Solo Travel Destinations That Let You Live Out Your Main Character Moment

Discover Destinations That Empower Solo Travelers to Shine
Generator Miami pool at dusk
Generator Miami pool at dusk Photo Credit: Mike Butler

Traveling alone has never been more in vogue. Skyscanner reports that 43% of travelers went solo last year, while Virtuoso data reveals that women now make up 68% of this group. For many, the appeal lies in taking center stage—becoming the “main character” in their own narrative and calling every shot along the way. Whether you crave wellness, history, food, fashion, or culture, these destinations deliver the experiences and energy worthy of a starring role.

1. Wellness Energy: BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Aerial view of BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia
Aerial view of BodyHoliday in Saint LuciaPhoto Courtesy of BodyHoliday

Saint Lucia’s pioneering wellness resort, BodyHoliday, has become a sanctuary for travelers looking to recharge and reconnect. Its annual September Solos program elevates the solo journey with month-long programming tailored to individual travelers. Guests can take part in expert-led fitness classes, join cocktail parties and theme nights, or explore the island on guided excursions. Creative outlets include cooking, pottery, and painting, while the resort’s acclaimed spa provides signature treatments designed specifically with solo travelers in mind. Here, wellness and social connection coexist seamlessly, making it an ideal escape for those who want both solitude and community.

2. Beach Babe Energy: Generator Miami, Florida

Generator Miami bird's eye view of pool
Generator Miami bird's eye view of poolPhoto Courtesy of Generator Miami

Just steps from South Beach, Generator Miami combines Cuban flair with contemporary design, creating an atmosphere perfect for solo adventurers. The property was designed to encourage interaction, featuring communal spaces like the lively poolside bar and Pikio Taco restaurant. By day, guests can soak up Miami’s sun-drenched energy, while evenings bring frozen cocktails, live music, and fresh seafood served alongside new friends. For travelers seeking that quintessential Miami mix of glamour and fun, Generator Miami delivers in spades.

3. History Nerd Energy: Dearborn Inn, Michigan

Dearborn Inn exterior
Dearborn Inn exteriorPhoto Courtesy of Dearborn Inn

In Dearborn, solo travelers can immerse themselves in America’s story through automotive heritage and historic landmarks. Built by Henry Ford in 1937, the Dearborn Inn recently unveiled a full renovation that balances timeless details—such as checkerboard marble floors—with curated artifacts from the Ford Archives. Interactive touches like a vintage photo booth and roving cocktail carts keep the experience fresh. Beyond the hotel, highlights include the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and Ford’s Fair Lane Estate, all offering endless opportunities for cultural exploration.

4. Girl Power Energy: Hotel Anna & Bel, Philadelphia

Hotel Anna & Bel courtyard pool
Hotel Anna & Bel courtyard poolPhoto Credit: Jason Varney

Set in Fishtown, one of Philadelphia’s most eclectic neighborhoods, Hotel Anna & Bel honors the area’s female-driven legacy. The property occupies revitalized historic buildings once central to women’s communities, blending history with modern design. Guests enjoy amenities curated by local women-owned businesses, a heated courtyard pool, and an infrared sauna. Beyond the hotel, Fishtown buzzes with women-led boutiques, restaurants, and cultural spots, making it a hub of inspiration for solo travelers ready to embrace their own stories.

5. Foodie Energy: Montréal, Canada

Dining at Montréal
Dining at MontréalPhoto Credit: Alison Slattery

Montréal has emerged as one of North America’s top culinary destinations, recently gaining recognition from the MICHELIN Guide. Its dynamic dining scene includes new stars like Jérôme Ferrer, Mastard, and Sabayon, alongside beloved favorites like Cabaret l’Enfer. The city’s pioneering rooftop farms supply many of these kitchens, ensuring hyper-fresh, sustainable flavors. For solo travelers, Montréal is a dream—a city where dining alone feels like an art form and every corner reveals a new taste worth savoring.

6. Couture Energy: Shinola Hotel, Detroit

Shinola Hotel timepieces
Shinola Hotel timepieces Photo Courtesy of Shinola Hotel

Detroit pulses with design, architecture, and a couture-driven edge. Anchoring downtown is the Shinola Hotel, which offers guests in premium categories access to its exclusive watch Lending Program. Solo travelers can borrow and swap Shinola timepieces daily, adding flair to their city exploration. Surrounded by boutiques, art deco architecture, and buzzing galleries, Shinola Hotel ensures that in Detroit, every street feels like a runway.

7. Culture Vulture Energy: Walker Hotels & Kixby Hotel, New York City

Walker Hotels entrance
Walker Hotels entrancePhoto Courtesy of Walker Hotels

Few places match New York City’s cultural pull, and Walker Hotels and Kixby Hotel offer prime access. Walker Hotel Greenwich Village channels golden-age glamour, while Walker Hotel Tribeca embraces loft-style design and nightly jazz. Kixby Hotel, in Midtown, positions guests steps from Broadway, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building. For solo travelers, these properties double as launchpads to the city’s arts, dining, and nightlife—perfect for those who thrive in the cultural spotlight.

8. Laidback Energy: Marram & RUSCHMEYERS, Montauk

Marram Montauk’s seaside lounge
Barefoot luxury meets ocean views at Marram Montauk’s seaside loungePhoto Courtesy of Marram Montauk

Montauk’s surf-town soul comes alive at Marram, a beachfront property with a marine program, guest-only art gallery, and South American café. Evenings bring s’mores by the fire pit and a slower rhythm of life. Nearby, RUSCHMEYERS has been reborn as a design-forward retreat, offering cabins, fire-kissed cuisine at The Grill, and creative cocktails at The Lounge. Both properties deliver barefoot luxury with a sense of playful relaxation, ideal for solo travelers seeking downtime.

For today’s solo traveler, these destinations prove that the main character energy trend is more than a hashtag—it’s a philosophy. Whether you’re chasing wellness, couture, history, or the simple joy of slowing down, each property offers a stage for unforgettable self-expression.
Generator Miami pool at dusk
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