Florida Hotspot Named One of the Best for Solo Travelers
Traveling with friends and family can be fun and rewarding, but don’t underestimate the excitement of traveling solo. As it turns out, Florida has one of the most vibrant cities for solo travelers, according to experts. So, if you’ve never taken a trip by yourself, this city might be a good place for you to explore. It’s likely right in your backyard, too.
Best Cities for Solo Travelers, According to Experts
Where do you think are the best places in America to travel solo? It’s not the biggest cities, such as New York City or Los Angeles, according to a new study. The study is from OpenTable and Kayak and researched solo bookings at restaurants and hotels in major cities across the U.S. in 2023 and 2024. According to their study, solo travel is getting more popular, showing a 38% increase in solo hotel room bookings since 2019 and an 8% increase in the number of people going out to eat solo in the last year. The experts at OpenTable and Kayak also report that an upwards of 70% of all Americans have traveled alone and 81% of Americans have dined solo. I always see people eating solo when I’m out to eat, and I never think it’s out-of-the-norm, so this number doesn’t surprise me. If anything, I would think it was higher.
“Contrary to popular belief, some things aren’t better when shared (like a motel twin bed),” they state, adding, “That’s why 50% of Americans plan to travel alone this year, while 6 in 10 will dine as a party of one. For the freewheelers out there, we found the world’s top cities to see solo.”
So, what’s the No. 1 best city for solo travelers in the U.S.? It’s Washington, D.C., according to the study. They emphasize that this city is great for those who love nightlife, history and tours. Washington, D.C., actually scored a “solo score” of 100%, meaning it’s the perfect place to travel alone. If you love museums, don’t miss the Smithsonian.
Which Florida city is considered one of the best and most vibrant for solo travelers? It’s Tampa, which came in at No. 6 on the roster. Philly scored a 46% “solo score,” which is good. The study also says Tampa is great for those who love golfing, sports and art, which I’m sure we can all agree is true. When you’re in town, remember to be nice to anyone you see out there solo.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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