In recent years, solo travel in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with more people than ever choosing to explore on their own. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a life-changing solo trip adventure, travelers are embracing the freedom, flexibility, independence, and self-growth that solo travel offers.
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As an empty-nester, my first solo trip was to New York City and it was amazing. Traveling solo allowed me to focus on the activities that interested me most that I may not do when in a group. I toured every museum and saw every Broadway show that I could! I loved it and have traveled solo many times since that first trip and feel like it’s part of a self-care necessity.
In this guide, we’ll break down why solo travel is booming in the U.S., who’s driving it, how you can plan your own unforgettable solo trip, explore self-discovery, and highlight the best cities for solo travel in the U.S. for an amazing vacation.
- What’s Causing the Surge in Solo Travel?
- Best Cities for Solo Travel USA
- Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers
- Solo Travel Packing & Safety Tips:
- Don't Skip Great Travel Insurance on a Solo Trip!
- Which Type of Solo Trip Fits You Best?
- FAQS About the Best Solo Travel in the U.S.
- Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in the U.S.
- References and Further Reading:
- More Travel Articles for Inspiration:
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What’s Causing the Surge in Solo Travel?
It’s not just one group; empty nesters, Gen Z digital nomads, retirees, and Millennials are taking long-awaited solo journeys. This trend isn’t just a moment, it’s a shift in how we travel. Some other reasons for the popularity of solo travel:
- Self-Care, Independence & Wellness: A shift toward self-growth, mindfulness, and personalized resets is shaping solo travel as a form of self-care.
- Travel Mindset Shifts and Demand: Solo travel has steadily climbed, showing a lasting trend toward independence and fewer logistical hurdles.
- Tech & Social Media Normalization of Solo Travel: We are getting more comfortable going it alone sometimes. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, along with travel apps, boost confidence and visibility around solo travel.
- Remote Work Options: Opportunities to work remotely have also given rise to more solo travel demand in recent years.
Best Cities for Solo Travel USA
We chose our favorite cities for solo travel because of walkability, ease of transportation, safety, and things to do and see nearby. All of these destinations would make a great solo trip spot! If you feel unsure going it alone, it’s great to take a first solo trip with an immersive environment like a wellness spa, Disney World or a theme park with onsite hotels, and cruise vacations.
Charleston, South Carolina
- We love Charleston’s charming historic district because it is easily walkable and filled with boutique shops, markets, and scenic waterfront views. Low crime rates and a friendly vibe make it especially welcoming for solo travelers. Read our Charleston weekend trip guide and itinerary to help you plan!
Savannah, Georgia
- With its picturesque squares and Spanish moss-draped streets, Savannah is a favorite for solo explorers. It’s safe, walkable, and offers ghost tours, riverboat cruises, and a thriving food scene with great food tours.
Asheville, North Carolina
- Ideal for nature lovers and art enthusiasts, Asheville offers hiking trails, breweries, and art galleries—all within a compact and low-crime downtown area. We love the combination of hiking and art!
San Antonio, Texas
- The famous River Walk is the perfect place to explore solo, lined with restaurants, shops, and attractions like The Alamo. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and full of activity. We love San Antonio and think it is a great weekend trip destination too!
- Austin is also a great weekend trip and solo travel spot!
Orlando, Florida (Theme Parks)
- Staying at an on-site hotel at Disney World or Universal Studios makes a solo theme park trip easy and secure. Park transportation, dining, and entertainment are all just steps away and you don’t have to leave the resort for all of the fun. The structured fun at theme park resorts make them perfect for first-time solo trips too! We have a guide to Adult Disney Trips to help you plan your ultimate trip.
- Our favorite Disney World hotel for a solo trip is Coronado Springs and at Universal Studios we love Aventura Hotel for a solo getaway!
St. Augustine, Florida
- America’s oldest city is packed with walkable historic sites, museums, and local eateries. It’s a safe city to explore and perfect for solo travelers interested in culture, history, and nearby beach access. There’s even an amazing lighthouse! Read more in our Guide to a St. Agustine Weekend Trip and a Review of our favorite Bed and Breakfast, Cedar House Inn for more inspiration!
New York City, New York
- While full of nonstop energy, NYC is very solo-travel friendly with its extensive public transit, countless museums, Broadway shows, and safe hotel options. Stick to well-known neighborhoods and plan your route ahead. It was my first solo trip and I loved it so much! Check out our guide on iconic landmarks to see in New York on a trip! Getting around the city was easy and there is so much to see!
🚢Other Great Solo Travel Options: An inclusive Wellness Retreat like, The Springs Resort Colorado or a Cruise Vacation. Both are curated experiences that are perfect for a first-time solo trip! Check out cruise lines like Celebrity, NCL, and Royal Caribbean because they sometimes waive the single supplement fee and have great solo options.
Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers
We are big fans of group tours to explore new destinations in a secure and guided setting. We’ve also met great friends over the years that we still keep in contact with from food tours and cocktail crawls! I took 2 amazing food tours and a Broadway tour on my first solo trip to New York and never felt uncomfortable or lonely. It helped me experience places I may not have gone alone in a comfortable group.
Food Tours
- A city’s cuisine is the best way to get to know the area and going in a small guided food tour group when traveling solo is perfect! It is a great way to meet others as well as visit some of a city’s best restaurants in a secure group setting.
Cocktail Crawl/Classes
- If you are craving nightlife on a solo trip, but apprehensive about going out alone a small group cocktail crawl or cocktail class will let you explore the bar scene in a safer way. Choose tours that meet near your hotel or pick up from there for extra safety.
Historical Walking Tours
- A walking tour that gives a little history of the city is the perfect way to get acquainted with the area. It’s great for solo travelers and can help you find other places you want to explore on your trip. Check out Get Your Guide options to book walking tours.
Ghost Tours
- If you are a fan of everything spooky a guided ghost tour is a great way to explore at night in a secure group setting. Find a tour with a meeting spot near your hotel or with pick up and drop off service for added solo security. Browse ghost tours at our trusted U.S. Ghost Adventures
Solo Travel Packing & Safety Tips:
When I’m traveling solo there are a few extra precautions to take and things that I pack just to feel a little safer. Traveling solo can be incredibly rewarding, but safety should always be a priority.
- Keep Your Room Number Private: Never disclose your room number or hotel details to strangers or out loud in public. I have had hotel bartenders ask loudly for my room number to charge food or drink to the room and I always make sure not to say it out loud and request to write it down.
- Avoid Wandering Unknown Areas Alone at Night: Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially after dark. Plan your routes in advance and trust your instincts. If I want to go out at night it is usually with a guided tour that will pick up from the hotel or meet nearby.
- Use an Anti-Theft Bag or Purse: Consider carrying an anti-theft purse or backpack with locking zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and slash-resistant straps. Find budget-friendly anti-theft bag options at Amazon!
- Stay Connected: Share your whole travel itinerary with friends or family and regularly update them about your location and plans.
- Carry Safety Gear: Items such as personal alarms, whistles, pepper spray (if permitted), and portable door locks for your hotel room can offer added security. Amazon has great prices on safety gear for travel!
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or unsafe, remove yourself immediately from the situation and seek assistance from a crowded area if necessary.
🔒We recommend using travel door stops/alarms [Amazon] on our hotel room doors and cruise cabin doors for peace of mind on a trip, especially a solo one! 🚪
Don’t Skip Great Travel Insurance on a Solo Trip!
Travel insurance is important on every trip, but especially on a solo trip. You want to have peace of mind in case anything happens that you have the right coverage. We love the plans at Travelex Insurance because they offer primary medical coverage so it takes precedence, but Generali Travel Insurance also offers primary medical add-ons to their plans. Compare prices and pick one that offers the most for your trip!
Which Type of Solo Trip Fits You Best?
| Trip Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| 🧘♀️ Wellness Spa/Resort | Travelers craving relaxation, yoga, peaceful surroundings, and spa indulgence without leaving the resort |
| 🎢 Theme Park Hotel | Fun-seekers looking for thrills, shows, and non-stop entertainment |
| 🏛️ Charming Walkable City | Solo travelers who love culture, food, history, and exploring on foot |
| 🚢 Solo Cruise | Travelers wanting variety, luxury, and the chance to visit multiple destinations in a planned way |
FAQS About the Best Solo Travel in the U.S.
Solo travel is statistically safe, but always use common-sense caution. Make sure to research a destination thoroughly and choose hotels with great reviews that are close to everything you want to see in the city. Research everything!
National parks, theme parks like Disney World, wellness retreats, and cultural cities like Charleston, San Antonio, New York City, and St. Augustine offer balance, and are easy to navigate.Some Cruise lines like NCL, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and Celebrity Cruises offer solo cabins that are perfect for a first-time solo trip as well. Check Cruise Direct for the best prices!
Join group tours, attend social hotel events, co-working lounges, or enroll in cooking/yoga/wellness sessions which are ideal for connection without pressure. Cruise vacations also offer solo cruiser meetups.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in the U.S.
Sometimes it just makes sense to plan a solo trip! It’s also really refreshing to be able to do exactly what you want on a trip. Solo travel destinations in the U.S. offer perfect opportunities for adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re considering your first solo trip or looking for new destinations and tips, now is the perfect time to embark on your solo journey!
Author’s Note: As someone with a background in sociology, I’ve always been fascinated by how and why we travel, not just where we go. The sociology of travel explores the deeper dynamics that shape our decisions, from the rise of solo journeys to how we find growth in movement from place to place. This article was inspired by both personal passion and research into larger travel trends, particularly the growing desire for self-discovery, independence, and exploration. Hopefully, this guide not only helps you plan a trip, but also helps you reflect on what solo travel can offer and how you can feel comfortable joining the solo travel revolution. Happy Solo Travels! ~ K.J. Travelmakesmehappy.com
References and Further Reading:
- Why More Americans are Choosing Solo Travel in 2025, by, Irene Middleman Thomas
- Solo Travel Statisitics – 2024 Guide by, Giacomo Piva
- This Jewel Box Hotel in NYC Fits Style, Wit, and Excitement in 32-Sqft ‘Sleeper Cabins’ Crafted for Solo Travelers by, Gilda Bruno
- Travel Trends Report 2025: Solo Travel Forbes Magazine