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I’ve always had the deep, innate urge to explore. For years, I explored the world on my own – traveling to countries like Australia, Argentina, and Uruguay – all without a significant other. I didn’t let that stop me. The world was mine to explore and I did it through solo travel.

When I was in my 20’s, I met the love of my life and he joined me on my adventures around the world. While I love traveling with my husband, my inherent inclination to travel and nurture my inner explorer has never faded. To be the best traveler, wife, and person that I can be – I have the need to feed my inner solo traveler. That’s why I booked a solo getaway with the Expedia App to The Hotel Joaquin, a boutique hotel in Laguna Beach, California. Laguna Beach exudes California coastal cool and I knew that it would be the perfect place for me to renew my mind, body, and soul.

Booking with the Expedia Mobile App

I used the Expedia App to booked my solo trip to Laguna Beach. I was able to easily search luxury hotels in Orange County, find the perfect hotel for my solo travel needs, and book it directly in the Expedia App. Plus, as a points-obsessed traveler, I love the fact that I earned double Expedia Rewards points when I booked through the App. Double score!

I was able to easily book my solo getaway using the Expedia Mobile App.

Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach

The Hotel Joaquin is expertly tucked into a beautiful nook above Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach. It’s a place that invites you to disconnect from the world, replenish your senses, and restore your mind-body connection. While there are plenty of luxury hotels in Orange County, I chose the Hotel Joaquin because it was different than the rest of the pack. There are big name brands everywhere in the world, but I didn’t want that – I wanted laidback luxury, a home away from home, privacy, and a total disconnect from social media.

The Hotel Joaquin allows its guests to immerse themselves in adventure while also valuing peace and quiet (I know this because I received a gracious email ahead of time reminding its guests to respect the privacy of others and disconnect from social media). With its in-house yoga, hiking, free bicycles, beach access, a plethora of free music records, and a free Spritz at check-in – I was in solo travel heaven.

The Rise of Solo Travel

Modern travelers crave novel and unique experiences that get them away from the stresses of everyday life. When I checked into the Hotel Joaquin, I was tempted to check my social media and emails out of habit, but I thought back to the gentle reminder email I received prior to check-in. That email was not only to remind me to respect the privacy of others, but it served as a reminder to protect my own vacation and truly value the days I had at the Hotel Joaquin. Without my cell phone, I didn’t realize how badly I needed to unplug and unwind until hours passed me by at the pool and I realized….”wow, I’m truly at peace.” After my solo trip, I came back renewed, refreshed, and invigorated to take on the world.

Enjoying some R&R at the Hotel Joaquin pool.

I know the value that solo travel offers and I believe that it’s imperative to everyone whether you’re in a relationship or not. What’s stopping you from feeding your inner explorer with a solo trip? Expedia’s new Solo Travel Report showed that more than 60% of travelers will take a solo trip in the next year and I want you to be one of them! If you want to book your own solo trip, you can now use the coupon code SOLOTRAVEL on the Expedia App.

To access the first Expedia Solo Travel Report with destination recommendations, helpful planning tips, and cool new insights on how American travelers navigate solo trips, click here!