According to TravelAge West, solo travel trended way up for vacation planning in 2023. As temperatures rise and getaways are on everyone’s mind, let’s see what some of the top destinations are offering solo travellers.
Barbados
This Caribbean island boasts all-inclusive resorts and voluntourism opportunities perfect for a solo traveller.
Club Barbados is a luxurious oceanfront resort with amazing dining options, thrilling watersports, and tons of land activities to keep you entertained. Meanwhile, Sugar Cane Club, located on the island’s west coast, offers a peaceful and serene all-inclusive retreat.
But Barbados isn’t just about lounging on the beach – there are plenty of exciting tours for solo travellers to explore the island’s rich culture, meet friendly locals, and discover historic sites. And if you’re looking to give back during your travels, Barbados has a range of amazing voluntourism opportunities.
Help transport baby turtles to the shore and protect their nesting sites with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, or get involved with beach and sea floor clean-ups, tree planting, or donating school supplies to local students.
Belize
Travelling solo requires two things – an adventurer’s zest and a destination blessed with all the right elements. Lucky for travellers, Belize has both and is the ideal gallivanting haven for your solo travels.
One of the best things about Belize is that it’s the only English-speaking country in the region, which makes travelling solo a breeze for English speakers.
If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, why not try one of the country’s unique homestays? You’ll get to live with a local family and learn all about the fascinating Mayan culture that once thrived here.
Belize is also home to some of the most impressive Maya sites in the world. Climb atop towering temples at Lamanai, Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lubaantun, and uncover the mysteries of these ancient people.
And if you’re looking for adventure, dive into the depths of the Great Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef, explore the incredible Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, or take an indigenous and rainforest tour to learn even more about this incredible country.
Florida, USA
Get ready to experience the magic of Miami – a city bursting with energy, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, world-class art scene, and vibrant nightlife, Miami has everything you need for an unforgettable solo adventure.
Start your journey by taking a stroll through the trendy neighbourhoods of Wynwood and the Art Deco Historic District, where you’ll be mesmerized by the incredible street art that adorns the walls. And for a glimpse of Miami’s history and architecture, be sure to visit the famous Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – a true gem that’s not to be missed.
But that’s not all – as a top choice for solo travel destinations, Miami is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world, with a range of culturally diverse and Michelin-starred eateries that will tantalize your taste buds.
When it’s time to relax, head to one of the city’s beautiful beaches like South Beach, Surfside Beach, or Sunny Isles Beach. Here, you can soak up the sun, feel the soft sand beneath your feet, and lose yourself in a good book.
California, USA
Two locations made the cut this year for great solo travel destinations: San Fran and Tuolumne County.
San Francisco
This iconic city has captured the hearts of millions and is for sure a top pick for incredible solo travel destinations. If you’re short on time, don’t worry – there are plenty of exciting ways to explore the city and get a taste of its vibrant culture.
For starters, hop aboard the Big Bus Tours San Francisco – an iconic hop-on/hop-off tour that takes you to 20 of the city’s most-frequented attractions. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge, this tour is the perfect way to get acclimated to the city and see all its top sights.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore on foot, Wild SF Walking Tours is a perfect choice. Join a group of like-minded (often solo) travellers and discover the city’s hidden gems while making new friends along the way.
And when it’s time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, head to Golden Gate Park for a picturesque picnic. Pack all your favourite treats and spend the day lounging in the sun. If you’re feeling active, Golden Gate Park Bike & Skate rents bicycles and skates, so you can explore the park at your own pace and take in all the stunning scenery.
And no trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to City Lights – one of the few great independent bookstores in the U.S. This literary landmark is a haven for book lovers from all over the world, offering a unique ambiance and a treasure trove of literary gems.
Tuolumne County
If you’re a solo adventurer in search of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences, look no further than Tuolumne County!
Don’t let the idea of hiking alone hold you back, as trails like Dragoon Gulch offer the perfect opportunity to find some inner peace while enjoying stunning views of historic downtown Sonora. After your hike, head over to The Bagel Bin for a delicious breakfast to fuel your day.
If you’re up for a bigger challenge, the Pacific Crest Trail is calling your name, with its high-elevation routes through the majestic High Sierra. And when it comes to natural wonders, Yosemite National Park is an absolute must-visit, especially for those brave enough to explore it solo.
Take in the awe-inspiring sights without any distractions, like the uncrowded Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and its stunning waterfalls. And for a truly humbling experience, head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where you’ll be surrounded by some of the largest and oldest living beings on the planet.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery in the Caribbean? Look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) for the ultimate solo escape.
Picture yourself basking in the sun at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, a charming family-owned beach resort offering personalized service and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea in St. Thomas. Indulge in the luxurious accommodations of Two Sandals, complete with breathtaking ocean-view balconies.
Explore the 20 hiking trails or soak up the sun on the white sand beaches. With two-thirds of St. John and nearly all of Hassel Island designated as the Virgin Islands National Park, you will be surrounded by untouched and protected nature and history.
Take part in local events such as the King of the Wing Festival or Mango Melee, where you can celebrate the islands’ rich culinary traditions. Dive into the mouth-watering food of St. Croix with Virgin Islands Food Tours or indulge in the local cuisine and cocktails of St. Thomas with USVI Food Tours.
For an unforgettable adventure, hop on an off-roading 4-wheel Jeep island tour with Tan Tan Tours in St. Croix, or set sail with Aquaman Virgin Islands, Seasthe Day, or Abigail III for an unforgettable boat tour.
The USVI is the perfect destination for those seeking a solo travel getaway filled with adventure, relaxation, and self-discovery.
Vienna
Vienna is not just about history and culture; it’s also a playground for the fun-loving and a great choice in solo travel destinations.
Get ready to have a blast exploring Austria’s vibrant capital city. Admire the jaw-dropping architecture of the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera, and don’t forget to snap a few selfies for your Insta.
If you’re an art lover, check out the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Art History Museum), which houses a treasure trove of masterpieces by some of the greatest artists of all time, from Rembrandt to Vermeer.
And for a dose of Austrian art, head to the Belvedere – Palace and Museum, which showcases Gustav Klimt’s iconic masterpiece “The Kiss.”
Vienna also has a wide range of accommodations suitable for solo travellers, including the Wombat’s City Hostels, which have a social atmosphere and organize activities for guests, or the Ruby Sofie Hotel, which offers affordable single rooms and a trendy design. Additionally, staying in the central district of Innere Stadt puts solo travelers within walking distance of many of Vienna’s main attractions.
