I am a 45 year old woman looking for ideas for travel for one week in August. I live in CA and need a vacation. I haven't traveled alone in a while but am comfortable alone. I'm looking to relax, swim etc...I loved St. Johns last year but would like something new. I have never been to Hawaii. It's hard to believe, I know. Any suggestions? I don't want crowds or shopping. I prefer calm water for swimming, nature, and quiet. Thank you for any ideas.

Hi lynncz. If you want to go to Hawaii and just relax, you might like Kauai. It's the only one of the islands I've been to so can't compare but it's very relaxing. I don't know about crowds in August, but given it's vacation time for a lot of people, I think anywhere nice will have some crowds. Others will be able to advise on where to stay for calm waters if you provide a budget. Do you want a guest house, b & b, condo, hotel, motel ????

I will also mention, for a cheaper option, have you considered staying closer to home and going to San Diego? The beaches are great, the weather divine and there's plenty of sightseeing if you get bored. Just a thought.

mclaurie: I don't know if lynncz will consider San Diego, but if you talk to anyone who wants to go to San Diego in August, here's an FYI. I got a promotional email from Starwood yesterday that the Sheraton Suites where we stayed last summer (and we liked it very much, large indoor pool, like a new hotel, 2 room suites w/wet bar, btwn. Balboa park and gaslamp)is on sale for $99 a room.

Thank you for responding. I used to live in S.D. and it is beautiful. Kauai sounds good. I think maybe a B&B or smallish hotel, preferably on a quiet beach. I'd consider up to $150 or so/night if it's worthwhile. Any suggestions are really appreciated.

Try looking in the area of Hanalei on Kauai. There are nice beaches, a little town, a few shops and restaurants, and some nice B&Bs. It is a great place for solo vacation.

Have a good trip.

This might be a good string to read for ideas on places to stay on Kauai. There are tons of threads here on this subject.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34504406

You might also try typing solo AND hawaii in the text search above. You'll see LOTS of threads about solo females to Hawaii and lots of advice