Personal joy, self-discovery, independence, confidence, and meaningful connections are on the new wish lists for travelers today, and a trip by oneself is the most fun, indulgent way to check them all.
It used to be that traveling alone was the domain of backpacking, hostel-hopping wanderers, and perhaps the boldest, bravest among us who decided being single wasn’t going to keep them hostage at home. Today, a solo vacay is the ultimate indulgence for anyone—single, coupled, familied—a prospect with an allure that has never been so strong. It’s not a shock that 76% of millennials and Gen-Z are planning a solo trip this year, with 66% of these travelers aiming for journeys centered around self-love and treating themselves, according to the Amex Travel Trend Report 2024. With personal joy, self-discovery, and inner growth topping our life desires these days, a me-focused adventure makes a ton of sense.
“A solo trip is a great opportunity to tune into our own needs and preferences, which is part of us understanding ourselves better,” says Dr. Charlotte Russell, clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist, a blog that explores the psychology of travel. “It is a cliché to say, ‘traveling to find yourself’ but there is truth in this.
With no need for compromise, travelers can craft their dream trip exactly as they envision it. Maybe it’s trying something new like yoga, surfing, or cooking, or celebrating a significant life event. “Many people are seeking independence and the empowerment that comes from navigating new environments on their own,” says Tiffany Layne, founder of LaVon Private Luxury, which specializes in crafting bespoke travel experiences, and an advisor who has put together itineraries for solo explorers. Traveling solo certainly builds confidence and hones decision-making abilities, agrees Pamela Holt, avid solo traveler and expert who consults for television news, and is executive producer and host of Me, Myself & the World, a TV series that Holt says is designed to inspire others to solo travel and discover the world on their own terms. “My solo trips have all turned into self-discovery gold mines,” she says.
A trip alone offers various roads, so to speak, that lead to that personal growth. Venturing out on one’s own provides a way to break from the unconscious habits of daily life. With a new landscape, you realize, aha, this is what I like, what I don’t like, what I want to do when I intentionally think about it. “When traveling solo we are freer of expectations, our own and others, so we behave differently,” says Dr. Russell. “Being physically away from home enhances that further because nothing is familiar.”
And at the same time, going it alone fosters connections with others. Without the safety net of a partner, friends, or family, people often find themselves open to interacting with locals and fellow travelers. “Individuals are more approachable, leading to authentic cultural exchanges and even lasting relationships,” says Layne. “Plus, the flexibility allows for spontaneous adventures.” Holt believes these exchanges are extremely valuable: “They provide insights into a culture, hidden gems of an area, and most importantly, new perspectives, broadening a world view.”
Deciding on the right solo trip takes consideration. “Envision the travel story you’d like to tell many years from now—that will uncover the ultimate takeaway you desire,” advises Holt. “Then, assess your comfort level with different types of trips, and gauge what excites you: all-inclusive, on-your-own adventure, group tour.”
And what to know before your first getaway? Layne advises researching the destination to fully understand local customs, safety protocols, and cultural nuances. Working with a professional travel advisor can be extremely helpful. “Pack your wits and trust your gut,” adds Holt. “Preparation means you can depend on yourself and trust in your ability to make good decisions. With every trip you take, you’ll feel more self-assured, and the bonus is that independence will empower all aspects of your life.”
Layne’s biggest tip: “Embrace the journey with an open heart and a curious mind. Go with your instincts, be open to experience, and step out of your comfort zone. Remember, solo travel is about discovering not just new places, but also new facets of yourself.”
“When traveling solo we are freer of expectations, our own and others, so we behave differently.”
— Dr. Charlotte Russell, clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist
Here, some great getaway styles and dreamy destinations for a personal escape:
Ancient Traditions
Go deep at Six Senses Vana, Dehradun, India
In the dense Sal forest, with the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie to the north, Six Senses Vana is idyllic for anyone, but particularly solo travelers seeking holistic wellness and self-discovery. “India, steeped in traditional therapies such as Ayurveda, yoga, and spirituality, has become a sought-after destination for women especially exploring on their own,” says Jaspreet Singh, general manager. “It’s a place to focus on wellbeing and connect with one’s self and the surroundings.”
This place is deeply beautiful...in fact, it’s deep in every way. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed with a crimson mark on your forehead that sets the tone for immersion into this meditative paradise. By the time you leave, a red-string blessing around your wrist symbolizes the inner peace you’ve achieved during your stay. They even provide kurta pajamas to wear to keep your mind on more relaxing things than wondering how fancy to look for dinner.
The all-inclusive resort features 66 rooms and 16 suites with balconies or terraces and wall-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Sal forest, gardens, or mango orchards. And while it’s supremely serene, there is plenty to engage in for discovering passions and people-meeting (that is, if you care to). In addition to the personalized nutrition plan, wellness screenings, and consultations, there are daily activities like yoga, hiking, tennis, and various workshops on Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine, and natural therapies. There’s almost no way to leave this resort untouched in some meaningful way. sixsenses.com/vana
Photo courtesy of Six Senses Vana
“Individuals are more approachable, leading to authentic cultural exchanges and even lasting relationships.”
— Tiffany Layne, founder of LaVon Private Luxury
Photo courtesy of Conrad Los Angele
City and Culture
Take in the arts scene at Conrad Los Angeles
Stepping into Conrad Los Angeles, you can feel the pulse of downtown LA’s vibrant arts district. The hotel’s sleek design, by legendary architect Frank Gehry, pretty much stands for all the cool and creative things happening in this area. It’s a super modern, mostly glass, structure, with 305 rooms that provide outrageous views of the city that make you feel on top of the world, almost literally.
Situated across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and close to The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Colburn School of Music, the hotel couldn’t be better positioned for a culture- driven experience, providing easy access to the city’s hot spots, all accessible by foot. A solo traveler’s dream, not to navigate long evening treks or drives in unfamiliar territory.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a social hub with restaurant/bar Agua Viva that’s lovely for stargazing, people-watching, or people- meeting. The food is overseen by famed chef José Andrés, who also runs the restaurant San Laurel inside. The pool on this same deck is huge and fabulous and lets you swim in the sky after a day of museum-hopping.
Of course, besides sightseeing, art-gazing, and perhaps a concert, relaxing and rejuvenating should also be on the menu. The chic Conrad Spa offers awesome facials with Augustinus Bader skincare, massages, and cool tools for body recovery.
Come evening, the hotel transforms with the sunset that gets magnified through Gehry’s design. The city lights up, as does the energy of the neighborhood. You can sit back with a cocktail and take it all in. hilton.com/conrad
Outdoorsy Adventure
Hop on a Tuscany Wine Country Bike Tour
Cycling trips are ideal for lone travelers who want to experience the beauty of an area in an active and outdoorsy way, space to be alone to take it all in, but with the benefits of being part of a small group. Trek Travel conducts extremely thoughtful trips with a cap of 18 people that are very solo-friendly (30% of its participants are sole traveling), has experienced guides, and provides options to room either by yourself or with an arranged roommate.
The Tuscany wine country excursion (one of many trip options) includes six glorious days cycling through Chianti (you, vineyards, cypress trees, a gentle breeze...), visiting historic estates like Castello di Volpaia for wine tastings and gourmet lunches, and sleeping in luxe accommodations such as Castel Monastero, a restored medieval village and monastery. With activities like a private pizza-making class and visits to local markets, the itinerary is designed to immerse you in the region’s culture. While this is a trip of one’s own, you’ll never for a moment feel lonely. trektravel.com
Photo courtesy of Trek Travel
Photo courtesy of Riviera River Cruises
Set Sail
Cruise through Portugal and Spain on the Douro, Porto, and Salamanca Riviera River Cruise
Riviera River Cruises offers excursions that cater specifically to those traveling on their own. With no single supplements across the entire ship, you get the privacy and comfort of a spacious suite without the additional cost. Plus, it’s that perfect mix of time with yourself, and many opportunities to mingle. “We like to say solo travel is traveling alone together!” says Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president sales and marketing, North America for Riviera River Cruises. “Our shore excursions are prearranged, so solo guests don’t have to worry about logistics. Meals can sometimes be difficult for solos, but with our open dining they’re free to eat by themselves and take in the scenery from a table with a river view or to join others. And after dinner in the lounge, drinks are included so guests can mingle without worrying about who will pick up the bill. As this segment of the market has grown, we’ve increased the number of solo excursions to over 40 in 2024 and 2025.”
This seven-night, all-inclusive journey (one option of many destinations) takes you through the Douro Valley. Beginning
in Porto, the cruise meanders through the valley’s terraced vineyards and medieval towns. Highlights include guided tours of Porto and Salamanca, visits to historic Quintas for wine tastings, and a Flamenco show in Spain. The curated itinerary makes sure guests fully experience the local culture, history, architecture, and food of the region. The boat itself is a floating boutique luxury hotel with spacious rooms, high-end restaurants, and decks for loungey sight-seeing and stargazing. rivierarivercruises.com
Simple Pleasures
A luxury farm stay at Pendry Natirar, Gladstone, New Jersey
Pendry Natirar, sitting on 400 acres in Somerset County, New Jersey, is a farm, but a super-duper luxurious and gorgeous farm. If your idea of a perfect solo trip includes calm, relaxation, pampering, nature...all the simplicities of joyful living, this is your world. It’s also conducive to interacting with other guests or locals through the activities available when you do want some socializing.
Centered around a beautifully restored 1905 Tudor-style mansion, the resort is elegant and the living is back-to-basics farm style. With 66 guest rooms, there’s space for quiet and privacy, along with enough gathering places (gorgeous pool!) and activities (hiking, horseback riding, biking) to hang with others.
The resort’s extensive grounds include a 10-acre sustainable farm that provides fresh, seasonal ingredients to the restaurants. For those looking to grow their interests and skills, the on-site Cooking School teaches guests to whip up country dishes from local chefs.
Wellness is a big theme here, given the resort’s natural environs and simple-life philosophy, and that includes access to a great fitness center and the top-notch Spa Pendry where treatments are designed to rejuvenate both mind and body. Which, after all, is exactly what solo travel is designed to do too. pendry.com
Photo courtesy of Pendry Natirar
Photo courtesy of Calabash
Sun and Sea
Sit back at Calabash, Grenada, Caribbean
Calabash is located on the small, tranquil island of Grenada, one of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean, and only 21 miles long by 12 miles wide. But packed within that small space is a lot of beauty: 45 white sand beaches with warm, turquoise water, and a lush interior of rainforest that hides more than 18 waterfalls. There are small fishing villages, scenic walks, and large cocoa and spice estates that scent the air. You are pretty much guaranteed warmth and sunshine no matter what time of year you go, which is paramount when traveling on your own—the last thing you want when looking forward to prime beach time is unexpected rain, cold, and clouds that keep you stuck in your room solo.
The Calabash is a family-run resort that prioritizes taking care of its guests and making them feel like good friends. For any
lone traveler, this is a lovely comfort. You can easily spend your days unwinding by the infinity pool with views of the manicured gardens, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean at the secluded beach (water sport gear is complimentary), centering yourself with morning yoga in the garden pavilion, playing tennis, or checking out the local scene. You’ll also want to book a treatment at the holistic spa to reinforce the relaxation. calabashhotel.com