4 Affordable US Cities for Solo Travelers on a Budget
Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets, said solo travel is an appealing option for taking a break from your daily life and unlocking a new level of freedom. She explained it's also a great way to get yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people, unwind and rejuvenate on your own terms.
However it can also be stressful to plan -- and hard on your budget.
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"Over the years, I've helped many solo travelers book their trips, and I know how overwhelming it might be at times to manage everything and choose the best destination when there's no one else helping with these decisions," she said. "While going overseas might seem like a tempting option, I would advise starting with a domestic solo trip that will be a less stressful and more convenient option, especially for those traveling alone for the very first time."
Here are Zach's expert insights on the best cities for enjoying your solo trip this summer without breaking the bank.
Salt Lake City
Zach said if you'd like to visit parks and go on picturesque hikes, Salt Lake City, Utah is a great place to start. She suggested Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Island State Park as some of the many options near the city that any nature and active adventure lover will appreciate.
Additionally, Zach said because the city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, it offers free admission to Utah Olympic Park, which features two public museums.
"Other activities that don't require a lot of money include visiting the Utah State Capitol building, botanical gardens and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts," said Zach. "If cultural events are something you enjoy just as much as nature, don't miss out on the many outdoor concerts in Temple Square, which is a perfect place to meet like-minded people."
Zach said during the high season, you can book hostel dorms for as little as $27 per night, but on average, hotel rooms or apartments go for $50 to $120 per night.
"In general, prices in Salt Lake City are very reasonable compared to other domestic travel destinations," she said.
San Antonio
If your solo travels take you to the Southern U.S., Zach suggested San Antonio, Texas as a destination. She said it's a family-oriented city, known as one of the best and safest vacation spots across the U.S., and it's also one of the cheapest places to visit, especially in comparison to other Texas cities such as Dallas.
"San Antonio is so much more than an image of colorful umbrellas by the river walk," said Zach. "In fact, it's the second biggest city in Texas, full of history, Mexican culture, amazing food and outdoor fun, and there is plenty to do in San Antonio when traveling solo.
"Visit the popular Alamo Catholic mission, stroll along the popular River Walk, wander around the Pearl District, take a safari drive at Natural Wildlife Ranch, explore Natural Bridge Caverns or have a lovely picnic at Brackenridge Park to get the most out of this wonderful city on your own or in a group of other travelers, as there are plenty of tours available in the area," she said "And if you need a little break from the big city life, I suggest taking a quick day trip to Krause Springs, about an hour-and-a-half drive from San Antonio."
On average, Zach said to plan to spend around $130 per day on your vacation in San Antonio, with accommodations around $65 to $70 per night.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, which Zach said is a big, vibrant city with a small-town vibe, is located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and surrounded by evergreen national forests.
"It's close to natural and historical wonders, like the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon and the Wupatki National Monument, while the city's downtown is a destination on its own, with plenty of restaurants and bars to fill your time between outdoor adventures," she said. "If you're into space, the famous Lowell Observatory is another spot to visit just outside of town. Be sure to also see the award-winning permanent exhibit 'Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau' at the Museum of Northern Arizona. And if you are an anthropology lover, the city also has an arboretum and a planetarium with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored."
According to Zach, a solo trip to Flagstaff costs around $165 a day, while hotel rooms go for an average of $85.
Destin, Florida
If you're looking for a more upscale solo travel experience that's budget-friendly, Zach said to consider Destin in northwest Florida.
"It's known for its Emerald Coast beaches, many golf courses, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and nice weather all year round," she explained. "Destin also has a white sandy coastline with crystal clear waters that make it perfect for a beach getaway with breathtaking views and fewer tourist crowds."
Zach said many travelers say Destin gives out Caribbean vibes without having to take a flight to any of the exotic islands outside of the U.S. Additionally, she said there are plenty of exclusive beach rentals to choose from for as little as $100 per night.
"This city offers everything from golfing, rock climbing and ziplines to snorkeling and dolphin tours to world-class festivals, firework displays and other unique experiences that are great for meeting other solo travelers," she said. "If you have ever dreamt of a vacation in Florida, I recommend Destin as a very spectacular beachfront destination to add to your bucket list this year, with average daily costs of around $190."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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