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Solo travel can be more daunting than traveling in a group, but it’s also a great way to get to experience and enjoy new places at your own pace, get out of your comfort zone, and grow your confidence. There are a lot of factors that can go into planning a solo travel trip, though, including finding affordable lodging, destinations that will feel safe for exploring alone, and finding fun things to do on your own. This list looks at seven solo travel destinations that provide answers to all of those questions!
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is a beautiful city in the Pacific Northwest, known for the Space Needle. Thanks to the variety of things to do, it's also a great option for those looking to plan a solo trip. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll only be a short distance from numerous hiking areas including the Snoqualmie Pass region and Discovery Park. Popular attractions such as Pike Place Market are also just as fun to explore alone as with a group – possibly even more fun, as you can take your time browsing shops of your choice. Finally, there are a number of smaller communities located right outside of Seattle, for those looking to also spend some time in a more laid-back setting. Check out Sammamish, known for Lake Sammamish State Park, as well as Orcas Island for two examples of such communities.
2. The Florida Keys
Here’s a great option for those looking to enjoy some luxurious, laid-back relaxation in the sun. The Florida Keys are a great choice for solo travelers as they offer no shortage of things to do on your own. Spend the day lounging by the beach, or check out the nightlife scene on Key West to get to meet people during your trip. Because the keys are such a popular vacation destination, it’s likely that you’ll have no trouble finding other travelers there.
One downside to this is that this can be a bit of a pricier option, thanks to the popularity of this tropical getaway. While there are a few hostels in the keys, they’re not nearly as common as they are in some larger cities. There are still a few ways to keep costs lower, though. If possible, consider visiting in the off-season. This alone can make a much more budget-friendly solo trip. If you’re looking to focus on the beauty of the surrounding area, you may also want to consider camping in the area. While the Keys aren’t known for being a camping destination, there are several campsites located across them, some that offer a wide variety of amenities including private showers, pools, and on-site dining.
3. Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is a great place to visit if you’re traveling alone thanks to its buzzing live music and nightlife scene. If you’re looking for the chance to meet a wide variety of people on your trip, you’ll definitely want to consider adding this city to your plans. The city has plenty of options for accommodations ranging from hostels, such as Firehouse Hostel, to luxurious getaways such as Four Seasons Austin.
4. San Diego, California
If you’re looking to enjoy practically any kind of outdoor recreation during your solo trip, San Diego, California is a great choice to visit! This city in southern California offers places for countless kinds of outdoorsy fun, including surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and even hang-gliding. Better yet, nature is almost interwoven throughout portions of the city, meaning you won’t necessarily have to head somewhere super remote to get a hike in. This is great if you’re planning on traveling alone – especially if you haven’t done so a lot in the past – as you’ll likely have cell reception and be close to civilization should anything go awry. The city itself also offers plenty to do for solo travelers, including relaxing on the beaches and browsing the outdoor malls. There’s also no shortage of both hostels and Airbnb options in the city, for those who are wanting to get their trip more budget-friendly.
5. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is a great option both for those looking to enjoy the outdoors as well as relax. The town has become known as a spa destination, making it an ideal choice for a serene weekend getaway. Its smaller size can also make it less intimidating for those traveling alone, and there are a number of affordable inns and hotels in the area. In addition to enjoying time at one of the city’s spas, you may also want to consider checking out nearby areas such as Slide Rock State Park.
6. Portland, Oregon
Here’s another excellent choice for solo travel in the Pacific Northwest! Portland’s quirky, artsy atmosphere means there’s no shortage of things to do while traveling alone. Portland's nightlife scene – including options for bars, open mic nights, and live music – means it won’t be difficult to meet new people either. For those looking for budget-friendly travel, Portland’s also an especially great choice. There are a good number of affordable lodging options in the city. These options include hostels, motels, and inns. Finally, there's plenty of free things to do like visiting the Portland Rose Garden.
7. Santa Clarita, California
This small city sits north of Los Angeles. Santa Clarita is a great choice for those looking for a more laid-back Californian getaway, as well as those dipping their toes into solo travel. The city provides plenty of options for fun things to do on your own, including nature trails and day spas. If you’re at all worried about safety when traveling alone, this is also a great option; Santa Clarita has ranked among the top safest cities in the country for several years.
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