There are few occasions when I feel more alive, more like myself, than with a passport and suitcase in hand. Traveling invigorates my mind in a way that’s hard to match — all the sights and sounds and details to take in — it’s nothing short of transformative. And, while I love traveling with friends, family, and (the best travel partner of all) my husband, there’s something very special about solo trips. Solitary travel gives me the space to go inward, push outside of my comfort zone, and also kindle my sense of confidence.
Last year, amid the chaotic throes of wedding planning, I decided that I desperately needed some time to self-reflect and mentally prepare for the next, exciting chapter of my life. The solution: a “solorette” party.
What is a solorette, you ask? Similar to a bachelorette party, it’s a celebratory pre-wedding event. However, instead of a group vacation or night out with friends, the solorette is all about taking time for yourself. This can mean a nice meal out alone or a solo spa day — but personally, if it’s possible, I’m a big advocate of taking a little trip (even a staycation) in order to give yourself enough time to unwind.
While I initially thought this idea might seem odd to other people, after writing about my experience last year, the solorette concept turned out to really resonate with readers. In fact, many people noted that they wished they’d done this before their wedding — to which I say, it’s never a bad idea to take a solo trip, especially if you’ve never tried it before.
“A first-time solo trip is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and embrace true independence,” says travel expert Jennifer McClymont, “but preparation is key to making it a smooth and fulfilling experience.”
Admittedly, planning solo travel (solorette or otherwise) can feel intimidating, but I promise it’s doable and wildly rewarding. “Start by choosing a destination that feels both exciting and manageable, somewhere with a strong infrastructure, a welcoming culture, and a reputation for being safe,” McClymont says. “I also recommend planning key logistics ahead of time, such as accommodations and a few structured activities, while leaving space for spontaneity. Most importantly, trust your instincts, be open to meeting new people, and embrace the freedom of discovering a place entirely on your own.”
As for where to go, the list is endless. But there are a few things McClymont recommends: “A great solo travel destination balances safety, accessibility, and cultural richness. Look for places with reliable transportation, walkable cities, and a strong solo travel culture where meeting like-minded explorers is easy.”
It’s also a great idea to find a destination that offers a mix of structured experiences (think: guided tours, cultural workshops, etc.) along with places to explore autonomously. And, of course, a solorette can be the perfect opportunity to travel to somewhere meaningful or a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
That said, if you’d like a bit of inspiration, I’ve compiled some of the best places for a solorette trip (most of which are in close proximity to a major city, for ease of travel), based on my own personal experience and the advice of travel experts.
Experts Featured in This Article
Jennifer McClymont is a travel expert at Naya Traveler, a bespoke travel planning agency.
Maria Spitman is a reservations supervisor for Goway Travel specializing in Asia and Europe.
The 14 Best Solorette Destinations
1. Paso Robles, CA
I have to start this list off with my very own solorette destination: Paso Robles. As a born-and-raised Californian, I love exploring my home state (there are so many beautiful places, after all), but I hadn’t visited this part of Central Coast wine country until last year. I found that Paso Robles is a lovely spot that’s bursting with small-town charm, offering enough activities to fill a weekend, without feeling overwhelming. I highly recommend staying at the charming Farmhouse boutique hotel, or its sister property River Lodge, where I spent a nice pool day.
During my visit, I had fantastic dinners at In Bloom and The Alchemists’ Garden, along with great coffee from Spearhead. There are also a number of wineries located in the area, plus tasting rooms in town (I’m partial to Tank Garage Winery). I also suggest meandering in the downtown area, where you’ll find a number of great galleries, boutiques, antique stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
If you’re visiting from out of state, and have the time, I would add a couple of days in Santa Barbara, which is one of the most picturesque coastal towns. For lodging, The Hotel Californian is a classic, and I’ve heard fantastic things about the Drift hotel.
2. Santa Fe, NM
With its picturesque landscape, incredible arts scene, phenomenal food, and sense of wonder that seems to whisper in the breeze, Santa Fe is a great place to find peace and solace before a monumental life event.
Traverse the iconic Museum Hill, which is peppered with vibrant galleries, or check out Meow Wolf for a more modern, immersive arts experience. The downtown area is also quite charming, with unique stores and boutiques, and great food.
For a bit of self-care, try the Ten Thousand Waves spa, or soak in the hot, spring-fed pools at Ojo Santa Fe (one of my closest friends recommended this spot to me, and it’s now my favorite place to stay in Santa Fe).
3. New York City
I may be biased after spending nearly a decade of my life in this high-energy city, but I believe New York truly has something for everyone. As travel expert Maria Spitman suggests for a solorette trip: “Leave room in your schedule for adventure and whimsy! You can find the best bakeries, restaurants, street art, and more just from wandering a city.” In my experience, there are few US cities that offer better opportunities for unfettered exploration than NYC.
On the same day, you could walk from the charming streets of the West Village, stop in at the Whitney Museum, take a stroll up the High Line, then take the train uptown to peruse the latest exhibit at the Guggenheim. Or, for an East Side day, start in the Seaport, then make your way through Chinatown and Little Italy, and stroll through the vintage shops in the East Village. And, of course, that’s just Manhattan — each borough is packed with endless culture, food, and other unique gems to enjoy. (As a former Brooklynite, I also highly advocate making the trip across the river.)
If you’re looking for something a bit slower-paced than New York City, I’d recommend taking an Amtrak up to Hudson. Stay at The Maker Hotel, grab a bite at Le Perche or Feast & Floret, and peruse all the charming shops on Warren Street.
4. Hawaii
While Hawaii may be considered an idyllic honeymoon destination, I think it can actually make for a great solo excursion, as well. Enjoy a great book while lounging on the beaches of North Shore in Oahu, tour a Kona Coffee farm on the Big Island, or maybe even take a surf lesson in Maui.
Or, for a more rejuvenating retreat experience, I can’t rave about Sensei Lanai enough. If you sign up for their Optimal Wellbeing Program, a wellness team (including a nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and mindfulness coach) works with you to address your health goals. This includes a custom itinerary of activities and workshops (think: breathwork classes, yoga, hiking, massage therapy, and more). What’s cool about this experience compared to other spa retreats is it’s designed to give you actionable tools to continue to use long after the trip — for instance, some of the meditation techniques I learned on this trip allowed me to finally embrace the practice at home (which certainly came into play during wedding planning).
5. Santa Monica, CA
For a seaside vacation that’s not quite so far as Hawaii, I’m admittedly pretty partial to SoCal beaches.
Santa Monica is an iconic California staple, with plenty of great food and shopping (pro tip: head over to Montana Avenue rather than the very popular Third Street Promenade). For lodging, there are plenty of gorgeous beachside properties (like the newly renovated Sandbourne Santa Monica), but I also love the charming Wes Anderson-esque Georgian Hotel or the chic Santa Monica Proper. From Santa Monica, you can also explore so many Los Angeles sights and an endless list of incredible dining experiences.
If you have the time, or simply prefer a quieter beach experience, drive down the coast to Laguna Beach. In my humble opinion, this is where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches in the state (and perhaps the whole country), with secluded coves and turquoise waters that rival the Cote D’Azur (there’s a reason they call it the Riviera of the Americas.) Stay at the charming Casa Laguna or opt for a more luxe experience at the Montage Laguna, which notably has a top-tier spa.
6. Portland, ME
Another coastal gem, Portland is a quintessential New England destination for a reason. This charming town is packed with fantastic food (eat all the lobster rolls you can muster), a vibrant arts district, quaint downtown, walkable waterfront, and historic sights, like the Portland Head Lighthouse. I’m partial to The Press Hotel (I am a journalist, after all), a very cool property that was once the headquarters of the Portland Press Herald newspaper.
7. Japan
Eager to take your solorette journey abroad? McClymont says Japan is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a sense of tranquility and introspection. “A stay in a Zen temple, participating in a tea ceremony, or wandering through Kyoto’s ancient shrines provides an opportunity to slow down and reflect before a new life chapter,” she says. “The country’s deep-rooted traditions encourage mindfulness, making it perfect for those who want a moment of peace and self-discovery.”
What’s more, as far as large cities go, Tokyo and Osaka can feel incredibly safe and accessible for solo travelers — especially with a seamless public transportation system that can help you traverse different cities and sights.
8. Paris
Paris is called the “City of Love”, and I think that sentiment extends to self love, as well — voilà, the perfect solorette destination. Take yourself on endless solo dates in this iconic city: peruse vintage shops in the Marais; wander the Tuilieries, then pop into Musée de l’Orangerie to marvel at Monet’s water lilies; browse the shelves of Shakespeare and Company; pore through a good book while lounging in the Jardin du Luxembourg; sit in a cafe for hours while journaling about your hopes and dreams; and eat all the croissants and crepes and mouthwatering pastries you wish.
In case it isn’t clear, Paris is one of my favorite places in the world, and I have spent a significant amount of solo travel time in this city. On my most recent trip, I stayed at the Chouchou Hotel, which is optimally located in the Opéra neighborhood, just blocks from the Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette. The rooms are chic, there’s a restaurant on site (which has a lovely breakfast spread and live music in the evening), and it’s a great home base for any Parisian adventures.
9. New Zealand
Calling all nature lovers: New Zealand offers an idyllic, empowering solo adventure destination, according to McClymont. “Its stunning landscapes encourage self-sufficiency, resilience, and independence,” she says. “A solorette here is about embracing personal freedom, hiking dramatic trails, and connecting with nature before stepping into the next phase of life.”
10. Oslo, Norway
I visited Norway for the very first time last year, and spent a couple of solo travel days in Oslo. I found it offered the perfect balance of culture, wellness, and lovely nature — all wrapped up into one very walkable city. A few highlights that I’d recommend to any fellow solorettee: tour the Oslo Opera House; check out the Munch Museum and National Museum; take a stroll through Frogner Park; try a communal sauna and ocean cold plunge experience; get lost in the stacks of Deichman Library; and browse the vintage shops in Grünerløkka.
As a female traveler, I felt incredibly safe in this city, even walking back to my hotel after dark. Plus, all the people are so kind — I found myself befriending waiters and boutique sales associates, and I’m still friends with some of them on Instagram.
11. Lisbon, Portugal
On my very first solo trip to Europe right after college, I traveled to more than a dozen cities, but Lisbon stood out as one of my absolute favorites. I adored eating fresh seafood and pastel de nata, wandering the hilly streets, learning about the history of Fado music, and meeting fellow independent travelers. And, beyond Lisbon, I loved everywhere I visited in Portugal — from the vibrant city of Porto to the fairytale-like Sintra.
McClymont also notes that traveling to Portugal for a solorette can provide a deeply spiritual and introspective journey, particularly if you embark on the Camino de Santiago, which has various routes, one of which starts at a cathedral in Lisbon. “Walking this ancient pilgrimage route allows travelers to reflect, set intentions for the future, and fully embrace solitude while surrounded by breathtaking countryside,” she says. “The journey is both physically and emotionally rewarding, offering a meaningful transition before marriage.”
12. London
London was the first stop on that aforementioned solo trip, and I remember feeling so content to explore the city — popping into the Tate Modern or V&A Museum (fun fact: all the museums in London are free), strolling along the Thames, enjoying high tea, seeing a show at the West End, and just allowing myself to get lost in the city’s iconic neighborhoods.
As for where to stay, there are so many great options, but I’d highly recommend The Londoner boutique hotel. It features an entire wellness floor (called The Retreat, with a Roman bath-like pool area, gym, juice bar, salon, spa, and more), perfect for some rest and relaxation before your big day. Plus, it’s centrally located near Covent Garden, which is a great jumping off point.
13. Thailand
Create your own transformative “White Lotus” wellness experience (sans all the drama, of course) in Thailand. Spitman notes that she loves traveling to Thailand for the stunning bays, caves, and forests to enjoy nature by day, with active nightlife and saucy entertainment in the evenings.
And there are so many great cities to explore in the country, beyond just Bangkok. Spitman particularly recommends Chiang Mai, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Phuket, which she says are all great choices for a solorette trip. Pro tip: “If possible, choose one home base for your trip and arrange small group or private tours when possible to avoid constantly moving with luggage or trying to find transportation to/from different sites,” she adds.
14. Iceland
“Iceland is a sanctuary of natural beauty and rejuvenation,” McClymont says. “Soaking in the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters, hiking along black sand beaches, or witnessing the Northern Lights fosters a sense of awe and gratitude—a perfect way to pause and celebrate one’s personal journey before embarking on a lifelong partnership.”
And, wherever you choose to visit, note that hotel location is absolutely key for ensuring a good experience, Spitman says. “It’s worth investing a bit more to be closer to major sites and busier parts of the city for added safety. When you arrive at your hotel, walk around the area to familiarize yourself with the streets, where to find transport, etc., for a smoother trip,” she says, also adding that arranging for transportation in advance (especially in countries where there’s a language barrier) is key to a seamless travel experience.
Whether you opt to travel across the globe or book a staycation near your home, just remember that you are worthy of rest and time for reflection. It can be so easy to feel like you’re drowning in the planning process (trust me, I’ve been there), but taking just a bit of time to reset can do wonders for your mind and sense of self.
