Sophisticated solo escapes: 3 destinations perfect for independent travelers
Discover how some of the world’s most exciting destinations are catering to independent travelers.
By Mark Orwoll | April 30, 2025
Whether by choice or circumstance, for business or leisure, traveling alone should be a stimulating experience, especially in summer when the weather invites easy exploring. No consensus is required when you’re on your own — you craft the itinerary based on your passions and dreams. Base yourself at the right hotel, and you’ll even have a dedicated concierge to advise you on the most exclusive dining, day trips, and nearby attractions. For an elevated solo trip of a lifetime, these are our top pick destinations.
Seattle
Seattle is a city that embraces visitors of every stripe whether you enjoy perusing chic boutiques or tackling challenging, scenic hikes. On the bayfront, something new is always cooking, literally, at the nation’s oldest operating marketplace, Pike Place Market. Base yourself at Hotel 1000 Seattle, LXR Hotels & Resorts, located just five minutes away, and have the concierge arrange a private guide to help you pick out the best bites among the more than 500 vendors. More culinary delights await at Hotel 1000 Seattle, where fresh, locally caught seafood is served at All Water and inventive cocktails tantalize taste buds at the sleek Rosebay bar. After seeing the sights, indulge at The Spa at Hotel 1000 with a Seattle Signature Body Treatment, a three-hour vision of heaven that even includes a full-body coffee exfoliation.
Dublin
The Irish capital is teeming with excitement, from the legendary pubs with traditional music to the more than three dozen theaters that still showcase the works of Gaelic luminaries such as Yeats, Synge, and Shaw. The concierge at Conrad Dublin can secure a ticket to the best seat in any theater. Set the tone for your evening by savoring the specially curated pre-theater dinner menu at The Coburg, the hotel’s elegant ode to modern Irish cuisine. After the curtain drops, top off the evening with a cocktail featuring 16-year-old Bushmills single malt in the hotel’s literary-themed bar, Lemuel’s. For more solo adventures rooted in Irish tradition, the concierge can also arrange exclusive curated tours of a nearby whiskey distillery, Dublin Castle, the National Gallery of Ireland, or even a private literary tour at the iconic library at Trinity College.
Shanghai
There’s no city in mainland China more cosmopolitan than Shanghai. For sophisticated shopping and dining, the Huangpu riverfront is the place to be, and Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is at the center of it all. Whether dining on authentic Cantonese dishes at the hotel’s refined Wai King Kok, shopping for upscale fashion and fine jewelry on nearby Nanjing Road, or strolling through the Greenhouse Garden arboretum at Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, you’ll find plenty of solo-friendly activities to keep you entertained. Your personal concierge can provide additional suggestions, including a relaxing afternoon at Waldorf Astoria Spa or afternoon tea at Peacock Alley. Blending ancient Chinese and contemporary techniques, you’ll feel rejuvenated with any treatment amongst the wide range of massages, facials, and body wraps.
Mark Orwoll
Mark Orwoll is the former International Editor of Travel + Leisure and the author of four books, including the travel memoir, Just One Little Hitch. He has traveled to more than 95 countries on every continent, mostly on assignment for such outlets as Condé Nast Traveler, the Travel Channel, Slate, and other print and online magazines.
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