Solo Travel, where to go?

hola Mitla~

Well you know me... I keep going back to Puerto Vallarta (just got back from my ~19th trip there this week). I figure why mess with success -lol! Plus since I go to the same place you develop your favorite places & people begin to "know" you so it's even more comfortable traveling solo.

Are you sure your budget couldn't swing PV? Or you just want to try something new?

Are plane tickets cheaper to Puerto Rico? Is it cheaper once you are there, than Mexico? Being the Caribbean I picture Puerto Rico as expensive, but maybe that's incorrect?

p.s. Thanks for the comments on losing Solo Travler forum. I it did not get a large volume of readership, but for those that did, it was a really good resource. One of the best forums for actually getting a question answered that I've seen yet.

Hi again Suze!

At the moment, tickets from Dallas are quite a bit cheaper to PR than to México--no international ticket tax ($100+). But with the way things are going, it could change anytime--in a month Puerto Rico might not even be a possibility, who knows!

However, I've spent lots of time on the pacific coast of MX and I definitely want to try something new... I definitely want to see prettier beaches. I did love PV though--it was great!

I have no idea if Puerto Rico is cheaper. I know that I'm generally okay with cheaper accommodations, and I tend to sleep & relax a lot--I'm a photographer so I just want to walk around, meet people and take pictures, not much in the way of "scheduled" expensive activities.

Depending on my bravery though, I might want to try snorkeling.

I agree with you about the Solo Travel forums... I did a quick search and I really can't find any online substitute that was as comprehensive as this place.

How about the Yucatan & Caribbean side of Mexico? If I could break away from PV - Merida, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres all look good.

I spent two weeks in La Paz on the Baja one trip, and while it is a lovely Mexican town, turns out not one I'd particularly recommend for solo travel.

I'll be watching with interst what you come up with. Thanks for posting.

Does it have to be Spanish speaking? If not, what about Southern CA or Florida?

Does it have to be Spanish speaking? If not, what about Southern CA or Florida?

Say what? Although I've never been to Florida, I know that Miami is home to a large (and politically influential) Cuban community. But I've lived in Los Angeles all my life. So I can tell you that Los Angeles has a large enough population of Central Americans to certainly qualify as a Spanish-speaking city. Even in my area (which is more Asian than Hispanic) many stores now have bilingual signs in their aisles.

If you research it right, you can visit all of Central America within Los Angeles city limits. There are neighborhoods transplanted directly from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and all points in between. You can experience genuine ethnic food cooked by genuine ethnic people, with little risk of "Montezuma's revenge." And you can hear not merely Spanish, but the particular dialect corresponding to the neighborhood's ethnicity.

The caveat is that these ethnic enclaves are distinctly outside the normal tourist track, and may not be the wisest places for a woman to venture alone. Also, Los Angeles itself is not a particularly great solo travel destination for either gender. You'll spend too much time alone in your car going nowhere, and the "car culture" makes meeting people much more difficult (if that's important to you). Thanksgiving week has about an equal chance of being warm and dry as rainy and gloomy.

Such great suggestions so far.

I'm going to rule out California--I'm originally from there and have seen about 90% of the state.

What about the Dominican Republic? It is Spanish speaking, and it is one of the most reasonably priced Caribbean destinations. Also, look at hotel/air packages for additional savings. The beaches, at least in the LaRomana/Bayahibe and Punta Cana areas, are pretty nice (I haven't been to any of the western Mexico beaches to compare them, sorry). Most of the accommodations; however, are all-inclusive resorts, so I'm not sure if that is something that is of interest to you or not. If you are interested, check out the DR forums on Tripadvisor, since there are a few solo female travelers who frequently visit and post about their experiences.

I went to the Dominican Republic twice (but back in the mid-80's before they had developed Punta Cana). I know you can still travel the island without staying all-inclusive, but doing that would definitely not be my pick as a solo female, quite honestly. You'd need to rent a jeep or car to get around. Or else be stuck in your resort 24/7.

We went to PR last year as a family trip, but it has a lot to offer for any type of traveler. Since you are a photographer, I imagine it would have quite a lot of picture taking opportunities. The beaches there are okay, but if you take a boat to Vieques, the beaches there are quite nice.
We did not travel around the island too much. My daughter had been bitten by a spider (here in virginia) before we left. She was on antibiotics and her leg was swollen. So, sightseeing was minimal. We mostly hung around the hotel, Caribe Hilton.
The Hilton was nice and was on it's own private area with a private beach. The strip, the Condado has many hotels and the beach is public.
Puerto Rico has it's good and bad points. The food is good. Water is drinkable from the tap. Be careful traveling around. You could be in a great neighborhood, and then not so great on the next block. It is easy to rent cars and drive. Almost everyone speaks English, but that is not a problem for you anyway.
Good luck in finding your place to go.

What about Costa Rica? AA has direct flights DFW to SJO, although I'm not sure what the prices would be. But I've gotten some pretty good deals flying there.

Then, you could do a shared transfer/Interbus SJO to Manuel Antonio, stay at Costa Verde, (studios at $79.00/night plus tax.)

You could use some of your $500.00 spending money to do some great day tours from there -- horseback riding to waterfalls, canopy tours, kayaking, etc. Given your budget, maybe set up a tour every other day, leaving the remainder for inexpensive meals. (Some of the rooms there also have a kitchenette.)

The remaining days you could hang at the beach or the pool or explore Manuel Antonio National Park.

Mitla, How about a cruise?? its low season, past Hurricane season. Look up singles rates on Vacationstogo.com. Great way to easily see more places, affordably with less hastle.

I always thought cruises were more for couples or families. While I can see the advantages in some ways, seems like socially it wouldn't be a very good fit for a single person. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I went on a cruise this past Christmas with my parents...and they both became horribly ill (bronchitis) and spent time at the doctor's office *every day* instead of doing excursions, etc. with me. So for all intent and purposes, I was "solo" except for meals...and aside from excursions (where I was able to talk to some folks), it was a pretty lonely experience. I had way more fun alone in Puerto Vallarta than I did on the cruise.

Just my two cents.

Well, you're doing one thing right already, and that is planning ahead. However, after doing some checking myself on several airline websites it looks like your airfare budget is a bit shy. Before anyone gives you anymore advice I suggest they try looking up the airfares themselves. There are NO airfares out of the country for that kind of money. I am sorry. As a matter of fact, you'll be lucky to get out of the state of Texas for that amount of dough. Jet fuel, like gasoline, is going up weekly, and everyone should be looking closely to these airline websites if they want to lock in a price.

There is good news. I believe that when resort destinations start losing customers due to the expensive cost of transportation they will be lowering the price of lodging somewhat.

I am also a solo traveller. Currently, my personal rule of thumb is to budget approximately $2,000 for a one week trip on a budget, and if one of the catagories goes up, like airfare, then another catagory gets less, like incidentals or lodging.

I have been following the airfares to Mexico resort destinations, and I agree that the airfare is outragous. PVR from DFW is pushing $1,000. If you can stretch your airfare budget to its limits you may try the eastside of Mexico such as Tampico or Veracruz. Remember that you are also traveling on a popular week, Thanksgiving. I am lucky that I live in South Texas and traveling south of the border is very easy by bus. Veracruz is only a day away by bus. Traveling by long distance bus in Mexico is popular because it is clean, safe, and CHEAP!

I use to live in South Jersey and always flew out of Philly. I have travelled to Puerto Rico many times. If you do decide that you want to try this destination I would suggest renting a condo for a week. There is a hefty tax on hotel rooms on the island. Condos are exempt from the tax. I rented from a company called San Juan Vacations in Carolina, and their office is very close to the airport. The only problem is that you have to pick up the condo keys from them during business hours, and most flights from the Central time zone arrive too late. I am sure you will be traveling from weekend date to weekend date, and so maybe you want to keep this mental note for a future date. San Juan Vacations' condo rates were much less then other rental companies that rented identical condos in the same buildings. I rented a beautiful condo on the 23rd floor of the Ashford Imperial in Condado for only $410 per week in 2001. I'm sure the price has gone up since then, but their competitors were charging $200 more. The condo had a great view of the ocean, and was diagonally across the street from the Marriot's penthouse. It also had a clean pool, doorman, and was only 5 blocks from the Pueblo supermarket. Condado is the heart of the San Juan tourist area, and the beach, restaurants, casinos, and nightlife are only steps away. Condado is also relatively safe at night compared to other parts of San Juan. At the time, San Juan Vacations required a $200 security deposit, but I had that returned to me within two weeks of my return from the trip.

I had learned my lesson the year before and had booked a stay at a small "boutique" hotel in San Juan. I thought the price was too good to be true. The pictures the place had placed on the Internet turned out to be very misleading. The place turned out to be a dump. And, to make things worse, there was no water! The water pressure was so low that it took almost a half hour to fill the bathroom sink. The hotel required a deposit in advance and a minimum of a four night stay. After I suffered through the four night stay I found a better place nearby. Since then, I remind everyone that you get what you pay for, and this is so true with hotels.

These days, there are plenty rental companies in almost every resort city around the world that will rent you a condo. Acupolco comes to mind right away. There's an abundance of condo/apartment/time shares there for rent and one can easily find a broker online. So, if the airfares get hefty you can try to save on lodging.

Again, you are doing the right thing by researching in advance and getting other people's input. Just keep an open mind and be somewhat flexible. If you cannot afford to travel out of the country this time remember that Southwest does fly out of Love Field to a large selection of warm southern cities. Although, this is not my favorite airline, one can always grit your teeth and bare it if you must. Their airfares are cheaper if you purchase them well in advance. They currently do not take reservations past October, but after June 26 they will take reservations through January 2009. Also remember that some airlines will be charging more depending on the dates of travel. I've noticed that American will be charging more for traveling on Saturday, Nov. 22 and 29, than on Sunday, Nov. 23 and 30. Continental's prices do not vary as much. AND, do remember that American will be charging $15 for the first bag checked. This may not sound like much money to some people, but it adds up ($30 round-trip) to someone on a tight budget.

So, do remember to research the possibilty of traveling some by bus if in Mexico, renting a condo for convenience and avoinding taxes, and being flexible on dates, airlines, and departure and arrival airports. Good Luck!

<<Before anyone gives you anymore advice I suggest they try looking up the airfares themselves. There are NO airfares out of the country for that kind of money.>>

Well 'cuse me, but that's simply not true!!

I just got back from 10 days in Puerto Vallarta last week (flying out of Seattle). My plane ticket was $375 round-trip on U.S. Air and my hotel was $44/night taxes included. So my trip absolutely does fit into the budget stated by Mitla.

Hey everyone!

As far as airfares, I plan to save money by returning with a red eye on Thanksgiving night, which saves a lot.

Currently flights from DFW to Mexico appear to be around $600. DFW to San Juan is currently $317--perfect! Plus you have to add "international tax" to the flight price if you're going to MX which is usually $100. It's just awful.

Right now I'm feeling Puerto Rico more. I did a little "spreadsheet" thing (planning ahead! and the budget seems to fit okay. I was thinking to spend 4 nights in San Juan and 3 in Luquillo... I really want to take some sunrise/sunset photos and relax by the water.

Thanks SO MUCH for your help. I love the helpful advice and the discussion is really cool, hopefully there's enough advice for anyone on a solo trip.

Would love to hear more about cruise experiences or airfare or anything else... you guys have such a wealth of information!

If anyone has anything to say about Puerto Rico solo, that would be great too!

SouthTex, I just read your reply again and I wanted to thank you for all that information. I am traveling right now (ha!) and was reading fast, I didn't catch all that research in there. Thanks again!

Last year I went to PVR and returned on Thanksgiving night (red eye). The flight was $600 instead of $900 for returning day after. It was the best flight EVER and I'm looking forward to flying again on Thanksgiving day.

SouthTex~ Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude in my reply either. But for me, I never spend as much as $2000 for a 1 week trip, and there ARE plane tickets out of the country for $500.
Cheers, Suze

It seems that you are hedging against the "cruise" idea.
It's weird that you're in Texas and your flights are so much to Mexico, yet I'm in Boston, and direct flights to Cancun (I'm headed to Playa del Carmen) are only about 390 right now.
The cruise I think is a great idea. I went on one earlier this year and we met tons of people there alone. You seem like an outgoing enough person. Whether you do excursions or venture out on your own, you'll see people from your cruise, and you'll definitely engage in conversation with them. Just waiting for the tender boat, we met a very nice lady who was alone, we all just talked, and ended up spending the entire day together, and the next few days had her come along with us on whatever we did! As long as you aren't the reserved type, or very shy, it'd be great to meet new people!

I dont exactly know the price of an airline-ticket from Dallas but have you considered Bali? I believe Continental still flies there, though I hear the service is about to stop.
I recommend Bali because its one of the most beautiful, peaceful and spiritual places on earth; and you can find decent hotels under $50. And the weather from now till end-August is perfect!

Mitla and Suze,

No problemo...I enjoy the discussions. Now that you tell us that you are willing to travel on Thangsgiving Day that changes everything. I guess I assumed that you needed the entire week's stay to rest. After you mentioned you found cheaper airfares for Thankgiving Day I also went back to the computer and tested out the dates, and I stand corrected. You do save an incredible amount of money traveling back to Dallas on the actual holiday, and for less than $500. Staying just another day or two and the price jumps considerably. But then again, that's not a week's stay, is it? LOL...just to chuckle with ya!

I don't know why it cost so much to fly out of DFW. I use to always fly with American out of Philly, and the prices out of Philly would be much cheaper than DFW, and DFW is a major hub. It may be less to go to Mexico from Seattle, or from the Eastern Seaboard.

Once I flew to San Juan and the plane arrived 15 minutes early. The stewardess joked and said we must have caught a good tailwind. This is probably why the flight home takes 10-20 minutes longer than the flight there. Then maybe that also influences the price we pay. Maybe that tailwind from some areas of the country helps save on fuel. What do I know? The airlines probably have some secret formula for what they charge and when they implement it. Pehaps there is more competition from other cities and that also keeps the pricing down.

I know you will enjoy Puerto Rico. I'm sure you're aware that the Spanish spoken there has a different twist, but that's what makes it fun. I found that the people there are very friendly and also informative. They will help you find anything on the map.

Now, on a different note... I, myself have been looking forward to a trip to Buenos Aires. I have a rough target of late November to mid-December. I am still very flexible right now, and nothing has been booked. I am currently reading several travel guides to get the feel of the place. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on specific places to go or things to do? I am considering staying for about two weeks, and am interested in enrolling in a language/culture class. My Spanish has always had an Italian ring to it (joke), and have told I would blend in nicely (?) since Buenos Aires has a huge Italian blend along with other Euro and Jewish heritages. I enjoy learning about other cultures and customs and would love to learn about any interesting tidbits (or taboos). Has anyone been there lately? I notice that Argentina has gotten a lot of press lately. Thanks.

SouthTexGuy

I haven't been to Argentina yet, but I just bookmarked a recent feature on hotels in Argentina (on CNN) that you might find useful.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/06/11/affordable.argentina/index.html

Mitla,

What about South America? The flight might be more expensive but everything else could be dirt cheap. I stayed in a little hotel in Quito, Ecuador, for $36 a night with breakfast a couple of years ago. No beach. But there is Guayaquil and other cities on the coast. It would be worth checking out prices there. Or, like the previous poster pointed out, Argentina is still inexpensive. Or Guatemala. Knowing Spanish opens up a lot of places for you.
boldlygosolo

I agree with those who say many prices at various hotels and resorts are going down. This might make Aruba a possibility--really great beaches there. I was in Playa del Carmen last Nov-Dec and it is a cool place--the town is growing like crazy but it still has that dusty Mexican village feel here and there. There are Mayan ruins to see (and Mayan people cleaning your room, probably). I love cruises, too, but have always gone with a group; however, I never seem to have any trouble meeting strangers (bars, the pool, wherever) and they don't stay strangers for long. Cruising brings people together in my experience. Good luck with the trip and enjoy.

Another vote for Puerto Rico. There are stunning views all around the island! Old San Juan is beautiful and there will be many opportunities to speak with the locals, if you are willing.

I have been to Puerto Rico many times and am anxious to go back soon.

I recommend Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Isla Mujeres is a small island (only about five miles long)off the coast of Cancun. It's amazing. I'm 20 years old, have gone several times by myself and have never felt uncomfortable.
The beaches are clean, wonderful (Playa Sol is the best), and the water is crystal clear.
It's quaint (doesn’t have the typical Cancun party hardy feel), it is quiet and can seem isolated, although it's really not. It's only a 30 minute ferry ride from Cancun, and is easily accessible from the Cancun airport by local bus.
It's my favorite place in the world. The people are wonderful. If you are fluent in Spanish, it's incredibly enjoyable. It's a small Mayan fishing village, and the locals are incredibly welcoming, so you get to know the locals very well if you visit a lot. I have made some great friends over the years.
If you go, make sure to stay at the Hotel Posada Del Mar, its less than a five minute walk from the beach and Hidalgo Ave (where all the restaurants are located). If you want lots of shopping, there is a decent amount-nothing too great. You can take day trips and swim with whale sharks, visit Isla Contoy (a bird sanctuary), and snorkel on the big reef, plus lots more!
It's really a great value. Right up your alley.
Check it out. I love it, I hope you will too.

Hi Mitla,

I think Puerto Rico is an excellent choice! The weather is incredible, the scenery fantastic and I agree with other posters about the people--they are some of the nicest I've ever met, which helps a lot when you're traveling solo (and even when you're not!).

My experience there is limited to Old San Juan, pretty much, and it is expensive to stay and eat there, but it sounds like you're checking out other areas, so that will help. Do spend some time in Old San Juan, though, when you're there. Lots to see and do and easy to walk from place to place or take one of the free trolleys around.

One thing I wanted to mention, though, is that some of the best meals I had in Puerto Rico were at little kiosks, where they serve authentic local food at very reasonable prices. You mentioned you may stay in Luquillo and they have these at Luquillo Beach, but also many other places. I ate at one near the rainforest and also one in Old San Juan--excellent and cheap!

You'll get lots of ideas on the Caribbean forum if you want them, and a frequent poster in that forum also has a website/blog you could visit:

http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/

Good luck to you in your decision, and have fun planning!