1. Solo Travel Adventures
Many Americans say nothing feeds the soul quite like packing a bag and hitting the road—alone. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a cozy mountain cabin or a weeklong European escape, solo travel is a form of therapy. It allows for reflection, independence, and a break from the noise of daily life. Even short trips have been linked to lower stress and improved mental clarity.
Solo travelers often report feeling more connected to the world around them, despite traveling alone. They try new foods, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves along the way. Yes, it costs money—but for many, it’s an investment in mental health. The growing popularity of solo travel packages and retreats shows it’s more than just a trend.
2. Spa Days and Wellness Retreats
Treating yourself to a day at the spa isn’t just pampering—it’s restorative. Massages, facials, and hydrotherapy sessions can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood. Americans increasingly see spa days as essential “me-time,” especially those juggling work and family responsibilities. While pricey, many view the benefits to sleep, stress, and skin as worth it.
Wellness retreats take this a step further, often combining yoga, meditation, and nutrition in scenic locations. These experiences are purposefully solo-friendly, promoting introspection and healing. The rise in wellness tourism shows how much people are willing to spend for peace of mind. It’s not just luxury—it’s a mental health reset.
3. Going Out to Eat Alone
Dining alone used to feel taboo, but now it’s a soul-nourishing experience for many. Americans are increasingly embracing the joy of savoring a meal solo, especially at favorite cafés or restaurants. It’s a chance to indulge, people-watch, or dive into a good book. Treating yourself to a nice dinner can feel empowering, even luxurious.
Restaurant data shows solo dining is on the rise, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Z. It’s become a moment of quiet indulgence rather than loneliness. The food tastes better when you’re present with it, and the time alone offers space to decompress. For many, it’s an act of self-respect and celebration.
4. Bookstore and Coffee Shop Splurges
There’s something incredibly comforting about wandering through a local bookstore, latte in hand. Americans often say that spending money on books and good coffee feels like investing in their peace. Even though it’s a small splurge, it satisfies the soul in a way few things do. The quiet ambiance invites reflection and creativity.
Independent bookstores have seen a resurgence partly because people crave these mindful moments. A cozy corner, a new read, and a handcrafted drink create an affordable escape. It’s alone time that doesn’t feel lonely—it feels curated. And for book lovers, this experience is deeply personal and restorative.
5. Taking a Creative Class
Signing up for a pottery, painting, or cooking class solo can be surprisingly fulfilling. Americans increasingly see creative hobbies as more than just pastimes—they’re outlets for stress relief and self-expression. Paying for these classes is seen as a form of self-investment, even if you’re just learning to make pasta from scratch. It’s not about perfection; it’s about process.
These classes offer structure and a chance to try something new without the pressure of socializing. Going alone removes distractions and enhances focus. It’s you, the craft, and the joy of creating something from nothing. The tactile nature of these activities can even be meditative.
6. Getting a Professional Massage
Few things melt away the weight of the world like a deep-tissue massage. Americans rank this high on the list of soul-soothing splurges for good reason. Regular massage therapy can improve circulation, reduce anxiety, and even help with chronic pain. It’s physical relief with emotional benefits.
While it’s not cheap, many justify the cost by viewing it as a necessity rather than a luxury. Booking a solo appointment turns it into sacred self-care time. For an hour, there’s no phone, no noise—just healing touch. It’s a pause that many desperately need.
7. Splurging on a Hotel Staycation
You don’t need to fly across the country to get away—a hotel staycation can do wonders. Americans are booking single-night stays at local hotels just to escape their routine. It offers a change of scenery, room service, and the bliss of not having to clean up after yourself. The best part? No passport required.
Hotels have picked up on this trend, offering solo staycation packages with perks like spa access and late checkout. Being alone in a plush robe, ordering dessert at 10 p.m., and binging TV guilt-free is soul food in its own right. It’s like hitting a reset button without going far. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
8. Visiting Art Museums Solo
Strolling quietly through an art museum lets you reflect without commentary. Many Americans find this to be a meditative, soul-nourishing experience. It’s a way to engage with creativity on your own terms, without needing to explain your thoughts to anyone else. Admission usually costs money, but the emotional payoff is often profound.
Solo museum visits allow for longer pauses and deeper engagement. You control the pace, skip what doesn’t move you, and linger with what does. It’s a conversation between you and the art, uninterrupted. That solitude turns the visit into something deeply personal.
9. Investing in Quality Skincare or Beauty Products
Americans increasingly see skincare as more than vanity—it’s ritual. Spending money on serums, masks, and moisturizers is a way to feel cared for, even when alone. The nightly routine becomes a calming, tactile meditation. It’s less about looking good and more about feeling good.
Brands have caught on, promoting products with mindfulness and relaxation in mind. For many, it’s about reclaiming time at the end of a chaotic day. Being alone during this routine amplifies its soothing effect. It’s self-love in a bottle.
10. Buying Tickets to a Solo Movie or Theater Show
There’s a quiet magic in buying a single ticket to a matinee or evening show. Americans have grown more comfortable going to movies and plays alone, and many say it’s deeply freeing. No coordinating with friends, no sharing popcorn—just you and the experience. It feels like a secret indulgence.
Movie theaters and performing arts venues have reported an uptick in single-ticket purchases post-pandemic. This shift reflects a broader comfort with doing things alone, especially when they’re enjoyable. Being absorbed in a story, without distraction, can be profoundly soul-soothing. It’s an immersive escape that’s all yours.
11. Taking Yourself on a Scenic Drive
Rolling down the windows, turning up your favorite playlist, and hitting the road alone can be transformative. Americans call this a low-pressure, high-reward way to clear their heads. It costs gas money, sure—but the emotional return is huge. The freedom to turn left or right on a whim is deeply empowering.
Solo drives let people reconnect with themselves and the landscape. Whether it’s coastal highways or forested backroads, the scenery becomes a silent companion. It’s meditative, rhythmic, and emotionally grounding. That sense of motion can be just what the soul needs.
12. Treating Yourself to a Fancy Coffee or Dessert
Spending $6 on an oat milk latte or artisan cupcake might sound trivial, but it adds up to joy. Many Americans say these small indulgences serve as a reward, a reset, or just a moment of delight. Especially when enjoyed alone, they become more intentional. You’re not just sipping coffee—you’re creating a vibe.
This tiny ritual can brighten an otherwise hectic day. Coffee shops have become modern sanctuaries for solo thinkers and daydreamers. It’s not about the caffeine or calories—it’s about the pause. That pause is what feeds the soul.
13. Signing Up for a Solo Fitness Class or Membership
From hot yoga to barre to spin, fitness classes are more than exercise—they’re mental clarity sessions. Americans are increasingly signing up for these experiences alone, without a buddy system. It forces focus and builds a unique kind of discipline. You show up for yourself, not for anyone else.
The rise in boutique studios and app-based memberships makes it easier to tailor fitness to personal needs. For many, it’s less about physical goals and more about feeling centered. The sweat, the solitude, the post-class endorphins—those are the real rewards. It’s body and soul alignment.
14. Browsing Farmers Markets or Craft Fairs
Wandering solo through a farmers market is a surprisingly peaceful pastime. Americans say it feels good to support local vendors while exploring fresh, artisanal products. There’s something about strolling past stalls of flowers, baked goods, and handmade crafts that fills the spirit. It’s an errand, a treat, and a mindfulness exercise in one.
Going alone means you get to explore at your own pace. You can chat with vendors, taste samples, or just wander aimlessly. Spending a little on honey or fresh bread feels like a personal celebration. And that connection to community, even in solitude, is soul-enriching.
15. Booking a Solo Photo Session
Americans are embracing the idea of professional photoshoots—just for themselves. It’s not about narcissism; it’s about honoring who you are in a moment of life. Booking a solo session, whether for a birthday or just because, can be surprisingly emotional. The photos are proof of self-worth and confidence.
Photographers have noted a rise in single-client bookings for lifestyle and portrait sessions. People want to feel seen—even if just by themselves. It’s a memory freeze that says, “I matter.” And that’s something worth spending on.
This post 15 Things Americans Say Are “Good for the Soul”—That Involve Spending Money Alone was first published on American Charm.
