Top 10 vacations for solo travelers

By Editorial Staff

updated 11:56 a.m. ET Feb. 12, 2008

Whoever decided that coupledom should determine the bulk of travel arrangements surely wasn’t a witness to the 21st century. More than ever, today’s travelers are keen to set out solo — whether due to competing work schedules, changing demographics, or a basic hankering for personal freedom — only to find themselves dinged with an expensive single supplement fee for the so-called privilege. Happily, our editors have turned up ten fantastic solocations (aka solo vacations) that are bucking the trend by offering vacation packages that downright discount or skip the notorious single supplement fees. So if you're itching for some alone time on your next vacation, you can now pick from beach vacations, spa getaways, culturally enriched itineraries in far-off destinations, and even activity-themed trips (think skiing, diving, golfing). Then, get out there and reap the benefits of your vacation for one.

1. Anguilla for beach bums
Cradled by calm Caribbean waters and some of the world’s finest white-sand beaches, the posh Lesser Antilles' island of Anguilla is a haven for travelers seeking some alone time. The intimate 17-room Arawak Beach Inn’s three-night Me, Myself & I package is the perfect year-round reward, too, with perks like a lobster dinner for one and a picnic-fueled day trip to the secluded beaches of uninhabited Scrub Island as part of the deal. Your Anguilla visit needn't be all about alone-time mind you, as abundant international restaurants, art galleries, historic sites, and superb snorkeling and diving spots await those who care to venture out for company.

2. Aspen for skiers
Skiing is the perfect sport for the solo traveler, what with wide open pistes and spectacular mountain scenery offering constant companionship, and the ability join the “single’s line” for quicker chairlift access. Of course, the sport is already a pricey endeavor, and single supplements don't help budget-conscious solo travelers, especially if you're trying to bed down in the Hollywood of the Rockies: Aspen, Colorado. Fortunately, the town does provide wallet-friendly options for single skiers willing to forego some glam, including up to 50 percent off dining-room menus simply for eating at the bar, and affordable single bunks at the well-maintained St. Moritz Lodge. Indeed, there's surprisingly good value to be had for going solo in Aspen.

3. China for culture hounds
With the Olympics just around the corner, fast-growing China is bursting on the world scene. Still, the sheer size of the country — not to mention the language barrier — can make it daunting to explore alone, even for the most courageous of travelers. Intrepid Travel solves this problem with vacation packages geared specifically to individuals with multiple departure dates throughout the year. Adventurous travelers set out in groups (max 12) for two-week journeys from Shanghai to Beijing, taking in the nation’s modern and historical sites, with stops along the way to party in cosmopolitan Shanghai, absorb the Buddhist wisdom of Shaolin, ogle the ancient Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, meet the nomads of Xiahe, and enter Beijing’s Forbidden City. The only caveat is that attendees do have to share a room; it's a good excuse to make a new friend.

More from ShermansTravel.com Top 10 travel destinations for singles Slide show: Top 10 guy getaways Spotlight on Costa Rica Top 10 girl getaways

4. Costa Rica for nature lovers
Costa Rica's surf-ready waves, thick rainforests, and steamy volcanoes are not for the timid. Thankfully, with the solocations on offer from O Solo Mio Tours, adventurous souls can embark on an eight-night journey through the country’s jungle-cloaked outback with fellow solo travelers. The action-packed Nature at its Best package highlights some of the country’s immaculate natural splendors this September 27-October 5, including canal rides through Tortuguero National park, hikes around Volcán Arenal (Costa Rica’s most active volcano which spouts and spews regularly), canopy tours in Monteverde, and nature walks and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park. The trip covers your hotel (with an affordable supplement if you want a single room), ground transfers, private coach for group touring, sightseeing, and most meals, including a farewell dinner. 

5. Great Barrier Reef for divers
Stretching 1,250 miles along Australia’s northeast coast, the Great Barrier Reef encompasses over 2,100 individual reefs in a span of 135,000 square miles. The immense underwater playground is perfect for divers looking for solitude, save for the abundant local wildlife that includes some 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and rare green turtles and dugongs (sea cows). Join the underwater party with Contiki Tours, whose year-round five-day open-water courses are geared towards single travelers. Kicking off from Cairns, Contiki organizes nearly everything from dive boat accommodations and daily meals to scuba gear and dive instruction. All you’ll need is a cozzie (Aussie slang for swimsuit) and an underwater camera to chronicle your time alone with the fish.

MORE FROM DESTINATIONS

Destinations Section Front

Africa and Mideast Asia Down Under and beyond Europe Mexico South America Tropical getaways U.S. and Canada Destinations Section Front   Add Destinations headlines to your news reader: