The Hamilton Spectator

Budget-friendly getaways perfect for solo travel

Solo travel can be relaxing or thrilling, whether you want to sit by the beach, hit the slopes or go for a hike

- ALICE KINGSTON GOBankingR­ates.com

Travelling alone doesn’t have to be lonely or expensive.

In f act, it can be a perfect choice for travelers on a budget, those seeking adventures and especially those who like to vacation at their own pace.

Here are some of the most affordable destinatio­ns that can help you save money on your solo trip.

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Lodging: $526 (all prices US) for a three-night stay at Gulfstream Cottages (through Wyndham Vacation Rentals) Best time to visit: June through August

Myrtle Beach is a classic destinatio­n for a relaxing yet exciting beach vacation. While the beach is the main draw here, so is the boardwalk, including all of its amusement park rides, unique shops and restaurant­s, and many other attraction­s.

Not far from the boardwalk, you’ll also find the Brookgreen Gardens, Hopsewee Plantation and Myrtle Beach State Park. Whatever you decide to do, Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore on your own — no partner or group of travelers necessary.

Panama City Beach, Fla.

Lodging: $485 for a three-night stay, or approximat­ely $162 per night, at Boardwalk Beach Resort Best time to visit: May to October

Located in the Florida Panhandle, this scenic beach city is known for its long, glistening white-sand beaches and its popular amusement parks. Solo travelers who love the beach and exploring nature will love taking it all in. And to save money, solo travelers should check out these vacation rental options.

From the shore, you can sometimes even spot dolphins and sea turtles swimming in the ocean. Nearby Shell Island is home to St. Andrews State Park, where you have even more beaches and nature trails to explore. The historic St. Andrews district in Panama City, across the bay, is home to a bustling marina and top-notch seafood restaurant­s.

Whistler, British Columbia

Lodging: $390 for a three-night stay, or $130 per night, at Alpenglow Lodge Best time to visit: June through September, December to March

World-renowned Whistler is known for its majestic mountains, and they’re perfect for skiing and snowboardi­ng in the winter months. Whistler is consistent­ly ranked as a top ski resort by publicatio­ns like SKI Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler, and the resort’s village is filled with great restaurant­s, boutiques and day spas, attracting approximat­ely 3 million visitors every year.

In June, you can still go glacier skiing at Blackcomb Mountain, and the rest of the mountain resort is open for hikers and campers looking to enjoy a slice of summer surrounded by nature. While hiking is popular in the summer, so are bungee jumping, biking and water sports.

The fall is the perfect time to take in some festivals, such as the Whistler Film Festival, Whistler Village Beer Festival and the Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra Marathon. You don’t have to travel with a group or partner to enjoy the lively events that take place year-round at one of North America’s most popular mountain retreats.

Breckenrid­ge, Colo.

Lodging: $433 for a three-night stay, or $144 per night, at Der Steiermark Condominiu­ms

Best time to visit: November through April, May to October

In the winter, Breckenrid­ge is a skier and snowboarde­r’s dream, with 300 inches of annual snowfall and weather that’s just cold enough for great snow.

In the summer, it’s a great place to go on beautiful hikes, ziplining, whitewater rafting or biking.

Downtown Breckenrid­ge also has plenty of great bars and restaurant­s to enjoy, too. There’s no shortage of activities for solo travelers to do on their own.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOT­O ?? Whistler Village landscape in the evening.
GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOT­O Whistler Village landscape in the evening.

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