Great Destinations for Solo Travelers

Where to Go When You Go It Alone

Looking for a different kind of vacation that lets you travel at your own pace and on your own budget? Solo travel may be for you and is growing in popularity – so much so that Priceline held its first solo traveler sale last year. The team at Joe’s Airport Parking took that as a sign of the times, read dozens of reviews and built a list of six destinations that might be perfect the next time you decide to go it alone.

International

Costa Rica

For those seeking a safe and spectacular introduction to Central America, there’s no better place than Costa Rica. The country is rich in rain forests, fabulous culture and fantastic things to do. Since it’s a favorite of tourists from all over the world, it should come as no surprise that it’s also very accessible by air and most of the locals speak English. In addition to viewing a wealth of diverse wildlife, you can also enjoy night safaris, white water rafting, ziplining and other adventures. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Report also ranks Costa Rica as the sixth-safest place in the world for female and LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Austria

Love hiking and skiing? Or city living surrounded by alpine beauty? You’d be hard pressed to find a more perfect (or affordable) destination than Austria. The cost of living in Austria is about 50% lower than that of Switzerland, so accommodations and entertainment also cost far less. Vienna is rich in history and culture, and the mountains not only provide a lovely backdrop but a wealth of recreation. Most locals speak English, eliminating those pesky language barriers, and a great public transportation network makes it easy to travel car-free. Austria is also ranked third in the world for safety on the Global Peace Index (GPI).

New Zealand

Looking to get as far away from home as possible? How about the other side of the world? New Zealand may be a small country, but it offers a big world of safe travel experiences for solo travelers – especially if you’re a nature lover. From its pristine glaciers, mountains, fjords, rainforests beaches to its bustling city life, it’s no wonder it was the site of many of Peter Jackson’s Lord of The Rings films. New Zealand is so rich with a blend of natural beauty, adrenaline-boosting recreation and tourist-loving locals it’s easy to understand why it’s a favorite of first-time solo travelers.

Domestic

Portland, OR

Known for its quirky culture, creative food trucks and indie spirit, Portland is a haven for solo travelers seeking creativity, nature and laid-back charm. The city invites exploration through its walkable neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Alberta Arts. Solo visitors can enjoy Powell’s City of Books, artisan coffee shops and craft breweries. The city’s efficient public transit and bike-friendly streets also make getting around easy. Nature lovers will especially love nearby Forest Park and day trips to the Columbia River Gorge. With a welcoming vibe, eclectic events and thriving arts scene, Portland offers plenty for solo adventurers to discover.

Nashville, TN

Known worldwide as Music City, Nashville offers travelers a unique blend of entertainment and Southern hospitality that’s hard to beat. Start by visiting famous venues like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks of Broadway. Enjoy live music any night of the week, sample a variety of killer barbecue and discover artsy neighborhoods like East Nashville. The city is walkable in key areas with friendly locals and fellow travelers sharing an easy-going vibe. But there’s more to Nashville than music and entertainment. Green spaces, museums and art galleries all offer a quiet retreat, making Nashville’s charm undeniable.

Santa Fe, NM

You may be familiar with Santa Fe’s famous hot air balloon festival, but it’s also a great destination for solo travelers seeking culture, creativity and tranquility. Known for its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene, the city offers rich experiences in museums, galleries and historic landmarks like The Plaza and Loretto Chapel. The Petroglyph National Monument features drawings and carvings that are up to 700 years old. Of course, you can also indulge in local Southwestern cuisine and unwind at world-class spas. Santa Fe’s blend of history, spirituality and artistic energy make it ideal for meaningful solo travel.

These are just a half dozen destinations you might enjoy discovering solo. A quick online search is bound to uncover dozens more. What matters most is figuring out what will really bring you joy and then planning ahead…like reserving your safe parking space with Joe’s Airport Parking. It’s the first step to traveler peace of mind – but availability is limited, so we suggest you book now.