Looking for a solo travel plan

Question

Hi everyone, it has been a long time since I have been on an enjoyable trip. I have been job hunting for a very long time and it might come to fruition soon! I am trying to come up with a great travel plan before I start workin and I am flexible and want to go somewhere I have not been before in or outside of the US. Any recommendation for a week or two week trip, late June to Mid July that is good this time and year and does not break the bank? On one side I love to explore Cali more (need to go to Yosemite) but part of me wanted to go to other states near here i have not explored yet or Hawaii. Or out of the country as long as i can get a visa in time (i have a green card)....I love new ideas and they help me visualize it instead of overthinking it.

Answer

Late June to mid-July is a wonderful window for a getaway, especially before starting a new job. You have flexibility, you want something enjoyable that won’t blow your budget, and you’re open to California, nearby states, Hawaii, or even an international destination (with time to secure a visa). Below is a detailed breakdown to help you visualize different options based on cost, scenery, and ease of travel—whether you choose a 1-week or 2-week adventure.

If Yosemite is still on your wish list, summer is a classic time—despite the crowds—but this can also be paired with other nearby destinations or replaced with something fresh if you want to explore outside California. Here are several ideas arranged by category so you can compare easily.

Option 1: Explore California + National Parks (budget-friendly, great scenery)

Yosemite + Sequoia/Kings Canyon (1 week) — Spend 3–4 nights in Yosemite (stay in Mariposa, Oakhurst, or Yosemite Valley if budget allows), then head south to Sequoia for giant trees, peaceful trails, and cooler mountain air. This is a classic, low-stress California nature trip and perfect if you want to check Yosemite off your list.
Yosemite + Lake Tahoe (1–2 weeks) — Combine Yosemite’s granite domes with Tahoe’s blue water and hiking trails. Summer is peak season, but it’s doable with early planning. Affordable if staying in South Lake Tahoe or quieter towns.
PCH Road Trip (1–2 weeks) — Start in LA or SF and drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Stops: Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the world and very good for solo travelers.

Option 2: Neighboring States You Haven’t Explored (great for solo travel)

Utah’s Mighty 5 Sampler — Even visiting 2–3 parks (Zion, Bryce, Arches) in a week is incredible. Shuttle systems make solo travel easy. Lodging can be kept simple and affordable.
Colorado (Denver + Rocky Mountain National Park + Boulder) — Perfect summer weather, great hikes, lively towns, and affordable hostels or Airbnbs for solo travelers.
Oregon: Portland + Columbia River Gorge + Oregon Coast — Cool weather compared to California, lush landscapes, waterfalls, and a laid-back vibe. A fantastic road-trip loop.

Option 3: Hawaii (tropical, safe, relaxing, not the cheapest but manageable)

Oahu (1–2 weeks) — Best for solo travelers. Easy public transportation, hostels in Waikiki, great food, beaches, and hikes. You can do this surprisingly affordably if you skip resorts.
Maui or Big Island (1 week) — These islands are more nature-focused and quieter. The Big Island is especially affordable if you’re flexible with accommodations.
Island-hop (2 weeks) — Do 7 days on Oahu and 5–7 days on Maui or Big Island for a great mix of beaches and adventure.

Option 4: International Destinations You Can Usually Visit Quickly With a U.S. Green Card

(Most of these do not require a separate visa for green-card holders or have simple eVisa processes.)

Mexico — Easy, incredibly affordable, and welcoming for solo travelers. Consider Mexico City (culture + food), Oaxaca (art + markets), or Puerto Vallarta (beach + safe).
Canada — No visa needed for green-card holders traveling by air. Vancouver + Whistler or Toronto + Niagara Falls make excellent weeklong getaways.

Costa Rica

Japan — If you already hold a passport that allows visa-free entry or can get the visa quickly, Japan is clean, safe, and amazing for solo travelers. Late June to July is warm but manageable.
Portugal — If eligible for visa-free entry, it’s one of Europe’s best budget destinations in summer. Lisbon + Porto + coastal towns make a perfect 2-week trip.

If you want the most budget-friendly trip: Yosemite + Sequoia, Oregon, Colorado, Mexico.

If you want something adventurous and scenic: Utah National Parks, Hawaii, Costa Rica.

If you want culture and food focus: Mexico City, Portugal, Japan, Vancouver.

A great 2-week itinerary combining variety and affordability might be: 4 days in Yosemite, 3 days in Sequoia, then fly to Portland for 5–6 days of Oregon coast and waterfall hikes. Or: 7 days in Oahu + 5 days exploring Utah’s national parks.

Ultimately, this is a wonderful moment to treat yourself before starting a new chapter. Whether you choose iconic California scenery, a new U.S. state, or an international adventure, a one- to two-week trip in late June to mid-July offers endless possibilities that stay within budget while giving you a memorable reset before work begins.

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