Solo Travel Tips
Plus Perfect Destinations to Go It Alone
The Rise of the Solo Traveler...
It started with just a few of us — people who love to travel across the United States and around the world on our own, discovering new places, people, languages, and cultures, and seeing sights we’ve only imagined through books, films, and television shows. Then there were more of us, and now it’s a travel trend all its own — the solo traveler.
It’s a solid movement. A recent Booking.com survey found that 59% of respondents planned to go it alone in 2025. And it’s not limited to one demographic — solo travelers include women over 50, men in their 20s and 30s, and everyone in between.
Wellness and the “Soft Reset” Trip
Solo travelers are embracing some of the latest travel trends, including the idea of the “soft reset” — a trip focused on relaxation and wellness. It might mean a long weekend at a destination spa like Miraval Berkshires or Canyon Ranch Lenox, both in Massachusetts, or even a full week devoted to rejuvenation.
For many, these solo escapes offer the perfect chance to unplug, reset, and reconnect with themselves. No schedules to keep, no compromises to make — just pure self-care.
Stargazing Adventures:
Noctourism and Astrotourism
Others are heading out for “noctourism” or “astrotourism” adventures, traveling to dark-sky destinations where the stars take center stage. Head to Death Valley, California (best in winter), or explore one of Arizona’s 13 Dark Sky Parks. Utah is another haven for stargazers, boasting 29 certified parks where the Milky Way fills the night sky.
A fall solo trip to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Capitol Reef National Parks offers crystal-clear skies, pleasant weather, and far fewer crowds than summer. Park rangers lead nighttime tours to reveal the mysteries of the stars, and for a unique stay, book a cozy covered wagon at Zion Wildflower, WorldHotels Crafted Glamping Resort.
Planning Your Solo Journey Traveling solo is easy — if you remember a few key principles. Start by deciding how you want to organize your trip: plan it yourself or book through a tour company.
If you go the DIY route, always book directly with airlines, car rental agencies, and cruise lines. When problems arise, it’s much easier to resolve them directly with the company rather than through a third-party vendor. And don’t skip travel insurance. The most cost-effective way is to purchase annual coverage from a trusted provider like Allianz Travel Insurance, ensuring every trip is automatically protected against medical emergencies, lost baggage, travel delays, and rental car damage.
Solo-Friendly Tours and Cruises
Prefer having everything handled for you? Tour companies that cater to solo travelers are booming. Solo Female Travelers Club, for example, organizes women-only adventures around the world, while Inntravel designs self-guided tours across Europe that focus on walking, cycling, city exploration, and train travel. They handle the logistics — hotels, luggage transfers, trains, and flights — while you enjoy the freedom to move at your own pace with their custom guides.
Even the cruise industry has caught up to the solo travel trend. Many cruise lines are dropping the dreaded single-supplement fees that once made solo cruising expensive. Check smaller lines like Swan Hellenic and Avalon Waterways River Cruises for their no-supplement offers, or opt for big names like Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line, both of which now include dedicated solo cabins on new ships.
Staying Safe on the Road
Your safety is the foundation of a great solo trip. Invest in RFID-protected wallets and bags to guard against electronic theft. Use interior zipper pockets for your passport, cash, and credit cards. A neck lanyard for your cellphone is also a smart idea — it helps prevent both theft and accidental loss when exploring new destinations.
Always stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and keep your plans flexible. Confidence and common sense are a solo traveler’s best companions.
Freedom and Discovery
Perhaps the best part of solo travel is the freedom it brings. You can meet new people at every turn — or talk to no one at all. There’s no debate over where to eat, what to see, or when to stop and simply watch the world go by.
On this journey, every choice is yours. It’s an exhilarating way to experience total travel freedom — and you might just find you absolutely love it.
Explore the destinations and resources mentioned:
miravalresorts.comvisitarizona.com/places/dark-skies-sunrises visitutah.com/places-to-go/dark-sky-parks
zionwildflower.com
allianztravelinsurance.com
tours.solofemaletravelers.club
inntravel.co.uk swanhellenic.com
avalonwaterways.com
ncl.com
hollandamerica.com
