For first-time travelers, venturing somewhere closer to home could make the experience much more comfortable. Lucky for those who live in the continental U.S., there are endless destinations to explore coast to coast. You could say it’s one of the biggest perks of living in the States. Whether you feel the most at home in a big city or prefer something quieter with big open spaces, it’s impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for, and solo travel ensures you don’t have to compromise for anyone or anything. When it comes down to choosing a destination, ask yourself a few questions. What are you looking to get out of this trip? What are you most excited to see and do? And what do you want to take away from it? 

There’s no escaping the past in Savannah. Every street, stone, and building seems to have a story spanning generations, but it doesn’t keep locals from continuing to push forward into the future. They simply do so while holding a deep respect for the past. Keeping this in mind, for anyone willing to break out of the party atmosphere along River Street, Savannah is a cultural hub waiting to be explored. From a church that acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad to cemeteries with active residents, each site provides a window into the past. Between paranormally charged hotspots, Savannah’s culinary scene provides bold flavors in unique settings, from an old bus station to renovated mansions. Nothing fades in time in Savannah. Instead, the city ties the past and present together so that no matter what, it’s impossible to forget where it all began.  

Quick trips can feel limited. Between travel time, settling in, and making decisions, sometimes spending the money on a weekend away doesn't feel worth it. If planned well, you can pack quite a bit in two days, and Boston offers just enough versatility – and walkability – to make it work. While a week in Boston is even better, if two days are all you have, the city is laid out beautifully to make it possible.

Cafe culture is strong in Savannah. With dozens of coffee shops and casual spots to grab a bite, it’s easy to forget about the city’s spectacular dining scene. Both are worth checking out, but if you’re grabbing a coffee, it makes sense to add a little book browsing while you’re at it! Aside from our top cafes and coffee shops to visit in Savannah, we’re also spotlighting three bookstores that are not to be missed. We hope you left some space in your luggage because it’ll be impossible not to leave with a new book or two. 

Savannah is known for many things, but the dining scene deserves more recognition. With farm-to-table concepts,  elevated low-country cuisine, and Australian-owned hotspots, Savannah has a diverse culinary scene with James Beard Award-Winning chefs and kitchens using recipes passed down from generations of grandmothers. From Asian fusion to traditional Southern comfort food, there’s something for everyone, no matter how adventurous (or not) they are dining out. We wish we had more time to dig into Savannah’s culinary scene, but until then, here is a short list of our top places to eat in Savannah.

Some of the best adventures happen when we’re pushed outside our comfort zones. Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences. For those planning their first solo trip, start slow by getting used to doing things alone in your hometown or city. Book a weekend getaway and work up to a more extended trip. If you feel ready or are no stranger to solo travel, find time on the calendar this year to go abroad on an epic adventure. From the temples of Cambodia to the festivals of Quebec, these are just a handful of international destinations to experience alone.