Valentine’s Day can conjure images of romantic getaways to places like Paris or Rome, but in 2020 when more people are self-partnered or self-focused, the heart-centric holiday is a prime time to take a solo adventure, or start planning one, that’s all about you—whether you’re coupled up or not.
If you’re not part of a pair, it can give you a chance to kick tradition in the face and take self-partnering to the next level by embracing a holiday heavily focused on couples. Or if you have a “plus-one” you adore, a solo getaway can provide a retreat that can fill you up and create an absence that can make the heart grow fonder.
There are many reasons to travel solo, and they include not having to coordinate with others’ schedules and having dedicated time to doing only what interests you the most. Plus, many destinations also offer easy transportation, lots of activities and safe environments that make them ideal for exploring.
Hilton has hotels all over the world with open lobbies, friendly bars and helpful concierges with the knowledge and experience to make a solo adventure a memorable one, including for Valentine’s Day.
Consider it an aptly timed sweet treat in a fast-paced society filled with constant stimulation and connectivity that can make it rare to take time for oneself. It’s a chance to take yourself on a journey and slow down without distractions (or with distractions you choose) in order to get to know yourself more intimately and take a leap out of your comfort zone.
Add to that the flexibility to chat with locals, forge new friendships with people from around the globe and cultivate new worldviews and stories to share with loved ones back home. And don’t worry, if after a few days of flying solo you feel like some more socialization, it’s easy to join a tour group and explore with other likeminded travelers.
Members of the free-to-join Hilton Honors loyalty program can use pre-existing Points, or earn new ones, to take the solo trip of a lifetime. Below are some ideal solo-friendly locations around the world to consider for your Valentine’s Day getaway, or to use as inspiration for when you start to plan that big solo trip!
Cusco, Peru
Why Solo
Peru is a playground for the adventurous, and thanks to its highly advanced tourist infrastructure and overall safety it’s an ideal destination for the daring solo traveler. By traveling alone, explorers can go at their own pace and choose to cover the whole country or meet up with fellow solo travelers and embark on an organized tour.
What to Do
Travelers often flock to Cusco for the opportunity to see Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel in the Andes Mountains, but there are other sites worth a visit. Adventurers can spend a day exploring the Sacred Valley, which once formed the epicenter of the Incan empire, and see stunning peaks of the Andes Mountains, the Urubamba River and roaming llamas and alpacas. City explorers can discover the off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of San Blas, with its independent coffee shops, restaurants, clothing and jewelry boutiques, as well as great nightlife spots. From Incan holy sites and natural wonders to a cosmopolitan food scene, Cusco offers the solo traveler all the tools for a culturally rich trip.
Where to Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco provides guests with panoramic views and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Guests can relax in the courtyard, make use of the wellness and yoga room, indulge in a meal at the all-day on-property restaurant and enjoy a cocktail in the evening. The historical center of Cusco is an easy, seven-minute walk where guests can wander around the Plaza de Armas, an urban gathering with colonial arcades and gardens. The bars and cafes near Plaza de Armas are excellent places for solo travelers to meet and mingle with locals and tourists alike.
Credit: Hilton Garden Inn
Credit: Hilton Garden Inn
Credit: Hilton Garden Inn
Goa, India
Why Solo
Goa has been an essential stop for solo travelers seeking beaches, spirituality and fun since the 1960s and 1970s. The city gives solo travelers the opportunity to leave their comfort zone behind and explore beyond the confines of their normal life. The youthful culture and laid-back lifestyle make Goa a great place to meet some new people if going solo gets lonely.
What to Do
From yoga classes, art exhibits, flea markets, clubs and beaches, North Goa has something for every type of traveler. Explorers can start the day taking in the dramatic red cliffs at Vagator Beach then wander along the shore to the flea markets and beachside shacks selling mouthwatering local cuisine. Those looking to shop for local garments can swing by Anjuna flea market, open every Wednesday, to snag boho dresses, tote bags and unique jewelry. When the sun sinks below the horizon, Goan nightlife sizzles and partiers can embrace the club scene at a multitude of lively beaches and clubs across North Goa.
Where to Stay
While Goa is known for chill hostels, travelers looking for something more comfortable can treat themselves to a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Goa - Arpora - Baga. Located close to popular beaches, shopping, historic sites and nightlife, the hotel offers easy access to the breathtaking coastline of North Goa. Guests looking for inspiration can chat with the concierge to get insider tips on the best places to explore.
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Grand Junction, Colorado
Why Solo
Escaping into nature is the respite some travelers need from the chaos of busy lives in crowded places. Solo travelers looking for an adventurous escape will find endless activities in Grand Junction, Colorado, from mountain biking and horseback riding to exploring unique culinary traditions. The outdoor community is welcoming to solo travelers and the plethora of guided tours and activities make it an easy destination for those looking to join a group.
What to Do
Grand Junction sprawls across Colorado’s Grand Valley and provides easy access to James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park. Cyclists can grab their helmets and bike along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive that offers stunning views of the valley below. Those looking to witness the same view without biking can opt to explore by car. Shaded by the majestic red rock cliffs are several wineries that offer tastings year-round and also boast beautiful views. Explorers visiting in the warmer months can hop on a rafting tour in Moab, Utah, about 115 miles southwest of Grand Junction, and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the western United States. Solo travelers looking to meet up with some locals can swing by TacoParty and experience a Coloradoan take on a classic incorporating locally sourced meats, produce and spirits.
Where to Stay
Located in downtown Grand Junction, Tru by Hilton Grand Junction Downtown is steps away from Main Street where travelers can discover local restaurants, cafes and bars. The hotel’s large lobby is the perfect spot to hang solo, or to meet another explorer. To help guests find the best a destination has to offer, every Tru by Hilton has a Tru-ly local wall with staff recommendations on all things local, including attractions, shops, eats and hidden gems.
Credit: Tru by Hilton
Credit: Tru by Hilton
Credit: Tru by Hilton
Trieste, Italy
Why Solo
Solo travelers shying away from exploring Italy based on its romantic connotations will find a unique alternative in Trieste, Italy. The Italian port city within the Slovenian border offers travelers an Italy beyond imagination. Rather than la dolce vita (the sweet life), Trieste is most known as a wistful city, which can be ideal for the solo traveler wishing to wistfully reflect on the past or dream about the future.
What to Do
Trieste is renowned for its coffee culture (where international coffee brand illy was founded), so travelers can grab an espresso at a wood-paneled institution like Caffè San Marco or Caffè Tommaseo and watch the city come to life. History buffs can explore the seaside Miramare Castle, which was once home to the brother of the late Austrian Emperor and Hungarian King Kaiser Franz-Joseph, or venture farther north to Duino Castle, which is still inhabited by royalty. Those looking for a change of pace can easily take a day trip to the Croatian town of Grožnjan or the Slovenian town of Piran.
Where to Stay
When traveling solo, location is everything and the centrally located DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste provides travelers a gateway to the city center. The restored early 20th-century building, which features original fresco ceilings, marble, mosaics, fountains and fireplaces, is located within walking distance of popular sites like Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Trieste Centrale railway station. Solo travelers looking for a break can dine at on-site Novecento Restaurant Trieste for a taste of local cuisine, indulge in a cocktail at the historical Berlam Coffee Tea & Cocktail or choose to order 24-hour room service. Completing the experience is the exclusive wellness area: a modern oasis of wellness immersed in the splendid setting of the historic building, is a relaxing refuge for the body and mind.
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton
Anguilla, West Indies
Why Solo
Known as a Caribbean hot spot for Hollywood starlets, Anguilla is the perfect destination for the solo traveler looking to destress and get away from it all. The island’s resorts and easy transportation make it an effortless choice for solo travelers looking to explore all the beaches on offer and unplug from daily life.
What to Do
Buttery sand and crystal blue waters are Anguilla’s main attractions. Beach lovers looking to relax can choose from 33 different pristine beaches, including the secluded Meads Bay or the lively Shoal Bay East. Those looking for more adventure than sunbathing can partake in a variety of watersports such as paddle boarding, wakeboarding and sailing offered by Anguilla Watersports.
Where to Stay
Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers solo travelers’ solace and an intimate experience along 6 acres of Anguilla’s spotless beaches. Guests can lounge by one of four glittering pools before visiting the award-winning Zemi Thai House Spa that is nestled within an authentic 300-year-old Thai house. The concierge is on-site to assist with excursion arrangements and restaurant recommendations.
Credit: LXR Hotels & Resorts
Credit: LXR Hotels & Resorts
Credit: LXR Hotels & Resorts
Austin, Texas
Why Solo
Sometimes exploring your own backyard can take a backburner to more far-flung destinations, but solo travelers should take note of Austin’s accessibility and friendly culture. This makes it a great destination to explore and meet other solo travelers.
What to Do
Texans are famously friendly, and Austin is a city where travelers can meet people over a plate of street food, on a dance floor or at one of many swimming holes. Adventurous eaters can explore one of the roughly 1,000 food trucks roaming around downtown and must sample Gourdough’s doughnuts, which is a cult dish in Austin served out of a vintage Airstream. Art enthusiasts can go mural spotting around downtown and South Congress, visit the cathedral of junk (an eclectic structure made from collected items) or wander through the peaceful Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of Austin, Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress offers convenient access to scenic Lady Bird Lake and its surrounding hiking and biking trails, as well as the trendy Warehouse District, historic 6th Street, Barton Springs Pool and the South Congress shopping district.
Credit: Embassy Suites by Hilton
Credit: Embassy Suites by Hilton
Credit: Embassy Suites by Hilton
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Why Solo
Many travelers are skeptical of solo travel, but Cabo San Lucas is the perfect destination for them to dip their toes into vacationing alone. Cabo is walkable and the people are friendly, allowing travelers to feel safe while discovering the beautiful scenery, abundant activities and food choices at their own pace.
What to Do
Situated among the mountains, desert and water on the southernmost rim of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas offers year-round fun and an abundance of activities. Beach lovers can take a trip to Land’s End and join a kayak trip to see the iconic the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (also known as El Arco) rock formation up close and personal. Animal lovers can hop on a charter boat and try to spot a humpback or gray whale during whale watching season, which stretches from mid-December to mid-March. Those looking for a unique culinary experience can visit Flora’s Field Kitchen, a restaurant at a working farm for an exquisite farm-to-table, alfresco dining experience.
Where to Stay
For the ultimate solo trip, travelers should make the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal their home base. Located along 24 acres of mountains and beaches, Waldorf Astoria Pedregal is where desert beauty meets deep blue sea. Travelers can luxuriate by one of four pools, visit the five-star, award winning spa, taste exquisite culinary delights at El Farallon or embark on a hotel-curated experience highlighting the Baja Peninsula’s land, wildlife and people.
Credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Washington, D.C.
Why Solo
Museums are sometimes best explored alone, and Washington, D.C. offers solo travelers a plentiful selection to discover – plus, most of them are free. The city (and some of its surrounding areas) is an easy place to explore on foot or by easy-to-use public transportation. As a transient city, Washingtonians are eager to welcome new faces into the fold.
What to Do
Washington, D.C. offers a never-ending list of possibilities to make a solo trip great, from museums and monuments to markets and culinary treats. Travelers can get their bearings by exploring the National Mall and the museums that flank either side. History buffs won’t be bored by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or the recently opened National Museum of African American History and Culture. Space aficionados can check out the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Those looking to get off the beaten path can explore Union Market, which is home to more than 40 local vendors, or Eastern Market, where they can try to snag a stool at The Market Lunch for the famous pancakes. Solo travelers looking to catch a show can buy a ticket to the ballet or theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or see an artist at the historic Howard Theater.
Where to Stay
Solo travelers looking for a respite from Washington’s fast-paced lifestyle can find a refined oasis at Conrad Washington DC, located in the heart of the city. explorers will enjoy a plethora of upscale amenities and offerings, from floor-to-ceiling windows and vibrant city views to elegant suites and artfully appointed common areas and social spaces. Those looking for a culinary treat can dine at Estuary, run by Top Chef and James Beard Award finalists Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, which features seasonal tasting menus inspired by seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.
Credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Credit: Conrad Hotels & Resorts
