Whether you've spent the pandemic alone or bunked with others, it might be time to strike out on your own. These destinations are seeing more solo travel searches than average - while also offering plenty of opportunities to keep you safe and entertained.
When traveling to Cartagena solo, look for hotels or vacation rentals inside the walled city. There you’ll be close to shops, restaurants and historic sites, and can walk freely and safely (masked, of course). If you stay in Bocagrande or Getsemani, however, you’ll likely need to rely on rideshare or private transportation from door to door.
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Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Colombia.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Colombia.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering Colombia.
Many of Peru’s important archaeological sites, museums and restaurants are open - just at limited capacities. You’ll be best served if you book all your tickets and admissions ahead of your trip, when possible. That way you can avoid capacity limitations affecting your visit (as some places may give preference to larger parties) and avoid spending a chunk of your time sitting in your hotel room (which probably hits too close to home right now).
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Open
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Peru.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Peru.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering Peru.
Medellín is in a valley, with much of the city spreading up winding roads. While you’ll likely want to stay in El Poblado to Envigado (two high end parts of the city) - plan a visit to Comuna 13. This once impoverished area has been transformed by street art, open air cafes and escalators that allow visitors and locals alike to better navigate the neighborhood’s steep streets.
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Open
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Colombia.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Colombia.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering Colombia.
Palm Springs is still the escape town of choice for city dwellers in LA - many of whom are enjoying the benefits of open spaces and stringent safety protocols. With many places still operating at reduced capacity - be sure to plan out your trip and book what you can in advance.
If you’re hoping to get outside on your own in Austin, look no further than the Greenbelt. This attraction offers 12 miles of trails - but if you want to hike them you’ll need to make a (free) reservation. If you’re out and about at night, take your rental car to one of the city’s drive-ins to enjoy a movie solo and safely under the stars.
It may be shocking, but wearing a mask is virtually nonexistent in Iceland, outside of the airports. While lobbies of hotels and museums do have social distancing cues and hand sanitizer available, for the most part, it’s business as usual. Even pre-pandemic, however, Iceland was made for solo social distancing - with its sparsely populated landscape and natural wonders.
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Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iceland.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Iceland.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering Iceland.
Perfect for music and caffeine enthusiasts alike, Kingston is known both for being the birthplace of reggae music and for its famous, coffee-filled Blue Mountains. Join a tour of the Bob Marley Museum (Fridays and appointment-only, with maximum 8 people in each tour) then head out to the Craighton Estate (35 minutes outside the city) on your own to check out their coffee farm.
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Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jamaica.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Jamaica.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering Jamaica.
This small island village may not be the jam-packed one-lane highways of summers past. But you can expect to see more visitors than last year. Bring (or rent) a bike for some solo exploring - it’ll help you easily move around the island on your own, without relying on rideshares or sitting in traffic.
Asheville has the best of both worlds - miles of hiking trails as well as a lively downtown district. The city itself is very solo-traveler friendly: it’s incredibly walkable, allowing you to explore artsy neighborhoods while getting some fresh air. Be sure to stop at one of Asheville’s many breweries to enjoy a beer outside - and maybe even chat up some locals.
Many of Dubai’s hotels and attractions now have discreet temperature checks and sanitization protocols upon entering - a practice that will likely continue through the summer. However, since most sites and attractions are fully open and operational - the city’s notorious electric energy has been far from stifled.
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Open
Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Arab Emirates.
Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United Arab Emirates.
Visitors from the United States are not required to quarantine after entering the United Arab Emirates.