RECS NEEDED - Relaxing solo vacation spot
Overworked senior associate here, feeling a little on edge and have no summer plans yet.
Do we have some vacation location recommendations for:
- Beach chilling
- That’s it - No activities needed, legitimately where I can drink on a beach and not be bothered
Assume I am not poor but not going to spend INORDINATE cash on this
The Greek islands have a lot of nice beaches that are pretty empty, don’t think you would get bothered. Drinking definitely encouraged there as well. Santorini is one that I’ve been to
Seconding this. Tons of islands besides Mykonos/Santorini that are much quieter and have pristine beaches.
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Any preference on location?
The beaches are better in the States, but Europe will be more fun overall IMO. And then there are other, more exotic locations as well.
Perhaps a "off the beaten path" beach vibe - yes Greece is great, Mexico of course, but where do most people not think of immediately?
Abacos in the Bahamas (if you don’t mind renting a boat) & Lanai, Hawaii are both a bit different, close by, and not insanely expensive.
Or head the other direction and do Vancouver Island
Cabo at a hotel on a private beach like Pueblo Bonita
Mallorca - Cala D’Or or Alcudia for nice beaches, Magaluf if you want to party with young brits, Palma for nice shopping
Puerto Escondido, Mexico - travelled around Mexico last summer and PE was the highlight by far. It ticks all your boxes but might be a bit of a hack to get there depending on where you're based.
Any spots in the US?
Hawaii sounds like an awesome solo trip. Will be expensive though. If you're a hiker / into outdoor activities, seems like a great place to be to get rid of stress / unplug from work.
Santa Barbara and Monterey
Puerto rico - cheap, close to the mainland, and amazing beaches
South Beach Miami or Sayulita, Mexico
Eh. South Beach is more fun if you're in at least a 3 person group. Do know a few people who moved down with a roommate or two during the huge migration there in the pandemic (loads of mid-late 20s single people making 6 figures were flocking to Miami at the time). No one moved down there alone and I can't think of anyone I know whose done a solo trip there.
You could be right. Every time I’ve been to South Beach, I’ve stayed at a party hostel and people have partied hard there. They also gave VIP access to the clubs.
I don't really know exactly what you are looking for in terms of beach chilling and relaxing vibes or how much you have traveled ... Travelling preferences are so personal it can be hard to opine so I would hate to lead you down the wrong path.
I am a bit older and (aside from occasional short trips to Martha's Vineyard in the summer - which mostly make sense when you are with friends who belong to all the right places you want to spend time at) mostly spend beach summers in Europe with my wife without ton a ton of recs for the states. If you're curious in Europe, I have a wide range of recs depending on what you're looking for - and largely off the beaten path, beautiful, and will be left alone to truly relax and re-energize (which I like bc I hate people).
My other rec is a little bit of the opposite - it might be helpful to get out there and do something that is itself filled with activities and will energize you and make you feel great about doing stuff outside of work. If that is what you might be up for, I would recommend Iceland in July or August. It is easy to get to from NY and ideal for a 5 day trip. You can stay in Reykavik - which is a proper European city - but has the equivalent of all the best US national parks within a few hours drive and with 20 hour of light. I took this trip when I was similarly drained about a decade ago and tried to do something active and absolutely loved the experience. There is also great food and good wellness experiences which feel energizing.
Would love to hear those off the beaten path recs in Europe, feel free to DM unless you're fine spilling secrets to the general WSO populace
Molokai. Not too expensive. Somewhat of a forgotten Hawaiian island and not "the tourist destination", very quiet and casual as a result.
Santa Barbara & Malibu are also nice this time of year and all of the college students are gone.
sugar beach, st lucia. picturesque yet not mobbed with people
if it were me? I'd go back to the sanctuary at playa azul costa rica. been a while since I went for the first time but there's a private beach, not a ton of people, good food, good surf, and cold beer
Let me know which one you decide on so I can come bother you.
St. Barth's in the off season (Apr-1st week of Aug). The later in the summer you go, the more you'll have the place to yourself. Note, all the hookers that are there in Dec/Jan will not be available
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