Planning to travel alone is such an exciting adventure. There are several destinations within the United States that you can go to and are ideal for solo travelers. In these destinations, you can meet fellow travelers, the transportation is hassle-free, and safety isn’t that much of an issue.
In a time when social distancing is a standard regulation, all we need is a trip. We have been in quarantine for so long, and a lot of people feel the same way. According to a survey by the U.S. Travel Association, more than six in 10 Americans said that they desperately needed a vacation.
Tips for Traveling Alone
There are things to remember when traveling solo, and here are some to keep in mind. They might sound basic, especially for an experienced solo traveler, but there are times when we forget about the most common things.
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Do your research on the destination
A must for every trip is researching the place before you make plans. Check how they are handling the COVID-19 situation and if there are recreational activities that you’ll be able to do or tourist spots you can go to. You’ll also be able to check the transportation schedule, make an itinerary, plan a budget, and know the place better.
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Choose the right accommodation for you
Choosing the right accommodation depends on your preference and definition of ideal. Comfort is key when traveling; hence, it’s crucial to pick the right place for you. If you’re looking for total relaxation, book a hotel room with a spacious balcony and a modern skylight located in a quiet area where you can start your day with meditation. Or maybe you wish to meet new friends? A hostel or a shared room will be the perfect place for you.
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Bring your documents
Even with domestic travel, there are now additional documents due to the pandemic like a medical certificate, a COVID-19 negative test, and a vaccination card. It depends on your destination, so try to do your research and bring the required documents.
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Exude confidence
Men often think that they can’t get mugged compared to women, but men can likely be robbed as much, especially when you’re alone and are walking up a deserted alley.
If possible, stick to public places at night and prolong eye contact if you sense someone is watching or following you since this can be interpreted as an act of aggression.
The Best Local Destinations
If you finally decide to take a quick escape, explore your inner self, or have an adventure of a lifetime, then pack your bags and head on to places you’ve never been before. Here are some local destinations to consider for your solo trip:
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The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a unique East Coast beach vacation filled with historic lighthouses, shipwreck diving sites, and surfing spots. A recommended sight to see would be the lighthouses, and a trip to the Outer Banks would not be complete if you won’t take a photo or see the tallest one in America, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Make time to visit Jockey’s Ridge, East Coast’s highest dune, or the Outer Banks Kayak Adventure offering a stand-up paddleboard excursion and a nighttime bioluminescence tour.
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San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, often dubbed as the “happiest place in America,” is an enthralling city with unique and historic activities to offer. You can watch an outdoor movie in the Sunset Drive-In and enjoy water activities like kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, and fishing at Pismo Beach. You can even go for a solo hike at Bishop Peak, with a 1,500-feet elevation.
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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Known as the Lake City, Coeur d’Alene is the largest city in Kootenai County, Idaho. You can do a lot of recreational activities like parasailing over the river and kayaking in the lake. There are several other water sports too.
For a more peaceful adventurer, you can go fishing, visit the museum, or play golf. You can also rent a boat to explore the bodies of water and take in the scenery. Maybe you can bike along the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail, which spans 15 miles and can take you through 10 train tunnels.
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Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys is a good place for first-time solo travelers, especially if you love the warm salt water and sun. It is a set of islands joined by a causeway that is located at the edge of Florida and reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
Spend the day at Dry Tortugas National Park, a chain of islands often flocked by tourists for its historic fort and beautiful habitat. You can also go snorkeling and observe dolphins with a marine biologist or head to the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park that offers sunset views and a beach with a lot of shade to lie around.
Going on a solo trip may be daunting, especially during this time, but it might be the adventure you’ve been yearning to have. No matter which destination you go to, you’ll feel that spark of giddiness and thrilling feeling within you, especially when you haven’t been on a trip for months now. Just be sure you’re fully vaccinated, fit to travel, and is prepared for what you’ll face during the trip.
