Places Where a Single Woman Can Find The Thrill of the Outdoors

These days, what a single woman wants is the unbridled freedom of a solo trek. A survey by Travel Guard Worldwide revealed that it’s more common for female travelers to go solo then men. Some of the reasons given for this latest trend in travel include a desire to follow their own schedule and having more time.

Some believe it was the book-turned-movie, “Eat, Pray, Love,” that have inspired more women to travel alone. In the film version, Julia Roberts’ character traveled to Italy, India and Bali for a life transforming experience. Of course, you don’t have to travel all the way to Europe to enjoy your own exciting exploit.

Many places in the U.S. offer activities, adventures and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

San Juan Island, Washington

Photo by BLMOregon via Flickr

San Juan Island is the largest of the islands that are part of the San Juan Archipelago off the northern coast of Washington state, voted earlier this year as the top island in the entire nation to visit by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Islands awards. Visitors love the island’s dazzling surrounding waters, abundance of wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities as well as its vibrant arts scene.

Adventure travelers will find no shortage of activities here, including kayaking. Women On the Water (WOW) tours through Outdoor Odysseys, offer a women’s only trip appropriate for everyone from the novice kayaker to the more advanced. Kayak through a prime marine mammal whale habitat for the chance to view orca whales, Minke whales, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals and more while bald eagles perch high above in the trees keeping a watchful eye out for their prey.

Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

Photo by megankhines via Flickr

Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin just south of Wisconsin Dells is situated along the Ice Age Trail and offers incredible views from 500-foot cliffs along with miles and miles of hiking trails, mountain bike trails and some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the nation.

Join Vertical Adventure Guides for a half-day or full-day rock climbing adventure appropriate for females at different levels and abilities. This is a fabulous activity as it not only provides a heart-pounding thrill in the beautiful outdoors but offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits, including reducing stress, boosting self-confidence, improving flexibility and balance as well as overall fitness.

Camping is available inside the park, or you might consider one of the many Wisconsin vacation packages that include different accommodations from cabins to vacation homes to resorts.

Catalina Island, California

Photo by Ms.HC via Flickr

Dreaming of a tropical island retreat but don’t have time or the cash to head out of the country? The waters surrounding Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California are known as one of the best spots in the U.S. to snorkel. The protected area found at Lover’s Cove is filled with sea stars, sea anemones, octopuses and brilliantly colored orange Garibaldi damselfish.

Join a tour with one of the many guides and operators on the island such as Snorkeling Catalina, or if you’re comfortable in the water you can go out on your own from the Pebbly Beach access stairs. Just a few of the other water activities available include kayaking, jet skiing, boating, sailing, glass bottom boat tours, submarine tours, and para-sailing.

The town of Avalon on Catalina Island is home to world-class spas with all types of treatments and massages available for you to indulge in and complete your ultimate island getaway.

Jeannie Nunez Jeannie has an incurable case of wanderlust and blogs about her travel adventures.