The United States of America, one of the biggest countries around the globe, offers numerous adventures to indulge in your upcoming solo trip.
Each of the 50 states adds something different and unique, offering a wide range of things to satisfy every taste.
The US has a robust infrastructure, lots of excellent accommodations, and historical attractions that will leave you in awe.
But considering its size, what are the best places to travel alone around here?
Lucky for you, we have done our thorough research to unveil why you choose solo travel in the US, which places to visit, and some essential tips to take into account.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
3 Reasons to Travel Solo in the US
There are several reasons why you should choose the US to travel solo.
After all, it is the second most popular destination for solo travelers according to Statista, and offers an amalgam of extraordinary beauty like no other.
Below, let’s take a closer look at 3 of them.
Reason #1: Robust infrastructure
The USA boasts a well-developed public transportation infrastructure.
It has efficient public transportation systems in major cities like New York and well-maintained roads and highways.
Its well-connected trains and buses make it relatively easy to navigate and comfortably move from one destination to another. Megabus and Greyhound are among the most popular bus services in the United States.
Reason #2: Diversity
The USA has an inclusive society, with a diverse mix of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds.
Besides that, it boasts diverse and unique landscapes, national parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities to experience during your time there.
Reason #3: Solo-friendly accommodations
The US offers a range of accommodations suitable for solo travelers.
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and unique Airbnb stays, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Plus, many hostels cater specifically to solo travelers, offering numerous social activities and events to create connections among guests.
Up next, let’s take a closer look at some insider tips to take into consideration before your upcoming solo trip to the US.
7 Insider Tips For Your Solo Trip to the US
Below, we have rounded up some handy insider tips tailored for solo travelers exploring the US.
Tip #1: Choose a safe destination
Since the US is known to be huge, it makes sense that some cities and regions may have higher crime rates or safety concerns.
So, especially if you are a female solo traveler and want to feel more secure, then smaller States like Kentucky are solid choices. Kentucky tends to be quite safe with crime rates that fall below national averages.
Tip #2: Leverage public transportation
When it comes to cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, leveraging public transportation is your best bet, as they have robust public transportation systems that are cost-effective and convenient.
Plus, distances between different cities in the US are known to be usually bigger than in other places around the globe, meaning that options such as taxis are rather expensive.
Tip #3: Choose the month of your visit wisely
The US can be quite chaotic during busy travel months.
So, especially for solo travelers, it is advised to avoid traveling during high peak travel times to the US such as during American Thanksgiving and New Year’s, when the traffic is unbearable and the prices of flights within the country go up.
Tip #4: Take advantage of free attractions
As previously mentioned, depending on the State you plan to visit, the US can get quite pricey.
To overcome this and enjoy your solo trip to the fullest without worrying about returning home broke, you need to plan beforehand.
For instance, many cities offer free admission to top-notch museums and galleries on certain days, and national parks, and public spaces like Central Park in New York provide amazing opportunities for exploration without spending a fortune.
Tip #5: Stay connected and safe
Upon your arrival to the US, consider getting a local SIM card or an international plan to stay connected.
Free Wi-Fi is also available in many cafes, restaurants, and accommodations.
Try to stay connected at all times with your family back home and access maps, travel apps, safety apps like bSafe or Noonlight, and other useful resources to navigate your solo adventures.
Tip #6: Get travel insurance
Getting travel insurance is a vital step to protect yourself and your bank account from unexpected events while traveling alone in the US.
Unexpected expenses can have a big impact on your bank account, thus having travel insurance can help cover your travel investment and provide peace of mind.
Also, a lot of travel insurance providers offer travel healthcare plans that can last up to a year in case of planning multiple trips.
Before deciding, always check the availability and terms of travel insurance which can vary by location and provider.
Tip #7: Store your luggage somewhere safe
Before your next solo trip to the US, you should consider storing your belongings somewhere safe.
You can secure the safety of your bags and precious things with the help of a luggage storage app.
Luggage storage apps connect you with trusted local businesses and partners ready to take care of your belongings.
There’s a plethora of luggage storage apps to try out there, each with its pros and cons.
However, as objective as we can be, we take pride in ourselves that Stasher is your best bet.
Here at Stasher, we cover almost 4.000 locations in nearly 900 cities across the globe, including major ones such as New York, Paris, and London.
Several of our many advantages include:
- A wide range of locations across the world.
- Storage flexibility, which allows you to store your belongings for as long as you want, in various places from coffee shops and local points, to hotels and hostels near train stations and airports.
- Plus, in case you need to cancel your booking, regardless of the reason, we offer the option of free cancellation and a full refund!
Last but not least, we’ve designed Stasher to make the whole booking process easy through our user-friendly website and app.
If you are wondering how Stasher works in action, you can have a look at the demo we have created for you below.
Quite simple, right?
Up next, let’s move on to some of the best places to visit on your solo trip to the US.
The 6 Best Places to Explore When Traveling Solo in the US
The USA offers a plethora of magnificent places for solo travelers.
Below, we have compiled a list of 6 of the best places to consider for your next solo trip in the US.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is an ideal solo travel destination, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
It is generally safe to navigate around solo and embark on new adventures.
You can opt for walking or biking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views, or take a ferry to explore Alcatraz Island, the historic former prison.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire entices each traveler with its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.
It is generally safe for solo travelers, the crime rate is low and locals are welcoming.
Also, New Hampshire is very navigable for solo travelers and major cities are well-connected with public transportation networks and accessible highways.
Plus, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can enjoy a backpacking adventure in the towering White Mountains.
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3. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is an ideal destination for solo travelers and one of the most iconic natural wonders in the US.
As a solo traveler, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this breathtaking landscape without distractions, taking in its rugged cliffs and ever-changing colors.
4. New York
New York City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, with a wide array of things to do.
As a solo traveler, you can seize the opportunity to explore the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks, indulge in world-class cuisine, wander through diverse neighborhoods, and even catch a live theater performance on Broadway.
Also, regarding safety concerns, contrary to what people believe, New York City is generally safe for solo travelers, as long as you stay aware of your surroundings.
Plus, the subway system makes getting around easy.
5. Asheville
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a majestic place to visit as a solo traveler, especially if you are a nature enthusiast.
There are plenty of things to do by yourself such as hiking in nearby parks, enjoying the thriving live music scene, or admiring the numerous art galleries.
6. Boston
Boston is a fantastic city for solo travelers. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, museums, or just walking along the Freedom Trail, Boston satisfies every taste.
It has a vibrant atmosphere and amicable locals, and due to its compact size, it is extremely walkable and safe.
Let’s wrap things up with some final words.
Now Over to You
The US is undoubtedly one of the most popular solo travel destinations with no shortage of things to see and do.
It boasts a wealth of historical sites, culinary treasures, and diverse landscapes that one might need a much longer time than days to take in all of this beauty.
But before jumping on your new solo travel adventure, don’t forget to store your precious belongings somewhere safe!
Take a moment and go find a location to store your luggage with Stasher, and you’ll never have to stress about the safety of your luggage and other valuable items ever again.
