Anti-Valentine’s Day: Vacation Inspiration for Single Travelers
It’s that time of year when single LGBTQ+ people are bombarded with sappy Valentine’s Day commercials about buying the perfect gift or card for a significant other they may not have. Well, at Vacationer Magazine, we’re here to say, you are enough without a “plus one.”
In fact, we know a few places where you can plan a solo trip to revel in the joys of being single. Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of ideas, but it’s just enough to give single queer travelers some inspiration of where to plot out their next incredible travel adventure.
From lovers of culture to unabashedly nude sunbathers to outdoor thrill-seekers, you can choose your own private getaway based on your own personal travel style. So, without further ado, here are five travel destinations you should consider visiting on your own.
Editor’s Note: Those who travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before traveling.
Ubud, Bali
Need a solo digital detox vacay? Head to Bali where international travelers are now welcomed to visit provided, they hold a Visit Visa, can show proof of vaccination, and complete five days of quarantine. Well, you can’t get a more solo experience than mandatory quarantine! But the real beauty of visiting Ubud, Bali is that it’s home to several luxury wellness retreats that allow you to pamper yourself and onsite services offer ways for you to restore balance in what may be a chaotic lifestyle. Take time to pause, unplug, and reflect – all things you can do without a travel companion.
Miami
For travelers who enjoy the diversity of a city, you may consider heading to Miami for a shopping spree at the high-end stores on Lincoln Road or just veg out on a stretch of sand only a block or two away. LGBTQ+ visitors can grab a drink and a drag show at Palace Bar or mingle with the sophisticated crowd at Bar Centro, a popular watering hole at SLS South Beach. Indulge in a solo fine-dining experience at Juvia, or for a more traditional experience, sample authentic Cuban food in Little Havana. And for solo nudists, visit nearby Haulover Beach for a body-positive nude sunbathing experience.
Any U.S. National Park
No matter what National Park you choose in the U.S., you’ll have enough space to create your own solo oasis away from a crowd of people. West Glacier National Park in Montana, Yosemite National Park in California, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Mount Rainier in Washington, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia are all potential candidates for a solo outdoor adventure surrounded by nature in all its splendor.
New York City
Get lost on a solo getaway to one of the largest cities in the world. Go shopping at brand-name stores along 5th Avenue or visit smaller boutique shops in Soho. If shopping isn’t your thing, consider catching a Broadway show, like Moulin Rouge, To Kill a Mockingbird, Thoughts of a Colored Man, or Tina. After losing yourself in a crowd for the perfect solo selfie in Times Square, explore New York’s popular neighborhoods – West Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Harlem, Astoria, or Brooklyn. New York City is one place solo travelers can go and feel great about not having a “plus one.”
Maui
As the saying goes “no man is an island,” but if he (she or they) were, this is the island that we’ve always dreamed about. Roadtrippers can take the epic journey on the Road to Hana with stops to go cliff diving, solo hiking to discover a hidden waterfall, or stop for a scoop of ice cream at Coconut Glen’s. End your road trip with a dip in the ocean along Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park. And you can’t leave Maui without watching the skies light up in colorful red, orange, and purple hues during sunset. Wake up early and drive to Haleakala National Park to watch the sunrise. You’ll thank us later for this anti-Valentine’s Day recommendation.
Barcelona
For solo travelers who love architecture, you can explore the work of Antoni Gaudí: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milá, and Casa Batlló. Enjoy tapas at local favorite Bar del Pla after a relaxing day at Barceloneta Beach. Before hitting a few gay bars scattered throughout the city, be sure to check out the choreographed light and fountain show set to music at The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc on Avinguda Maria Cristina. Need a quick solo escape? Take a 30-minute train ride to LGBTQ+-friendly Sitges for solo chill-time and to get rid of those tan lines on clothing-optional Playa Balmins. LGBTQ+ beachgoers can also take a cab and then walk along the train tracks to get to Playa del Muerto, a smaller, secluded beach. It’s well worth the trek.
Valentine’s Day or not… those are just a few places we’d enjoy spending time alone. What are your favorite places to travel solo?
