While some people fear traveling alone, I absolutely relish it. You can make your own schedule, your own decisions, everything about your trip becomes about you. "Solo travel isn't just a trend — it's a powerful way to engage with the world at your own pace," said Keri Stooksbury, Editor-in-Chief of Upgraded Points.
Upgraded Points Ranked the Top 50 U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers in New Study. And 3 Florida cities ranked very high on that list. Orlando, Florida ranks high for a reason you may not have suspected. Here's their top 20.
According to their rankings, Florida has more to offer for lone travelers than just theme parks and sunshine.
- Miami ranks number 1, standing out for its Five-Star Tours, Pedestrian-Friendly Streets, Solo-Friendly Dining Options, and affordable and entertaining accommodations. It has the most Airbnbs with Superhosts (178 per 100K residents), the most Airbnb Experiences (48 per 100K residents), and the Airbnbs average just $75 a night.
- Orlando ranks number 2, with a booming food truck scene that boasts over 100 unique options per 100K residents. It tops the list of tours with 195 per 100K residents, including exotic locations.
- Tampa ranks number 9, with a low cost of $331 to fly into for solo explorers.
Of all the theme parks in Orlando, it's their food truck scene that caught the attention of those who travel solo.
I had no idea, but now I'm very interested in finding out. I love food trucks. Of the 15 ranking categories for solo travel, here's the top city in each.
Miami and Orlando both rank high for Airbnbs. This might be one of the factors in keeping hotel rates in check. In many cases, a resort stay on South Beach in Miami is less than what you'd pay for a similar stay in Fort Myers or Naples.
So, don't be afraid to get out there and see the world on your own. I'm actually traveling by myself to Columbus, Ohio next month. I'm looking forward to some Donato's Pizza and cold weather. Or not. It'll be my choice.
Florida Has One of America’s Cheapest Christmas Vacations
Christmas is a time to visit family and friends and get away from the daily grind. The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can also be very expensive. From buying lots of Christmas gifts for family and friends to having to pay for plane tickets and travel, holiday expenses can really add up. But, the good news is that there are some affordable holiday vacations, and Florida has one of America's cheapest Christmas vacations.
One good thing about traveling during the winter months is that it's often the off-season for popular vacation destinations. Of course, the holidays are a busy travel time. That makes late December a difficult time to find a deal for travel. But, if you don't mind the cold and snow, some northern areas of the U.S. offer very good deals. That's true even during the Christmas season.
Some tips for finding a good deal for holiday vacationing include searching a lot of booking websites, comparing different hotel dates to find the most reasonable ones and finding bundle deals. Also, keep your eyes open for special deals on resorts and hotels that are just opening. That's because sometimes, during those opening months, new vacation spots try to attract a loyal clientele by offering special deals. One more tip is to search for airfare rates individually even if you are traveling as a couple or a group. If you put in a search for a group of tickets, the algorithms will often leave out information on one or two cheaper tickets being available. They'll just send you a group of tickets, sitting together, all at the same price. So, you might get a deal if you search for one ticket, instead.
So, what are the best affordable Christmas vacations in the U.S.? Here are some popular spots that won't break the bank.
America's Cheapest Christmas Vacations
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the self-proclaimed Christmas capital city of the world. Okay, so many argue that Strasbourg, France, takes that honor, but Frankenmuth is close, and it's a lot cheaper to get there. No passport needed. The villiage's Franconian-style architecture has given it the loving name "Little Bavaria." Frankenmuth is also home to the world's biggest Christmas store.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and it offers a beautiful view of snowy hills and Amish country. It's a very old-fashioned type of town, making it a charming winter getaway. There are plenty of fun, holiday-type things to do in Lancaster that won't break the bank.
Las Vegas, Nevada
You might never guess, but Las Vegas, Nevada, is a great spot for an affordable holiday trip. Think about it. Most people wouldn't think to go to "Sin City" for Christmas. Of course, it's much less the "sin" part these days, as Las Vegas offers fun activities for the whole family.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, is a great spot to visit in the holiday season, because it's not as crowded as other times during the year. It's also less expensive to visit during the holidays and offers beautiful decorations during Christmas. Don't forget the many holiday markets.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida, is a popular destination for snow birds. But, that's doesn't mean to skip it during the holidays. If you want to get away from the snow and ice, Fort Myers offers a great escape over Christmas and for prices that are more reasonable than in many other areas of Florida.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, gets cold in the winter, but it also has that classic Christmas charm. It's a big city with a smaller city feel during the holidays. What's more, it's a more affordable winter vacation destination than many other areas, and you won't have the fight the crowds.
