By Alexa Evans
Single travelers should never feel left out of the loop when it comes to planning a vacation. Just because you don't have a significant other doesn't mean that you can't explore the city life and rugged terrain of the U.S.A. Below are some great single ladies' and single fellas'
vacation ideas that are sure to have you inspired to pack your bag.
The West Coast Calls
Nothing really tempts travelers more than the allure of the sunny shores of California. Solo travelers should consider a stay in San Francisco to absorb the vibrant nightlife and the historical quirkiness of the city by the bay. Book an organized tour to Alcatraz Island, peruse the eclectic "hippie" shops lining Haight Street and don't miss out on the many dance clubs packed within the Castro District.
Book a cheap flight, or take Amtrak down to Los Angeles where you can soak up some rays in Venice beach. The calm, laid-back attitude of this beachside community will entice you with a thriving cultural pulse and cool hangouts like The Sidewalk Cafe and the Venice Whaler.
Hop back on the train for the short three-hour trip to San Diego where you can rent a surf board and ride the waves of La Jolla Beach and Swami's. At night, cruise towards downtown and find a bite to eat in the historic Gaslamp District.
Explore the Southwest
It is pretty easy to claim that some of the most stunning scenery in the country is located in the Southwestern portion of the states, where towering buttes and glistening sands in the hues of reds, oranges and golds cover miles of territory. For the more adventurous single traveler, a trip to Utah, Arizona or New Mexico will satisfy any outdoorsy cravings. Schedule a pre-arranged tour that will take you camping through National Parks and an up-close view of the grand Monument Valley in Utah. Take your transport in an all-terrain jeep, brave the hiking trails and jump on horseback. Also consider renting a raft to paddle down the famous Colorado River.
Going Back East
The East Coast is alluring to the independent traveler because of the easy accessibility of so many big cities. Chart a route from New York to Washington, D.C. and Boston and explore the history and nightlife each has to offer. New York is awash with sites ranging from the Statue of Liberty, to Ellis Island to Central Park and has a huge variety of restaurants, bars and pubs to choose from. Explore the youthful vibe of Soho and the East Village and stop in for some of the best sushi in the city at the charming Cube 63.
In Washington, D.C. single travelers will never feel alone when they visit the many monuments and museums that tell the story of our nation's history. The college atmosphere of Georgetown also gives independent travelers more of a reason to feel welcome in the nation's capitol.
Boston is a great city to check out if you are flying solo. Check out the funky nightclubs of Axis, Bill's and Pravda 116. Baseball fans should book a seat at the famed Fenway Park and cheer on the Red Sox.
About the Author:
Alexa Evans is a freelance writer and marketing editor based in San Diego, Calif. Evans has been published in "Tango Diva," "Map Vivo" and "Trazzler." She earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
