jgheld

Hi everyone,

I find myself newly separated and on my own for my 30th birthday, and I'd like to take a solo trip. Here are the basics:
* I'm based in the San Francisco CA bay area
* I would like to depart on Sunday May 24th and return Saturday May 30th (6 nights, 2 travel days)
* I am interested in domestic and international destinations and have a passport
* I like to be comfortable, so a nice clean hotel with a private bathroom or good camping facilities are important. Cost is not too big an object, but I definitely can't afford a movie star-style trip (max $4k for everything I think, and less expensive is always a plus)

Please share your ideas for this length of trip, time of year, for a solo female traveler. I enjoy all activities, from culture and sightseeing to lounging near the water, as well as light/moderate hiking and kayaking-type outdoorsy activities. My most recent trip was to Cozumel, Mexico in 2007 to lounge at an all-inclusive for a friend's wedding. I also did the high school whirl through Europe (London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Florence, Munich, Lucerne, Innsbruck). I'm happy going it alone or with a group.

Thanks so much in advance - my whole world feels turned upside down, so your responses will be a big help.

thursdaysd

Sorry about the separation, glad you're ready to branch out. The fact you're a solo female traveler is really not relevant for deciding where to go. I travel that way, but I don't choose my destinations on that basis (except perhaps that I avoid cruises, but I don't like those anyway). With only six nights, you can pretty much forget Europe and Asia - maybe Canada or the Rockies? Or how about Costa Rica?

suze

I'm single and based in Seattle.

My favorite solo vacation spots (all to "the beach") are Mexico (Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas) or Hawaii (Waikiki). I don't rent a car and stay in 3-star hotels. I can bring in any of these vacations for approx. $1200 (which includes airfare, hotel, airport transfers) for a 7-12 day trip. An additional daily spending allowance of ~$50usd on top of that.

I think Europe is WAY too far to travel (from west coast US) for only a 6 day trip, but certainly that can be done. Especially if you can get a nonstop like to London or Paris.

boldlygosolo

I completely agree with thursdaysd. "The fact that you're a solo female traveler is really not relevant." Other than avoiding romantic getaways, the whole world is open to you.
To me $4,000 IS a movie star-style trip! You can do a lot with that kind of budget.
I would recommend traveling with a group - if only so you're distracted from your sad thoughts. But it's tricky to try to wedge an organized trip into such defined dates. Still, it's worth poking around.
It's possible you could go to Spain to teach English for a week at no cost other than airfare and one night's lodging before the program starts - check out vaughantown.com or http://www.morethanenglish.com/anglos/index.asp I haven't checked the dates, but they have weekly programs and you'd meet a lot of new friends - both Anglos and Spanish.
For lots more ideas on destinations and trips for solo travelers, go to www.boldlygosolo.com. Good luck!

WendyVH

Sorry to hear about the separation but glad to hear you're going to travel. Your budget gives you many options, but depending upon how much time you want to spend 6 days in Europe is not much. If Europe looks like what you want, fly to Florence & indulge yourself in spa treatments, shopping for great shoes & gold jewelry, & eating like a princess.

jgheld

Thank you all so much for your support and great ideas! I'm doing better every day, and thinking of somewhere warm and relaxing. The weather in Cabo San Lucas looks lovely, so I'm very tempted. I'll be sure to keep you posted and will definitely provide a trip report!

suze

Well if you DO decide to go to Cabo, post over on the Mexico branch & I'll help you out with details. I went there solo for the first time this past February and had a beautiful trip.

annw

If you are still looking & haven't decided on Mexico, Hawaii is a good location (4-5 hours from SF, tons of flights) and you could definitely get in the outdoor activities--or go for a luxury spa approach.

Time wise, I see the points people are making, but I've had excellent trips of a week's duration to Ireland and New Zealand. I've done them solo, as well.

Whatever you decide, safe journeys!