2022 Travel Trends: Luxury Solo Travel
Wanderlust can strike at any moment, and sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and blaze your own trail. And, what better way to do that than through luxury solo travel? Satisfy your restless spirit and get out on your own.
According to recent studies, solo travel is set to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2022, with more and more people opting to explore new destinations by themselves. There are many driving factors, including a desire to reconnect with oneself, a quest for better mental health, an unwillingness to postpone another vacation, the flexibility of remote work, and the need to regain freedoms that were nearly lost to the pandemic.
There’s also something so magical about luxury solo travel—you can experience things on your own terms, move at your own pace, truly immerse yourself in the destination of your choice, and experience the finer things without compromising. Of course, solo travel comes with its own challenges, but that’s where Natural Retreats comes in! We’ll help you rediscover yourself, by yourself, while expanding your horizons and staying safe.
Thoroughly research your destination for safety.
Gain confidence on your solo luxury vacation.
A Few Safety Tips from the Experts:
Enjoy a cultural food tour on your solo trip.
Pleasing sunny views await you at Southern Grace.
Beautiful Destinations, Exciting Activities, and Luxurious Accommodations
Sea Islands, South Carolina
Sea Islands are a low-lying chain of roughly 100 sandy islands off the Atlantic Ocean coast stretching from South Carolina to Florida. This luxurious resort destination is a fun place to travel solo, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy by themselves or on a tour. An ideal location to relax and take in your beautiful surroundings.
Activity:
Eat Dinner on Your Cultural Food Tour
Home to a unique culture known as "Gullah," a blend of African and American influences, one of the best ways to learn about it is through food. “A Voyage Through Gullah Cuisine: Past & Present” is a food tour that offers a chance to taste the flavors of the Sea Islands from Chef Pamela Jones—her love of cooking stemmed from watching her grandmother and great grandmother prepare Gullah Geechee cuisine. This tour includes a visit to a local kitchen, where your chef will put the finishing touches on dinner as you ask questions and learn about the history and culture of the island and its people. This is a great opportunity to mingle with people and eat delicious local food.
Accommodations:
Southern Grace on Harbor Island
Southern Grace on Harbor Island is the perfect place for a solo traveler or couple. This elegant beachfront condo is a luxury rental with a charming 1-bedroom unit. The light-filled living area is on the ground floor and features a fully equipped kitchen. On cool evenings, step through the sliding glass doors from your bedroom to enjoy a drink on the private deck. Southern Grace is Southern Hospitality at its finest!
Enjoy a solo hike in the beautiful Smokies.
Optimal mountain views at Bear Hug Cabin.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range that runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is considered a subpart of the Appalachian Mountains. This is a great place to go for a quiet, relaxing getaway for one. The mountains feel like they are teeming with life, but you can still find plenty of solitude if you want it. The Smokies are a great place to visit with plenty to do all year round.
Activity:
Hike in the Smokies and Ride an Alpine Coaster
Hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the country's most-visited national park—to experience the beauty of this 500,000 acres park that’s home to a diverse range of wildlife, from black bears and deer to wild turkeys and eagles, and over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
After exploring the national park, you should head straight to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster to “ride the hill and feel the thrill.” This coaster is considered the longest downhill track in the U.S. and can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. With breathtaking views of the mountains, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Accommodations:
Bear Hug #18
Bear Hug #18 is the perfect vacation rental for those who are looking for a remote location and solitude. The back deck is the optimal place to take advantage of the stunning mountain views. Guests can choose from either the loft's king-sized accommodation, or the queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room; ideal for less than 4 guests. Bear Hug #18 is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Learn to scuba dive in Cape San Blas.
Angel Fish is excellent for solo adventurers.
Cape San Blas, Florida
Welcome to the “Forgotten Coast!” Cape San Blas, Florida, and the surrounding area is known as the “Forgotten Coast” because the panhandle has some of the last remaining stretches of unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches and is relatively rural. Making this uncrowded seaside community the perfect low-key destination for solo travelers who are trying to avoid the crowds.
Activity:
Learn to Scuba Dive and See a Shipwreck
Daly’s Dock & Dive Center is the perfect place to discover scuba diving and explore Cape San Blas, Florida’s amazing underwater world. Daly’s offers scuba lessons for both beginners and experienced divers—as well as a variety of local dive sites that they regularly clean for environmental conservation. The Daly’s team is passionate about scuba diving and providing a safe and fun experience for all levels of divers. Some of Daly’s favorite dive sites include the SS Vamar, a shipwreck that is home to a variety of marine life, and the Cape San Blas Reef, an artificial reef that is teeming with fish. An excellent chance to invest in yourself and try something unique!
Accommodations:
Angel Fish
Angel Fish is the perfect home-away-from-home for solo adventurers or small families. The villa is just two minutes from the beach, and the comfortable deck with patio furniture is ideal for relaxing after a long day in the sun. The villa is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure. Angel Fish is designed with modern furnishings and features all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
The World Heritage UNESCO site of Taos Pueblo.
Modern and chic studio in Taos for one!
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
A mountain town with a desert soul, Taos Ski Valley offers something for everyone. Discovered by nomadic tribes thousands of years ago and believed to be the legendary City of Gold—Taos, New Mexico, was the place where greats such as Aldous Huxley and Georgia O'Keefe created their best works. Taos is known for its high-altitude skiing, eclectic art galleries, the historic Taos Pueblo, inspired cuisine, and year-round festivals. An unforgettable place with unforgettable attractions.
Activity:
Bake Traditional Puebloan Bread at a World Heritage Site
When you visit the World Heritage UNESCO site of Taos Pueblo, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a centuries-old tradition: bread baking. Horno baking is a key part of traditional Puebloan life, and it's an immersive experience that's great for solo travelers. You'll learn about how cooking and baking skills have been perfected by using both indigenous and contemporary ingredients and techniques. And you'll hear about how the Horno Baking Tour is helping to keep this important part of Puebloan culture alive.
Accommodations:
Mesa Vista Studio
Mesa Vista Studio is the perfect place to stay for anyone venturing out on their own. The studio home is modern and chic, with Pueblo-inspired artwork and a gas fireplace. It also has sweeping desert views, making it the ideal place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the desert. The studio is just a 10-minute drive from local restaurants, parks, museums, and art galleries, making it an appropriate base for exploring all the area offers. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or a simple place to rest your head, Mesa Vista Studio is sure to meet your needs.
Use the ski lift to mountain bike in Park City.
Perfectly sized condo for people traveling alone.
Park City, Utah
Located in Summit County, this city was once one of the most sought-after mining towns in the late 1800s, but has progressed into a year-round, world-class resort destination. Renowned for its natural beauty, Park City is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountain Range—known for the best skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the world today. This well-preserved historic town is now full of culture and art as well as fine dining and stylish boutiques. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and solo visitors wanting to leave it all behind.
Activity:
Use the Ski Lifts to Explore the Mountains on Bike
Mountain Biking Park City is an excellent way to see the sights and get some exercise. You can use the incredible ski lift system to mountain bike around and take in the beautiful scenery. If you want to ride the chairlift, you’ll want to plan your trip between mid-June and mid-September. Find bike rentals at Silver Star Ski and Sport including electric mountain bikes, full-suspension bikes, tandem bikes, or even junior cruiser bikes, and consider using a tour guide to help make the most of your trip. The trail system is exceptionally well designed and maintained. So get outside, enjoy the fresh mountain air, listen to some tunes, and experience the beauty of Park City on two wheels.
Accommodations:
Snowcrest #302
Snowcrest #302 is the perfect rental property for your next trip to Park City, Utah. This contemporary condo is located near Park City Mountain Resort, making it the perfect basecamp for all your mountain adventures. The condo is the perfect size for people traveling alone or as a couple, but it comfortably sleeps up to 4 guests so you can pick between a private bedroom or a roomy loft. You'll love relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace in the evenings after a long day on the mountain. The sunny, two-story living room fills with natural light, making it the ideal place to curl up with a good book. Snowcrest #302 also has access to a community pool, hot tub, and sauna, making it the quintessential place to relax and unwind after a long day of skiing or hiking.
Sun Valley is exceptional for a tasty glass of wine.
Quaint studio located in the heart of Sun Valley.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Known as America's "First Destination Ski Resort," Sun Valley has attracted alpine enthusiasts since Clark Gable and Katharine Hepburn stem-christied down its pistes, as the resort became synonymous with Hollywood. Today, families flock to Sun Valley for four seasons of outdoor adventure and the charming mountain town of Ketchum. With over 250 days of sunshine, this outdoor-obsessed town also has extraordinary hiking, golfing, backpacking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and even fly fishing. They also have a beautiful music scene with the Sun Valley Music Festival and more.
Activity:
Enjoy the Summer Symphony and Wine Tasting
The Sun Valley Music Festival is a summer series of concerts that includes Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto and The Lighter Side of Tchaikovsky and Schubert. The aim of the festival is to enrich and inspire people for a lifelong love of classical music. The Sun Valley Music Festival offers extraordinary free concerts and educational programs that allow people from all walks of life to listen, learn, and play.
Sun Valley Wine Company is the place to enjoy a glass of wine before or after listening to the summer symphony—they pair well together! The wine bar features a large wine list, offering hand-selected wines both by the glass and by the bottle. It also serves light-fare from 11:30 a.m. to close with rotating and seasonal menus. Sun Valley Wine Company's knowledgeable staff is passionate about sharing their love of wine, and they're sure to make your wine tasting experience unforgettable.
Accommodations:
Atelier 1102
Atelier 1102 is a charming studio located in the heart of Sun Valley. This quaint condo is within walking distance to Sun Valley Lodge, making it the perfect luxury vacation stay. The spacious living area features a comfortable queen-sized bed, sectional couch, flatscreen television, a fully equipped kitchen, breakfast bar for two, and a private balcony with stunning mountain views. It’s the ideal size to host a solo traveler like yourself.
Luxury solo travel is an unforgettable experience that can change your life for the better. It allows you to completely control your trip and do exactly what you want, when you want. You can connect with locals more easily and learn about their culture in unique ways. Solo adventuring is also a great way to learn about yourself. You'll have to rely on your own problem-solving skills and decision-making to get through it—teaching you confidence. This type of experience can help you grow as a person and become more independent because you know you can do it on your own. You'll also have some incredible stories to share with your friends and family when you return home. So get out of your comfort zone and try something that will have a lasting positive impact on your life.
Share your solo adventure with us by tagging @naturalretreats and using the hashtag #openthedoortomore—we can’t wait to see what you did and how you’ve grown.