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Have you ever noticed how busy everyone is, or at least pretends to be?
That’s one of the reasons why the idea of solo travel has soared to new heights. If you’re an avid traveler and haven’t booked a trip for one yet, chances are you’re ready: It’s coming.
Just doing it has become one of the most popular ways to travel around the world, and perhaps best of all, there is no age limit!
No matter your age, more and more solo travelers are struggling with anxiety and booking trips alone.
Some are far away, some are popular holiday destinations and others are right here in our own backyard.
Kayaking just revealed the top 5 U.S. cities for solo travelers this fall, scoring each destination on a scale of 1 to 100.
5) Salt Lake City
Utah is so much more than Zion National Park and the butt of TikTok jokes. IYKYK
Salt Lake City has transformed its image from a sleepy city with strict rules to one of America’s trendiest destinations.
In fact, the underrated cityagainst the backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, last year broke tourism records, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the same results in 2024.
However, for solo travelers, SLC is among the best in the US
It should be easy to find some much-needed time for myself, with scenic hiking trails winding through the region and affordable lodging and dining options, earning a score of 54/100 on the Kayak scale, highlighted by the lovely hotels below the $200 per night.
Tip: Make time to visit nearby Ogden, a quirky, artsy town that defies Utah’s uptight stereotypes.
4) Atlanta
Atlanta is another city that is all the rage right now. The biggest concern of individual travelers is usually keeping their travel budget within limits.
ATL recently became the most affordable big city to visit in America. Kayak supports this in multiple categories, including flights, hotels, and incredible food.
All types of travelers can enjoy Georgia’s most remarkable city, but solo tourists will feel right at home in the mecca for “southern hospitality.”
The people are friendly and the food scene is phenomenal, ranging from southern delicacies like barbecue, chicken and waffles, and you know to save room for peach cobbler!
Kayak score: 65/100
Tip: Visit the Municipal Market for a variety of local main dishes, including chicken and waffles.
3) Chicago
They say the “Midwest is the best,” and if there’s one city that agrees with this assumption, it’s the “Windy City.”
Chicago is one of America’s few metropolises, just like NYC, and an endless playground for solo travelers.
Besides money, solo travelers always take into account the need to entertain themselves.
What better place than a city filled with world-famous museums, top restaurants and easily navigable public transportation?
Not to mention surprisingly affordable hotels like one of my personal favorites: the cozy and charismatic Old Chicago Inn with its own speakeasy.
Kayak score: 65/100
Tip: Make sure you make time to eat Mindy’s Bakery-one of my favorite places in the world to satisfy my sweet tooth!
2) Boston
Augustana was way ahead of their time with their hit Bostonsing “I think I’ll go to Boston, I think I’ll start a new life, I think I’ll start it again, where no one knows my name“.
It seems they were on to something, as many solo travelers aren’t looking for attention by going against the grain with this new travel trend.
Boston is a big city, but some areas often exude a small-town atmosphere. But if one thing is certain: solo travelers will not go hungry!
You’ll enjoy all the chowdah and lobstah you can imagine and spend your days exploring historic neighborhoods and a wide range of intriguing museums like the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA).
Plus, it’s undoubtedly one of the best big cities to enjoy autumn leaf-lined city parks.
Kayak score: 74/100
Tip: Try to save time by visiting the fascinating town of Salem, home of the historic Salem Witch Trials, just a 30-minute drive awayj.
1) Washington DC
Politics aside, in an election year, Washington DC is a year-round destination full of fascinating museums, underrated restaurants and affordable hotels.
Whether you are a history buff or not, our nation’s capital is fascinating to visit. Washington DC often seems like a movie set, but all the iconic sights are indeed real.
Being one of the most walkable cities in America, getting around isn’t a problem, but because DC is so deeply rooted in history, a walking tour might be the most fun.
Solo travelers will never have a dull moment as they jump from one historical place to another and earn a perfect spot Kayak score of 100/100.
Tip: DC on foot has an impeccable 5.0 rating on Google as the best walking tour in DC.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
