Lifestyle

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for nonstop activity or total relaxation. While traveling with friends and family can be a lot of fun, going somewhere alone has its perks. You get to choose everything — the destination, the hotel, the itinerary, the restaurants, how much money you spend and beyond. Only one opinion matters...yours. It's also a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people (if you so choose), unplug, rejuvenate and bask in moments of reflection — or even just escape reality for a few days. Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list. The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S. Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

You’ll Need at Least $9.8 Million Saved To Retire Comfortably in These 10 Florida Hot Spots

The Sunshine State seems to have the perfect blend of warm weather, beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle. There's a reason Florida is such a popular retirement spot. But Florida is also an...

The most romantic destinations

The most beautiful cities in the world for couples lie within the next few slides of this gallery. Steeped in history and culture, these cities bring out the lovebirds in all of us. Get lost in the cobblestone streets and fall in love all over again amongst the character that lies between these city walls. What are you waiting for? Swipe through to discover the most romantic locations for couples.

13 Beautiful City Skyline Photos Snapped Around the World

Dazzling views from the top await.

The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State

Why yes, we would love to reside in a place where we can pan for sapphires.

7 of the Most Ridiculously Long Interstates in the U.S.

Historic, iconic, impossibly long.

31 Rare Vintage Photos of Palm Beach

The glamorous Florida town has attracted socialites, celebs, and even royalty through the years.

10 of the Most Unique Museums In the United States

Add these one-of-a-kind destinations to your travel bucket list.

The 28 Best Westerns of All Time

Saddle up for a trip to Hollywood's version of the Wild West.

The Best Hiking Clothes, Shoes and Gear For Summer Treks

Whether it's your first hike ever or you're a hiking pro with several trails saved on your Pinterest board, you've got to dress for the occasion.

15 Things To Do In Gordonsville, Virginia

Make the trip and you might stay forever.

Northern Scotland’s Flow Country becomes world heritage site

The Flow Country, a vast and unspoiled blanket bog that carpets the far north of Scotland, has been made a world heritage site by Unesco. The planet’s largest blanket bog, the Flow Country covers about 1,500 sq miles of Caithness and Sutherland, and is the first peatland in the world to be designated by Unesco, after a 40-year campaign by environmentalists. One of the world’s biggest carbon stores, it joins sites such as the Great Barrier Reef...

9 Underrated Areas to Get a Vacation Home

These under-the-radar destinations are the perfect place to kick back and relax.

I walked, swam and kayaked over 200 miles down the River Thames - from its marshy source to the sea

Ed Pratt began his journey in Gloucestershire - where the river originates. Its starting point, known as Thames Head, does not have a fixed location, but arises from a group of shifting springs.

After a Night at These Luxurious New International Hotels, You’ll Never Want to Come Home.

Wanderlust is not a deadly sin.

'It's special because it's kept its authenticity'

The picturesque village in County Antrim has just been made a Unesco World Hertiage Site.

America's most noteworthy swamps and bayous

Swamps and bayous count as some of the most compelling natural landscapes in America. Confined mostly to the southeastern corner of the United States, swampland is defined as forested wetland. Characterized by a broiling and humid climate, swamp habitats are quite unique for their variety of flora and fauna, examples of which include the iconic cypress and tupelo tree. Of stunning visual appeal, America's swamplands rank among some of the most fascinating ecosystems in the country. So, where are America's hottest swamps? Click through and be swamped by this list.

These Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Nope, this isn't Italy.

Style or Function? Experts Pick the Best Luggage Brands for 2024

We travel a lot, so we wondered recently if we were getting all we could out of our usual road-trip luggage. To find out, we turned to the style and product experts at Esquire and Good Housekeeping for advice on the best luggage brands.

21 Creative Ways to Use Rocks in Your Landscaping

Carve out naturally beautiful borders, stairs, and sitting areas.

These Garden Arches Can Transform Your Backyard Into a Beautiful Oasis

Adding visual interest to your outdoor space has never been easier.

Are These Bucket List Trips Actually Worth The Hype?

You might just have to see it to believe it.

Kate Courtney, the American mountain bike sensation aiming for gold in Paris 2024

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa review – a female Everest climber’s ascent

This portrait of title subject Lhakpa Sherpa, the only woman to have summited Mount Everest 10 times, is so densely packed with uplifting moments that at times it feels like emotional mountaineering – but the climb has terrific views. British director Lucy Walker (Waste Land, Blindsight, Bring Your Own Brigade) toggles back and forth between on-the-snow-face footage of Lhakpa’s latest ascent and interview material where she recounts her life, a...

Driving From Miami To Key West? Here's Where You Should Stop

Picture this: You’ve got your car packed and you’re ready to hit the road from Miami to Key West. You're just a few hours away from this glorious little island town where it’s always 5 o’clock, everyone is laid back, and there’s music coming from every corner. There’s only one way to drive through the Keys, and that’s straight down US-1 aka Oversea...

Dollywood Now Has The World's Largest Jar Of Duke's Mayo

The Smokies resort is in their mayo era and we’re here for it.

20 of America's Best Historic Homes You Definitely Have to Visit

Yes, it's time to plan a trip!

The Most Iconic Wine Competition of All Time Is Being Redone — Here's What to Know

A lot about the wine world has changed since 1976.

The 8 Oldest Restaurants in New York City

These iconic restaurants have withstood the test of time.

The 15 Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

Celebrate mom more than once a year with these curated trips!

Discover the magnificent beauty of Brazil's plateaus

When you think about Brazil the first things that come to mind are beautiful beaches and lush forests, but the good news is that there's even more to Brazil when it comes to natural beauty. Those who enjoy practically untouched natural landscapes and a good adventure will love to learn about the Brazilian chapadas. These plateaus are rock formations with altitudes that range from 300 to 2,810 meters (985 to 9,219 feet) above sea level. The chapadas boast rich fauna and flora as well as breathtaking views! Click through the gallery for a tour of some of Brazil's most jaw-dropping natural wonders.

15 Countries Worth Visiting for an Epic Drive

Whether it's the awesome roads, incredible terrain, or lax driving laws, plan your next road trip with this guide to our international favorite driving spots.

National Geographic’s top 30 travel destinations in 2024

Whether you're looking to set your vacation in wildlife havens or urban escapes, National Geographic Traveler is the perfect companion in helping you decide. The magazine publisher curated a list of the most exciting destinations to visit in 2024, all with the purpose of showcasing a wide variety of worldly interests: culinary excellence, national parks, and even cultural landmarks. And the best thing? These are not only summer destinations! If you want to travel anytime this year and are unsure where to go, this list just might inspire you! Ready? Click through the following gallery to find out which places you should be booking a trip to for your next holiday.

Airport completes £20m security scanner upgrade

Passengers will not have to remove small liquids from their bags as they go through security.

Truly Fascinating Places You Won't Believe Are in the United States

From lunar-like landscapes to European-style castles.

13 Amusement Parks in the U.S. That Are Completely Free to Enter

A few even charge you nothing for parking and entertainment. Amusement parks are synonymous with so many wonderful things: fun in the sun, rollercoasters and carousels, games galore and delicious food. And all in a colorful, jubilant, family-friendly setting. The only issue? Joy like that does not typically come cheap. Or can it? Well, at these 13 amusement parks across the U.S., from the Golden to the Garden States, you can save on one very important front: entry. While the vast majority of amusement parks — including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens — require tickets just to walk through the gates, these resorts and parks do not. Of course, if you want to ride the rides or snack on the snacks, you'll still have to open your wallet. (A good thing can only go so far!) But if you're someone who's more about the vibes than the rides, this is the list for you. Make sure you scroll to the bottom: There's one very famous park that's about to go "open gate" with its water parks for guests staying on property. (Hint: It's home to a special mouse!)

Southwest ditching its unassigned seat policy shows how budget airlines' business models are getting upended

Low-budget airlines are rethinking their business models as they face an uphill battle for not following their high-priced peers' footsteps.

I've visited dozens of all-inclusive resorts, but there's one in Mexico I can't wait to return to

I've stayed at dozens of luxury all-inclusive resorts, but there's one kitschy, themed spot in Mexico, that really impressed me: Margaritaville.

"Appalling sabotage": an omen of Olympics full of danger and fear?

Friday will see the start of the Paris Olympics, and just Friday morning France faced sabotage on the TGV rail network. Some 800,000 people are feeling the effects of coordinated arson attacks. French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra spoke of an "appalling sabotage" which she said was probably linked to Friday's opening ceremony, on the Seine in Paris. "What happened was neither the first nor the last of the difficulties we'll face. This...

Beautiful Cities in Greece That Deserve More Love

Don't overlook these hidden gems!

11 Under-the-Radar Resort Towns for Design Lovers

Get there before the tourists start taking them over.

7 Costco Items To Buy for Your Carry-On Luggage

There's a fine line to tread when shopping for items to go in your carry-on luggage at Costco. While shoppers won't be able to find travel-size items for sale at $1 prices, certain bulk buys and...

The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Your Lifetime

Some standards and some surprises–all dazzling destinations to tempt you on your next trip.

Forget the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre — here's what you need to do in Paris, according to someone who's been a dozen times.

The Montparnasse Tower and Les Catacombes are some of the best places to go in Paris after hitting the touristy spots, a frequent traveler says.

Heading to Milan? These Are the 21 Travel Essentials to Pack

Don’t leave the house without these jet-setter must-haves.

Yes, You Can Book a Stay at These Celeb-Approved Hotels

You might get starstruck at these luxury properties.

Hidden Travel Gems for a Luxury Vacation in the Midwest

How many of these places have you visited? Discover the luxury and charm of the Midwest, where historic towns and serene landscapes offer unforgettable vacation experiences. From shopping local, tasty dining, to outdoor activities and unique hotels, these destinations provide the perfect blend of relaxation. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Rapid City, or experiencing the Dutch heritage of Pella, these Midwestern locales promise to elevate your travel experience. Are you ready for your next adventure on the road less traveled? Here are our favorite hidden travel gems of the Midwest.

30 Rare Photographs Taken at Chateau Marmont

The iconic Hollywood hotel has been a favorite among celebrities for nearly 100 years.

These Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Pamper Your Pup in Luxury

Save this for your next road trip.

30 things to do in Europe at least once in your life

One thing is certain, there's no shortage of things to do in Europe. It's a continent of diversity and history, filled with unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. From famous cities like Paris and Istanbul, to beautiful eastern European national parks and quirky Dutch architecture, everywhere you turn, there's something great to enjoy. And if you're lucky, you'll make multiple trips in a lifetime just trying to see it all. From island hopping in Greece to taking a train into the Swiss Alps, click on for 30 things you need to do in Europe once in your lifetime.