Five Ideas for Safe Solo Trips

Traveling Solo can be so much fun, but it can also feel a bit intimidating for anyone who is not used to venturing out in public by themselves.

Here are five ideas for safe solo trips for first-timers who want to get their feet wet.

Theme Parks - For Adrenaline Junkies or Just Because They’re Fun!

Theme Parks, especially those with their own resort area, can be a safe and fun solo trip. While some of the smaller amusement parks and county fairs may not like for individuals to ride alone, the big theme parks, including: Disney Parks, Universal Parks, the SeaWorld Parks (SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, etc.), and the Cedar Fair Parks (Cedar Point, Kings Island, Carowinds, etc.) will definitely allow you to ride any of the rides by yourself. Some of these bigger theme parks even have a Single Rider Line* that will allow you to skip the long standby line and pair you with odd numbered parties in order to fill in single spaces on rides, making operations more efficient and standby ques for Single Riders much shorter.

Taking a Selfie…

in Front of the Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World in February of 2021.

Due to security checks at the front of the parks and the family friendly atmosphere at most large, reputable theme parks, they can be a safe choice for someone wanting to travel on their own without worrying about increased safety issues. Plus, the added bonus of traveling to a theme park solo is getting to choose which rides you go on, what entertainment and shows you see, and what you eat without having to consult another person. Sometimes getting to do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it can be so freeing and relaxing.

*N.B. - Please Note that Single Rider Lines are not currently operating during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis. However, we anticipate that once everything returns to normal that Single Rider Lines will return in the major theme parks.

Virginia Beach, Outer Banks of NC, and Hilton Head (aka the Quiet Beaches) - To Soak in the Sun, Swim in the Ocean, and Read for Fun

Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Hilton Head in South Carolina offer solo travelers a relaxing beach vacation with less of the wild, spring break, party atmosphere of beaches such as: Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach, and even Daytona Beach.

Virginia Beach caters mostly to families, but has lovely quiet options for single adults. Both the Outer Banks of NC and Hilton Head are overall quieter more adult beach destinations that will allow solo travelers to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.

Spa Vacations - To Relax and Recharge

While a Spa Vacation may end up on a lot of lists as a Romantic Getaway, it can also be a great choice for a solo trip. Since many Spas are self contained with hotel rooms, restaurants or dining rooms, and the spa facilities, you may not need to leave the property encouraging complete relaxation and safety.

Depending on the type of trip you want to take, there are Spas for everyone.

Take a Museum Trip - to Enrich Your Intellect and Spur Your Creativity

While a Museum Trip may not be for everyone, spending a weekend (or a whole week) in a city with great Museums and taking in Historical Artifacts, Priceless Works of Art, and/or Scientific Breakthroughs can challenge your mind and spur your own creativity and inspiration.

Next to a Painting by Mondrian at MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) in New York City in February of 2019.

Like the previously suggested Theme Parks, Museums generally have security protocols in place that will ease the mind of Solo Travelers, allowing you to wander spacious halls and galleries and take in great works of art, without worrying about your own personal security. The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC, and the museums throughout New York City are great, but several smaller cities have truly spectacular and worthwhile Museums, as well. I could have spent three days getting lost in the World Class Museum that is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY, and the Historic Sites and Museums in Santa Fe, New Mexico offer more than enough opportunities to fill a weekend getaway (purchasing a New Mexico Culture Pass will get you into four attractions in Santa Fe).

Traveling Alone Together (aka Group Trips/Excursions)

Especially if you have never traveled by yourself before, or you are just generally weary of traveling completely alone, booking a Group Excursion or Trip can enable you to take a Solo Trip without really being alone. You will likely travel to the meet-up destination by yourself, and you can choose to either book a room to yourself, or have the tour group assign you a roommate (this is usually a less expensive option). If you choose a room to yourself, then you can have peace and quiet in the early mornings, break times, and evenings, but enjoy activities and meals with the group.

Group Trip/Excursion opportunities, include: Explorer Chick, Wild Women Expeditions, Adventures in Good Company, EF Go Ahead Tours, Under30Experiences, and G Adventures, etc. Many of these groups cater to specific types of travelers such Women or Young Travelers (ages 21-35), but there are plenty of Group Tour Companies that cater to everyone. Also, you may want to check your local Chamber of Commerce or Department of Parks & Recreation, as many such community groups schedule Group Travel Excursions throughout the year.