USA solo travel guide. Let’s plan your solo trip to visit one of the most popular destinations in our world today, the gorgeous U.S.!
As one of the most interesting destinations in North America, the United States is honestly a trip you will never forget. From coastal drives to volcano hikes, beach sunsets to unforgettable skylines, USA is home to solo adventures, unique culture, and gorgeous landscapes.
In this guide, I’m pulling all the stops. I will share everything from when to visit, where to go, what to eat, and what to do. Plus, I will give you a month itinerary you can use a template for your own trip!
So, if you’re planning to visit the United States by yourself, keep reading.
USA Solo Travel
As one of the best solo travel destinations, travelers in this huge country are met with so much. If you love unmatched variety of landscapes, world-scale attractions, and super friendly people, then you will absolutely love it here.
From hectic cities to beautiful nature, you can rest be assured that there’s something for every taste. For example, expect a chance to explore unique cultures, multitudes of cuisines, and incredible landmarks all in one country.
Of course, one of the best things about a USA solo travel is that it has well-connected transportation, English as the main language, and countless accommodation options.
Plus, plan trips to beaches, hiking trails, global museums, lively nightlife, or more. And all with the convenience of a developed travel infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the best time to visit may depend on where you’re headed. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are usually great for most places. For example, expect mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery.
Summer (June–August), on the other hand, is perfect for beaches, national parks, and festivals. Unfortunately, expect it to be hot and busy.
And then there is winter (December–February). In my opinion, this is great for snow sports in places like Colorado or Vermont, while Florida and Southern California will give you warm escapes.
That is, choose your season based on your activities—hiking, skiing, beach hopping, or city exploration—and the climate of each region.
And, finally, be ready to be charmed at all time!
Trip Planning for USA
Places to visit in the USA are not just things to see in the movies. For example, airports are easily accessible, public transportation is great in main cities, and there is something to do in every corner.
So, let’s discuss your trip planning for a USA solo travel. First of all, the country has major international airports in nearly every region. Top ones include JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), ATL (Atlanta), and ORD (Chicago).
Customs and immigration tend to take time, so prepare accordingly. Just make sure to follow the law, pay attention to the directions, and be cool.
Of course, domestic travel is easy thanks to reliable airlines and budget options. For example, airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit have fairly affordable flights.
If you’re covering long distances (e.g., New York to San Francisco), flying is often faster and cheaper than trains or buses. That said, I wouldn’t discount trains or buses as they lead to great scenery!
And, of course, many airports have efficient ground transportation. Most major cities have subways, shuttles, or ride-shares.
Meanwhile, I highly recommend that you pack light but smart. Include necessities like copies of documents, a credit card, cash, and a phone with offline maps.
I would also bring versatile clothing based on the region and season, and don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, a power bank, travel-size toiletries, and a first-aid kit.
If you’re coming in the summer, I think a reusable water bottle, snacks, and a compact day bag are useful for excursions.
Oh, and by the way, travel insurance is super important in the United States. This is because of the expensive healthcare costs, even for minor emergencies.
Plus, a travel insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and risky activities like surfing or hiking.
So, yeah, that about covers it.
Popular Destinations
How about an Oahu solo travel to for some alone time? Oh, yes. That is because your USA solo travel means an incredible trip to amazing destinations.
For instance, there are diverse landscapes, beautiful cultures, and out-of-this-world landmarks. Basically, everything from lively cities to national parks, the United States is a uniquely rewarding destination for every type of traveler.
California, Florida, and Hawaii are especially solo-friendly for their unique mix of culture, nature, and leisure.
For example, a California solo travel is truly an experience you may never forget. It means a chance to explore San Francisco’s pretty streets, Los Angeles’s creative energy, or San Diego’s laid-back beach scene.
Of course, Florida is another popular destination. A Florida solo travel is full of nightlife and art, the tropical vibes of the Florida Keys, and thrilling theme parks in Orlando.
Meanwhile, Hawaii is a solo traveler’s dream. For instance, expect welcoming locals, green landscapes, and quiet beaches on super popular islands.
Plus, don’t forget that the USA is also home to solo trips in major cities like New York and Chicago, too! A New York solo trip is a truly the experience of a lifetime.
That is, there are so many destinations. And the best part? They tend to be safe, scenic, and usually have solo-friendly activities—whether you crave connection or simply want to explore at your own pace.
Food for Your USA Solo Travel
American food is diverse and regional. For example, in influential New York City, you will have a chance to try bagels, pizza, and deli sandwiches.
On the other hand, Chicago is the capital of hot dogs. During the summer, Chicago is a fun place to eat, especially if you’re into baseball or lakes.
Of course, it’s not just about cities. Food here is super regional. Southern states, for instance, serve up barbecue, fried chicken, and gumbo.
And you definitely don’t want to miss Tex-Mex in Texas, lobster rolls in New England, or fresh seafood on the West Coast.
Meanwhile, food trucks in cities like Portland or Austin are some of my top recommendations. I find them to be so cool as they give you a chance to try exciting street flavors.
Also, you must try American classics like burgers, pancakes, and mac & cheese. Even if you normally don’t eat these types of food, I would highly recommend adding them to your list!
That is, your USA solo travel means that you will get to try diverse stuff and that is because each state offers local twists. For instance, food here is influenced by immigrant cuisines—Vietnamese pho, Ethiopian injera, or Cuban sandwiches.
And, please, don’t skip dessert. Try key lime pie or New York cheesecake!
USA Solo Travel Attractions
Go beyond a solo travel to New York City and see the whole United States. From iconic unforgettable landmarks to natural wonders, museums, unique music cities, and thrilling destinations, this is an incredible country to visit.
For your USA solo travel, start with top attractions in popular cities. For example, plan visits to Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Times Square, and the White House.
After that, go beyond cities with trips to Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. As you can see, this is how you see nature at its best.
Of course, art lovers should visit top museums. I highly recommend NYC’s MoMA, D.C.’s Smithsonian Museums, or Chicago’s Art Institute.
If you are into music and history, you will plenty to enjoy in Nashville, New Orleans, and Memphis. For instance, New Orleans is a unique experience because of its French influence.
Meanwhile, if you love road trips, I recommend Route 66 for a nostalgic road trip, and Niagara Falls for natural beauty. They are also great for other types of trips.
And, for thrills, try the theme parks. For example, there is the Universal Studios or Disney World for you to choose.
In other words, solo travelers tailor the US attractions to suit interests. For instance, choose from nature, culture, or urban exploration—or all of the above.
Where to Shop
Travel shopping is definitely on for this trip. Your USA solo travel is full of shopping opportunities. Americans love to shop.
As you go through your trip, you will notice that major cities have flagship stores, designer boutiques, and outlet malls. It’s really nice to have the options.
For starters, make sure to visit at least Fifth Avenue in NYC, The Grove in LA, or the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. You will get to go in and out of popular name brands.
And then, try the outlet centers like Woodbury Common. Personally, I love these as they tend to give you big brands at discount prices.
Of course, local boutiques in neighborhoods like Portland’s Alberta Arts District or Austin’s South Congress are super important. If you’re into unique finds, these will definitely make you happy.
Meanwhile, souvenirs range from mugs and magnets to artisan crafts. Bookstores, vintage shops, and flea markets are great for discovering one-of-a-kind items.
Plus, I recommend tuning into local shopping. For example, there are state fairs where people present all kinds of stuff.
And, speaking of states, don’t forget to check if states have tax-free shopping for tourists.
USA Solo Travel Itinerary
Before gathering your solo travel packing list, figure out the itineraries. For example, I think you need at least one month to fully experience the United States.
As a result, this itinerary uses a 4-week plan. On your first week, I recommend that you explore California’s city life and coastal vibes.
Now, in your second week, plan your USA solo travel in the tropics. Fly to Oʻahu and enjoy Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head, and the historic Pearl Harbor site. Continue to Maui or the Big Island for volcano treks, snorkeling, and beachside serenity.
Back on the mainland, during your third week, head to Florida. Your recent tropical experience in Hawaii will help you enjoy the culture, coastline, and fun. Begin in Miami, then drive through the Florida Keys, and end the week in Orlando.
For your final week, choose between epic nature or popular cities. If you crave the outdoors, visit Zion, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. Prefer culture and energy? Head to New York City or Chicago for museums, skyline views, and urban vibes.
As you can see from the final week, you could add an extra week to enjoy both!
What to Avoid
Although your USA solo travel is going to be amazing, there are still a few things to consider. For instance, I believe knowing what to avoid is important!
Let’s start with the basics. Avoid wandering unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. For example, research each city’s safer areas.
Of course, you definitely should not flash cash, expensive gear, or travel documents publicly. If you’re an influencer, stick to popular spots.
After that, you also want to avoid relying solely on public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. I recommend that you use a VPN.
Meanwhile, and this is very important, you don’t want to skip travel insurance. Believe me, it’s worth it for emergencies in a country where healthcare is super expensive.
Also, avoid overpacking or carrying too much, as you’ll be responsible for all your luggage. This is a very important point, especially if you take this guide’s itinerary and plan for an entire month.
Another thing to keep in mind is to skip tourist traps. In my opinion, they overcharge without value. For instance, read reviews first.
Avoid ignoring local customs or tipping etiquette. In the United States, the standard to tip 15–20%. If you’re in big cities, you can tip more.
Finally, don’t isolate yourself too much. Solo travel is about freedom, but it’s also about connection, even brief moments with strangers.
Final Thoughts
I hope throughout this guide you could see how the USA is an ideal destination for solo travelers thanks to its incredible diversity.
As I said, you will find everything here. From energetic cities to quiet natural escapes, with colorful cultures, world-famous landmarks, and a wide range of cuisines all in one country.
With English as the primary language, excellent transportation, and endless accommodation choices, getting around is also super easy.
So, whether you want beaches, hiking, museums, or nightlife, there’s something just for you with a USA solo travel.
Enjoy your trip!
AJ Paris is a travel photographer based in New York. He is the editor of Caravanzers.
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