If you’re daydreaming about traveling the U.S. alone, let me tell you, it’s a mix of exciting and a little terrifying at first. When I planned my first solo trip, I kept asking myself, “Am I going to get bored? Or worse, lost?” But here’s the thing: once you actually go, all those nerves fade, and it turns into one of those experiences you never forget.
I won’t give you a cookie-cutter guide. Just some real thoughts from my own time wandering around the States, because I messed a lot of things up and also got a lot of things right.
Don’t Try to Cover the Whole Map
The U.S. is huge. Like, you think you know it’s big until you’re staring at Google Maps trying to figure out how far Chicago is from Denver (answer: farther than you thought). My first trip, I crammed too much in, ended up spending half my days stuck on buses or in airports. Big mistake.
What worked better: choosing one region and just digging into it. For me, the Southwest was magic. Red rocks, desert roads, small towns that felt like movie sets. A friend of mine did the opposite, just New York for a week and swore it was perfect.
Pick your vibe, stick to it. You’ll enjoy it more when you’re not racing across time zones.
Money Stuff Nobody Warns You About
Traveling solo sounds cheaper until you realize you’re paying for everything by yourself. No splitting hotel bills. No splitting Uber rides. I learned the hard way in San Francisco (expensive city, by the way).
Couple things that helped:
- I stayed in hostels. Not glamorous, but I met cool people and saved a ton.
- Grocery stores became my best friends. Buying snacks there kept me from overspending on restaurant food.
- I kept a little “treat fund.” That went to random things like a Broadway show in New York and, once, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Both are totally worth it.
And speaking of snacks, long bus rides and hikes are brutal without them. If you’re wondering what to pack, I put together a breakdown of Which Snack Bars Are Ideal for Adventure Travel? (food planning for solo trips).
Budget like you’re practical but also leave room for those moments you’ll talk about years later.
Staying Safe Without Overthinking It
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, traveling alone does make you more cautious. And you should be. But the U.S. isn’t this big dangerous mystery either.
I kept it simple:
- Told someone back home where I was heading.
- I trusted my gut. If a place felt sketchy, I didn’t stick around to “see what happens.”
- I tried not to flash expensive gear or walk around glued to my phone like a lost tourist.
And honestly, one of the smartest moves you can make is having backup protection. Travel insurance sounds boring until you need it. I
Explained it more here: Adventure Travel Insurance Explained.
The Freedom That Makes It Worth It
This part is why solo travel wins. You don’t have to compromise. No one’s arguing over where to eat or when to wake up. You just do your thing.
One night in New Orleans I ended up in a tiny jazz club that wasn’t even on my list. Another time, I ditched my “plan” to go hiking in Utah and instead spent half the day just sitting by a canyon, doing absolutely nothing. And that felt just right.
And if you’re into eco-friendly travel (or just don’t like feeling guilty about all the plastic bottles you’ll burn through), check out my piece on How to Plan a Zero-Waste Travel Adventure (eco-friendly packing & waste tips). Makes the whole trip feel a little lighter, on you and the planet.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the deal: planning a solo trip in the U.S. isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about giving yourself space to explore at your own pace. Don’t over pack your schedule. Keep an eye on your budget. Stay safe but don’t be paranoid. And, most importantly, let yourself enjoy the random, messy, wonderful stuff that happens along the way.
Yes, but like anywhere, it depends on where you go and how you act. Stick to well-travelled areas, use common sense, and trust your gut if something feels off.
In cities, public transport is often your best bet (New York, D.C., Chicago). For more remote areas, renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
It varies, but $100–$150 per day is a decent range if you’re mixing budget stays with a few splurges. More if you’re in pricey cities like San Francisco or New York.
Sometimes, yes. But it passes quickly. Hostels, group tours, or even chatting with locals at a diner can turn things around fast.
References
- U.S. Department of State – Travel Safety Tips
- Hostelworld – Solo Travel Tips & Guides
