4 Cities That Are So Much Better to Experience on Your Own — Plus, What to Bring

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:

• low-heel ankle boots
• cute hat
• sunscreen
• aspirin
• dangly earrings

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:

• hiking boots to explore trails
• denim jacket
• good beanie
• thick scarf

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:

• sleep mask
• one-piece swimsuit
• aromatherapy candle
• yoga clothes
• sunglasses
• sneakers

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:

• camera
• rain poncho or great travel umbrella
• sunglasses
• journal to use while sitting at cafes