Contributed by Carolyn Malone

We have been through a tumultuous two years, and now it is time for us to venture outwards and walk the land again. To travel, to explore, to wander. To see the world again if you so choose.

For those who want to travel within the United States, consider taking a trip to America’s oldest seaside resort, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cape May is home to nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings and has one of the best beaches on the Jersey shore.

Whether you want to frolic in nature and the great outdoors or you prefer hanging out in the city for your vacation, you’ll find the best of both worlds here. Cape May has something to offer for almost everyone: a pristine beach; prime bird watching; fine dining; theater; music and film festivals; shopping; historic tours; and assorted cultural activities celebrating the Victorian era. The only thing Cape May does not have is a rousing nightlife.  For that, you’ll have to venture to nearby Wildwood or Atlantic City.

The city is flat (no hills—yay!) and mostly everything is within walking distance. Once you arrive, you can park your car and not have to drive it again until you’re ready to leave the place. If you do not have a car, no worries. Cape May is also accessible by bus, ferry (from Delaware), and plane (via Atlantic City International Airport).

Besides being a desirable vacation spot for many on the east coast, Cape May has a low crime rate, which is good for the solo female traveler.  Many years ago, when my partner had a stroke, I traveled by myself to Cape May for a much-needed break from caregiving.  During the day, I lolled around on the beach, went to the spa, and shopped. At night, I dined alone in various restaurants and attended plays at the local theaters. When the shows ended around 9:30 pm, or I finished dinner late, I felt perfectly safe walking back to my B&B alone. The streets were well lit and there were enough people milling around so I never felt uncomfortable or afraid. During this stay, I met other solo women travelers who echoed my sentiments about the city: that it was easy to get around and that it was safe.

The world is opening up again. If you love to travel, I wish for you many safe journeys. Stay tuned for my next blog post, near the end of the alphabet, where I discuss solo travel in a city outside the United States.