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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Rachel Craft is a travel writer at TPG. She's excited about introducing more people to the world of points & miles and helping fellow travel newbies make the most of their points.
July 10, 2026 • 11 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
TPG featured card
Quick summary
Solo travel offers flexibility, self-discovery and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
The article highlights 10 destinations ideal for solo weekend getaways, including both U.S. and international cities.
Each destination is praised for accessibility, safety, walkability and solo-friendly activities, from cultural sites to outdoor adventures.
Travel tips include leveraging loyalty program points for hotels and flights, and timing visits to avoid crowds.
What to consider
Some destinations offer unique seasonal advantages, such as fewer tourists during shoulder seasons or special local events.
Award flight and hotel availability may vary, with some programs offering particularly strong value for certain routes or properties as of June 2024 per TPG's valuations.
Language barriers are minimal in most featured cities, and public transportation is generally accessible for solo travelers.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed destination-specific tips, including the best neighborhoods to stay, local experiences to prioritize and practical advice for maximizing points and miles.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
There are many benefits to solo travel: time to reflect, a chance to build confidence and the freedom to plan your schedule (or wing it) without having to please anyone else.
If you just want to dip your toe into solo travel, or if you’re short on vacation time, a weekend getaway can be a great option. Here, we’ve gathered 10 TPG-tested destinations that are perfect for solo travelers, easy to reach and small enough to see in a weekend.
The OG solo destination, NYC makes solo travel not just possible but downright cool.
You’ll find plenty to do here to fill your weekend. Stay in Midtown or Times Square to hit marquis attractions like Rockefeller Center and Broadway, Greenwich Village for foodie delights or the Upper West Side for a quiet family getaway — or use the extensive public transportation system to hop between neighborhoods.
“There’s no city in the world as conducive to solo travel as NYC,” says TPG senior writer Tanner Saunders. “Bring your walking shoes and get lost on foot, or have a cocktail outside and people watch. And being solo means you can find great deals on Broadway shows using apps like TodayTix.”
TPG tip: Despite the program’s recent devaluation, you can still get solid value for your World of Hyatt points at The Manner, a stylish boutique property in SoHo. Rates start around $488 or 35,000 Hyatt points per night.
Quebec City
A view of the Place Royale and the Notre Dame des Victoires church in Quebec City. JAKUB PORZYCKI/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Between its cobblestone streets and fortified city walls — the last of their kind remaining on the continent north of Mexico — Quebec City has the feel of a French or Swiss vacation while being much closer to home for U.S. travelers. The city’s architecture is like something out of a movie, and it’s even home to the world’s most photographed hotel.
You’ll find plenty of green spaces too. Quebec recently became the first entire city to be designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve thanks to its extensive waterways, wetlands, lakes and surrounding forests.
"Combining walkability and a distinctly European vibe, Quebec City is ideal for a solo weekend getaway,” says TPG managing editor of hotels and destinations, Ellie Nan Storck. “Between the lengthy history, the quaint streets worthy of an entire film roll of photos and transporting experiences like Stromspa along the ambling St. Lawrence River, there is plenty to do as a solo traveler here — and it's extremely safe, which is especially nice for solo female travelers."
TPG tip: Start your search with seats.aero to find the best deals on award flights to Quebec. It even has a new AI redemption tool you can try.
London
NISERIN/GETTY IMAGES
There are endless things to do in London, from the usual suspects like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to solo-friendly activities like a huge zoo, a riverside book market and various (often free) museums. Of course, no visit would be complete without a full English breakfast or a plate of fish ‘n’ chips — and foodies can reap the benefits of flying solo.
Carly Helfand, TPG’s director of content strategy, site, notes that some of London’s highlights may be easier to enjoy as a party of one. “I got into Michelin-starred Gymkhana last-minute because I was on my own! It was easily some of the best Indian food I've ever had.” Plus, she says, “no language barrier makes it easy to get around, and London feels safe day and night.”
TPG tip: London ranks among the easiest European cities to reach, with nonstop flights from various U.S. hubs — including some great points and miles deals. For instance, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers Saver awards from the northeastern U.S. to London starting at just 6,000 points each way.
San Diego
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
Often considered a second city to LA, San Diego offers similar food, art and culture but in a smaller, more manageable package. Solo travelers will feel welcome in the laid-back Southern California surf culture, especially once they crack open a cold one in one of the city’s 150-plus independent breweries, cideries and more.
With abundant outdoor activities like snorkeling La Jolla Underwater Park, kayaking past playful colonies of sea lions and hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But the city truly has something for everyone, from Michelin- and James Beard-recognized dining outlets to award-winning zoos, museums and botanic gardens.
Solo travelers will never feel alone in the Music City, whose dazzling southern hospitality and larger-than-life bar scene — with live music 365 days per year — make it easy to meet people organically. Nashville’s dining scene isn’t far behind its music scene, with hole-in-the-wall Southern comfort spots feeling right at home alongside globally inspired Michelin-starred restaurants.
“Nashville is a great place to explore alone because you can easily make friends at the bars and honkeytonks, or just grab a bar seat and jam out alone,” Tanner Saunders says. “My expert tip would be to make sure you check out a ‘writers round,’ where you can catch some of the best songwriters in town perform their hits, at places like The Bluebird Cafe.”
TPG tip: Nashville’s burgeoning hotel scene offers something for everyone, including points options from all the major hotel loyalty programs as well as the eco-chic 1 Hotel Nashville.
Portland, Maine
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
For a cozy coastal escape, look no further than Portland, Maine. Squeezing a ton of maritime history and charm — and plenty of fresh seafood — into one compact peninsula, Portland is the perfect size for a weekend getaway.
Ellie Nan Storck describes Portland as “a quintessential New England port city (read: adorable and extremely walkable) with a charming working waterfront and a historic downtown dotted with phenomenal bars and restaurants. Dining solo here isn't unusual, and even as a local I love cozying into a cafe or one of my favorite waterfront restaurants with a good book."
Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Portland’s array of artisan craft shops, galleries and boutiques is hard to resist.
TPG tip: The shoulder season in the weeks after Labor Day is a great time to visit Portland because you can avoid the summer tourism surge and leaf peepers. Check out our tips for saving money on a luxe weekend getaway to coastal Maine.
Barcelona
PAWEL.GAUL/GETTY IMAGES
Spain’s second-biggest city combines excellent walkability, public transport and a thriving tapas culture that makes it easy to dine alone. You can hop from one tapas bar to another (no reservation needed), sampling small plates and wines while chatting with the bartender or other patrons.
Beyond dining, Barcelona manages to pack a huge variety of activities into one coastal city. You can wander the maze-like streets of the Gothic Quarter, take a hike through Park Guell or lounge on one of the nearby beaches — all in the same sun-soaked day.
TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor loves Barecelona for solo trips because “Spanish is one of the easier languages to pick up phrases as an English speaker, most people speak English, it's popular for solo travelers (so it's easy to meet others) and it's easy/safe to get around.”
TPG tip: This city has a plethora of points hotels, including the W Barcelona. We like using Rooms.aero to narrow down our options.
Santa Fe
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
Founded as a Spanish colony some 400 years ago, New Mexico’s capital is famous for its distinctive Pueblo-style adobe architecture and blend of Indigenous, Spanish and Anglo cultural influences.
Between its vibrant art scene, slew of world-class spas and its location in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe is a prime destination for a relaxing solo retreat. Plus, it’s small enough to see in a weekend, with a more intimate feel and slower pace than many of the metropolitan areas on this list.
Tanner Saunders says, “After a year of COVID lockdowns in NYC, I went out to Santa Fe for a week to simply be alone. I found easy peace there while hiking beautiful trails, dining alone on New Mexico’s famous foods and I even made a solo journey to Meow Wolf to feel like I was on another planet for a minute.”
TPG tip: American Airlines has expanded its service to Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), with daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting from 7,000 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 one-way.
Vancouver
The Lynn Canyon Park Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. RICHARD CUMMINS/GETTY IMAGES
Just across the border from Seattle, this Canadian city is very accessible from the U.S. but feels a world away, with the cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture of historic Gastown, and the rich Indigenous heritage showcased in the Museum of Anthropology.
Outdoorsy solo travelers will have a blast exploring British Columbia’s famed wilderness, which is closer to the city than you might expect. You can hike through the lush downtown rainforest of Stanley Park, snowshoe your way up nearby Grouse Mountain or bike the Vancouver Seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
“I just went to Vancouver for the first time solo, and I would absolutely recommend it!” says Madison Blancaflor, citing, “It's close to the U.S., there's no language barrier for anyone who only knows English, there are super friendly people and there's also easy public transit.”
TPG tip:Air Canada Aeroplan has award flights to Vancouver starting from just 9,200 points one-way from western hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver. Plus, since the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of several major transferable currencies, it’s easy to earn Aeroplan points.
Puerto Rico
GETTY IMAGES/EYEEM
With no passport required for U.S. citizens and the U.S. dollar as its official currency, Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most convenient Caribbean destinations for a weekend getaway.
This compact island takes only a couple hours to drive across, but you could just as easily fill a weekend in the capital city of San Juan. You can soak in creativity both indoors and out, from the vast assortment of local art on display in Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico to the fantastic Santurce street art district. Get in on the fun at an art class, bomba dance lesson or drumming workshop.
For more active pursuits, Puerto Rico’s breathtaking outdoors — including powder-soft beaches, bioluminescent bays and mangrove forests — are just a short drive away. You can leverage guided tours and the area’s plentiful Ubers to get around with ease.
TPG tip: JetBlue is making a major push in Puerto Rico, with new flights from five mainland cities launched this year. For instance, you can fly nonstop from Jacksonville, Florida starting from 11,300 TrueBlue points or from Buffalo, New York from 14,100 points plus minimal taxes and fees.
Bottom line
These points-friendly solo destinations run the gamut, whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, a lively party scene, outdoor adventure or a little bit of everything. Even better, they’re accessible enough that you can visit them in a single weekend — though you’ll surely return home hungry for more.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
TPG editor's rating4.5
TPG editor's rating4.5
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
TPG editor's rating4.5
TPG editor's rating4.5
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
