Not all of us have (or want to have) someone to travel with, but that doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t travel. Solo travel is the most obvious solution, but that’s not easy for everyone either. Solo travel IS intimidating. Doing anything by yourself for the first time can be intimidating, especially something with as many variables as travel.
However, the only way to get better at solo travel is to practice, practice, PRACTICE!
So, you’re just going to have to do it anyway. To help ease you into solo travel, it is slightly more comfortable to start off by traveling to a domestic city to get used to the logistics of traveling alone in a somewhat still familiar environment. By solo traveling to a domestic city, you (usually) don’t have to worry about language barriers, currency exchanges, or vastly different laws or social etiquette. It’s like dipping your toe into solo travel instead of jumping in and hoping you know how to swim.
Since solo travel can also be expensive since you aren’t splitting hotel or rideshare costs, these are the six best US cities for new solo travelers to visit while staying on a reasonable budget!
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is one of my favorite domestic cities – and it’s also the perfect destination for new solo travelers. For those living in the south, east coast, and midwest, it’s also very affordable to travel too. While most of the south is known for it’s charm and hospitality, Savannah takes it up a notch with its easy-going residents who love telling stories almost as much as they love their city. It’s more old-school than Atlanta, but more artsy than it’s sister Charleston, South Carolina, lending the perfect atmosphere for new travelers who want a mix of everything.
Many of the attractions in Savannah are free by design, like strolling down the historic city square, through Forsyth Park, or even exploring the eerily famous Bonaventure Cemetery. Depending on when you visit, you can also come across live music and free festivals around River Street.
Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
Where to stay: Planters Inn
Full city planning guide: Life with Larissa
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Palm Springs, California
As a born and raised Californian, Palm Springs is like a second home to me. It’s very slow paced and easy-going, with a mix of vintage mid-century modern shopping, stunningly unique outdoor activities, enriching cultural museums, and calming spaces to indulge in some good ol’ fashioned R&R – and there are experiences for every price range!
Palm Springs is one of the most popular destinations in the US for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and for good reason. Everyone is down for a fun and friendly time. Chat up the local bartender for their favorite recommendations or go out with your new best friends you met at Oscar’s Drag Brunch. For the ultimate budget hack, visiting during the summer when hotel prices can be slashed up to 50%, and you can find inexpensive eats at the numerous local diners and food trucks.
Best time to visit: Early Spring (February to April) and Late Fall (October to November)
Where to stay: Delos Reyes Palm Springs
Full city planning guide: Homeroom Travel
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Indianapolis, Indiana
People still mistakenly consider the mid-west as “flyover states,” when in reality they are some of the best destinations in the US for budget solo travelers. Indianapolis is big enough to feel like a different environment, but small enough to not be overwhelming.
Indianapolis in particular is a fantastic budget-friendly city, with free or low-cost attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the scenic Canal Walk, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The city is incredibly walkable, cutting costs from needing a rental or multiple rideshares, so you can easily explore the city’s quirky shops, diverse dining options, and charming cafes. Bikeshares are readily available, so you can hit up the many parks and biking trails curving through the city.
Best time to visit: Early Summer (May-August)
Where to stay: Wyndham Noblesville
Full city planning guide: Where Tara Went
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is an excellent budget-friendly destination for solo travelers, especially for history buffs, offering a rich mix of iconic American sites, diverse culture, and vibrant neighborhoods without breaking the bank. Plus, for East Coasters, it’s well connected to other major cities, making it accessible via plane, train, or bus for a great price.
Many of the city’s iconic attractions, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are either free or have a low admission fee, making it easy to explore on a budget. Solo travelers can stroll through historic districts, enjoy outdoor spaces like Fairmount Park, or indulge in Philly’s famous food scene, with affordable options like cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and food trucks – all of which come with a side of passionate locals that love to tell you about their amazing city.
Best time to visit: Fall (September-November)
Where to stay: Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Full city planning guide: The Next Somewhere
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Leadville, Colorado
For new solo travelers that are also nature lovers, there’s no better state to test the waters than Colorado. Known as the highest city in the U.S., Leadville offers budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, motels, and campsites, making it easy to stretch your dollars.
Catch up with other travelers at a local cafe or in the lobby of hostels and gear shops in town, making new friends while experiencing the beauty of the Rockies without a hefty price tag. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy free activities like hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the nearby national forests or the scenic Turquoise Lake, all surrounded by stunning mountain views. The town itself is steeped in history, with several museums and historic sites to visit at low costs. If you plan on backpacking and camping outside of designated campgrounds (where other people are present), be sure to download offline maps and carry your own emergency kit.
Best time to visit: Summer (May-September)
Where to stay: Tiny House Leadville
Full city planning guide: The Partying Traveler
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Detroit, Michigan
Last but certainly not least, a city that I had no idea would charm me the way that it did. Detroit.
Best time to visit: Early Fall (August-October)
Where to stay: Hotel Royal Oak
Full city planning guide: The Awkward Traveller