Weekend Getaway: 8 Cool Ideas For Solo Travelers

Craving some adventure over the weekend? The good news is that you don’t need to wait for a big vacation or save a ton of cash for that. Weekend trips allow you to enjoy life and give yourself a break from the daily grind.

They are easy, quick, and super flexible. And you don’t need a travel buddy to enjoy them. In this blog post, we’ll review eight inspiring ideas that could be your next solo adventure.

8 Inspiring Weekend Getaway Ideas For Solo Travelers

#1 City Exploration

The beauty of this idea is that it’s super simple to put into practice. Think about hitting a new city close by or even a neighborhood in your city you’ve never explored. New spots are always full of life and surprises.

Start with the main attractions, then (if you have time and mood for that) explore some lesser-known parts. Check out quirky shops, local eateries, and street art. Museums and historical sites are great for some solo culture fix, too.

Just don’t plan too much. Let the city’s vibe guide you. Walk around, take public transport, or rent a bike. It’s a great way to feel the pulse of the place. Stay in a central hostel or a budget hotel to keep costs down (and chances high for meeting other travelers!). In other words, keep your days full but flexible to soak in as much as possible.

Tip: Use local transit apps to discover off-the-radar spots. They often show you cool places not listed in guidebooks.

#2 Nature Retreat

If peace is the goal, try to find a quiet spot in the woods, by a lake, or near a mountain trail. Wherever you live, there should be some nature retreats nearby that could calm your mind. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or just sit by a river and read. The key is to find a place that feels right, where you can breathe fresh air and maybe not even see another person if you don’t want to.

Renting a cabin or camping are the most obvious options here. You’ll cook your meals over a fire and spend the evening stargazing. Just make sure you’re prepared with the right gear, food, and safety items.

Tip: Natural supplements can be a nice addition to this type of retreat. Pack magnesium for muscle recovery after hiking or enjoy kava benefits for relaxation.

#3 Beach Break

A solo trip to the beach is a classic. Choose a spot based on what you want:

busy beaches with lots of activities and people to watch

or quiet ones where you can chill with a book and your thoughts.

The main attraction of beach towns is certainly their laid-back vibe. Try different water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or just swimming. Walk along the shore at sunset, find local seafood spots, and enjoy the ocean air.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials — sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, and maybe a cooler for cold drinks and snacks.

#4 Spa Weekend

If you need a serious stress detox, a spa weekend could be magical. The first two attractions that come to mind are, of course, massages and facials. At a more advanced level spa resorts may offer wellness programs with

yoga,

meditation,

and healthy eating.

You can spend your days in a robe, moving from one relaxing treatment to the next. You can take naps, whenever you want to. You can enjoy peaceful gardens or pools. And yes, you come back feeling refreshed and pampered.

Tip: Book your treatments for late afternoon or evening so you can use the spa facilities all day before your session.

#5 Cultural Immersion

Sometimes, you crave something active and enlightening. If that’s the case, pick a place known for its rich history and culture. This could be a small town with ancient traditions or a city with cool historic sights. The idea is to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Visit museums, historical landmarks, and art galleries. Try to coincide your trip with a local festival or event to really get a feel for the community spirit. Take local workshops or classes, maybe in cooking, art, or dance. The beauty of this idea is that it gives you both rest and the opportunity to expand your horizons.

Tip: If you go abroad, learn greetings and expressions of gratitude in the local language.

#6 Adventure Sports

If you long for adrenaline, choose a destination known for your favorite outdoor activity. You’ll challenge yourself physically and mentally, and there’s usually the bonus of beautiful natural settings to explore.

Research and plan to ensure you’re prepared with the right equipment and safety measures. Amazing stories and a sense of accomplishment are guaranteed.

Tip: Check local forums or groups for the best times and spots for your chosen activity.

#7 Culinary Tour

Food can be the main reason to travel! Pick a city or region famous for its cuisine (perhaps that’s your town?). Explore local markets, try street food, and book tables at recommended restaurants.

Another great variant here is cooking classes. You’ll learn about the local food culture and bring home some new skills. Wine or beer tastings can also be part of the journey.

Tip: Visit the local farmers’ market early in the morning to see where chefs buy their ingredients. You might even catch a cooking demo or taste products at their freshest.

#8 Artistic Escape

If you’re into the arts, target a city or town with a vibrant arts scene. Spend your days visiting galleries, museums, or attending live performances. Nearby towns are sure to offer workshops in painting, photography, or crafts. All these are superb for creating something unique and returning with a gift for your BFF or someone special.

Tip: Look for “open studio” events where local artists open their workspaces to visitors. There, you see artists in action and purchase original art directly.

Final Thoughts

As you see, weekend getaways are the perfect opportunity to explore, relax, and recharge. And they are perfect for solo traveling. After all, two days is just the time you need to enjoy yourself without getting too bored. Just pick what calls to you and don’t put it off for later.

Read Also: 

15 Epic Adventures for Solo Travelers: A Must-Do List

25 Best Cities for Solo Travel in 2024

7 Compelling Reasons to Choose Solo Adventures Over Group Travel