Solo Vacations

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Solo vacations: The lowdown 

Traveling solo is a unique pleasure: You choose whether you get up with the sunrise over Yellowstone or sleep in after a night partying in Cancún, whether you stop for lunch or keep on adventuring, whether you spend your day strolling around museums or getting the blood pumping on a hike. In short, you call the shots, tailoring your vacation to your very own personal preferences to make the most of your hard-won vacation time. Solo vacations don't have to be lonely vacations, either: Chatting to locals and meeting fellow travelers is all part of the fun on a solo getaway. 

Why book a solo vacation?

Jam-pack your itinerary 
Bundle activities into your solo vacation package to save money and time when booking your adventure. Whether you're after a guided group tour or a day trip, Expedia has great ways for you to spend your time on your vacation. 

Find great accommodation
With everything from single rooms in luxury resorts to beds in friendly hostels, Expedia has tons of great places for solo travelers to stay. Just use the handy filters and clear map view to find the accommodation that works for your solo getaway. 

Stay mobile
Adding car rental to your vacation package via Expedia lets you reduce your costs and increase your flexibility in one fell swoop. When you travel solo, you're in charge of where you spend each day. With your own set of wheels, there's nothing stopping you taking control. 

Keep costs low
Thanks to unmissable deals on flights and accommodation, Expedia's here to make sure your solo trip doesn't break the bank. After all, you're footing the whole bill yourself. Roll everything into one great-value package and don't forget about Expedia's payment plans and members-only prices, either. 

4 great destinations for solo vacations

Live la dolce vita in Italy

With attractions ranging from Venetian canals to Rome's historic sites, from the Ligurian coast to the serenity of the Puglian countryside, Italy has no shortage of spots to explore, making it one of the best places for a solo vacation. As a solo traveler, you'll find the locals friendly, welcoming, and keen to show off everything their country has to offer. And what better food to fuel your adventures than pizza, pasta, and gelato?

Experience Canadian hospitality in Banff

The Canadian ski town of Banff is a hotspot for winter sports trips, so it's a no-brainer if you're a skier, snowboarder, or sporty type looking for a solo getaway and the chance to make new friends on the slopes. The town loses none of its charm in summer, with the surrounding Rocky Mountains providing a great place for a contemplative solo hike in the great outdoors. 

Soak up the sun on Cancun's beaches

Cancun is famed for its pristine sands, buzzing nightlife, and glorious weather. Plus, the city serves as a gateway to Mexico's lush jungles, home to hidden cenote swimming holes and ancient pyramids. When you travel solo, nobody else has a say in whether you're spending the day on the beach or surrounded by Mayan architecture: Your vacation, your way.

Go on a great British break

From chatting with kilted Scots in Edinburgh and strolling hip London streets to hiking through the rolling hills of the Peak District and exploring the rugged Welsh coast, the UK is full of varied ways to spend your solo travel vacation. With a great rail network, it's a breeze to get around, so you can easily take in 2 or 3 different locations on your solo trip. 

4 great destinations for solo trips in the US

Head down to the Sunshine State of Florida

Sunshine, orange trees, and sandy coastline as far as the eye can see: The southernmost state of the continental US has plenty to recommend it for a relaxing solo getaway. Once you've soaked up the rays in blissful solitude on the beach, brave the rides at Orlando's Disney World, broaden your mind at Miami's Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, or join an alligator-spotting swamp tour to make the most of everything the region offers. 

Live the New England life in Maine

Gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean, munching on a lobster roll: Maine is a laid-back nautical paradise and a popular spot for solo trips in the US. As a location for a solo vacation, it's a great place to unwind and connect with nature on your own schedule. From strolling through Acadia National Park to taking a dip on Ogunquit Beach, there are plenty of fantastic ways for you to detach from your day-to-day. 

Commune with nature in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park spans almost 3,500 square miles, so there's plenty for you to see and do on your solo travel trip. Its famous Old Faithful geyser is not to be missed, nor are the miles and miles of great routes to explore: Pack your hiking boots and hit the trails. Who knows? You might even end up making friends with fellow hikers en route. 

Admire nature's wonders at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon needs no introduction, with its famed red rock formations attracting scores of visitors each year. But this part of Arizona has much more to offer, especially for outdoorsy solo travelers. Hire a bike and cycle Hermit Road, check out the Tusayan Pueblo archaeological site, or hike the Canyon Rim Trail—the possibilities are endless.

4 great solo trips for women

Live it up in London

Home to big-hitter attractions like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, England's capital city has more than enough to keep lone female travelers busy in 2024. But with a thriving cultural scene, great restaurants, and gorgeous green spaces to explore, there are a million ways to make your solo vacation your own. London calling—time to pick up the phone. Four great solo trips for women 

Savor culture in Spain

Home to everything from bustling Madrid to tiny port towns on the Atlantic coast, Spain offers a wealth of ideas for solo vacations for women. Its welcoming locals will be more than happy to point out great hidden gems to explore, not to mention unmissable neighborhood restaurants where you can indulge in a delicious spread of tapas. 

Embrace Southeast Asia in Indonesia

Friendly Indonesia's welcoming culture makes it a great place for a solo trip for women. It's a popular destination among female travelers, so you're sure to make new friends at your accommodation. Band together to visit the temples of Ubud or soak up the sun on the beaches of Bali, then share a bowl or 2 of deliciously traditional rendang.

Explore the sights of Greece

From the Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, Greece has no shortage of historic sites to stroll around—and as a solo female traveler, you can go at your own pace. Step off the mainland and go island-hopping as the mood takes you: Stop by the Instagrammable town of Santorini, catch some rays on the island of Corfu, and let your hair down in the party hotspot of Mykonos

3 great cheap solo vacations

Say “namaste” to India

From the Taj Mahal to bustling Mumbai, India's attractions span the length and breadth of the country. But with accommodation available at bargain-basement prices, it's a great spot for cheap solo vacations, too, leaving you with more money to spend on mouth-watering curries, samosas, and lassis. Its vibrant culture and rich history draw countless visitors each year, so you'll doubtless run into other travelers to talk to over dinner. 

Escape to paradise in the Dominican Republic

The Caribbean island destination of the Dominican Republic boasts pristine white sands, turquoise waves, and clear blue skies. If you're a solo traveler seeking a budget beach break, there's hardly a better place to set up camp under a palm tree for a day. When you're ready to up the ante, head into the capital Santo Domingo to grab a bite to eat and stroll around its UNESCO-protected Colonial Zone.

Bring Aztec history to life in Mexico City 

Mexico's capital is a buzzing melting-pot of the old and the new and a great place for a cheap solo vacation. Start your morning in Mexico City by visiting the 13th-century Templo Mayor, then stop by the Frida Kahlo Museum—you can easily cover 700 years of culture in a single day. Chow down on street food in the evening, then wrap up your night by making friends over a cocktail in one of the city's atmospheric bars. 

3 great solo weekend getaways

Delve into the desert in Sedona 

The red rocks of the Arizonan landscape loom large over the city of Sedona. They're just begging to be explored at your leisure on a solo trip. You can easily tackle 2 or 3 of them over the course of a solo weekend getaway, stopping to admire the view whenever it suits you. Pick up a souvenir at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to commemorate your adventure and your achievements. 

Sip and stroll in Napa Valley

California's Napa Valley is renowned for its acres of vineyards, stretching as far as the eye can see. But once you've had your fill of tastings at artisan wineries, there's plenty to do: Rent a bike and cycle through stunning landscapes, take a cooking class at Julia Child's Copia, or visit the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. There's good reason why it's such a popular spot for solo trips in the US in 2024.

Keep it local in Portland

Oregon's largest city proclaims its green credentials loud and proud. But alongside its extensive network of lush cycle paths and urban forests, Portland is also home to microbreweries, artisan food producers, and more. Check out its famous Japanese Rose Garden for a beautiful spot for a solo stroll, or head to the Portland Art Museum to soak up a bit of culture.

Vacations for solo travelers: Your questions answered 

Is it weird to go on vacation by yourself?

Absolutely not. Solo vacations are a fulfilling, empowering experience. They enable you to indulge your hobbies and get to know yourself better. There's nothing weird about that. Whether you're vacationing in a far-flung country or closer to home, going it alone means you're in total control of how you spend your hard-earned downtime. And don't forget that traveling solo doesn't mean you're alone 24/7. Solo trips are a great way to meet people and make new friends. 


Are solo vacations worth it?

Traveling alone means you can tailor your trip to your own personal wants and needs, whether that's a week of sleeping in at a luxurious Indian resort or an action-packed weekend in Yellowstone. Solo vacations are what you make of them—you get back what you put in. In other words, if you lean into the solo vacation experience, you'll have a great time and leave with memories that last a lifetime. It's your chance to take charge of how you spend your time. 


What's the safest place for a woman to travel alone?

From the US to places further afield, there are plenty of destinations where female solo travelers can relax, reassured by the knowledge that their safety isn't a constant concern. Most locations within the States are a safe bet, and the same goes for most countries in Europe, so you can indulge in pizza in Italy, afternoon tea in London, or tapas in Spain to your heart's content. Venturing farther afield, friendly Indonesia is a warm and welcoming country for solo female adventurers. 


Where's a great place to travel solo?

The ideal solo vacation is the one that works for you. If you're sporty and like to stay active on vacation, consider picking somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities on offer, like the expansive Yellowstone National Park or rugged Maine. If you're more of a beach bum, somewhere like Hawaii, Florida, or Cancún might be just the ticket. The choice is yours: However you like to spend your time, there are plenty of solo trip ideas to whet your appetite. 


Where should I go on my first vacation alone?

For your first solo trip, think about sticking relatively close to home. A solo weekend getaway to Portland, Oregon or Sedona, Arizona is a manageable way to dip your toe into the waters of solo vacationing without biting off more than you can chew. It'll also give you the chance to figure out what you like so you can tweak for next time. Before you know it, you'll be a solo travel pro. 


How much does a solo vacation cost?

With solo vacations spanning everything from a budget weekend away in Maine to a week in a luxury hotel in London, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what a solo trip costs. If money's no object, you can blow the budget on fine dining in Italy, high-end resorts in Spain, or a beachfront stay in Hawaii. Alternatively, you can keep costs low with a couple of nights in a no-frills motel in Maine if you're trying to travel solo on a shoestring. 


How do I plan a cheap solo vacation?

If you'd like to keep costs low for your vacation, Expedia's planning tool is just what you need to give you total clarity on your anticipated outlay. Check out all-inclusive options, too: Going all-inclusive means that your expenses are clear upfront, since you're not going to be forking out for meals or activities. Once you've decided when you want to go, consider using Expedia's payment plans to spread the cost of your solo getaway so it's more financially manageable for you, or bag a last-minute bargain to save some extra dough. 


How long should a solo vacation be?

When it comes to solo vacations, everything's on the table—from a long weekend in Banff to a week or more in Italy, you're in charge of how long your solo trip lasts (along with everything else about with your adventure). However long you schedule your trip for, you'll doubtless love the freedom that traveling solo gives you, as well as the chance to connect with fellow solo travelers en route. 


What do people do on solo vacations?

From strolling the streets of London to hiking the trails of Yellowstone, there are endless ways to spend your solo vacation. If you're a fan of high-octane thrills, bungee-jumping in Indonesia would doubtless be up your alley on your solo trip. If you're looking to take it easy, though, chilling on the beaches of Florida with a good book and a refreshing beverage is a gloriously relaxing way to indulge in a bit of solo self-care. 


Where are some of the best solo vacation destinations for introverts?

Solo vacations and introverts are a match made in heaven: A weekend soaking up the sunshine on your own in Cancún, a week of traveling around Italy, or even an extended trip to India are all great choices for people with a more introverted nature. When you travel on your own, you don't need to make small talk or interact with other people—unless you want to, of course. As solo vacations are an ideal opportunity for introverts to connect with their hobbies, think about how you like to spend your time and pick your destination accordingly. 


Why book a solo vacation via Expedia?

If you're considering heading off on a solo vacation, Expedia's here to make your trip easier in every way: Easier to plan, easier to book, easier to pay for, and even easier to cancel. Use Expedia's straightforward planning tool to keep an overview of everything you've got in mind, and make the most of the handy search filters to tailor your bookings to your personal preferences. Once you've decided where you want to go on your solo getaway, spread the cost with an Expedia payment plan—and if something comes up that means you need to call off your trip, fear not: Expedia has plenty of vacations with free cancellation. 


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