Traveling alone doesn’t have to be lonely or expensive. In fact, it can be perfect for travelers on a budget, those seeking adventures and especially those who like to vacation at their own pace.
Solo travel can be as relaxing or thrilling as you make it, whether you want to lounge by the beach, hit the slopes, go for a hike or spend the day fishing.
Here are some of the most affordable destinations that can help you save money on your solo trip.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
Lodging: $526 for a three-night stay at Gulfstream Cottages (through Wyndham Vacation Rentals)
Best time to visit: June through August
Myrtle Beach is a classic destination for a relaxing yet exciting beach vacation. While the beach is the main draw here, so is the 1.2-mile boardwalk, including all of its amusement park rides, unique shops and restaurants, and many other attractions.
Not far from the boardwalk, you’ll also find the Brookgreen Gardens, Hopsewee Plantation and Myrtle Beach State Park. Whatever you decide to do, Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore on your own — no partner or group of travelers necessary.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLA.
Lodging: $485 for a three-night stay, or approximately $162 per night, at Boardwalk Beach Resort
Best time to visit: May to October
Located in the Florida Panhandle, this scenic beach city is known for its long, glistening white-sand beaches and its popular amusement parks. Solo travelers who love the beach and exploring nature will love taking it all in. And to save money, solo travelers should check out these vacation rental options.
From the shore, you can sometimes even spot dolphins and sea turtles swimming in the ocean. Nearby Shell Island is home to St. Andrews State Park, where you have even more beaches and nature trails to explore. The historic St. Andrews district in Panama City, across the bay, is home to a bustling marina and top-notch seafood restaurants.
The clear, tranquil waters of Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler in British Columbia, produce bottle-green reflections of an island of conifers.
WHISTLER, CANADA
Lodging: $390 for a three-night stay, or $130 per night, at Alpenglow Lodge
Best time to visit: June through September, December to March
World-renowned Whistler is known for its majestic mountains, and they’re perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Whistler is consistently ranked as a top ski resort by publications like SKI Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler, and the resort’s village is filled with great restaurants, boutiques and day spas, attracting approximately 3 million visitors every year.
In June, you can still go glacier skiing at Blackcomb Mountain, and the rest of the mountain resort is open for hikers and campers looking to enjoy a slice of summer surrounded by nature. While hiking is popular in the summer, so are bungee jumping, biking and water sports.
The fall is the perfect time to take in some festivals, such as the Whistler Film Festival, Whistler Village Beer Festival and the Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra Marathon. You don’t have to travel with a group or partner to enjoy the lively events that take place year-round at one of North America’s most popular mountain retreats.
BRECKENRIDGE, COLO.
Lodging: $433 for a three-night stay, or $144 per night, at Der Steiermark Condominiums
Best time to visit: November through April, May to October
In the winter, Breckenridge is a skier and snowboarder’s dream, with 300 inches of annual snowfall and weather that’s just cold enough for great snow.
In the summer, Breckenridge is a great place to go on beautiful hikes, ziplining, whitewater rafting or biking. Downtown Breckenridge also has plenty of great bars and restaurants to enjoy, too. There’s no shortage of activities for solo travelers to do on their own.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO.
Lodging: $465 for a three-night stay, or $155 per night, at First Tracks
Best time to visit: June and August, December to March
During the summer, Steamboat Springs is ideal for hiking and cycling along the Yampa River Core Trail. And once winter arrives, it’s perfect for skiing.
For solo travelers on a budget, late March or early April — just before the end of the ski season — is a great time to visit, too. If you love the great outdoors, this is the place to escape to — especially if you’re traveling solo.
Other fun activities include fishing, kayaking and tubing in the summer, as well as ice climbing, dog sledding and snowmobiling in the winter. And for relaxation, there’s nothing better than taking a nice dip at Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
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