It was 17 degrees outside. Seventeen. In Texas. And I had had it. I needed sunshine and I needed it fast. So, like any other totally rational and mentally stable girlie, I grabbed a blanket, made a(nother) cup of coffee, and started frantically searching for flights to Florida. Within an hour, I had a plan: a solo beach trip where I could soak up the sun, sip on a margarita, and finally thaw out.
But this wasn’t just about escaping the cold — this was about taking care of myself in the way I know best: through a little adventure. I had three simple goals for this trip:
- It needed to be cheap.
- I needed to be close enough to walk to the beach.
- I wanted to be near a solid number of restaurants and bars.
If you’re also craving a solo beach trip, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about how I plan my solo travels — from finding the best deals to making sure the whole experience is equal parts fun and stress-free.
Step One: Scoring the Cheapest Flight
When I say I was ready to book anything, I mean it. I started my search by looking up flights to basically every city in Florida. Miami? Checked. Fort Lauderdale? Checked. Jacksonville? Why not. But Tampa ended up being the winner — the flight was crazy affordable for the weekend I wanted.
Here’s how I found the deal:
- Use Flight Tracking Apps: I swear by Hopper and Google Flights. Hopper will tell you when prices are expected to rise or fall, and Google Flights lets you see price trends over time.
- Stay Flexible: If you can shift your dates by even a day or two, you’ll often save a ton of money.
- Cast a Wide Net: Search multiple cities, even ones you wouldn’t immediately think of. Sometimes smaller airports have the best deals. And don’t be afraid to book one-ways! I am using two different airlines – and even two different airports for this trip!
For me, the weekend I chose to visit, Tampa was the city with the best flight deals, and I found that my best bet was to Uber across the bridge to St. Pete. If you’re really wanting to stay on budget, there is a bus that is very affordable!
Step Two: Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
This part… got a little stressful. I initially found the cutest Airbnb — affordable, steps from the beach, perfect reviews — and then it canceled on me last minute. Absolute chaos.
But here’s where you take a deep breath and don’t panic. I already had my flights booked, and while there wasn’t a ton of availability, there was still hope! I ended up finding a room in a four-star hotel on the beach for less than half of what the official site advertised. The trick? I booked it through Airbnb – occasionally major resorts will cut the price to sell remaining rooms as dates approach. Crisis averted.
Pro tips for finding affordable, stress-free stays:
- Check Multiple Platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com — they’ll often have different pricing for the same places.
- Book Early… But Not Too Early: I’ve found that booking 4-6 weeks out often gets the best rates.
- Look for Private Room Options: If entire places are too pricey, renting a private room in a well-rated home can save you serious cash while still giving you privacy.
Step Three: Picking the Best Spots to Eat and Drink
I take my food research very seriously. My first move? Checking in with friends. There’s always someone who’s been to the city you’re visiting and has strong opinions on the best places to eat and drink. Those personal recommendations often lead to the best finds.
But if you’re feeling bold — and single — here’s a cheeky trick:
- Use Dating Apps for Recommendations: Change your location and add a little note in your bio asking for recs on restaurants, bars, or coffee shops. You’ll get a wide range of responses, but some of them are absolute gold. (Just use common sense and don’t share details like where you’re staying or that you’re traveling alone.)
- Follow Local Food Bloggers: Instagram and TikTok are full of local guides who know the best-hidden gems.
- Ask Your Server: Once you’re at a great spot, ask the bartender or waiter where they like to eat. They always know the best local favorites. This is my GO TO – you get the best information from people who are constantly in the environment.
Step Four: Checking the City’s Event Calendar
One thing I always recommend: check the city’s official event calendar before you go. I found out Tampa and St. Pete had so much happening the weekend I planned my visit — from live music to local markets. Spring training for baseball definitely piqued my interest, and now I’m fully planning on catching a game. You never know what you’ll stumble upon!
Where to find events:
- City Tourism Websites: They often have the most up-to-date event listings.
- Facebook Events: I’ve found everything from pop-up markets to beach yoga through here.
- Instagram: I live in DFW, and the Dallas List instagram is a constant source of cool places to check out -restaurants, bars, parks, etc. Most major cities have something of this nature, so take a look!
FAQ: Is Traveling Solo Safe?
This question comes up a lot, and I get it. Safety is a huge priority when you’re traveling alone. My recurring top 3 tips:
- Share Your Location: Let a friend or family member track your location through your phone.
- Don’t Share You’re Solo: When talking to new people, mention friends you’re “meeting up with” later.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, leave. Always.
What’s Your Dream Solo Beach Trip?
Now I want to hear from you! If you could book a solo beach trip tomorrow, where would you go? Let’s swap travel dreams in the comments.
Need Travel or Stress-Baking Tips?
If you’re planning your own solo adventure and want tips on making it as smooth and fun as possible — or if you’re just looking for some good stress-baking advice — let’s connect! Follow along with Confessions of a Stress Baker, and let’s chase the sun (and some perfect pastries) together.
Warmly,
Rae
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