I am planning to take a trip (7-10 days)next spring.. but not sure where. It will be a solo trip so somewhere that's not couples/families only. I also don't want to travel to Europe for this trip (the exchange rate will wipe me out)! Already been to Costa Rica but considering Belize, Argentina (new entry fee ), Ixtapa, Dominican Republic, or ??? As you can see I really don't know where I will end up at so please.. any ideas?? Thanks!

Consider exploring your own home town as a visitor would. Buy a guidebook, read up on all the nearby places you've overlooked (or perhaps were never aware of). Use some of the money you saved on airfare (and fees) to stay at a nice local hotel and try some good local restaurants. You'll avoid the hassles of air travel as well as those punitive exchange rates and entry fees, and probably discover many interesting places you've overlooked. Then put the rest of the money you saved on airfare (and fees) toward a future trip that you really want to take.

Don't rule out Europe. The Euro is way down right now, a good 20% lower than just 2 months ago.

The same holds true for the British pound. For the first time in years, I'm considering doing some shopping at the London Airport because between the exchange rate (lowest in 5 years) and tax-free shopping, it'll actually be cheaper to buy cosmestics there!

I've been to Puerto Vallarta Mexico many many times, often solo. It's a wonderful destination with plenty to see & do in the surrounding area (or just relax at the beach). It's a vibrant city with a good mix of local/authentic along with tourist ammenities. Adventuresome enough but very safe for a woman alone.

I've also been solo to La Paz on the Baja, which is beautiful but much more laid back, and a bit lonesome as a solo traveler imo.

If you mean Ixtapa on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, I'd recommend instead Zijuatenejo, the sister city. Ixtapa is pretty much a Cancun styled district of highend resorts.

I loved Puerto Plata and Sousua in the DR, but that was years ago, and it seems like now people who go there pretty much stick to the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Canta (which would not interest me).

Honolulu is very fun and easy to get to if you happen to be west coast U.S. Before I went I thought it would be not interesting, but turns out I love Hawaii and have been four times recently. Again a fine place for a solo female to navigate on her own.

What are your interests? Do you want to lay out on a beach or do you want to enjoy urban nightlife?

Do you want to hike, spend time outdoors, etc.? Or do you want museums or cultural experiences?

Do you want hot or mild weather?

How much is the new entry fee for Argentina? I can't imagine that's a deal-breaker, is it? I think Buenos Aires would make an excellent solo adventure. But depending your home start location, may be just as long a plane ride as going to Europe.

What about taking a Spanish language holiday in Central America or South America. Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and Peru are popular choices. Through a language course, you'll get a little structure for your day, have an opportunity to participate in school-organized activities, meet students who may be interested in sightseeing or going out for meals with you and, of course, you'll learn a little while you're away. Schools often arrange low-cost accommodation (including homestays) for students, so the overall cost of the trip is often as low as or even less than a regular holiday.

Thanks everyone for the feedback..had a few changes to my schedule so it looks like I will probably do a few days in La Paz (thanks for the suggestion Suze!) and then take a longer 2+ weeks late summer/early fall...

JBHapgood - love the idea of exploring your own town/state/country... I spend every other year switching off between home/international travel!

Frogoutofwater - also love the language school idea... have considered doing this in Italy!

Again.. thanks everyone and happy travels!

You will travel into their exciting past when you visit one of their many museums or drive the trail where the Spanish Conquistadors rode up from Mexico. You will also be amazed at the number of species of bird and wildlife that live in their canyons. Hiking and biking opportunities abound and combine that with wide open spaces, rugged landscapes and remarkable attractions and you have an experience worth remembering. Sierra Vista has a variety of nightlife for you to enjoy. Some of it may not be in the traditional thinking of the word nightlife. You can go birding since Sierra Vista is often referred to as "The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S." The mild climate, proximity to Mexico and diverse habitats, including 9,000-foot mountains and the magnificent San Pedro River Valley, make southeastern Arizona a major hot spot for rare and unusual species of birds.

So good luck and have fun!

http://www.visitsierravista.com

"Argentina would be pretty awesome, I think Patagonia is there and Chile, right?"

How is Chile "there" in relation to Argentina? They are two different countries. That's like saying, hey, wow, the United States. That's like Canada, right?

My vote is for Belize. I went there on 2 solo trips last year (I went back 3 weeks after my first trip because I loved it so much the first time!)

There are all sorts of water sports (2nd larges barrier reef in the world!), jungle, ruins, the list goes on and on.

It is English speaking, locals are very friendly, super laid back... I loved it there! Cannot wait to go back!

Feel free to send me a message if you want some more info or have any questions....

frogoutofwater,
Am I missing something? Was a post removed? I have no idea what your last post was about.

There was a rash of spam & advertising lately. I'm guessing a post was in fact removed.