The USA is full of adventure, super easy to get to and is easy on your wallet, too — all the ingredients for a great solo trip!
Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of solo travel or you already have years of adventures under your belt, there's always a great trip waiting for you on the other side of the border.
Check out our savvy travel experts' tips on the best solo travel destinations, and how to avoid paying a single supplement when you get there.
San Francisco
San Francisco tops our list of the best places to travel solo in the USA because it just has so many darn options. You'll find one of the widest varieties of hostels, bed and breakfasts, and even capsule hotels. Whether you love hiking through a wild national park or exploring the veins of a big city, you'll be glad your path led you here. Plus, it's home to the Golden Gate Bridge. What's not to love?
New York City
With very regular flight schedules from Canada's major airports, New York is the ultimate spot for a last-minute solo trip to the USA. There's always something going on in this vibrant city, no matter what time of year you go and what you're into. From food crawls and drag shows to history walks and shopping sprees, you'll find more than you were looking for in the Big Apple.
Chicago
You don't just see Chicago, you hear it. And taste it, too. Join in the cheers from the stands at a Cubs game. Find an offbeat show at a neighbourhood theatre. Have your fill of Chicago style street eats and swanky speakeasies. If you want to travel alone in the US, put this destination on your must-see list. The Windy City will blow you away.
Seattle
Visiting Seattle feels like dropping in on that cool friend who's always ready for an impromptu dinner party and games night. It's easy to feel right at home, whether you're sipping coffee in Capitol Hill, gawking at sculptures at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, viewing contemporary works at the Seattle Art Museum and other art galleries, or dipping a paddle into Puget Sound.
Austin
How will you set the stage for your solo vacation in Austin? Indie bands and outdoor music festivals? Wine tours and food trucks? Days at the swimming hole and nights looking for wild bats? Austin is full of character and solo-friendly accommodation alike, so dive in! It's truly one of the best places to travel alone.
Memphis
Mmm, mmm Memphis! Soul food and southern barbecue could fill up your entire itinerary if you let it. Seriously! There's an endless amount of delicious food to enjoy here. But you brought an appetite for good tunes, too. Live music lovers should make a bee-line to Beale Street for an endless supply of blues, jazz, hip hop and rock 'n' roll.
Atlanta
Iconic meets unexpected in the historic city of Atlanta. Plan your visit to must-sees like Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Check out Buckhead shopping district, Krog Street Market, LGBTQ bars and clubs like My Sister's Room, and celebrations of art and culture like Atlanta's Trap Music Museum.
Phoenix
Are you the type of person that packs workout clothes in your suitcase… and actually uses them? You're going to love Phoenix. Home to scenic hiking trails and all kinds of desert adventures, outdoor lovers will never have a dull moment on your next solo trip. Check out the desert botanical gardens, South Mountain Park, Camelback Mountain and Papago Park. Book a tee-time at a championship golf course or a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Every bead of sweat is so worth it!
Maine
From hiking a piece of the Appalachian Trail to grabbing an extra piece of fresh-caught lobster, Maine is one of the best solo travel destination for those that want to enjoy Maritime life. Plus with a wide variety of hostels, campgrounds, cozy inns and cottages to choose from, you can perfectly tailor your getaway to your own pace and liking.
How to avoid paying a single supplement for your solo USA trip
Hostel stays
For the adventurous, the budget-conscious and the social butterflies. Shared common spaces keep rates low and your spirits high.
Capsule hotels
Capsule or pod hotels are designed for maximum space efficiency and an excellent rest. Many offer naps by the hour in addition to nightly rates, and most are priced per person, not room. Our favourite capsule hotels for solo travellers are:
- Hotel BnB Capsule Hotel in Chicago
- Sunset Edwardian B&B in San Francisco
- Nap York Central Park
- Pod39, Pod51, Pod Times Square and Pod BK in New York City (four capsule hotels with rooms designed and priced for either one or two sleepers)
Bed and breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts are innumerable across the USA and a super cool way to get a local's perspective of your destination.
Scroll down to that fine print and look for the words “rates based on single or double occupancy”. This means your B&B host charges by the person, not by the room — so you won't be paying double for your stay!
Now that you know about some of the best USA solo trips you can take, it's time to start planning! Get in touch with our travel consultants today. We have recommendations for everyone, from first-time solo travellers to solo female travellers and more.