Why the Pacific Northwest is Perfect for Solo Travel

Solo travel, especially female solo travel, has been common for years, but has recently entered the mainstream.

And it’s about flippin’ time! What’s even better is that solo travel in Washington State, Oregon and British Columbia is a LOT of fun.

There are many travel bloggers out there who have paved the way to help make solo travel more acceptable. Gals like Adventurous Kate, Sherry from OttsWorld, Amanda from A Dangerous Business and many others have been inspiring people like me for over ten years to stop waiting around for other people and follow their travel dreams. 

Pacific Northwest travel is perfect to do solo, particularly in Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. These cities definitely encourage solo travel. Each city has its own individual charm, and it is rare that you don’t see a few people hanging out in coffee shops, bars and restaurants, alone. Here on your own, you can engage with locals just as easily as you can keep completely to yourself, if you want.

The Pacific Northwest is an amazing place, and part of the reason for this is that people here are friendly and helpful. Walk down just about any street and ask a local; they are generally more than happy to answer your questions about their town. It is a place where individuality is part of the lifestyle. Where uniqueness is not only accepted, it is celebrated. 

In the Cities

Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland all inspire solo travel in their own, unique way. There are plenty of people here who march to the beat of their own drum, so you should fit in nicely, no matter where you’re from. There are many opportunities to meet people everywhere you go. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, want to meet up with like-minded people, or would just like some major alone time in the city, here are my suggestions.

In Portland: Powell’s books, a hike in Forest Park or any number of great northwest hikes. Coffee shops such as Stumptown in Old Town or Barista in the Pearl District.

In Seattle: Pike Place Market, SAM (Seattle Art Museum) and West Seattle are great places to spend a nice day on your own.

In Vancouver: Visit Granville Island, explore Science World and walk the Seawall.

Take a city tour, walking tour or food tour, no matter where you’re at. This is another great way to meet fellow travelers. 

On the coast

Alone time on the coast is a great way to immerse yourself in the small-town beach life and get to know the locals. Visit the small seafaring towns of Astoria in Oregon and Oysterville in Washington, where old fishing dudes will tell you interesting stories about how they make a living. Small communities up and down the coast are teeming with just as much (or more) history and riveting tales to tell then the big cities do.

As a solo traveler, you are much more inclined to get into a conversation with other people you don’t know than when you are with a travel partner or a group of people. You are not as closed off to striking up a conversation with a local or someone else who may also be traveling solo. This is one of the many perks of solo travel, and one of the best ways to truly experience your destination.

On the hike

Get up as early (or as late) as you like and not worry about being on someone else’s schedule. Get out and breathe in the fresh air. The Pacific Northwest is a hiker’s heaven.

Unless you are a seasoned hiker, it’s best to choose popular hikes so you are not truly alone. And even if you are experienced and prefer to take the road less traveled, read this excellent blog post about how to prepare.

10 Helpful Tips for Any Solo Traveler

• Walk confidently and casually. This will send a message to people that you know what you’re doing (even though you may not!) Body language is everything.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings, always.
• Trust your gut. If something or someone doesn’t seem right, best to err on the side of caution and steer clear. And as the saying goes, “If you see something, say something.”
• Plan ahead. Use maps and guides to get a general feel for where you are going. But be sure to leave room for the spontaneous!
• When in a bar, or having a drink, always keep one eye on your beverage (even if you are a dude). And know your limit! If you must have more than 2 or three drinks, do it with people you know well or in your room.
• When venturing out alone at night, try to avoid areas that are not well-traveled (again, even if you are a guy). Unless you are in familiar territory, if you seem the least bit unsure of yourself, you are opening yourself up as a target.
• Keep your valuables with you at all times. And don’t flash money around, or wear expensive jewelry.
• Be prepared. Heaven forbid you run into an emergency, but if you do, have local emergency numbers and your medical information handy. And always buy travel insurance!
• Make sure you let at least one person back home know where you are staying and how to contact you. Keep in touch with friends or loved ones back home via Skype, phone call or text.
• Never disclose exactly where you are staying to a stranger. Even if they seem very kind and friendly! Be vague about it.
• And lastly, HAVE FUN! The world is literally your oyster. 

Using these helpful tips will ensure you have a wonderful time on your solo trip to the glorious Pacific Northwest. So where will YOU go next??

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