Sometimes we have neither the time nor the money for a week or more of travel. At such times, we have to make do with trips that are short and close to home. What we typically look for is a fun and meaningful weekend getaway.
There are times when life closes in. It can happen suddenly or it can creep up on us. Stress can take a heavy toll. Responsibilities can pull us from ourselves. Fun can be hard to find.
A short trip to a nearby city, town, or nature park may be exactly what you need.
With some careful planning, a weekend getaway can deliver the change that we need, whether it's a simple break from the ordinary or something close to life-changing.
Below are some thoughts about how to plan a fun and meaningful getaway.
And below that are lots of destinations to consider as recommended by members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.
Planning a Fun and Meaningful Solo Weekend Getaway
Knowing and being honest with yourself is fundamental to getting what you want in this world. The same applies to planning your travels. Be honest about what you need from the trip. Don't think of what you can brag to friends about, think about what you really need.
- Get clear on your travel goals. Decide what you really want to get from your trip.
- Relaxation. Catch up on sleep, read, or go for a walk without the need to care for others.
- Learning. Break the feeling of stagnation by learning something new.
- Enjoying the outdoors. Whether it's hiking or lying on a beach, get the joy of fresh air and long vistas. Here are 10 cities around the world that will get you close to nature: Travel Solo into Nature.
- Rejuvenation. Go to a festival and grab some of the boundless energy of other festival goers.
- Shopping. If retail is your therapy, go to where it is the best.
- Testing your limits. If you're feeling stuck, challenge yourself physically, whether it's rock climbing or cross-country skiing.
- Igniting your brain. Literary festivals, conferences, and debates can shake the cobwebs and get your brain moving.
- Choose a destination. Don't spend too much of your precious time getting to your destination. Choose a place close to home that meets your travel goals. You'll be surprised. As you search destinations based on your criteria you will find options. From ashrams to rock climbing, from theater to music, B&Bs, hotels, spas, and resorts are typically within a few hours of home.
- Book your accommodation. With some amazing accommodation options these days, your accommodation can contribute to the success of your trip. Google “unusual accommodation” and your destination and you may find some surprising options. Here's what I found in Nova Scotia.
- Set reasonable expectations. Our satisfaction with a trip is always linked to our expectations of it. To reduce the chance of returning home disappointed, don't try to cram too much into your weekend. To increase your chances of a magical weekend getaway, be flexible and open to opportunities as they arise.
- Plan your transportation. This is a standard step necessary for all travel. Consider the time it takes to get there vs. the cost to make the best trip that is also budget friendly.
- Consider insurance needs. If you are going out of the country, or anywhere that your home health insurance will not cover you, be sure to get travel health insurance. Even on a solo weekend getaway, accidents can happen.
- Pack and go! Here's a link to our Bare Minimum Packing post.
Reader Recommendations for Short Solo Trips
Europe
Brittany – Salzburg, Austria “Even when I was living in the city, I loved exploring it on the weekends! You just have to be mindful. This historically Catholic city basically shuts down on Sundays, making it the perfect day for walks along the river.” We have a Solo Travel Destination post on Salzburg by Rosemary from the UK. Read all she had to say here.
Marie – “I love London, England and always make time for the Sir John Soanes and Geffrye Museums. Staying in Earlscourt, a tube train away from everything, can save you money.”
There are many posts about London on Solo Traveler including:
- Solo Travel London on a Budget: Top Tips for Free and Cheap
- Best Places to Stay in London: Accommodation for Solo Travelers
- Exploring London Solo with Ease
Rosemary lives in West Yorkshire UK and says that “a really good day trip would be to the city of York. Not for me as I have been so many times over recent years that I honestly think I have seen everything, but if you haven’t been and ever get to England, it's fab, especially if you like history, beautiful buildings, and interesting museums.”
Pamela lives in the UK and recommends Whitby. “It's a small coastal fishing village where Bram Stoker based the novel Dracula. It's very picturesque and lovely to walk through.”
Susan says, “Tavira, Portugal was my destination when I lived in Germany. I would sit by the river, have a shrimp salad and a beer and then explore local culture. Loved it there.” Tavira is a Portuguese city and municipality, situated in the east of the Algarve on the south coast of Portugal. The Gilão River meets the Atlantic Ocean in Tavira. We don't have a post on Tavira on Solo Traveler. If you'd like to add one please do so here. Until then, here's a Tavira guide.
Cécile also recommends a solo weekend getaway in Portugal. “Porto is fantastic for a short break from anywhere in Europe. It has friendly people, good food, and port wine. It’s very affordable, has beautiful architecture and colorful tiles, and it’s only a 15-minute bike ride or tram ride from the center to the beach.
North America
Sabrina lives in Missouri and recommends Colorado. “I love hiking, nature, and wildlife. My favorite is Rocky Mountain National Park. I go for a longer weekend or a full week, but it is definitely do-able for a weekend adventure. I feel very comfortable solo – actually, I prefer it.”
Bev has recommendations in several destinations. “When in California, head to Carmel and Monterey; when in London, travel to Oxford and Bath; when in Chicago, I just stay in Chicago!” If you take Bev’s advice and head to Chicago for a solo weekend getaway, here are some great tips: Budget Chicago: 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips.
Beverly lives in the Monterey Bay area of CA. “I am within easy driving distance to Big Sur. I did (and will do again) a solo road trip down to San Simeon to tour Hearst Castle. I also saw the Elephant Seals nearby. The absolutely breathtaking views through Big Sur were what inspired me, soothed my soul, and lifted my spirits. It was the most rejuvenating trip I ever took on my own. I highly recommend it!”
Angela lives in Niagara, Canada and works in the wine industry. She says, “Sometimes I like to be a tourist myself, so a nice weekend in the fall, is to rent an AirBnB in Prince Edward County (a few hours north east) and visit and tour the wineries there. Then I can have some fun and don't feel like I'm at work.”
Angela's home area is also a great option. Here’s how to fill three days on a solo trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake with recommendations for food, wine, theater, cycling, and more: Niagara-on-the-Lake Getaway: Culture and Sports in One Easy Destination.
Marilyn from Vancouver Island, BC recommends, “Head to Tofino. It’s wild and natural and has beautiful long sandy beaches. In the winter, go for storm watching. In the summer, go for surfing, kayaking, whale watching, or bear watching. You can shop in the artisan shops, eat fabulous food, and drink great local wines. Stay in a cute B&B or a fancy hotel. You will come home renewed.”
Kari is from Red Deer, Alberta. “I am a few hour’s drive from Banff, Edmonton, or Calgary, or I can go and spend time in the Badlands and see Dinosaurs at Drumheller. I also take day trips to Nordegg/Abraham Lake often.”
Here’s more on the Canadian Badlands: Facing Fear and Finding Spirit in the Canadian Badlands and Banff: Too Many Tourists in Banff? Here’s What to Do.
You might also enjoy Difference and Discovery: The Great Joys of Traveling Alone.
