Solo journey isn’t “sad vacation energy” anymore—it’s choose-your-own-adventure journey.
And it’s booming: Skyscanner’s survey discovered a majority of respondents planning a number of solo journeys within the 12 months forward, with numerous vacationers aiming for 2–5 journeys.
At Travel Off Path, we love solo journeys as a result of they’re the final stress reducer: you get up, you resolve the vibe, and no person can veto your museum day (or your 2 p.m. nap).

Before we get into the listing, right here’s the short “solo trip cheat code”:
- Pick a walkable base (or a spot with stable transit).
- Book a minimum of one group exercise early (strolling tour, meals tour, class). It’s the best solution to really feel “not alone” with out forcing small speak all day.
- Choose lodging that matches your social battery: hostels/social accommodations if you’d like buddies; boutique accommodations if you’d like peace.
Now, the six U.S. locations that constantly ship for solo vacationers:
1) New York City, NY

NYC is mainly constructed for doing your individual factor. You can disappear into the gang (in a great way), bounce between neighborhoods on public transit, and by no means as soon as really feel bizarre a few desk for one.
Do this solo:
- Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram for skyline views on an everyday MTA fare (and sure, OMNY is accepted).
- Pick one “anchor” museum, then wander a neighborhood with zero agenda. NYC rewards aimless exploring.
Where to remain (solo-friendly logic):
- Midtown/Times Square is chaotic, however for first-timers it’s handy and busy (a plus if you’re alone at evening).
- Brooklyn (Williamsburg/Greenpoint) if you’d like chiller cafés and a extra native vibe.
2) Washington, D.C.

If you need a solo journey that feels productive (with out really being productive), D.C. is your home. It’s walkable, monument-packed, and stacked with free museums—so you may fill full days with out consistently spending.
Do this solo:
- Build a “museum hop” day with Smithsonian spots, then take breaks everytime you need (solo vacationers win right here).
- See the monuments at evening—both with a small tour or by sticking to well-lit, well-liked areas.
Getting round:
- If you employ Metro, WMATA’s tools make it straightforward to plan routes, and SmarTrip is the traditional pay technique.
3) New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is among the best locations to journey solo in the event you’re sensible about it—as a result of town is social by nature. Music spills out of doorways, bartenders really speak to you, and it’s regular to finish up chatting with strangers (in a non-cringey manner).
Do this solo:
- Make Frenchmen Street your live-music house base—it’s well-known for precisely that.
- Book a meals tour or a cocktail historical past tour early in your journey. It’s leisure and prompt group.
Solo security vibe verify:
- Stay conscious at evening, preserve your route easy, and don’t settle for “random helpful guiding” from strangers. New Orleans is magical, however don’t let the vibes override fundamental avenue smarts.
4) Asheville, NC

Asheville is for the solo traveler who desires mountain air, nice meals, and a bit of artsy wandering—while not having a hardcore open air résumé.
Do this solo:
- Spend a day popping into galleries and studios, then reward your self with a brewery patio grasp (straightforward, low-pressure social setting).
- Plan a scenic drive or hike day—however verify circumstances first. Winter closures can have an effect on sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the realm additionally posts alerts for closures tied to restoration and upkeep.
- If you need your journey {dollars} to really feel significant, Asheville’s tourism org has explicitly been sharing updates about being open and welcoming guests.
5) Sedona, AZ

Sedona is the solo reset button: dawn hikes, red-rock views, and the type of quiet that makes your mind lastly unclench.
Do this solo:
- Hit one of many iconic trails early, then spend the afternoon doing a spa session, sound tub, or simply… sitting someplace fairly with a espresso.
- Use the Sedona Shuttle system when it suits your plan—Sedona particularly promotes utilizing the TransLoc app for real-time data and reserving.
Sedona can also be incredible in the event you’re solo however don’t wish to really feel remoted—well-liked trails have loads of folks round, which will be reassuring with out being annoying.
6) San Diego, CA

San Diego is “easy mode” in one of the best ways: seaside air, laid-back neighborhoods, and sufficient to do that you may keep busy—or do completely nothing and name it wellness.
Do this solo:
- Wander Balboa Park and choose museums based mostly purely on what you are feeling like that day.
- Base your self in a neighborhood with a vibe you want (Little Italy for meals, seaside areas for calm, and so forth.).
Bonus: airport logistics are painless
- San Diego’s transit company notes Route 992 connects the airport with downtown in about quarter-hour, linking up with main transit at Santa Fe Depot.
One other thing: use U.S. solo journeys as your “confidence ladder”
A variety of vacationers begin solo in a U.S. metropolis, then go greater as soon as they understand: “Oh… I’m actually great at this.”
If you’re already occupied with a next-level solo journey (solar + ocean + straightforward resort logistics), The Cabo Sun has a number of genuinely helpful reads—like an insider breakdown of whether Los Cabos is safe for solo female travelers, plus a sensible information on whether Cabo all-inclusives make sense when you’re traveling alone.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
Enter your electronic mail tackle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
