The best places for solo travelers in North America and the Caribbean

15.07.2024 - 14:46 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 14, 2024 • 11 min read

The best part of a solo adventure is not having to compromise on where you want to go. But with the whole wide world open to you, it can be hard to choose. That's why we asked our expert writers and staff to share their favorite places for solo travel in North America and the Caribbean, highlighting the captivating cities, lush islands and national parks that are just waiting for solo wanderers across the continent. 

So whether you're looking for absolute solitude or to find some brand-new travel companions, here are 10 places that are perfect for solo travelers in North America and the Caribbean. 

Recommended by Victoria Gill

Hopping between the dozens of lush, volcanically-formed islands of the BVIs (British Virgin Islands) chain means discovering a different culture, pace and experience at every stop. The sound of the Caribbean’s most melodic music genre, fungi, serenades the market stalls and restaurants lining Road Town, the epicenter of the archipelago’s most populous island, Tortola . On Virgin Gorda – home to the famed monolithic Baths  with their jacuzzi-like waters laced with psychedelic fish – the pace slows down and the lifestyle is relaxed.

Meanwhile, the bays of the smaller Jost van Dyke jostle with bars and live music. Scuba diving here is among the best in the Americas. Anegada, one of the BVIs’ many notable verdant, vetiver biospheres (most of which are private or uninhabited) is a Crusoe-esque flat coral cay juxtaposed amid the mountains of the Lesser Antilles. A magnet for multicolored marine life, it has one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. Getting to the BVIs will usually require a connection in the Caribbean, which helps the islands keep their sense of unique culture and character. With so much variety on offer, these islands offer the perfect opportunity for solo explorers to build the trip of their dreams.  

Recommended by Sheri-Kae McLeod

Traveling solo to Aruba presents an incredible opportunity, blending relaxation, excitement and a wonderfully inviting ambiance . This Caribbean gem famed for its stunning beaches, rich culture and hospitable locals, is an ideal haven for solo adventurers. Palm Beach is a paradise for water sports aficionados, and you’ll find the friendliest creatures on Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island.

If seeking land-based adventures, consider traversing the island's rugged landscapes through activities like exhilarating ATV tours or invigorating hikes in Arikok National Park . Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting historical landmarks like Fort Zoutman, home to the Aruba Historical Museum, or meandering through the capital city of Oranjestad to enjoy its colorful