Study: 20+ best U.S. destinations for solo travelers in 2024

• Safety: Travel with peace of mind
• Cost of living: Know what to budget for
• Number of attractions: Plan your itinerary
• Internet speed: Stay connected (or go off-grid)  

1. Atlanta, Georgia

• Safety score rank: 11
• Cost of living index rank: 7
• Number of attractions: 936
• Internet speed: 92.1 Mbps

2. Tampa, Florida

• Safety score rank: 18
• Cost of living index rank: 3
• Number of attractions: 774
• Internet speed: 128.92 Mbps

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

• Safety score rank: 7
• Cost of living index rank: 6
• Number of attractions: 678
• Internet speed: 58.19 Mbps

4. Scottsdale, Arizona

• Safety score rank: 14
• Cost of living index rank: 12
• Number of attractions: 537
• Internet speed: 150.42 Mbps

5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• Safety score rank: 2
• Cost of living index rank: 10
• Number of attractions: 369
• Internet speed: 34.18 Mbps

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

• Safety score rank: 30
• Cost of living index rank: 5
• Number of attractions: 995
• Internet speed: 119.23 Mbps

7. Boise, Idaho

• Safety score rank: 15
• Cost of living index rank: 2
• Number of attractions: 292
• Internet speed: 121.96 Mbps

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Safety score rank: 4
• Cost of living index rank: 21
• Number of attractions: 418
• Internet speed: 97.68 Mbps

9. Napa Valley, California

• Safety score rank: 16
• Cost of living index rank: 36
• Number of attractions: 921
• Internet speed: 226.5 Mbps

10. Sedona, Arizona

• Safety score rank: 5
• Cost of living index rank: 28
• Number of attractions: 558
• Internet speed: 83.71 Mbps

11. Austin, Texas

• Safety score rank: 34
• Cost of living index rank: 14
• Number of attractions: 1,255
• Internet speed: 133.18 Mbps

12. San Diego, California

• Safety score rank: 17
• Cost of living index rank: 45
• Number of attractions: 1,781
• Internet speed: 112.72 Mbps

13. Portland, Maine

• Safety score rank: 13
• Cost of living index rank: 30
• Number of attractions: 417
• Internet speed: 208.14 Mbps

14. Nantucket, Massachusetts

• Safety score rank: 8
• Cost of living index rank: 16
• Number of attractions: 156
• Internet speed: 180.63 Mbps

15. Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Safety score rank: 10
• Cost of living index rank: 41
• Number of attractions: 175
• Internet speed: 164.03 Mbps

16. Miami, Florida

• Safety score rank: 32
• Cost of living index rank: 25
• Number of attractions: 1,761
• Internet speed: 95.03 Mbps

17. Chicago, Illinois

• Safety score rank: 43
• Cost of living index rank: 20
• Number of attractions: 2,493
• Internet speed: 116.94 Mbps

18. New York City, New York

• Safety score rank: 21
• Cost of living index rank: 49
• Number of attractions: 1,759
• Internet speed: 119.1 Mbps

19. Lake Tahoe, California

• Safety score rank: 24
• Cost of living index rank: 27
• Number of attractions: 485
• Internet speed: 154.6 Mbps

20. Bend, Oregon

• Safety score rank: 12
• Cost of living index rank: 19
• Number of attractions: 251
• Internet speed: 50.24 Mbps

Top 50 solo travel destinations

Solo traveler checklist

Before you book

• Research your destination: Learn the best time to visit and identify must-see attractions and activities.
• Budget: Create a travel budget, including accommodations, transportation, food and activities.
• Calculate travel time: Select a mode of transportation and see how long it would take to get from the airport to your hotel and other attractions.
• Create a rough itinerary: Map out potential accommodations and attractions, and draft a schedule around your must-do activities.

Before taking your trip

• Book your flight: Secure your transportation to and from your destination.
• Get travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and theft.
• Choose accommodations: Select a home base for your adventure.
• Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.
• Make copies of important documents like hotel reservations and tickets.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family and establish regular check-ins.

While packing

• Pack light: Choose versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate.
• Pack climate-appropriate items like sunblock or thermal layers.
• Prepare necessary medications: Bring enough for the entire trip.
• Bring electronic essentials like phone chargers, power banks and a camera.
• Pack a reusable water bottle to avoid having to buy single-use plastic bottles.
• Take a first-aid kit in case of an emergency while you’re alone.

While traveling

• Know where you’re going: Download navigation apps and offline maps for your destination.
• Use reputable transportation options like public transport or verifiable rideshares and taxis.
• Avoid notoriously risky areas, especially at night.
• Sign up for social events: Go to public spaces and engage in group tours or activities to meet fellow travelers. 
• Carry cash: This is ideal when visiting mom-and-pop shops or off-the-beaten-path excursions.
• Keep your belongings securely attached to your person and be mindful of pickpockets.
• Send souvenirs: Avoid heavy bag fees by sending yourself and your loved ones souvenirs by mail.
• Document your travels: Whether that means just for yourself or sharing on social media.
• Get plenty of rest: You can’t enjoy your adventures if you’re exhausted. 

Methodology

• Safety — 35 points: The crime rate of each destination was taken into consideration to ensure that solo travelers feel safe during their trip.
• Number of attractions — 30 points: It’s important to have a wide range of both group and independent activities to choose from.
• Cost of living — 25 points: The average cost of a meal and accommodations can help you understand which destinations are in your budget.
• Internet speed — 10 points: Staying connected is a great safety precaution and can also help digital nomads get the job done while traveling solo.