GREAT FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL SPOTS IN AMERICA, CHOSEN BY WOMEN WHO HAVE DONE IT
If you’re traveling solo, consider a vacation rental over a hotel to save money. You’ll enjoy amenities like extra living space and a full kitchen while spending far less. From spare rooms and one-bedroom apartments to stunning mansions, TripAdvisor Rentals has over 830,000 properties in 190 countries available to suit your needs.
FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL IN AMERICA
Traveling alone takes you out of your comfort zone and shows you a location in a different light. It’s a chance to leave your itinerary behind and let your senses guide the way—without the tether of maps or reservations. Solo travel is about cultivating a unique experience, and the next generation has fully embraced the idea of exploring the world unaccompanied.
But while Millennials might have kick-started the solo travel phenomenon, this trend is attracting people of all ages, interests, and genders. As traveling alone becomes increasingly popular among women, we asked a few professional travel bloggers to name the best destinations in America for flying solo.
From experiencing Bonnaroo Music + Arts Festival in No Man’s Land, Tennessee to enjoying communal brunch and a pole dancing class in Denver, Colorado, these women have some great stories. Some of them embrace the solitude that comes with traveling solo, while others love meeting locals and fellow wanderers.
Whether you prefer to travel carefree or connected, if you’re staying stateside, here are the top destinations for female solo travelers—according to women who have been there.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
– Amanda Williams, A Dangerous Business Travel Blog
“Seattle is great for solo female travel. It’s a safe city that’s not too huge, and it’s fairly easy to get around either on foot, by public transport, or by using a ride-sharing service. Seattle has a lot of enjoyable attractions even when you’re by yourself, like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and tons of parks and museums. You can also take easy day trips from Seattle to places like Bainbridge Island or the Olympic Peninsula, meaning it’s easy to fit both nature and the city into one trip.”
DENVER, COLORADO
– Jessica Festa, Jessie On A Journey
“For me, a great solo travel destination is easy to get around (I don’t want to pay expensive cab fares with nobody to split with), budget-friendly (a solid vacation rental infrastructure helps with that), and has lots of chances to meet other people, but is still great for wandering alone. In the USA, I absolutely love Denver for traveling solo. First of all, Denver has bus, light rail, and bike-sharing systems in place for cheap transport, and you can stay in a range of home rentals from TripAdvisor. I’ve rented both an affordable apartment in the heart of Denver’s hippest hood and a luxurious home in the suburbs—each providing an amazing experience. Denver locals are friendly, so it’s easy to go to a brewery by yourself and make friends, or join one of the city’s many meetup groups. Foodie socialites enjoy Denver’s numerous communal-table eateries like Work & Class and LowDown Brewery + Kitchen, though you can also simply wander the walkable streets solo and let your nose be your guide. And if you feel like trying something new on your solo adventure, think about taking a pole dancing class at Tease Studio, acrobatics at Gravity Aerial Arts, or learn how to cook at Stir.”
PORTLAND, OREGON
– Christine Amorose, C’est Christine
“Portland is a really fun place for women to visit on their own. It has a fairly compact, walkable city center, but there’s also reliable public transportation to get around. It feels safe, and locals are super welcoming and friendly. There are lots of great little cafes, farmers markets, and food trucks, which makes eating alone not awkward at all. And there are plenty of bookstores, boutiques, and museums to get lost in!”
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
– Kiersten Rich, The Blonde Abroad
“Nashville is the ultimate mecca for country music fans, but I’ve found that it’s more than that. It is a lively city that’s breaking out with new businesses, a dynamic food and cocktail scene, and of course, bright lights! As a solo female traveler, you’ll find tons of comfortable accommodations and great solo nightlife options, as well as cultural and musical experiences.”
FLORIDA: ORLANDO, WEST PALM BEACH, MIAMI, KEY WEST
– Rachel Jones, Hippie In Heels
“I live in India, so I only get to visit the USA once a year—every July. I keep going back to Florida! I’ve explored Orlando (Universal, Disney) and West Palm Beach (so beautiful), and this year I’m off to Miami and Key West. People think of retirement when Florida comes to mind, but many of the state’s beaches rival nearby Caribbean islands! Florida has a family vacation vibe (except maybe Miami) so if you’re traveling solo, it’s a fantastic option in terms of safety.”
MAUI, HAWAII
– Alexandra Baackes, Alex In Wanderland
“My favorite US destination to visit as a solo female traveler is Maui. It’s a safe, lushly beautiful island with adventures waiting around every corner. Diving, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, swimming…if you can dream it, you can do it under the beautiful Hawaii sun. Best of all, there’s a great number of affordable rentals so you’re not spending a fortune on lodging!”
MANCHESTER, TENNESSEE
– Kristen Sarah, Hopscotch The Globe
“I traveled to Manchester, Tennessee solo last year for the famous Bonnaroo Music Festival and it was an incredible experience! Not only is solo travel awesome, but attending a festival on your own is such a liberating experience. Not only did I attend the festival, but I got a chance to walk around the area. The people in Manchester are so incredibly kind, helpful, and full of positive energy. It’s one of those places where people say ‘hello’ when you pass them on the street. I felt very welcome and safe.”
KEY WEST, FLORIDA
– Audrey Bergner, That Backpacker
“My pick would be Key West! I may have been lured here by palm trees and sunshine, but there are so many reasons why I think this is a great destination for solo female travelers. For starters, Key West is a charming and walkable city that feels more like a town, and that fosters a sense of community where you feel well looked-after. You also have a nice mix of cafes for an outdoor brunch (I’d recommend Blue Heaven for their lobster eggs benedict!) and plenty of museums to visit at your own leisure (don’t miss the Hemingway Home). If you’re craving some social time, you can join a group excursion to go snorkeling, kayaking, or even night paddle-boarding. Lastly, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth like I do (and what girl doesn’t?), you’ll also enjoy indulging in Key West’s famed Key Lime Pie (Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe gets my vote).”
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
– Laurel Robbins, Monkeys and Mountains
“I’m a huge fan of Alexandria, Virginia. The small city is stunning with its 18th- and 19th-century architecture making you feel like you’re stepping back in time. It’s a great place to tuck into independent shops or quaint pubs and chat up friendly locals. It’s also been labeled one of the “Ten Most Walkable Cities In The Country,” according to an AAA report featured on VisitAlexandriaVA.com. The extensive walking and cycling paths along the Potomac River make it easy to be active. Also not to be missed are the George Washington’s National Memorial and nearby Mount Vernon. Located just five miles from Washington, D.C., Alexandria makes for a convenient weekend getaway or side trip when you want to slow down and shoot the breeze with locals.”
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
– Ashley Fleckenstein, Ashley Abroad
“I love Telluride, Colorado. It is stunningly beautiful, has amazing hiking and skiing, and has great festivals like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. If you’re a mountain and music lover, definitely check out Telluride.”
PORTLAND, OREGON
– Kiersten Rich, The Blonde Abroad
“Portland continues its reputation as a hip-friendly town, and I’d definitely recommend it for solo female travelers. The locals are welcoming, and I found it very easy to get around by foot or public transportation. There are a plethora of activities, mouth-watering restaurants, craft breweries, and gorgeous sights!”
SEDONA, ARIZONA
– Brenna Holeman, This Battered Suitcase
“On my last visit to America, I took a small road trip through Arizona and ended up staying in Sedona. There’s something about the sheer awesomeness of the landscape around there: the jutting red rocks, the desert terrain, the bright blue sky. I actually prefer being solo on trips like that because you’re given the opportunity to be alone with your thoughts and the nature that surrounds you. It’s almost meditative, in a way. You get to fully appreciate the land without any distractions at all. I also found some amazing tacos nearby, so it was a pretty great road trip—you can’t go wrong with gorgeous landscapes and delicious tacos.”
MAUI, HAWAII
– Brenna Holeman, This Battered Suitcase
“I used to visit Hawaii a lot as a kid, specifically the island of Maui. I had the chance to return a few years ago and it was even more beautiful than I remembered. Not only that, but it felt safe, fun, and welcoming. I took a few solo drives around the island and was blown away by both its raw beauty and its peacefulness. I loved just pulling over the side of the road to explore a little beach or take some photos. When I think of Maui, I think of feeling calm and relaxed, and of being as close to nature as you can possibly get. I can’t wait to go back.”
Comments
Post a Comment