Self Care September | Solo Trip in a National Park Best Western Experience | Travel Zone by Best Western

Self Care September | Solo Trip in a National Park

By Selena Wolcott
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In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of self-care has become a standard in maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. There are many practices like meditation, yoga, and skin care routines that are popular choices. Often overlooked but profoundly transformative is solo travel.  A solo trip to a National Park offers a unique opportunity for self-care, allowing us to reconnect with nature and, most importantly, ourselves. We’ll explore our favorite National Parks and how a solo trip is the ultimate form of self-care.

Joshua Tree National Park

Nestled in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a mesmerizing landscape that merges the high Mojave Desert and the low Colorado Desert. Its unique beauty lies in the famous Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vast open spaces. As you wander through this terrain, a sense of serenity may overcome you, allowing you to leave behind the stress and demands of modern life. One of the most alluring aspects of a solo trip to Joshua Tree is the profound sense of solitude it offers. The vastness of the desert provides ample opportunities for self-discovery. Without the distractions of emails, social media, and notifications, you can immerse yourself in the present moment and engage with the world around you fully. There are many opportunities to hike through the trails, meditate amidst the rocks, or stargaze under the clear night sky. Joshua Tree National Park is more than just a destination; it is a transformative experience that allows you to hit the reset button and reconnect with your inner self.

Book your stay at Best Western Desert View Inn & Suites.

Zion National Park

For those seeking a solo trip that challenges comfort zones, connects with like-minded explorers, and enhances self-awareness, look no further than Zion National Park. Nestled in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Zion offers a mesmerizing landscape that inspires personal growth, and an opportunity to connect with nature and fellow hikers. As one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, its trails may be busy, but this only adds to the excitement of a solo journey of self-discovery. There’s much to do and explore in Zion such as hiking, river rides, horseback riding, backpacking, and more. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Zion, nature becomes a mirror for self-awareness. As you venture through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your inner self. The moments spent on the trails offer a space for contemplation, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of your place in the world. Zion National Park often challenges comfort zones whether you’re solo or with a group – just hike Angels Landing, for instance. As a solo traveler, with each obstacle overcome, you’ll discover newfound resilience and determination. The sense of accomplishment after conquering these solo journey challenges will instill a profound sense of self-belief, that can transcend into other aspects of life. While a solo journey seems like it would be isolating, it doesn’t have to be. Zion’s popularity means that you’ll encounter a diverse community of hikers and explorers, all with unique stories and experiences to share. Zion National Park stands as an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking personal growth, meaningful connections, and enhanced self-awareness.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites.

Redwood National Forest

The Redwood Forest is located along the northern coast of California. It is the largest contiguous area of ancient coast redwoods that can be found within this region. The Redwood National Park stands as a testament to the great outdoors. Encompassing lush forests, towering redwoods, serene rivers, and stunning coastlines, this park offers an experience that calls to those eager to connect with nature on a deeper level. A solo trip to the Redwood National Park offers an opportunity for reflection. The sheer magnitude of the redwoods and the vastness of the landscape remind us, most profoundly, just how small we are. Popular trails like the Tall Trees Grove Trail and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature on a profound level. As you walk through the forest and gaze upon the canopy of towering trees, you can’t help but feel small in comparison. This perspective extends beyond the physical being, it reaches into the realm of worries and anxieties. Surrounded by the presence of trees that have withheld storms and time itself, your concerns begin to seem small in significance. The forest’s strength encourages you to release the weight of your worries. The Redwood National Park, nature’s sanctuary, can help you find a sacred space to reflect, let go, and to realize what the vastness of the world offers. A perspective that can help soothe your problems. A solo trip to the Redwood National Park is not just a vacation – it’s a journey into our own sense of self, our place in the universe, and our relationship with the natural world.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a renowned natural haven right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is recognized for its ancient mountain landscapes and cultural significance. The park’s name is derived from the blue mist that often develops its forested hills. In the midst of life’s chaos, taking time for self-care becomes crucial to maintaining our mental and emotional well-being. A solo trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate, find clarity, and embrace life’s journey. The towering peaks of the Smoky Mountains can be seen as a reflection of the challenges we face in life. Just as these mountains stand strong and unwavering, we too can find the inner strength to overcome life’s obstacles. The mist that often surrounds the mountains can be seen as a metaphor for the uncertainties and challenges we encounter. But remember, the uncertainties in your life will eventually clear, showing the way forward. We can often forget to slow down and savor the present moment. A solo trip to the Smoky Mountains encourages mindfulness as you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The rustling of leaves, the scent of pine, and the melodies of birdsong create a symphony that grounds you in the now. This solo experience teaches us to appreciate the journey as much as the destination and to find joy in the little things.

Book your stay at Hotel LeBlanc, BW Signature Collection.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a stunning and diverse national park located on the rugged coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. Established in 1916 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rocky shorelines, lush forests, and captivating vistas. This haven of natural wonders offers more than just picturesque landscapes; it provides an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. A solo trip to Acadia becomes an intimate rendezvous with both nature’s majesty and your innermost thoughts. The heart of Acadia lies in its remarkable coastline. The meeting of land and sea creates a serene view that washes away the worries of everyday life. The allure of the water is undeniable and invites you to be still. The still water gives you moments of reflection and encourages you to embrace your inner thoughts. The solitude invites conversations with yourself that are often drowned out in the clamor of daily life. As you leave Acadia, you carry with you not just memories of a breathtaking landscape, but that there is strength in simplicity, and a world of wisdom within you waiting to be explored.

Book your stay at Best Western Acadia Park Inn.

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