Best Solo Vacations in 2018/2019

Do you ever have the urge to travel, but don’t have anyone to travel with? Why not try taking one of our handpicked solo vacations? No matter who you are, a solo trip can be a rewarding experience, that is, if you know the best places to travel. No matter the destination, local or abroad, all it takes is a leap of faith to discover your wanderlust.

Best Place for Solo Vacations in the United States

Seattle, Washington

If you’re day doesn’t start until you have your morning coffee, your caffeine paradise awaits you. Seattle, Washington is every coffee lover’s dream come true as there is a boutique coffee shop around every corner. You can kick off each morning with a trip to a different spot and maybe even meet a new friend along the way. Once you have your morning cup of joe, you’ll be ready to take a trip to Pike Place Market where you can swap the coffee for Seattle’s local cuisine. When you’re finished eating your way through the city, take a look at the famous gum wall and maybe even add a piece of your own! To work off all the caffeine and food, opt for a bike ride! Biking around this green city will allow you to see Seattle through the eyes of a local. Not to mention, you’ll definitely burn off some of those calories you just indulged in! Forget about the stress of finding parking, ordering Ubers, and overpaying cab drivers, and try taking the scenic route to every destination on your itinerary.

Austin, Texas

No matter your age, everyone’s still a kid at heart, right? If Pinball is your guilty pleasure, you’re going to want to take a trip to Austin, Texas. Take a walk down memory lane at the Original Pinballz Arcade, with over 200 different pinball games to choose from dating back to 1966. With such a large variety of games, you’re bound to find one that reminds you of your childhood. After you’ve worked up an appetite, what better way to experience Austin in all its authenticity than to try a local dish from every food truck lined along the street? You can indulge in the tastes and flavors of local cuisines without having to be waited on. Once you’ve set yourself up for a food coma, take a stroll downtown and grab a spot on Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the boats drift away into the sunset. But let’s be honest, you’re really just trying to take a breather to make room for dessert!

The locally owned and operated Berry Austin serves delicious frozen yogurt minutes from the Congress Avenue Bridge. At night be sure to enjoy the bustling music scene at some of the most lively bars downtown. Who knows maybe you’ll end up joining them onstage!

Washington D.C

It’s no surprise that Washington D.C is a playground for history buffs across the country. There is a different piece of history around every corner. The best part is, you can walk to each one. Sure, it’s a vacation, and depending on the time of the year, walking might be out of the question. If that’s the case, opt for taking the metro to one of the 20 museums around the city. Museum lovers will be in their prime surrounded by more magnificent art, history, and architecture than the eye can see. And the best part is, the majority of the museums are free to enter! Once you’ve had your museum fix, don’t forget to take a walk to the reflection pool where you can marvel at the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial all at once. All that exploring is going to work up an appetite, so be sure to fuel up at Rose’s Luxury where the friendly staff will make it feel like a home away from home. Oh, and if you really want to channel your inner tourist, you can always make a pit stop at the White House for the ultimate selfie. For any fashion lovers out there, check out Georgetown for some great boutiques, sweets, and cocktails before or after dinner.

Kripalu Center in the Berkshires, Massachusetts

Are you a yoga enthusiast looking to explore your passion in a new place? If you’ve always dreamed of traveling alone, but don’t want to conquer a new city by yourself, the Kripalu Center is the ideal place for your solo trip. The Kripalu Center in Berkshires, Massachusetts is a nonprofit, yoga and health retreat, whose main goal is self-discovery. Buckle down in your favorite yoga pose, or if you’re more of an adrenaline seeker, opt for a guided kayak trip or hike in the woods. Kripalu gives travelers the chance to disconnect from the world and channel their inner self all in a peaceful and scenic environment. Sounds relaxing, right? The many structured programs make it easy for first-time travelers to have a fun-filled trip without the stress of creating their own itinerary.

Best Solo Vacations for Women

Bali

Bali is an island that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia and is known for being the ultimate retreat for solo vacations. If you want to escape your 9 to 5 life and connect with the outside world, Bali’s your place. Not to mention, it won’t break the bank. If you want a truly luxurious experience, take advantage of the stronger US Dollar and get yourself a private villa, private infinity pool and views overlooking the rainforest. For all the culture seekers out there, try living like a local by renting a homestay from a family there. Wherever you decide to stay, there are a variety of yoga classes and studios around the island. Due to this reason, Bali is the ultimate destination for yogis. So, get your stretch on in the Uluwatu Surf Villas where you’ll experience yoga in an open-air studio, overlooking the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Private villas, friendly locals, authentic cuisine, and unlimited yoga classes. Check with our experts to book now!

For more on Bali, check out our blog on things to do in Bali.

Iceland

Traveling solo is hard enough without the language barrier. If you want to ease into your solo vacations, Iceland may be the perfect trip for you. Certainly, you will have the international experience of a lifetime. Iceland makes for the ultimate destination for women solo travelers, not only because most Icelanders speak English, but also because it is one of the safest destinations for women. If your dream vacation includes a relaxing spa day, how about taking a dip in the most luxurious geothermal spa in the world? Book yourself a day at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll get to melt your stress away in the natural hot spring while also taking advantage of the saunas and showers. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie that can’t manage to sit still, Iceland offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences like hiking into an ice cave or snorkeling the Silfra Fissure. Not to mention the mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and mud pots right in your backyard. If Iceland is calling your name, check out our blog on the Top 10 Things to do in Iceland and begin planning your dream solo vacation.

London, England

With some of the greatest art, entertainment, shopping, history, and dining in the world, it’s no surprise that London is next on the list. There is always something to do and see in London. Despite being on a solo trip, it’s impossible not to meet people. One of the best ways to interact with fellow foodies while also dining on London’s authentic cuisine is by trying out a supper club. Is supper club not really your thing? If you’re more of an art connoisseur, channel your inner Picasso by taking an art related workshop. Do you want to learn how to draw? Or maybe you want to learn how to brew the best coffee or bake like you’re on cooking channel. Whatever you’re into, London is the perfect canvas to get you out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown for all types of solo vacations.

Best Solo Vacations for Men

Ireland

If you’re a Guinness lover being held back by one margarita driven vacation after another, it’s time to book your flight and head over to Ireland. Ireland’s atmosphere consists of the aroma of beer, a plethora of pubs, and cheers of friendly locals. Who said you couldn’t discover new drinking buddies on your solo trip? When you’re ready to take a break from the brew and cure your hangover, take a walk down the Great South Wall. Not only will this 0.9-mile seawall along the Dublin Bay provide you with much needed fresh air, but you’ll also get to marvel at the red lighthouse covered in graffiti at the end. With all that drinking, you’re going to need to grab a bite eventually. Make The Exchequer a go-to on your solo trip, where you’ll have the opportunity to unwind and fuel up on a hearty Irish meal. Indulge in traditional Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and coddle and discover why they call it the luck of the Irish.

Hong Kong, China

If you want an excitingly vibrant experience where East meets West, then Hong Kong is the city for you. Whether you’re in search of insane shopping, decadent cuisine, or futuristic architecture, Hong Kong will be sure to leave you culture shocked. Feeling a little lonely on your solo trip? Hike up the 400 steps to see the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and we’re pretty sure you won’t be feeling so alone surrounded by all of the magnificent Buddhas. The best part about it is they’re always picture perfect and ready to take the ultimate travel selfie to add to your Instagram collection! If walking up all those stairs worked up an appetite, take a trip to MyHouse where you can get a bite to eat while listening to some tunes. Each table has a record player built into the bottom of the table that allows you to choose from the owner’s personal music collection. Delicious food AND a free concert? I think so. So you already took the leap of faith by traveling to an unknown place alone. Therefore, why not take it again and explore the outer islands of Hong Kong? With 260 islands to choose from, you’re bound to find an adventure worth writing home about. Just be sure to find a travel buddy if you want to explore the islands. It is not recommended that travelers venture on their own. And no, Buddha doesn’t count. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

When traveling to a new place, sometimes it’s nice to put the map down and just see where your next adventure takes you. Edinburgh is no different. It’s easy to spend hours strolling down the Royal Mile and exploring the many alleyways and hidden paths of the town. Not only will this allow you to discover the rich history and amazing architecture of the city, but it is also a cost-free option for those of you on a tight budget. History not really your thing? Edinburgh is the perfect destination to channel your inner whiskey connoisseur by taking one of the many whiskey tours available year round. What better way to experience Scotland than by grabbing a bite to eat and sampling some of the best whiskey in the world? A sample of 300 malts at Whiski Rooms. For all of you gin lovers, take a trip to Glenkinchie Distillery where you will have the opportunity to tour the distillery, and of course, taste until you drop. After all, you’re on vacation! Visit our Scotland page to plan your experience today!

Best Places to Travel alone in your 20s

Peru

Peru is complex and intricate. Marked by mind-blowing ancient sites, the urban structures beam innovation and nature brims with exquisiteness. We recommend traveling along the Gringo Trail. It is a great place to meet other solo or group travelers going to the same place as you. Even more, be sure to explore the arts, culture, and history for three totally different solo vacations. The Museo de Arte Precolombino is the ideal museum for a solo traveler. Once you finish at the museum, make sure to take a walk through the local plaza to explore the town. Maybe even talk with some the super friendly locals. Finally, enjoy rafting, paragliding, zip lines and bike trails. Here, life is a carnival. Even the festivals can swallow you whole for days. And that’s when you realize: in Peru, the adventure usually lies in getting there.

New Zealand

New Zealand is increasingly becoming popular with solo travelers and for all the right reasons. Packed with umpteen adventure options, it’s every adventure junkies’ dream destination. Mammoth national parks, fantastic azure waters, world-class surfing and skiing, and natural structures are hard to resist. Just make sure you are prepared for all types of weather. After all, it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single days hike here. A hike on The Orongorongo Track is perfect for an avid hiker or a beginner. The breathtaking forest surrounds you for your 6-mile round trip hike. After you’ve gotten in some exercise, take a trip over to the Hot Water Beach. Here, you can create your own spa. The water in the Hot Beach can reach up to 147 F/(64C). Once you dig your spa, be sure to lay down, relax and above all, take in the view. After your spa experience, take advantage of your proximity to the Cathedral Cove.  Take a walk down the beach and venture into the caves.

Paris, France

We can’t express our love for Paris enough. It has a timeless familiarity even for those who visit it for the first time. For this reason, it is on our solo vacations list!

There’s more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower and our experts are here to help you navigate through your holiday.  

The stunning structures, glorious food, artistic treasures, and stylish shopping make for the best destination to pamper and reconnect with yourself. You can walk the Seine during the day and check out all of the street vendors or get lost in the Marais exploring all of the many Parisian boutiques. Be sure to venture into a cafe, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax and enjoy the people watching. Once the sun goes down and it’s finally dark, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. There is nothing more breathtaking than seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night for the very first time.

For luxury solo vacations packages be sure to check out our Solo Vacations page and contact us to help you plan your dream vacation.