Choosing Your Next Solo Destination (Even If You’re Still a Little Nervous)
Choosing where to go for your next solo trip can feel surprisingly hard. Not because you do not want to go, but because the options are endless and the decision often feels personal.
Whether this is your very first solo trip or simply the next one on your list, the choice is rarely just about geography. It is about time, energy, comfort, and what you need from the experience right now.
This guide is designed to help you choose your next solo trip thoughtfully, without overthinking it or comparing yourself to anyone else.
Start With Time and Budget Before Looking at Destinations
Before scrolling destinations or saving inspiration, get grounded in logistics.
Ask yourself:
- How many nights can I realistically be away?
- What budget feels comfortable rather than stressful?
- Do I want something easy, or something that feels like a reset?
If this is your first solo trip or one of your early ones, shorter trips closer to home often build confidence quickly. Two to four nights can be incredibly powerful when they feel manageable.
If you are feeling burnt out and craving distance from routine, physical space can help create mental space. Just be sure you have enough time to enjoy it without rushing.
A helpful guideline:
- Up to 3 nights: Stay close and avoid long flights or big time changes.
- 4 to 6 nights: Regional flights or nearby international destinations work well.
- 7 or more nights: Long haul travel becomes more enjoyable and restorative.
Match the Destination to Your Energy, Not the Trend
Not every solo trip is about doing more. Some are about slowing down, thinking clearly, or reconnecting with yourself.
If you want something gentle and grounding, look for:
- Walkable cities
- Easy public transportation or rideshare options
- Cafes, museums, bookstores, and water views
If you want a true reset, choose a destination that feels different from your everyday environment. New scenery can quiet mental noise and help shift perspective.
Navigating Guilt
Many women hesitate not because of logistics, but because of perception.
If you are married, partnered, or have children, you may worry about judgment or feel guilty for taking time for yourself. This is very common.
Therapists often emphasize that self-care is not selfish, it is necessary. Time alone helps regulate stress, restore energy, and improve emotional resilience. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to show up with patience and positivity for others.
You are not just a role. You are an individual. Taking a solo trip is not about escaping your life, it is about returning to it more grounded.
U.S. Destination Ideas for Your Next Solo Trip
Southeast U.S.
Charleston is charming, walkable, and welcoming. A great choice for solo travelers who enjoy history, coastal scenery and a slower pace.
Savannah offers beauty and reflection. Quiet squares, Spanish moss and cozy cafes make it easy to be alone without feeling lonely.
Asheville blends mountains, wellness and creativity. Ideal if you want nature access without feeling remote.
Northeast U.S.
Boston is structured and easy to navigate. Perfect for solo travelers who enjoy culture, walking and history.
Portland is peaceful and restorative. Ocean air, great food and a calm rhythm suit reflective trips.
Newport offers elegance and coastal beauty in a compact, approachable setting.
Midwest U.S.
Chicago is one of the best big cities for solo travel. Excellent public transit, diverse neighborhoods and incredible dining.
Madison is relaxed and friendly. A great option if you want low pressure and access to nature.
Southwest U.S.
Santa Fe feels grounding and soulful. Art, wellness and desert landscapes support introspection.
Austin is energetic yet approachable. Live music, food trucks, walkable neighborhoods and a friendly culture make it a strong solo city, especially for first or early solo trips.
Scottsdale works well for spa-focused trips and sunshine resets.
West Coast U.S.
San Diego is easygoing and warm. Beaches, neighborhoods and casual dining are very solo-friendly.
Seattle is introspective and creative. Coffee culture, water views and nearby nature invite reflection.
Carmel-by-the-Sea feels peaceful and polished. Ideal for a calm coastal escape.
International Ideas When You Have More Time
Far but Close, Ideal for Easier International Trips
Bahamas offers simple logistics and true relaxation. A good option if you want an easy international experience without a long flight.
Caribbean destinations like Aruba and Turks and Caicos are popular for their safety, friendliness and ease of travel.
Costa Rica is one of the best nearby international options for solo female travelers. It is welcoming, well-developed for tourism, and ideal for nature, wellness, and balance between adventure and ease.
Europe: Excellent for Solo Female Travel
Lisbon is affordable, scenic and relaxed. Easy public transportation and a friendly pace make it ideal for solo travel.
Amsterdam is safe, walkable and social without pressure. Museums and cafes are perfect for solo days.
Barcelona blends culture, food and beach time. A good mix of energy and ease.
Paris remains a favorite for reflective solo travel. Walking, journaling and people-watching feel natural here.
Copenhagen is calm, clean and bike-friendly. Ideal if you want structure and serenity.
Asia: For Confident or Curious Solo Travelers
Tokyo is exceptionally safe and solo-friendly. Ideal for travelers who enjoy order and independence.
Kyoto offers tradition and quiet beauty. Perfect for slow, intentional travel.
Singapore is clean, efficient and easy to navigate. A strong introduction to Asia for solo travelers.
Total Reset, When You Want Space and Perspective
Australia offers friendly culture, nature and wide open space.
New Zealand is peaceful and breathtaking. A favorite for reflection and reinvention.
Bali is known for wellness, healing and intentional solo time.
Considering a Cruise for Your Next Solo Trip
If you are into cruising, a cruise can be an underrated but excellent option for a solo trip, especially if you want variety with very little effort. Cruises allow you to unpack once and experience multiple destinations while keeping logistics simple. You are solo, but not alone, dining is easy, activities are built in, and it is natural to meet other travelers if you want to socialize. Many cruise lines now offer solo cabins, hosted meetups, and flexible dining, which makes them appealing for first-time solo travelers as well as those who want ease without isolation. Cruises can be especially comforting if you want structure, safety, and the option to be as independent or as social as you choose.
Choose the Trip That Fits Who You Are Right Now
There is no perfect destination. The best solo trip is the one that feels doable, supportive and aligned with your current season of life.
Whether you stay close or go far, confidence comes from experience, not perfection. Your next solo trip does not have to change everything. It just has to be yours. Just Go Solo!
