The Best Places to Travel Alone In the US

Researching destinations, drafting an itinerary, asking friends for recommendations—not many things are more exciting than planning a trip. Solo travel is enriching, yet many people are intimidated by it.

In this article, we’ve collected some ideas for your next solo trip. Whether you need a winter getaway or a summer vacation, we have some tips. And make sure you read till the end to find our safety recommendations for solo travelers!

1. Enjoy a Winter Wonderland in Aspen

Skiing is one of the best winter activities for those thrill seekers and fitness buffs. Luckily, the US has numerous skiing destinations for any budget.

One of the best places to travel alone in the US is Aspen. Due to its strategic location between four mountains, it’s a favorite among both experienced skiers and beginners.

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Skiing isn’t the only thing to do in Aspen. You don’t have to abandon enjoying the scenic mountain views if you don’t ski. Taking a snowmobile tour can help you experience the beauty of the Rockies without the exercise. Aspen also offers lots of spas, hot springs, and hiking trails.

2. Explore Historical Sites in Boston, Nashville, and New Orleans

History buffs have a lot to see if they travel around the US. Many cities contain memories of historical battles, innovations, and notable people.

You just have to know where to look! Learning about your country’s history is not just remembering dates. Walking the same streets as Abraham Lincoln or Rosa Parks can inspire you and give you a deeper understanding of their life and circumstances.

Boston, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in power and history. The Freedom Trail makes it easy to explore the many attractions that the city has to offer. The 2.5-mile walking path starts in America’s first public park, Boston Common, and leads through 16 notable sites. Signs mark them, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally missing something important.

Nashville, Tennessee, was one of the capital cities that was considered the richest capital city of the past. Nowadays, Nashville is more known for its music scene with live performances in honky-tonks and vivid nightlife.

Go to the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Ryman Auditorium to really get a feel for the music culture. Or, sample the restaurants to see if you can find the best hot chicken.

You can’t speak of music without New Orleans, Louisiana. In case you decide to visit New Orleans alone, we assure you will never be bored even for a minute.

Southerners are known for their hospitality, which is why getting friendly with a stranger is not uncommon here. Get into the heart of Cajun culture and food, attend a jazz festival, or get inspired by the architecture of French Quarter.

3. Tame the Wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grand Canyon, and the Rim Trail

If you wish to travel to learn about yourself in solitude, then nothing beats the sense of adventure found while exploring the wilderness. Fortunate for me, the United States is filled with the most diversified and unique locations where a soul can find seclusion in the wild.

Asheville, North Carolina. Lavish indeed for those that can’t just pick one. Asheville is somewhere you can venture into the hiking trails of Blue Ridge Mountains—it has many trail options of variable complexity suitable to both experienced hikers and novices.

You can go rafting or kayaking in summer and strolling in the dense forest or the city in winter. Asheville has lots of restaurants, bars, and clubs for every wallet. You should not miss the opportunity to visit the local breweries that dot the town when you are in Asheville.

It must be the Grand Canyon if you have to pick one place from this list to visit before you die. Truly one of the best places to travel alone in the US, this place does not leave any heart indifferent.

The stunning natural marvel does not leave anyone indifferent. There are many ways to explore this massive canyon, so you can choose the best one depending on your fitness level and interests.

Go on the Rim Trail if you want a comfortable, mostly flat hike with breathtaking views. It’s perfect for families or inexperienced hikers.

The trail stretches over 13 miles, but you can go off it and take a bus anytime. More seasoned hikers prefer the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point or Nankoweap.

Solo Travel Safety Tips

If you play your cards right, traveling alone doesn’t have to be dangerous. Choosing the destination is the most important point.

Going to cities known for gun violence might not be the best idea for your first solo trip. Here are a few very important things for you to take into consideration.

1. Do your Research

Planning is the best way to keep safe. Nobody wants to be stranded in a new city at night. It might sound extreme, but it does happen. So, make sure you’ve booked your accommodation and received the confirmation of your stay.

Look for info about the neighborhood you’re planning to stay in. Sometimes, city centers are more dangerous than the outskirts and are not worth staying in.

Make sure to find and save all the emergency numbers before your trip. Touristic destinations often have a dedicated website, so make use of that.

For example, if you’re going hiking, you can share your itinerary with the emergency services, and they’ll issue a search party if you don’t check in at the agreed times.

2. Keep in Touch

Share your plans with friends and family. You could even enable location sharing so that your whereabouts are never questioned. Your first solo trip is not the time to unplug and decide to detox from social media.

If that’s your plan, ensure your closest ones know about that. Remember to check in with people who care about you every night. They’ll be relieved to learn you are safe.

3. Make an Emergency Plan

In an ideal situation, you will never face any medical issue, accident, or any kind of robbery while you solo travel destinations in the US. However, not all situations are ideal, and unfortunate events may sometimes occur.

So you must research the local hospitals, police stations and any other emergency facilities of the place you are traveling solo to. You must visit your doctor before your travel so that you are updated on your vaccinations and refill your prescriptions before your trip.

No matter where you are going, here are a few things that you need to carry with you, these are facial masks, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, prescription drugs, fresh drinking water and fresh produce.

4. Secure Your Valuables

Take only what you need on a trip with you, like your phone, credit card, cash, identification, and copy of your passport. Carry them hidden in a safe bag you can always keep in view. Don’t leave bags containing those things down or out of your sight.

In case of an emergency, you should also have a photocopy of your passport in case the original gets lost or stolen. Keep the copy in a safe and separate place from where you are storing your actual passport.

Consider leaving a copy with a friend or family member back home, too. Keep valuables close when riding trains, buses or other means of transportation. Keep excess money, jewelery, your actual passport and other valuables in the hotel safe.

5. Avoid careless behaviors and use good judgement

Much of the advice listed below apply no matter where you travel alone – even in your hometown.

Don’t drink too much and keep your drinks in your line of sight. Avoid going anywhere alone with a stranger.
Pay attention to those around you when you are walking, hiking or driving.
If you feel uncomfortable, walk into a public place like a restaurant or catch up with a large group of people.
If someone asks if you are traveling alone, say you are on your way to meet a spouse, relative or friend.

Wrapping Up

Traveling alone is about exploring both the outside and inside. You learn a lot about yourself when you embark on a solo adventure. And learning more about culture, history and nature is an amazing bonus!