best solo mom trips

• Smart Living

The 10 Best Places to Go For Moms Who Want to Vacation All by Themselves

Updated on 6/25/2018 at 6:50 PM

I was kayaking around Anacapa Island off the coast of Ventura, CA. The setting was stunning, but I was more focused on what — or rather, who — wasn't there: my 2-year-old daughter, Lucy, who was over 3,000 miles away in New Jersey with her babysitter . I felt guilty when I initially decided to go on the trip, but there was no way I could say no. I had always wanted to visit, and while the islands are family friendly, I knew Lucy wouldn't be up for things like hiking or kayaking. Besides, I didn't want to take the trip for her. I wanted to take the trip for myself .

I'm a single mom , and I don't have family nearby. That meant I needed to hire a babysitter for three days. I went back and forth about going a ridiculous number of times, but as I sat on the water, the waves lapping at my kayak, I was so thankful. Sure, I missed Lucy, but I hadn't realized how much I had missed myself . I hadn't kayaked since well before she was born, even though I used to lead kayak expeditions when I was in college. I had missed allowing my thoughts to unfold without interruption. I had missed letting myself set the schedule.

When I came back, I felt happy to see Lucy and happy in my own skin. I felt more energized, more relaxed, and absolutely certain that a solo mom trip isn't bad — it's wonderful. To be totally honestly, I think that alone time made me a better parent. It made me more aware of my own needs, more appreciative of the bond Lucy and I have, and thankful that the "old" me is still there . And I can't wait to plan another trip, so if you're also in need of a little getaway, keep reading for 10 of the best places you can travel to — all by yourself.

Pura Vida Adventures, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

One way to assuage your guilt about leaving your little ones is to do something they wouldn't — or couldn't — enjoy. This empowering surf camp for women in the cool surf town of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a great spot to remind yourself that you're more than just a mama. Surf lessons are interspersed with daily yoga classes and plenty of beach chill time; while some session weeks are coed, most are female only, and as a result, it's easy to become BFFs and share with your fellow surfer chicas. Meeting new friends (and not just because you have kids roughly the same age) can help you connect back to yourself all while learning a new skill you'll be psyched to show off to your kids the next time you're on a family vacation.

Kripalu Institute, Stockbridge, MA

Nestled in the mountains, this world-renowned yoga and health center has year-round programming and workshops (including yoga teacher training), celebrity presenters like Stephen Cope, Robert Thurman, and Krishna Das, and plenty of space for you to be by yourself and allow your body and mind to relax. Going to a weekend workshop can help you come home with skills (like mindfulness) that can help you be a better parent, and plenty of people come solo, so it's not odd. You can be as social or independent as you want; if you really just want peace and quiet from everything, there are even silent retreats that can truly allow you to be one with your thoughts.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Breathtaking architecture, delicious food, and plenty of expats make this destination a must visit in Mexico. It's great for solo travel with a small town vibe, plenty of local businesses, and nearby hot springs, which are perfect for a long soak. While the town feels worlds away, it's only 150 miles from Mexico City, so it's easily accessible. But be warned: the many American expats who have moved here may tempt you to settle down here, too.

Mystical, beautiful, and full of yoga studios, new-age shops, and spas, Sedona is a haven of self-care. You can pack your schedule with pampering, relaxing, or exploring your chakras — all much easier to do when it's just you. Some say that Sedona is unique for its healing energy, that there is power in the town. Whether or not you believe it, one thing is clear: the town is what you make it, and it can be a perfect, rejuvenating journey for a mom traveling solo.

This low-key college town has produced scores of legendary musicians: REM, Matthew Sweet, Widespread Panic, and the Drive-By Truckers all got their start here. Today, music is everywhere, and you can easily wander downtown, scoping out new acts that might be the next big thing. The town is close to plenty of hiking trails, and the university hosts plenty of world-renowned speakers and events that are often open to the public. In addition, the handful of used bookstores and coffee shops give you the opportunity to forget about the "real world" for a while.

Steamboat Springs, CO

Here's a way to simultaneously get away and learn some serious parent skills. The Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, CO, operates a Winter defensive driving course from November to March, allowing you to take out a car on ice and learn skills that can help you in the snow back home. Steamboat Springs also has plenty on offer for solo travelers, even if you aren't a skier. One any mom can appreciate: Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, where you can soak as the snow falls around you.

San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastian is a foodie haven, with many companies offering food tours and cooking classes, like Mimo Food, which offers multiday courses that operate as an immersion in learning to cook in the Basque style. But the best part about solo traveling in the Basque region is the pinxto tradition. Instead of sitting down for a meal, many make a lunch or dinner out of multiple pinxtos, which are appetizer-like snacks sold at bars and restaurants. Snack your days away, then spend downtime sitting on the beach.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

With lush, ancient forests, beautiful ocean views, and plenty of resorts that tout quiet as one of their best qualities, Vancouver Island is a great place to immerse yourself in nature, eat fabulous food, and relax. There are plenty of guided tours into the forest so you won't be " alone alone" — ideal if you love the outdoors, but aren't up for trekking solo.

London, England

Culture-loving moms should book a trip to London, where the theater, museums, and bookstores are second to none. One huge benefit of traveling solo to a city for the purpose of soaking up the arts: it's a lot easier to get a ticket for one (maybe even to the always sold-out Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ). Museums in London are all free, so it's easy to pop in and out and completely plan your itinerary moment by moment.

Key West, FL

Hammock for one, please! This string of islands has long been known as a haven for people who just want to be alone for a bit (just ask Earnest Hemingway, who made his home in Key West). In addition, YA legend Judy Blume owns a bookstore on Key West and is often found behind the register. Grab a good book and a rum runner, and watch the sun set — your worries will float away.

• Travel Tips
• Family Travel

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details here .

Single Mom Vacations with Kids: Where to Go and Tips for Having Fun

Kimberly Miles

Traveling as a single mom doesn’t have to be terrifying. From staycations and road trips to cruises and solo family tours, there are several options for single parent families to have a blast alongside their kids without breaking the bank. Here we share several single mom vacation ideas for your next international or domestic getaway alone with the kids.

For single parents, the thought of traveling alone with children can be overwhelming to say the least. From the planning to handling all of the logistics, there’s no telling how the trip will pan out.

I’ll never forget the first single mom vacation I took with my son, just two years old at the time. Aside from safely getting to and from our destination, all I could think about was whether it would be enjoyable and affordable.

Much to my surprise, there are many destinations that are family-friendly, even for the single parent. And with the travel industry seeing single and solo parent travel on the rise, travel is becoming easier and more affordable. Here we share several different ways you can take an incredible single mom vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Take a Domestic Single Mom Vacation

If you’re traveling as a single parent for the very first time, it’s easier to start small and stick to the states. Here are a few domestic destinations that pack plenty of fun for single parent families, no passport needed:

Arizona has a number of all-inclusive resorts that offer so much to do that you won’t even have to leave the resort. Between the massive resort waterparks, spas, children’s programs and kids clubs, you can sit back and vacation in style. Outside of the resorts, there is plenty to do with the kids including exploring the museums, hiking the Grand Canyon or a visit to Bearizona Wildlife Park.

Florida is a popular single parent destination with plenty of fun activities that parents and children can do together. There you’ll find several popular kids theme parks such as Legoland, Seaworld and Disney World . Additionally, there are several beautiful family-friendly beaches and numerous outdoor activities. Many resorts across Florida offer kids clubs and daily activities to keep the little ones busy while you spend alone time at the spa or enjoying a kid-free meal.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a great option for a tropical Caribbean vacation that doesn’t require a passport. San Juan, Puerto Rico was the first place I’d traveled with my son as a single mom when he was just two years old. If there’s anything I wish I’d done differently, it’s to have stayed longer!

Puerto Rico has a number of family-friendly beaches that are safe for children and small enough to keep an eye on them as a single parent. There are also plenty of other places to explore with children, including El Yunque National Rainforest, the two forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal , the bioluminescent bay and the Rio Camuy Cave Park.

While Puerto Rico doesn’t have any completely all-inclusive properties, there are several family-friendly hotels that offer all-inclusive packages that bundle together your stay with other incredible perks.

International Destinations for Single Mom Vacations

Traveling internationally as a single mom can seem like a big, scary step. But thankfully, there are many international destinations that are both affordable and single-parent friendly. Here are a few of my favorite places to travel for a single mom vacation:

Mexico was the first international destination that I traveled to as a single mom when my son was just three years old. In fact, it is Mexico’s family-friendly environment that helped sway my decision to make Mexico my home!

One of the perks of Mexico with kids is that many local restaurants have free supervised kids clubs. This makes the dining experience enjoyable for the whole family. As a single mom, having this option when my son and I go out to eat together is a win-win. He gets to play and meet other local and traveling kids, and I have a moment to myself to relax and enjoy my meal.

Mexico has numerous all-inclusive family resorts with fancy kids clubs and plenty of activities, making it a popular destination for family vacations. Some of these resorts let kids stay and play for free (such as Palace Resorts ), and some even have the occasional single parent promotions that waive the single supplement fee– so it’s always best to check when booking your hotel .

Costa Rica is another excellent idea for a single mom vacation, especially if your child loves nature and outdoor activities. My son and I first traveled to Costa Rica when he was just three years old, and he has been asking to go back ever since.

With Costa Rica having a large expat community, it isn’t hard to find other English speaking families. We actually ran into a couple of other single moms traveling with their little ones while in the airport. I was also surprised to find that there was a separate customs line for families who had kids in strollers. As a single mom traveling with a fussy three year old, this was a life saver that helped us quickly get in and out of the airport.

When it comes to activities, Costa Rica has plenty of beaches and nature to enjoy without spending a lot of money. From our Airbnb, we could spot monkeys, sloths and other wildlife while sitting on our porch or taking a dip in the pool. However, there are also various tours and activities for children of all ages that you can book and meet other families. Booking a private tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park was very affordable (and highly recommended for an enjoyable experience).

Ever since my single momcation, Aruba has remained on my list of places to return with my son because of the vast number of family-friendly activities. Aruba is a small island that isn’t overwhelming to drive around alone. In fact, many other single parents I know have said that Aruba was by far one of the best vacations they have taken as a single parent.

Aruba has a “One Happy Family” program at several of its hotels and resorts that provide discounts and deals for kids ages 12 and under. These specials include free accommodations when sharing the same room as an adult, free daily breakfast, a family gift, kid cocktail upon check-in and a VIK (Very Important Kid) passport. Most of these hotels all sit on calm, swimmable beaches, giving you the option of how you want to soak in the sun with your kids.

There are also a number of family-friendly tours for all ages. I’ll never forget the ATV tour where tour guides were so incredibly helpful to a family traveling with their 5- and 8-year-olds. Both kids as well as the parents had the time of their lives!

SheBuysTravel Tip : Before traveling out of the country as a single parent, make sure you have your paperwork in order just in case you are asked for it! If you share custody or if the other parent is listed on the child’s birth certificate, bring a signed and notarized document from the other parent stating you have permission to travel with them to that particular destination. If you have sole custody, bring along a copy of your custody documents.

“Go” on a Staycation

Staycations are a much more affordable single mom vacation option and great for a short weekend getaway. Since you’re likely driving your own vehicle, there’s no need to worry about transportation. I’ve personally found plenty of gems in my own backyard that were worth exploring with my son and no more than a 30-minute drive away.

My son and I are no strangers to staycations. In fact, we try to take one every now and then for a small change of scenery and for a fun way to act like a tourist in our own city. Sometimes we splurge on expensive hotels and resorts, but many times we prefer to stay in affordable family-friendly hotel chains such as the Holiday Inn or Choice Hotels where kids stay and eat free. That way we have extra money to splurge on room service or to save up for a bigger getaway!

Set Sail on a Cruise

Cruises are a highly-recommended vacation option for single and solo parents. And if booking a closed-loop course (starting and returning to the same US port), you won’t even need a passport!

Cruise ships take the hassle out of planning. Everything you need is in one place: lodging, meals and fun activities and excursions. Solo parents have plenty of opportunities for some “me time” while on the cruise thanks to the kids’ clubs. Additionally, there will be other families traveling, making it easy for them to meet friends. If you ask me, it’s the best way to see multiple parts of the world as a single parent family.

Here are a few cruise lines that are great for single parents and kids:

Disney Cruise Lines

Although on the expensive side, Disney Cruise Lines is still a popular choice for single mom vacations. These magical cruises pack a ton of family-friendly activities for both kids and adults. From exciting family entertainment to themed accommodations with 24-hour room service, it won’t even feel like you’re traveling alone. In fact, every single parent I know who has cruised with Disney has said it is well worth the cost!

Disney Cruise Lines is also known to place single parent families together during dinners, taking the pressure out of traveling alone. My son is very friendly and talkative, so I know he’d enjoy meeting a new family. There are also forums where single parent families can meet and chat before the cruise.

MSC Cruises

Voted the “Best Family Cruise Line,” MSC Cruises are specifically built for moms, dads and children to enjoy time together as well as separately. With kid clubs for ages ranging from 0-17, even the older kids in the family will be able to enjoy themselves.

Children under the age of 18 who travel in the same cabin as their parents, cruise for free year-round on select cruises. They also frequently waive the single supplement on select itineraries. It’s definitely worth checking into when booking to see whether it applies to your trip!

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Single parents traveling alone with their children will find plenty to do on Norwegian Cruise Lines . Children have plenty to do including zipping down twisting water slides, swimming in the pool or playing a game of basketball on the multi-use sports deck. There’s also a complimentary cruise youth program for children ages 6 months-17 years. There, they’ll have fun playing with other kids while you relax at the spa and mingle with other adults.

When it comes to accommodations, there’s a small (yet swanky) suite designed just for solo travelers. While more expensive than a double-occupancy room on a per person basis, it’s less expensive than the single supplement. There’s also complimentary family dining.

Travel with a Family Tour Group

One thing that I have learned as a solo traveler is that traveling alone doesn’t mean that you’re alone! With these tour groups, you’ll be enjoying an action-packed single mom vacation with other traveling families. Another bonus? You don’t have to do any of the planning– just pack your bags and get ready to have fun!

G Adventures

G Adventures specializes in planning small group travel of no more than three or four families. For the single parent traveler, this is an excellent way to meet other worldwide families while building everlasting friendships!

These family trips aren’t just vacations, but fun hands-on educational experiences that expose you to the culture and language. Some of their most popular family trips include Peru, Thailand, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel offers solo parent vacation packages to far away and exotic destinations. Some of the destinations include Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt and India. You and your children will take part in fun yet educational age-appropriate activities such as snorkeling amongst the coral reefs of the Red Sea, hiking the Amazon jungle, exploring Chinese temples and dining with local families.

The best part is, they take care of all of the planning and arrangements so that you don’t have to stress about a thing. To make it even more affordable for single parent traveling families, they even offer 10% off for children under the age of 17.

For single parent families who love outdoor adventures but don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, OARS has you covered. This tour group offers diverse outdoor family vacations appropriate for families with children as young as four years old.

Most of their trips take place in the western states of Colorado, Arizona, Colorado and Alaska. There, you’ll participate as a group in exciting activities such as river rafting, camping, kayaking or horseback riding. There are also international family trips to Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico. The tours usually take place over school breaks so you don’t have to worry about missing a day of class!

Although not a tour group, Club Med creates unforgettable all-inclusive experiences built especially for single parent families. Single moms and dads can relax knowing that the kids will be spoiled and pampered from the moment they arrive. Club Med takes care of all the logistics including accommodations, transportation, meals and club access for children ages 4-17. Adults can snorkel or relax poolside knowing that their kids are having fun making friends in their own club. For single parent families traveling with children under the age of four, there’s a cozy Baby Club Med. There’s also the Club Med Baby Welcome service that will have a crib waiting in your room upon arrival.

With locations all over the world, there’s no shortage of activities for the family to participate in. Whether it’s snorkeling, swimming, skiing or snowboarding, you’ll be sure to find the ideal vacation for you and your family.

Trafalgar takes the stress out of planning a single mom vacation with action-packed itineraries appropriate for all ages. They take care of all the logistics ensuring that adults, children and teenagers create unforgettable memories alongside other families.

Whether it’s jungle-trekking in Costa Rica, island-hopping in Greece or even exploring one of the many national parks right here in the USA, you’ll be sure to have a one-of-a-kind, fully-immersive experience.

Vacation Express

Vacation Express is an online booking site that offers family-friendly vacation packages to the best beaches in the Caribbean. Their destinations include Cancun, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Panama and Saint Lucia.

In addition to the kids’ clubs, kid-friendly entertainment and restaurants, their line of “Smile” resorts waive the single supplement fee for single parents sharing a room with their kids. Additionally, up to two children ages 2-12 can stay, play and eat free. Teens get special pricing as well!

Plan a Road Trip

Going a vacation doesn’t have to mean getting on a plane, train or boat. Sometimes the best places are a short road trip away . Road trips are great for single parents who are on a budget or don’t have time for lengthy trips.

The first road trip I took with my son was to New Jersey when he was just two years old. It was helpful to be in control of our own schedule and take breaks as needed. It was also nice that he could play with his toys in the car without disturbing other passengers. My recommendation is to get up bright and early before traffic and to safely get to your destination before dark.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I save money when traveling as a single parent?

A: There are several ways to save money when traveling as a single parent. Consider booking your trip during the off-season when prices are lower, or look for package deals that include flights, accommodations, and activities. You can also save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every night.

Q: What are some family-friendly destinations for single parents?

A: There are many family-friendly destinations for single parents, including theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, beach resorts like Hawaii and the Caribbean, and cities with plenty of cultural attractions like New York City and Paris.

Q: How can I keep my kids entertained during long flights or car rides?

A: Bring plenty of snacks, games, and activities to keep your kids entertained during long flights or car rides. Consider downloading movies or TV shows onto a tablet or phone, or bring a portable DVD player. You can also play games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to pass the time.

Q: How can I ensure my kids stay safe while traveling?

A: It’s important to research your destination beforehand and be aware of any potential safety concerns. Make sure your kids know what to do in case they get lost or separated from you, and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself and your family in case of an emergency.

Q: What are some tips for traveling with young children?

A: When traveling with young children, it’s important to pack plenty of snacks, diapers, and other essentials. Try to stick to your child’s usual routine as much as possible, and be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in plans. You can also bring a stroller or baby carrier to make getting around easier.

Flying Solo: Best Single-Parent Vacations to Take With the Kids

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

As a single mom, traveling with my children while they were young was always a bit of a struggle. Carrying the gear for everyone, finding seats on flights together, keeping hands on both kids as they made their way through crowded attractions or airports, and don't get me started on the onboard lav situation.

But honestly, nothing was as bad as wanting to enjoy an all-inclusive type of vacation and being penalized for traveling solo. In fact, being single may cost you more than $2,671 additional per year. Think about it -- things like hotel rooms, car service, resort stays and some tours don't generally cost less just because there's only one adult involved.

Many all-inclusive resorts and cruises often have rates based on double occupancy, even when offering "kids stay free" packages. If you travel as a single parent, you are often forced to pay the additional fee for the nonexistent second adult in order to enjoy the ease and comfort of all-in-one-vacations.

But thankfully, the travel industry is starting to recognize that single parents want to travel, too, and more and more companies are waiving fees and making it easier for solo parents to travel with their children. Here are some of my favorite single-parent vacation options.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Hyatt ziva resorts.

For solo parents who are into the miles-and-points game, you're no doubt already familiar with Hyatt's Ziva brand of all-inclusive resorts. You can book Hyatt Ziva properties throughout Mexico ( Cancun , Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta ) as well as the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica . And, beginning Nov. 1, 2019, at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

While redeeming points at an all-inclusive property will zap your points balance, you'll have everything you need to have a fantastic vacation with your kids at your fingertips. Award nights at the Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta properties can be booked from 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a standard room for two people. Additional guests over 3 years old cost an extra 10,000 point per night (with a maximum of four people in a room).

Suites at those resorts start at 32,000 points per night and are also 10,000 points for each additional person per night. Rose Hall and Cancun are slightly pricier with standard rooms for two set at 25,000 points per night and 12,500 points per night for additional guests. Award rates have not yet been announced for the forthcoming Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. You can earn World of Hyatt points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card to use at these resorts or transfer them to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio from Chase Ultimate Rewards and cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

IHG All-Inclusive Resorts

IHG Rewards Club members can cash in on an all-inclusive stay in one of Holiday Inn's all-inclusive resort options where kids stay free. The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay is 50,000 points per night and the Holiday Inn Los Cabos is 40,000 points per night -- both include food, drinks and activities. Learn how to maximize IHG Rewards Club points for family travel .

Single Parent Package in Saint Martin

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in Saint Martin may have received a devastating blow from Hurricane Irma in 2017, but it's wrapping up its yearlong, full renovation in February 2019, creating a near-brand-new resort catering to families. There you'll find five restaurants, a fun children's club, large pool with waterfalls overlooking the ocean and activities for kids and families. The resort features a Single Parent Package, waiving the single supplement fee and offering free stays for kids 12 and younger with discounts for older kids.

If you want to arrive well-rested and in style, here's how to fly to the Caribbean in a lie-flat seat .

Wyndham Rewards All-Inclusive Resorts

While all-inclusive resort operator Smile Resorts is Canadian-operated, you don't need to live in Canada to take advantage of its single-parent vacation offers. The collection features flight and accommodation packages, yes, mainly from Canadian airports (save for Buffalo, New York), with single-parent supplement fees waived.

Properties include Casa Marina Beach Resort and Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach , both in the Dominican Republic, and Park Royal Ixtapa in Mexico. Each features kids clubs, pools, beaches and all you want from an all-inclusive resort. Kids ages 2 to 12 can eat and stay free, and teens are discounted, as well. You don't have to book through Smile Resorts to stay at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach. If you have Wyndham Rewards points , you can spend 15,000 per night for a room. Just be aware that you'll likely get a room with a king bed, so this option might not work if you're traveling with multiple kids or older children that can't share a bed with you.

Grand Palladium All-Inclusive Resorts

Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts are all-inclusive properties scattered across the Caribbean in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic (not to be confused with Palladium Hotels, which are adult-only resorts). The five-star resorts focus on the Raggs dog squad characters, with character breakfasts, kids club and extra-special family programming, like dance parties. It also offers single-parent rates, allowing up to three kids to stay in the same room at 50% off room rates at properties like Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya .

Palace Resorts

Palace Resorts cater to single parents -- just think: 24-hour room service available (included) so someone can treat you to breakfast in bed daily. The Kids & Teens Stay Free package, which runs through Dec. 23, 2019, cuts out the single supplement and gives you a room with your kids 17 and younger, who travel for free. All the amenities of an all-inclusive, such as a playroom, teen hangouts, dining and activities, can be found at 10 oceanfront resorts in Jamaica and Mexico, including the Moon Palace Resort in Riviera Maya.

Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resort, the popular family-friendly all-inclusive chain in Jamaica (three properties to choose from) and Turks & Caicos opens up a few of its months during the year to single parents with solo-parent deals. The properties feature multiple price-point accommodations from simple studios to multi-bedroom villas, and offers more than a dozen dining options, full waterparks, Sesame Street character-themed activities, kids' clubs and programs for infants to teens ... and yes, even for parents.

Most mainstream cruise ships are not truly all-inclusive, but they do offer all your needs in one convenient location with lots of inclusions. Yet, with all of the tricks and treats cruise lines are offering for families , single parents don't always find breaks, unless they are sailing with MSC Cruises , an Italian cruise operator. For single parents, choose the All-in-One package, which creates an all-inclusive package for you and your brood, sans a second adult, with Babycare, Miniclub, Juniors Club, dining, waterparks, shows and activities.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), which can also be more expensive than many other large lines, may be worth the price when considering just how much they offer to single moms and dads. DCL connects solo parent travelers at meals to help them find and connect with one another and even plans activities specifically for single-parent families. Booking a state room with one adult and children is also a bit cheaper than a room with two adults and children. For example, a six-night Caribbean trip out of Galveston with two adults and two children starts at $3,250, while the same room with one adult and two children starts at $2,562.

On the Disney Cruise Line are included kids clubs, teen programs, family-friendly accommodations and, of course, a touch of Disney Magic onboard and during excursions. To help save with the pricy cost of a Disney Cruise, consider purchasing discounted Disney gift cards .

Solo Studios on Norwegian Cruise Line

If you are considering a cruise without the kids at some point, I have to give a quick nod to Norwegian for introducing a room class just for solo travelers . These studios are "cozy" (OK, small) at 100 square feet, but you won't pay the dreaded "single traveler tax." These rooms have exclusive use of a Studio Complex and Lounge. This is an area just for solo travelers staying in the studios where you can watch TV, order room service, have a drink and chat with other travelers.

Tour Groups

Solo parent trips with intrepid travel.

If you're aiming to take on a more adventurous vacation with the kids, tour groups can help you plan and maneuver through all of the logistics at one price -- just show up and enjoy the trip. One of the best tour groups for families is Intrepid Travel, which specifically launched tours just for solo parents . The tours are kept small -- just three to five families -- and pair you and the kids with other solo parents who understand what it's like to travel as a single parent.

Tours are catered to kids with stays at hotels that have swimming pools, dining at restaurants with kid-approved menus and programming that connects your kids to school studies or hobbies. Another plus? Kids 17 and younger receive a 10 percent discount. The exotic tours mean you can show kids the world with the help of others and choose from visits to Morocco, Costa Rica, Vietnam or India in 2019.

OARS Single-Parent Camping Trips

For parents who love outdoor adventure but understand camping without another adult is tricky (just putting up a tent alone can be a real feat!), OARS offers single-parent camping and rafting trips in the US. While connecting other single-parent travelers and, often, teens, you can visit the western states of Colorado, Arizona, Colorado and Alaska. The majority of the tour options for families take place during school breaks.

Bottom Line

Whether you are a single parent, or your partner simply isn't always available to travel with you and the kids, don't be too nervous to travel alone with your children. You may find hotels and resorts willing to help (or even offer single-parent discounts) as packages for single parents traveling with kids are becoming increasingly available. When the trip is all about you and your kids, you're guaranteed to wind up with memory-making experiences for the whole family.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter here: https://thepointsguy.com/mailing-list//

15 Life-Changing Adventures for Solo Female Travelers

03/05/2019 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

Lately I’ve been reflecting on the last 6 1/2 years of solo traveling around the world, and thinking about what the true best adventures were that I’d had on my own. With almost my entire life over that time devoted to wandering, there have been so many experiences that were enriching, mind-boggling, and sometimes world shifting.

We all travel for different reasons. Maybe it’s just to feel an adrenaline rush , to experience what Italian food actually tastes like in Italy , or to have a groundbreaking realization that changes the course of our entire lives.

The following are some of the most incredible experiences I’ve had as a solo female traveler, from the culinary to the boundary-pushing, the heart warming to the paradigm-shifting:

Table of Contents

1. Hiking the Eight Day O Circuit in Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

Sure it’s a challenge, but most worthwhile things in life are. This can be done from late November until early April most years. You can read more about how to do it here.

2. Solo Road Tripping through the American Southwest

Even after traveling all over the world, I’m convinced that the American Southwest has some of the most dramatic and varied landscape there is. From the incredible Rockies and the canyons carved by the Colorado River, to the vast deserts of Nevada and California and the deep orange of southern Utah, this is one of the best places in the world for outdoorsy types.

I took a solo camper van adventure here a couple of years ago and it still one of the best memories I have. Solo stargazing without anyone visible in any direction is humbling and yet so freeing. You can read more here about my itinerary and some of Utah’s best off the beaten path places to build a trip of your own.

3. Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

I drove along the Ring Road (here’s my itinerary) in October and saw the northern lights three times! There’s really no way to describe them or substitute for seeing them yourself. Here are 6 other magical spots around the world where you can see the northern lights!

4. Scuba Diving in Raja Ampat, Western Papua, Indonesia

I joined a liveaboard dive boat that cruised through the area for 11 days, offering three dives per day. It was the perfect way to see it as a solo traveler. You can read more here .

5. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Talk about humbling! In Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you can join a guided tour and trek into the jungle to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. The severely endangered animals know that humans won’t hurt them, and tolerated us getting pretty close! Seeing the silverback gorilla and the little babies beating their chests to imitate him was even more incredible than I thought it could be, and I had really high expectations!

Even though the price tag is pretty astronomical at $600 for a permit, this is one of those experiences that you will never forget. It’s not super easy to do independently but I have directions on how to do so here . Alternatively, you can join a tour that takes care of the logistics for you, which you can also read about in the same post.

6. Hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

First Name:

The road keeps extending farther up the mountain which can shorten the trail significantly, but it’s typically a 14-day trail that could be made longer or shorter depending on if you add on Poon Hill and the Annapurna Sanctuary, which I did. It was the first time I had ever attempted a multi-day hike, and while tough, it was so rewarding to complete the trail and peaceful in those little mountain villages. It’s also made more accessible by being a teahouse trek, which means that you don’t need to carry any food or camping gear because there are restaurants and basic huts to sleep in all along the way. You can read more about how to do it independently here .

7. Driving the Road to Hana in Maui

Without having a navigator, knowing when to turn off can be a bit difficult on the Road to Hana, unless you have an app which tells you when to turn. I have the best stops and a link to the app on my Road to Hana Guide.

8. A 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in Thailand

The retreat at Wat Suan Mokkh is no-frills and quite traditional, but if you want to know yourself on a much deeper level than you ever previously had, I encourage you to look into it. There are other, much more comfortable retreats out there that can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars, and there are many disciplines in the world as well. This is the first one I ever did and I do think it’s a bit tough, but for some people that yields the best results. You can read about my experience here.

9. Freediving with Humpback Whales in Tonga

Tonga is one of the few countries in the world that allows people to swim with whales. There are heavy regulations prohibiting more than a few swimmers in the water at a time, meaning that as the popularity grows, so does the demand for the limited spaces. If you’re dying to try it, there are a few spaces left with the new company that I went with. You can read about my experience here .

10. Dining at Tsurutokame in Tokyo

This is in the top three meals of my life, and they even adopted a completely vegan menu for me! You can read more about how to book here .

11. Marveling at the Rice Terraces in Yunnan, China

This part of the world is only beginning to open up to tourism, though the secret is out, which makes it a bit easier to access now for Western visitors.

12. Backcountry Backpacking in Alaska

I saw plenty of elks, moose, and even a distant bear. Charting a course with a map and compass, this was truly one of the most adventurous experiences I’ve ever had. Though I would never recommend going out there alone, you can join hiking groups for an incredible, adventurous experience. I brought 12 girls on their first backpacking trip last summer and it was a blast! Stay tuned as we may offer another one in the future.

13. Seeing Kawah Ijen’s Blue Flames in Indonesia

Though word has gotten out and I know that this is a much more popular hike than when I did it six years ago, there is almost no parallel to seeing the incredible blue flames in East Java, Indonesia.

Begin the hike at 2-3am and hike in with the stars, see the flames, and head to the crater rim for sunrise. This one is definitely on the highlight reel of my life. Read more about how to do it here.

14. Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba, Canada

Imagine kayaking in the bay and feeling a little bump on the bottom of your kayak followed by a cheeky white Beluga face smiling at you from under the water. That’s what it’s like visiting Churchill, Manitoba in the summer when the beluga whales are hanging out and coming over to say hello. They’re so incredibly curious, any experience includes snorkeling with them, boating around them, and kayaking with them. If you’re lucky you may see some polar bears too! You can read more about that here.

15. Venturing into Parts Unknown in Mozambique

Although most of these are pretty adventurous activities, which may seem intimidating at first, I found that by getting out there I was a lot more adventurous than I ever thought. I was capable of trying things that a few years prior would have scared me off. That’s one of the gifts of solo traveling – it builds confidence in a way that nothing else can.

So whether you decide to do one of these adventures or something else entirely, I encourage you to give your adventurous side a chance and try something new.

So these are my favorite experiences, everyone is different. What have been your favorite solo traveling experiences abroad?

The best of the blog

My all-time favorite places in the world, the 30 cheapest travel destinations around the world, about kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Rumbling Chopsticks says

03/06/2019 at 11:35 am

Great post like always Kristin! It’s awesome how you did all of these locations as a solo female traveler ?. I haven’t been to Iceland yet, but thats a trip I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot, the photo of the Northern Lights like stunning!

Kristin says

03/13/2019 at 12:02 pm

Protect Your Trip »

Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

(Getty Images) |

From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Best Weekender Bags for Women

The Best Carry-on Luggage

• The Best Wellness Retreats in the U.S.
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

• CREATIVE TEAM
• Adventure Up
• INTENTIONAL 10

• TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
• FAMILY TRAVEL POSTS
• CURRENTLY READING
• OUTDOOR SCHOOL DIRECTORY
• FAVORITE GEAR

Adventuring as a Solo Mom

Here at Run Wild My Child, we’re big fans of moms! We genuinely believe moms can do just about anything they put their minds to. We want to help moms make the most of their time with their kids and make it easier to get outside and make memories together in nature. One of the best ways to do that is through solo adventures with kids. We know that having another parent/adult around might make adventuring easier, but we can do hard things, and moms shouldn’t have to wait for their partner before adventuring with kids. Today, Tine Voeten , Belgian mom of two, is here sharing her most recent solo mom adventure with her daughters. She’s sharing the tips she learned for traveling with kids solo while exploring Belgium in search of spring blossoms. She just might convince you to try a solo mom adventure with your kids. 

Solo mom adventures

Whether you are married/co-parenting or not, at times, we moms find ourselves parenting solo. Whether you’re solo parenting full-time or part-time, because of divorce, your partner’s demanding work schedule, deployment, choice, or other circumstances, you can still have amazing adventures with your kids. Adventuring on your own solo with your kids might sound overwhelming and scary, but I’m here to assure you that you can do it! It may not go perfectly (it won’t), but your solo mom adventure will be a fantastic bonding experience with your children and make you feel more confident and comfortable in your parenting skills. 

Seeking adventure may not be on your priority list when you’re solo parenting. But it should be! Let me take you along on my most recent solo-mom adventure, which started with chasing pretty spring flowers and ended with us going on our first campervan trip ever, heading for the blossoms in Dutch Zeeland! It was terrific and something we’ll remember forever, but I will assure you, it didn’t go exactly as planned! 

My solo mom spring experience

This past March, my husband went to the U.S. to visit his family for nine weeks. It was the first time that I was alone with the girls for such a long time. So here you have it, a solo-mom seeking adventure! As a family, we are very active and love to explore. We didn’t want my husband’s absence to slow us down or keep us from doing fun outdoor activities. I made a plan for the whole nine weeks, with tons of fun adventures and some time to slow down at home, too.

Springtime in our area is magical, with all the spring blossoms and tulips. I knew I would make the girls happy to go see them, so I planned some time to visit our nearby blossom fields. However, I forgot that looking for blossoms or flowers in spring can be tricky since it often depends on the weather. The weather in Belgium and Holland can be very unpredictable and unstable, especially during springtime! One day it is 70°C and sunny; the next day, it snows! 

Apple Blossom in Minderhout, Belgium

Spring blossoms in Belgium

The first solo mom adventure I planned was to see spring blossoms in the beautiful region of Limburg in Belgium. If you ever get to visit Belgium, you should definitely explore this area! This region has so many child-friendly, nature-based tours of art and culture. Plus, it boasts some of the most beautiful fields and forests. It is a special region where you get the sense of time slowing down and life just flows at you. It might sound crazy, but you should experience it for yourself! 

Unfortunately, a visit to the blossom fields didn’t work out for us due to weather. So, what does a mom do best? Postpone and change plans! Weather conditions didn’t keep us from going on an adventure! We visited some amazing museums, had fun at an indoor playground, went to the forest, and took off for a shopping afternoon. Not exactly what we had in mind (and we were disappointed), but we made the most out of our experience and still managed to have fun.  This probably sounds familiar to a lot of moms! Solo mom adventures require a lot of flexibility!

Moms can do hard things

I will tell you a secret. I have an enormous urge to prove that I can do everything alone. Do you have this feeling too? I used to hate asking for help. I was upset with myself when I was overwhelmed but would never admit that I couldn’t do everything on my own. 

I have learned throughout this past year that this is a foolish way of thinking, especially for a mom. My children benefit more from a mom who can regularly ask for help (and graciously receive it) and is more relaxed than a mom who is often exhausted, easily stressed out, and nervous all the time. I’m getting better at asking for help when I need it, which means my children get a better version of me. 

Setting a solo mom mission

However, there are times when moms need to do everything on their own. And solo mom adventures with your kids are the perfect time to prove to yourself that you can do hard things! It’s not about proving to myself how much work and pressure I can handle, it’s about me discovering how much fun I can have by myself with the girls. I also wanted to show that solo moms can seek adventure with kids in all kinds of fun ways completely on my own! 

So, we came up with an adventure plan and this is what we did! The mission of the weekend: enjoying our first campervan trip ever, looking for the most beautiful blossom fields on the coastline of Holland. 

Famous cherry blossom in the Zoo of Antwerp, Belgium

Solo mom adventure in a campervan

For our camping adventure, we rented the most beautiful and practical Hymer Campervan with a sleeping roof from Rent and Away . The sleeping roof takes your experience to the next level and it’s a true campervan escape. Traveling by campervan through Europe has been on my bucket list for years and I’m so proud of myself for taking on this adventure by myself with my girls. I think it proved to all of us just how capable we are of adventuring! 

Seeing Europe in a campervan

If you are ever traveling in Central Europe and you love exploring with a campervan, I advise you to start in Belgium! Get your well-equipped campervan from Rent and Away , which is run by a beautiful young family. Jo and An will make sure you will have everything you need for an unforgettable stay in Europe and take great care of you. We had the best experience with them.

Start your adventure by exploring Belgium – its such a beautiful country and conveniently located in central Europe. Drive south, passing through Luxembourg and France. Next, you can head further southeast to Spain or Portugal, or southwest to Italy via Switzerland. Both are amazing options! If these itineraries don’t inspire (although, how could they not?), you can also head up north, via the Netherlands to Scandinavia, passing through Denmark to magical Scandinavia. And I didn’t even mention how beautiful Croatia, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia are! There are so many possibilities! 

Hymer Campervan with sleeping roof

Solo mom campervan adventure starts here

Unfortunately, none of the above exotic multi-country trips were on our agenda, as we only had a weekend to travel. But that’s ok! Again, we made the most out of the time we had and had a wonderful time adventuring a bit closer to home.

We started out in Herzele, a beautiful municipal in the province of East-Flanders. An and Jo and their two lovely daughters welcomed us into their beautiful domain of Rent And Away . The perfect start for any mom seeking adventure. They are such a lovely family that loves adventuring, and this shows in their vans. You notice instantly that they have thought about every little detail. These vans are the perfect family (and solo-mom) traveling vehicles.

After a very complete and thorough tour in the van with all the necessary explanations, we were ready to go!  Since it was already nightfall when we got going, we opted to stay there and spend our first night in the van in Herzele. This way, we could leave early in the morning and go and search for flowers in the beautiful nature of Zeeland. The girls were so proud of their campervan. The only thing they weren’t very fond of at first was the indoor toilet. But I can guarantee you, it was an incredible luxury to have our mobile toilet with us! 

Chasing blossoms in Dutch Zeeland

Heading on to the Dutch coast, we made plenty of stops for picnicking and taking some beautiful pictures. I was surprised at how easy it was to park with the Hymer campervan. The size of this van is so compact that you will always find a spot to park. For a van with a kitchen, shower, toilet, table space, and sleeping space for four people, that’s pretty incredible! 

The only thing we didn’t find were the blossom fields! I completely miscalculated my route and trusted on faith and luck to find one. We did not. However, instead of being stressed out about it, we just went with the flow, drove to a destination called Cadzand, and enjoyed the beach for a couple of hours. It was not what we planned, but it worked out for the best! The girls completely forgot about the flowers and enjoyed the trip. They were so proud of their campervan that I could have taken them to an industrial zone to run around and they wouldn’t care! 

Mill in Cadzand, the Netherlands

We stayed for the night at a camping area of an asparagus farm in Ede, where they also grow blueberries. No flowers, no blossom, but instead a beautiful area with a playground and an incredible quietness. No need to seek adventure. We had a crazy fun night on the campervan’s sleeping roof after an amazing sunset. 

Sunset in Ede, the Netherlands

Embracing a change in plans

So, what about the flowers? Well, we just had to let go of this idea for the weekend and make the most of the other moments. Once I was able to let go of my expectations and follow the speed of the children, everything got easier and felt less stressful. When adventuring as a solo mom, sometimes even the best laid plans just don’t work out and the best way to stay calm and have fun is to embrace the change.

I planned our trip with only one destination in mind, the Dutch coastline, which left us a lot of room for flexibility. And this is key when you travel with kids. I don’t believe you can push children too much in what you want to do with them. You can dream of climbing a mountain during your trip. But even if you only get halfway, you also can still have an amazing experience.

Cadzand-Bad in the Netherlands

Trust yourself and your kids

One of the most important things you learn from doing solo mom adventures with your kids is to trust yourself and your parenting abilities. Pulling off a solo adventure (even if it goes wrong), is empowering! Every time you adventure with your kids, you strengthen that “mommy muscle” and want to see what else you can do.

Plus, adventuring with your kids also makes you trust your children more. I believe that kids are able to do more than they (or most grownups) think. Kids are very capable if we let them be, and solo adventuring sometimes means that they have to step up and help out more. This is a great opportunity for them to grow and learn. Getting them out of their comfort zone a bit and experiencing new things together will strengthen your family bonds. Together you will find the most magical moments and incredible places, without tight planning and high expectations.

Rent and Away Campervan

Best places to view spring blossoms in Belgium and Holland

Since I’ve lured you here with the promise of spring flower blossoms in Belgium and Holland, here’s a short list of some of the most beautiful places to visit when you go to Belgium or Holland, each described in more detail below:

• Rivierenhof Park – Belgium
• Arboretum Kalmthout – Belgium
• Hoogstraten – Belgium
• Royal Serres – Belgium
• Hallerforest – Belgium
• Keukenhof in Lisse – Holland

Magnolia blossom at Rivierenhof Park – Deurne (Belgium)

Rivierenhof Park in Antwerp is a beautiful extended park with a digital Magnolia route to explore the magnificent Magnolia trees in the park. Even though a lot of these trees are still young here (and thus relatively small), there are some larger trees spread around the park with big gorgeous blooms. I even found one with a low-hanging branch to sit on!

If you want to practice some camera skills in order to capture your adventure and tell your story , this is the perfect spot! You will find other blossoms and flowers as well here, like cherry blossoms and daffodils. So this park is definitely a must-visit if you want to experience spring in Belgium.

Bloom period: mid-March – mid-April

Rivierenhof, Antwerp

Arboretum Kalmthout (Belgium)

The garden of Arboretum Kalmthout is one of the most impressive gardens in the North of Belgium. The arboretum, as the name refers to, is a sum of different trees and plants that were all planted with a scientific purpose. Research is always ongoing in the park, and it results in a beautiful scenery of vegetation. During blossom season, you can find colorful flowers everywhere.

Bloom period: April-May

Easter Egg Hunt in Arboretum Kalmthout

Blossom route in Hoogstraten (Belgium)

Hoogstraten is a city in Belgium famous for its strawberries and beautiful hikes between the prairies. Most people don’t know that during the blossom time, they have beautiful routes to follow between the apple trees, blueberries fields, and pear and cherry flowers. This hike of 9km takes you through magnificent areas where you don’t find anything else but nature and quietness. It’s amazing! 

Bloom period: Beginning of April through the first week of May

Apple Blossom in Hoogstraten, Belgium

Royal Serres in Brussels (Belgium)

Once a year, when the flowers and trees are blooming, the king and queen open the doors of their Royal Garden for visitors. You can walk through the ancient park used by all Belgian Kings and Queens. At the end of this route, you enter the Royal Serres with many tropical flowers and trees.

Opens to the public: three weeks in April

Royal Serres Belgium

Hallerforest in Halle

Once a year, some of the Belgian forests turn completely purple thanks to the purple hyacinths that bloom from mid-April till the first weeks of May. This, of course, depends on the weather. When the weather is warmer, the hyacinths bloom more. But, the sun also makes the leaves of the trees grow faster. This robs the flowers from the light. Without sunlight, the small flowers disappear.

Bloom period: mid-April through the first weeks of May

Hallerforest Belgium

Keukenhof in Lisse

The most beautiful flower park in the Netherlands is het Keukenhof in Lisse, the North of Holland. Here you will find a colorful show of all kinds of flowers. Each and every year, you will find different creations and art pieces made of flowers. The park is located in between the tulip fields of Lisse. During this time of the year, you will find tulip fields all over.

Opens to the public: mid-March through mid-May

Keukenhof Lisse, the Netherlands

Flower fields and more

These are just a couple of places to visit in Belgium and the Netherland, but we have many more during spring. Too much to see in one season! But it is so worth visiting these two countries during this colorful season. Check out the website of Kids del Mundo for more adventures in Europe!

Solo mom adventure? Yes, you can!

So, to all of you strong women that want to go on more adventures with your kids, don’t stop going outdoors with your kids just because you don’t have someone to adventure with! You can do it! Solo mom adventures are empowering and powerful! Your kids will love seeing you being brave and courageous. It’ll plant seeds for them to grow up as independent girls and boys, too!

Just remember: Start with a plan on what to do, but don’t be afraid to let go of the idea of how to get there! Embrace the change and be flexible. You might just find an even better adventure! You can do hard things, mama! Let your inner child come out and play, sing and dance with the kids! They will love it, and you will too!

Have you ever taking your kids on a solo mom adventure?

About the author

Tine is a natural-born adventurer from Belgium. She met her husband, soulmate, and the father of her two girls while working and living in the Dominican Republic. Nine years ago they moved back to Europe and are still exploring European grounds. Her happy place is wherever her kids are, but she spices up life by discovering unknown places, planning new adventures, and going outdoors as much as possible. Having kids added a big value to her life, because seeing life through the eyes of her little ones lifted it to a completely different dimension. Their family goal is to travel the world, living a location-independent lifestyle. The family is now working on a couple of projects to make this dream happen! In the meantime, they keep on exploring and Tine keeps on writing and inspiring other families to explore just like them. 

You can find more from Tine online in the following locations: Instagram:  @kidsdelmundo RWMC posts:  Tine Voeten Website:  www.kidsdelmundo.com

More like this

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe and Follow

Recent Posts

Follow us on Instagram

• 1 800 970 7299
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Why choose Intrepid

Just for families

The clue’s in the title. These trips are for single parent families only (including any aunts, uncles or cousins who’d like to come along, of course). As long as you’re travelling with a child under the age of 18, you’re a family in our eyes. Plus, unlike other travel companies, children aged 17 years and younger receive a 10% discount off the price of their trip.

Travel with other families

Travelling the Intrepid way is a bit like travelling with a group of friends. Made up of 3-5 like-minded families, the kids tend to hit it off on these trips straight away, allowing you to enjoy some well-earned R&R. We often find the whole family ends up making friendships with people from all over the world, staying in touch long after the adventure ends.

Small group sizes

Intrepid’s family group sizes are small enough to avoid the crowds and reach some out-of-the-way places, but big enough for a good social mix. Our average group size of 10 allows us to hop aboard local boats, buses or trains, eat at friendly, family-run restaurants and kick back in traditional accommodation and homestays.

Action packed

We know the biggest challenge on a family trip is keeping the kids entertained. So we’ve planned in advance. Nearly all of our hotels feature pools, and each day has a great mix of action-packed adventure and flexible free time. Your local leader can also suggest activities based on your kid’s hobbies or school curriculum.

Safety first

Our leaders are specially trained to run family adventures, so you’re well taken care of. You can also rest easy knowing we conduct safety assessments on all our activities to meet local standards as well as our own comprehensive safety policy. 

Responsible travel

The world’s an amazing place and we want to do our bit to keep it that way. That’s why we choose to travel responsibly, giving back to the communities we visit and helping to create a sustainable world for our children. For us, it’s also about educating the next generation of responsible travellers. 

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Discover the joys of the High Atlas on a trek through scenic Berber villages, spending a night in a traditional Berber homestay. It’s a chance to discover the culture and tradition of an indigenous population who have stood the test of time. And to go downhill mountain biking, naturally.

Nubian village, Aswan, Egypt

Jump on a felucca and sail across the Nile to a Nubian village, where you'll share dinner with a local family. This is a great way to immerse your family in a different culture and learn about another way of life

Ranthambhore National Park, India

It’s one of the premier national parks of India, a place where nature reigns supreme. A game drive in Ranthambhore just might reveal a Bengal tiger stalking among the ruined forts and temples; in this jungle they can be spotted even during the day.

Where we stay

We put a lot of care in choosing the accommodation we stay in, avoiding the big chain hotels in favor of locally-run establishments offering a unique experience. Whether it's a rustic homestay in Thailand or an extravagant riad in Morocco , we choose good quality operators where most rooms will feature ensuites and air conditioning is standard. Wherever possible we pick hotels that provide triple or quad rooms and always try and offer conjoining rooms when they are available. 

Learn more about our accommodation

17th Century Palace - India

Spend a night at one of Rajasthan's breathtaking 17th Century palaces. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms, the accommodation alone stands out as one of the highlights of the trip. Get to know the other parents over a game of billiards or kick back in the opulent surrounds while the kids take to the pool.

Mountain gite - Morocco

Spend the night in a family-run mountain home in Aroumd, perched on a rocky outcrop with stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, this is a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture.

Read our Family FAQs

Read more about family travel.

Nov 28, 2023

7 ways for kids to live a day in the....

From samurais to Santa, there are big shoes to step into on Intrepid’s newest...

6 amazing new trips for families only 

The newest additions to Intrepid’s family range pack heaps of adventure into some...

Nov 08, 2018

How to have the ultimate family....

If you’re after a family adventure beyond the gated mega-resorts, here are 5...

Jun 23, 2021

Family fun for every age in australia....

Even if your family has already seen a lot of Australia and New Zealand, these kid...

Dec 22, 2017

Packing the perfect rucksack for a....

We’re no strangers to rucksacks and know that using every inch of space is key, so...

Dec 16, 2014

17 tips for a healthy and happy....

Taking your pint-sized people travelling in India would likely be out of the...

May 19, 2023

The best thing about a family tour....

'On the first day, the eight children pronounced themselves best friends and...

Jan 19, 2020

Hey kids 10 awesome family travel....

On family holidays, it can sometimes be tricky finding fun things to do that...

Dec 12, 2018

How a fork in the road taught me to....

But what is travel all about? It's about experiences. Both failures, and successes...

Jun 20, 2022

Ryan’s list: how one teenager is....

When 18-year-old Ryan Alam was diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative disease, he...

Nov 13, 2022

Why travelling with your child is the....

When Mark and his 11-year-old daughter Quinn decided to travel together through...

Dec 14, 2022

6 family holidays with a difference.

It's time to steer away from those tried-and-tested holiday spots and choose...

Apr 01, 2022

A teen’s eye view of intrepid family....

As a teenager, Faye Wilkinson travelled on several Intrepid family holidays. We...

Jan 15, 2022

Travel photography tips for kids.

Capturing memorable moments from your family holiday is a great way to remember...

Jan 03, 2022

Why family travel is a great idea.

Going on a family holiday can be expensive, take a lot of organising and scouring...

Jul 25, 2022

Family travel 101: what to consider....

Despite what the cynics say, having a family doesn’t snuff out your sense of...

Jul 30, 2018

19 photos that prove morocco is an....

Morocco. It might not be the first destination you think of when you consider your...

Jan 25, 2022

8 of the best things to do in the....

Discover the best things to do in the Kenai Peninsula which showcases the great...

Nov 15, 2021

Explore these 4 hidden caves in cornwall.

Hidden caves and their magical and legendary tales are on the agenda for your next...

Mar 21, 2022

Unwind in these 4 incredible hot....

Trust us when we say your body needs this...

Feb 14, 2022

4 of the most impressive snowdonia....

Insert TLC pun here.....

Jan 21, 2020

Kid’s-eye view: what to expect on a....

"In the time we spent in Costa Rica, I saw my kids grow and discover things about...

Jan 23, 2020

What my 5-year-old daughter learned....

"I love seeing the world through my daughter's eyes, and I appreciate her...

Jun 11, 2021

5 fantastic family experiences you....

From digging for dinosaurs to mushing with sled dogs, these summer activities are...

7 Essential Solo Travel Tips for Moms: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe and Exciting Adventures

By Shreya Suresh Kumar

Being a mother is a ride full of emotions. It involves a continuous struggle of wanting to be with your children and family all the time while also craving some alone time. Thus, if you’re a mother planning a solo trip for the first time, it can get pretty daunting. Traveling solo is already challenging, and for a mother who isn’t used to traveling alone, it can be a bit more perplexing. But don’t worry; we have compiled a list of useful solo travel tips to assist mothers embarking on their first solo trip. Follow these tips before you hit the road.

1. Research & Plan Ahead

To avoid stress and save money and time, planning ahead is important when traveling. Do your research on your destination and create a list of must-see attractions. Additionally, be sure to book your accommodations and transportation well in advance. This is one of the most important solo travel tips that you must remember to do.

2. Pack Smart & Light

When packing for your travels, it’s best to be smart and pack light. Only bring the essentials, such as comfortable shoes, versatile clothing, and a first-aid kit. Packing snacks and entertainment for those long travel days is also a good idea. Avoid overpacking, as it will only make traveling more difficult by weighing you down.

3. Stay Connected

To stay connected during your travels, having a dependable internet connection and keeping your phone charged is important. Additionally, it’s wise to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member in case of any emergencies. You may also find it helpful to download travel apps that can assist you with navigating your destination. Don’t forget to carry chargers to all your electronic devices.

4. Stay Safe and Aware

When traveling alone, prioritize safety by knowing your surroundings and avoiding secluded areas at night. Consider carrying personal safety devices like a whistle or pepper spray. Remember, safety comes first for an enjoyable trip. This will keep you safe and help you avoid any potential danger.

5. Be Flexible & Open-minded

Another important solo travel tip is to remain flexible. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, causing stress and inconvenience. Being prepared to adjust your itinerary can help you make the most of your trip and reduce any unnecessary tension or concerns.

Discover 10 family-friendly activities in New York to make the most of your vacation.

6. Connect with Fellow Travelers and Locals

Connect with other travelers and locals on your solo trip as a mother. Join group tours, attend local events, and take part in activities to gain insights into different cultures and lifestyles. Make new friends, share stories, and create lasting bonds for an enriching journey.

7. Have Fun & Make Memories

Another important travel tip is to remember to enjoy yourself while traveling alone, even though it can be daunting. The essence of traveling is to have fun and create new experiences, so don’t shy away from trying new things and immersing yourself in different cultures. Most importantly, cherish your solo adventure as a mother.

Embarking on a solo journey as a mom is a fantastic way to recharge and explore the world on your terms. Remember, it’s okay to have some time for yourself; it benefits both you and your family. Following these essential solo travel tips will prepare you for a safe and enjoyable adventure. So, pack your bags, embrace the excitement, and bon voyage! Safe travels, Super Mom!

Check out the ten best family-friendly activities in Los Angeles .

Share article

25 Kid-Friendly Hotels with Insanely Wacky Amenities

15 Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

DIY Wind Chimes Made From Recycled Tin Cans

10 Signs That You’re Having Mom Sex

Must-Have Wardrobe Essentials for New Moms

7 Helpful Tips To Plan Your Baby Shower

Must Haves for New Moms

Atlanta Airbnb Gems: Your Guide to Cozy Corners in the City

Moms don't get to relax on family vacations: Why you should ditch the kids for a solo trip

Family vacations aren’t always vacations for moms. It’s usually a change of scenery and responsibilities, but you still have to be “on .”

That is unless you leave your family at home.

“I hear from my community a lot, like ‘Why do I daydream about just packing my bags and leaving?’ or ‘I just lay there and think about if I could just lay in a hotel for like two or three days and sleep, that is just what I feel like I need,’” said Erica Djossa , a psychotherapist, fellow mom and founder and CEO of Momwell , which provides mental health care and support for moms. 

A solo vacation can be the ultimate “me” time for moms who spend most days juggling their family’s needs, as I discovered recently, but as Djossa explains, getaways can’t be the only avenue for rest.

“The challenge becomes how to not hop from vacation-to-vacation as our top up and our refuel and incorporate our needs on a day-to-day basis so we don't feel such desperation for these times,” she said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here are four surprising facts about solo mom vacations.

1. ‘Me’ time is real and needed

I may not have been desperate for “me” time, but I don’t think I realized how much I needed it until I got to Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana , an all-inclusive, seaside resort in the Dominican Republic.

“Moms don't see their needs as equal priority to the needs of their family, and so we are running a deficit every day in terms of our needs, like our social needs or our creative needs or anything that's life-giving to you,” Djossa said. 

Even on vacations, I plan around my family’s needs and interests, but this trip, the only person I had to worry about was me. I could wake up at my leisure, take my time getting ready uninterrupted and decide whatever I wanted to do with my day. 

I visited the resort’s 14,000-square-foot spa, floated around the lazy river at the on-site water park and waded through multiple pools, but the place I kept returning to was the beach. Nothing feeds my soul like the ocean, so I spent as much time as possible just sitting in the shade by the water, listening to the waves crash with my nose in a book.

2. Getting away proved crucial for my relaxation

It was the exact opposite of my landlocked suburban reality of rushing kids off to school, working, shuttling them to and from extracurricular activities, throwing together dinner if my husband doesn’t beat me to it and getting them to bed to do it all over again.

“Usually we have so many invisible tasks that we carry in our mind that I think we don't know how to get mental rest, unless we are out of that environment and we are apart from it,” Djossa said. “Physical barriers in place just help us feel like ‘OK, I have permission to just sit back.’“

The all-inclusive nature of the resort further lightened my load. The hardest decisions I had to make were what to eat at the various restaurants included with the stay and what to watch on TV, since no one else was fighting for the remote. 

It was heavenly being away for a bit, though I did occasionally find my mind wandering back home.  

'Get out there': This mom is using a never-ending road trip to inspire Black family travel

3. Ditching mom guilt is hard, but it can be done

I felt guilty visiting such a family-centered destination without my family, but I didn’t feel guilty about taking time for myself – something many moms wrestle with and I did too, when my kids were little.

“What I like to ask myself in those moments is ‘Would I want this thing for my partner or my child? Would I feel judgmental of them for going and having a social, enriching day for themselves?’” Djossa said. “If we flip it and look at ourselves with that same lens, we can see just how critical we’re being of ourselves.”

She encourages moms to put their own needs alongside those of their children and partners.

“I think that we often link being a good mom to being self-sacrificing and putting everyone's needs before our own. And when that's the measuring stick of how well we're doing in our role, then it's very difficult for us to put our needs around the table with others,” she added. “If we can't advocate and take radical responsibility for our own needs, then they will forever go unmet.”

Story continues below.

4. Finding rest is more than just sleeping

One such need is rest, which can come in many forms beyond vacations.

“The seven types of rest are physical rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, sensory rest and creative rest,” Djossa said, citing Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book “ Sacred Rest .” 

Those quiet moments on the beach were sensory rest for me. 

“The first thing that comes to mind is how overstimulating parenting is: constantly being touched, the noise that you can't control or the random shrieking. It's just very busy and loud and overwhelming,” Djossa said. “And when we're talking sensory rest, we're really talking about trying to bring that sensory overwhelm down so our body and our nervous system can reset.”

While that’s certainly easier on solo vacations, she urges moms to carve out low stimulation time and other types of rest regularly as well. 

“I think if we can incorporate those things day-by-day for ourselves, it will also feel like it keeps us, maybe not topped all the way up in terms of our emotional bank account or however, but at least not running a deficit,” she said. “And then adding in mom nights away or vacations just really then pours in as a deposit to that bank account and fills it right up.”

The reporter on this story received access to this resort from Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.  

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 18 best solo trips in the U.S.

Ready to venture out on your own? Our selection of the best solo trips in the U.S. are the perfect way to get started.

Solo travel is booming—for good reason. Sure, sharing experiences with friends, family, or your significant other is fun, but taking a trip alone is a whole other type of adventure. You can build confidence, take in moments without distraction, and, best of all,   get to do exactly what you want to do. No debates about where to eat or what to see, just you and your whims. Being solo also makes it easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger, be it a local or fellow traveler. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a fulfilling solo sojourn.  Whether you’ve done this before or are looking to take your first trip alone, we've rounded up the best cities to visit as a party-of-one that will provide plenty of new experiences, whether you're an art enthusiast, foodie or beach lover. From the historic streets of Boston to the mountains of Colorado to the hills of San Francisco , here are some of the best solo trips to take in the US with plenty of itinerary suggestions to boot. 

An email you’ll actually love

Best solo trips in the U.S.

1.  Nashville, TN

Let your love of music—and hearty Southern cooking—guide your trip through Nashville . For a toe-tapping good time, head to the Basement and possibly catch a 'secret' show from a national headliner in an intimate setting. Before the music, fill up with some finger-licking good Tennessee pork shoulder at Jack’s Bar-B-Cue , where you’ll make friends while waiting in long lines (trust us, it’s totally worth it) or test your limit for spicy food at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack or Hattie B’s . Celebrate a successful solo sojourn by ordering a cocktail at White Limozeen , the pink-hued, Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar atop the Graduate Nashville .

2.  Marfa, TX

Independent travelers with an artistic side need to visit Marfa, which has quickly become a top destination for artists looking for a productive retreat. Miles away from any other city and hours from the nearest airport, this teeny-tiny small town (population: less than 2,000) in the desert boasts large-scale art installations (including the Instagram-famous Prada Marfa one), the Chinati Foundation art museum, and a historic army fort . Unsurprisingly, there aren’t many hotels here; however, we recommend Hotel Saint George , a minimalist-inspired boutique hotel with a bustling lobby bar and stylish interiors.

3.  New York, NY

While being alone in a city as densely populated as the Big Apple might seem lonely, we guarantee it’ll feel quite freeing in no time. Get in a New York state of mind while heading to the city’s fabulous museums (including the MoMA , The Met , and the Whitney ), gorgeous public spaces and phenomenal performances on Broadway or at the Metropolitan Opera. Don’t forget to get a taste of the world-renowned Brooklyn food scene , and never fear going to a restaurant or bar to dine solo—in New York, that’s standard fare. Make SoHo your home base for exploring by staying at the design-centric Crosby Street Hotel , where guests and locals can mingle throughout the chic public spaces.

4.  Boulder, CO

Hiking boots are a must if you’re visiting Boulder. Skiers and snowboarders take over the city in the winter, and when the weather is good, visitors flock to Eldorado Canyon State Park , Flagstaff , Chautauqua Park , and the Flatirons . Stay in the heart of town at the historic Hotel Boulderado , which puts you within walking distance of the vibrant Pearl Street Mall . Along this four-block-long pedestrian-friendly hotspot, you’ll find a slew of shopping, drinking, and dining options .

5.  Portland, OR

Portland's laid-back vibes and numerous attractions make it ideal for a solo trip. Join fellow foodies as you sample your way through SE Division Street, including a savory breakfast at Pine State Biscuits and a creamy milkshake from Fifty Licks . Then, retreat to nature with a hike through Forest Park ; alternatively, stroll among thousands of flowers in the International Rose Test Garden . Looking to make new friends? Try hitting up a concert at local favorite Mississippi Studios or grab a beer at the city's many breweries. After an action-packed day, retreat to your room at The Nines , conveniently located downtown.

6.  Asheville, NC

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this dynamic North Carolina city is a favorite among artists and outdoor lovers alike. The tranquil waters of the French Broad River, located within the city limits, are perfect for a kayak trip, while the nearby mountains offer plenty of great hikes and look-out spots for photographers and nature enthusiasts. If you want a more refined experience, check out the palatial Biltmore Estate , America's largest privately owned house. You can even spend the night here: Three properties can be found within the 8,000-acre grounds. Beer enthusiasts will also love it here: Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in America.

7.  Boston, MA

While Boston might loom large in American history (it is the oldest city in New England, after all), you can walk the narrow winding streets and explore the relatively small center in a day. The nearly 400-year-old town is full of hidden treasures that can be discovered on a self-guided walking tour. Tired of trekking on foot? Try one of the trolley tours—the guides are top-notch, and you might just make some friends while aboard the bright vehicles. Also, history buffs will especially appreciate staying at The Liberty , a 19th-century-era jail-turned-luxury hotel.

8.  Bozeman, MT

Even when you're alone in Bozeman, you're never lonely. The city is beloved not just because it's the perfect home base for solo activities like hiking, skiing, and horseback riding but also because the scene in town boasts interesting museums, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants. When you've had your fill of Palisade Falls, the Gallatin Canyon, or Bridger Bowl , stroll around the laid-back town's historic brewery sector or dig into the heritage of this wild northern landscape at the Museum of the Rockies before heading back to your room at the upscale Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman .

9.  Chicago,IL

With top-notch museums and parks and a public transportation system that rivals any other across the country, Chicago is a winning bet for a vacationer still unsure about the pros of solo traveling. Indulge in some retail therapy along the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue) and visit an amazing spa for some much-needed R&R. Along the Magnificent Mile, you’ll also find a slew of splurge-worthy stays, including The Peninsula. In terms of entertainment, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Check out the city’s top comedy clubs , including The Second City and the Laugh Factory . Or, if it’s postcard-worthy views you’re after, make your way to one of the city’s many rooftop bars .

10.  Seattle, WA

Make sure to pack a comfy pair of shoes when visiting the city’s top attractions , including the Space Needle , Pike Place Market , Fremont , and Pioneer Square . Art lovers will also appreciate a stay at Hotel Max , followed by visits to Chihuly Garden & Glass , the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), and the Frye Art Museum . Before you skip town, grab a cup of the world-famous coffee from a local café (we recommend Elm Coffee Roasters ) and hop on one of the Puget Sound ferries to take in the scenic landscape, including the skyline, waterfront, and, in the hazy distance, Mount Rainer.

11.  San Francisco, CA

In a city that fully embraces free spirits, your desire to fly through local museums, restaurants, and eclectic neighborhoods solo will see you fit right in. Tourist sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island , and hopping aboard one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars. Once you've checked those off your list, explore one of the city's charming neighborhoods, such as Hayes Valley, Noe Valley or Pacific Heights. Try the Proper Hotel, which features a swanky rooftop bar, for accommodations.

12.  Florida Keys, FL

If it’s sunny days, warm temperatures, and turquoise water you’re after, look no further than this laid-back locale. Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride around the Keys, stopping at cafés and shops along the way. In the afternoons, head for the beach with a book and get ready to meet fellow travelers with a colorful cocktail in hand at the beachfront bars. If you want ultimate peace and seclusion, head straight to Little Palm Island , a private island resort about 30 minutes away from Little Torch Key via boat.

13.  Washington, D.C.

Visiting D.C . solo allows you to explore the entire city at your own pace. Many  museums are free and deserve an entire day of exploring—like the National Gallery of Art , the National Museum of African American History & Culture , and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History . In the evening, take in a transformative performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or enjoy a play with a side of history at Ford's Theatre , where President Lincoln was assassinated. Prefer to shop and eat your way through vacation? Make sure to visit Dupont Circle and Georgetown , where splurge-worthy stays–including the Four Seasons –abound.

14.  Austin, TX

Young-at-heart solo travelers will find Austin’s lively spirit infectious. The city attracts creative types, many of which regularly flock to local music venues. Visit the Continental Club for fun-filled nights, take a stand-up paddleboard tour of Lady Bird Lake , and stroll down South Congress Avenue , dotted with fantastic shopping. Of course, no trip to Austin is complete without some good ol’ Tex-Mex, and options abound, including Veracruz All Natural , Gabriela’s , and Matt's El Rancho . Once you’ve hit food coma status, head back to your room at the trendy LINE hotel and hop into bed.

15.  Philadelphia, PA

Whether you’re a history buff looking to delve into our nation’s past, you want to eat your way through vacation, or you simply need some time by yourself, Philadelphia is the place for you. Stay near Center City (you can’t go wrong at The Loews ) and the whole shebang will be easily accessible: Gorgeous Rittenhouse Square —and the surrounding shopping area—is a stroll away, as is Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell . Art enthusiasts should visit the magnificent Barnes Foundation and the sprawling galleries at the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Foodies, on the other hand, will appreciate the city’s booming culinary scene , including top restaurants like Laser Wolf and Vernick Food and Drink—just be sure to save room for a cheesesteak or two.

16.  Detroit, MI

Formerly down-and-out Detroit has experienced quite the renaissance in recent years. Today, the city is a dynamic canvas for art, music, and thought. Hoof it around the Grand River Creative Corridor , the Dequindre Cut Greenway , and the so-called Guggenheim Ghetto to take in some incredible street art at your own pace, or head to landmarks of Tha D's Motown heritage like the Motown Museum and the homes of hitmakers Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. When you've worked up an appetite, follow your nose for some Detroit-style pizza at Loui's or Polish dumplings at Pietrzyk Pierogi . Finally, rest your head at the chic, centrally located Detroit Foundation Hotel , so you’re never too far from all the action.

17.  San Diego, CA

San Diego is all about the beach, surf, and California burritos. The 1,200-acre Balboa Park deserves a full day (or two) of your attention. Here, you’ll find gardens, hiking trails, museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo . After a day of museum hopping and wildlife spotting, you’re sure to work up an appetite. So, make your way over to the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood and take your pick of eclectic eats, including American Junkie for pub grub, the Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse for top-notch chops, Asti Ristorante for Italian fare, and Bang Bang for fresh sushi. Stay close to all the action (or, in this case, incredible eats) by booking a room at the Andaz San Diego .

18.  Phoenix, AZ

Excellent eats, stunning desert surroundings, and gorgeous sunny weather: Expect all this and more in Phoenix. While visiting Arizona’s capital city, take advantage of the plentiful hiking opps, including Papago Park, Camelback Mountain  and Phoenix Mountains Preserve . Later, bar-hop your way through downtown Phoenix ( Khla , Barcoa Agaveria  and Baby Boy are a few of our favorites). Finally, catch up on some R&R at the tranquil Royal Palms Resorts & Spa , where you can lounge by the pool, people-watch in lush courtyards, hit the spa, and take cocktail-making classes—all while admiring beautiful flora and Camelback Mountain in the distance.

[image] [title]

More on getaways

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

The Best Solo Getaways For Exhausted Moms

If you feel yourself teetering on the edge of mom-burnout, here are some solo getaways that will allow you the space and relaxation that you need.

Leah Freeman-Haskin • Jun 21, 2019

Pause, take a deep breath, and put the mom-guilt aside for a moment. Self-care is not an indulgence, it is a necessity. If you feel yourself teetering on the edge of mom-burnout, here are some solo getaway options that will allow you the space and relaxation that you need. 

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Wade in the hot springs, enjoy a quiet meal and find peace in a leisurely stroll through the small, picturesque town of San Miguel de Allende. This colorful, centrally located town is just 150 miles from Mexico City, making it easily accessible for a long weekend getaway. If you are looking for a little more activity, check out the calendar for a list of the many cultural festivals and spend some time enjoying the vibrant art scene.

RELATED: Why Solo Travel Is Important For Working Moms

Sedona is a haven for self-care with yoga studios, spas, and retreats geared at bringing peace and relaxation to your mind and body.  The healing energy of this town is felt throughout its 1.8 million acres of national forest land and a stunning backdrop of stone formations and desert. The soul-nourishing wilderness and pampered luxury of numerous spas and retreats offer any exhausted mom a welcomed escape.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Vancouver Island is located off of Canada’s Pacific Coast and is home to stunning, lush forests, oceans views, and many resorts that cater to your need for quiet and relaxation. If you love the outdoors, enjoy a guided tour through the forests for a calming escape from the hustle of your fast-paced life.

Key West, FL

This string of islands has been known to provide a welcoming haven for those seeking solitude. If the thought of sipping a cocktail while swaying in a hammock overlooking crystal blue waters puts you at instant ease, then this is your spot. And no need to pack your passport, making it a breeze to get to.

RELATED: 7 Black Mom Travel Influencers You Need To Follow

Kripalu Institute, Stockbridge, MA

Indulge in the ultimate mind and body getaway with a weekend retreat to Kripalu Institute in Stockbridge, MA. Moms will get the chance to realize their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga. You can select from day passes to group retreats and R&R packages that allow you to customize your stay with indoor and outdoor activities.

Subscribe to travel noire

Get more travel content

Subscribe to Travel Noire, a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel, destinations, and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours.

By subscribing to this newsletter, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Popular posts

Trending stories in world travel

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Family Vacations

T+L's Editors Share the Best Trips to Take With Mom

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how best to celebrate yours. Still deliberating gifts? Whether she leans more on the side of homebody or is an avid jetsetter herself, there's always something to get her that inspires a touch of wanderlust .

But while we all like to open a prettily wrapped package, don't ignore the power of a well-planned experience. After all, this is the woman who took you on all your trips growing up, from camp to family vacations . So now it's time to spoil her and return the favor.

Could your mom use a little dose of luxury? We've got some of our favorite luxury family vacations right this way. If you and the gang want to spoil her with a trip to the beach, you could refer to these ideas here . Don't want to sweat reservations for dinner while you're away? Then consider some of the best all-inclusive resorts out there.

If it's something a little different you're after, our editors put our heads together to create a list of our ideas for the best trips to take with your mom. Ours are culled from experiences we've had — from tornado-chasing with adventurous moms in the Midwest to road-tripping along Ireland's southern Coast — to trips we plan to take, tracing a family's roots in Hungary or China, or crossing off a bucket list item like visiting the vineyards of Mendoza or lounging in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The common thread among them all is the shared experience of family and history, so perhaps that's the best place to start.

Think about the places that are most meaningful to you and your mom, and get to planning. We promise it will be an experience you'll never forget.

Lake Balaton, Hungary

"My mother was born in a castle on the shores of Lake Balaton, often referred to as 'the Hungarian sea,' on V-E Day in 1945. I would love to go on a pilgrimage there with her. This part of a Hungary is quite picturesque, with high-end resorts and an emerging wine-growing region , so the trip would be not only personally significant but also quite pleasant." — Jesse Ashlock, Executive Editor

New York City

"My mum, who's British, has never properly visited me here in New York City . She came once, very briefly, one February, but the weather was so awful we barely made it out of the apartment. I would love to spend three or four days showing her around — preferably in spring or fall, when the city is at its best. We'd probably start in the West Village, where I live. She's a big reader, so we'd go to Three Lives book store: I know she'd love the well-read, left-leaning staff there. She very into Henry James and Edith Wharton, so we'd take a tour around Washington Square, then see if we could get a seat at the bar at Babbo for lunch. We'd visit The Met, of course, and The Frick, and perhaps stop at Cafe Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie for tea and a slice of linzer torte. After a few days of this treatment, hopefully she would be inspired to visit more frequently — and bring my father with her next time, too!" — Flora Stubbs, Features Director

"My parents took a trip (sans kids) to the island a number of years ago, and my mother still raves about it. They indulged in fresh lobster rolls, rode bikes for miles, and enjoyed the maritime charm — you won't find much of that where I grew up in the Midwest. I know my mother would love to return, and I, having never been, would be thrilled to share all of the wonderful experiences she often reminisces about." — John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor

Scandinavia

"Something strange happens when my mom and I go on vacation: This normally demure, well-bred, ninth-generation Southern lady turns into a total scofflaw badass. Over the past few years, our travels together have focused on the Nordic countries, and we've now crossed all five off our bucket lists—I hope she enjoyed her time there, as I don't think Mother will be welcomed back to the region anytime soon. In Iceland last summer, she racked up $500 in speeding tickets within an hour of clearing passport control. In Denmark, she faked sick and pulled the emergency alarm because she was hungry for smørrebrød and the Ferris wheel was 'taking too dang long.' By the time our gravlax appetizers arrived at a group dinner in Sweden, she'd already insulted the governor of Utah in front of his entire family. In Finland, she mistook fancy, 4€-a-pop chocolates for free samples, stuffing her cheeks like a chipmunk before we were asked to leave. And most recently, on my 30th birthday in Norway, she took the GPS directive to 'turn right' very literally, not waiting for the intersection a hundred feet ahead but instead plowing through hedges and into a pedestrian-only park. 'Hey, at least we'll have a good story' was her only calm remark as our runaway rental flattened the landscaped flower beds, terrified Norwegians leaping from the path of this normally demure, well-bred woman." — CB Owens, Copy and Research Editor

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

"A college trip took me to Italy's most famous coast for two days, and I distinctly remember thinking two things: 'I will be back here someday,' and, 'My mom would love this place.' We'd lounge on Positano's best beaches, browse cliffside ceramic shops, admire the postcard-perfect pastel villages from a boat tour, and wine and dine under a lemon tree canopy. Oh, and every day would end with gelato, but that's a given." — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor

"It's been on my Mom's bucket list for years — and it's one of the few places that I've been, and she hasn't. That said, I will HAPPILY go back and repeat the experience of staying in an overwater bungalow , lying on the beach and drinking champagne, and swimming with reef sharks." — Jacqueline Gifford, Travel Director

Taormina, Sicily

"My mom is one of my absolute favorite people to travel with, so it's difficult to choose just one trip, but there's something extra special about being together in a place that's connected to your family history. My mom's side of the family is from Sicily, and I knew she would love Taormina for its old-world beauty, stunning beaches, and of course, the food and wine. But the most memorable part of all was how the people there made us immediately feel like part of their family, from Roberto the cannoli master to the staff at Hotel Villa Carlotta , who became lifelong friends and have even visited my family in New York City since." — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

Wales, Scotland, Britain, and Ireland

"My mother is the family genealogist; she has spent hours researching the roots of our family pre-North America and gifting us the DNA tests to confirm her research. Tagging along on an ancestral journey — trekking all over the U.K. from the main sites in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and England to the more remote areas like Mid Yell on the Shetland Islands and Aberdeenshire, Scotland — would be the trip of a lifetime to share with my mother." — Mariah Tyler, Associate Digital Photo Editor

Southern California

"All four years of high school, I had dreamed of packing up my bags and heading west for California's mountain views and sunny skies. So to celebrate my graduation (and to fulfill my wildest Hollywood dreams), my mom and I went to southern California for my first west coast adventure. Our trip started in San Diego, where we hit up the zoo and Point Loma, only stopping to eat the most delicious fish tacos I've ever had. On our second day, we drove up the ever-beautiful Highway 1 on our way to Los Angeles. When we got to the city, we did the most touristy things we could think of, from hiking Runyon Canyon and exploring Griffith Observatory, to taking selfies in front of the Hollywood sign and eating ice cream on Santa Monica pier. And because we couldn't get enough of the Pacific coastline the first time, we drove it all the way back down to San Diego. It was the best graduation present I could've imagined." — Elizabeth Preske, Digital Editorial Assistant

Napa Valley, California

"My mom and I don't exactly have the same travel style, but one thing we can always, always agree on is wine. Together, we've tasted flinty whites in the massifs of Normandy, volcanic reds in the Canary Islands, and wines from Thrace in the waterside cafes of Istanbul. This Mother's Day, what better place to treat ourselves to a few glasses (or bottles) than in Napa Valley, where a steady stream of new openings are helping the tourism industry get rolling again after last fall's fires. We would stay at The Ink House , a just-opened St. Helena inn in the historic manor house of one of the region's first Gold Rush settlers. From our beautiful home base, we could tour the county's classic estates and younger, hipper projects, like Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga, a new tasting room housed in a refurbished 1930s-era gas station; the new nano-brewery from St. Clair Brown , the region's only winery-brewery, with beers now joining the wine selection at their downtown Napa tasting room; or The Charter Oak , the acclaimed new restaurant from Napa Valley fixture Chris Kostow with rising star chef Katianna Hong helming the kitchen. And, of course, a lunch tour on the Napa Valley Wine Train , which is exactly what it sounds like." — Hannah Walhout, Assistant Editor

"My mom doesn't have a ton of international destinations on her wish list but repeatedly mentions that she'd like to go to Ireland. She has absolutely zero specifics in mind (other than wanting to see green rolling hills), so when she finally agrees to let me plan a trip for us I'm turning to several T+L colleagues — who raved about their spectacular trips to the Emerald Isle with their own parents — for advice. I'm hoping to spring for at least one night at the spectacular Ballyfin hotel, no matter where the rest of our trip might take us." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

"My mom has a taste for the finer things in life, so my dream Mother's Day trip would be Italy's Lake Como, where we'd spend our days touring grand villas, wandering manicured gardens, and dining alfresco at lakeshore restaurants like Le Pergola. In a perfect world, we'd stay at Il Sereno Hotel, a high-design bolthole on the lake's southerneastern shore. The property has an infinity pool, sumptuous guestrooms decked out in custom-design furniture, and a restaurant helmed by three-star Michelin chef Andrea Berton. Also on offer: an all-wood Riva motorboat perfect for more pulse-quickening Mother's Day thrills." — Siobhan Reid, Associate Editor

The 10 best countries for solo travel – and top tips for travelling alone

W hile travelling with friends, family or a partner can be a great way to spend quality time with loved ones, embracing alone time can open the door to a wealth of new cultures and experiences .

Solo holidays can range from short-haul city breaks to bucket-list backpacking adventures and active excursions closer to home.

But where to start? Holidays for a party of one are more popular than ever in 2024, though inconsistent pricing and solo supplements can be discouraging for those new to lone adventuring.

And, while solo travellers may end up  paying more  for holidays thanks to single occupancy rates, the freedom of choice without the burden of compromise is thrown in for free.

From dining with the locals in Vietnam to guided tours of the Golden Circle in Iceland , there are myriad destinations well-suited to travellers looking to go it alone.

Here are some top countries for solo travel, plus tips to plan and execute a successful trip of self-discovery.

Read more on solo travel :

• The solo holiday destinations in the UK for a singles getaway
• The best US cities for solo female travellers you might not have considered
• Why Greek island-hopping is a gentle way to ease back into adventures

Best for: Singles city breaks

What better way to kick start a solo adventure than with a long weekend in a city that embraces the essence of  hygge  (a feeling of comfort and contentment)? Alfresco summers meet cosy winters in Denmark and, while Scandinavian prices can be eye-wateringly expensive, it’s not impossible to pull off a city break on a budget.

Eastern capital Copenhagen is consistent in its happy atmosphere, low crime rate and world-renowned cuisine. From budget hot dog stands laden with pickled condiments to the tasting menu at three Michelin-starred restaurant Geranium, gourmet food joints pepper the candle-lit streets. Experience “faellesspisning” or communal eating – affordable bites in the charming company of strangers – if you’re a solo traveller looking to socialise.

Make your money go even further by joining in with laid-back Scandi culture and renting a bike, staying in buzzing hostels such as the central Danhostel and purchasing a Copenhagen Card to get money off attractions, including a boat tour of the city’s canals.

Free activities such as walking along waterfront neighbourhood Nyhavn and catching a summer sunset from the opera house are also facilitated by an efficient ‘S-tog’ train network and buses.

And there’s more to Denmark than its effortlessly stylish capital. Visit Odense for a Hans Christian Anderson literary experience fans of The Little Mermaid will love, and take in the multitude of architecture in the old Viking fishing village-turned-second city, Aarhus, for an insight into to Danish history.

Best for: Solo island hopping

Thailand is a welcoming haven for single party animals or beach bums travelling the well-trodden backpacking trail through  southeast Asia .

A solo slice of Thai comes with an affordable price tag once you’re there. Trains, buses, long-tail boats and tuk-tuks transport travellers to the street food of lively night markets and cooking schools well versed in pad Thai and gaeng daeng for just a few pounds, while there are plentiful cheap and cheerful hostels to stay in, helping solo travellers meet new people and save in accommodation costs.

Culture-stacked cities like  Bangkok  meet jungle-clad interiors in a fusion of thrilling nightlife, rejuvenating yoga ashrams and authentic Buddhist temples.

Island hopping across isolated archipelagos is also often a staple of a tourist’s Thailand itinerary. With 1,430  islands  to choose from, including  Phuket  and the Phi Phi on the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, try Koh Samui for safe, sociable hostels including  The Rock Samui  and catch the ferry to Koh Phangan to experience festival-style nights at a bucket-list full moon party.

Best for: Personal safety

Find peace of mind travelling alone in clean, safe cities as you experience first-hand the Japanese culture of kindness and respect. Crime and harassment are rare and the efficient train network even features women-only carriages .

Master of hi-tech and hub of creative fashion, Tokyo is the ideal place to start your first solo trip to Japan, but its glitzy tapestry of skyscrapers and all-night karaoke isn’t the only bit you should experience.

Venture to Kyoto via the revolutionary bullet trains to regroup in the ethereal landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji. In spring, the city is awash with pink as the cherry blossoms bloom and rural temple tours tempt visitors into serene Japanese gardens to experience customary tea ceremonies. Ski slopes in Hokkaidō are also great for snowsports enthuiasts.

While not the cheapest destination for holidaymakers on this list, travellers can save on expenses by picking up food from Japan’s extensive variety of vending machines, 100-yen stores and Japanese Rail passes . Capsule hotels like the Nine Hours chain and traditional ryokan rooms with hot springs offer classic Japanese zen in rural areas and the city at affordable prices.

What's more, eating alone is celebrated as the norm at casual restaurants familiar with seating tables for one, while language difficulties are usually met with polite patience.

Best for: Short-haul travel

Swerve language barriers and long stints in the air with a holiday to visit our  Irish  neighbours. The Emerald Isle has forged a reputation as a home from home for British travellers, whether they get there by hopping on a ferry or a flight.

Crumbling castles, rambling countryside and live music await; from  Dublin  to Cork and Limerick, cosmopolitan cities sit side by side with verdant landscapes blessed with an abundance of  walking  and cycling routes that are fun to explore as a lone ranger.

Dublin houses more cultural wonders than the famous Guinness Storehouse – nurse a  proper pint  in traditional old-stone Dublin pub away from tourist favourite, Temple Bar, and discover why the Irish capital is the Unesco city of literature.

Eslewhere, solo day trips can include the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the busy shops of Graton Street. The best way to get around is by car, and hiring your own is advisable for road trips to more remote areas such as  Galway  and the Aran Islands.

Best for: Social travellers

A favourite with backpackers,  Vietnam’s  well-established tourist route takes the hassle out of planning for solo travellers eager to buddy up along the way.

Hue’s imperial citadel, capital  Hanoi’s French colonial villas, wartime relics including the Cu Chi tunnels, blissful beaches on Phu Quoc Island and rainbow lanterns at Hoi An’s monthly full moon festival all make Vietnam a compelling destination.

Solo tourists can hop on the back of a motorbike with a local for a tour of the chaotic  Ho Chi Minh City , or cruise to the limestone islands of Unesco-listed Ha Long Bay on targeted excursions for like-minded travellers.

In this wallet-friendly southeast Asian country, easy-to-navigate transport networks, overnight buses that take you down the otherworldly coast, and a sociable, hostel-heavy accommodation scene with bargain price tags add up to a destination that’s ideal for lone travellers keen to make friends.

Best for: Self-discovery

Canada , famed for its friendly people with a knack for warm hospitality, is the ideal place for a lone globetrotter to switch off and get back to nature.

Th world's second biggest country balances cosmopolitan cities with unspoilt, remote wilderness. You’ll be greeted with trendy bars in Toronto and the urban oasis of Stanley Park in waterfront Vancouver , while road trips across the North American giant take you through expansive landscapes, mountain peaks and dazzlingly blue lakes.

A treasure trove of outdoorsy activities can be enjoyed year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in Whistler to kayaking, ice hockey and hiking amid the enchanting glacial lakes and grizzly bears of Banff National Park and the vast Rocky Mountains.

Best for: Off-grid adventures

Iceland is guaranteed to squash any feelings of boredom with its extensive menu of outdoor activities, from snowmobiling to horse riding and hikes in the rugged volcanic landscape.

Aptly nicknamed the “Land of Ice and Fire”, Iceland is a playground for nature enthusiasts to go off-grid solo. Black sand beaches, waterfalls, sapphire glaciers and the geysers of the Golden Circle ring road are all natural thrills in this largely safe and friendly country.

Think whale watching during the midnight sun, hunting the colourful waltz of the Northern Lights and the famous milky waters of the Blue Lagoon spa on a solo city break to the capital, Reykjavik .

Best for: Female solo travellers

In the heart of Europe, Slovenia’s small size and charming spirit make it a hit with female solo travellers.

A fairly priced public transport network facilitates travel between cities and English is widely spoken, enabling easier exploration of Slovenia’s beautiful scenery.

Leafy Ljubljana , the capital, is a tangle of terracotta riverside cafes, markets and family-owned restaurants offering sheep cheeses, struklji rolls and orange wines.

But Slovenia’s crowning jewel is its famous lakes fringed with traditional, pretty villages. Lake Bled, for example, is home to medieval castles, wild swimming opportunities and traditional plenta boat rides.

New Zealand

Best for: hiking holidays.

There’s nowhere like  New Zealand  for a hiking holiday off the beaten path, and it’s ideal for solo adrenaline seekers, thanks to its peaceful and safe reputation.

The English-speaking Pacific paradise offers working holiday opportunities for those looking to secure a travel visa, plus bucket-list activities such as helicopter rides, whale watching and bungee jumping fill a prolonged stopover.

From the home of  hobbits in Rotorua to cruising to the waterfalls of Milford Sounds by boat and exploring the Maori culture of vibrant Christchurch, New Zealand is well worth the ultra-long journey.

In between days spent amid its film-worthy natural landscapes, head to Auckland to climb Mount Eden and the Sky Tower for panoramic city views, or visit the fine wine regions of Waiheke Island, known for their Sauvignon Blancs.

Best for: Culture and cuisine

An unspoiled country closed to tourists until 1974,  Bhutan  is a surprisingly popular destination for a solo holiday.

With a confection of cultural wonders in lush green valleys, fortresses and traditional villages, the Himalayan country appeals to single travellers lusting to step back in time.

Find Bhutanese-style red-roofed houses in the quiet capital of Thimphu, yak herding in Laya and the cliff-hugging Tiger’s Nest Monastery at home in harmonious Paro – not forgetting delicious momo dumplings.

The landlocked nation is ideal for trekking after the 403km long Trans Bhutan Trail reopened in 2022; the mountain kingdom can be explored on private tours with a local guide.

Bhutan’s Buddhist culture has a focus on sustainability that permeates all levels of life, particularly in strict tourism regulations. Factor the country’s steep  tourism tax , designed to deter budget travellers and preserve Bhutan’s heritage, into your trip costs –now $800 (£627) for a traveller staying eight days.

Top 10 tips for solo travellers

• Do your research: take your time to plan ahead before leaving for a solo trip
• Be safety conscious: don’t share your specific location online while you’re still there, be aware of your surroundings and stay connected with people at home about your travel plans
• Be flexible: spontaneous plans are sometimes the best kind and things going “wrong” often lead to the most memorable experiences
• Try something new: whether local cuisines or a new activity, push yourself out of your comfort zone to get the most out of travelling solo
• Stay in a hostel: this can be the best way to meet new and likeminded people for social butterflies
• Learn to love your own company: there’s a freedom to alone time
• Practice local phrases: a “please” and “thank you” in the local language go a long way
• Utilise public transport: don’t blow your budget on Ubers and taxis if you don’t have to
• Bring back-up: printed documents, portable chargers, emergency cash and travel insurance are solo travel essentials
• Don’t overpack: don’t fall at the first hurdle by bringing your entire wardrobe

Read more of our best Copenhagen hotel reviews

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

I've visited all 50 states solo. These are the 8 places I'd pick for a relaxing, low-key vacation.

• After traveling solo to all 50 US states, I've found some great places to relax and unwind.
• I love visiting coastal towns in California, Oregon, and Maine.
• I also enjoy disconnecting in Taos, New Mexico, and Homer, Alaska.

Over the past decade, I've traveled to all 50 US states and spent time in tons of major cities and small towns. I've also driven solo across the country several times, stopping in some of the most unique and beautiful places the United States has to offer.

Although I love finding a heart-pumping adventure or bustling city to explore, there's nothing quite like a getaway meant for relaxation. Turns out I'm not alone in this thought, as more and more travelers gravitate toward relaxing getaways .

Although relaxation can sometimes be more of a state of mind than a physical place, some destinations I've visited have made it easier to embrace a low-key and laid-back attitude than others.

Here are eight places I'd recommend for a relaxing getaway.

California's Sonoma Coast is more tranquil than the state's touristy areas.

California's Sonoma Coast is home to some of the state's most dramatic scenery. With towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills covered in vineyards, and ancient redwood forests, this is where I love to visit to simply immerse myself in nature.

Unlike the more touristy areas in Southern California , the beaches here are generally less crowded and more peaceful. I love to drive the coast to lunch in Bodega Bay, relax on the sand at Goat Rock Beach while listening to the sound of the waves, and enjoy the fresh ocean air.

Taos, New Mexico, is the perfect spot to unwind.

Taos, a small historic town in northern New Mexico, is the spot I always return to for a relaxing and low-key getaway.

Nestled amid the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos has some of the most breathtaking landscapes I've ever encountered and is the perfect spot to watch a sunrise or sunset.

I love spending a few nights in a short-term rental or a vintage camper reading, relaxing, and visiting nearby hot springs and art galleries.

It's easy to disconnect in Homer, Alaska.

Nestled on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula , Homer, Alaska, feels very peaceful and low-key.

The majestic mountains, glaciers peeking out in the distance, and stunning coastline dotted with islands make Homer visually stunning, with a charming downtown and opportunities to explore.

There are many outdoor-adventure opportunities here, but visitors can just as easily have a slower-paced vacation and truly disconnect.

Spend time exploring the coastline, take a scenic boat tour, and savor the local seafood — all with a tranquil view.

Pacific City, Oregon, offers a laid-back vibe with local shops, art galleries, and cafés.

The Oregon Coast, as a whole, is the perfect destination for a relaxing, low-key getaway, but one of my favorite spots is Pacific City.

This quaint spot with a laid-back vibe has lots of local shops, art galleries, friendly cafés, and local restaurants to keep me busy between trips to the magnificent coastline.

Home to Haystack Rock and the stunning Cape Kiwanda scenic headland, you don't have to go far to find the natural beauty. Many hotels and rentals in the area even offer ocean views.

Lake Toxaway is North Carolina's private hidden gem.

Located in North Carolina, Lake Toxaway is one of the most beautiful places you likely haven't heard of.

The stunning lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, is a true respite. With access granted only to homeowners, short-term renters, and guests at The Greystone Inn, the lake offers exceptional opportunities for rest.

Although there are opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports, the beauty of Lake Toxaway is that you can do as much or as little as you please.

Avila Beach, California, is the perfect escape from California's big cities.

Avila Beach is my favorite spot in Central California. Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this community is the picture of relaxation.

The quaint enclave is an escape from California's big cities and offers a relaxed vibe and friendly atmosphere. Explore local shops and galleries, grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at a waterfront café, or indulge in fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant — all at a leisurely pace.

Avila Beach also has hot springs and wineries nearby, which make the perfect additions to any low-key getaway.

Carefree, Arizona, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With a name like Carefree, it's no surprise you'll find low-key tranquility in this Arizona town. Offering a unique combination of desert beauty, wellness opportunities, and proximity to the Phoenix metro area, it is the perfect place to unwind.

Carefree sits at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and has become a hub for wellness seekers.

Several well-known wellness resorts and spas are located either in town or nearby, offering amenities and opportunities for rest and relaxation.

Take a scenic hike through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or simply relax by the pool at your resort, soaking up the Arizona sunshine.

Coastal Maine offers a breathtaking and relaxing escape.

No list of relaxing getaways would be complete without Coastal Maine. The rugged coastline of Maine, with its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint harbor villages, offers a genuinely breathtaking and relaxing escape.

With many hidden coves and less-frequented stretches of sand, it's easy to find your own peaceful spot to soak up the sun, listen to the rhythm of the waves, and truly unwind.

Before a leisurely stroll along the coast, spend your days visiting the picturesque towns dotting the coastline and savoring fresh seafood and lobster rolls.

• Main content

• Japan Tourism
• Japan Hotels
• Japan Bed and Breakfast
• Japan Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Japan
• Japan Restaurants
• Things to Do in Japan
• Japan Travel Forum
• Japan Photos
• All Japan Hotels
• Japan Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Japan
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

First solo trip to Japan (May 2024) - Japan Forum

• Asia    
• Japan    

First solo trip to Japan (May 2024)

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Asia forums
• Japan forum

Hey, everyone, 👋

1. Which mobile network provider offers the best coverage and the fastest speed in Japan for a relatively affordable?

2. Are there any ATMs that don't charge for withdrawing cash with an international (foreign) bank card?

3. I love nature and hiking. I'll spend one week in Tokyo. What other cities/towns would you recommend I base myself in to have easier opportunities for one-day or two-day hikes/treks?

(Note that I'll be working Mon-Fri, so I'm looking for two more cities/towns to base myself in apart from Tokyo. It's not a holiday for me, so I can't change places too much or plan very long hikes.)

4. How widely are credit cards accepted in the country? Would I be able to use my foreign debit card to pay for, for example, street food and public transport, or is that a long shot? I guess living for 3 weeks in Japan without cash wouldn't work anyways, right?

5. How easy is it to food some street food or food on the go (e.g. 7-11 stores)? Again, how likely are they to accept payment by card?

I appreciate your help 🙏

Most essential travel info can be researched on japan-guide.com, incl internet access, money/atm/credit cards etc.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2279.html

Don't rely on public wi-fi hotspots which are mostly slow and prone to be disconnected. Consider renting a pocket wi-fi router for connection to multiple devices.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3029.html

Beware of travel crowds during GW holidays from end April to early May.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html

• Bunraku experience? 2:22 pm
• Help with train ticket options please 2:20 pm
• Better Hotel For Older American 1st Timers to Japan 1:51 pm
• Kyoto live trip report 1:41 pm
• JRPass 1:32 pm
• esim phone locked? 1:17 pm
• Hotel and activity recommendations Takamatsu 1:14 pm
• Help me stop agonizing over hotels 1:01 pm
• Small group guided tour recommendations 12:28 pm
• staying 2 nights miyajima 12:21 pm
• tentative itinerary for 28 days in october 12:19 pm
• Yutoku Inari Shrine or Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine 12:16 pm
• Late april Cherry blossoms around Tokyo 12:09 pm
• Welcome Suica in KIX Airport 11:14 am
• 'semi double' rooms 5 replies
• Pocket WiFi Rental Experience? 315 replies
• kyoto-takayama JR or Lmtd express??? 6 replies
• Best Japan travel guide book? 29 replies
• Best/cheapest time of year to visit?? 3 replies
• Radiation danger in Tokyo? 37 replies
• Best Skiing in Japan? And When? 3 replies
• Japan in 10 days 3 replies
• How far is Nara from Kyoto 8 replies
• how to get to Hokkaido from Tokyo? confused..pls HELP. 5 replies
• 2024 public holiday chart in East Asian countries
• Where can I find more onsen in Japan?
• Driving Information
• Catholic mass in English and other languages
• How can we access tourist attraction from cruise port?
• Pocket WiFi Rental Experience?
• Halal Information
• Tokyo trip report here

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Key facts about moms in the U.S.

The experience of being a mom in the United States has changed over the last few decades as more women attend college , delay motherhood and stay in the labor force after their children are born . Still, working mothers typically take on more caregiving responsibilities at home than fathers do – and this was especially true during the coronavirus pandemic .

For Mother’s Day, here’s a snapshot of what motherhood looks like in the U.S. today, drawn from government data and Pew Research Center surveys.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis ahead of Mother’s Day 2023 to provide a snapshot of the demographics and experiences of mothers in the United States. The analysis is based on government data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey , as well as survey data from the Center. Links to the methodology and questions of Center surveys and analyses can be found in the text of the analysis.

White, Black and Asian adults include only those who are not Hispanic and identify as only one race. Hispanics are of any race.

Moms’ average age at first birth in the U.S. has ticked up steadily over the last decade. In 2021, the average woman gave birth for the first time at 27.3 years old, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This was up from 2011, when the average mom was 25.6 at the birth of her first child.

While mothers’ average age at first birth has risen across racial and ethnic groups, some differences exist among them. In 2021, Black and Hispanic moms, on average, were younger at the birth of their first child (25.5 years for both groups) than White (28.1) and Asian moms (31.2). American Indian or Alaska Native first-time mothers were the youngest, on average (23.9).

The number of children women in the U.S. have in their lifetime has declined over time, Census Bureau data shows. In the late 1970s, women at the end of their childbearing years (ages 40 to 44) had, on average, more than three children. In 2020, women had about two children on average – a number that has been fairly stable for more than two decades . Most of this decline occurred between 1976 and the mid-1990s.

Women with more education have fewer children on average in their lifetimes. For instance, between 1976 and 2022, women ages 40 to 44 with at least a bachelor’s degree had an average of 1.75 children, while women who do not have a high school diploma had, on average, 2.99 children.

Moms spend more time with their children than dads do – especially when their children are young, data from the 2021 American Time Use Survey shows . During waking hours, mothers with children under 6 spent 7.5 hours on child care per day on average, while dads spent 5.3 hours.

While with their young children, these moms spent 2.7 hours per day on caregiving tasks. Fathers spent 1.6 hours per day on caregiving activities.

Moms with children ages 6 to 12 reported spending an average of 5.7 hours per day on child care, while dads logged 4.2 hours. Mothers with teens ages 13 to 17 also spent more time doing this than fathers did (3.8 hours vs. 3 hours).

In opposite-sex couples, mothers report taking on more child care responsibilities than their spouse or partner does, while fathers are more likely to say these tasks are split about equally, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted fall 2022 .

Among moms who are married to or living with a partner, majorities with children under 18 say they do more when it comes to managing their children’s schedules and activities (78%) and providing comfort or emotional support to their children (58%). A majority (65%) of moms with school-age kids say they do more than their partner to help their children with homework or other school assignments. And 57% of moms with children under 5 say they do more to meet their children’s basic needs, such as feeding, bathing or changing diapers.

Consistent with  past surveys , perceptions of who takes on more child care responsibilities differ by gender among married and cohabiting parents in opposite-sex relationships.

Previous research has found that working mothers are more likely to  carry greater household  and  caregiving loads , and many of the duties mothers take on in family life became even more  difficult in the COVID-19 pandemic .

Moms are more likely than dads to say being a parent is harder than they expected, the fall 2022 survey found. Around two-thirds of mothers (66%) and a smaller majority of fathers (58%) say being a parent is a lot or somewhat harder than they thought it would be. That includes 30% of moms and 20% of dads who say it is a lot harder than they expected.

Larger shares of moms than dads also say they find being a parent tiring (47% vs. 34%) and stressful (33% vs. 24%) all or most of the time.

The vast majority of mothers find parenting enjoyable and rewarding, the same survey found. Overall, 83% of moms say that being a parent is enjoyable for them most (56%) or all of the time (27%). Eight-in-ten moms say being a parent is rewarding most or all of the time, with 37% saying this is the case all of the time.

Being a parent is a key part of most moms’ personal identity, according to the fall 2022 survey. The vast majority of mothers (88%) say that being a parent is the most or one of the most important aspects of who they are as a person, with about a third (35%) saying it is the most important aspect. While a similarly large share of fathers (85%) say that being a parent ranks among the most important aspects of who they are, they are less likely than mothers to say it is the most important: 24% say this.

Note: This is an update to a post originally published on May 8, 2019.

• Family & Relationships
• Household Structure & Family Roles
• Motherhood & Fatherhood

Few East Asian adults believe women have an obligation to society to have children

Among parents with young adult children, some dads feel less connected to their kids than moms do, how teens and parents approach screen time, most east asian adults say men and women should share financial and caregiving duties, among young adults without children, men are more likely than women to say they want to be parents someday, most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Age & Generations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Economy & Work
• Gender & LGBTQ
• Immigration & Migration
• International Affairs
• Internet & Technology
• Methodological Research
• News Habits & Media
• Non-U.S. Governments
• Other Topics
• Politics & Policy
• Race & Ethnicity
• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Settings

Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Back to Black

The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 49 User reviews
• 57 Critic reviews
• 50 Metascore

• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Joey the dealer

• Nick Shymansky

• Janis Winehouse

• Raye Cosbert

• Chris Taylor

• Artist Development Man

• Aunt Melody

• Perfume Paul

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Marisa Abela did all the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed