The 6 best trips for solo travelers in the U.S.

Traveling on your own is a convenient, rewarding, and empowering way to see the world. When you take a solo trip, you open yourself up to making connections with other travel-minded people. (Who knows—traveling solo may help you find a travel buddy!) And if you choose to hit the road solo with us, we remove the stress of booking flights, planning itineraries, and feeling lonely, since you’ll still be in a group.

The United States offers an array of memorable experiences, write-home-about-it moments, and breathtaking scenery—which you can see in the 17 most beautiful places to visit in the U.S. Plus, if you live in North America, you don’t have to travel too far to experience some of these great solo travel destinations. Whether you’re looking to go solo—not alone—and book one of our Solo Tours or want to join one of our group tours, we have you covered. Here’s our expertly crafted list of the six best solo trips in the U.S.

1. U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion

Few places evoke the majesty of America’s landscape like the Southwest. The red rocks carved by time, wind, and water create stunning terrain like no other. This is not only one of the best tours to take in the U.S., but the Southwest also shines as one of the best places to travel solo. Our U.S. National Parks Tour for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion offers the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own, an included private hotel room, and all the comforts of traveling in a group.

“We’d begin each day exploring with our Tour Director as a group to get familiar with our surroundings. Then, later in the morning, those who wanted to venture off on their own could, and those who wanted to continue exploring with other travelers or with our Tour Director could do that,” said staffer Lindsay. “This itinerary lent itself well to exploring however we felt most comfortable—on our own, alongside our Tour Director and other travelers in the group, or a combination of both.”

Stand-out moments on this tour:

• Hike into the Grand Canyon. You’ll set out on a scenic hike from the South Rim to Shoshone Point, guided by your Tour Director, who’ll point out the geological wonders and natural splendor of the landscape. View painted rocks, ponderosa pine forests, and panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon. Check out our tips for visiting the Grand Canyon before you go.

• Kayak, fish, or swim around Lake Powell, a massive man-made reservoir that spreads into both Arizona and Utah. The rocks surrounding this lake are like smooth, sandstone waves, so spending your day taking in the sights of this otherworldly local hangout is well worth your time. We consider Lake Powell one of the best solo travel destinations in the U.S. because there’s such a variety of activities to partake in both on and around the water.

• Stand in awe of Zion National Park. Step one foot in this dreamy world, and you’ll understand why its name means “holy place.” From the towering mountains to the breathtaking foliage and those classic red rocks, Zion is nothing short of an American treasure and reason enough to visit the Southwest solo. (Pro tip: If you like crystals, you won’t find a better selection than at the gift shops in this park.)

2. Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords

Awe-inspiring glaciers? Check. North America’s tallest mountain? Check. We could go on, but trust us when we say that Alaska lives up to all the hype, which is why we have it on our list of the best solo trips in the U.S. “The scenery feels like nothing else in the continental U.S., and if you are a nature or animal lover, it’s a must on your list!” said staffer Arlena.

Our Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords tour is a fabulous and fun way to absorb the wonders of this state. Not only do we make sure you get to see the can’t-miss sights, like Denali, and experience the once-in-a-lifetime encounters, like meeting a professional mountain climber, we also make sure you have your whole trip planned and booked so you can enjoy the magic of Alaska without any surprises.

Stand-out moments on this tour:

• Look up at the towering Mount Denali. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you tour Denali National Park with your Tour Director. You’ll learn about the park’s ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts—and possibly spot grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and eagles in their natural habitat.
• Cruise the glassy waters surrounding the Kenai Peninsula. When you take in the stunning views of Alaskan wildlife—from whales breaching beside you to bald eagles soaring above you—you’ll understand why this lands on our list of the best solo trips in the U.S.
• View untouched wilderness through the glass roof of a train. Admire views of the coast and forest as you travel along the route that National Geographic named one of the top train rides in North America. From Anchorage to Seward, enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of your seat as you look through the glass cab of the Coastal Classic Train—without the hassle of planning it—on this one-of-a-kind experience.

3. South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah

Who else is in the mood for some Southern hospitality? Journey with us on our South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah tour to two of the best places to travel solo in the U.S. There’s something poetic about experiencing these areas as a solo traveler. From their humid days filled with chirping cicadas to the welcoming nature of their cities and people (and the food they make), these are hands down some of the best places for solo travel in the U.S.

Stand-out moments on this tour:

• Immerse yourself in Gullah Geechee culture. Visit the Pin Point Heritage Museum, which celebrates the lives, work, and history of the Gullah Geechee people and highlights their craft and culinary work, such as the storytelling traditions and rice-based cuisine. Learn how this community, born from West Africans forcibly brought to America and enslaved, developed a native creole language of the same name, as well as distinct music, art, and traditions.
• Join countless historic tours (including some on a horse-drawn carriage). Charleston is one of the best places to travel alone in the U.S. because there are so many different historical tours to take. You may arrive solo, but you’ll never be alone with all the group tour options.
• Nosh your way through the Savannah restaurant scene. Did we mention the food? Bopping around the restaurants in this city is one of the best ideas for solo travelers in the U.S.—you won’t have trouble finding a fabulous restaurant here. If you had to pick one to visit in your free time on tour, choose The Grey and dig into what chef-partner Mashama Bailey creates in her kitchen. (Before you go, you can also drool over the menu in her episode of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix!)

5. Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui

Hawaii might be off the mainland, but we are very fortunate to call it a part of the U.S. This tropical paradise is full of bright, sunny skies, colorful and unique wildlife, and waves worth the trip just to watch (or surf). On our Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui tour you’ll see why it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to travel solo to unwind in some of the most beautiful nature America offers.

“This tour had a great impact on me, not only because it was the most mind-blowing scenery I’ve ever seen, but because I was a solo traveler,” said staffer Magnolia. “Although I never felt lonely due to my group, I did have some solo moments. Those moments really fostered presence and growth within myself—and what better spot for introspection than a serene beach or a hammock under a palm tree!”

Stand-out moments on this tour:

• Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube (or Nahuku). This cave, formed by ancient lava flows that you can walk inside, should be at the top of your Hawaii to-do list. Traversing this magical cavern will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
• See the astonishing Diamond Head State Monument. Add this extraordinary natural wonder—an inactive volcano—to your solo trip checklist under the “can’t-miss” category.
• Relax with a classic beach day. We recommend taking a moment to dip your toes (or your whole body!) in the crystal clear waters while you take a moment to appreciate the sun and sands of this surreal landscape. The beaches alone in Hawaii make this tour one of the best solo vacations in the U.S.

6. U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

Have you ever marveled at the backdrops featured in the hit TV show “Yellowstone?” Now, imagine seeing them in person! This guided tour, from New Mexico all the way to Wyoming, is one of the best solo trips in the U.S. due to, quite plainly, its all-day, all-night, nonstop natural majesty. Want to visit the national parks without feeling lost or intimidated by the magnitude of it all? On our U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour, we take care of the park passes, the guided tours, and the accommodations. You take care of the photo-ops, the smiles, and the vacationing.

Stand-out moments on this tour:

• Wonder at the Loretto Chapel’s miraculous staircase. How does it stand, who was the mysterious carpenter who built it, and where did he source the materials? Admire the beauty of this Santa Fe chapel while you ponder the mysteries surrounding this enigma.
• Peer into the vastness of the Grand Canyon. On a scenic walk along a section of the South Rim with your Tour Director, you’ll marvel at millions of years of geological evolution, striated by hues of red, orange, and ochre. To fully appreciate the sheer size of the canyon, add an optional helicopter ride and take in a bird’s eye view of the awe-inspiring landscape.
• Drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road. Enjoy the beauty of this national landmark—lush, green scapes, gushing waterfalls, and dramatic slopes of Glacier National Park.
• Soak in the magnitude of Yellowstone. The world’s first national park is an experience all its own. See the landscape, the bison, mountain goats—maybe even gray wolves! You’ll witness the awe-inspiring wildlife that began the national park preservation movement in 1872.

Ready to immerse yourself in some of the best places to travel solo in the U.S.? Book with us today!