Do you have any suggestions for a solitary vacation?

Can we plan an itinerary anywhere in the 50 states? Do you have an unlimited budget? Do you like to drive?

My brother took a cruise by himself. He said that a cruiseship was a good choice for someone traveling alone. The other passengers were very friendly and welcoming. Also, cruiseships have assigned dining room seating, so he always had company and conversation for dinner.

My best solo vacation was joining a bicycle tour of Vermont. It wasn’t a singles tour, all though there were single people on it. We ate dinner together, some of us toured some things together. And all our meals were covered, and are bags moved from one place to another.

A friend did a hostel trip to Maui. Cheap place to stay, people to meet but not for dating.

A trip to Washington DC would also work, plenty to see and do.

@gailcalled Anywhere in the United States or U.S. territories. My budget is not unlimited, but it’s pretty good (for practical purposes, let’s say $3,000 to $4,000). Driving is fine, but since I only have a week, I don’t want to spend the majority of the time driving. I also have a 100 mile round trip commute to and from work every day, so I think I’d rather get somewhere and stay in the general vicinity.

@zenvelo Although I am physically fit, I don’t think I’m up to a bicycle tour. I’m thinking something more relaxing and peaceful. Your suggestion about D.C. is a good one, but that reminds me that I should eliminate a few places off the bat (D.C. being one of them). I live in Tennessee, so I don’t want to stay in the state, I have family in D.C. so I’ve been there many, many times and I’ve also been to NYC many times, so let’s pass on that as well.

Again, I LOVE LOVE LOVE history, so places where I can immerse myself in that would be wonderful. Along the lines of Colonial Williamsburg (which is definitely in the running), but perhaps less well known.

I would go to Sarasota Florida. The time of year is perfect. Stay on Anna Maria island. There are Ford and Edison estates nearby. Sarasota is the winter home of Ringling Brothers and the Ringling art museum is great.

The beaches are wonderful.

You could also take a little ride to Venice (about 20 miles) and pick up a prehistoric shark tooth.

@diavolobella Are you thinking of a winter vacation or a summer vacation. Some places would be dreadful to visit in January but lovely during July (e.g. Montreal). The opposite’s true for hot, southern climates.

@marinelife Ooh, that sounds LOVELY!

@PaulSadieMartin I’m planning on going as soon as I get my tax refund, so February or March.

Once, when I had a lot of points acuumulated and had to use them up quickly or lose them – I flew as far away as I could and spent a few days there.

If you don’t want skiing and the cold, I would suggest the Navajo and Anasazi national monuments of the South West…there is also good art in Taos and Santa Fe, lots of craftspersons weaving rugs, throwing beautiful pottery and making nice jewelry, good Mexican food and gas stations designed like adobe haciendas.

The birding is terrific, if that is your thing.

Some ideas

Canyon de Chelly
Chaca Canyon
Mesa Verde’ Anasazi cliff dwellings

Fly to Phoenix and rent a car. My husband and I did a two month jaunt by car across parts of the US…from Philadelphia to Denver and then south to AZ, NM and then home east through TX, the deep south states on the water, and then N. from Georgia to PA.

I loved the areas best that I mentioned above. Seeing the rockies was fun but seen one high snow-covered peak and breathed thin air, seen and breathed them all.

@gailcalled That sounds really nice. At the risk of sounding like Kevin Costner in “Dance With Wolves” I’ve always wanted to see the West. I have been pondering the possibility of a dude ranch since I love to ride.

^^^My mother and her boyfriend, both in their late eighties, found a dude ranch that they loved, somewhere near Palm Springs. I will never be able to remember the name.

Edit; Rockies

How about a tour of the antebellum plantation homes of the Mississippi Valley. I haven’t done this myself but it is on my to do list.

@flutherother That’s also an excellent suggestion.

@diavolobella: Seeing the plantations is a wonderful idea but not at this time of year. I took my daughter to Charleston, SC just for that in April, when the rhododendrons, azaleas and other magnificent spring flowering plants were in bloom. There were also house tours of the landed gentry who had a lot of Georgian silver that their forebears brought from England and even more wonderful wrought-iron.

A cabin in Flagstaff.

Haven’t done a solo but you cannot beat the Grand Staircase/Escalante region for peace, serenity and beauty (if you like desert).
Also, there is a spot not too far away called Toroweap overlooking the Grand Canyon. It is a small campsite that I do not think gets much in the way of visitors. Only about 15 campsites about 60 miles from the paved road. Solitude, contemplation, rich photographic opportunities and within hiking distance of Lava Falls. But, do not consider that particular hike without the proper equipment and without researching it. Several people have died on that trail (dehydration and exposed faces) so know what you are getting into beforehand.

Quebec City would be great but not in winter probably. I second the West Coast of Florida; you might also consider San Antonio or the San Francisco Bay area.

Thanks. Again, it’s going to have to be in the U.S. since I don’t have a passport. I’ve been to Florida so I’m thinking I might head west (young man..um, older woman).

West would be fun – just figure out what temperature is acceptable to you and check it out. I was surprised to learn that Sante Fe is cold in the winter.

And may I say it is great to see you around again – you cute little bunny, you?

@janbb I’m actually sort of looking for a little cold weather. Sure aren’t getting any here. :) and thanks! it’s nice to be back

My ex wife went on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and said it was fantastic.

OMG, definitely do the dude ranch thing! I’ve heard they’re so much fun. Riding, learning to herd and rope… He’ll I’m a Texas gal, never done that, and I’d love to do that for vacation! I might hide in your suitcase…

A spa retreat that includes scenic hikes would be high on my list.

I made friends with a girl who was doing Disneyland alone. I was with my 3 yo granddaughter. She was having a blast meeting people in line. I invited her to dinner with my granddaughter and I and we watched World of Color together. I never saw her again but she was late to dinner because she had made other friends. If you have an outgoing personality it could be a blast.

@Judi Actually, I’ve thought about Disney World, but I went on vacation there in 2008, 2009 and 2010 (with my kids twice and with my boyfriend once). Trust me, I LOVE Disney and I’d definitely be up for going there alone, but I thought I might try something different.

@diavolibella,
Hubby and I will be in Disneyworld next month!

@Judi Lucky!!!