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Your solo traveler options

Solo room share.

On nearly all of our trips, you can choose to be matched with a same sex traveler and only pay the twin share price.

If you prefer your own space, we offer single room supplements across our worldwide trips.

Top Solo Travel Tours

Save up to $600

Capitals of Scandinavia

5 Locations

4 Countries

10 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland

Save up to $750

Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords

14 Locations

3 Countries

14 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Save up to $350

Highlights of Turkey

15 Locations

10 Day Turkey Tour of Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Internal flights included

Save up to $400

Best of Portugal

16 Locations

11 Day Portugal Tour to Lisbon, Algarve and Porto

See All Solo Travel Trips

Solo travel inspiration

Take on the world with our solo travel adventures

Some of life's greatest lessons are learned through travel, so what are you waiting for? From meeting new friends to having eye-opening experiences every day, our solo trips will enrich you in ways you could never imagine.

Be inspired

Embark on your own personal journey with our solo travel tours. Wherever you go, you’ll travel with new friends by your side, and our Travel Directors will always ensure your comfort and look out for you every step of the way. From the wonders of Italy and Spain , to the treasures of Switzerland and Scandinavia , your solo trip may be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

Connect with locals

We take you to the best solo travel destinations, where you’ll be met with the warmest of welcomes. Learn how to cook like an Italian nonna in the Tuscan hills , enjoy an evening of storytelling on a goat farm in Norway , meet the liberated women of Demircidere in Turkey , or the talented single female artisans of Iraq Al Amir in Jordan . Wherever you choose to travel to, you’ll join local families to share traditional meals and hear their stories.

Solo traveler options

Choose a solo room share or upgrade to a solo room for more space. Access discounted single supplements on select departures of our award-winning handcrafted itineraries. Experience the best of every destination, and enjoy the freedom of solo travel.

All you need to know about Solo Travel

Where can i go on vacation alone.

You can travel solo all over the world. Each year, millions of people travel alone, enjoying the independence of forging their own travel path or using it as an opportunity to connect with other travelers. If you want to travel solo, we recommend our specially-crafted tours, so you can meet like-minded solo travelers from all over the world.

Where is the best place to travel alone?

We love traveling solo in places like Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Japan, but there are dozens of great places to travel solo around the world. If you want to make new friends and experience new things, you'll love our handcrafted group tours, where you’ll see and experience the best of each destination, while learning new skills like cooking with local chefs and enjoying dinner and storytelling with local families.

Why is solo travel important?

Traveling alone is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. It’s empowering and liberating and will challenge your limits. It helps you get out of your comfort zone, gain confidence, and see the world in a unique way. Solo travel also gives you the opportunity to learn about new cultures, gain new skills, and meet like-minded people who might just become lifelong friends.

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Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

(Getty Images) |

From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
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• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Wellness Retreats in the U.S.
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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Solo Tours, Travel & Vacations

• Travel styles
• Solo travel

Got the urge for adventure, but no one to do it with? Over 50% of travelers on our trips are traveling solo.

This is why traveling as part of our small group tours has its perks. We’ve got expert local leaders who can't wait to show you around, ready-made friends who are itching to explore (just like you), and optional single supplements if you want a room all to yourself. All you have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the rest.

Our most popular group trips for solo travelers

All our group trips are perfectly suited to those of you traveling solo, but here are a few favorites as rated by our previous solo travelers.

Beautiful Bali

9 days from 981.

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

Best of Morocco

15 days from 1165.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed trip exploring Marrakech, Fes, the...

Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1512.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this tour. Fly into Lukla and...

Explore Jordan

8 days from 1304.

Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....

Turkey Uncovered

14 days from 1344.

Discover the best of Turkey on a 14-day trip exploring Istanbul, Gallipoli, Fethiye,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Group trips for solo travelers by region

South Africa

The perks of solo travel on a group tour

A local leader

When you’re all by yourself, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist traps. You wander within a few blocks of your hotel, see a few of the big sights and that’s about it. But solo travel on a group tour isn’t like that. Each of our trips has an expert local leader who knows every backstreet bar, cool tapas joint and hidden gallery. They’ll give you tips for your free time exploring, and introduce you to locals.

Ready-made friendships

Go solo, but not alone. That’s our motto. The average Intrepid Travel trip has about ten people on it – people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the world. It’s like a hostel dorm room that travels with you (minus the smell and the weird naked guy). You’ve got ready-made friends for a karaoke session in Vietnam, a  canoeing adventure in New Zealand  or a  chat over chai  at the breakfast table. For a solo traveler, it’s a nice perk to have.

Logistics and convenience

We’ve spent the better part of 30 years honing our itineraries, getting rid of the dodgy hotels and keeping the good ones, picking the best restaurants to visit, and organizing public transport and all the other logistics of travel so you don’t have to worry. Traveling alone can often be a) confusing and b) complicated. But with us, all you need is a good attitude – we’ll take care of the rest.

Our leaders know the areas of town to avoid after dark. They know how to haggle at markets, avoid pickpockets and scammers and generally have a good time without anything going wrong. And don’t forget, when you're a single traveler on a group tour, you’re in a group! You’ll have a bunch of new friends to watch your back (and your stuff). It’s all the flexibility and freedom of independent travel but without the risks.

Solo travel FAQs

Will i have my own room.

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organized on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and traveling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that, there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the travel style - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I have to pay for an individual room?

Not if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to bunk with a traveler of the same gender, paired up as per the gender marker on each of their passports, there’s nothing extra to pay on the vast majority of our trips. If you want your own room, just mention it to our customer service team when booking and they can organize an individual room for a small charge.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

I'm new to group travel, what will my group be like?

Intrepid travelers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and a lot of them elect to travel alone (so no third-wheeling, we promise). Our trips attract a mix of genders and ages generally ranging from 25 to 65. It’s hard to know exactly who you’ll meet, but you can be assured you'll be a part of the fun.

Is it cheaper to travel in a group?

On average, solo travel on a group tour is way more cost-effective than heading out on your own as you're splitting the costs. We can also guarantee a lot more inclusions and extras than you’d usually get for your money.

Can I tailor the trip to me?

We have a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – that offer different levels of flexibility and free time. Lots of our travelers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. Be sure to chat with your leader ; they can recommend places to explore during your free time or things to try after the trip has finished. 

Tips for solo travelers

Embrace local 

It pays to learn a little bit of the local language wherever you go and you should always consider the country’s dress code when picking out what to wear. In many places, you maybe be expected to dress modestly and cover up exposed skin so consider packing a sarong or light scarf to cover exposed shoulders, along with a long skirt or trousers. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s respectful (and smart) to follow the local style.

When you’re out and about being all adventure-y, just keep an eye on the sunset. Try to avoid catching public transport after dark when you’re on your own, especially if you’re carrying your suitcase/backpack/fancy camera/map (it kind of screams ‘tourist’). Travelling with a  group  is a smart move for any traveller; it’s always good to have people around who’ve got your back.

Social media may be the doom of mankind and rational thought as we know it, but it can be useful, even as a safety tool. Your friends and family are now privy to a minute-by-minute update of your whereabouts, regardless of where you are in the world. Before you leave home, give your friends/family a social media heads-up: ‘If I don’t post a sunset selfie for five days straight, get in touch and see if I’m okay.’

Our solo travel safety guide

Share your itinerary.

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people traveling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport, and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station). If you're traveling with us, we can help you organize an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps  before  you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it. Leave the blingy jewelry, wedding rings, and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress as the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!). For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email, and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to. It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost-effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travelers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help. Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate  before  you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle. A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of traveling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention. Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

Read more about solo travel

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Travel Solo for the First Time: Complete Guide for Newbies

June 7, 2023 by Janice Waugh

You're going to travel solo for the first time. It's a big deal and yet, not such a big deal if you know how.

You likely have some questions.

You may have some concerns.

Don't worry, we're here to help.

For more than 14 years, Solo Traveler has been helping people with solo travel tips for newbies, as well as for those stretching their solo travel muscles to more challenging destinations.

Some people don't give their plan to travel solo a second thought. Others live with anxiety at every stage of the planning process. For still others, their worries only come at the 11th hour. They are about to leave and start to panic.

Having a good sense of what solo travel is like and planning for it will go a long way to easing you into your first solo trip. There is a lot of information on Solo Traveler. In fact, there are over 700 posts about the many aspects of solo travel.

This post covers the basics of how to travel alone for the first time. It will also point you to more in-depth articles on specific aspects of solo travel. If you're in your 20s or 30s, check out this piece on solo travel .

It's my hope that it will help those who are new to solo travel find what they need to go with confidence.

Table of Contents

How to Travel Alone for the First Time

When first-time solo travelers announce their intention to travel alone, they often face a lot of questions from family and friends. The primary one is, “why”? To get this issue out of the way, read about the why of solo travel here .

Now, let's get on to the how.

Preparation for your first solo trip can be broken down into a number of parts. You need to decide:

• How much you have to spend.
• Where to go.
• How to get there.
• Where you will stay.
• How long you will stay.
• How you will travel at your destination.

Huh! Those six decisions look pretty familiar to anyone who has traveled. Yes, much of solo travel is the same as all travel.

However, there is another list, this time of questions, that first-time solo travelers need to consider:

• Am I ready to travel by myself?
• How challenging a destination should I consider?
• Am I comfortable with my own company?
• Do I want to meet people on my trips or is solitude my objective?
• What do I need to do to be safe?
• How do I ensure my loved ones that I will be safe?
• Am I better to go solo on a group tour or is independent solo travel right for me?

Those seven questions are not the questions that every traveler asks. They are, however, important for those traveling solo for the first time.

Below, we'll get into tips and advice that will help you answer each question.

Is Solo Travel a Good Idea? Get Ready for Your First Solo Trip

Solo travel is a confidence booster but you have to actually travel solo for that to happen. So how do you gain confidence before you go? I have a few suggestions.

• Find your cheerleader . When you tell people about your trip, notice who is excited about it. Spend as much time as you can with those people as they will build your confidence. Try to avoid the naysayers.
• Stop watching crime shows. They are not representative of the dangers in the world.
• Plan how you will stay in touch with home . The fact that you will stay connected will build your confidence.
• Find a local contact . Chances are, someone you know, knows someone where you're going. Get the concept of six degrees of separation working for you.
• Find out if there is a Greeter program in your destination so that you can meet up with a local.
• Be patient with yourself . Take your time. Please know that even very experienced solo travelers become overwhelmed from time to time, especially at the outset of a trip. It will pass! Be prepared to handle this by reading Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Best Countries for a First Solo Trip

Your choice of destination for first time solo travel is important. It can make the difference between a successful, confidence-building first trip with a future of many more solo trips, or one with mixed results. I suggest that first trips be to destinations where it's easy to find people who speak your language. In your own language, you'll find it easier to navigate, feel safer, and meet more people.

Certainly you can travel your own country. There is always more to see near home. But if you want to visit another country, as many new travelers do, consider Canada , the United States , the United Kingdom , Ireland , Australia , or New Zealand .

You'll find more specific ideas for where to go on your first solo trip here.  You may also want to read  Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These,   Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers , and Summer Solo Travel: Great Destinations, Good Times Guaranteed .

Travel Solo but Not Lonely

Solo travel need not be a lonely experience. Many solo travelers say that they meet more people traveling alone than they do when traveling with others. After all, you are not focused on a companion. You are open to meeting people and that makes people feel comfortable approaching you.

However, there are things you can do to make sure you have a social experience. Here are a number of posts that will help.

• How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 12 Posts
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How
• Expert Tips for Shy Travelers and Solo Travel Introverts

Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

There is so much to be said on this topic, especially when you are traveling solo for the first time.

Here's a link to our  Solo Travel Safety: 50 Tips post that covers just about everything you need to know.

Here are a few basics:

• Arrive at a new destination well before dark . Daylight gives you a better sense of the safety of a place.
• Take the business card of your hotel with you when you go out for the day.
• Don't tell people you meet where you're staying. Your accommodation should be your safe zone.
• Be prepared to be impolite if someone is bothering you. This comes up in Solo Female Travel Safety: Advice for What Women Worry About .
• Always have travel insurance . Since I started to travel at 15 years of age, I've always had insurance. Read: A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers .
• Use public Wi-Fi with a VPN. If you're planning to use public Wi-Fi for doing anything that requires security, such as booking a hotel room with a credit card, make sure you have a VPN. Read  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations .
• Keep your money and credit cards in multiple places . Here's  How to Manage Money While Traveling .
• Download these safety apps . Here are 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps to give you peace of mind.

Remember, as you travel you're in a holiday mindset and a different culture. Both factors will affect your ability to judge situations. To keep you safe in a variety of situations, it's helpful to be clear on your safety rules before going. And, most importantly, trust your instincts.

Should Your First Trip Be a Tour?

When does a tour make sense?

• being alone
• your safety
• finding the time to plan
• missing important highlights
• navigating new cities
• getting lost
• If you want to go to a destination that you consider challenging.
• If you want to break up a long trip. If you're on your own for a month or more, you may want to include a tour so that you have company for a while and you can relax while someone else manages the details.

Tour companies are not all the same. There are a wide variety of experiences available and a number of things to consider when choosing a tour.

Read  How to Choose a Tour: Top Tips for Solo Travelers.

Taking a tour can be a good way to get an introduction to a destination and help you build your confidence. By adding time on your own at the end of a tour, you can then travel solo independently for the first time as well.

You'll also want to browse our solo travel tours  page or, if you already have a good idea of what you're looking for, use our searchable trips page to get to what you want faster. Solo Traveler is the best source for a continuously updated list of a variety of tour companies offering trips with no or low single supplements. If you'd like to receive it by email each month, you can sign up here .

How to Plan to Travel Alone

If you have decided that you have the confidence, that you are comfortable in your own company, and that you can take care of your safety, you may have decided that you will travel solo independently.

Here are my suggestions:

• Make a budget . Know how much you can spend so that you plan your transportation and accommodation, the two most expensive aspects of a trip, accordingly. Here's more on creating a budget , along with a handy interactive spreadsheet.
• K now the basics . Before you leave, be sure you understand the visa requirements and spend a few moments to understand the currency exchange. Make sure your passport doesn’t expire for at least three months after your trip ends as some countries have such a minimum for visitors.
• Book your flights/trains.  Yes, you check your passport and visa needs first and then book your flights. You don't want to get ahead of yourself, put the money out for a flight and discover later that you have to pay a fee to have it changed. Also, book your transportation so that you arrive before dusk. Everything looks better in daylight and, if your hotel/hostel isn't to your liking, you'll have time to make changes.
• Book your accommodation. Arriving in a new city, not knowing how it works, and still having to find a place to stay can be stressful, especially when it's your first time traveling solo. Plus, you can end up spending more than you budgeted because you just have to get a place. If you're looking for a hotel, we use and recommend booking.com . Here are a variety of other options: Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers: The Choice is Yours .
• Study a map. Maps provide a bird’s-eye view of a new destination. They give you a sense of distance between places and, therefore, what’s possible to do in a day. You’ll also get a sense of where the areas are that you want to avoid for safety reasons.
• Add important numbers to your phone. Research useful apps for your phone and download them when you have free Wi-Fi. While you may not want to stay connected with home as you travel, important numbers should be in your phone before you leave. Get the front desk staff at your accommodation to help you add important local numbers to your phone such as the one for your hotel or hostel.
• Pack light so you can manage your own things. One carry-on sized bag and a daypack or large purse should do it. Here's how to pack light . A reader recently provided an excellent reason for this from their own experience: “I used the info on your blog about traveling with only carry-on and a small wardrobe when I traveled solo to Peru. Having no checked bag saved me from missing a connecting flight in the Lima airport.”
• Arrive at the airport, train, or bus station early. Whether it’s traffic congestion or a massive lineup at the airport, many things can slow you down when trying to catch a flight.
• Don’t plan much for your first day. Take the time to settle in and get to know the city and how it works. Do people line up for the bus? What’s the street food like and where are the busiest stands? What’s within walking distance of your lodging? Take it slow and learn.

Tips from Seasoned Solo Travelers

Over on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, there are many experienced solo travelers as well as people who are new to traveling alone. I asked those experienced travelers what tips they would offer a solo travel newbie and here's what they had to say.

• Annalie   Carry a game with you, like a backgammon set, chess, a pack of cards. People all over the world can become friends over a simple game!
• Scott   Leave the third pair of socks and the fourth t-shirt at home. Pack more smiles than you think you'll need, and more patience. Take all the expectations out of your pack and leave 'em at home.
• Pamela   Go to the market while you are traveling. The experience will shed light on cultural, culinary, agricultural, linguistic, and family composition differences. People are always willing to teach you something new and befriend a stranger with a wealth of information. My first experience of this was in Aruba. I saw very little at the market that I was familiar with, but I came out with knowledge and friends.
• Tony   Join free walking tours whenever you can! It's great for getting to know the city, learning its history, and meeting other backpackers.
• Laurie   When you travel solo for the first time–or any time, for that matter–spend Day One at your new destination getting oriented: stop at the local chamber of commerce for a free map and suggestions for must-see points of interest; if you ride, rent a bicycle, you'll cover a lot more ground and still be able to see things up close and personal; chat with storekeepers, cab drivers, and servers and ask them their thoughts about their mayor, their favorite place to eat and drink, changes they've seen in the area over the years, and where they would take out-of-town visitors. Spend the rest of your time following up on their suggestions and return to let them know how you fared.
• Toni   Give yourself the gift of strangers: ask questions, share impressions, get directions. Use Facebook or Twitter to friend or follow for ongoing exchange and learning.
• Sam   Make sure (wherever possible) that you arrive at your next destination during daylight hours. When you have to find your way from the airport or train station to your accommodation it is much less nerve-racking to do this during the day when you can see where you are going and there are lots of people around and shops open to ask for directions. Once you get to your accommodation you then still have some time up your sleeve to get your bearings, have a look around, and plan where you will start exploring the next day. Plus, if you are staying at a hostel it is good to arrive before people are making dinner or having afternoon drinks as this is one of the best times to get a feel for the place and meet new people.
• Tracey   Take the time to observe how people interact and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time standing in a lineup, I love to watch locals going about their day. If you pay attention to the little things, you can learn a lot: how to use public transit (and how to conduct yourself on it), whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, whether people are expected to line up in an orderly fashion or just jump in where you can, how to tip, or how to hail a cab. I find this particularly useful in a place where I don't speak the language.

Stories About First Solo Trips

What is first time solo travel really like? Well, that depends a bit on you, but here are a few descriptions by readers of Solo Traveler.

• Deborah I was a late bloomer as far as travel goes. I took my first solo trip to Nassau, Bahamas when I was 34. I was nervous at first, but I got there and made so many travel friends. I had a glorious time. I haven’t stopped traveling yet and I’ll be 64 soon. I'm planning another big trip around the world. I'm retired now and will live on the “road” until I decide to come back.
• Massy On my first solo trip I went to Japan. I am an introverted person and I get very self-conscious about myself (seriously). On January 1, 2013 I posted on my Facebook page the “2013 mission to Japan.” On my birthday in July 2013, I bought a ticket as a gift for myself. I got a lot of questions from friends because no one really went solo. I made it to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was the most worthwhile and enjoyable experience. It was fascinating to see how communication clashes and cultural differences bring people together. It was just an amazing journey. I learned so much. I met new people. What a journey! It’s addictive.
• MG I went to Puerto Vallarta and I was depressed. Then I met new friends at the hotel. I didn’t expect to end my vacation having so much fun. This is one good thing about traveling solo. You get to meet new friends that you wouldn’t have if you were in a group.
• Leslie I had just gotten my professional designation, which took 7 years of exams (post-college) and I wanted to do something big to celebrate. I love to travel, but several of my friends said they couldn’t get the time off or couldn’t afford to go somewhere too far away. I finally decided I shouldn’t be held back just because no one could travel with me, so I booked a camping safari in Tanzania! I love animals and an African safari had always been one of my dreams. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that scared to get on a plane and fly halfway around the world by myself (and to a Third World country, no less). It was exciting! I learned that I’m much more self-sufficient than I thought and that traveling alone can be fun and very rewarding. Now that I know I can travel alone and be just fine, I feel like the possibilities are endless!
• Zola My first earned vacation out of college I booked a week in Mexico. I loved going on an adventure by myself. I learned a few lessons from first time solo travel that have been useful for my other solo trips I have taken to Bali, Egypt, and Thailand.

If you're looking for even more tips, don't miss The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It .

Enjoy your first solo trip!

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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On The Go Solo

Solo travel tips and advice for adventurers and dreamers.

9 Steps for Planning the Perfect Solo Trip

If you’ve never tried planning the perfect solo trip or if your previous “perfect” solo trips didn’t live up to your expectations, you might feel overwhelmed at where to begin. The following guide leads you step-by-step through the planning process, from figuring out your goals to booking your ticket. The more time you take deciding the Where , When , Why , and How of your trip, the less likely you are to be derailed by What If…? .

There are no right or wrong answers to the questions in each of the following steps. Just be honest with yourself and realistic about what you’re hoping to get out of the experience . If you are, you should end up with a trip tailor-made to your interests, your budget, and your comfort level. Click here to download the PDF worksheet for this guide, which includes space to write your answers.

Step 1: Figure out why you want to travel

Begin by thinking about why you want to travel. What do you hope to get out of your trip?

Do you want to break out of a rut in your normal life? Do you need to get away and relax? Are you looking for comfort and convenience or are you looking for action and adventure? Do you want to do the things you’ve heard about your whole life, like ride in a gondola through Venice? Or do you yearn to experience things relatively few others have done, like stay at a buddhist monastery in Tibet? Are you looking to gain confidence or regain your footing in life? Or is it simply a matter of gathering enough memories to tide you over until your next trip?

Step 2: Calculate your budget

More than anything, your budget will determine the nature, though not necessarily the quality, of your trip. When calculating your budget, don’t forget to factor in all of the one-time and daily expenses you might be faced with . The following are some of the more common ones:

• Passport application fees
• Travel visas fees
• Travel vaccinations
• Transportation from your arrival point – airport, bus terminal, train station, etc. — to your accommodation and back again
• A local SIM card for your smart phone, if you want to avoid roaming charges
• Weekly laundromat visits
• Public transportation
• Museum entry fees
• City taxes on hotel guests. These usually run about 1 euro/night in Europe.
• Alcohol and club entry fees

Step 3: Decide where you want to go

This is probably the easiest one because you’ve probably been thinking about it for a long time already. If not, your answers to Step 1 should have sparked some ideas. Forget what everyone else has told you you “must” go see or do . Ask yourself a simple question, “If I could go to sleep tonight and wake up somewhere else tomorrow, where would that be?” When you have the answer, you’re ready to move on to Step 4.

Step 4: Determine the level of comfort you want

If you can handle sleeping in hostels, traveling by bus, and cooking your own meals, you’ll be able to travel for longer on a lot less money than if you want luxury hotels, airline flights, and restaurant dining. In general, the cheaper your travel, the more social it is , as hostels are much better places to meet fellow travelers than 5-star hotel lobbies. If your budget is limited but you really want comfort, consider shortening the length of your trip. Alternately, plan to spend most of your time living cheaply with the occasional splurge of a nice hotel or meal.

Step 5: Calculate how long you can (or want to) travel

Just because you can afford to travel for three months doesn’t mean you necessarily should . Be honest with yourself and, using your budget, your destination, and your comfort requirements as a guide, determine how long your trip should be. Hawaii always sounds wonderful, but after a week of perfect weather and wide sandy beaches, I always grow restless. The solution for me is to break my trip up into 5 to 7 day chunks, each different from the previous one. This helps me avoid boredom and gives me something to look forward to each week.

Step 6: Decide when to go

Keep in mind factors like cost. Most touristy places have a high and low season, so they’re a lot more expensive during the main part of the tourist season. Going when it’s cheaper will save you money, but you might find attractions closed or with reduced hours . Many stores and restaurants in Europe shut down from the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) until the end of the month and many stay closed even into mid or late February.

Also factor in the weather during the time you’re planning to visit. Keep in mind that many tourist brochures use the term “Green Season” instead of “Rainy Season.” Make sure your trip is not going to fall during monsoon season, wildfire season, avalanche season, etc . In Spain, for example, Madrid and Sevilla become virtual ghost towns in August when huge segments of the local populations head for the coast to escape the oppressive heat.

Make sure whatever you want to see is not seasonal . You’ll get to experience nearly 24 hours of daylight in Fairbanks, Alaska in the summer, but all of that sunlight means you’re not going to be able to see the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights). Yosemite is gorgeous during the warm days of mid-summer, but some of the waterfalls all but dry up. Milan’s La Scala opera house is world-class, but like many opera houses in Europe, it’s closed in August.

Step 7: Decide how you want to get there

A friend of mine once booked a passenger cabin on a cargo ship traveling from Rio de Janiero to Salerno, Italy. The journey took two weeks, there was only one other passenger onboard, and she was only allowed to interact with the captain and other officers. Despite this, she loved the trip because she viewed the journey to her destination as another part of the experience. I personally travel by train whenever possible even though it’s often more expensive and time-consuming than flying. For me, the freedom to wander around, sprawl out, and get comfortable more than outweighs the extra costs involved. Ask yourself, is the journey to get to your destination important to you or do you really just want to get there as fast or as cheaply as possible?

Step 8: Figure out what you want to do when you get there

If you’re more of a nervous traveler, you’ll want to have some sort of itinerary worked out before your arrival. If you’re more adaptive and comfortable with not knowing things, a vague plan might be enough. When I travel, I usually book a hotel or AirBnB ** rental for the first day or two. The rest of my trip is unplanned. Each morning I decide what I want to do and where I want to go. In contrast, a great friend of mine isn’t comfortable leaving for vacation until she’s conducted extensive research. She needs to know everything about each city, hotel, museum, and restaurant she plans to visit while away. There’s really nothing wrong with either approach, as long as you’re comfortable with it.

Step 9: Make your booking

Now that you’ve nailed down the why, the what, the when, and the how, the only thing left to do is to book your ticket. For over ten years, I’ve used Orbitz.com ** for most of my travel planning. It’s an easy-to-use resource for finding the cheapest hotels and flights available. If you buy a package deal — a flight and a hotel stay — you can usually get a signficant discount. If you become a member of Orbitz before booking your trip, you will get a 1% rebate, called Orbucks, on the cost of your trip. Hotels.com ** is another resource I use a lot. Rather than a 1% rebate, they offer one free night for every 10 you pay for. For both sites, sign up  before booking if you want your purchases to count toward your rebate or nightly totals .

**Note: I am not affiliated with AirBnB, Orbitz.com, or Hotels.com in any way. I just value and trust their services.

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How To Travel Solo Successfully: 31+ Tips For A Safe & Fun Trip

By Jessie Festa. This solo travel guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Want to learn how to travel solo successfully ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you ultimate freedom over your itinerary, but it can also encourage personal growth. Quite honestly, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to start my own travel business had it not been for my experiences traveling solo.

That being said, it can be intimidating to actually book that first solo trip.

If you have the desire to travel alone but need some guidance on how to prepare for solo travel and actually enjoy it, I’m here to help.

Keep reading for my top traveling solo tips as well as bonus resources to help you successfully travel on your own.

Quick tip: When traveling solo, it’s still smart to pack a few travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our guide to how to enjoy a holiday alone , I invite you to grab a seat in my  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

If you want to travel solo, this 6-day course is for you. It’s designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo travel trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect destination
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn how to travel solo successfully and to snag the bonus solo female travel resources .

Is It Hard To Travel Alone?

No travel experience is perfect, though sometimes it seems like you can get pretty close.

There are both  pros and cons to traveling alone . While the experience can be both rewarding and empowering, it can get a little lonely and your safety risk is a little higher since you don’t have anyone watching your back.

I’m a firm believer that everyone should have the opportunity to experience it at least once, simply because there’s so much to learn about yourself while figuring out how to travel alone.

So, no, it’s not hard to travel alone — but you might come across different challenges you’ll need to overcome. That’s where this handy guide sharing my top travel solo tips comes in.

Tips For How To Travel Solo Successfully

On that note, I’d love to share some of my top pieces of advice for how to travel by yourself. My goal: that you feel confident taking a vacation alone and can enjoy this rewarding experience!

Before Taking A Solo Trip:

1. get clear on why you want to travel solo.

When it comes to how to start traveling alone, it really starts with mindset.

One of the main benefits of solo travel is having ultimate freedom over your itinerary. I recommend taking advantage of this aspect and really getting clear on why this solo trip is so important to you.

• What excites you about the idea of taking a trip by yourself?
• What prompted your desire to start traveling alone?
• When you visualize traveling on your own, what do you see?

In short, the best way to succeed at solo travel is to know what you want to get out of it in the first place and then plan your itinerary accordingly.

2. Set your solo travel expectations

Truth: the first few days of your solo trip will likely be hard. You’ll be diving into a completely new experience in an unfamiliar place, and you might feel lonely, homesick, and culture shock.

Also realize that as you begin exploring and immersing yourself in your destination, these feelings will subside. In fact, for many people they go away completely and turn into a love of traveling alone.

Once it really sinks in just how great traveling without needing to compromise is, your perspective can shift drastically.

And if it doesn’t and you truly hate solo traveling, know that you can always end your trip early and head back home.

3. Turn solo travel anxiety into excitement

Fun fact: fear and excitement are both arousal emotions — so when you’re feeling anxious, try to shift that toward exhilaration.

I’ve actually utilized this little mindset trick many times. Basically, if I’m feeling nervous I’ll actually visualize feeling excited — until I truly am!

4. Do your travel research

It can be fun to add a little spontaneity into your solo trip, but the best solo travel tip is to do your research and show up well-prepared so that you don’t miss anything you’re hoping to experience.

One personal travel research fail happened to me in Zadar, Croatia. I’d been really wanting to go to Plitvice Lakes National Park; however, as I was visiting during the off-season, the buses going there were way less frequent. In the end, the schedule didn’t align with my exact travel dates.

If I would have done my research, I could have easily figured this out. In fact, if I would arrived just one day earlier I would have been able to easily get there.

The worst part? The bus schedule was readily available online, but I just hadn’t bothered to look it up!

In short, knowing where you want to go and what you want to do, along with what areas you should avoid, will help make your trip enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons.

Now I may be biased, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to do research about your solo travel destination is to read blogs. These articles are typically written by people who have first-hand knowledge about the destination. You can even try reaching out to the blogger with any questions or concerns.

5. Be flexible

Curious how to enjoy a solo trip? The key is being flexible!

This is really true whether you’re traveling solo or in a group. Travel is not always the picture perfect experience Instagram leads you to believe.

There are missed trains, lost luggage, misplaced passports, and general mishaps that can pop up along the way.

But, it’s all part of the adventure.

If you avoid having a meltdown every time something doesn’t go according to plan, and instead see it as part of the solo travel experience, you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more.

Here’s an example:

While traveling solo in France on my way to Nice, the airline lost my luggage — for the entire time I was there!

And while I was frustrated, I decided that exploring and socializing in dirty jeans and an old t-shirt was better than holing up in my room and crying about something I couldn’t control.

I’m glad I did, because it ended up being a really memorable part of the trip. Not only that, but “Sorry for my appearance — the airline lost my luggage” is actually a great conversation starter among travelers, as everyone has their own version of that story to share.

6. Plan a (loose) solo travel itinerary

Now, this solo travel tip really depends on your travel style and the length of your trip. If you’ll be backpacking for a few weeks or months, I recommend booking the first few nights of your accommodation to give yourself time to settle in.

That being said, it’s smart to also leave some room to change up your plan.

When I backpacked Europe for three months , I pre-booked everything — which meant I couldn’t veer from the plan when I met fun people I may have wanted to travel with or when I learned about interesting new places I hadn’t heard of before.

Now, when I travel solo for longer periods of time, I leave room for adventure.

7. Research local customs & cultural norms

When traveling abroad alone (or in a group), it’s important to realize that not everywhere has the same norms as your home city.

Some of these differences may be small things that you’ll learn along the way, while others are vital to understand before your trip so that you don’t accidentally offend the locals.

One story that comes to mind is when I was volunteering in Thailand. The volunteers all stayed in a large dorm, and then there was a main house where we would eat and have meetings.

Before entering the house, you were supposed to take off your shoes outside and step over the threshold, not on it. Well, one volunteer missed the memo and stood on the doorframe — which deeply upset the locals running the program.

Why? Because in Thailand, it’s believed that a spirit resides here.

This is just one example of why doing this kind of cultural research is important.

8. Know how to stay safe

Building on the idea of doing research when going on a trip alone, you should also look up local scams and safety concerns to be aware of while traveling independently.

For instance, if visiting NYC solo you should be aware that there are unofficial cabs at the airport that will help you “skip the taxi line” by getting into their private black car — and then they’ll take the scenic route and you’ll end up with a hefty bill.

Being aware of these types of scams can help you stay safe and just have an overall better time taking a trip by yourself.

Additionally, I recommend packing a few travel safety essentials and keeping the usual practical safety tips in mind, like not walking alone at night and always keeping an eye on your drink if you’re at a bar.

If you’re a US citizen, it’s also wise to sign up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . This allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you do this, you’ll:

• Receive important information about safety conditions in your destination
• Make it easier for the embassy to contact you if there is an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency
• Make it easier for loved ones to contact you if there is an emergency

9. Make an emergency booklet to stay safe

All of the important numbers we need on a day-to-day basis are stored in our phones, but what happens if you no longer have access?

It’s a little old school, but prior to your trip grab a small notebook from the dollar store and drop all of the important information you need in it. Go beyond the obvious emergency contacts and make sure you have:

• Your passport information
• Hotel name, number, and address
• Embassy and/or consulate address, phone number, and emergency contact
• Travel insurance policy number and contact information

Essentially write down anything you might need if you were in an emergency situation but couldn’t access your phone. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it could be a lifesaver if you do.

Personally, I also like to save a folder with this information, as well as copies of my passport, license, and credit cards, securely to the cloud. This way, even if I lose my phone, I can still access it from another device.

10. Read bad hotel reviews before booking accommodation

People tend to write reviews for two reasons: they had an awful time and want to make sure no one makes that mistake again, or they had an amazing time and want to spread the word. Rarely do they review about a mediocre time.

While standard solo travel advice tells you to pick somewhere with awesome reviews (you should!), also make sure you read the bad ones.

You want to overlook the personal bias and watch for consistency. If every review mentions bad WiFi and you need to get work done on your trip, you might want to skip that property.

Of course, also pay attention to any reviews that mention safety concerns. When it comes to solo traveling tips, nothing is more important than paying attention to personal safety. Nothing.

Oh, and bonus tip: it’s wise to opt for an accommodation near the city center so you can walk to as many attractions as possible to save on public transportation and taxi costs.

11. Schedule your flight to arrive during the day

One piece of advice for traveling solo is to schedule your flight so that you arrive when the sun is still shining.

You’ll feel a lot safer, especially if you’ll be taking public transportation to get to your accommodation.

Plus, it gives you some time to get acquainted with your destination and ease out of your comfort zone.

12. Get travel insurance

When it comes to solo travel tips, this is one of the most important. Travel insurance should be non-negotiable regardless of how you’re traveling so that you’re protected in case anything bad happens.

However, when you’re figuring out how to vacation alone, the travel insurance safety net is not only comforting but it can help you save money in the long run.

Just make sure you read the terms and conditions before choosing a plan, because some activities aren’t covered. For instance, many plans don’t cover extreme sports or activities that take place above a certain altitude.

Personally, my favorite travel and medical insurance is SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

13. Download helpful solo travel apps

No guide sharing tips for traveling alone would be complete without mentioning apps. Tech can definitely be your friend during a lone travel experience. A few to download include:

• Google Maps – an invaluable app for getting around both at home and on the road
• CouchSurfing – this popular app for solo travelers allows you to stay on local couches for free and meetup with locals and other travelers in your destination
• HerHouse – this platform makes it easy for women traveling alone to connect with background checked female hosts for free homestays, house sits, and house swaps
• Meetup – meet people who share your common interests in your solo travel destination
• Facebook – join Facebook groups focused on the destination you’re visiting and see if people want to meet up
• SoloTrvlr – an online platform with trusted travel advice — by women, for women
• TripIt – keep your travel itinerary organized in one place
• Emergency App – one of my favorite travel safety apps
• Currency – quickly and easily convert local currency so you know how much you’re paying in your home currency
• Uber (or the local equivalent) – it’s smart to download a ridesharing app, especially since in some countries hailing a taxi off the street isn’t considered safe

One quick note of caution when meeting people in real life: while most people will have good intentions, there may be times where people try to turn your meetup into a date. I’ve had this happen a few times, though fortunately I’ve never felt unsafe.

My solo travel advice here would be to always meet in a public place and, if possible, make it a group outing. You might also mention that you have a partner back home — even if you don’t — in an attempt to weed out anyone trying to make things romantic (though of course some still might).

By the way, I actually have a crazy CouchSurfing story. Don’t worry, it ended up being totally fine and I’m a huge fan of this app:

14. Learn a few words in the local language

Language learning doesn’t come easy to everyone, but it does help to learn a few words in the local language .

Sure, you’ll pick up a few things as you go along; but, learning simple phrases can get you a lot further.

Some you might want to practice up on include:

• Where is the bathroom?
• How much does this cost?
• No — this is an important phrase for solo travelers, particularly when it comes to personal safety

Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg — the more you know, the better.

Some great advice for solo travelers is to download Google Translate and a language pack, which allows you to use the app offline. Additionally, install a fun gamified language learning app, like Duolingo!

15. Plan for you

The only thing you really need to take away from any travel alone guide is that the experience is all about you.

You don’t have to get the prettiest pictures, have the best travel stories , and do what everyone else does. Your goal is to do and see the things that you want to.

If that means visiting the same museum three days in a row because you couldn’t get enough, eating at the same restaurant the entire trip, or skipping the Eiffel Tower because you’re not into touristy things — do it. It’s all fair game.

Basically, don’t feel like you have to conform to what everyone on Instagram is saying. It’s your trip, enjoy it however you choose.

16. Pack light but smart

You only want to pack what you’re going to use. It can be challenging to determine this on your first solo trip, but you want to minimize your packing list as much as possible.

Nothing sours a trip faster than losing your checked bag before you even get there — so if you can pack carry-on only , it’s a great advantage. This is especially true if you are destination hopping or if your flight has stopovers.

A few tips for solo travelers:

• Opt for garments that can be used for multiple purposes (like a large scarf shawl that can also be an airplane blanket or hidden pocket garments that function as clothing and a purse)
• Choose a color palette for garments that you can mix and match
• Opt for function over fashion — unless you’re traveling for a specific high-class event, you don’t need heels
• Use compression packing cubes to save space (I love these from Cambond )
• Only bring one week of clothes and do laundry if going on a longer trip

Even if you can’t narrow it down, make sure your baggage isn’t weighed down by unnecessary items and definitely leave your valuables at home. It’s just one less thing to worry about.

17. Bring a book along

Introverted? One of the best solo travel tips for introverts (and extroverts) is to bring a book along with you. 

A book can be the best companion, especially when dining alone or as a distraction if it’s your first time flying alone .

Popping open a book on the table and enjoying a solo meal is one of the pleasures of taking a trip alone that everyone should experience. It’s useful for when you’re waiting, eating, or otherwise have a little time to kill.

It can also indicate to other travelers that you’re alone and make for a great conversation starter.

Essential Tips For Traveling On Your Own During The Trip

18. ask your hotel for a few safety essentials.

These include:

• The hotel’s business card (or a piece of paper with the name and address)
• An annotated map letting you know where is and isn’t safe to wander alone

Even if you know the name of your hotel, that doesn’t mean the local taxi drivers do. In case you’re ever in a situation where you need to get away, it’s smart to have the address of your accommodation written down somewhere to quickly give to a driver in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, an annotated map is a great reference so you’re always clear on where and where not to go solo.

19. Share plans with a loved one

One of the most basic traveling alone tips is to make sure you share your plans with your loved ones. It’s important that someone knows where you are — even if that someone is back home.

Additionally, make sure you have an emergency plan in place. Your safety is important.

While traveling by yourself is an amazing experience, you want to make sure you can easily contact your loved ones if something unexpected occurs.

20. Start your day early

In most cases, you’ll find the smallest crowds and best chances for photo opportunities earlier in the day — think before anyone’s finished their breakfast.

This also tends to be the coolest time of the day to safely travel around. Try to stay inside or in the shade during peek sun hours if you’re traveling to a warmer destination, and don’t travel alone at night.

21. Bring the perfect solo selfie camera

One downside of traveling on your own is it’s tough to take your own photo — though it’s not impossible!

A few options for solo travelers include:

• Bring a small travel tripod ( like this ) and put your phone on a timer
• Bring a small but heavy duty travel tripod, like a Joby GorillaPod , and put your camera on a timer
• Bring an Insta360 camera with invisible selfie stick

The latter is how I capture fun travel photos with myself in the picture — even if I’m solo tripping.

Here is a sample video and here is an example of a photo:

22. Learn how to cook the local cuisine

When researching local things to do when traveling alone, make sure that some of the experiences revolve around food. One of the best souvenirs you can give yourself from a trip is the gift of local cuisine.

Cooking classes offer a great opportunity to learn how to make something new, meet the locals, and take something back home with you. You can use your new-found skills to share your experience with family, ignite special memories, and enjoy a delicious meal. Plus, the more you practice, the better you’ll get!

One platform to check out for food experiences while vacationing alone is EatWith , which allows you to dine in local homes, take cooking classes in local kitchens, and book food tours led by locals around the world. It’s a really great way to meet people and other solo travelers, too.

Of course, you can also dive into other facets of local culture when on a trip alone. Consider your own unique interests, and explore them locally.

For instance, if you’re interested in art, you might take a fresco-making class in Florence , a calligraphy class in China , or an Ikebana (flower arranging) class in Japan .

23. Make a solo travel scavenger hunt of it

Here is a creative addition to our list of tips when traveling alone. Building a scavenger hunt can be a great way to give you direction, even if you’re feeling a little lost.

There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but a few ideas for solo travelers include:

• Trying to check off all the best bookstores in the city if you’re a bibliophile
• Making a unique souvenir list and trying to hunt everything down
• Becoming the ultimate foodie by sampling all the top restaurants in the area
• Aiming to spend time alone on the beach in as many places as possible
• Booking an actual scavenger hunt in your destination on a platform like Viator

It’s a great way to edge yourself out of your comfort zone without jumping into the deep end. And who doesn’t love a little competition — even if it is against yourself?

24. Make friends while traveling solo

There’s no one right answer for how to solo travel, but I can tell you that going on holiday alone doesn’t need to mean  being lonely . In fact, for those that love to meet new people, there are ways to do this while traveling alone.

You can encourage yourself to meet people, including other solo travelers, by:

• Keep in mind, many hostels have private rooms, so if you’re hosteling later in life you can still keep your privacy and take advantage of common spaces for socializing
• Joining a local walking tour and chatting with those around you
• Checking out popular local digital nomad hangouts
• Using travel apps meant for socializing — like CouchSurfing , which has city-specific forums where you can meet up with locals and other travelers
• Eating and cooking in local homes through EatWith
• Meeting locals that share similar interests on Meetup.com

A quick story:

When spending my 25th birthday in Mendoza while traveling solo , I was worried I’d end up alone for the night; however, after posting a message on CouchSurfing asking if anyone wanted to celebrate with me, I ended up having 11 people take me out for dinner and dancing.

These complete strangers turned into friends, and to this day it is one of my favorite birthday experiences!

25. Watch your drinking

Speaking of nights out, one of the best solo trip tips is to curb your alcohol use.

As mentioned a few times in the previous travel alone tips, personal safety should be of utmost importance for solo travelers. You want to make sure you’re never in a position where someone can easily take advantage of you.

When you do opt for an adult beverage, watch it carefully and cover the top of the glass with your hand so that nobody can lace it when you’re not looking.

This solo travel advice isn’t meant to scare you. Almost everyone you meet while traveling on your own while likely be kind; however, the reality is you can’t trust everyone. Keep yourself safe.

26. Get a local SIM card

Unless you purchase an unlimited plan for your phone carrier, using the internet while roaming can be extremely expensive.

That’s where a local SIM card comes in. One of the best tips for solo travel is to ensure you have phone access in an emergency situation or when you need directions. I can’t tell you how many tours I’ve almost been late to because I couldn’t find the meeting point without the help of Google Maps.

Many countries have inexpensive SIM cards and budget-friendly pay-as-you-go plans. You can usually grab these at the airport or local convenience store and set them up with Wi-Fi.

27. Choose alternative meal times

Now let’s discuss solo travel tips for dining alone. One thing to note is that the best restaurants are often booked up around traditional meal times.

Instead of a nice evening dinner, try a lunch or even brunch — which allows you to savor the same food with less of a crowd.

Just keep in mind that typical mealtimes may be different than your home country, so research the local customs so you’re aware of when people tend to eat.

28. Sit at the bar when dining alone

When you go on vacation alone, one concern might be what to do during meal times. Is it weird for solo travelers to eat at a restaurant on their own?

First off, no, it’s not weird. I’ve eaten at tables on my own plenty of times, though I do think it’s less awkward to eat at the bar.

Bonus: if you’re in the mood to chat, you’ll have the bartender and potentially other bar patrons to talk to.

29. Focus on supporting local

Sustainable tourism refers to traveling in a way that positively impacts the people and environments of the places we visit — which also includes supporting the local economy.

And one of the best ways to do this is to shop local. The more you can purchase souvenirs, food, and experiences from local vendors, the more likely your tourism dollars are to stay in and benefit the community.

Plus, items are often much more meaningful when you can meet the people making them and learn their stories.

30. Listen to your gut

When traveling the world alone, realize that your gut will be your best guide.

Your intuition is almost always right. This is especially important in situations where you feel uncomfortable. Even if it means being impolite, always trust that feeling in your gut.

31. Strengthen your relationship with yourself

Traveling solo to find yourself is very common. This makes total sense, as one major benefit of traveling alone is you learn to be with yourself — and enjoy your own company.

Get to know yourself better, allow time for self care, and slow down to just enjoy the moment as much as possible.

This is also a great time to bring a travel journal to really dig into your thoughts and feelings from the trip. Very likely, you’ll learn something new about yourself!

Packing Essentials For Solo Travel

Now that we’ve covered some top tips to travel alone, it’s time to discuss packing.

Along with any clothing, accessories, and toiletries you’ll want for your holiday by yourself, you should also pack a few travel safety essentials and practical items for solo travelers like:

• She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
• Your personal medications
• Jase Case Emergency Antibiotic Kit (snag $10 off with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10)
• Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments (I’m never without mine when I travel alone!)
• Speakeasy Travel Supply Pickpocket-Proof Scarf ​​
• Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bag
• Door stop with alarm (to help keep your hotel room extra secure)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (I love Rheos Sunglasses as they’re eco-friendly, lightweight, and they float)
• Passport, ID, and any necessary tickets
• Copies of all your documents (I save these to the cloud in case)
• Credit card, debit card, and money

Best Solo Trips For Women

If you’re wondering “Where should I travel alone?” this list can help! A few of the best solo travel destinations include:

Merida, Mexico

Mexico has a reputation as being an unsafe destination, but that’s not an accurate picture. In fact, there are many great places in Mexico to travel alone — like Merida.

Merida is the bustling capital city of Yucatan state, and is widely considered to be one of the safest cities in Mexico.

It’s an affordable destination that offers you the hustle and bustle of the city as well as an idyllic Mexican beach experience in nearby Progreso.

If you’re solo traveling as a digital nomad , Merida is home to a thriving community of expats living and working abroad and there are plenty of ways to make friends. 

Dublin, Ireland

Solo travel in Ireland can be an incredible experience, and no trip to this island would be complete without some time in Dublin.

Home to friendly locals and a gorgeous cityscape, it’s an ideal destination — especially as Dublin boasts a plethora of cultural and historical sites for solo female travelers to explore.

On a solo trip to Dublin , make sure to visit Dublin Castle, shop along Grafton street, and peruse art, history, and archeology in the National Museum of Ireland.

This city is particularly known for its pub life, so you can expect a lively scene after dark, especially in the famous Temple Bar District.

In terms of timing, there is a lot to do and see, so it’s recommended to spend 4 days in Dublin or more to really take it all in.

Don’t forget to bring your camera since Dublin offers a lot of photo opportunities. It’s truly one of the most memorable places to travel solo in Europe !

Victoria, Canada

Canada has a lot of beautiful places to explore as a solo female traveler, depending on the time of year you visit; but if Pacific island life piques your interest, Victoria is the place.

You’ll want to visit in the spring or summer to take advantage of the gorgeous greenery and warmer weather.

There are many fun and unique things to do in Victoria . Stroll through the gardens at Hatley Castle, watch the boats come in from the wharf, and grab a delicious seaside bite to eat.

When you’re done, you can take a ferry ride to Seattle or Vancouver!

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is considered to be the cultural capital of Japan , offering a little bit of everything for the female traveling solo.

Not only does it offer gorgeous gardens, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences, but you can take a peek at some truly amazing Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Take in the jaw-dropping architecture and bask in the lush greenery and wonderful mountain backdrops.

March and April are especially beautiful months to visit as the city’s stunning cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Bali, Indonesia

Traveling solo in Bali is a dream. One of the world’s most sought-after destinations, it’s also affordable, safe, and fun.

There is so much to do and see for solo female travelers. Relax in a Bali flower bath , explore the stunning rice fields, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit the many temples that help give the destination its nickname “Island of the Gods.”

If you have at least 7 days in Bali , you might also choose to hire a guide to do an epic sunrise hike like Mount Batur or Mount Agung.

Quick tip: if visiting this incredible place, do a bit of research into when to go to Bali . For instance, if you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor activities or riding a motorbike to get around, you may want to avoid the rainy season.

Other Top Solo Travel Destinations

A few other great places to visit on your first solo trip abroad include:

• Tulum, Mexico
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Rome, Italy
• Vienna, Austria
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Guadeloupe, Caribbean

You can check out this solo female travel guide for a full list of recommended solo trips and tips.

Solo Travel Planning Resources

While the above tips for traveling solo are a great starting point, here are some bonus solo travel guides:

• 7 Ways To Have A Blast Traveling Alone
• 13 Powerful Solo Hiking Tips For Women
• 17 Safety Tips For Solo Travelers
• 25 Important Tips For Flying Alone For The First Time
• 12 Tips For Convincing Loved Ones To Let You Travel Solo
• 20 Pros & Cons Of Traveling Alone
• How To Overcome Loneliness When Traveling Solo

You can find additional resources in this in-depth guide to traveling solo . Read it, and soon enough you’ll be a pro at taking trips alone!

Final Thoughts On How To Travel Solo Successfully

The most important piece of advice in any guide to solo travel is that you plan the vacation YOU want, and feel comfortable and confident along your journey.

Learning how to enjoy going on a vacation alone might come quickly, or it might take a few days. There’s no right or wrong answer.

Whether you’re pushing through a series of solo USA road trips or flying across the world, making sure you plan ahead and go at your own pace will ensure you have the best experience. When it comes to tips on traveling alone, this is the most important one to remember.

What would you add to this guide on how to travel solo successfully?

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Hi Jessie! cant wait to find someone to take this edventure with!! thank you so much for your info!

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How to Plan a Solo Trip With Ease Like a Pro

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Figuring out how to plan a solo trip can be puzzling if you have never done it! Many people travel with others more than they travel solo. So when no one can go with you, it can be confusing where to start. 

That’s where I come in! I’m here to help you figure out what to do on the first solo trip. And it may be the most leisurely trip to plan because the only person you have to worry about is yourself.

I believe solo traveling is one of the most unique types of travel. And as someone who has traveled solo in the U.S and abroad, I support and often do it. So let’s break down how to plan a solo trip! 

Table of Contents

The most asked questions about solo traveling

Is it safe to travel alone?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it – safety is relative! Internal and external factors impact whether or not you can be safe while traveling. To be honest, being a Black solo female traveler means no place is 100% safe for me.

But does that stop me from traveling solo as a Black woman? Of course not. If I didn’t leave my house because I was afraid of racism or being hurt, I would never leave. And as a traveling homebody, that sounds great to me. 

So think less about “is x place safe?” and more about the culture and customs of a place to help you adapt and be more flexible. Understanding the social, political, and cultural context of a location you’re visiting can add to your instincts. Always remember to stay alert while traveling and trust your gut.

Is it weird to travel alone?

Nope! Simple. Traveling or eating alone for the first time may feel different. However, it is not weird to travel solo. Sometimes your friends don’t have the same time off or don’t want to go where you go. So it makes sense to go alone! 

Is solo travel boring?

To be honest, the answer to this question varies. I have gotten bored or restless on my solo trips. On the other hand, I’ve also had the time of my life. Many factors can affect your solo trip. But overall, no, solo travel is not inherently boring.

When looking at how to plan a solo trip, activity planning is critical. It can prevent boredom because you have some activities, not all, planned before you go. Early planning means less time for you to get bored because you also have activities to look forward to. More on this in the section!

Steps to planning a solo trip

Determine where you want to go

The first step in any solo trip planning is to decide where you want to go. A way to help you decide is by determining what kind of trip you want to experience. For example, if you want to relax and do very little, maybe find a destination with a great beach. For more adventurous solo travelers, pick a location with lots of activities such as hiking, ziplining, and snorkeling.

From there, you can do the extra research. Look into the current political climate to determine how it may or may not impact your trip. Double-check if you need any vaccines or visas before you go. And, of course, look up if there will be a language barrier.

Book flights 

Once you know where to go on your first solo trip,  it’s time to book the flight. You can use websites such as Hopper to track the best time to book. Then use Google Flights to gauge the cheapest days to fly out. Skyscanner is also an option if you want to be adventurous and use their “Anywhere” feature to determine your destination.

However, I recommend booking directly with airlines once you see the possible options. Airlines prefer that instead of booking through third-party websites. It’s also easier to track all your travel information on one platform.

Decide on accommodations

After booking, the flights come the accommodations! Do you want an entire apartment, such as an Airbnb? Or are you more of a hostel solo traveler ? Maybe you prefer booking a hotel to get those points? When planning your first solo trip, these are questions to ask yourself.

Create a Google doc or Padlet for your itinerary 

Google docs are my tried and true OG travel planning website and app. It’s perfect for solo travelers to put all of their trip information and share it with loved ones. It also updates in real-time, so if your travel plans change, your people back home will know instantly.

For my visual solo travelers, Padlet can be great for you! I love Padlet because, unlike Google docs, you can see previews of your links. That feature makes it easy to remember why you dropped a link on the Padlet in the first place. Also, similar to Google docs, it uploads in real-time, but Padlet is more visually appealing. For an example travel itinerary, check out my Panama Padlet solo trip.

Research other solo traveler experiences

Now that you have the beginning steps of how to plan your first solo trip, it’s time to continue. Go to Google and your favorite social media platform(s) to learn about the experiences of other solo travelers. Using the name of the destination, research “solo trip in _____” or “solo travel tips ____.”

Add that if you are looking for a specific identity experience. As a Black solo female traveler, my research includes “Black in _____” or “Black women solo  _______” to find culturally-appropriate tips. This step varies for everyone, but it is crucial to get some extra insight!

Plan activities beforehand 

One of the secrets to a great solo trip is to plan activities and tours to fill your time. On websites such as Viator , Get Your Guide , and Airbnb Experiences , you can find food tours, water adventures, walking city tours, bike tours, and so much more. Book one or two ahead of time to build some planned time into your schedule. But also leave some days open for more freedom and flexibility to wake up late or have a lazy solo travel day.

Get travel insurance 

When researching how to plan a solo trip, travel insurance is a step that many people miss. But anything can happen, anywhere! So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Investing in World Nomads or Safety Wing can benefit your trip in case of emergencies. And it also gives you peace of mind to know that if something happened you would be covered.

Share itinerary with your loved ones 

Don’t let that Padlet or Google doc go to waste! In case of emergencies, always share your solo travel itinerary with people back home. You can never be too cautious as a solo traveler and if something does happen they need as much information as possible to help. So it’s essential to keep your loved ones in the loop – at least about where you’re staying and your flight information.

Stay inspired as you wait for the trip

Now that you’ve learned how to plan your first solo trip and done all the pre-planning, it’s time to wait. Stay inspired by watching videos and reading blogs about the place you are visiting. Join some solo travel or destination-specific expat Facebook groups to learn more about your destination from other travelers. You can also read books and find podcasts to learn more about the history and culture to hold you over as you wait.

Buy any solo traveler accessories 

Solo travel shopping is real. Some essential solo traveler accessories include a portable charger, a door alarm, and portable wifi if you don’t have an international data plan. Other items include noise-canceling headphones, a reusable water bottle, a first aid kit, and a microfiber towel. Of course, for all of my hostel solo travelers who are staying in dorms, a padlock is necessary to lock your things too.

Pack for the solo trip 

After figuring out how to plan a solo trip, you must pack for it. In addition to those travel accessories mentioned above, get a sturdy backpack and some packing cubes. Then, determine what clothing style works best depending on the trip type.

More relaxed and flowy clothing with some swimsuits are perfect if you are hanging out at a resort or beach. However, workout-type clothes are more suitable for solo travelers who are hiking or more adventurous. Regardless, clothing that can dry quickly be worn with multiple pieces, and comfortable shoes are a must.

Enjoy the solo trip 

All that planning for your solo trip has paid off! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Live it up on your solo trip. Be open to new experiences and meet new people. It’s time to see what the world has to offer.  

Flashback: lessons from my first solo trip

Let’s set the scene – it was 2018. I spent the previous year traveling with people I befriended in my Fulbright Program in Spain. And after doing lots of Spanish immersion and group travel, I wanted to test my skills solo. 

I booked a flight from Chicago to Cancun and stayed at Mayan Monkey. I almost cried in the airport when I panicked because I realized no one was coming with me. But within 15 minutes of getting to my hostel, I met two Black women, and we became fast friends for the day.

Those two Black women set the tone for me! As I bounced from Cancun to Valladolid and Tulum, I met other solo travelers in the hostels . I ate delicious food and saw sites such as Cenote Suytun and Chichen Itza while riding in those budget-friendly colectivos.

This solo trip taught me that I could learn much more by doing things solo. Planning an adventure from start to finish showed me my capabilities and how I could reach new heights. And as a former insecure introvert, making friends with strangers was something I never thought I would have the confidence to do.

Other key lessons from this solo trip include: 

• Knowing the language can take you far, even if it’s only a few words and phrases
• If you use your phone a lot, a portable charger is necessary
• To make friends, you may have to make the first move
• Do not feel obligated to do anything – it’s YOUR solo trip, so do you 

How to travel alone as a woman – is there a “right” way to do it?

Now that you’ve gotten this far, this may feel like a “gotcha” moment. And you’re right – it is at this point because I believe every solo female travel experience is different. While there are ways to decrease your chances of being harmed as a solo traveler, I don’t think there is a “right” way to do it. 

When wondering how to plan a solo trip, it comes down to your personality. Some solo travelers refuse to go out and experience nightlife due to safety. Others don’t care and have successfully navigated going out solo!

 It all depends on what you want your experience to entail. I can give you insight. But at the end of the day, you are curating the experience for yourself and yourself alone.

Final thoughts on how to plan your first solo trip 

Creating that solo trip itinerary can take trial and error to figure out your travel style! Of course, each city and country you visit will also vary in itinerary because sightseeing in London is not the same as living it up in New Orleans. 

Research is key to figuring out how to plan a solo trip. What do solo travelers do there? What kind of tourist experiences are available? Having that clarity before you arrive on what you want to do, and leaving flexibility for new opportunities once you arrive, is critical! 

It’s your life, solo trip, experience – go for it.

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Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

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Bravo!!!….Cheers to your brave, free spirit!!! Going it alone gives you a great opportunity to speak and meet with people that you otherwise may not have taken the time to get to know.

Sojourner, I enjoyed this article. As a fellow solo traveler, I definitely agreed with your points. I liked your airport picture with the travel accessories and especially the brown leather bag. I’ve been looking for a replacement travel bag. Would you mind sharing where you found your leather bag?

Hi Zipporah! Thanks so much – I always love hearing from other solo travelers. As far as the bag I got that a few years ago from Amazon. It’s actually a camera bag but works great and is spacious enough to be purse and hold other items you may need traveling.

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Traveling Alone? Here’s How to Plan the Ultimate Solo Trip

Embarking on a solo adventure is not only empowering, but it allows you to fully embrace the freedom of traveling at your own pace and on your own terms. But planning a solo trip can be daunting for even the most seasoned travelers. Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan the ultimate solo trip that will leave you feeling confident, inspired, and ready to take on the world – all by yourself. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with self-discovery and new experiences!

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Traveling Alone is a Great Experience

Traveling alone can be an intimidating thought for many people. The idea of exploring unfamiliar places without the comfort and familiarity of friends or family may seem daunting. However, solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are realizing the numerous benefits it offers. In this section, we will discuss why traveling alone is a great experience and how it can enrich your life.

Freedom to Make Your Own Choices

One of the biggest advantages of solo travel is having complete freedom to make your own choices. When you travel with others, there are always compromises that need to be made when it comes to planning activities and making decisions. However, when you are on your own, you have the flexibility to do whatever you want, whenever you want. This gives you the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the destination without any external factors influencing your experience.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Traveling alone also allows for a deeper level of self-discovery and personal growth. Without the distractions of companionship, you have more time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings while exploring new cultures and environments. You may discover hidden passions or gain a new perspective on life during moments of solitude.

Meeting New People

Contrary to popular belief, solo travel does not mean being alone all the time. In fact, being on your own can actually make it easier for you to meet new people from different backgrounds. As a solo traveler, people are often curious about your story and may strike up conversations with you as they see you navigating through their city or country by yourself.

Pushing Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone

Solo travel also provides ample opportunities for personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone. From navigating unknown transportation systems to trying new foods or even just striking up conversations with strangers, every aspect of solo travel requires some level of courage and adaptability.

Increased Confidence and Independence

Traveling alone can greatly increase your confidence and independence. By planning and executing a trip on your own, you are proving to yourself that you are capable of taking care of yourself in new and unfamiliar environments. This sense of accomplishment can have a positive impact on other aspects of your life as well.

Traveling alone may seem daunting at first, but the benefits it offers make it an incredibly worthwhile experience. From the freedom to make your own choices to personal growth and increased confidence, solo travel has the potential to be truly transformative. So if you’re considering embarking on a solo trip, don’t hesitate – the rewards are well worth it!

Choosing the Right Destination for Solo Travel

Choosing the right destination for solo travel can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time traveling alone. But with some careful planning and research, you can find the perfect destination that suits your needs and preferences.

Firstly, consider what type of traveler you are. Are you an adventure seeker looking for thrills or a laid-back traveler who prefers relaxing on a beach? Knowing your travel style will help narrow down your options and make it easier to choose a destination that aligns with your interests.

Next, think about the purpose of your solo trip. Is it to disconnect from the world and spend some quality time alone, or do you want to meet new people and immerse yourself in different cultures? This will also influence the type of destination you choose.

Budget is another crucial factor in choosing a solo travel destination . Consider not only the cost of accommodation but also transportation, food, activities, and other expenses. Some destinations may seem affordable at first glance but could end up being expensive once you factor in additional costs.

Solo travelers usually prefer places where they can easily navigate around without getting lost or feeling overwhelmed. Look into public transportation options like buses or trains that can take you to different parts of the city safely and conveniently.

If it’s your first time traveling alone, consider choosing a destination where there are plenty of things to do during the day as well as at night. This way, you won’t feel bored or lonely during evenings spent by yourself. Places with vibrant nightlife scenes or organized tours are ideal for solo travelers looking to socialize.

Also, keep in mind any cultural differences between your home country and potential destinations. Research local customs, laws, dress codes, and any other cultural norms to avoid unintentionally causing offense or getting into trouble.

Trust your instincts. If a destination doesn’t feel right for you, don’t force yourself to go there. Solo travel is all about personal growth and enjoyment, so choose a place that resonates with you and makes you excited to explore.

Remember, the perfect solo travel destination will vary for each person. Take your time in researching and considering different options until you find the one that feels like the best fit for your ultimate solo trip.

Safety Precautions for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience, but it also comes with its own set of potential risks. As a solo traveler, it is important to prioritize your safety above all else. Here are some valuable precautions that you should keep in mind when planning your ultimate solo trip.

1. Research your destination: Before embarking on any trip, it is crucial to research the destination thoroughly. This includes learning about the local culture, customs, laws, and any potential safety concerns. Make sure to check if there are any high-risk areas or scams to be aware of.

3. Choose safe accommodations: When traveling alone, opt for reputable and secure accommodations such as hotels or hostels rather than Airbnb rentals or couchsurfing stays. Look for places that have good reviews regarding their safety measures and location.

4. Stay connected: Make sure to have a working phone with international roaming so that you can stay in touch with your loved ones back home or call for help in case of an emergency.

5. Be cautious with strangers: While meeting new people is one of the joys of solo travel, it is important to exercise caution when interacting with strangers. Don’t give out too much personal information and trust your instincts if something feels off.

6. Blend in: Try not to stand out as a tourist by dressing conservatively and avoiding flashy jewelry or expensive-looking items that may make you a target for theft.

7. Keep copies of important documents: It’s always wise to keep copies of important documents like your passport and visa separately from the originals while traveling. In case of theft or loss, you will have a backup to help with the replacement process.

8. Be aware of your surroundings : Pay attention to your surroundings at all times and be mindful of any suspicious behavior or potential danger.

9. Avoid traveling alone at night: It’s best to avoid walking around alone at night, especially in unfamiliar places. If possible, stick to well-lit and busy areas.

10. Trust your instincts: Last but not least, trust your gut instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation and seek help if needed.

By following these safety precautions for solo travelers , you can ensure a more enjoyable and worry-free trip. Remember to always prioritize your safety and stay alert while exploring on your own.

Budgeting and Planning for a Solo Trip

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding and liberating experience. It allows for complete freedom and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in different cultures and experiences without having to compromise with others. However, planning a solo trip can also be daunting, especially when it comes to managing expenses. That’s why budgeting and careful planning are essential for a successful solo trip.

The first step in budgeting for a solo trip is determining your overall budget. This will depend on various factors such as the duration of your trip, the destinations you plan on visiting, and your personal spending habits. Once you have a rough estimate of your overall budget, it’s time to break it down into categories such as flights, accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and emergencies.

When it comes to accommodation, there are many affordable options available for solo travelers such as hostels or Airbnb rentals. These options not only save money but also provide an opportunity to interact with other travelers from around the world.

Transportation costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re moving between multiple destinations during your trip. Consider purchasing local transportation passes or using ride-sharing services instead of taxis. Walking or biking is also a great way to explore new places while saving money on transportation.

Food is another significant expense when traveling alone. To avoid overspending on food while traveling solo, consider cooking some meals at your accommodation or buying groceries instead of eating out every meal. You could also try local street food which tends to be more affordable than restaurants.

Activities and excursions are often an essential part of any trip but can also quickly drain your budget if not planned carefully. Prioritize the must-do activities that align with your interests and research for free or low-cost alternatives. Many cities offer free walking tours or have museums with discounted admission on certain days.

It’s essential to budget for emergencies. Set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses such as lost luggage, medical costs, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Budgeting and planning for a solo trip may require some extra effort but will ultimately make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free. With careful planning and smart spending, you can have the ultimate solo trip without breaking the bank.

Packing Tips and Essentials for Solo Travelers

Packing for a solo trip can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, you have the freedom to pack whatever you want without having to consider anyone else’s needs or preferences. On the other hand, it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a heavy and disorganized suitcase. To help make your packing process as smooth as possible, here are some essential tips that every solo traveler should keep in mind.

Choose the Right Luggage

The first step to efficient packing is choosing the right luggage. For solo travelers, a backpack or a carry-on suitcase is usually the best option as it allows for easy mobility and avoids extra baggage fees. It’s also important to invest in high-quality luggage that is durable and has enough compartments for organized packing.

Make a Packing List

Before you start throwing things into your bag, create a list of all the essential items you will need on your trip. This includes clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, medication, etc. Having a list will not only ensure that you don’t forget anything important but also help avoid overpacking.

Pack Versatile Clothing

When traveling alone, it’s important to pack practical and versatile clothing that can be worn multiple times and mixed and matched easily. Stick to neutral colors that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Also consider the weather of your destination when choosing what to pack.

Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries

Instead of lugging around full-sized bottles of shampoo and body wash, opt for travel-sized containers or invest in reusable silicone bottles that can be refilled with your favorite products. This will save space in your luggage while still allowing you to maintain your skincare routine during your trip.

Don’t Forget Your Essentials

Some items are crucial for any trip but are often forgotten in the rush of packing such as chargers/adapters for electronics, sunscreen/bug spray, a first aid kit, and any necessary medication. Make sure to pack these items in an easily accessible place in your luggage.

Leave Room for Souvenirs

One of the best parts of traveling alone is having the freedom to bring back unique souvenirs without worrying about fitting them into someone else’s suitcase. To leave room for these treasures, pack light and avoid overpacking.

Double Check Your Documents

As a solo traveler, it’s important to have all your documents organized and easily accessible. Make sure you have copies of your passport, visa (if needed), travel insurance, flight/hotel reservations, etc. Keep these in a secure but easily reachable place such as a travel document organizer.

Packing for a solo trip may seem overwhelming at first, but by following these tips and being mindful of what you really need versus what you want to bring along, you can make the process much easier and more enjoyable. Remember to also leave some space for spontaneity and new experiences – after all, that’s what solo travel is all about!

Ways to Meet People and Make Friends while Traveling Alone

Traveling alone can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be a bit daunting. One of the biggest concerns for solo travelers is how to meet people and make friends while on their journey. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to connect with others and form meaningful relationships, even when traveling by yourself.

Stay in Hostels or Shared Accommodations

One of the easiest ways to meet other travelers is by staying in hostels or shared accommodations. Not only are these options often more budget-friendly, but they also provide opportunities to socialize with fellow travelers from all over the world. Many hostels have common areas where guests can hang out and connect with each other, as well as organized activities or events like pub crawls or group tours.

Join Group Tours or Activities

Another great way to meet people while traveling alone is by joining group tours or activities. This could be anything from a walking tour of the city to a cooking class or adventure excursion. These types of experiences not only allow you to discover new things about the place you’re visiting, but they also bring together like-minded individuals who share similar interests.

Attend Local Events or Meetups

Do some research before your trip and see if there are any local events or meetups happening during your stay. This could include music festivals, cultural celebrations, sports games, or even language exchange groups. Attending these types of events will give you a chance to interact with locals and other travelers who are just as eager to explore and make connections.

Utilize Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for meeting people while traveling alone. Join travel-related groups on Facebook or follow hashtags on Instagram related to your destination. You may come across fellow solo travelers looking for someone to explore with, join forces with them! Additionally, many cities have specific Facebook groups for expats or travelers where you can ask for recommendations or even meet up with others.

Be Open and Friendly

Sometimes the simplest way to make friends while traveling alone is by being open and friendly. Strike up a conversation with your seatmate on a flight, chat with locals at a cafe, or simply smile and say hello to someone you pass on the street. You never know who you might connect with by just being open to new experiences and interactions.

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. By staying in social accommodations, joining group activities, attending local events, utilizing social media, and being open-minded, you can easily meet people and make friends while on your solo trip. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – you might just end up making long-lasting connections from all over the world.

Embracing the Freedom and Challenges of Solo Traveling

Traveling alone can be a daunting thought for many people. The idea of exploring new places without the comfort and security of friends or family can be intimidating. However, solo traveling also offers a unique sense of freedom and independence that cannot be experienced when traveling with others. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in your destination, make your own decisions, and step out of your comfort zone.

Solo traveling also pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to embrace new challenges. Being on our own in an unfamiliar environment can feel scary at first, but it ultimately helps us grow as individuals. Whether it’s navigating through a foreign city using public transportation or trying out local cuisine by yourself, these experiences help build confidence and adaptability. Additionally, solo travel allows for more meaningful interactions with locals who may not have approached a group but are willing to connect with a lone traveler.

Another advantage of solo travel is self-discovery. Without familiar faces around us, we can reflect on ourselves more deeply and learn about our likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. We often surprise ourselves by how capable we are when faced with unexpected situations while traveling alone.

Of course, there will be challenges along the way when traveling alone – from getting lost to feeling lonely at times – but these hurdles only add to the overall experience. They teach resilience and problem-solving skills while providing opportunities for personal growth.

Embracing the freedom and challenges of solo traveling can be a life-changing experience. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, build self-confidence, and create unforgettable memories. So if you’re considering embarking on a solo trip, don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace the opportunities that come with traveling alone and allow yourself to grow in ways you never thought possible.

Conclusion: Why Everyone Should Experience Solo Travel

Solo travel may seem daunting and intimidating at first, but it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. It may not be for everyone, but the benefits and personal growth that come with traveling alone are undeniable. As mentioned earlier in this article, solo travel allows you to take control of your own journey and truly immerse yourself in the destination without any distractions or compromises.

Solo travel also offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and introspection. With no one else to rely on for entertainment or company, you have time to reflect on your thoughts, goals, and aspirations. You may even discover new passions or hobbies along the way as you try new things independently. This can lead to a better understanding of oneself and increase confidence levels.

Another advantage of solo travel is the chance to meet new people from all walks of life. When traveling with others, we often tend to stick within our group or with people we already know. But when traveling alone, we are forced out of our comfort zones and open ourselves up to interactions with strangers who can offer unique perspectives and insights into their culture or experiences.

Traveling alone also allows for flexibility in planning your itinerary according to your preferences rather than trying to compromise with others’ interests or schedules. This gives you the freedom to change plans last minute or stay longer in a place that captures your heart.

Solo travel teaches valuable life skills such as budgeting , time management, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to everyday life and can help in personal and professional growth.

Solo travel may seem daunting at first, but it is an experience that everyone should have. It offers a chance for self-growth, independence, and discovery while creating unforgettable memories. So if you are thinking about taking the plunge into solo travel, do not hesitate any longer. With proper planning and an open mind, it can be the ultimate trip of a lifetime.

A Step by Step Guide for Planning Your First Solo Trip!

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 2nd March 2023

Categories Solo Travel

Last Updated on 2nd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

If you’re looking to book your first solo trip, then this post was made for you! Whatever your reasons for deciding to go it alone, taking a solo adventure is one of the most fun ways to travel and you likely won’t regret it. Here’s a step by step guide for planning your first solo trip ; tried and tested solo travel tips , tricks, and practical advice included…

How I got started with solo travel

Decide on your destination, practice solo travel at home, have a few plans in place in advance, consider a group tour.

• Pack light(ish)

Always have several travel funds at the ready

Confidence, exploring & nerves, keep in touch while you’re away, keep multiple copies of essential information, research your accommodation in advance, read up about any scams/ dangers of a place, get travel insurance, never keep all of your money in the same place, never keep your various ids in the same place, never drink too much alcohol, keep an eye on your drink (all your drinks- not just the alcoholic ones), don’t trust people too easily, arrive somewhere during the day, research where you’re going, buy travel insurance before you go, look after yourself (and give yourself breaks), keep in touch with friends and family, you’ll get to know yourself better, you’ll have great stories (that only you will be able to tell), you’ll become a better problem solver, you’ll appreciate your own company, you’ll learn a new language quicker, you can do whatever you like, whenever you like, you’ll meet more people, you’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone (and that’s a good thing), you’ll learn self-discipline, your self confidence will improve, you are in charge of the budget, it’s fun; enough said, enjoyed reading this step by step guide for planning your first solo trip pin it now, read it again later:.

When I was younger, I was scared to even walk to the next aisle of the supermarket without my Mum. I would never have imagined that I’d have the courage to stay in a  hostel on my own or move to a new country by myself or even be writing about solo female travel hacks!

Solo female travel has been on the rise the past couple of years and it’s only set to increase even more as we decide to see the world on our own terms. Now, exploring my home town or even heading to a new city for a couple of nights solo doesn’t daunt me.

How to get started with solo travel

Not all travel destinations are created equal and nor are all destinations as easy to visit as one another. First things first, you’ll need to decide on your destination. And it doesn’t have to be too far away either. Instead, pick somewhere where you think you might feel comfortable visiting.

Maybe you speak a little of the local language, perhaps you have friends or family in a city nearby. If you want to get out of your comfort zone but are feeling a little nervous, then selecting a destination that’s not 100% out of your usual life is the way to go.

Once you’ve decided on your destination, before you even book anything, practice at home first! What I mean by this is try to go to dinner on your own (here are my best tips for dining alone ) , watch a movie in your local cinema or take yourself around a museum solo. Basically, get used to travelling by yourself within the environment you’re used to. It may sound silly but it totally works!

In fact, it’s at this point, before you’ve decided to go away, that you might realise you’re not sure if you want to go it alone. While nerves are normal, as is feeling a little awkward about being by yourself  (I still get nervous before trips!) , you might realise that travelling alone just isn’t for you.

One of my best friends hates travelling alone. It’s not that she can’t do it or anything. It’s just that she literally doesn’t like it very much. Instead, the joy in travelling for her lies in sharing the experience with the people she cares about. And that’s totally fine! Solo travel isn’t for everyone and that’s obviously okay.

While it can be daunting, scary and downright exciting to arrive in a destination with  literally  no plans, when it comes to your first trip, you may well want to plan a few elements in advance while in the comfort of your own home.

Perhaps plan to reserve a hotel/ dorm room for at least the first night of your trip and plan how you’ll reach said accommodation. Having an itinerary for when you arrive will take a lot of pressure off the ‘solo’ aspect of your trip.

If you’re still not sure about going it alone, then a group tour is a great way to go on your own but with all of the nitty-gritty details planned out. My first ever solo adventure was a trip to a destination I’d been dreaming about ever since I was little (two weeks across many of the highlights of Italy ).

However, as a teenager on my first solo trip, I was incredibly nervous about going it alone (and this was in the days before travel blogs/ travel YouTubes were ‘a thing’) .

Instead, I opted to join a group tour where I’d have travel companions and an already set itinerary built into the framework of the trip. In the end, I had a whole load of fun, made lots of friends, and it gave me the confidence to plan my whole next solo trip entirely on my own!

Pack light (ish)

When travelling, you barely ever use as much as you think you need. This is especially important to remember when you’re going alone and there won’t (necessarily) be anyone to help you with your luggage!

Make sure to pack light (perhaps even going hand luggage only ) and make sure that you’re able to easily move your baggage around on your own. Only take what you need and lead everything but the necessities back at home.

Wearing layers and creating a capsule wardrobe for your travels can also vastly reduce the number of things you need to bring with you. When it comes to packing, look up clothing guides online (Pinterest and search engines are a great place to start) so that you’ll be able to dress like a local and blend in as much as possible.

Consider purchasing a phrasebook in the local language of where you’re visiting, as well as printing off some maps of the area you’re going in case your phone runs out of battery/ breaks/ etc. And while we’re on the subject of travel gear, make sure that all of your bags have zips and well-concealed pockets in which to place your valuables.

On my recent solo trip to the South of France , I decided to just travel with one form of payment (my debit card) which I’ve also done on plenty of occasions before. I also had a £5 note and €2.75 in change.

Needless you say, you can guess what happened next. The very first machine I put my debit card into in a train station damaged by card! Literally,  the first time I tried to use my card while abroad on that trip.  

For the rest of the trip, I was too worried to withdraw funds from any ATM as they often swallow damaged cards. This also meant that every time I went to pay for something, I just hoped my contactless (and now temperamental chip and pin) would carry on working okay.

Luckily it did! Anyway, my silly/ self-inflicted mistake demonstrates that it’s important to travel with at least two different cards (one debit, one credit) as well as some cash.

While you don’t want to carry around too much cash, having around $50 hidden somewhere away from your main bag and on your person (think in your shoe/ bra) is always a good idea for emergencies. Lesson learned!

On your first solo trip, it’s only natural to be nervous. When you’re walking around, stroll with confidence and look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going.

You know, fake it ’til you make it! If you do need to get out your phone/ map to check you’re headed in the right direction, then going into a coffee shop to go through your bag is likely your best bet.

Today, with data being cheaper than ever, and with WiFi available in coffee shops, bars, hotels, and airports throughout the world, keeping in touch with people back home couldn’t be easier.

You can even make use of apps such as ‘Find My’ by Apple that allow approved people (for me it’s my parents) to check the location of where your phone/ laptop is at any given time.

Give a friend/ family member/ partner your itinerary before you leave and plan to check in with them every so often. If something does happen and you don’t get in touch, then your friend/ family member/ partner can alert the relevant people.

With this being said, don’t post your live location on social media. This is particularly important if you’re travelling on your own. I always wait a couple of days after leaving a place to update my social media with where I’ve visited. That way, I’ll be long gone before the time that I say I’ve been in a place.

One of the key travel tips I could give you in this beginner’s guide to solo travel is to keep multiple backup copies of essential information such as family/ friends’ numbers, local emergency numbers in a small booklet in case your phone gets stolen.

I also recommend having a photocopy of your passport/ travel insurance handy to leave with someone back home in the event that you lose your belongings or they’re stolen.

Whether you’re staying in a hostel or opting to splurge out on a special hotel, if there’s one thing I’ve learned during my years of travelling alone it’s that there are plenty of times where the accommodation you’re expecting looks nothing like the photos! As such, be sure to always read the reviews before booking somewhere to avoid dissapointment.

I don’t say this to put you off going on your first trip, but it’s essential to plan well in advance before visiting a destination in order to get a feel for any dangers/ scams that might be in place before you arrive.

For example, while Paris as a solo traveller is fairly safe, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a fair amount of petty crimes and common tourist scams . In the same vein, I recommend always travelling with a crossbody bag as it is harder to pickpocket.

Perhaps this is a surprising way to make the most of any trip, including your first solo trip but it is probably the most important. I often hear people saying ‘If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel’.

And to be honest, they’re probably not wrong. Having travel insurance ensures peace of mind and can help you to avoid potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Even the healthiest person can have accidents and you never know when.

With travel insurance, you can carry on exploring, snapping photos ( check here for my best tips to take photos of yourself as a solo traveller ) and making new friends, safe in the knowledge that, should the worst happen, you’re covered. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to come home with a tourist t-shirt, let alone $100,000 in unpaid hospital bills!

All in all, solo travel is really fun but your safety is still the number one priority. And while I’m on the topic of safety, make sure you have travel insurance!

Essential solo female travel tips

If your wallet is stolen and it’s your only source of money, then it’s going to be a lot harder to do things. Keep some emergency money hidden in your bag in a place like underwear, a sock or within a book. The point is to have funds spread over multiple locations, as opposed to just in your purse!

On this note, you should also be sure to have multiple forms of payment, such as multiple credit cards and some cash available. This way, if one of your cards is lost, stolen, breaks, or is blocked, then you’ll have some emergency backup money!

Same theory as the money (but probably way more important depending on where you are). If your wallet/ bag is stolen, then you’ll also lose your only ID.

I’d recommend taking photocopies of your important identification and leaving multiple copies at home with friends and loved ones. Similarly, if you’re travelling with multiple bags, leave a copy or two in each bag. 

Of all the solo travel tips I could give, I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. If you get super drunk and have no idea what you’re doing, no one is there to look after you. Even worse, there are always bad people around who will be actively looking to prey on your vulnerability- especially as a woman.

When travelling solo, I’ll limit myself to a maximum of one glass of wine with a nice meal. I could probably drink more and be fine but it’s just not worth the risk. It’s also worth noting that I implement this policy both at home and abroad. 

You should obviously always watch your drinks when you’re at home but this rule especially applies when you’re abroad and might not even speak the language.

Never accept drinks from people you don’t trust (read below). This also goes for previously opened tins and bottles of water/ coca cola etc.

I always buy my own bottled drinks and carry them with me. If I were ever in a bar, I would make sure to watch the barman too (some friends have horror stories about this). Like I said, you can never be too careful, especially when you’re voyaging alone!

I’m not saying that you should lock yourself away and never talk to anyone. Some of the best people I’ve met were in bars in Paris, cafés in Italy and across Canada.

However, this doesn’t mean to say that everyone who’s nice to you is actually a nice person. Keep your wits about you, your valuables close and never ever ever get drunk around people you’ve only just met.

As a woman travelling alone, there are some policies and personal solo travel tips that I always try and stick to, no matter what the destination.

For example, arriving in a new city can be daunting, even when you’re with a travel partner. Arriving at night can be downright terrifying and it can be much harder to find your bearings post dusk. As such, I always plan to arrive in a new destination during the day.

It’s important to look up a city before you go. Print off maps and addresses or write them down somewhere. Technology can (and often will) fail when you need it most so it’s important to make sure you don’t rely on it too heavily. 

Similarly, if you’re not familiar with the local language, make sure you have at least a simple phrasebook. Be wary of any tourist scams that take place in the area you’re visiting (read more: 5 Parisian Tourist Scams and how to avoid them ).

This tip really isn’t just for solo female travellers, but a relevant travel hack for everyone. If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel. Even if you’re the healthiest person in the World, you still never know when accidents can happen. 

Of all the solo female travel hacks listed here, looking after yourself is arguably the most important.  Take regular breaks and don’t let yourself get too worn out or tired. Make sure to keep eating plenty of healthy fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water.

When I was in Canada, I ended up with a kidney infection due to not looking after myself properly. I had no one to remind me to look after myself but me and I didn’t pay enough attention.

If you’re taking any medication (including contraception), make sure that you bring enough to cover your trip and more in case your trip gets extended for any reason. 

The main rule that underlies all these hacks is prevention is better than cure. Also, it’s always important to remember that tour safety and health is always more important than material possessions.

Make sure that someone knows where you are (whenever you can) . If you’re travelling to a new city or staying in a new hostel/ hotel, let someone back home know and make a point of telling your loved ones when you’ll be checking in with them.

That way, if the worst does happen and you don’t check in, then someone is looking out for you and knows all the details of your last movements.

Reasons to travel alone

The cry of a baby piercing my eardrums. The sweet smell of salty air whipping through my hair. And the warm feeling of the sun on my skin. All sights, smells and sensations I experienced while travelling Europe alone for the first time a few years ago.

So do you fancy going solo this year? Do you want to have these experiences (and more) while exploring the world on your own for the first time? Here are some very good reasons to travel alone!

Of all the reasons to travel alone, this is probably the best excuse to go. If you go alone, you’ll get to know yourself better and quicker than with any other method of travel.

Without the constant compromise of travelling with a companion, you’ll quickly get to know your favourite travel styles (adventure? luxury? budget?), as well as your favourite foods and methods for forming friendships.

Sure, you can’t do that thing with your friends where you say “remember that time when…?”, but you’ll have equally great stories to tell, if not better when you venture out on your own. After all, the stories you’ll be able to tell will be unique, yours, and yours alone.

When you’re travelling alone, you  and only you can solve any problems you might encounter. From language barriers to securing accommodation while travelling, going solo forces you to stand on your own two feet and become a better problem solver in the process.

Bar distractions from your phone and constant social media notifications (disable these- you’ll thank me later!) , when you travel alone, you learn to love and appreciate being your own best friend. You’ll quickly figure out the easiest way to eat alone and the art of dining for one.

You’ll soon realise that it’s not embarrassing rocking up to a restaurant, enquiring for a table for one, and pulling out that book everyone told you that you ‘must read’!

Learning to appreciate your own company is one of the best skills you can get from travelling alone, and it will teach you that there’s always a way of curing boredom, you need only search for the key!

If the purpose of your trip is to improve your language skills , then there is no easier way to hone those abilities than to completely immerse yourself in a country where that language is spoken.

Without the company of friends, family or even a partner, you’ll be forced into speaking the language that much quicker- which can only ever be a good thing.

When you travel with someone else (even if it’s your partner/ best friend) , then you always have to compromise. But when you travel alone, you can be a little selfish at times. Fancy a little lie in one morning? Do it.

Equally, if you fancy getting up incredibly early and experiencing a solo sunrise, then go for it! Similarly, you can budget or splurge as much as you want each meal time- and no one can judge you for it.

The thing is, when you’re travelling solo, you can really do whatever you like, whenever you like, and this includes the myriad of opportunities waiting for you should you opt to sit back and people watch in a café!

Travelling alone doesn’t have to equal lonely. Instead, it provides you with the perfect opportunity to make plenty of friends, all over the world.

Without a group of people to chat to when you reach your hostel, instead, head to the common room area and get chatting with fellow travellers.

You’ll soon make fast friends with new people, and maybe even get great recommendations for the best takeouts and must-see spots in town while you’re at it.

Being pushed out of your comfort zone will ensure that you become more confident and able in your abilities to do your own thing, make decisions and stand firm in them.

When you’re pushed out of your comfort zone, you’re forced to increase your horizons and contemplate things you’ve never even considered before.

Just remember that travelling alone is safe, you should still take safety precautions everywhere you go- especially if you’re a solo female traveller.

With no one else reminding you that you have to be at the airport at a certain time to catch your flight, or that it’s now time to hydrate as it’s been a little while since you last drank some water (and no one wants to get sick or dehydrated on the road).

Self-discipline is a valuable skill that will translate into all other areas of your life; work, family, friendships- and it’s the kind of skill you’ll easily acquire if you choose to go alone this year.

You may not notice this at first, but soon enough, your self-confidence will improve and you’ll soon discover that you’re able to do much more than you ever thought you could.

After all, after exploring cities on your own, taking flights solo, and you’ll soon be rewarded with opportunities you never thought were previously possible!

Though booking solo rooms can be a tough pill to swallow when you’re used to splitting the cost of a room with a partner or friend, you can easily make up for this by setting your travel budget as to what you actually want to do.

If you want to splurge on a fancy meal you can. Alternatively, if you’d rather pinch the pennies then this is also perfectly possible. The point is that when you travel alone, you alone are responsible for the travel budget and there’s no need to compromise!

If there’s only one reason you give yourself to give solo travel a try this year, remember this one thing:  solo travel is fun.  And if you take the plunge and decide to go solo travelling this year, it might turn out to be the very best decision you make this year!

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Stephanie Granada is a writer and editor focusing on travel, beauty, home, and health. Her bylines have appeared in Sunset , Outside , Southern Living , Woman's Day , Brit + Co. , National Geographic Traveler , and others.

Traveling alone is all about freedom and independence — freedom to go where you want, when you want, and independence in your ability to visit new places and meet new people without the crutch of a travel companion. It's not for everyone, but those willing to venture off on their own are rewarded with a compromise-free vacation and unforgettable experiences. Exciting things just seem to happen when you're traveling solo.

But where to go? If you're just testing the waters of solo travel, you might want to stay close to home, which is where these U.S. destinations come in handy. Whether you dream of a spa vacation with plenty of time to relax and reset, a trip packed with activities, or a soul-searching expedition, these U.S. destinations cater to the solo traveler, thanks to their ease of transportation and large selection of things to do.

Ready to book your next solo trip? Read on for the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

Naples, Florida

If you have your heart set on a beach vacation, consider Naples, a relatively small community in southwest Florida. There are plenty of ways a solo beach traveler can occupy themselves in Naples. You can check out the beach at Naples Pier, go kayaking in the mangroves , or hit the links at one of the area's 90+ golf courses. If you're looking for an activity that will leave a big grin on your face, book a dolphin watching cruise from Marco Island , just 30 minutes south of Naples. Plus, the city was ranked number one in a recent list of safest places to live the U.S. , thanks to its low crime rates.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston may be a big city, but it can often feel like a small town. Thanks to its walkability, you'll be able to explore the city's historic center on foot and can take the T, the local subway system, across the Charles River to Cambridge. In Boston, you'll find a wellspring of history and culture in museums like the fun Boston Tea Party Museum and the impressive Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , the site of one of the world's most famous art heists.

Boulder, Colorado

Those looking for quiet solo travel in the U.S. can spend their days exploring the mountains and hills surrounding Boulder. Eldorado Canyon State Park is just 20 minutes south of downtown, the approximately two-mile trail up Flagstaff Mountain is just 15 minutes to the west, and the iconic Flatirons (red sandstone formations) are less than 10 minutes away by car. And If you're feeling social, head to Pearl Street Mall , a bustling pedestrian-only street with some of the city's best restaurants, shops, and bars.

Portland, Oregon

Not everyone feels comfortable eating out at a restaurant alone, especially when traveling solo, but Portland makes mealtime a nonissue, thanks to its bustling food cart scene. There are many food cart parks scattered about the city where you can go and peruse a diverse offering of cuisine, from pizza to Senegalese, and enjoy your meal in a atmospheric and fun shared space. Food aside, Portland's reliable transportation, great parks, and community vibe make this city an easy choice for people traveling alone. Between the good meals, you can also enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or browse the shelves at the famous Powell's Books .

Asheville, North Carolina

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If your perfect vacation includes hiking and biking during the day and gulping down beers with new friends at night, there's arguably no better place than Asheville, a city situated in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Bikers will want to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway , while hikers can head to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail (an approximately one-mile hike with serious views) or climb Mount Pisgah (2.6 miles round-trip). After a day in the mountains, reward yourself with a beer on the pup-friendly patio at Wicked Weed Brewing .

Sedona, Arizona

Traveling solo may be the only time you're able to truly check out from the grind and relax. That's why spa destinations like Sedona are so perfect for solo travelers. In addition to beautiful scenery, Sedona is packed with spas and wellness offerings. For a full resort experience, book a stay at the Amara Resort and Spa , or test out a few of the city's plentiful day spas: A Spa for You and Sedona's New Day Spa are long-standing favorites.

Charleston, South Carolina

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Art lovers will find themselves in their element in this colorful coastal city in South Carolina. The small city of Charleston is home to over 35 fine art galleries and hosts an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. If you're hoping to make some art yourself, the French Quarter is sure to inspire, while the city's warm southern hospitality will make you feel right at home. If the temperature is right, you can even take a trip out to Isle of Palms to enjoy some quality time on the beach.

Nashville, Tennessee

If your idea of a dream solo trip is getting out and meeting new people, book a ticket to Nashville and let the city of music connect you to others. The Basement​​ , a live music venue known for its cozy vibes and spacious patio, is a must, as is 3rd and Lindsley . Just don't leave the city without trying the spicy fried chicken at Hattie B's . A trip to Nashville is also a chance to try out one of its best hotels like the classic Hermitage Hotel.

Portland, Maine

This may be the second Portland on the list, but this one has a coastal advantage. From the seaside city you can hop on a ferry or boat charter, or eat your way through the city's best lobster rolls at Luke's Lobster . When you're not out enjoying the water or stuffing your face with deliciously fresh seafood, you can meander in and out of the shops and boutiques at the historic Old Port.

San Francisco, California

When you're traveling solo, public transportation is key (no one wants to foot the bill for a weekend full of Uber rides). That's where cities like San Francisco shine. Between Muni buses, trains, streetcars, and cable cars, you can get to every corner of the city without hopping in a cab. Surrounded by beautiful bay views and offering easy access to experience a Redwood forest in Muir Woods , there are plenty of things to do in and around San Francisco.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, and home to quaint B&Bs and beautiful Victorian homes, Bayfield is a warm and welcoming coastal destination and one of the loveliest small towns in the U.S. Solo travelers can roam the intimate downtown or head to the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , best known for its series of caves that freeze during the winter months.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Just off California's iconic Highway 1 is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula that will capture your heart the moment you see it. Traveling solo is no problem here, as the city offers plenty to do — surfing, sea animals, and a village-style center that feels like it belongs in a storybook. However, solo travelers may feel most at ease exploring the many art galleries like the Carmel Art Association and Bennett Sculpture .

Boise, Idaho

Boise is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Solo travelers will find riverside walking and biking trails that run right through town, skiing (in the winter) and hiking (in the summer) at the city's Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area , and easy access to mountain towns like McCall and ski areas like the rapidly growing Tamarack Resort .

Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah's welcoming nature makes solo travel a breeze. If you're feeling social, join a haunted pub crawl through town or book an architectural tour . And if you're looking for a quiet escape, rent a bike and explore the history-rich city on two wheels. The best time to visit Savannah is in the fall and winter, when the temperatures are cooler and you can embrace the spooky spirit during Halloween when the city goes all out with on-theme activities .

Hot Springs, Arkansas

As you might guess, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs, which have drawn visitors since the early 1900s. For solo travelers, there's nothing like a serene soak in the natural thermal waters found on the historic Bathhouse Row, followed by a refreshing drink of spring water and a lazy hike through the dense woods at Hot Springs National Park . In addition to the gorgeous scenery of the park, you can also discover it's unique history as a wellness destination .

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole may be home to a world-renowned ski area , mouthwatering cuisine, and high-end galleries, but you'll still find Old West-style bars where cowboys throw back PBRs (check out the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar ). It's the perfect place to throw on a Stetson and dress the part for a night or two. The town itself offers plenty to do when you're not drinking or skiing, like rodeo nights at the Jackson Hole Rodeo and incredible pastries at the James Beard-recognized Persephone Bakery .

Seattle, Washington

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If you want access to nature without sacrificing big-city amenities, Seattle offers an ideal balance. Spend a couple of days checking out Pike Place Market (don't miss a cup of mac n' cheese from Beecher's ), going to the top of the Space Needle , and visiting the Museum of Pop Culture before hopping aboard a ferry and getting away from it all. From the heart of Seattle, you can take a boat across Elliott Bay to Bainbridge Island and onto Olympic National Park , home to both glacier-capped mountains and 70 miles of wild coastline.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's been said that one can hardly be called an architect if they haven't designed something in Minneapolis — the city showcases work from Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron, César Pelli, and Frank Gehry, among others. The city's love of design is also noticeable in the hotel scene, where sophistication meets Midwestern hospitality. So, while it's perfectly acceptable to wander through the city looking up, you don't want to miss a cruise on one of the famous bike paths, which wind past lakes that are perfect for a dip in the summertime.

Salt Lake City, Utah

It may be Utah's largest city, but Salt Lake City doesn't feel like a giant metropolis. Maybe it's the fact that it's surrounded by mountains or the open expanse of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park to the west. Either way, this friendly city has everything a solo traveler could want — great food (check out Feldman's Deli ), plenty of sun-drenched days, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Among the many things to do in town, you will also have your pick of exciting day trips to nearby state parks, or you can use the city as a launchpad to explore Utah's stunning geology at national parks like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon .

Fort Collins, Colorado

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If you're a beer lover, head to Fort Collins, a Colorado town with plenty of heart and really good beer. Start your tour of the city in the taproom of New Belgium Brewing (the company behind Fat Tire) and follow it with a pint at a few lesser-known breweries — we recommend Zwei Brewing Co. , Maxline Brewing , and Black Bottle Brewery . By the end of the day, you'll have your own beer-loving posse to explore the city with. Solo travelers will love the atmosphere of the downtown area, which is so charming it was the inspiration for Walt Disney when designing Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.

Austin, Texas

The quickest way to bond with a stranger? Shared musical taste. Austin has plenty of opportunities to bump into fellow music lovers. Stay on or near South Congress Avenue, where trendy properties like the Hotel Magdalena provide the ideal base for visiting the street's iconic venues. Other ‘hoods you can easily get to include East Austin, booming with hipster bars and food trucks; South Lamar with its great shops; and Rainey Street, beloved among college students. Visit March through November to see the bats flying under the Ann W. Richards bridge — it's one of the best things to do in Austin , as is indulging in the city's incredible food.

Islamorada, Florida

Of all the towns in the Florida Keys , Islamorada has the homiest feel. Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes. For an elevated dining experience, snag a barstool at Chef Michael’s and order the whole lionfish. It's a big but manageable dish, made from an invasive species that Floridians pride themselves on removing from local waters and serving as a tasty dinner instead. When you're done, rest your head at one of the cozy cottages at Moorings Village.

Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is known for its hospitality and Louisville for its bourbon , meaning solo travelers can find good friends and good drinks while exploring this Southern city. NuLu is the most happening neighborhood, but Old Louisville is the place to hunker down if you’re a sucker for history and architecture. Downtown offers new hotels and inventive restaurants, while Butchertown and Germantown pair up-and-coming bars and businesses with impressive vintage architecture.

Marfa, Texas

Artists in search of a solitary life have been drawn to Marfa for decades. Today, the population hovers just under 2,000, but there’s enough art, food, and quirk for a city many times that size. El Cosmico offers outstanding glamping and communal spaces, while art houses like the Chinati Foundation keep visitors entertained. Though it's more than three hours from the closest airport, this flatland village offers progressive galleries, mystifying desert skies, and a sparse beauty that makes it one of the best small towns in Texas .

New York, New York

New York City might be full of crowds, but it’s also a welcoming hub for parties of one. There are sleek hotels with bars that draw worldly travelers and locals, some of the best art and shopping in the world, and more food and drink options than you can fit into a month-long trip. If you need help deciding what to do on your visit, take a look at our three-day weekend guide .

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country — and solo travelers wanting to enjoy that security will find a great home base in Portsmouth. This waterfront town is one of the state's most pedestrian-friendly communities, and with a colonial heritage that dates back to the 1600s, it's fantastic for history buffs. Portsmouth knows its food, as is perhaps best showcased in the dozen oyster farms active offshore in the Great Bay. Sample their best bivalves at The Franklin, an upscale seafood joint run by James Beard-nominated chef Matt Louis.

San Diego, California

San Diego combines the laid-back vibes of SoCal with the multicultural energy of a city located right on the Mexican border. From mild weather and great surfing to vibrant West Coast sunsets, it has lots to offer, making it a great place to spend a few days. Opportunities for hiking and watersports abound, while coastal areas like La Jolla and Del Mar offer a bevy of chic hotels where a solo traveler can catch some oceanside R&R.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Solo travelers in search of spiritual healing should look no further than Santa Fe . Book a night at Ten Thousand Waves, an upscale lodge inspired by Japanese hot spring resorts and decked out with secluded soaking tubs. Downtown, you’ll find historical landmarks, handmade tchotchkes, and restaurants serving delectable Southwestern food. Beyond the adobe architecture and unique attractions, the best thing you can do in Santa Fe is meet its colorful characters.

Washington, D.C.

Museums are best explored alone, and in Washington, D.C. , you have more than 20 to choose from—many of which are free. The District also has a hot food scene, and as a solo diner, you'll have the best shot at getting into the most highly coveted spots. To get far away from D.C.’s political crowds, head to a hip residential neighborhood like Shaw, where you can imbibe at Maxwell Park Wine Bar or catch a show at the Howard Theatre.

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The best experiences last a lifetime - solo travel is one of them. The ability to explore, take chances, meet new people and do what you want when you want. To trade stories, and cocktails, with like-minded travellers from around the world. Or to sail with a group, on your own terms. Now when you cruise solo with Norwegian, you'll enjoy more freedom and choice than ever. We've doubled the number of Solo Staterooms across our fleet by adding Solo Balcony and Oceanview rooms, in addition to Inside rooms and Studios. The best part? The savings! Traditional double occupancy rates do not apply. So come aboard with friends or family - or take time to meet new people, then watch the sunset from your private balcony. After all, you're pretty good company.

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Prefer a room with a view or with additional space to unwind? We offer Balconies, Oceanview and Inside Staterooms for solo travellers. All Solo Staterooms include exclusive access to the Studio Lounge* where you can unwind and meet other solo cruisers. And save money when you book - these rooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers!

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Explore your favourite places with amazing solo trip packages.

Solo travelling allows you to reconnect with yourself and contributes towards personal growth. If you are a travel enthusiast and are planning a holiday anytime soon, you can consider exciting solo trip packages from MakeMyTrip. Solo tour packages are the best way to fulfil your travel dreams and tick off new places on your bucket list. You can explore hillside retreats, historical places, beaches and more with exciting solo trip packages India.

Solo travel packages  can also be customised as per your preferences. Discover some of the best solo trip packages , right from exciting Goa solo trip packages to memorable Manali packages below. 

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Along with fabulous Rishikesh solo trip package s and Kasol solo trip package, here are a few more solo trip packages India that you can choose from: 

• Goa- If you are planning to book solo trip packages from Pune or   packages from Mumbai you can   opt for Goa solo trip packages . It is home to the country’s finest beaches, great dining, nightlife and shopping options. You can explore landmarks like the Latin Quarters, Fort Aguada and Basilica of Bom Jesus. You can also consider Gokarna solo trip packages   for an offbeat beach getaway. 
• Manali- If you are looking for solo trip packages from Delhi ,  this Himalayan resort town is a popular option for solo travel packages.   Find Manali solo trip packages  that cover attractions like the Hidimba Devi Temple ,Bhrigu Lake and Naggar Castle . Enjoy shopping and dining on the Mall Road and indulge in trekking and paragliding in the Parvati Valley. You can also club your  Manali holiday with Ladakh solo trip package s.
• Kerala- There are many Kerala solo trip package s   covering popular places like Alleppey ,  Munnar , Kovalam,  Kochi and Thekkady. From beautiful backwaters to gorgeous beaches and misty hill stations, Kerala has it all! 
• Pondicherry- Pondicherry is a charming city with a rich French legacy. You can book Pondicherry solo trip packages  that   include famous landmarks like the Sacred Heart Basilica, Sri Aurobindo Ashram , Rock Beach and more . 

In addition to these solo trip packages,you will also find many amazing solo holiday packages on MakeMyTrip for every budget.

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• Keep your valuables secure- Store your essentials at a safe place while travelling. Keep photocopies of your important documents. Store money, jewellery and other valuables in the hotel safe instead of carrying them around. 
• Do your homework in advance- Before visiting any location, you should research the best places to stay, local customs, rules and other important aspects. 
• Be careful while travelling- Always stay alert while walking or hiking. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, walk into the nearest public place like a restaurant or railway station. Avoid late-night transportation for additional safety. 

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10 reasons why you should book a solo trip to Bali

At Go Ahead, we know that solo travel can be life-changing—just ask Staffer Steph. She took an unforgettable solo trip to Bali and is sharing her top 10 reasons why you should take our new Bali for Solo Travelers: Beaches, Temples & Culture tour .

There’s no place like Bali. The Indonesian oasis is chock-full of stunning beaches, ancient temples, stop-you-in-your-tracks scenery, and delightful cuisine. Known as the Island of the Gods, this spiritual paradise makes the ideal setting for a solo adventure—and I’m speaking from personal experience. In 2019, I spent over a month traveling solo around Bali. It’s been years, but I still smile remembering the sweet, woody scent of incense in the air and the almost-electric energy of the island. Planning travel to Bali from U.S. and Canadian cities takes time, but the good news is that you can set off on your own epic, 10-day solo adventure on our Bali for Solo Travelers: Beaches, Temples & Culture tour . I can think of so many reasons why Bali solo travel should be on your bucket list, and I’ve compiled my top ones for you.

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Explore manali & kasol | free excursion to hot water springs.

About the Tour :

Manali, a captivating Himalayan village, calls to the wanderlust, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquilly. This picturesque hill station, which is stretched out slowly on the banks of the River Beas, is blessed with a wonderful landscape made up of forests, valleys, streams, rivers, and orchards, which has helped it gain popularity more quickly than the clouds that float over its hilltops.

Manali has it all, whether you want to go tubing down the Solang Valley slopes or do all your shopping at the neighbourhood market. Discover the town of Kullu, which is extraordinarily fortunate to provide a blend of adventure and environment. The ideal way to cap off your mountain vacation is to take a peaceful bath in the hot springs at Manikaran, which is located after passing through the Mini Israel of India—Kasol.

Quick Info :

• Route: Delhi/Chandigarh - Manali - Solang Valley - Kullu - Manikaran - Manali - Delhi/ Chandigarh
• Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
• Start point:  Delhi/ Chandigarh
• Endpoint:  Delhi/ Chandigarh

Note : The above rates will vary and won't be the same on special days such as Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas, and New Years. To get the best rates for these days, you can connect with us directly.

Jaipur Ajmer Pushkar | FREE Camel Ride Tickets

About The Tour :

Blended with the true essence of Rajasthan this tour is designed in a way that it helps you experience the right mix of mysticism and serenity that prevails in the air of Rajasthan. Perfect for a short getaway this tour will help you explore the capital city of Jaipur and the small yet enchanting town of Pushkar that holds the only existing temple of the creator of the universe i.e. Lord Brahma.

Quick Notes :

• Route: Jaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur
• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Start Point:  Jaipur
• End Point:  Jaipur

Kerala Grandeur - Luxurious Holidays

About the destination:

Discover the incredible culture and enchantment of Kerala while enjoying the finest in luxury. Kerala, known as God's Own Country, is a place that never fails to captivate its visitors, offering the perfect natural backdrop for an extraordinary getaway and the creation of memories that will be treasured forever. From experiencing the allure of the stunning hill station in Munnar to embarking on a breathtaking journey to Periyar, renowned for its Tiger Reserve and spice plantations, and concluding your adventure at Alappuzha, India's world-famous backwater tourist destination

Quick info:

• Duration:  5 Days, 4 Nights

Start Point : Kochi

• End Point:  Kochi
• Route:  Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kochi

Journey to Heaven | Scenic Kashmir Tour

From the lofty green Himalayas, hailed all over the world, to glittering lakes surrounded by stationary houseboats, Kashmir makes a perfect vacation to strengthen and rejuvenate your bond with your family. Lean out of your Shikara and catch a glimpse of the amazing sunset while gliding your fingers over the chilling water of the Dal Lake on a leisurely Shikara ride. One can also get to experience the magical floating stay with cozy and comfortable suites, warm hosts, and delicious Kashmiri food, which will make for a unique and idyllic stay on a houseboat.

Wave back at the shepherds as you experience the countryside on a pony ride through the verdant meadows and chilling Lidder River meandering through the mountains of Pahalgam. When there’s snow around, a snow fight is bound to happen, no matter what your age, fulfil your lifelong dream of building a snowman at Gulmarg. Conclude this perfect vacation by taking a family portrait in traditional Kashmiri attire, to treasure the memories for life. 

• Route: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Gulmarg - Srinagar
• Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
• Starting Point: Srinagar

End Point: Srinagar

The Snow Ladakh Platter - All Adventure Inclusive

Enjoy exploring the capital city of Leh and walk on the trails of the famous Chadar Trek in Chilling. Witness the mesmerizing charm of the beautiful and frozen Pangong Lake and get a chance to take a walk on the ice too!

Avail an astonishing feeling while you drive past the highest motorable road in the world, -viewing the best glimpses of the Chilling, Leh. Covering almost everything, the tour will also take you to see the real king of these parts, the Snow Leopard, in the beautiful village of Ulley. 

Leh Ladakh Srinagar with Pangong Lake

Starting from Leh, this tour gives you a boost with the beautiful lakes, views, and soothing air. Enter into two completely different worlds - beautiful Srinagar and thrilling Ladakh . Ladakh, the Land of High Passes, wins hearts with its simplicity and rugged natural beauty. Spectacular landscapes, enfolded by serrated mountains, give the region its unique character. The pristine natural heritage of this fabled realm can be seen in its picturesque lakes, unspoiled by human civilization.

Route: Leh - Sham Valley - Khardung La - Nubra Valley - Pangong - Chang La - Leh - Kargil - Srinagar

Duration: 8 Days & 7 Night

Start Point:   Leh Airport

Endpoint: Srinagar Airport

Passes Covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft) | Chang-la (17,688 ft) | Zojila pass (11,500 ft)

Island Hopping in Andaman

The perfect combination of thrill and adventure, with views of serene beaches, picturesque shores, and a lot of water activities, Andaman has a lot in store for you. Embark on a journey of 6 days, explore the tropical forest and rugged coastline, spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and create memories for life. The islands not only offer the perfect peek into India's fascinating history, and its stunning natural beauty during the visit to Cellular Jail but also takes you through breathtaking beaches like Elephant, Radhanagar, and more to let you admire the beauty of this mesmerizing place.

Quick facts:

• Route:  Port Blair, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair
• Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
• Start Point / End Point : Port Blair

Jaipur Jodhpur Udaipur | FREE Speed Boat Ride Tickets

Immerse yourself in the colorful hues of Rajasthan, one of the most famous and admired travel destinations in India. The state is known for its beauty, royal heritage, splendid forts and palaces, vibrant culture, and much more. The customized tour will help you explore Rajasthan’s true grandeur as you travel to the Pink City – Jaipur, the Blue City – Jodhpur & the White City – Udaipur.

• Route: Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur
• Duration:  6 Days / 5 Nights
• End Point:  Jaipur

Escapade to Kerala | In the Lap of Nature

About the Destination:

There is no exaggeration in Kerala’s status as God’s own country, for how else does one explain its gorgeous 600-kilometer stretch of undisturbed coastline skirting the Arabian Sea, the palm-fringed beaches, a network of languid backwaters home to vibrant rural life, the misty tea-covered Western Ghats, wildlife reserves teeming with endemic flora and fauna and spice plantations running rampant on its valleys and hill slopes. One of the country’s cleanest states, and perhaps the friendliest too, it is an absolute delight traveling around, visiting the historical temples and museums in Trivandrum, getting a slice of the maritime history in Cochin (Kochi), or taking a boat ride to islands like Mattancherry to trace its Jewish roots. Add to it a culture that is defined by colorful folk art and dance forms, a cuisine that is subtle yet generous in its use of spices, and a passion for Ayurveda that promises to soothe frazzled nerves. Simply slacken your stride and let all its sights and smells envelop you.

Quick Info:

Route : Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kochi

Duration : 5 Days & 4 Nights

End Point : Kochi

Note : The Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam National Park) is closed during February and March due to the breeding season of Thars.

Thrilling Leh Ladakh Bike Adventure

Get ready for the ride of a lifetime with our Thrilling Leh Ladakh Bike Tour With Camping. Imagine yourself with the wind in your hair, the roar of your bike, and the thrill of the open road of Leh, Sham Valley, Khardungla, Nubra Valley, Pangong, Changla, and Stok Village. This tour isn't just an adventure; it's an adrenaline rush that beckons the explorer in you. You'll conquer the world's highest motorable pass, feel the desert sands of Nubra Valley, and witness the serenity of Pangong Lake, all while experiencing the thrill of the open road.

• Route: Leh - Sham Valley - Khardungla- Nubra Valley - Pangong - Chang La - Stok Village - Leh.
• Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights 
• Start Point: Leh Airport

Endpoint: Leh Airport

Captivating Kashmir | A Journey to the Heaven

What strikes your mind when you think about Kashmir? Snow? Lakes? Mountains? Well, The Paradise on Earth has it all from the majestic mountains, calm lakes and a cool climate to catching a glimpse of the sunset while gliding your fingers over the chilling water of the Dal lake with a leisurely Shikara ride Kashmir.

Wave back at the shepherds as you experience the countryside on a pony ride through the verdant meadows and chilling Lidder river meandering through the mountains in Pahalgam. Slide down the hill on a ski or a sledge and roll some balls to make a snowman or get into a snow fight at the heartland of winter sports in Gulmarg. Conclude by taking a postcard perfect family frame in the traditional Kashmiri attire, to treasure the memories for life.

 Quick info :

• Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights

Start Point: Srinagar

Majestic Manali Adventure | FREE Excursion To Manikaran

About the tour :

The rustic village of Manali, with the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal peaks in the background, offers wildly unusual and spiritually fascinating panoramic views. Enjoy the pleasant weather, panoramic grandeur, and upbeat attitudes to your heart's content!

The Hidimba temple is a peaceful site nestled among the deodar trees. Take a holy bath at the curative Vashisht hot water spring. While driving through the snow-covered walls of the Rohtang Pass, visit the Solang Valley, a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Bollywood's favourite hill city is ideal for a holiday filled with sightseeing, adventure, and spirituality.

• Route: Manali - Rohtang Pass - Solang Valley - Manikaran - Kullu - Manali
• Start Point: Manali
• End Point: Manali

Haridwar Rishikesh Dehradun Mussoorie Tour Package

Make the most out of the experience in Uttrakhand explore an amazing transition of gorgeous natural wonders & venture deep into the region. Experience the magnificent town full of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls flowing from the hills dotted with many historical & cultural beliefs. Haridwar is a beautiful city settled on the banks of river Ganga well known for its beauty and spirituality. Located where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the base of the Himalayas.

Rishikesh this beautiful city has a blend of both adventure and spirituality. Rishikesh is also known as the "Yoga Capital of the World", it has numerous yoga centers that attract tourists. Take a journey through this holy city to refresh your spirituality. Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the Himalayan track nested in the beautiful Dhoon valley in the lap of Himalaya. This trip will bring up the most exclusive places and things to do in those places. Mussoorie the “Queen of Hills”, about 35 km from Dehradun caved between the mountains with great panoramic views. 

Quick Info :

• Route: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Haridwar
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Start Point: Haridwar
• End Point: Haridwar

Economical Goa Tour

About the tour:

Whenever one plans to have a wonderful getaway in the midst of golden shimmering beaches, the first place that comes to mind is Goa. Its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, historic monuments and thrilling adventure activities make this place a must-visit destination to have an incredible getaway. From witnessing beautifully built age-old cathedrals, old Portuguese-style buildings to indulging in adventurous activities to feel the thrill within, Goa has a lot to offer to visitors.

A tranquil atmosphere, sparkling waters, unwinding ambience, stellar nightlife and intimate setting make this former Portuguese territory one of the most happening places in India. This tour ensures that you absorb the culture of this wonderful place in the most authentic way possible. Being the party destination that it is, Goa has all to make sure that you have a memorable time amidst its beautiful beaches.

• Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights

Route : Panjim - Dauna Paula Beach - Miramar Becah - Mandovi River - Aguada Fort - Calangute Beach - Anjuna Beach - Candolim Beach

Start Point: Goa Airport/Railway Station

End Point: Goa Airport/Railway Station

Vacation in Meghalaya | FREE David Scott Trail Trek

Meghalaya is replete with some of the most beautiful places and excitingly adventurous experiences, and that is why this place definitely comes across as a destination that one must visit at least once in one lifetime.  It is home to numerous waterfalls, dark caves, lush green valleys, picturesque lakes, and more. Feel moved by the amazing beauty of the place and take forward a beautiful story along with the pictures to share the story. The mesmerizing location will fill your memories with the pictures.

Quick Facts of 8 Days Magical Meghalaya Tour Package:

Start Point/ End Point: Guwahati Airport/ Railway Kamakhya Railway Station

Pick-up Timing/ Drop Timing: As per Traveler's Convivence

Tour Type: Private Tour

Duration: 7 Nights & 8 Days

Customization: Available as per the requirement

Leh Ladakh Getaway | With Siachen Base Camp

With a journey to Siachen, the Highest Battlefield in the world, Leh-Ladakh features most of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains. Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, Ladakh is becoming the most Instagrammable place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list. The unique thing about the Ladakh terrain is that it has mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, rivers, waterfalls in one beautiful and dynamic geography.

Route:  Leh - Sham Valley - Khardungla - Nubra Valley - Siachen - Pangong - Chang-la - Leh

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights 

Start point:  Leh Airport

Passes Covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft) | Chang-la (17,688 ft)

Best of Rajasthan

Discover Dazzling Duo | Dehradun Mussoorie

About the destination :

Nested in the Himalayan foothills, Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the sub-Himalayan region. Mussoorie gives the opportunity to see the hidden charm of colonial architecture. Head out for an amazing vacation in the foothills of the Himalayas to see the hidden treasure of this beautiful city. Start the tour from Dehradun and head toward Mussoorie which is at a distance of 55 km (2 hours appx) enjoy the road journey and feel the air of the place. Relax on the first day and explore nearby locations like Mall road etc. Enjoy the local and authentic cuisine of the place to get the colour of the place. Start the sightseeing tour from the next day and have a happy & surprising experience. In this Dehradun Mussoorie tour package visit, some of the most famous sites like Kempty fall, Sahastradhara, Municipal garden, Gun hill, Company garden, etc.

Quick info :

• Route: Dehradun - Mussoorie - Dehradun
• Start Point: Dehradun
• End Point : Dehradun
• Duration: 4 Days, 3 nights

Note : The above rates would vary and won't be same on special days such as Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas and New Years, to get the best rates for these days you can connect with us directly.

Best Of Kerala With Houseboat Stay | Free Periyar National Park Ticket

Commence on the best of Kerala with Houseboat Stay and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of "God's Own Country." Starting in the historic streets of Kochi, where ancient forts and bustling markets attract Then you’ll move to Munnar, with its misty mountains and lush tea gardens. The adventure continues in Thekkady, where you'll explore lush forests and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat with an exhilarating boat ride on Periyar Lake. Finally, you'll find yourself in Alleppey's backwaters, where you will be staying on a traditional houseboat. This tour is an opportunity to connect deeply with the essence of Kerala.

• Start Point: Kochi
• End Point: Kochi
• Route: Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kochi

Best of Kerala

Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Trip With Tsomoriri & Hanle

About the destination:  

This circuit features some of the world’s highest motorable passes with the spectacular beauty of snow-capped mountains, Lakes, rivers on their side while covering these breathtaking destinations, Solang valley, Gata Loops, Hanle, Tsomoriri, Zojila pass, Kargil, Magnetic hill, Confluence of Indus And Zanskar River, Dal lake and much more waiting on the way!

 Get ready to make your dream of riding in Ladakh come true in the action-packed bike trip where one would be experiencing the fusion of thrill, serene beauty and culture of The "Land of High Passes", as the entire tour is exclusively elected by Thrillophilia's outdoor experts.

Admired for its unparalleled scenic views, pristine icy lakes, and swirling roads, This circuit is becoming the most Instagrammable place in India and is on everyone’s bucket list, it offers you a stay amidst the beautiful valley of mountains and a starlit sky in the night.

Route: Manali-Jispa-Sarchu-Tsomoriri-Hanle-Pangong Tso-Nubra Valley-Leh-Kargil-Sonamarg-Srinagar.

Duration: 11 Days & 10 Night 

Start point: Manali

Endpoint: Srinagar

Passes covered: Khardung-la (18,000 ft), Rohtang Pass (16,051 ft), Lachung La(16,600 ft), Baralacha la ( 16,000 ft), and Zojila pass (11,500 ft)

Best Selling Andaman Tour Package | Havelock Special

About the Destination :

Andaman is a perfect place to explore the beauty of marine life and relax by the side of the beaches for it is home to many beautiful beaches and ridges. It is enveloped in thick tropical forests and forms a disjointed and long chain of 527 islands in an arc formation. Fascinating you with its turquoise water, silver shimmering sand, and breathtaking corals, this tour offers you a perfect beach escapade amidst the glorifying shores.

• Route:  Port Blair - Havelock Island - Port Blair
• Start Point/End Point : Port Blair

Best of Ladakh

Rajasthan Wonders | FREE Nakki Lake Visit

Rajasthan has a colorful and lively vibe that revolves around the shades of royal Rajputana culture and heritage. It is a place that offers a perfect blend of mystical palaces, majestic lakes, charming streets, mighty Aravali peaks, and everything else in between. This tour will take you to the city of lakes, Udaipur, where you will witness the charm of Lake Pichola and the grace it holds when the sun splashes its golden shimmering light as it sets on the naked Aravali hills.

• Route:  Udaipur - Mount Abu - Udaipur
• Duration:  4 Days/ 3 Nights 
• Start point:  Udaipur
• Endpoint:   Udaipur

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

Cuddled up cosily amidst the mountains, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is yet another hidden jewel of Kashmir as it validates Kashmir’s mythical status as heaven on earth. The beautiful Alpine and snow-clad mountains will walk through the paths, and green meadows, and rocky terrains are there to bound the journey.

Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, rugged mountains, rolling meadows and turquoise alpine lakes and you get more than seven of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore! The Kashmir Great Lakes, however, is an IMAX 3D experience – such is the grandeur of the trek. If you have not done this trek, put it on your bucket list!

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Quick Facts:

Duration: 7D/6N

Trekking distance:  72km

Maximum Altitude: 13,800ft

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Kashmir Great Lakes TrekTemperature: 17°C-20°C (Max. During Day Time) to 3°C-4°C ( Min. During Night Time)

Best Time to do Kashmir Great Lake Treks: July to September

Railway Station: Jammu is the nearest railway station 

Airport: Srinagar Airport

Best of Andaman and Nicobar

Best of Himachal | Explore Three Valleys - Kullu Kangra and Chamba

Call it a poet’s inspiration or a painter’s imagination, the beauty of Himachal can’t be summed up in just a few words or sentences. Filled with beautiful valleys, breathtaking mountain ranges, scenic hiking trails, mystical rivers, and peaceful monasteries, visit this heavenly abode that no one can forget.

Imagine the still-life scenes from your favourite Bollywood movies - 3 idiots, Gadar, Jab We Met shot at the iconic Ridge of Shimla. Drive through the snow walls of Rohtang and satisfy the adventure junkie in you by going white water rafting in the gurgling Beas River in Manali or indulging in adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, skiing at the Solang valley. Feel like being in Switzerland as you walk on the lush grasslands of Khajjiar. Capture a perfect cheering fan picture at the highest cricket stadium of Dharamshala and cherish the moments for life. 

• Route:  Delhi/Chandigarh - Manali - Solang - Dharamshala - McLeodganj - Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Delhi/Chandigarh
• Duration:  7 Days / 6 Nights
• Start Point:  Delhi/ Chandigarh
• End Point:  Delhi/ Chandigarh

Mystic Meghalaya | FREE Nongriat Trek

Set out on a 4-day tour of Mystic Meghalaya, a journey that promises to reveal the hidden treasures of India's northeastern wonderland. This adventure takes you to unique destinations, including Cherrapunji, the Nongriat Trek, and Shillong via Dawki, ensuring a concentrated dose of awe-inspiring experiences.

The tour commences with a visit to Cherrapunji, renowned for its dramatic monsoons and the stunning Nohkalikai Falls. Proceed further and join the adventure that takes on an exhilarating turn with the Nongriat Trek, where you'll hike through lush jungles and awe-inspiring living root bridges. As you continue your journey to Shillong via Dawki, you'll be mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, ideal for a tranquil boat ride. The road to Shillong via Dawki is equally enchanting, offering picturesque landscapes. This 4-day exploration promises a whirlwind of natural beauty and adventure, leaving you with vivid memories of the mystic Meghalaya.

Quick Facts About 4 Days Tour of Mystic Meghalaya :

Start Point/ End Point: Guwahati Airport/ Guwahati Railway Station

Pick-up Timing/ Drop Timing: As per Traveler's Convenience

Stay: Private Standard accommodation on double/ triple sharing (open for Upgradation on request)

Transportation: Private Sedan/ SUV/ Tempo Traveler (as per group size)

Customization : Available on Request

Best of Nepal

Udaipur Chittorgarh | FREE Speed Boat Ride

This tour features the tales of courage, pride, and romance that the bards of Rajasthan have been singing for centuries. Starting from the city of Lakes and Palaces, Udaipur to exploring the largest fort in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh which has evidence of being built during the era of Mahabharata, this tour will truly satisfy the history buff in you. Relive the Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani moments by taking a picturesque boat ride in Pichola Lake surrounded by the skyline of the city palace of Udaipur.

Quick Info :

• Route: Udaipur - Kumbhalgarh - Chittorgarh - Udaipur
• Duration:  5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Start point:  Udaipur
• Endpoint:  Udaipur

Cheapest Goa Tour Package

 Whenever one plans to have a wonderful getaway in the midst of golden shimmering beaches, the first place that comes to mind is Goa. A tranquil atmosphere, sparkling waters, unwinding ambience, stellar nightlife and an intimate setting make Goa a must-visit place. It is a place that offers a perfect blend of sun, sand and sea; a place known for its sprawling beaches, world-famous nightlife, incredible cuisine and historical attractions.

From witnessing beautifully built age-old cathedrals, old Portuguese-style buildings to indulging in adventurous activities to feel the thrill within, Goa has a lot to offer to visitors. This tour ensures that you absorb the culture of this wonderful place in the most authentic way possible. Being the party destination that it is, Goa has all to make sure that you have a memorable time amidst its beautiful beaches.

Duration : 3 Days 2 Nights

Start Point: Goa

End Point: Goa

Best of Bhutan

People Also Ask About India

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India Top Attractions

Discover the enchanting allure of Khecheopalri Lake, a hidden gem nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Sikkim, India. Revered as a sacred site, this 'wishing lake' holds deep spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its pristine waters and surrounding lush forests create a serene sanctuary for visitors seeking tranquility and connection with nature.Legend has it that the lake fulfills the sincere wishes of those who visit with pure intentions. The rich biodiversity surrounding the lake adds to its charm, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.Embark on a spiritual and natural journey as you explore the cultural beliefs and ecological wonders of Khecheopalri Lake. Whether you seek introspection, photography opportunities, or simply a moment of peace, this mystical destination promises an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience amidst the splendor of the Himalayan foothills.

The name Laitlum translates to the “End of the slopes” in the local language. In fact, this canyon is also known as Smit Valley by the local population.The route to this canyon may be slightly challenging, but tourists are assured of an adventure to get to the canyon. In the end, the trek to the canyon is so worth it, thanks to the best views that it offers.

Nestled in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Bhangarh Fort stands as a captivating relic of the 17th century. It is an attraction covered in mystery and allure. Surrounded by the scenic Aravalli Range and close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, its location is as intriguing as its history. This architectural marvel was built by Madho Singh, named after his grandfather Bhan Singh. Today, it draws visitors not just for its historical significance but for the legends that echo among its ruins. Discover the enchanting beauty of Rajasthan with our Rajasthan packages, offering a blend of history, culture, and adventure.The fort is famed for its majestic gates, temples, palaces, and a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Its strategic design showcases the genius of ancient craftsmanship. The royal palace here is located at the fort's highest point and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Bhangarh Fort is infamous as India's "most haunted" location. This name comes from tales of curses and paranormal activity, yet these stories only add to its mystique. Despite its eerie reputation, the fort remains a symbol of Rajasthan's rich history, captivating all who walk its ancient pathways. The fort's ambience is set against the backdrop of natural beauty and architectural splendour. This makes it a must-visit for anyone fascinated by history, architecture, and the supernatural.

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I've stayed in Airbnbs around the world by myself. My top tip for solo travelers is to book for 2 people — even if it costs more.

• I'm a frequent solo traveler who prefers to stay in Airbnbs over hotels. 
• When I book an Airbnb for a solo trip, I say it's for two people, so hosts don't know I'm alone. 
• Sometimes booking for two costs extra, but I'm willing to pay it because it makes me feel safer. 

Cozy cabins , unique tiny homes , luxury apartments — I've booked them all through Airbnb. 

As a travel reporter, I've stayed in accommodations around the world, from the US and Canada to Western Europe. I prefer staying in Airbnbs over hotels because they often bring me more unique experiences, such as sleeping in a treehouse in Canada and a livable barrel in Switzerland.

Usually, I travel solo . I've taken overnight trains in the US and Europe, spent seven nights on one of the world's largest cruise ships sailing the Caribbean Sea, and traveled by rail to Niagara Falls, Montréal, and Quebec City . On these trips, I explored new cities and unique accommodations — all by myself.

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Now that I'm a seasoned solo traveler , I have a lot of practices in place to ensure I feel as safe as possible when I'm traveling alone — especially in other countries.

When it comes to staying in Airbnbs solo, my best tip is to book accommodation for two people

When I make the reservation, I simply change the number of guests from one to two. Then, In my message to the host, I always say that I may have a friend joining me for my trip.

This way, my host doesn't think I'm traveling all by myself. Creating the illusion that I have someone else with me makes me feel more comfortable falling asleep at night in a stranger's place.

Booking for two sometimes comes with an additional fee, depending on the Airbnb.

For example, when I traveled to Rome and booked two nights in a livable art sculpture Airbnb , the price was $102 a night for one person and $145 a night for two people. In this case, my partner did end up joining me for the stay. But even if he hadn't, I would have been fine paying the additional fee to feel more secure about staying there alone. 

Solo travel can be daunting, especially when you're booking accommodation with an individual rather than directly through a company like you would at a hotel.

But after all my unique Airbnb experiences, I think it's worth booking them even when I'm alone. And booking for two makes me feel a little safer.  

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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8 Solo-Travel Memoirs Written By Women That Will Inspire You To See The World On Your Own

“ When I was but a little child, I had already a strong desire to see the world. Whenever I met a travelling-carriage, I would stop involuntarily, and gaze after it until it had disappeared; I used even to envy the postilion, for I thought he also must have accomplished the whole long journey. ”

The above words were written by Ida Laura Pfeiffer, one of the first women explorers to travel alone around the world in the 1800s and then write about it. Solo-female travel, while not new, is becoming more widely accepted and encouraged, partly in thanks to women travelers sharing their stories through their memoirs. 

Setting out into the world alone, while adventurous and exciting, also offers us a precious gift hard to find anywhere but the open road or deserted trail. Solo-travel invites us to be transformed, to reflect, and to learn about ourselves and the world around us. If you have been considering a solo-travel adventure or are just looking for a new great read, check out our list of inspiring travel memoirs written by female authors. 

1. Wild By Nature

Author  | Sarah Marquis

What We Love | If you loved Cheryl Strayed’s Wild , you will again fall in love with National Geographic Explorer Sarah Marquis and her solo-hike memoir, Wild by Nature: From Siberia to Australia, Three Years Alone in the Wilderness on Foot. Beginning in Siberia, Marquis writes of her 3-year, 10,000-mile journey on foot, traversing 6 countries and finishing in Australia. Marquis is no stranger to marathon solo hikes, having previously hiked from Canada to Mexico, through the Andes, and 8,700 miles around Australia. Her book, released early 2016, tells the incredible story of her adventure while showcasing her resilience, wit, and courageous spirit. More than anything, Marquis is another fantastic example of women living wild and completing challenging expeditions. 

Reviews | “A vibrant epic, this wondrous book is, at its core, a story of resilience. Marquis is industrious, and I recommend this book to all people seeking to discover the massive magnitude of their own potential power. A triumph!” – Aspen Matis

Price | $3.98 (Used)

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2. flâneuse.

Author  | Lauren Elkin

What We Love | Lauren Elkin was born and raised in the suburbs of New York before moving to Paris in 2004. In her most recent book, Flâneuse: Women Walk the City in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice, and London , Elkin explores the cultural history of women writers and artists who have found inspiration in exploring the street of large cities on their own terms. A flâneuse, a woman who is said to behave like the historical masculine figure of privilege who strides the capitals of the world with abandon, is defined by Elkin as a purposeful, ingenious woman liberated and creatively inspired by city walks. Based partly on her own life, as well as the lives of historical and prominent women, Flâneuse is a must-read in 2017.

Reviews | “At a moment when women’s rights have come to significant national attention, Flâneuse also reads as a document of resilience, one that celebrates female figures fighting to be seen . . . Blending historical analysis, literary criticism, and memoir, Elkin seeks to re-define the concept of flânerie itself, and to reclaim the city for its women wanderers.” – Arnav Adhikari

Price | $13.48 (Used)

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3. imagine wanting only this.

Author | Kristen Radtke

What We Love | One of the most anticipated graphic novels of 2017, Kristen Radtke’s Imagine Wanting Only This is a breathtaking blend of written word and illustration. Beginning with the death of her beloved uncle and an encounter with an abandoned mining town, Radtke’s memoir is fueled by her lifelong fascination with ruins around the world and the people and places left behind. A graphic tale that explores abandoned cities, buried towns, and desolate locations, she seeks to answer the questions, “Why are we here, and what will we leave behind?” 

Reviews | “I was continuously struck by Radtke’s unending and unapologetic explorations of the ruins that litter our lives and puncture our curious and very personal understandings of home. This book is beautiful, intelligent, and very much alive.” – Claire Tobin

Price | $26.98 (Used)

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4. bleaker house.

Author  | Nell Stevens

What We Love | Determined to write and finish her first novel, Nell Stevens traveled on a fellowship to Bleaker Island – a windy, penguin-occupied place belonging to the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Stevens quickly learns her romantic ideals of writing in a desolate and distraction-free environment come at a cost, and her fiction novel quickly turns into a memoir about writing a book in a freezing guesthouse with terrible internet and little food. Bleaker House: Chasing My Novel to the End of the World is clever, original, and a delightfully creative nonfiction tale. 

Reviews | “Nell Stevens takes you on a wild ramble across the landscape of the writing life, and at the end sets you down somewhere entirely new and unexpected. This is a romp of a book, a genre-defying feat of the imagination, and pure pleasure to read.” – Alison Pick

Price | $4.48 (Used)

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5. at home in the world.

Author | Tsh Oxenreider

What We Love | Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be at home? Tsh Oxenreider explores the meaning of home in her latest memoir, At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe , while backpacking the world for nine months with her husband and three kids. From China to New Zealand, Ethiopia to England and more, Oxenreider ponders the meaning of place while captivating readers with her honest, intimate approach to narrative. Her own story challenges nomads, vagabonds, and anyone who has ever felt out of place to engage and wrestle with the concept of home.

Reviews | “A beautiful reminder of how travel shapes us, how beautiful the world is, and how parenting doesn’t need to mean the end of adventuring.” – Shauna Niequist

Price | $24.99

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6. the yellow envelope.

Author  | Kim Dinan

What We Love | Kim Dinan’s second travel memoir, The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and a Life-Changing Journey Around the World , shares of a beautiful giving experiment and the transformative power of generosity. After uprooting their lives to backpack the world, Dinan and her husband receive one last gift before departing Portland: a yellow envelope with a check and the simple instruction to give the money away during their journey and share about the experience. Dinan’s words are uplifting, moving, and powerful in this beautiful tale of self-discovery through travel. Without sharing any spoilers, readers won’t be surprised to learn generosity has little to do with money.

Reviews | “ The Yellow Envelope is an intriguing and riveting tale of Kim’s travel adventures. I was especially intrigued by her process of self-discovery which is tightly woven into her experiences. She talks openly and honestly about earth-shaking moments, marital doubts, and quiet insights…often in the tone of sharing secrets with a best friend.” – Rita Golden Gelman

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7. all over the place.

Author | Geraldine DeRuiter

What We Love | Geraldine DeRuiter describes herself as the type of person who has no sense of direction and is terrified of pigeons, therefore she should eat nachos at home rather than travel the world. But when she is laid off from a job she loves, DeRuiter decides to tag along with her husband, who travels frequently for work. Her first book, All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft , tells of her wonderful, transformative, and sometimes terrifying experiences. A hilarious and candid memoir, this read is for anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and read about what it’s like to travel the world with someone you already know and love.

Reviews | “Geraldine DeRuiter’s All Over the Place is a travel memoir of sorts, but I’d enjoy reading pretty much any topic she wanted to cover. Her voice is funny, witty and warm, and her stories sparkle. This book is a travel companion you’ll be happy you brought along.” – Lauren Graham

Price | $6.48 (Used)

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8. thousand-miler.

Author  | Melanie Radzicki McManus

What We Love | A memoir about adventure, nature, and solo-hiking, Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail tells the story of Melanie Radzicki McManus’s journey on what is known as The Ice Age Trail, a 1,100-mile foot path through the state of Wisconsin. Harrowing, hilarious, and profound, McManus’s story is fit for adventure junkies and wilderness wanderers alike. If you want to be both wildly entertained and deeply impacted, pick up a copy of this recently published memoir. 

Reviews | “Melanie Radzicki McManus’s Thousand-Miler is an absorbing and enlightening first-person account of a thru-trekking adventure…a congenial, adventurous, and inspiring trek through America’s wilderness, with broad appeal.” – Susan Waggoner

Price | $16.16

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The Good Trade editors endorse books we genuinely love. If you end up making a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. Learn more here .

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

United States Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 14, 2024

The United States isn’t a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Most overseas tourists come here for a short vacation, visit one or two cities, and then head home. They usually stick to the big coastal cities or places like Disney.

And it wasn’t until COVID that Americans en-masse bothered to hop in their cars and explore their backyard.

The U.S. is massive country that lacks a lot of tourist infrastructure or good cross-country transportation. Hostels haven’t quite caught on, trains don’t go to many places, and we don’t offer working holiday visas to attract young working backpackers. In short, it’s hard to get around.

However, the United States has a lot to offer: stunning national parks, gorgeous landscapes, incredible and diverse culture, world-class music, and a variety of delicious cuisine that varies from region to region.

I think the U.S. is one of the best destinations in the world to road trip . I’ve done several multi-month road trips across the United States . While the coastal cities are fun, the U.S. really reveals itself in the middle and countryside (it’s much more affordable there too). It’s in the nooks and crannies of America that you get a sense of its quirks.

But even if you aren’t spending months visiting the country in a car, there’s still a lot you can do via train, bus, or plane.

This travel guide to the United States can help you navigate the country, save money, and get off the beaten path.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the United States

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the united states.

1. Explore New York City

The city that never sleeps is one of the greatest cities in the world. There’s nothing you can’t do or see and you’ll find every language and food from around the world here. From world-class museums and art galleries to innovative theater performances to unique restaurants to the expansive Central Park, you can fill a lifetime of activities here. You can take the ferry to Ellis Island, see the Statue of Liberty, hang with the hipsters in Brooklyn, see a Yankees game, and so, so much more. Check out my detailed guide for everything you need to do .

2. Visit the Grand Canyon

Words can’t describe how epicly beautiful the Grand Canyon is. It’s simply breathtaking. Most people just look out at the canyon from the overlook at the top, but its vast size and beauty are best appreciated with a hike down to the Colorado River so try to do that if you have time (make the time). The canyon itself is 6,000 feet deep, and you can find plenty of hikes to take you further into the canyon that will give you a chance to experience it in more detail. For a shorter hike, Grandview Trail to the first overlook at Coconino Saddle and back is only a couple of miles. If you have a whole day to spend and want to challenge yourself, try the 12.5 miles from Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!

3. Discover Austin

The warm weather, lively honky-tonks, funky house bars on Rainey Street, amazing walking and biking trails, tons of outdoor activities — Austin is great (I lived there for many years). You can always find great live music on 6th Street. On a hot day, Barton Springs pool is the perfect place to cool off, there’s always something to do, the food scene gets better and better, and everyone is very welcoming. It’s one of the best cities in the U.S., boasting a combination of nature, city, and delicious food. Be sure to binge on BBQ while you’re here!

4. Visit Glacier National Park

This is my favorite national park in the country. It’s home to gorgeous snow-topped mountains, a beautiful lake from which to admire said mountains, large glaciers, and hiking trails galore. It is one of the most mind-blowing places I’ve seen on my adventures. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in the park that provide everyone an opportunity to explore the landscape. Park rangers offer various programs and guided tours are also available. There are spots for fishing and additional trails for biking and horseback riding. (If you plan to visit multiple national parks while traveling throughout the United States, it’s worth it to get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and provides entry to all the national parks for a year.)

5. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast is considered one of the most scenic landscapes in the world, offering sheer cliffs, forests descending to the shoreline, miles of beaches, and giant redwoods. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs 1,650 miles from San Diego, California to Seattle, Washington taking you from the warm, sunny beaches to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Highway 1 thorough California is one of the longest historic state highways in the country. The California portion alone route takes 10 hours without stopping but I recommend dedicating at least several days to enjoy all the great stops along the way.

Other Things to See and Do in the United States

NOTE: There’s a lot to do in the United States and you can spend months traveling around the country . I could write an entire book on the places to visit! This is just a list to give you some ideas. Be sure to check out some of my other articles and city specific guides (scroll to the bottom of this guide for links) for more suggestions.

1. Have fun in Memphis

Gritty and industrial, Memphis appears like its best days are behind it. But don’t let the rough exterior fool you — the city is home to some killer food and a vibrant blues music scene. It is a cool city with boisterous and friendly locals. I love the vibe here. There’s Graceland (Elvis’s home) for fans of the King, a big waterfront for walking, and the phenomenal Museum of Civil Rights (it’s huge, so don’t rush it!). The city is going through a big revival right now. To use a cliché, it’s a hidden gem as most people, to their detriment, skip over it.

2. Discover Asheville

Asheville is full of tasty craft beer, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor loving residents. The beautiful Smoky Mountains are a short drive away, Asheville Botanical Gardens are right near the university, and the gigantic Biltmore estate (the largest privately-owned home in the U.S. and once home to George Vanderbilt) is on the outskirts of the city. (If you’ve ever seen Downton Abbey, that’s what the house is like!) The town has a lot of parks and there are a lot of beautiful biking and hiking trails that you can get to from the center of town.

3. Explore Redwood National Park

Along the Pacific Coast is Redwood National Park, a huge expanse of towering redwood trees filled with picnic areas, places to camp, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Trails range from easy to strenuous, and there are many loops that head out to nearby beaches. The trees range from 200-240 feet tall. It’s utterly beautiful, awe-inspiring, and humbling in every way. Admission is free, though the three adjoining state parks (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park) each charge $10 USD.

4. Explore Denver

Known as the Mile High City (the city is one mile above sea level), Denver offers a mix of outdoor ruggedness and big-city living. It has a huge craft beer scene, excellent restaurants (including, Sushi Sasa, one of my favorite sushi restaurants), a large international airport with lots of connections, and is close to the mountains. There are a lot of interesting museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Meow Wolf Denver, and the Clifford Still Museum. There’s plenty of art outside of the museums as well and there are walking tours available to show you around, if you prefer that to exploring on your own. It’s clean, lively, and the locals are incredibly friendly.

5. Get off-the-beaten-path in Natchez

I was surprised by Natchez . I didn’t know anything about it when it was recommended as a place to see historic 19th-century homes. These mansions were built by white plantation owners wanting to escape the summer heat and socialize with each other. As cotton became king, the houses became ever larger and more elaborate. Today, the homes are historic monuments you can tour while enjoying a view of the Mississippi River. It’s far off the beaten path and you’ll need a car to visit but it’s worth the trek.

6. Visit Savannah

Sitting on Georgia’s coast, Savannah escaped the wrath of the Civil War, allegedly because General Sherman thought it was too pretty to be destroyed. With streets lined with Spanish moss-covered oaks, large and inviting parks, and a bustling waterfront, Savannah is a wonderful place to experience the slow pace of the South. There are a number of interesting historical sites like the Bonaventure Cemetery and Factors Row. The city is full of small squares and sprawling parks where you can enjoy a stroll or a picnic. And nearby Tybee Island is a draw for many visitors due to its sandy beaches and slow pace of life.

7. Dive into Nashville’s music scene

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. It’s got a wonderful music scene (duh), a growing cocktail bar culture, and some world-class down-home Southern restaurants. There’s not a lot of “touristy stuff” to do here, but what makes this city one of my favorites are the music, the food, the wildly friendly people, and the positive energy the city seems to exude. When you’re here, plan to spend a few hours at the Tennessee State Museum. It goes into detail about the state’s history (and it’s more exciting than you might think!).

8. Catch some rays in sunny San Diego

I love San Diego. San Diego’s weather is almost always perfect, leading to a permanently happy population that’s friendly and outgoing and that loves the outdoors. From hiking, days at the beach, or running, people here love to get out and enjoy the sun. The downtown Gaslamp area — as well as the famous Pacific Beach — is full of trendy restaurants, bustling bars, and some seriously life-changing taco stalls.

9. Get tipsy in California’s Wine Country

California is home to some of the best wine in the world, and a visit to the Sonoma or Napa Valley shouldn’t be missed. While Sonoma is cheaper than Napa, both these destinations are meant for splashing out. Take a tour, book a cozy vineyard Airbnb, and enjoy a relaxing few days learning about the region’s wines. Tastings usually cost between $15-20 USD. If you go to Sonoma, check out Three Fat Guys winery. They have phenomenal reds.

10. Hike around Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is impressive and beautiful. Ringed by tiny mountain communities, this is a terrific place for hiking and boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. For fun in the sun, be sure to spend some time lounging at Kings Beach. For hikes, check out the Rubicon Trail (16 miles/25.7 kilometers) or the Cascade Falls Trail (1.4 miles/2.2 kilometers). You can’t really go wrong here.

11. Anywhere in Montana

A lot has been written about how stunning Montana is, but words cannot do this state justice. To me, it’s the most beautiful state in the Union, filled with wondrous mountains and hills as far as the eye can see. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and there is a huge craft beer scene here too, with tons of local breweries all around the state. If you want nature, good food, friendly locals, and just quiet, Montana is it!

12. Relax in Cape Cod

I spent a lot of summers on the Cape since I grew up in Boston. You’ll find plenty of small beach towns along the coast (Provincetown and Hyannis being the most famous but I also love Chatham, Falmouth, Wellfleet, and Brewster). There’s not a lot to “do” but if you’re looking for seafood, beaches, boardwalks, and that perfect family vacation, visit the Cape! Just avoid the weekends when it gets a little too crowded.

13. Explore Deadwood

Tucked away in western South Dakota, this town was famous during the Old West days (noteworthy enough to be the focus of the eponymous HBO series). Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and many other infamous gunslingers all spent time here. Sort of kitschy and re-created, it’s nonetheless a very cool place where you can experience a taste of the old frontier days. It’s also conveniently located near the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore so you can use it as a base for exploring the region.

14. Be surprised by Kansas City

I really loved this city, which features some of the world’s best BBQ and a lively downtown core. There’s a detailed and enlightening jazz museum here, as well as the eye-opening Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (that’s the actual name). This is yet another super underrated and under-visited destination.

15. Stay weird in Portland

Portland , Oregon is incredible. Here you’ll find an impressive food truck scene, cool bespoke bars and cocktail lounges, a craft beer scene that’s religion to residents, relaxing parks (including a peaceful Japanese garden), a vibrant art scene, and hiking in the nearby mountains. Portland is just an awesome city, especially in the summer when the weather is perfect and there are festivals and events galore.

16. Hike our national parks

America has 63 national parks as well as countless state and local parks. These parks highlight the best of the American wilderness. Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Zion, Byrce, the Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountain Park, the Badlands — the list goes on. Make sure you visit as many national parks as you can to get a sense of the grand and diverse landscape that is the United States. You can use this government map to find a park near you! If you plan to visit multiple parks, get the America the Beautiful Park Pass, which costs just $80 USD and gets you free entry to all the national parks for a year.

17. Admire the architecture in Chicago

One of my favorite cities in the world, Chicago is full of amazing architecture, great parks, delicious and hearty food, and a fun nightlife. One of the best ways to see the city’s unique architecture is on a river cruise. There are multiple operators and prices start around $45. Don’t miss trying deep-dish pizza (it was invented here, along with stuffed-crust pizza) and seeing the iconic “Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park. Additionally, check out the city’s famous pier, aquarium, and waterfront park. The city also hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.

18. Enjoy Lively New Orleans

This French-influenced city has incredible seafood and Cajun cuisine and even better live music. A visit to New Orleans is a must for any jazz or blues fan. Live music is available seven nights a week. Frenchman Street is one of the best places to go (my favorite venue is the Spotted Cat). There are also tons of amazing walking tours that highlight the city’s unique culture and history (including ghost and voodoo tours). Nature lovers will enjoy wandering through the massive oak trees in City Park where you can also visit the city’s Botanical Gardens, which are open year-round. Admission is $12. Plus, there’s incredible independent bookstores, creole food, art museums, and the simply incredible and informative World War 2 museum. Don’t skip roaming the redone and revitalized Bywater district too. It’s a bit hipster. If you plan on celebrating Mardi Gras in NOLA , book early. Accommodations fill up fast.

19. Get some sun in Hawaii

Closer to Asia than the United States, Hawaii is America’s slice of South Pacific paradise. White sands beaches, clear blue water, tropical jungle, and great surf — Hawaii has it all! Don’t miss the otherworldly landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the somber memorial at Pearl Harbor, and the hikes at Diamond Head and the Lanikai Pillbox Trail near Honolulu. There are a ton of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving where you get a chance to see manta rays, sea turtles, and plenty of colorful fish. Waimea Canyon and the Napali coast on the island of Kauai are places you can get up close and personal with the natural landscape. There are helicopter and boat tours or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike the iconic Kalalau Trail. Every island has its own vibe so, if you can, visit more than one.

20. Check out Boston

The birthplace of the revolution (and my hometown), no one leaves Boston disappointed. It’s a big city, but its lack of high-rises, as well as its cobblestone streets and brick buildings, give the city a small-town feel. The Freedom Trail, which covers all the main historic stops, is a must because it gives you a look at the city’s historic past. Be sure to lounge in the Boston Common and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park too (the city is big on sports).

21. Visit the nation’s capital

The country’s capital is home to many of the best museums in the country. And, given the large number of international embassy workers here, it’s unsurprising one of the most international cities in the country. You can find food from anywhere in the world thanks to all the embassies in the city. Plus, there’s a vibrant music and cocktail scene. Don’t miss the National Mall and all its monuments, the Holocaust Museum, and the various Smithsonian Museums (some of the best are the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the African American Museum, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum). If you visit in the spring, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms bloom along the Mall.

22. Learn about Mt. Rushmore

Completed in 1941, this historic monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a lot smaller than you expect, but it makes a good stop while driving. Originally, the indigenous Lakota Sioux inhabited this area, however, when gold was found in the hills, white settlers forcibly removed them from their homeland. At the Wounded Knee massacre, U.S. forces killed over 250 indigenous women and children. Decades later, Rushmore was built, much to the dismay of the local indigenous population, who consider the land to be sacred. Take a guided tour to learn more about this iconic monument’s complex and tragic history.

23. Be a kid at Disney World

Sure, it’s cheesy . Yes, it’s built for kids. True, it’s not authentic. But despite all that, Disney World is still a fun time and they have a lot of rides for adults too. I recently went back as an adult and there’s a lot to do there: they have some good restaurants, and Disney Springs has a fun nightlife. If you are in Florida, take a stop for a few days. Indulge your inner child. Tickets cost around $110 USD per day and go up from there.

24. Hike the Appalachian Mountains

Stretching the east coast of America, these mountains are almost 500 million years old and offer great hiking, camping, and trekking. For a multi-month adventure, hike the 2,190-mile (3,524-kilometer) Appalachian Trail which covers the entire mountain range and takes 5-7 months to complete. You can also do day hikes or weekend hikes of its various sections if you want a more manageable outdoor getaway.

25. Unwind in Put-In-Bay

One of the coolest, not-so-hidden places in the U.S. is this group of islands in Lake Erie. Widely known to Midwesterners (but unknown to most everyone else), South Bass Island is home to Put-in-Bay, where Midwest hospitality meets Caribbean vibes (you ride around in golf carts and bars have sand as floors). My favorite spot is Mojito Bay, an outdoor tiki bar with sand floors and swings for bar seats that offers up more than 25 different mojitos. These places get very wild on the weekends too.

26. Explore Maine

Tucked away up in the northeast, Maine evokes images of endless shorelines, wild forests, iconic lighthouses, and lots and lots of lobster dinners. It’s often overlooked yet it’s incredibly beautiful and perfect for a short road trip. Don’t miss trying lobster rolls (a regional favorite) and hiking in Acadia National Park. Portland has some great eateries (such as Duckfat and Eventide Oyster Co.) and picturesque historic lighthouses, including Maine’s oldest operating lighthouse, the Portland Head Light, which opened in 1791 when George Washington was president. Additionally, tiny Bangor is home to tons of breweries and Moosehead State Park is an incredible place to go hiking for a few days. And you can’t go wrong stopping in any of the quintessential New England fishing villages up and down the coast. Maine is one of the best states in the union!

27. Take a road trip

The only good way to see this vast and diverse landscape and the small towns that populate it is with a road trip . I highly suggest renting a car and driving across the U.S. It’s an amazing experience. I’ve done several coast-to-coast trips as well as regional trips around New England , California , and the South . It’s the best way to see the country and you can do it for under $50 USD a day.

For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

28. Take a tour

You can find all sorts of amazing walking tours, bike tours, and food tours all around the country. They’re a great way to get an in-depth look at the city you’re in with the help of an expert local guide. Take Walks is my go-to walking tour company when I’m looking for something thorough and insightful (and fun). They can get you behind the scenes and are much more comprehensive than your average free walking tour.

For information on specific cities in the United States, check out these city guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• New York Travel Guide
• Philadelphia Travel Guide
• San Francisco Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

United States Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels can be found in most major cities, though options are generally slim in the country. A bed in a dorm room with 4-6 beds usually costs between $35-55 USD per night. Rooms with more beds are marginally cheaper (they start around $25-30 USD per night). Private rooms are usually $75-125 USD. Expect prices on the higher end in bigger cities and during peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Hostels with free breakfast are rare.

If you plan on camping, expect to pay at least $20-30 USD per night for a basic tent plot for two without electricity.

Cheap motels usually start around $60-75 USD per night and can be found along any highway. Expect basic amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some have pools.

Budget two-star hotels start at $90 USD per night. But, in major cities like NYC, LA, or Chicago, they start closer to $125 USD. The U.S. is very vast and prices fluctuate a lot depending on what region you’re in so check out the specific city guides listed above for more detailed information on accommodation. The United States is too diverse to pin down a specific number!

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at $40 USD per night, though for good rooms, you’ll likely pay closer to $60 USD. For an entire home/apartment, expect to pay at least $100 USD per night. Prices in large cities are usually double. Again, there’s a lot of variation depending on where you’re going so check out the city guides for more specific prices!

Food – From seafood in New England to BBQ in the South to Tex-Mex and organic whole foods in the West to German influenced food in the Midwest, there is no singular food culture in the US. Every region has its own staples, which means you’ll never get bored of eating your way around the country.

Since the country is so big, prices for food vary a lot. What is $5 USD in Kansas is probably $15 USD in New York City. Below are some country averages but, if visiting a big metropolis/coastal city, add about 25% to the price.

Grab-and-go sandwiches usually cost around $10 USD while fast food costs $10-12 USD for a combo meal. Meals from food trucks will cost between $10-15 USD. Mid-range casual restaurants cost between $25-30 USD for a meal and drink. At some place a little nicer (think white table cloth), expect to spend at least $60 USD per person on dinner. Prices go up from there and the sky is the limit. Again, consult the city and destination guides for specific prices.

You can generally find takeout pizzas for around $10-15 USD while Chinese and Thai cuisine start around $10-12 USD for a main dish.

Beer is around $6-8 USD, a glass of wine is $8-10 USD, and cocktails start at $14 USD in most cities (about $20 USD in NYC though!). A latte/cappuccino is $4-5 USD and bottled water is $2 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay about $60-80 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking the United States Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit the United States? Well, how much you spend largely depends on where in the United States you’re going to visit. For example, New York City is much more expensive than Memphis and San Francisco is going to hit your budget harder than Boise. The South is cheaper than the North and the interior states are cheaper than the coasts. The comparisons are endless! However, this overview can give you a basic look at what to expect based on your travel style and assuming you’re going to mix cheap and expensive destinations.

On a backpacking budget of $75 USD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your meals, use public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like walking tours, hiking, and hanging out at beaches. If you plan on drinking, add another $10-20 USD per day. If you can camp or Couchsurf, you can likely get this down to $50-60 USD per day.

On a mid-range budget of $210 USD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or motel, eat out for most meals, enjoy some drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On an upscale budget of $350 USD or more per day, you can stay in a midrange hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

United States Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

There are plenty of ways to save money when you travel the U.S. but it varies a lot by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help you get started but, for more specific tips, visit my city guides.

• Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to a new place, and most major cities in the U.S. have free walking tours. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Take the bus – The cheapest way to get around the U.S. is by bus. Bus fares cost as little as $1 USD, though 2-3-hour journeys start around $30 USD. Between cities, the best companies are Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car.
• Get a U.S. Park Pass – This national park pass lets you into all the national parks for free so you don’t have to keep paying admission. The annual fee is $80 USD and it pays for itself after four parks.
• Cook – The United States has some of the cheapest groceries in the developed world, while eating out here can add up quickly once you factor in a tip and tax (which varies by state). Grocery shopping can about $60 USD per week and is way cheaper and healthier than eating out every day. Cook and save!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with a local who can share their tips and advice while sharing your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
• Camp – Most campsites start around $20-30 USD per night for a tent — much cheaper than a hostel. You can use nps.gov to find campsites run by the National Park Service. You can also camp for free in National Forests or Bureau Land Management (BLM) lands (search for “dispersed camping” options). Just be sure to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when camping.
• Use city tourism cards – City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one low price, usually $75–100 USD. If you plan on seeing a lot, these can save you a ton.
• Share your ride – If you have a car, taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On another trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs too. If you don’t have a car, you can use look for rides in the same places.
• Stay at roadside hotels – There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 to the rescue. Rooms start around $60-75 USD a night (plus tax). They’re great when you’re traveling with someone and can split the cost.
• Find free museums and events – Inquire at tourism offices, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer free or discounted admission times throughout the week.
• Get free water or free refills – If you order a drink, most restaurants allow free refills while you eat your meal or refills at a low cost. If you ask, tap water is usually provided for free.
• Save on gas – If you’re on a road trip, use the app GasBuddy to find cheap gas near you. Also, sign up for gas station loyalty programs as they can save you money on fill ups.

Where to Stay in the United States

Hostels are not all that plentiful across the United States yet. Generally, those that do exist are clean, social, and fun. You’ll find a lot of budget hotels wherever you go. here are some of my recommended places to stay around the USA (the cities guides will have even more suggestions):

• HI Hostel (Boston)
• The Revolution Hotel (Boston)
• HI Hostel (Chicago)
• The Arlo (Chicago)
• Banana Bungalow (Los Angeles)
• Hollywood Historic Hotel Los Angeles
• Hostel Memphis (Memphis)
• Hu Hotel (Memphis)
• Freehand (Miami)
• Hotel Ocean (Miami)
• HI New Orleans (New Orleans)
• Villa Convento (New Orleans)
• The Local (New York City)
• Heritage Hotel (New York City)
• ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
• Old Town Inn (San Diego)
• The Green Tortoise (San Francisco)
• SW Hotel (San Francisco)
• The Green Tortoise (Seattle)
• MarQueen Hotel (Seattle)

How to Get Around the United States

City transportation – Most U.S. cities have public transportation, including metro systems and buses. Fares cost around $2-3 USD for a single journey, but there are usually packaged options for visitors. For example, you can get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard in New York City for $34 USD, which covers both buses and the subway system, while San Francisco offers a 7-day transit pass for $41 USD.

Outside of major cities, subways are rare. Some of the smaller cities have trams. Everywhere has a bus though and that’s usually the best way to get around.

Taxis – Taxis are metered with charges starting around $3 USD plus $2-3 USD per mile. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around, however, so I’d skip it unless you have no other choice.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are generally cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Intercity Bus – Taking the bus is one of the cheapest options for getting around the country, with fares as low as $1 USD if you book far enough in advance. Popular bus companies include:

A 4-5-hour bus ride from New York to Washington D.C. starts at $30 USD, while the 7-hour journey from Chicago to Detroit starts at $27 USD. Austin to New Orleans is around $54 USD. Booking early can save you upwards of 50% so try to plan ahead if you’re going to be taking the bus.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying is your quickest option for long distance. You can occasionally find sales for as little as $100 USD so it’s worth it to check several websites ahead of time to see what deals are on. Post-COVID, fares are a lot higher than they were in the past. But if you find a deal, book in advance, or go off season, you can usually get a cheap fare. Sample one-way fares include San Francisco to Maui for $100-150 USD, Seattle to Austin for $85-115 USD, or New York to L.A. for $250 USD (round trip). However, prices can easily double if booked last minute.

For more information on how to find a cheap flight, check out this article .

Train – Amtrak is the rail provider for the United States, but it’s not the quickest or most affordable way to travel. They have routes all around the country ( here’s their route map ) and offer a cross-country pass for $499 USD. The USA Rail Pass gives you 30 days of travel over 10 segments, which averages out to around $50 USD per leg.

If you have a valid student ID you can save 15% on your tickets.

As for prices, A 20-hour train ride from Chicago to New Orleans costs around $110 USD, while a multi-day trip from New York to Los Angeles is around $280 USD. Book in advance to find the best deals. Shorter trips lasting 2-4 hours are usually under $40 USD.

Car rental – Roadtripping is a great way to explore the country, and car rentals can be found for as little as $35 USD for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in the United States is common and safe. Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and a light meal or two, like sandwiches and fruit. Hitchwiki is a great resource for additional hitchhiking tips.

When to Go to the United States

Since the United States is such a large country, the climate and temperature change drastically from coast to coast and from north to south.

The northern states have clearly defined seasons. In cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York, winter can bring heavy snowfall and more severe temperatures. Coastal areas like Seattle and Portland, Oregon, tend to be milder. Spring can start as late as May in the northernmost parts of the country, but this is a good time to visit because the weather begins to warm up and the busy tourist season hasn’t started yet. Summers are gorgeous and temperatures climb into the 80s°F (30s°C). It’s also the busiest time of year for tourism. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the northern states because many parts of this region have a lot of trees. Temperatures have cooled, crowds have dwindled, and the changing leaves offer an something extra to enjoy.

The southern states have less defined seasons. In the southwest, winters tend to be dry and mild. In the southeast, temperatures are mild but places like and Memphis can be rainy. Spring is a wonderful time to visit this part of the country because temperatures are warm but not stifling. Summers get incredibly hot and humid in the southeast. In the desert areas of the southwest, like Las Vegas, temperatures can soar well above 104°F (40°C) on some days. Autumn cools things off across the southern states, but can also bring severe weather in the southeast. .

Ultimately, the best time to travel to the United States depends on where you’re headed and what kind of activities you’d like to do. Visit our city guides for more specific information on when to go.

How to Stay Safe in the United States

The United States is a massive country and “safety” changes a lot depending on where you go and what you do. Generally, the US safe place to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo.

Violent attacks tend to be confined to certain areas (especially where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, especially around popular tourist landmarks and in larger cities, especially on the west coast where theft is a much more common problem. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.

Gun violence and mass shootings tend to dominate headlines when they happen. However, the chances of it happening to you are slim. Do not let this discourage you from exploring the United States. The U.S. is very big and very, very diverse. And, due to this size, there is a lot of cultural (and political) variation. Despite what you hear, crime in America is low. (There was far more crime in the US in the 1990s!). For more information, read this post, “ Is it Safe to Visit the United States?”

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Take common sense safety measures and you’ll be fine.

Moreover, be sure to read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe but all the standard safety cautions apply. For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

United States Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

United States Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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Hotel Djaz is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Elektrostal, offering many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.

24 hour front desk is one of the conveniences offered at this small hotel. In addition, Hotel Djaz offers a lounge, which will help make your Elektrostal trip additionally gratifying. If you are driving to Hotel Djaz, free parking is available.

While staying at Hotel Djaz, visitors can check out Statue of Lenin (1.3 mi), which is a popular Elektrostal attraction.

Travellers looking for cafes can head to Ermitazh, 400 Krolikov, or Fabrika Obedov.

Should time allow, Electrostal History and Art Museum is a popular history museum that is relatively easy to get to.

Enjoy your stay in Elektrostal!

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Inspiration

Is Morocco Safe for Travel?

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/is-morocco-safe

Is Morocco safe to travel to? Morocco is a place that many travelers are excited about visiting, but may also have questions about the safety of visiting the destination. Generally, Morocco is a safe destination to visit — exercise the same precautions you would practice anytime you visit somewhere new. 

“Morocco offers adventure, culture, luxury, incredible food and so much more,” Henley Vazquez, Fora’s Co-Founder said. “It’s the kind of place that has a new story around every corner, and travelers are loving it.”

If Morocco is on your bucket list and safety is top of mind, we’ve rounded up a few tips so that you can stay-in-the-know. Morocco is one of our top 30 countries that Fora Advisors have booked travel to, and we have great local partners on the ground. We pride ourselves on helping travelers organize fun trips to the destination. 

If you’re looking for one-on-one support to plan your trip, reach out to a Fora Advisor . Our travel advisors can help answer your questions about travel in Morocco. Plus, they can share insider intel on things like the best things to do in Morocco or Morocco’s best places to visit , as well as unlock perks like spa credits and room upgrades at top hotels. 

Is Morocco safe to visit for women? 

Is Morocco safe for women — and particularly solo women — to visit? Broadly speaking, yes. One top tip is to work with a local guide who can help to facilitate transportation, local tours and more, especially with an eye for solo female travel. 

“When you're with a local guide, the whole situation changes,” explained Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui , the co-founder of Experience Morocco and one of Fora’s local partners. “There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes in terms of having the right team of drivers, guides and hotel providers who are able to cater to our clientele to make sure you are safe.”

Your Fora Advisor can help arrange a local guide for you, as well as curate a Morocco itinerary that fits your style. 

Here are more specifics on safety for solo female travelers.

Yes, solo female travelers should exercise caution outside of tourist areas

Within Morocco’s high-end resorts, women travelers don’t really need to exercise any extra caution. These resorts and hotels — like the Amanjena resort in Marrakech or Four Seasons’ Casablanca Hotel — cater to international travelers who come from all walks of life. 

It’s wise for all travelers, and especially women traveling by themselves, to be cautious when venturing into less-visited destinations. Petty theft isn’t unheard of, so it’s something to be aware of. It’s also smart to only accept tours and similar experiences through trusted providers. 

Generally, Morocco is safe for female travelers

Morocco is a very friendly country. (The fact that it’s unsafe for women and LGBTQ+ travelers is one of many common misconceptions about the country .) 

“When I was there, I was walking to and from the conference I was at, and while I was alone, I never had any discomfort,” Henley said of her solo experience in Morocco. “With the right planning and local tips, I felt just as safe as I do at home in the States.”

Is Morocco safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Although same-sex marriage is illegal in the country, it’s very possible and even likely for LGBTQ+ travelers to have a great experience in Morocco. 

“Morocco had long been a bucket-list destination for my husband and I,” Fora Advisor Michael Cole-Schwartz shared in his guide 4 Gays With 8 Days in Morocco . “So when we had a friend’s 40th birthday celebration in Paris — and with our ever-present itch for exploring — we knew exactly where we were going after the French fête. We cajoled two of our favorite travel companions into joining, so then the question was: how were four gay men going to navigate this vacation in a conservative country where homosexuality is actually illegal. The answer: good planning.”

With the right local partners and right planning, the country can indeed be visited safely by couples who identify as LGBTQ+. 

“If you travel with a local partner that is sensitive to LGBTQ+ clients, then the answer is absolutely, you will feel safe,” said Hicham.

If you’re LGBTQ+ and traveling to Morocco, working with a travel advisor who has been there and also identifies as LGBTQ+ like Fora Advisor Michael Cole-Schwartz is a great way to plan your trip in confidence that you’ll have a great time.

Is Morocco safe to visit after the 2023 earthquake?

Absolutely. It’s true that there was an earthquake that struck Morocco in 2023 . It’s worth noting that there are misconceptions that the earthquake impacted the entire country, but it was limited to specific regions, including the Atlas Mountains as well as the ancient section of Marrakech. Most of the impacted areas that serve tourists reopened quickly.  

“There is a lot of misunderstanding and incorrect assessment [about the earthquake],” said Hicham. “Outside of a very small, remote part of the country, the rest of the country was back up and running within two weeks [of the earthquake].”

By the way, earthquakes are not common in Morocco. The last major one was in the 1960s .

Misconceptions about travel to Morocco because of a potential (and unlikely) risk of earthquakes have had a negative impact on the local communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods. 

“The single best thing you can do to help the country right now is to come visit,” said Hicham.

Morocco travel safety FAQs

Read on for a few more Morocco travel safety tips. Or consult with a Fora Advisor who can offer tailored advice.

Is the drinking water in Morocco safe for travelers?

Tap water in Morocco’s urban areas — including the top hotels across Morocco — is generally treated and safe to drink, but bottled water is a safer alternative. It’s widely available and affordable throughout the country. In rural or remote areas, it's best to rely solely on bottled water to prevent any potential health issues. 

Similarly, we recommend paying attention to the preparation of any street food in Morocco , which has varying standards. Going on a street food tour with a local guide is a great way to experience the street food scene with someone who knows which food spots are the best. (By the way, your Fora Advisor can help you book this).

Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Ask your healthcare provider about vaccinations before visiting any new country. 

Are the roads between major cities safe to travel on?

The roads between major cities are generally well maintained. Roads to some smaller settlements may be little more than dirt paths — or completely nonexistent between certain villages in the mountains or desert. We do recommend working with a local driver if you are traveling farther distances in Morocco. It’s also worth noting that Morocco has great domestic flight options, as well as building more infrastructure like high-speed trains to make it easier than ever to get around… so if you don’t want to drive from destination to destination, you don’t have to.

Is it safe to visit Morocco with children?

Morocco can be a blast for children. Morocco is also teeming with wildlife and adventure — there are unusual animals such as tree-dwelling goats, beautiful nature escapes in places like the Atlas Mountains and unique cultural traditions.

If you want an idea of what Morocco through kids' eyes looks like, this advisor guide offers a great take.

Henley took her two of her kids to Morocco when she was pregnant with her third. 

“People assume that Morocco is more of an adults-only destination, and I love to dispel that theory,” Henley said. 

Many resorts cater to family-friendly travel. For example, the Four Seasons Marrakech has an incredible kids club (called “the kasbah”) complete with space for crafts, a mini-kitchen, outdoor play areas and more.

“Morocco was one of my favorite trips with my kids,” Henley said. “Hiking in the mountains, exploring the souk, ATVing on the beach in Essaouira, admiring camels in the street – the trip was off the charts.”

Have more questions about safe travel in Morocco? Ask a Fora Advisor

If you have additional questions about staying safe in Morocco,  reach out to a Fora Advisor . They’ll answer all your questions and help you plan your trip in a way that leaves you comfortable and excited. Plus, if you choose to book and plan your trip with a Fora Advisor, they can hook you up with VIP hotel perks, expert travel suggestions and more tips to level up your experience.

Prefer to learn more about Morocco travel, first? These guides have you covered:

The 5 Best Hotels in Morocco: Marrakech Luxe Edition  

5 Luxe Hotels in Casablanca, Morocco  

Fora’s Guide to Essaouira, Morocco: Hotels & Things to Do  

Royal Mansour Marrakech, a Regal Experience in Morocco  

Fora Hotel Spotlight: Marrakech's Mandarin Oriental Resort  

8 of the Most Exciting Sights & Things to Visit in Marrakech

Book with Fora

Tell us more about yourself to get matched with a Fora Advisor and start planning your dream trip today.

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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It exceed all my expectations and right now kids' tickets are only 29 bucks!

By Andrea Sexton May 17, 2024

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Alright, let me just put this out there – if you’re looking for an unforgettable family vacation that’ll have your kids losing their actual minds in the best way possible, you’ve got to put LEGOLAND New York on your radar. I’m about to break down our recent getaway there, but the TL;DR is this place honestly exceeded all my expectations as a mom just trying to keep my two wildly different kids entertained. Whether you’ve got a thrill-seeker, a creative maker, or both kid flavors in your crew, Legoland has the whole package on lock. 

Personally, finding a spring break trip to keep my totally different 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son happy is a quest I take on every year. This time, LEGOLAND (the New York park in our case) seemed like it could be the sweet spot–my son gets his ride fix while my daughter explores her creative side. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, but we’ve only been back a couple weeks and I’m already booking our next trip for this summer.

What we loved about LEGOLAND New York

The planning was incredibly easy with LEGOLAND’s website and app. I knocked out booking tickets, the iconic hotel, even paying for parking all online ahead of time. When we rolled up in April, everything was squared away so we could just focus on maximum fam fun.

Pulling up to the hotel was already a whole experience. The bright colors and LEGO decor had my kids’ eyes bugging out the windows. But the real draw was the lobby– it’s basically a gigantic life-sized LEGO playground with a climbing castle, slide, and more bricks than you can imagine scattered everywhere. My kids hadn’t even seen the real park yet and were already going buck wild.

The highlights just kept on coming once we made it through the gates of the park itself. While I expected my daredevil son to beeline for the rides, he was ironically obsessed with the hands-on lego activities like the amazing Bricktopia zone where kids design and race lego vehicles. My daughter was in miniature wonderland exploring the sprawling Miniland exhibit filled with mind-blowing LEGO cities and hidden easter eggs.

We all found thrills on the awesome rides too–the Dragon roller coaster and Ninjago rides were a huge hit with my son. I loved that my daughter could get her adrenaline fix on the cute Driving School experience in LEGO City. The playgrounds scattered around the park were also a nice break to let the kids just…be kids.

Now for the real talk–the food sitch was pretty meh. Unless you want to spend an arm and a leg on mediocre burgers and pizza, I’d recommend packing your own snacks and drinks. The one restaurant in the hotel (which, just a heads up, requires reservations) has a limited menu and the food itself wasn’t great. On the plus side, the kids were able to leave the table and get their wiggles out in the lobby castle, giving my husband and I some chill time. 

Besides getting to lounge, we loved seeing the kids have an absolute blast meeting lego characters, catching shows, and joining in on evening dance parties! Speaking of the hotel, that’s where LEGOLAND really leveled up for an incredible overnight stay. Our room was literally built for little lego lovers with a separate kids’ area decked out in bricks, bunk beds, a TV with LEGO shows/movies, and even a scavenger hunt! The kids had to figure out the code to open the safe, which had a lego package for each of them. My kids could have spent the whole trip just hanging in there.

My best tips for planning your LEGOLAND New York trip

My top tips? Plan for two days so you can fully experience the park at a relaxed pace. Book that hotel stay–it’s worth every penny for the awesome amenities and having a LEGO paradise just an elevator ride away. And make sure you pack ample lego products because your kids are going to be living, eating, and breathing those little bricks by the end of this trip!

At the end of the day, our LEGOLAND trip delivered way more than I even hoped for. From the park itself to the surprisingly awesome hotel experience, my kids were just endlessly entertained and stimulated in the best ways. We’re already looking at dates to go back and do the water park this summer because this place is an actual vibe. If you’re trying to plan an unforgettable fam vacay that’ll score you all the mom points, LEGOLAND is a no-brainer.

Ready to book? Thanks to a limited time deal, you can score $29 kids’ tickets and a 10% discount on stays through 6/30! (But book ASAP to lock it in.) BOOK NOW!

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