If you're experiencing a case of wanderlust this month, you might want to consider booking a trip. But not just any ol' trip: up the ante and embark on a solo vacation. Traveling alone can be liberating, help you meet the locals, and teach you a lot about other cultures. So if you're feeling adventurous and looking for some guidance on where to go (plus, what to bring with you!), we've got you covered. Ahead, our four top picks based on the kind of experience you may want to have.
Where: New Orleans
What to do: NOLA is a busy and popular city, so if you're traveling alone it's important to be aware of your surroundings. That said, expect to be immediately overwhelmed when you step out of your hotel . . . in a good way. There's booze and brass bands playing on every corner. Be sure to spend time indulging in fluffy beignets at Cafe du Monde, or pop into any of the bars on Frenchmen Street to soak up the local jazz sounds.
Inside your Weekender, you'll want to pack:
Where: Portland, OR
What to do: Whether it's the vast landscape or the revered food scene in downtown that draws you to Portland, you won't run out of things to do in this urban sprawl. Looking for activities? Take a journal and camera to the Rose Garden in Washington Park; if you're more of a bibliophile, carve out a few hours for Powell's City of Books, which is allegedly home to one million books. And going to these places alone means you can stay as long as you want!
Inside your Go Anywhere Carry-On, you'll want to pack:
Where: Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ
What to do: Highly regarded as one of the top wellness destinations in the country, Miraval's robust list of spa offerings closes in at around 100, meaning you should be able to find any form of treatment you need. Plus, there are 90 activities on site to get you active and even an acupressure stone walk for those tired feet.
Inside your Grand Traveler, you'll want to pack:
Where: Rome, Italy
What to do: Rome is perhaps the ideal place to travel alone. Between seeing the swarms of people visiting the Vatican, Colosseum, and other historical sites, you'll be hard-pressed to feel alone . . . or bored. But don't forget that if you want a rest day, you can spend an entire afternoon people-watching while sitting at a cafe.
Inside your Wheeled Carry On, you'll want to pack: