It’s 2018. The year for adventure, exploration, and taking time for yourself.
Yes, traveling solo is something you should consider for your next getaway. Wondering how to travel alone for the first time? Start here. To help inspire you, we’ve picked six places where you can get out and enjoy some solid me time!
Boulder, Colorado
If you came just for the scenery—the mountain trails, alpine creeks, and sandstone Flatirons—that’d be enough. But there’s more to do in this Front Range city than just getting lost “solo” in its stunning landscapes. Pearl Street Mall is teeming with boutique shops, chic restaurants, and pubs filled with friendly locals. If you want to catch a CU game, head to The Hill and cheer on the Buffs with just about everyone in town.
Anna Maria, Florida
A solo trip does the body good. Especially if that body is relaxing on a beach on an island off the coast of the Sunshine State. Located at the very tip of Anna Maria Island, this sleepy gulf town is exactly what you need when you’re looking for a peaceful escape. The wooden footpaths of the Coquina Baywalk will lead you wandering through beautiful scenery and the seafood at Rod & Reel Pier is some of the best in the state.
Taos, New Mexico
The Taos Puebloan people chose wisely when they decided to settle this region in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If they hadn’t, you may not have had the chance to book a river rafting adventure with Cottam’s Rio Grande Rafting. Or been able to explore the beautiful streets of the Taos Downtown Historic District and stop in the Adobe Bar for the best margarita in town. Not to mention, getting treated like royalty at the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa would’ve been out the window, too.
Anchorage to Fairbanks Railway, Alaska
Five days spent riding the rails through America’s last frontier is exactly what the doctor ordered. You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into the pages of a National Geographic issue as you chug along the Alaska Railroad. Have your camera at the ready to document your time cruising through Denali National Park. And when you step out of nature for a bit, Anchorage and Fairbanks are packed with fun things to do.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
First time traveling abroad? Travel solo south of the border! San Miguel de Allende is a small town in the Bajio mountains and is tailor-made for you. Your mornings will begin at Café San Agustin with a basket full of churros. Then, you’ll walk it off at the botanical garden of El Charco del Ingenio. Cap your night off with cocktails on the roof terrace of the Rosewood Hotel and call it a day.
Portland, Oregon
If a weirdly cool city in the Pacific Northwest is your cup of tea, then Portland just might be your Shangri-La. Upgrade your library at Powell’s Books and eat a donut with cereal on top. And when the time comes for a few libations, make your way to Distillery Row and sample the city’s finest craft spirits. Solo travel has never felt so good!
Well, there you have it. Six of the best places to travel solo that are perfect for you and only you. Plan. Pack. Go. And send us a postcard or two!