Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
People who love travel often attest that they want to visit a new destination but can’t find someone to travel with.
But sometimes, traveling alone can be a remarkably satisfying experience. You can decide on your next stop without consulting someone and then eat and sleep exactly when you want to.
For anyone less experienced in traveling alone, follow these excellent tips to ensure you still have the fantastic vacation you envisioned.
Be Open to Making New Friends
Americans might get a bad rap globally for being rude and pushy, but the truth could not be further.
Especially in the Southern United States, people are incredibly friendly and will welcome you with open arms. It will be easy to find a group of like-minded people. Whether you’re in an RV park, on the beach in Miami, or even at a museum, reaching out to a group of people and becoming friends is easier than you might have thought.
Making new friends can be one of the best perks of traveling alone. You can keep your schedule flexible and join a group adventure to make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
Go on a Guided Tour
The U.S. has many prominent tourist attractions, and they’re popular for a reason.
Instead of shying away from the busier vacation spots, consider getting a guided tour. Even busy national parks like The Grand Canyon offer guided tours and hikes.
These pre-set hikes can be an excellent way to keep your trip to a tight schedule while seeing the best that each state has to offer. You can also meet new like-minded people or get the tour guide’s inside scoop about the area.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Trying new restaurants and local dishes can be the best part of traveling in the U.S. Don’t be afraid to stop someone on the street and get the real deal from the locals.
Sometimes searching for the best place online can lead you to find too many options without knowing what might be best. But taking a page from the locals can often help you find a hidden gem.
For example, a town in Texas might have dozens of places to get brisket, but without asking a local, you might end up with an underwhelming plate of BBQ.
Check the Weather
If you have a flexible schedule when traveling or driving through the U.S. alone, always watch the weather. Places like Seattle or San Francisco can be excellent travel destinations but are mostly miserable in rainy weather.
If you can skip one destination for better weather somewhere else, definitely take it. You won’t want to be caught in the rain while walking through a busy city or miss out on excellent outdoor adventures because of the weather.
Keep Your Safety in Mind
Remembering to keep safety in mind can be extremely important when traveling alone, especially on a road trip by yourself.
Consider safety precautions before you head out, like keeping an external charger for your cell phone, knowing how to change a tire, and even checking road conditions for snow and ice before heading out.
Avoid dangerous-looking areas. Gangs can often target touristy-looking people, especially if they’re on their own and look lost. You’ll thank yourself later for thinking about unsafe situations before facing any real danger.
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