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Eden Fite

The Ultimate Las Vegas Solo Trip Itinerary

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Palm Springs to Las Vegas Road Trip

A Las Vegas solo trip makes for a perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for a little bit of everything in your next solo adventure.

After dozens of visits to Las Vegas over the years I finally made it back for a Vegas solo trip. I was a bit worried I might feel lonely on this trip since Vegas is a party destination and I wouldn’t have any friends with me.

Honestly though, the opposite was true. I ended up enjoying this visit more than many of my past trips. Without the partying to get in the way, I felt great all week and had plenty of time to see all the Vegas attractions I’d never had time for before.

So if you’re wondering if you’ll be lonely or bored in Vegas alone, I say probably not. In fact, I think you’ll love Vegas so much you’ll want to come back alone again.

I’ve got lots to share about my favorite things to do in Las Vegas down below, so let’s get started.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Las Vegas Solo Trip

7 Magic Mountains Vegas Las Vegas solo female travel

If I’m being completely honest, I think Las Vegas is one of the easiest cities to visit for a solo female traveler.

There are many great hotels here, Ubers are always available, lots of people traveling here dine alone, and there are plenty of other female travelers and new friends to meet during your visit.

Vegas is also a popular year round destination. No matter when you decide to come, there will always be plenty to keep you busy.

There is also so much to see and do in Las Vegas that is solo travel friendly, you won’t ever be bothered or inconvenienced by traveling alone here.

How to get to Las Vegas

How to Get to Las Vegas

If you’re traveling to Vegas alone you may be wondering how you can get there. If so, you’re in luck. Getting to Las Vegas is fairly easy.

If you’re flying in, the city’s McCarran International Airport is just a short drive from the Las Vegas strip. Since Vegas is such a popular destination, you can catch direct flights to the city from all over the United States.

Once you arrive at the Las Vegas airport, head outside and catch an Uber to your hotel. This is the easiest and most cost effective way, unless you take public transportation.

If you plan to make the drive instead of flying, here are the driving distances to Las Vegas from popular nearby destinations.

Solo Trip to Vegas Itinerary

Solo Trip to Las Vegas Solo travel Las Vegas Las Vegas solo trip ideas

If you’re wondering what to do in Vegas on a solo trip then this itinerary is for you.

The Las Vegas itinerary below is arranged in no particular order. However, I recommend you visit the indoor attractions in the late morning or middle of the day when it’s too hot to be outside.

Save any day trips, outdoor attractions, or walking the strip, for the early morning or evening when the sun has gone down.

I also recommend planning out your activities in advance. Figure out what you want to see each day so you can purchase your tickets in advance and make the best use of your time.

Also, if you’re looking to meet other travelers in Vegas, consider signing up for one of the local food tours. I always sign up for local food tours when I’m traveling so I can socialize and meet new people.

No matter what you decide to do during your trip, I’m confident you’re going to have a fantastic time.

Mob Museum

Mob Museum Las Vegas

If you’re fascinated by Las Vegas’ history, or the history of the mob like I am, you must visit the Las Vegas Mob Museum.

The museum is located in downtown Las Vegas, but it’s not that far from the strip if you’re driving or taking an Uber.

The Mob Museum features exhibits on the history of the mob including how it got started and who was involved in its creation. There are also exhibits on the main players throughout its history and how the mob changed over time.

Towards the end, you’ll learn about what organized crime looks like today. To be honest, some of what you’ll learn is absolutely heartbreaking, but it’s also incredibly interesting.

Plan to spend at least two hours here to enjoy the full experience. After viewing the exhibits you can head downstairs to the basement to have a drink in the speakeasy.

You’ll want to purchase your tickets online in advance if possible. You can book your Mob Museum tickets here.

Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street Experience Vegas

The Fremont Street Experience us just two blocks from the Mob Museum, so you can visit these attractions together.

For full transparency, I don’t really like the Fremont Street Experience. It’s a popular place to visit, especially if you’ve never been to Vegas before, which is why I’m including it here.

Along Fremont Street you’ll find more affordable gambling options with lower limit tables and slots along with more affordable hotels.

On the outside you’ll find street performers and live music. It gets very crowded here at night, but during the daytime it’s mostly empty.

If you’re staying on the strip I would just enjoy your cocktails and card games there, especially as a solo female traveler.

Fremont Street tends to attract a different crowd and I don’t recommend hanging out here in the evenings alone. However, if you want to see it, stop by during the day after you leave the mob Museum.

Neon Museum

Neon Museum Vegas

The Neon Museum is one of my favorite places to visit off the strip. I especially love visiting later in the day after the crowds are gone and the lights have come on.

The Neon Museum is home to dozens of historic neon signs that formerly adorned the buildings of Vegas casinos and other establishments in decades past.

Today these iconic neon signs are on display at one of the city’s most unique museums.

Visitors can wander the various pathways lined with the historic signs, take pictures, or just admire the fact that someone decided these neon signs were worth saving and preserving.

You’ll find photo opportunities all over this fun and colorful museum, so wear something nice and bring your camera.

You’ll want to purchase tickets in advance to the Neon Museum. They have timed entry so you’ll need to select your arrival time in advance.

The museum also offers guided tours with a local expert where you get to learn the history of the various signs on display along with learning a bit more about the museum’s mission.

Mandalay Bay Aquarium

Mandalay Bay Aquarium

The Mandalay Bay Aquarium, which is now known as the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, is located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

The aquarium is home to a 1.3 million gallon tank, making it one of the largest in North America. Visitors to the aquarium can view sharks, rays, fish, and other marine creatures.

The Shark Reef Aquarium is best known for its shark tunnel where you can view various sharks, rays, fish, and turtles swimming all around you.

It’s recommended to purchase tickets to Shark Reef Aquarium in advance if you’d like to avoid the long lines.

Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip

Exploring the Las Vegas Strip is something you have to do when visiting Las Vegas. Most of the city’s most popular hotels and resorts are located along the strip, so chances are you’ll be staying there anyway.

If this is your first solo Las Vegas trip and you’ve never been to the city before, I recommend reserving one full day to explore the strip. There’s dozens of different hotels you might like to see and all kinds of options for activities, restaurants, and bars at each location.

New York New York, Paris Hotel, the Bellagio, and the Venetian are a few of my favorites. You’ll find fun things to see and do at each of these hotels and lots of great places for photos if that’s your thing.

Also, if you’re planning to hotel hop on the strip, take an Uber from one location to the next. Walking gets to be annoying and the distances are farther than you think.

Avoid taxis whenever possible. They are often double the cost and scams are common. During my last visit I was told the credit card machine didn’t work and the driver made me Venmo him.

I agreed just to be able to get out of there, but I was charged more than double what I had paid for Ubers all day.

Pinball Hall of Fame

PInball Hall of Fame

As a lover of pinball, the Pinball Hall of Fame is one of my favorite spots to visit when I’m in Vegas.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is located on the Las Vegas strip just a short walk from the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is part arcade, part museum, and houses approximately 700 pinball machines and other arcade games.

All of the machines can be played by guests, most of which cost $1.00 or so to play. The machines take quarters, which you can purchase from the venue’s many automated quarter machines.

Admission to the Pinball Hall of Fame is free and they are open daily at 10:00 a.m.

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf Omega Mart

Meow Wolf at Omega Mart is kind of hard to explain. It’s part art installation and part interactive story experience. In short, it’s weird, quirky, and fun.

The experience includes imaginative, immersive installations with interactive artwork, optical illusions and hidden passages. Come with an open mind and just have fun with it.

Plan to spend about 90 minutes to two hours at Omega Mart, then head out to explore the rest of Area 15, which is the complex where Omega Mart is located.

Area 15 has other unique attractions and experiences along with a courtyard bar and a very good restaurant. I recommend grabbing a drink at the bar then heading to the restaurant for something light to eat.

Las Vegas Arts District

Arts District Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Arts District is home to dozens of local art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars. If you’re looking to see a different side of Las Vegas than what you can find along the strip, this is the place to visit.

The Arts District is located in downtown Vegas and is a great place to spend an afternoon or early evening.

I recommend starting out with a walking tour of the neighborhood to view the street art, then heading into The Arts Factory to see the galleries.

Afterwards, head out to one of the local restaurants for something to eat, Esther’s Kitchen and Cornish Pasty Co. are both excellent choices.

There is also an Arts District Food and Neighborhood Tour if you’d like to meet other travelers while visiting the neighborhood.

The Las Vegas Arts District also holds an event called First Friday, which is a monthly cultural and arts event showcasing local artists, musicians, food trucks, and more.

As the name suggests, the event is held on the first Friday of each month. Admission is free but the purchase of art, food, and drinks goes along way to support local artists and the community.

Frankie’s Tiki Room

Frankie's Tiki Room Best bars for solo travellers Las Vegas

Ahhhh, Frankie’s Tiki Room. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a Vegas institution and one of the best tiki bars you’ll ever visit.

Frankie’s is a dark and smoky bar serving some of the finest tiki inspired cocktails on the planet. Their drinks are strong, so be prepared to sip slowly and stick around a while.

If you’re traveling alone in Vegas, sit at the bar so you can meet other travelers or chat with the bartenders.

Trust me, you will have no trouble making friends here, or at the very least you’ll hear some very interesting stories from the bartenders and other patrons.

If you’re not sure what to order, start with a Painkiller. This is a classic tiki cocktail that’s light and fruity, but stronger than you’d expect.

As with visiting any bar while traveling alone as a female, be sure to mind your drinks, don’t have too many, and take an Uber to get back to your hotel safely.

Seven Magic Mountains

seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is an outdoor public art installation located just 15 minutes south of Las Vegas.

This popular installation features seven colorful stacks of boulders standing over 30 feet high. The art installation was created by artist Ugo Rondinone.

This is a very popular destination for those traveling to and from Las Vegas, so there will likely be a small crowd when you arrive.

If you’d like to have the place to yourself you’ll want to arrive just before sunrise and stick around until the sun comes up. Yes I’m serious. Local tour groups start arriving by 8:00 a.m. which is when it starts to get busy.

Admission is free and there is plenty of parking so just find a spot and walk on over.

Day Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

There is no shortage of things to do on a day trip from Las Vegas. The city is literally surrounded by parks, lakes, canyons, and gorgeous drives.

If you have an extra day or two in your solo travel Las Vegas itinerary, here are a few popular day trip destinations you can visit:

You can visit the locations above with either a personal vehicle, rental car, or on a bus tour. Driving distances vary, but all can be visited as a day trip with a return to Vegas in the evening.

Best Vegas Hotels for Solo Travelers

Nomad Hotel Las Vegas

When you’re looking for a place to stay in Las Vegas, I recommend staying on the strip. The strip is where you’ll be spending most of your time, and also where you’ll find all the best restaurants and bars.

My favorite hotels in Las Vegas for solo travelers are the NoMad Hotel and the Cosmopolitan. The NoMad is a newer hotel and I love that both the hotel and casino are smoke free.

The rooms are also super nice and they have one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. It’s also very easy to get in and out of this hotel from the strip, which is extremely convenient during busy weekends.

The Cosmopolitan also has great rooms and fantastic restaurants, and it’s also just a super fun hotel. The only reason I don’t stay at the Cosmopolitan more often is that it got really popular, thus really expensive.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay during a Las Vegas solo trip:

You can check prices for each of the hotels listed at the links provided. If your travel dates are too expensive, consider moving your dates around a bit.

You’ll often find great deals during the middle of the week. Lower prices can also be found during the summer months, or in late November thru February, with the exception of the holiday weeks.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to a Las Vegas solo trip and that I’ve inspired you to plan your own solo adventure to Las Vegas. As always, thanks for reading.

Related Posts

Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

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Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

A Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip is the perfect addition to your southwestern USA vacation.

After spending a few days in Las Vegas drinking, eating, and exploring the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be more than ready for some time outdoors.

Honestly, I can think of no better place to enjoy the outdoors after a weekend in Vegas than the Grand Canyon.

In addition to having some of the most impressive views in the entire United States, Grand Canyon National Park is also home to dozens of hiking trails and all sorts of other outdoor activities.

You’ll find no shortage of fun things to do at the Grand Canyon, I promise.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car

The Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive by car takes approximately 4 hours 40 minutes without stops. This estimate depends on traffic, weather, and road conditions among other things.

Please note, this estimate is for a drive to the Grand Canyon south rim. There is also the Grand Canyon west rim or Grand Canyon north rim, which I will include drive times for down below.

Once past Hoover Dam, the drive is primarily on four lane highways all the way to the Grand Canyon National Park south rim entrance.

I’ve included just 6 stops stops along the way that won’t add too much time to your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip, but that I think are worth stopping for since you’ll be driving right past them.

In total, if you make the drive with the six stops I’m recommending, the trip will take approximately nine hours, including stops for gas when necessary.

Though, if you’re efficient with your time, especially at Hoover Dam, you could do this Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park road trip in seven or eight hours.

What I recommend is to try to time your drive so that you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park in time for sunset. Catching a sunset at the Grand Canyon is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Driving distances to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

  • Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim: 4 hours 10 minutes / 279 miles
  • Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Skywalk (West Rim): 2 hours 10 minutes / 129 miles
  • Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim: 4 hours 45 minutes / 265 miles

Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

You’ll find all sorts of Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas to choose from if you prefer not to make the drive yourself. Many of the tours available also include stops at Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.

Here are a few of the most popular Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas:

Please note, most of these tours also include pick up and drop off from your hotel in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas

Palm Springs to Las Vegas Road Trip

Las Vegas is one of those cities you can visit over and over again and have a completely different experience every time.

During one of my recent road trips to Las Vegas on a solo trip, I made it a point to visit as many attractions as possible that I’d never been to before. Despite having been to Vegas well over a dozen times over the years, it ended up being one of my favorite trips to this city so far.

Whether this will be your first visit to Las Vegas or you’ve been many times, I’ll share a few of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas.

Some of my favorite things in Vegas are the Mob Museum, Neon Museum, Mandalay Bay Aquarium, Pinball Hall of Fame, and Meow Wolf at Area 15.

You’ll want to purchase tickets in advance for all of the attractions above except Pinball Hall of Fame, which does not require a ticket to enter.

I also recommend a visit to the Las Vegas Arts District if you’re looking for a place to see local street art and grab lunch. Afterwards, head down the street to my favorite Vegas bar, Frankie’s Tiki Room.

Valley of Fire State Park is nearby as well if you’d like to enjoy some time outdoors while visiting Las Vegas. The park is known for its gorgeous red rock formations and is a popular destination for hiking and photography.

Next Stop: Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook

Distance: 40 minutes / 37 miles

Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook

Lake Mead Lookout

The Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook is located just outside Boulder City, Nevada just before you arrive at the Hoover Dam.

Lake Mead was created by the Hoover Dam back in September 1935 and is the largest reservoir in the US. It sits along the Nevada and Arizona border and is a popular place for boating.

While the overlook is just a quick stop offering incredible views of Lake Mead down below, those wishing to take it slow will find plenty to do here if they stick around a while. There are also hot springs and plenty of local hiking trails nearby.

It’s free to access the overlook area and there is plenty of parking. Plan to spend about 5 to 10 minutes here.

Next Stop: Hoover Dam

Distance: 10 minutes / 2 miles

Hoover Dam

Las Vegas to Hoover Dam
Super Joseph / iStock

The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River that draws millions of visitors from around the world each year.

Visitors to Hoover Dam can either explore on their own or join one of the guided tours. Tickets for the Hoover Dam tours cannot be purchased online (except by local tour companies), so you’ll need to pick these up when you arrive if you want a guided tour.

During my visit I opted out of the guided tour and just explored on my own due to being short on time. I enjoyed my visit even without the tour and learned a lot from the posted signage around the dam.

Plan to spend about 30 minutes to 90 minutes exploring the Hoover Dam.

Important Hoover Dam information for planning your visit:

  • Hoover Dam website
  • Hoover Dam hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
  • Hoover Dam Visitor Center hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
  • Hoover Dam tickets: Tickets are $30 for the guided tour. Unless you book a guided tour (from Vegas) in advance you cannot purchase Hoover Dam tickets online. If you prefer to purchase your tickets the day of, these are first come first serve.

Next Stop: Chloride

Distance: 1 hour / 60 miles

Chloride, Arizona

Chloride Arizona
Little NY / iStock

The town of Chloride, Arizona is a former silver mining town founded in the 1860s. While the town’s silver mining days are long since past, the town makes for a fun and unique stop on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon south rim road trip.

Today, the town of Chloride is filled with historic buildings including a saloon and gas station. Chloride makes for a quick stop, but it’s a fun place to explore and get pictures. You’ll definitely see some interesting things during a visit here.

Next Stop: Williams

Distance: 2 hours / 136 miles

Williams

Williams AZ
Travel View / iStock

Williams, Arizona is a popular stop along the famous Route 66 and is home to many Americana style restaurants and shops.

Popular things to see in Williams include the Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum and Route 66 Zipline.

Williams is also known as the Gateway to Grand Canyon National Park as this is where the Grand Canyon Railway begins. Visitors looking to ride the train into the park will board here.

The train departs Williams daily at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at the Grand Canyon at approximately 11:45 a.m. Once at the park you will have three hours to explore before making the trek back to Williams.

You can purchase tickets for the Grand Canyon Railway here.

Next Stop: Kaibab National Forest

Distance: 1 hour / 46 miles

Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab National Forest
Julie Caron / iStock

The Kiabab National Forest covers areas both south and north of Grand Canyon National Park. For those heading to the south rim, you’ll find Kaibab National Forest just south of the park entrance.

Visitors here can enjoy miles of hiking trails, camping, and fishing. Those looking for accommodations with a slightly less rustic experience than camping can book one of the local cabins.

The National Forest encompasses more than 1.5 million acres which includes canyons, prairies, peaks and plateaus.

Those looking to escape the crowds of the Grand Canyon will certainly find plenty of space to spread out in nature here.

Next Stop: Grand Canyon National Park

Distance: 10 minutes / 1 mile

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon AZ Grand Canyon Las Vegas

Your Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip ends here at Grand Canyon National Park. This is one of my favorite national parks and one I hope everyone gets to visit at least once in their lifetime.

There is tons to do at Grand Canyon National Park, including taking a Grand Canyon road trip along the south rim. Mostly though, you’re here for those incredible Grand Canyon views.

Hopefully you’ll be spending at least a night or two at the park so you can explore a bit.

If so, I recommend visiting as many of the overlooks as you can, hiking some of the local trails, making a stop into the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, and checking out the famous Grand Canyon Railway.

If you’re an early riser, definitely don’t miss your chance to enjoy a Grand Canyon sunrise. This park is truly magical in the early mornings. In my opinion, it’s the best time of day at the park.

Distance to Nearby National Parks from the Grand Canyon

  • Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon National Park: 5 hours / 287 miles
  • Grand Canyon to Zion National Park: 4 hours 10 minutes / 240 miles
  • Grand Canyon to Monument Valley: 3 hours / 175 miles
  • Grand Canyon to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: 2 hours 15 minutes / 128 miles
  • Grand Canyon to Grand Canyon Caverns: 2 hours / 127 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. As always, thanks so much for reading.

Related Posts

Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

The Perfect Weekend in Palm Springs

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Palm Springs, CA

A weekend in Palm Springs is the ultimate Southern California getaway.

This lively cosmopolitan city has been a popular weekend getaway destination for decades and continues to draw millions of visitors year after year.

With its near-perfect weather, gorgeous mid century modern architecture, abundance of highly rated bars and restaurants, and seemingly endless selection of stylish hotels and resorts, a Palm Springs weekend getaway is always a good idea.

As a Southern California resident for the past 20 years I have spent dozens of long weekends here discovering all the best things to do in Palm Springs.

Whether you’re planning your first visit, or you’ve been here many times before, this Palm Springs itinerary is sure to keep you busy during your stay.

Hopefully you like Palm Springs so much you decide to return again, I know I sure will.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Weekend in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Visitor Center

This weekend in Palm Springs guide is intended to help you plan your visit and ensure you have a great time during your stay.

Down below I have included the logistics for planning your trip including how to get to Palm Springs, the best time to visit, what to do in Palm Springs once you’re here, and recommendations on my favorite places to stay in Palm Springs.

Whether you’re planning to spend 5 days in Palm Springs, 4 days in Palm Springs, or even just 3 perfect days in Palm Springs, there’s so much to see and do here I just know you’ll have a great time.

If you’re wondering how long to spend in Palm Springs I would suggest 2 days in Palm Springs at the bare minimum. However, the more time you have the better.

That being said, I think Palm Springs is an easy destination to return to.

Palm Springs can also be very affordable if you visit during the right time of the year, so don’t feel like you have to see everything in one visit.

Where is Palm Springs

How to get to Palm Springs

Palm Springs is located in Southern California in the Coachella Valley about 2 hours east of Los Angeles. I’ve included additional drive times down below between Palm Springs and other popular locations nearby.

If you’re planning to visit Palm Springs and you’re not already in Southern California, you can book a flight into Palm Springs International Airport.

The Palm Springs International Airport is located just 5 minutes east of downtown Palm Springs. The airport is modern and extremely convenient to fly in and out of when visiting Palm Springs.

Drive time to Palm Springs from nearby locations

  • Los Angeles to Palm Springs: 2 hours (121 miles)
  • San Diego to Palm Springs: 2 hours 10 minutes (139 miles)
  • Las Vegas to Palm Springs: 4 hours 15 minutes (232 miles)
  • Anza-Borrego State Park to Palm Springs: 1 hour 10 minutes (67 miles)
  • Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs: 50 minutes (37 miles)
  • Mount San Jacinto State Park to Palm Springs: 1 hour (46 miles)

Best time to visit Palm Springs

Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs
Caleb Lawson / iStock

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Palm Springs is during the spring or fall. During the spring and fall temperatures in Palm Springs will be more mild, but you’ll still have mostly sunny skies.

The downside to visiting Palm Springs during the spring or fall is that you’ll be visiting during peak season. Of course visiting during peak season means that you’ll be paying peak prices.

In my experience spring is the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit Palm Springs, but the fall months aren’t too far behind.

Those looking to save a little money when they visit Palm Springs should plan their visit for summer or winter. I personally love visiting Palm Springs during the summer because the crowds are gone.

If you don’t mind the summer heat, you can get great deals at the city’s most popular resorts and hotels in July and August. The Saguaro Palm Springs as my personal favorite.

Weekend in Palm Springs YouTube Video

I made a quick YouTube video on my recent Palm Springs solo weekend. It’s not my best video, I’m still learning, but it will give you an idea of what to expect in Palm Springs.

If you’d like to follow along on my travels, please consider subscribing to my channel.

Weekend in Palm Springs Itinerary

Palm Springs

The itinerary below is in no particular order. All attractions mentioned are found in the greater Palm Springs area, none of which are too far from Downtown Palm Springs.

Also, no pressure to do all the things on this list. Your perfect weekend in Palm Springs may look very different than mine, and that’s okay.

Either way I hope you enjoy this Palm Springs blog and that you have a fantastic time during your trip.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

If it’s your first visit, a Palm Springs getaway weekend is not complete without a visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is easily one of the city’s biggest attractions and one of the most unique things to do here.

The circular tram offers 360° views during the 10 minute ride up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.

The ride up is about 10 minutes in duration and includes a guide who will share information on the history and construction of the tram.

Once at the top you can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, multiple observation decks, two restaurants, and a cocktail lounge.

The Palm Springs area Tramway is open daily. On Mondays to Fridays the first trim up is at 10 am. On Saturdays and Sundays the first trim up is at 8 am.

It is recommended that you arrive early and purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in the long lines.

Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden

If you enjoy botanical Gardens or just love cacti like I do, consider a visit to Moorten Botanical Garden during your upcoming Palm Springs weekend trip.

The one acre family-owned desert botanical garden features a variety of desert plants and cacti native to the Coachella valley.

This is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for some plants to spruce up your home or apartment, or even just some inspiration for later.

Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes enjoying the gardens. I also recommend arriving early to beat the midday heat.

Admission to Moorten Botanical Garden is just $5. They are closed every year for summer in July and August but reopen in September.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum is home to dozens of historical planes, helicopters, and all sorts of aviation memorabilia.

The mission of the Palm Springs Air Museum is to educate the public about the role of air power in military conflicts of the last century.

The museum is home to one of the worlds largest collections of static and flying aircraft in use from World War II through the most recent conflicts in the Middle East.

Visitors can wander freely around the many aircraft on display and take as many pictures as they like. The museum does a great job providing plenty of information about the history of the various aircraft and the pilots who flew them.

My favorite part of the museum is the section dedicated to the role women played an aviation during wartime.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Tickets for adults are currently $22.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum

iI you’re looking for something artsy to do in Palm Springs this weekend head over to the Palm Springs Art Museum.

I absolutely loved my visit to this museum. They have some very fun and quirky pieces on display and honestly, it’s just a fun place to walk around.

The museum features a variety of contemporary and modern art exhibits with both permanent and rotating collections. There are even some fun sculptures outside that you can take pictures with.

I recommend planning your visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum during the middle of the day when it’s too hot to be outside. It’ll be a great use of your time and the perfect way to cool down.

The Palm Springs Art Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and hours vary. Be sure to check their website prior to your visit.

Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Canyon Drive

In addition to its many other great attributes, Palm Springs is also known as a popular shopping destination.

The city’s most popular area for shopping is found along Palm Canyon Drive. Here you can find upscale chain stores, vintage shops, and furniture stores featuring modern and mid-century modern designs.

For unique locally inspired items head to the Palm Springs Uptown Design District. You’ll find some really cool items in the shops here.

Mid Century Modern Architecture

Mid Century Modern Architecture

Without its mid-century modern architecture, Palm Springs just wouldn’t be Palm Springs. Driving through the local neighborhoods here is a fun activity all in itself. I’m serious, don’t leave town without doing this.

You’ll find beautifully kept well manicured homes featuring mid-century modern architecture all over the city. I personally love driving around in the local neighborhoods between Palm Canyon Drive and North Sunrise Way.

It should go without saying but please be respectful when doing this. People live in these homes, so keep your voices down, keep your music down, and admire from a distance.

If you’d like to dive a little deeper into the world of mid-century modern architecture while in Palm Springs, there are a handful of guided tours available from the Palm Springs Mod Squad.

Palm Springs Windmills

Palm Springs windmills
Trace Rouda / iStock

The palm spring windmills are one of the city’s most recognizable attractions and a popular place to get photos.

The windmills are actually wind turbine generators that produce electricity for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

The San Gorgonio Wind Farm contains over 4,000 wind turbine generators and produces enough electricity to power Palm Springs and the greater Coachella valley.

If you’d like to get photos with the windmills you can just drive out towards the streets surrounding the wind farm. You’ll find plenty of places where you can safely pull over and get photos.

If you’d like to learn more about the wind turbine generators and windmills you can also take a guided tour with Palm Springs Windmill Tours.

Tahquitz Canyon

Tahquitz Canyon Palm Springs
Matt Gush / iStock

Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the Palm Springs area. It’s located just a few minutes west of downtown Palm Springs so it’s close by and easy to get to.

The beautiful 1.8 mile hike features a 60 foot seasonal waterfall. The waterfall generally flows from about February to April depending on the weather that year.

The Tahquitz Canyon Trail begins at the Agua Caliente Tahquitz Visitor Center. The visitor Center includes educational and historical artifacts along with a theater and observation deck.

From the visitor center the trail is 1.8 miles out towards the waterfall. The trail is steep and rocky with a 350 foot elevation gain and is considered strenuous.

Access to the Tahquitz Canyon Trail is only available from 7:30 am to 5 pm and hikers must be on the trail by 3:30 pm.

During the hot summer months from July to September the trail is only open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The rest of the year the trail is open daily.

It is recommended you begin your hike as early in the day as possible to avoid the midday desert heat. Also be sure to wear a hat and bring plenty of water.

Admission to Tahquitz Canyon is $15 per person for adults.

Palm Springs Dining

Palm Springs dining

The dining options in Palm Springs are excellent, I promise you won’t have a hard time finding a good meal here. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options at most restaurants in Palm Springs, so just about everybody can enjoy the restaurants here.

Palm Canyon Drive is where you’ll find most of the cities best restaurants. If you’re ever hungry but not quite sure what you want, take a drive down Palm Canyon until you see something good.

Here’s a short list of a few of my favorite restaurants in Palm Springs.

  • Cheeky’s: This is everybody’s go to place for brunch on the weekends. They serve an excellent breakfast including their famous bacon flight. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds especially on the weekends.
  • Elmer’s: This is a classic diner with great good food and excellent service.
  • Birba: Birba is a delicious upscale Italian restaurant with a very lively outdoor patio. They also have excellent cocktails and desserts.
  • Spencer’s: Spencer’s is a local favorite situated at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes including seafood, pasta, burgers, and steak.

Where to stay in Palm Springs

The Saguaro hotel Palm Springs

There are honestly so many great hotels and resorts in Palm Springs it’s hard to narrow down this list.

While I haven’t stayed at every hotel in Palm Springs, after several dozen visits to the city, I have stayed in quite a few of them.

Just about every hotel or resort in Palm Springs is going to have a nice pool, so to narrow down your choices you’ll want to decide on your budget and the atmosphere you’re looking for.

Some of the hotels in Palm Springs are known for their party vibe and are popular for bachelorette parties and girlfriend getaways. Others are quieter and a bit more family friendly.

Here are a few of my favorite places to stay in Palm Springs along with a brief description of what to expect at each property.

  • The Saguaro: This is my favorite hotel and I stay here often. I love the affordable price of this hotel along with its colorful midcentury modern decor. This hotel definitely has a bit of a party vibe but it’s honestly never bothered me. They also have a fantastic on-site restaurant. Be sure to book the pool view room.
  • Ace Hotel and Swim Club: The ace hotel also has a bit of a party vibe but it’s a bit more upscale than The Saguaro. The rooms here are decorated nicely and are very comfortable. There is also an onsite restaurant.
  • Avalon Hotel and Bungalows: The Avalon is a beautifully designed hotel with a fantastic restaurant, but what I love most about this hotel is that it has three pools. It’s also just one block from Palm Canyon Drive and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to a Palm Springs weekend getaway and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.

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Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Road Trip

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Las Vegas to Hoover Dam
Super Joseph / iStock

Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is one of the most popular day trips for travelers spending time in Vegas.

Each year about seven million tourists visit the Hoover Dam, many of whom are making the trip from Las Vegas.

Personally, I think a Hoover Dam road trip is the perfect way to take a break from the chaos of the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll get to enjoy time outdoors, learn some interesting history, and see the most visited dam in the world.

Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the surrounding canyons are incredibly beautiful. I’m confident you’ll be glad you took the time to visit.

Down below I’ll share the logistics for planning your Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam road trip along with information on what to expect when you arrive.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Las Vegas to Hoover Dam

Palm Springs to Las Vegas Road Trip

If you have a rental car, or your own car, making the drive from Vegas to Hoover Dam will be an easy one.

If you make the drive straight without stopping to see any of the sights along the way, the drive will take you about 45 minutes.

For those who don’t have a car or just prefer not to drive, I’ve linked a few options for Hoover Dam tours from Vegas down below.

Most of these tours are affordable, include a stop or two along the way, and a guided tour once you arrive at Hoover Dam.

Those of you making the drive on your own will find plenty of parking once you arrive at Hoover Dam. There are multiple parking areas and the parking is free.

Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas

Las Vegas to Hoover Dam tours
Hugy / iStock

For those of you who prefer not to drive, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular Hoover Dam tours from Vegas down below.

There’s another company called Gray Line that also offers tours from Vegas to Hoover Dam. However, these are large bus tours which I do not recommend booking unless absolutely necessary.

Friendly reminder, be sure to tip your tour guide and or driver upon return to your hotel.

Las Vegas

New York-New York Hotel Las Vegas_

Las Vegas is one of those places I think everybody should visit at least once in their lifetime. Yes it’s a bit gaudy, but there’s so much more to see beyond the casinos and nightclubs found on the Las Vegas Strip.

I recommend spending at least two to three days in Las Vegas. This should be enough time to see the main sites and get a good feel for the city.

Don’t be shy about visiting Las Vegas on a solo trip, that’s what I did on my recent visit and I had a fantastic time. Honestly, solo travel is incredibly easy in Vegas.

For a first-time visit to Las Vegas I recommend visiting the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, The Mandalay Bay Aquarium, and the Fremont Street Experience.

You’ll want to purchase tickets in advance for the above activities as most of these attractions have timed entry for visitors. There are no tickets required for Fremont Street.

To be completely honest the Fremont Street Experience is not one of my favorites.

However, I’m recommending a quick stop there for first-time visitors so you can see what the other side of Vegas looks like. By “other side of Vegas” I mean not the strip.

Plus Fremont Street is just two short blocks from the Mob Museum, so you might as well take a walk up there after visiting the museum.

If you decide to head over to the Mob Museum and Fremont Street Experience, I also recommend a stop in the Las Vegas Arts District then a visit to Frankie’s Tiki Room, my favorite bar in Las Vegas.

If you’re looking for something really unique and artsy during your time in Vegas head over to Area 15 and visit Meow Wolf.

Meow Wolf is an interactive art experience and makes for a great way to spend an afternoon, especially during those hot summers in Vegas.

Seven Magic Mountains

seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is a large outdoor art installation located about 30 minutes south of Las Vegas.

The installation features seven piles of colorful boulders created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Each stack of boulders stands more than 30 ft high and are spaced about 20 or 30 feet from each other.

This exhibit opened on May 11, 2016, and has been drawing thousands of visitors a day from all over the world ever since.

If you plan to visit Seven Magic Mountains on your Vegas to Hoover Dam road trip, I recommend arriving early.

The tour buses headed out to Hoover Dam arrive here around 8 a.m. so you’ll want to arrive before then if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Seven Magic Mountains is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The exhibit is free to the public.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead Lookout

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States and is situated along the Colorado River. The lake was created by the Hoover Dam and straddles the state border between Nevada and Arizona.

Since Lake Mead was created in September 1935, it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Despite its significantly reduced water volume due to drought, the reservoir is popular for recreational boating and other water activities.

Those on their way to Hoover Dam will find several lookout points along the way with Incredible views of Lake Mead down below.

Be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy the view at each of these stops, and maybe even snap a few pictures before moving on.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area also encompasses an area south of Hoover Dam known as Black Canyon Springs. In this area you can find both hot springs and cold springs which can be accessed either by boat or via nearby hiking trails.

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam
Sean Pavone / iStock

Once you arrive at the Hoover Dam you’ll get to join a guided tour where you’ll learn all about the dam’s construction and history. The guided tour also includes a visit to the power plant and the Hoover Dam Visitor Center.

If you’re doing your own road trip to Hoover Dam you will need to buy your guided tour tickets on site when you arrive. These are first come, first serve and not available online. The cost is $30 per person.

After your tour concludes be sure to spend some time walking around to just enjoy the sights. Visitors can walk across the dam on large pedestrian walkways and get plenty of Hoover Dam photos for souvenirs.

Overhead you can also see the impressive Hoover Dam bypass bridge, formally named the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This is a beautiful arch bridge that spans over the Colorado River.

The Hoover Dam really is in a beautiful setting. Take your time to explore and just enjoy the views.

Important Hoover Dam information for planning your visit:

  • Hoover Dam website
  • Hoover Dam hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
  • Hoover Dam Visitor Center hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
  • Hoover Dam tickets: Tickets are $30 for the guided tour. Unless you book a guided tour in advance you cannot purchase Hoover Dam tickets online. If you prefer to purchase your tickets the day of, these are first come first serve.

If you’re looking for a place to fill up on gas or grab something to eat before heading back to Vegas you can stop in Boulder City.

Boulder City is home to many restaurants and several gas stations and it’s just a few minutes from Lake Mead.

Other day trips from Las Vegas

Valley of Fire
BM Swanson / iStock

If you have extra time during your trip after visiting Hoover Dam, here are a few other day trips from Las Vegas to consider.

You will find plenty of options to book Grand Canyon tours here.

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Las Vegas to Hoover Dam road trip itinerary and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.

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Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

26 Travel Memes That Will Make You Laugh in 2022

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Huskies travel meme

If you’re a frequent traveler I’m guessing you’re also a fan of funny travel memes.

As frequent travelers, we often find ourselves in amusing and precarious situations. Many of which can be perfectly summed up in a great travel meme. 

So just for fun, I’ve put together this list of the 25 Best Travel Memes on the Internet. You’ll find inspirational travel memes, airline travel memes, social media travel memes, and many more.

Enjoy!

Best Travel Memes 2022

Journey Quotes

All travel memes and journey quotes for this article have been sourced from the internet. The original source for each image is identified where possible.

1. No children travel meme

I want to travel meme

This is my personal favorite travel meme. It describes my life perfectly.

I don’t have kids so I don’t have to worry about family responsibilities when planning to travel. I’ll go wherever the cheap flights will take me and try to never miss out on a good flight deal.

2. Hotel travel meme

Travel meme

This is one of the most hilarious travel memes I’ve found.

I don’t tend to mess with housekeeping much, but I have to admit this is really funny.

I’ve actually worked in housekeeping before, many, many years ago. I’ve seen some things. But definitely nothing like this.

3. Airplane travel meme

Best travel memes

Agreed! There’s something relaxing about flying and looking down on the world below. 

Funny travel quotes like this also perfectly sum up how I feel about flying. I love being away from everything, not knowing anybody, and just having this time to myself.

I’ll listen to a good book or podcast and just enjoy the quiet. You can’t go anywhere until the plane lands, so you might as well make the most of it.

Does anybody else find flying therapeutic?

4. Group travel plans meme

Vacation countdown meme

I think this travel meme sums up everybody’s experience when planning a trip with friends.

At least until we learn to stop asking people to join us beforehand. Now I just tell people my plans after I’ve booked my trip.

If they want to join, great! if not, they can stay home. 

I also love how the pics in this travel meme include dogs! Dogs are the perfect recipe for a funny vacation meme.

5. Packing travel meme

Travel meme - email address

This is one of my favorite funny travel memes going around on social media. I think it’s one we can all relate to.

Personally, I buy lots of clothes I never end up wearing, mostly because I’m a terrible shopper.

Yes somehow these clothes always end up in my suitcase. It’s amazing how that works sometimes.  

6. Airline baggage policy travel meme

Travel memes instagram

How perfect is this funny travel meme?

Airline baggage policies often both amuse and infuriate me, mostly because many are a bit ridiculous and don’t make much sense.

I do understand the airlines need to make up for the cost of low ticket prices somehow, but I feel they could do a better job explaining their convuluted baggage policies.

Not all airlines are bad at this, but some certainly are.

I think many also miss that the weight limits are not because the plane will be too heavy, but because the airline is limiting the weight of the bags for baggage handlers.

You wouldn’t want to be lifing 100 pound suitcases all day either. Keeping them closer to 50 pounds is safer for the staff moving your bags on and off the airplane.

7. Water at the airport travel meme

Best travel meme

This has happened to me too many times. I’ve since learned to bring a refillable bottle in my carry on.

I can’t imagine how much money this has saved me in just the past year. Now if I could just remember to buy chewing gum before I get to the airport. 

To be totally honest though, while I may not be spending money on bottled water at the airport, I sure don’t seem to have a problem spending money on wine at the airport. Who’s with me?

8. Carry on bags travel meme

Image of kermit the frog drinking a cup of tea

I’ve seen this a million times as well.

Fortunately, I usually manage to squeeze my bag in somewhere in the overhead bin. 

It always makes me wonder how some people have so many items when the airlines’s baggage policy states each passenger gets one carry on.

I’m starting to think people just hide their bags when they go to the counter for check in.

9. Airplane boarding meme

The Office travel meme

Some people take FOREVER in the aisle. I don’t even understand how whatever they’re doing could possibly take that long.

Do they not see the line behind them?

Seriously though, can someone explain this to me?

10. Reclining airplane seat meme

Best travel memes

I’ve never been one to recline my seat on an airplane because it doesn’t make the flight any more comfortable.

I also don’t want to squish the person behind me.

Like everybody else, I hate it when the person in front of me reclines their seat. For some reason, this always happens when I’m watching a movie or eating.

Why someone would recline their seat during meal service is beyone me, but it happens. If you paid for your seat on the plane, you can recline it if you wish. It’s really not that big of a deal. I’m usually just happy to be on a plane in the first place.

11. Southwest Airlines meme

Best travel memes

I love how seriously some folks take the boarding situation on Southwest Airlines.

I never really put much thought into it other than to ensure I check in right away to get a good boarding position.

I’ve definitely overheard some squabbles between passengers before though. This usually seems to happen when someone tries saving a seat for someone else who hasn’t been able to board yet.

I don’t really get why people insist on doing this. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get to sit by your friend or partner during a flight.

And if it is such a big deal, why didn’t you just pay the $20 for the first boarding group? Makes no sense to me.

As for me, I head to the back of the plane to grab a window seat and silently hope no one sits next to me.

12. Reward points travel meme

Image of character from The Office sitting at his desk. Funny Travel memes

Gotta love The Office…and travel reward points. 

I don’t know about you, but I always make my purchases using a credit card that gets me points for travel.

I personally use the Chase Sapphire and a few Marriott rewards credit cards. I use the Sapphire for airfare and the Marriott cards for my hotels. It works out perfectly.

If you don’t already have a good travel rewards credit card or business travel rewards card, I strongly encourage you to get one. Use it for all your daily purchases, you’d be surprised how quicly those points add up.

Just be sure to pay it off in full each month. The reward points are no longer worth it if you’re paying hundreds of dollars in interest fees to carry a balance.

But if you can handle the card responsibly, say hello to free flights and hotels.

13. Airplane boarding travel meme

Image of John Goodman holding up a small gun

Any meme with John Goodman makes my list. 

Plus vacation memes about people blocking the airplane aisle are so accurate. I don’t understand this aspect of traveling by plane.

When I’m boarding a plane I usually feel awkward if people are waiting behind me to pass. So much so that I’ll do whatever I can to limit my time in the aisle.

If I’m taking longer that a few seconds, I’ll usually just step out of the aisle to let other pass if there’s room to do so. Not sure why everybody doesn’t do this.

Also, what’s up with people waiting until they board the plane to start digging things out of their carry on roller bag? Why? Just why?

14. The summer tourist vacation meme

Image of Jack Sparrow running from a gang of pirates

My own reaction is similar. I live in Los Angeles and know that certain areas of the city are just off limits come summer.

I’m talking about you Santa Monica and Hollywood Blvd. 

Even when I make my travel plans I consider the possible crowds for the destination I want to visit. I usually avoid Europe entirely in the summer. Not only are there too many tourists, but the prices are way too high.

I’d much rather travel in the spring and fall when everybody else is back at work. You wouldn’t believe all the deals you can get by opting for off season travel destinations.

15. The Alpaca Road Trip Memes

Image of a white alpaca

Every list of funny travel memes needs an alpaca road trip meme. Plus, this one shows the true spirit of a road trip.

Road trips are best when they’re spontaneous, with the right people who are down for anything.

16. Waiting for my friends to travel meme

Image of skeleton on a couch

People often ask me when we’re going to travel together?

I used to entertain these comments with destination ideas and time frames. Now I just respond by suggesting they let me know when they’re ready to book the trip.

This is usually the end of the conversation. I think many people just like to talk about traveling, but don’t really have any intention of doing it. 

17. Always posting on social media travel meme

Funny Travel Memes 2019

We all have that friend who has to post every single photo they take on Facebook. You know the one.

18. Parents traveling without you meme

Starting Vacation Meme

Many of us can relate to this in one way or another, whether it be travel or something else. It always seems your parents start doing cool things after you’ve grown up and moved out.

19. Covid Travel Meme

Travel Memes Covid

So many of us had travel plans this year that were cancelled. I know some of us handled it better than others. Here’s to hoping we’re out of this soon.

20. I wish I was quarantined in Paris travel meme

Travel Memes 2020

This was absolutely me for the majority of the pandemic. I live in a suburb of Los Angeles and would have given anything to be stuck somewhere more interesting.

21. Airlines travel meme

Funny Vacation Memes - Travel memes images

I’ve only done this once, and never again. Unless I find a spectacular deal, I much prefer to pay a little extra for more comfort and convenience these days.

22. Cruise Travel Memes

Travel Memes Coronavirus

I don’t think anyone had it worse during Covid than the cruise industry. I have no idea how they plan to operate again, but I’m sure things will be interesting when they do.

23. When your mom is always worried travel meme

Best Travel Memes

I absolutely relate to this one. No matter where on the planet I go, my mom is always worried about the safety of the destination.

Honestly, most of the destinations I visit are safer than where I live.

24. Airline seating travel memes

Airline memes

In all honesty, it never ceases to amaze me how little room some airlines leave for passengers between the rows. I’m lucky I’m on the small side.

25. Airport Travel Meme

Travel Memes

I admit it, I’m definitely guilty of this one. I’m excited to be at the airport and traveling, but also bored at the same time. It’s a difficult situation.

26. Bank account travel meme

bank account travel meme
Source: Rock a Little Travel

When your travel dreams are bigger than your bank account. I feel like this is true for most of us, and it’s definitely true for me.

I really hope you enjoyed this list of the 26 Best Travel Memes on the Internet? If you would like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

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Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

Top 16 Travel Tips for Colombia

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Rosario Islands, Cartagena

These travel tips for Colombia are guaranteed to make your upcoming trip a great one.

During my first time in Colombia I enjoyed exploring different parts of the country from big cities, to small cities, to its beautiful coastal islands.

What I loved most about Colombia was the diversity found in its different regions. No matter where you decide to go you’ll find kind people, delicious food, a rich history, and plenty to see and do.

In this guide you’ll find my best travel advice for Colombia including recommendations on which destinations you don’t want to miss.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Travel Tips for Colombia

Travel tips for Colombia
Pierrick Lemaret / iStock

If you’ve never been to Colombia before I encourage you to spend time in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena during your first visit.

For those of you that have additional time, definitely make the effort to get outside of the big cities.

Colombia is covered in beautiful landscapes and natural environments. if you enjoy spending time in the outdoors I promise you won’t be disappointed with your time in Colombia.

In this post I’ll be sharing some of my best Colombia travel tips to help you plan your first visit.

I honestly had an incredible time and learned a ton while exploring this country.

So whether you’ve got a few days or even three weeks in Colombia, I’ve got you covered with these Top 16 Travel Tips for Colombia.

1. You must visit Cartagena

Travel Tips for Colombia

My favorite days in Colombia were spent in Cartagena.

Its one of the most fun and lively cities in Latin America and has incredible beaches, food, and nightlife.

Whether you have a week or just one day in Cartagena I promise you’re going to enjoy your visit here.

Cartagena’s colorful streets are both photogenic and extremely walkable. It’s an easy place to love, and one you’ll likely want to come back to someday.

I recommend booking your hotel in the walled section of the city so you’re close to the action. This is where you’ll find the beautiful streets, fantastic restaurants, and rooftop bars. 

If possible, I would spend at least three or four days in Cartagena. This will give you time to check out the various neighborhoods and even get out to some of the nearby islands. 

If you want to experience the best things to do in Colombia, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to Cartagena.

2. Be prepared for the humidity

Tips for traveling in Colombia Travel tips Colombia
R.M. Nunes / iStock

If you have long hair, this might be the most important of these travel tips for Colombia. 

The weather in Colombia is hot and humid just about all the time. Be prepared for this weather by packing light, comfortable clothing.

This means shorts, tank tops, sundresses, sandals, and sun hats. You will not want to wear pants, or even shoes and socks, trust me. 

Being prepared for humidity also means knowing what to do with your hair. This is a big mistake I made during my visit. I normally flat iron my hair each day, which I also did while in Colombia.

The problem was that as soon as I walked outside, my hair became a fluffy mess. I didn’t have one good hair day the whole time I was in Colombia. 

My advice is to bring a really good hair product that will take the volume and fluff out of your hair. Whatever you choose, bring a lot of it. You’ll be using much more than usual. 

3. Visit the rooftop bars at sunset

Cartagena skyline

The rooftop bars in Cartagena are the perfect way to watch a sunset and end a long day of exploring the city.

You’ll find dozens of them all around the walled city, each with its own character and ambiance. 

Here are just a few to get you started:

  • Alquimico
  • Movich Hotel
  • Townhouse

I recommend not hitting up the rooftop bars until the sun begins to set. You do not want to be sitting on a rooftop in the hot midday Colombia sun while drinking alcohol.

But once the sun goes down, all bets are off. Many of the rooftop bars have a pool too, so if it’s still too hot, bring your bikini. 

4. Get on a boat

Downtown Cartagena

If you’re going to be spending time along the beautiful Caribbean beaches of South America, you really should get out on the water.

Just off the coast of Cartagena you’ll find the Rosario Islands. The islands make up one of the country’s national parks, which was created to protect the nearby coral reef. 

Visitors to the islands can go swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even jet skiing.

The beaches can get a bit crowded on some of the islands, but not all. If you end up renting a private boat for the day, ask to go to some of the more remote areas.

If that’s not an option just plan to arrive early before the crowds arrive. 

Be advised that the return trip to Cartagena from the Rosario Islands can get a little choppy.

If you are nervous on boats at all, you’ll want to make sure you get back earlier in the day as opposed to late afternoon. I was told the waves get bigger the later you return.

5. Enjoy Colombian cuisine

Cartagena restaurant

One of the best things about Colombia is the food. If you’ve never tried Colombian cuisine before, you’re in for a real treat.

During your entire time here, I recommend trying as many different things as you can handle. 

Due to the country’s location on the Caribbean coast, you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood and fish. If you’re not a seafood fan like me don’t worry, there’s plenty of other options. 

You’ll find the majority of Colombian cuisine to be fresh and flavorful.

There are great restaurant scenes in Cartagena and Medellin if you’re looking for some nice restaurants to try in the evenings. 

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, try the local street food in Cartagena, or stop into one of the local restaurants outside the main tourist zones. 

6. Spend time in Medellin

Medellin Colombia
SL Photography / iStock

While it’s true Medellin has a complicated past, present-day Medellin has lots to offer.

In recent years Medellin has grown into a popular, yet affordable place to visit with an up and coming art scene, trendy restaurants, and abundance of outdoor adventure opportunities nearby.

In fact, due to its affordability Medellin has also become one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in the world and now has a large expat community.

Popular things to see in Medellin include Parque Arvi, Jardin Botanico, and Casa de la Memoria.

If you like street art, you definitely don’t want to miss a visit to the city’s notorious Comuna 13 neighborhood. This now artsy neighborhood has transformed itself from its violent past when it used to be better known for cartel activity.

Those looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore a bit outside Medellin can take a day trip to nearby Guatape. You can also book a guided tour to Guatape here.

To get to Medellin you can book short domestic flights from either Cartagena or Bogotá or any other nearby major cities.

7. Get Colombian Pesos

Colombian Peso
Kikinunchi / iStock

If you’re going to be traveling around Colombia, especially in rural areas, you’ll want to have Colombian Pesos (COP) on you at all times.

Try to keep small denominations in your wallet so you can pay for low-cost items like street food, souvenirs, or tips.

Many small family-owned restaurants do not take credit cards and may not have change for large bills. So just to be on the safe side, keep cash on you whenever possible.

I encourage you to do a little research before you arrive so you know where to get the best deal on Colombian Pesos.

For most people, pulling cash out at an ATM will be a much better deal than using a currency exchange in an airport or in touristy areas.

You might want to contact your bank ahead of time and ask about any foreign transaction fees or exchange rates.

As of July 2022, the conversation rate is about: $1.00 USD is equivalent to $4,490.58 COP.

8. Explore on foot

Travel Tips for Colombia

One of the best ways to get to know a city is to get out there and see it on foot. Have a general destination in mind and then just explore.

I’ve had some of the best times and stumbled upon some of the most interesting things when just out walking around in a new place. 

When exploring a new city on foot you get to see it slowly and up close. It’s also easy to stop and take a closer look at anything that catches your eye. 

The walled city in Cartagena is especially great to explore on foot. There’s not much traffic and the area is fairly small.

There are tons of unique local shops, restaurants, and bars to check out. Plus, without a car you don’t have to worry about parking and you can save that rental car money for more food or drinks.

If where you’re headed is too far to walk you can always take a taxi, or use public transport if you’d like to save money.

9. Wear sunscreen everyday

Cartagena travel tips
Street Flash / iStock

While in Colombia you’ll be close to the equator and will likely have more sun exposure than normal. So be sure to bring a high SPF sunscreen with you and bring a lot of it.

You’ll want to make sure to cover any exposed areas with sunscreen before you leave your hotel room each day.

It is recommended that you reapply your sunscreen several times throughout the day.

Make sure to bring a reef-safe sunscreen and one that is water-resistant. If you’ll be in or near the water, reapply your sunscreen every half hour or so.

You may also wish to bring a sun hat to help protect your face and eyes.

10. Talk with the locals

Fruit ladies, Cartagena

Another thing you’re going to love about visiting Colombia is the friendliness of the people.

You’ll notice immediately that Colombians are welcoming and friendly, and many love to talk to foreigners.

If you get the opportunity, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. Getting to know the locals is a great way to get to know a place.

Plus, chatting it up with the local residents is the perfect way to get Insider information on the best things to do and best restaurants in the area.

Never underestimate the power of good advice from a local. 

11. Dress nicely

By dress nicely, I do not mean to wear expensive or fancy clothes.

I only mean that you might want to plan your outfits each day so that you feel confident and look nice in your pictures.

Colombia is a beautiful country, especially the streets of Cartagena. Trust me, you’re going to be taking a ton of photos.

I don’t usually wear dresses, like ever! But I packed a few on this trip because I knew I would be going out in the evenings with the other girls and I wanted to look put together in my photos.

Consider packing solid colorful items to mix and match.

12. Explore smaller neighborhoods

Getsemani, Cartagena

Many times, the most interesting things to see and do in a new city will be found outside of the city center and main tourist areas.

Look into exploring nearby residential neighborhoods or the fun artsy neighborhoods that tend to be on the outskirts of the city. 

If you’re visiting Cartagena, walk over to the Getsemani neighborhood for lunch or coffee. While you’re there explore the streets and check out all the great street art. 

If you’ll be in Medellin make your way over to Comuna 13. This neighborhood was formerly known as one of the most dangerous places in the country due to the incredibly high number of homicides.

The area has since reinvented itself and is now home to some of the world’s best street art.

This is also where you’ll find some amazing views of the surrounding city. Book a walking tour so you don’t miss out on the fascinating history of this area. 

13. Explore outside the big cities

Guatape Rock, Colombia

These travel tips for Colombia are designed to help you have the best trip possible, and that includes seeing as much of the country as you can.

There’s so much to see outside the big cities of Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota.

Colombia is a huge country and its full of natural beauty and charming small towns.

Getting outside the cities is a great way to experience another side of the country and see what life is like in rural areas. 

Just outside Medellin is the small town of Guatape, known for the massive rock pictured above. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock for some incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

There’s also a lake nearby where you can go swimming, kayaking, and even parasailing.

Whatever you’re into when it comes to outdoor adventure, you can do it in Colombia.

Even if you don’t feel comfortable renting a car and driving outside the city, there are tons of day tours available that can take you anywhere you want to go. 

If you’re looking for some outdoors time, consider a road trip to Tayrona National Park or Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta National Park.

Both of these locations offer great hiking opportunities and the latter is home to the famous Lost City.

14. Consider hiring a private driver

Medellin traffic Colombia Colombia
Juan Fernando Velez Melguizo / iStock

If you’re going to be exploring Medellin or any other of the other large cities, consider hiring a private driver while you are there.

This is an especially good deal if you want to get to areas outside of the big cities to explore the smaller towns and national parks.

During my visit earlier this year, our group ended up hiring a private driver for two days while in Medellin.

Our driver was wonderful and took us on a tour of the city, out to Comuna 13, and even out to Guatape Rock and the city of Guatape.

Had we taken Ubers or taxis everywhere, we likely would have ended up in two separate cars on multiple occasions, so we felt better knowing we could get from place to place in the same vehicle for a much lowewr price.

15. Spend a day at the beach

Travel tips for Colombia

While there is so much to see and do exploring the cities of Colombia, be sure not to miss a relaxing day at the beach.

You should take advantage of the beautiful Caribbean waters and sunny weather at least once during your visit. 

You’ll find long stretches of sandy beaches along the Cartagena coast near the city center.

If you prefer a more remote experience, you can take a private boat out to the nearby Rosario Islands. The water surrounding these islands is calm and the most beautiful shade of blue.

If you have your own boat you can visit several of the islands on your own time. If you have a few people to share the cost with, even better.

16. Purchase travel insurance

Colombia travel tips
DC Colombia / iStock

Traveling Soon? Don’t forget your travel insurance.

  • Travel insurance is now more important than ever.
  • Travel insurance is probably less than you think it is. (Ex. For a week in Spain next month I’m paying less than $62.00.)
  • Travel insurance covers a lot more than you think it does.
  • It’s better to have it, than need it and wish you’d bought it.
  • See for yourself. Check prices here.

A post about travel tips for Colombia would not be complete if I didn’t mention travel insurance.

If you’re ever going to be traveling outside your home country, I always recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Travel insurance can be especially important if you plan on participating in adventurous activities. 

When you’re in an unfamiliar place, moving around a lot and trying lots of new things, you never know when something might go wrong.

It’s better to be safe and have the insurance, then trying to figure out what to do if you happen to hurt yourself in another country.

Travel insurance is surprisingly affordable and can be purchased in just a few minutes.

If you’re wondering where to purchase travel insurance, I use World Nomads.

Is it safe to travel Colombia?

Bogota travel
Arturo Rosenow / iStock

Is Colombia safe? In short, yes it is. If you use common sense as you would anywhere else you are traveling you should not have any problems.

As I’m sure you are aware, Colombia has a bad reputation due to its long and storied past filled with drug cartels and violent crime.

But truth be told, the days of Pablo Escobar are long gone and the country is undergoing a positive and impressive transformation.

As a result, violent crime is way down, tourism is way up, and the streets of Cartagena are calling.

Here are a few common-sense travel tips for Colombia that will keep you safe while traveling around the country:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk around with your face in your phone. Stay alert and look around.
  2. Don’t flash your money around. If you’re paying for something on the street, be discreet and pull out just the amount you need.
  3. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, clothing, or accessories. Leave your designer items at home and don’t dress flashy. Basically, don’t give people the opportunity to take advantage of you. As the locals would say “no dar papaya” which roughly translates to “don’t give papaya.”
  4. Don’t wander around at night. If you plan to go out in the evenings, take a taxi. You don’t want to be walking around on deserted streets or in the big cities if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
  5. Don’t be waving your cell phone around. Keep it in your purse or pocket and only use it when you need it.
  6. Keep your bag or purse close to your body. Wear a cross-body purse and keep it zipped up.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these travel tips for Colombia and found them useful in planning your own trip. If you have any Colombia travel tips of your own you’d like to share, let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

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Rock a Little Travel
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.