15 Essential Tips Every Solo Traveler in the U.S. Should Know

Six years ago, I decided to take my first solo trip, but I wanted to have some fun with it. I gave my brother and sister-in-law a budget, a time frame, and a list of places I’d already been and told them to plan a mystery vacation for me. The only rules were that they could not send me anywhere I had already been and that they had to send me out of the state. I come from a family of pranksters, so that second rule was necessary. The night before, I drove to my brother’s house, who gave me a sealed envelope with my plane ticket and told me what the weather for what to pack. I packed according to his weather forecast, drove to the airport, and then opened the envelope to see where I would be spending the next four days. Since then, I’ve traveled all over the globe on solo adventures, and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned pro, here are 15 things you need to know about solo travel in the United States.

Oh, and where did I end up on my mystery vacation? Charleston, South Carolina.

Tips For Solo Traveling

Solo traveling can be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do, but it can be overwhelming! Figuring out the logistics of your adventure feels like a full-time job, but there are a few tips and tricks for solo travel that can help ease the stress.

1. Embrace the Uncertainty and Make Your Solo Trip Unforgettable

I'm a member of several travel groups online. One of the significant themes that continues to come up is travelers stressing over things beyond their control. Your flight may be delayed. You may not be able to check into your hotel early. Your view of the Grand Canyon may be obscured by fog. The "perfect vacation" does not exist, and worrying about things you cannot control is only adding unnecessary stress to what's supposed to be an enjoyable adventure. Sometimes, those speed bumps end up leading you to surprise side quests that become your favorite part of the trip. Unfavourable weather conditions not only hinder safe travel but also cause unexpected closures of various fun tourist attractions. However, many cities and national parks throughout the United States provide several indoor visitor centers packed with exhibits, maps, and several ranger programs that are very fun to attend.

2. Download the Best Travel Apps Before You Hit the Road

I’m a budget traveler, and one of the ways I’m able to go to so many places is by following the deal, not the destination. I use Google Flights, SkyScanner, and Kiwi to check which flight deals are available and go from there. If you're flexible with your destination, you might surprise yourself and have the adventure of a lifetime. Once you have your plane ticket, sites like Booking and Kayak can help find lodging.

3. Simple Safety Strategies Every Solo Traveler Needs

Regardless of where you travel, just be careful. It’s easy to forget all the basic safety practices when you’re on vacation, but that’s how a great vacation turns south. If you’re traveling alone, tell at least one person your itinerary. Before I leave for a trip, I always share my flight and hotel info with my family. Sharing your phone's location with someone is also a good idea. I promise you it will give both you and your loved ones peace of mind. In that same vein, be mindful about who you tell you're traveling alone. You wouldn't give your stranger your home address, so maybe don't tell anyone you meet where you're staying and that you're traveling alone.

Best Places To Travel Alone In The US

The United States is huge. You could honestly spend a lifetime exploring the entire country. Do you want to explore the country’s beaches? Forests? Mountains? Swamps? Or maybe you want your adventure filled with city skylines and neon lights. The perk of this country's size is that there truly is something for everyone. Here are some of the best cities to travel alone in the U.S.:

4. Why Boston, Massachusetts, Is a Surprisingly Perfect Escape

I lived in Boston for about five years and absolutely loved it. It’s a great city for first-time solo travelers, and you can typically find cheap flights to Boston pretty easily. While Beantown isn’t necessarily one of the cheapest cities to explore, Boston’s public transportation makes it easy to navigate the city without a car, so that you can save some money there. Boston has no shortage of historic sites to see, plus plenty of neighborhoods to explore. Boston’s North End is one of my favorites, and I’d highly recommend getting a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry. This Italian pastry shop has been a favorite since 1946! Ease of movement in Boston is guaranteed, as Boston’s subway system (the MBTA) is mostly accessible. Furthermore, many major historic sites along the Freedom Trail include ramps or accessible entrances.

5. Discover Nashville’s Cozy Charm

Nashville is the perfect destination for solo travelers for a few reasons. The bustling downtown scene is perfect for meeting new people and enjoying live music, but you’re also not far from Nashville’s natural side, either. Radnor Lake State Park is just south of downtown Nashville and boasts 1,368 acres to explore.

Nashville is one place I’d recommend getting a hotel over an Airbnb. Airbnbs in Nashville can be pretty expensive, and when you don’t have the extra people to split the costs with, it can bust a budget really quickly. Hotels in downtown Nashville are much more affordable and put you within walking distance of some of the best things to do in Nashville. Plus, many include breakfast, which can help with solo traveling on a budget, too. Travelling is not all about scenery; engaging with the local culture is also a key element of the experience. Make sure to explore nearby neighborhoods like The Gulch, known for quality eateries and walkable streets.

6. Portland for Solo Travelers: Safe & Super Fun

Sitting pretty in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll never run out of things to do in Portland. As far as big cities go, Portland is on the safer side, and it’s got a great mix of both natural and man-made attractions. As one of the more bike-friendly cities in the United States, you can get around downtown easily without renting a car, which is always nice. Between the many microbreweries and coffee shops, you’re never too far away from your favorite beverage, and Portland’s food truck scene is off the charts. Plus, there are plenty of incredible hiking trails around Portland that offer spectacular views. Many Portland parks, including Washington Park and the Portland Japanese Garden, not only provide accessible pathways, but also safe ADA-friendly viewpoints.

Best Travel Destinations For Nature Lovers

Nothing compares to the self-confidence you gain after you take your first solo adventure. For me, I prefer to travel to remote destinations where I can be surrounded by nature and swap the sounds of car horns and air conditioners for songbirds and rushing water. If this sounds right up your alley, then consider one of these remote destinations that are some of the best places to solo travel for nature lovers.

7. Discover Alaska Hiking Trails in Pristine Wilderness

It doesn’t get more remote than Alaska. Whether you want to embark on an epic road trip or challenge yourself with one of Alaska’s many hiking trails, Alaska is one of the best places to visit for solo travelers looking to experience Earth’s raw beauty. I’m a sucker for scenic train rides, and Alaska has some of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The Anchorage to Seward train gives you a front-row seat to iconic sights like the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, with plenty of river canyons, waterfalls, and glaciers to admire from the comfort of your seat. It doesn’t stop there, though. The Alaska Railroad stretches for 470 miles and stops at several Alaskan towns, including Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and Denali. The Alaska Railroad is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in the region. However, remember to plan as it typically requires booking, especially in summer. It also offers different service classes depending on your budget.

8. Yellowstone and Grand Teton: Wyoming’s Epic Duo

Wyoming is one of the best places to travel alone in the US, especially if you want to reconnect with yourself through nature. Both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. If you don’t want to rent a car, I’d recommend taking a guided day tour of Yellowstone. Personally, I love guided tours. All I have to do is sit and look out the window while someone smarter than me tells me everything I need to know. Sign me up for tours all day long. Tours are great opportunities to meet others, too. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had were with random seatmates on tours. There are plenty of tours available, too. How about a wildlife-watching tour through Grand Teton National Park at sunset? Or a full day of dog sledding and snowmobiling in Jackson Hole?

9. Grand Canyon and Beyond: Arizona’s Epic Nature

Arizona is a fabulous pick for a solo travel destination. Seeing Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in person is a memory you’ll never forget, and there are plenty of things to do in Arizona to keep you busy. Of course, the Grand Canyon is the star of the show, but there are 34 state parks in Arizona to explore, and each one is more enchanting than the next. When it comes to ADA Compliance, Arizona is in line with the rest of the country. All its tourist attractions are ADA-friendly. For example, Horseshoe Bend now has a maintained viewing platform with railings and an accessible path suitable for wheelchairs.

Best Travel Gear For Solo Travelers

Having the right gear for your adventure can make or break your trip, so give yourself some time to make a list of anything you’ll need. I’m not just talking about travel essentials, but things that are specific to your journey. Here are some of my favorite things to bring on your adventures:

10. Garmin InReach: Must-Have Solo Travel Gear

If you plan to do extensive hiking in remote areas, having a Garmin GPS and an AllTrails+ account is critical. This one is waterproof, provides 18+ hours of battery life, and features two-way satellite communication. It’s also super lightweight (14.5 ounces) and doesn’t take up much space in your bags.

11. Carry-On Backpacks Perfect for Solo Adventures

A solid travel backpack is a must. I only travel with a carry-on and a backpack, so I can be pretty particular about what backpack comes with me. It’s very helpful to have a backpack with multiple compartments, and even better if it's waterproof or water-resistant. Osprey really does make quality backpacks, and they’re great for both hiking excursions and wandering through the streets of a new town.

12. Stay Charged Anywhere: Solo Travel Power Guide

Since I work remotely, I've got to stay connected. No matter where I travel, I always have my portable power bank with me so I never run out of battery on my phone, my camera, or my laptop. When you're traveling alone, you always want to make sure you have enough battery on your phone to get you where you're going. This power bank charges your phone super quickly and holds its charge for a long time. Win-win!

Solo Traveling On A Budget

Traveling alone is gratifying but expensive. Those costs can add up quickly when you don't have anyone to share the bills with. One of the biggest tips for solo traveling on a budget is to travel in the off-season. Prices will be much cheaper, and you'll experience fewer crowds. While accommodations can eat up your budget, there are still plenty of awesome places to stay as a solo traveler that aren't your average hostel.

13. Best Budget A-Frame Rentals in the Rockies

If your solo adventure calls for getting off-grid, Moose Haven Cabin is just for you. This dry cabin in Walden, Colorado, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, endless dark skies to stargaze, and plenty of wildlife to watch. Elk Run Trail is right outside the door and is perfect for hiking/biking in the summer, or snowshoeing in the winter. This cabin is about $110/night and comes with everything you need. The cabin is solar-powered since it’s a dry cabin, and well water is provided.

14. Montana’s Stunning Cliffside Airbnbs on a Budget

This fully-stocked cabin in Montana is just dreamy from start to finish. Surrounded by trees and perched on the side of a hill, you’ll have stunning views of the mountains in Glacier National Park from just about everywhere in the cabin. Large windows and an open floor plan make you feel like you’re camping, while still offering modern amenities like electricity, WiFi, and cell service. The cabin is $125/night and puts you in a perfect spot to enjoy northwest Montana.

15. Choose Your Own Adventure With Van Life

Van life has grown in popularity over the last few years, with folks typically living in their builds year-round. You don’t have to buy an RV or a camper van to enjoy the lifestyle, and companies like RVShare offer several options at affordable rates. Combining your lodging and transportation can be a great way to save money while traveling, not to mention the added benefit of choosing your own bedroom view.

While these may be some of the best places to solo travel in the country, it's only the tip of the iceberg. You could spend a lifetime exploring the United States. Just be warned – once you take your first solo trip, you'll be hooked! You might even begin planning your next journey on the plane ride home. Welcome to the club. Feel free to share your thoughts with us. We'd like to hear from you.

Finally, don't forget to utilize the OnlyInYourState itinerary planner tool to help you map out your trip more easily and safely.