions in London can help you get started.
Austin, Texas
Did you know Texas is a bit of a haven for all-inclusive resorts? We even created an ultimate guide to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Texas. Austin, in particular, has this beacon of light, Lake Austin Spa Resort – and, boy, it is glorious.
Located right on the water, you can indulge in sumptuous meals, healing spa treatments, steam rooms, whirlpools, gardens, paddleboards, kayaks, and more. All meals, non-alcoholic refreshments, smoothies, wellness activities, and events are included in your stay. You won’t feel out of place for a moment flying solo here. But, you will return home wholly healed.
Galway, Ireland
You could go anywhere in Ireland and never feel alone. The rumors about Irish hospitality are absolutely true. If you fly into Shannon Airport – on the west coast – instead of Dublin, you’ll be within shouting distance of one of Ireland’s more boisterous cities.
Galway has a pedestrian-only lane called Quay Street, lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. That’s definitely one place to spend your time.
But you’ll also be near some of the most beautiful expanses of nature, including The Burren and The Connemara Region. For more on that, here’s how to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, a famous roadway that weaves through this region. Ireland and its people will treat you very well when you’re there – no matter where you go.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Back to some stateside healing. Santa Fe has two things going for it: it’s an artist’s haven and a center for wellness retreats. When you’re downtown, you’ll find countless historic buildings dappled with art galleries, flea markets, and independent boutiques. You won’t be able to leave without a piece of artwork yourself.
Then, the list of wellness retreats is long. Three that will consistently come up in your research are Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, Ten Thousand Waves, and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. The last one sounds glorious, doesn’t it? They’re said to have access to healing waters. It’s not a bad way to spend your solo getaway, right?
Paris, France
Since it’s such a walkable city, there’s nothing about Paris that won’t feel attainable when you’re here on some solo time. Dip in and out of bookshops, like the famous Shakespeare & Company. Sit in a cafe and write in your journal, like Café Saint-Régis on Île Saint-Louis.
Stroll through The Latin Quarter, dine in Les Deux Magots in St. Germain, and pick up a trinket or two in the shops of Le Marais. As you stroll The Seine, you’ll realize there’s nothing in this world you can’t accomplish on your own, and you are, indeed, very, very brave.
Savannah, Georgia
From the prettiest city in Europe to a true Southern Belle, Savannah definitely needs to make this list. Several of the city’s historic homes have been turned into sumptuous B&Bs. That’s definitely the way to play it because you can enjoy breakfast in the morning and fireside wine in the evening.
Savannah, too, is a very walkable city. Stroll down Jones Street, a pretty lane lined with ancient oak trees streamed with Spanish moss. Shop on Broughton Street, especially at The Paris Market. Wander down to River Street and watch the sunset from the rooftop bar at The Bohemian Hotel. Savannah will leave you feeling entirely enchanted.
Venice, Italy
Like Paris, Venice is a great palace that comes with just a notebook and a pocketful of dreams. The trick here is to try to come in the off-season because you might feel a little pushed around or boxed out if you’re here during the peak summer season.
When you come in late fall or winter, you stand a better chance of getting to know the locals or even becoming a regular at a cafe where they greet you by name.
You won’t feel strange at all, touring the hallowed halls of Saint Mark’s Basilica or wandering through the square just outside. Doge’s Palace is another place to feast your eyes. Then, all you have to do is treat yourself to a decadent meal at night and head back home to sleep with the angels. It is no surprise that Italy is a chart-topper on our list of countries for food lovers.
Seattle, Washington
This rain-coated city is anything but sleepy. Coming here will fill you with life. You have countless of touristy downtown attractions like The Space Needle and Glass Museum. Pike Place Market is a wonder, with its overflowing stalls filled with fresh fish, meats, cheeses, and handmade goods.
Then, you’re also in close proximity to the water. Overlooking Puget Sound is very peaceful and relaxing. One of the nicest ways to access it is through Golden Gardens Park. And, of course, you can’t miss the mountains that frame the backdrop of nearly every photo. Mount Rainier National Park is a wonderful place to get lost for the day if you enjoy a thorough hike or two.
Cruise to Alaska
Solo cruising is definitely “a thing.” And more and more people are catching onto it. Recently, we wrote an article about the magic of solo cruising. It’s a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and travel according to your own wishes and desires.
Many lines even have solo meetups at the start of their cruises. While on board, you can lay out in the sun, befriend one of the bartenders, enjoy a spa treatment, and even find communal dining areas when you want the company.
When you’re ashore, you can join a group excursion or wander off on your own. Cruising opens up a whole new world to group and solo travelers alike, helping us all travel our own way.
Cruise to The Caribbean
Let’s not stop there. If you’d like to head to some sunny shorelines instead of snowy mountains, you can easily – and comfortably – cruise down to the Caribbean and live on beach time. The same goes here. You can do anything you want when you’re onboard and handle your shoreline excursions any way you want, as well.
You won’t feel uncomfortable or alone on any of these cruise lines because many of them cater to solo travelers, in particular. You might be able to inquire about their more affordable single cabins, as well as any upcoming winter deals.
San Diego, California
Sticking with beachside retreats, San Diego is another city that will treat you well as a solo traveler. Book an Airbnb as close as you can to Ocean Beach because you’ll find yourself lured to those shorelines every day that you’re here.
There’s another nearby neighborhood, La Jolla, that also offers wonderful walks filled with beautiful boutiques. You can wander down to the ocean there and wonder what’s inside all those sea caves. Whether you lay out in the sun, treat yourself to gourmet meals, or just wander through the shops, you’ll leave this sunny city feeling fully recharged.
Colmar, France
What better city for a female solo traveler than the one that inspired Disney’s Beauty and The Beast – or so the legend goes. You’ll get lost in this colorful medieval town and never want to leave.
Little Venice, right along the canal, is the go-to place when you’re in Old Town. The cuisine here has a lot of German influence, being so close to the border, and there’s nothing not to love about it. St. Martin’s Church is breathtaking, with its Gothic architectural style and fascinating pieces of art inside. When you fall in love with the region, you can go on to discover these nearby city escapes, as well!
The only trouble you’ll run into in Colmar is remembering to enjoy the moment without taking hundreds of pictures. It’s absolutely breathtaking. These 15 fabulous things to do in Colmar are the proof in the pudding.
Breckenridge, Colorado
We’ll end with another destination that will welcome you with open arms, treat you right, and feed you well. Nestled 10,000 feet in the air, Breckenridge is a lovely mountain town that’s a great place to horseback ride and mountain bike in the summer and ski in the winter.
Their Main Street is pretty as a postcard, with several irresistible eateries like Blue River Bistro. You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in any number of coffee shops, or a nightcap at The Gold Pan Saloon, dating all the way back to 1859.
Be Bold, Be Brave
…because we only have this one life to live. Whether you head to Europe, stick to the Americas, or sail upon the deep blue sea, you’ll be so proud of yourself for embarking on a few solo excursions. It’s proof that you can do anything; you’re strong, you’re brave, and you’re capable.
Check out our destination guides before you go. Maybe we’ll already have a few ideas in the lineup for you. Wherever you go, stay safe, enjoy this great, big world, and we’ll see you out there!