V-Flyer

So.. anyone got any tips for good places to head to on the VS network as a single traveller?

I ticked off Vegas in May and I'm off to HK in November which takes care of two of them. I've never been to Dubai or Boston, the latter I suspect might be more interesting as there seems to be plenty to do.

I've rarely bothered to check Virgin Holidays for ideas as packages always seem to be geared towards couples and families.

New York
Boston
Chicago
San Francisco

Been to all of those as a solo traveler a d enjoyed myself immensely

San Francisco and surrounds.

I guess Napa Valley is worth a trip from SF, being partial to the occasional glass of vino.

Agree with what tontybear suggested. I would also add DC. Also with a quick and easy Delta tag-on I would say Philadelphia

What about Delhi ? Fascinating city, fabulous hotels, amazing food ... Lots to visit and discover. Most hotels would arrange your transport and visits. I've spent quite a bit of time there for business and it's really nice. You could combine Delhi with a visit to Agra for the Taj Mahal (for me, the most amazing building I've ever seen) and / or to Jaipur, which is a wonderful city too.

Washington DC is a fantastic city and highly recommended. So much to see and do and it's pretty much all free too

Putting my vote on Chicago - went there as a solo traveller last summer and it was fantastic. Plenty to do in a week with a CityPass!

abraxias wrote:I guess Napa Valley is worth a trip from SF, being partial to the occasional glass of vino.

Don't forget Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and Reno...

You could scrape the surface of Boston, NY, Phili & DC on one trip.
They not a great distance from each other.

Plenty of choices there abraxias , I haven't been to most of them but have been to Boston a couple of times and really think it's a lovely city so my vote would be for that , as Eggtastico says you could do a lot of the East Coast in one visit but you would need a good couple of weeks at least I'd say

The idea of Boston seems to be winning right now. I've never been up to New England so a fly drive might be in order.

I would suggest Barbados. The people are so friendly, being a lone traveller is great fun. There is lots to do as well as the beautiful beaches and weather. The catamaran trips and 4x4 safari are a great way to meet people. I've just come back from a trip as a lone traveller.

I'm with Lucy in thinking about places where the locals are friendly and helpful, where there's plenty to do, and a city that is walkable but with lots to do. So Barbados and St Lucia in the Caribbean but when it comes to cities in the US Chicago and Boston would top my list. While I love San Francisco, it can be impenetrable to solos and the locals can be cool, similarly Washington has loads to do but ...

Shame Vancouver isn't still an option ...

abraxias wrote:The idea of Boston seems to be winning right now. I've never been up to New England so a fly drive might be in order.

All this talk of Boston has me yearning for another visit !

I've been to Barbados and St Lucia on AI deals when I was less single, but the idea of just fending for myself for food and drink sounds like an option. Tried looking at hotels and couldn't quite work out what was best though, as I kept getting drawn to the Hilton in Barbados to take advantage of loyalty status.

Is it true about autumn in New England being the best time? I guess that will be summer 2016's holiday sorted out if so.

The Fall in New England is fantastic, but a busy time. Obviously the time for peak "leaf peeping" is variable and depends on many factors so touring is the best option to ensure you see the best of the foliage across the states. When we went New Hampshire & southern Vermont were at their peak. Connecticut had not really started.

Boston gets good reviews on here but i found touring the states much more interesting and if I went again would not spend more than 1 or 2 days in Boston itself.

Trips out of SF are good - the coast road down to LA is a great drive, and has many interesting stop-offs such as Hearst castle.

Another off-beat selection from a desintation you've been to already - but avoiding vegas itself. Driving loop thats an easy-ish drive from Vegas to Sedona AZ - gorgeous place (think this is ~ 6-7 hours). Then up to Monument valley (4 hour drive), then up to Moab (another 3-4 hour). Moab has several amazing national parks which are great to wander around and drive.

Back via Bryce Canyon (4 is hours) and a night at least to Vegas (another 2-3).

This itinerary is best late April -> early Oct, as can be snow impacted (was snow in Moab in April when we went, but melted first day). We added above loop to another loop we were doing to make a figure 8 loop. However, I'd highly suggest giving ^ at least 2 weeks, maybe 3, our week and a bit tour was too short.

Vegas only for a bed on arrival/departure day?

The spend as long as you want at each location, though I'd comment on each of above except the Monument Valley we wanted more time (1 day and a jeep tour was about right here in our opinion).

Maximus wrote:The Fall in New England is fantastic, but a busy time. Obviously the time for peak "leaf peeping" is variable and depends on many factors so touring is the best option to ensure you see the best of the foliage across the states. When we went New Hampshire & southern Vermont were at their peak. Connecticut had not really started.

Boston gets good reviews on here but i found touring the states much more interesting and if I went again would not spend more than 1 or 2 days in Boston itself.

Noooo maximus , Boston deserves far more than a couple of days !!

Noooo maximus , Boston deserves far more than a couple of days !!

Whilst it is a pleasant enough city, I much prefer the rest of New England. If I was up that way again I would not be spending much time in Boston. It is not a city I feel I need to see again after spending 3 days there. It is nice, but not fab like NYC or San Francisco.

The coastline of Maine, the forests of Vermont and the ports of Connecticut are far more interesting.

But feel free to disagree

abraxias wrote:I've been to Barbados and St Lucia on AI deals when I was less single, but the idea of just fending for myself for food and drink sounds like an option. Tried looking at hotels and couldn't quite work out what was best though, as I kept getting drawn to the Hilton in Barbados to take advantage of loyalty status.

I would suggest the south coast, but around Worthing/St Lawrence Gap area. Depending on budget you could try Accra Beach (avoid island view rooms as they look over the road/car park), Coral Mist/Blue Orchids (where we stay), Rostrevor, Southern Palms etc.

BTW, on your hong-kong trip, a must do should be Ocean park (the amusement park thats not disney in HK) in morning on a weekday (assuming its not school holidays). With the strict rules in HK, it's like having a theme park to yourself - and it's an interesting park with more than just rides to see, the setting is quite quite stunning (especially the in-park cable car ride). I went on my own and really enjoyed it on my personal adventures out there. You get there and back via bus, and if I managed it, anyone can! (I managed it pre-days of 3g and mobile data out there free on three too).

Maximus wrote:

Noooo maximus , Boston deserves far more than a couple of days !!

Whilst it is a pleasant enough city, I much prefer the rest of New England. If I was up that way again I would not be spending much time in Boston. It is not a city I feel I need to see again after spending 3 days there. It is nice, but not fab like NYC or San Francisco.

The coastline of Maine, the forests of Vermont and the ports of Connecticut are far more interesting.

But feel free to disagree

Can't disagree as I've never been to the places you mention , it's given me some good ideas for the next time I'm up that way , cheers y)

starquake wrote:BTW, on your hong-kong trip, a must do should be Ocean park (the amusement park thats not disney in HK) ...

Cool, cheers Added to my list of things to check out! I've been looking for a reason to go to the south of HK Island that didn't involve shopping too.