Traveling the world seems like it would be expensive. And if you have to take time off work to go, you might feel like you’re in over your head financially.
But then again, some people travel the world with next to nothing, so what’s the secret?
As a solo traveler, it’s actually much easier and more affordable than you might think if you plan ahead and structure your trip using affordable transportation (like ride-sharing or super cheap public transportation) and accommodation options (like hotels without single-supplement costs, camping, or hostels).
Here are 15 vacation destinations that could break your mindset but definitely not your budget. Ready to go?
Southeast Asia
1. Philippines, $37/day
It is entirely possible to visit the Philippines on a budget. Just pick 1-2 regions to explore and book your accommodations well in advance. Also, try to go during the low season, when there are fewer tourist traps and better deals. You can even make it a goal to explore some of the less touristy parts of the archipelago.
While your room may be smaller than what you’re used to, the gorgeous sunrise and sunset views from your bungalow will likely make up for it.
- Meals: $5-$15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation: $7-$20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $10-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike’s condition and your haggling skills) or $15-$20 for a boat ride from one island to another
- SIM card with data: $6 for 2GB with 30-day validity
2. Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, $32/day
Thailand on a budget is in no way restricting, and you’ll get to experience some of the best of what Southeast Asia has to offer.
Northern Thailand is infinitely less touristy than its southern counterpart, meaning you’ll get much more for your buck in terms of accommodations and food. Even activities in the cities are more affordable. So head to Chiang Mai, a gorgeous staging spot for refreshing hikes and lush national parks. You can also check out the famous White Temple and take day trips to amazing hidden gems.
- Meals: $5-$15 per day. Some hostels provide breakfast.
- Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $6-$10 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike’s condition and your haggling skills)
- SIM card with data: $7 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
3. Vietnam, $35/day
Vietnam is a beautiful backpacking destination, and it’s also one of the cheapest places to visit in Southeast Asia. As a solo traveler, you have awesome one-person options when it comes to accommodations and transportation, allowing you to either meet other people or have some time to yourself.
With food being less than $5/meal, you definitely won’t starve. There’s also so much to explore and do, making it a rich cultural destination for anybody looking to learn more about the world and herself.
- Meals: $5-$12 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
- Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $8-$15 for a motorbike rental or GrabBike trips
- SIM card with data: $6 for 1.5GB with a 30-day validity
4. Laos, $30/day
Laos is a fun place to experience a little bit of luxury for super cheap, for example, tiger balm massages, incredible views, and full-day tubing adventures. Not to mention, traveling via motorbike (a popular means of transportation here) is not only an independent way to see the country but also affordable. Combine that with backpacking and you’ve got yourself a quality budget-friendly vacation.
Between unspoiled nature and intriguing cultural landmarks (untouched by the tourism found in other parts of Southeast Asia), Laos is an authentic vacation destination worth every penny.
- Meals: $3-$9 per day. Some hostels provide a basic breakfast.
- Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $6-$15 for a motorbike for the day (prices may vary depending on the bike’s condition and your haggling skills), or up to $25 for an intercity bus ticket
- SIM card with data: $6 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
North America
5. American Southwest, $45/day
The USA is definitely not cheap compared to other countries, but you can still experience it by taking a road trip in the Southwest. You can make your journey even more affordable if you meet up with other travelers, or save on transportation and accommodation costs by exploring the area solo in a camper van.
Given the region’s incredible rock formations, beautiful waters, deep canyons, and spectacular colors, a road trip through the American Southwest can easily top any such adventure in the world.
- Meals: $12-$15/day
- Accommodation: free (if you have a camper van)
- Transportation: $9/day for a camper van split between four people
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
6. Washington State, USA, $45/day
Washington State is a wonderful spot to vacation, because of its diversity, namely beaches, canyons, and rain forests. It has some of the most incredible national parks and hiking in the country, and (outside Seattle) it’s also very affordable compared to the rest of the USA. For one, it’s very difficult to spend money when you’re out in nature, and many of the national parks are free. You can save even more money by combining your accommodation with transportation (in a camper van) and packing picnic lunches and trail mixes from the grocery store.
- Meals: $12-$15/day
- Accommodation: free (if you have a camper van)
- Transportation: $9/day for a camper van split between four people
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
7. Mexico, $42/day
Mexico is a pretty affordable place to visit as a solo traveler, depending on where you go. You’ll find it’s a lot cheaper if you explore places off the beaten path, because you’ll avoid a lot of the tourist traps. Definitely check out the Mayan ruins, many of which cost less than $5 to enter, and hidden gems like San Pancho, which are perfect for easing back and enjoying the beaches.
Just like any other country, it’s important to be a diligent solo female traveler and stay safe in the cities.
- Meals: $8-$15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation: $10-$17 per night in a hostel (click here for the best hotels in Tulum)
- Transportation: $3-$5 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $30-$50 for an intercity bus ride (yikes!)
- SIM card with data: $10 for $2GB with a 30-day validity
8. Guatemala, $38/day
The cost of living in Guatemala is pretty cheap, so if you’re looking for the opportunity to explore and experience a new culture without spending a lot on touristy activities, Guatemala is a great place to do so. More touristy places, like Antigua, will be slightly more expensive, but there are so many free or cheap things to do that can make for a more authentic experience. Day trips to Lake Atitlán are also easy to do on a budget.
Guatemala is a really beautiful country and it’s safe for solo traveler if you know what you’re doing. Check out our safety guide for Antigua.
- Meals: $10-$15 per day. Some hostels offer complimentary breakfast.
- Accommodation: $10-$15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $1-$3 for a full day of bus rides, or $5-$10 for an intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data: $13 for 2GB with a 30-day validity
READ NEXT: 23 cheapest 5-star hotels around the world
Europe
9. Greece, $45/day
Greece can be really expensive or super affordable, depending on when you go and how much preparation you put into your trip. Definitely visit during the shoulder seasons, and if you want to island-hop, focus on only a few of the islands.
Also, live like you’re a local. For example, buy your food at markets and pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as dining at restaurants can add up quickly.
A trip all across Greece can be so rewarding and is entirely possible on a small budget; domestic flights are actually cheaper than a bus ticket!
- Meals: $10-$15 per day
- Accommodation: $10-$15 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $25-$30/day or $10-$20 for ferry tickets around the islands
- SIM card with data: $12 for 2GB with 30-day validity
10. Bucharest, Romania, $40/day
Romania is definitely underrated, but it’s a super affordable European country. Food is cheap and the portions are rather large. City tours are easy to fit into a small budget, and you’ll be sure to make lifelong memories in a country most people never see.
Bucharest is easily one of the most charming destinations, evident in its incredible architecture, rich history, genuine hospitality, and natural landscapes. It helps make Romania a great place to get your money’s worth.
- Meals: $10-$15 per day
- Accommodation: $12-$20 per night in a hostel or a guesthouse
- Transportation: $5-$10 for a full day of bus and train rides
- SIM card with data: $6 for 3GB with 28-day validity
11. Poland, $44/day
If you’d like to get to know an entire country on a small budget in a short amount of time, Poland might be the perfect place. It’s relatively small geographically, and train tickets to smaller cities outside the capital are very cheap. It’s also not a very touristy country, which means you’ll have a really authentic experience.
Poland is also somewhere a solo traveler can spend money only on the essentials and still get so much out of a vacation. If you do want to check out museums and go on tours, though, the costs are some of the cheapest in all of Europe, as low as $5.
- Meals: $10-$15 per day
- Accommodation: $9-$20 per night in a hostel
- Transportation: $1-$3 for a full day of train rides, $10-$15 for an intercity train ride
- SIM card with data: $3 for 2GB with 1-month validity
Africa
12. South Africa, $42/day
There are so many incredible landscapes in South Africa, and combined with its diverse population, it’s a wonderful and safe place for a solo traveler on a budget. A road trip through the country is the easiest and cheapest way to see South Africa. You can camp along the way or go to a “backpackers,” which is an awesome opportunity to meet other travelers; both are really affordable.
South Africa is a fun place to explore and make new discoveries, but if you’re short on time and want to make the most of a budget-minded trip, here’s a great itinerary.
- Meals: $12-$15 per day
- Accommodation: $14-$18 per night in a “backpackers”
- Transportation: $9 per day for a camper van split between 4 people
- SIM card with data: $35 for 1GB with a 30-day validity
13. Namibia, $45/day
Namibia is definitely a country for the more experienced solo female traveler, and it can be difficult to get around, as hitchhiking is banned on some roads. With a little bit of preparation, however, you can see breathtaking dunes, eat authentic cuisine, and stargaze at a brilliant sky. It’s definitely worth a trip and can easily be done on a tight budget.
If you’re not comfortable going alone, Be My Travel Muse is hosting a nine-day adventure for $1,000. How can you beat that?!
- Meals: $12-$15 per day
- Accommodation: $8-$18 per night
- Transportation: $15-$18 per day for a 4×4 split between four people
- SIM card with data: $16 for 1.5GB with a 60-day validity
Central and South Asia
14. India, $25/day
Solo female travel in India is amazing for so many reasons, one of which is affordability. And while cheap sometimes means lesser quality, India offers incredible value for food, activities, transportation, and accommodation. Between whitewater rafting in the Himalayas and world-renowned yoga, you’ll soon realize that both adventure and tranquility can be found here without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to stretch your dollar even further in one of the cheapest countries in the world, pay close attention to when you book your flights. Some have said it’s cheaper to fly in the mornings.
- Meals: $3-$6 per day
- Accommodation: $5-$10 per night in a local guesthouse
- Transportation: $1-$3 for a full day of bus and train rides, or $8-$30 for an intercity train ride (sometimes a domestic flight costs as little as $30, if you want to splurge without actually splurging!)
- SIM card with data: $3 for 1.5GB with 30-day validity
15. Kyrgyzstan, $25/day
Kyrgyzstan is considered the Patagonia of East Asia because of its stunning landscapes and diverse trekking opportunities. It’s also an easy and affordable country to navigate via public transportation, making it a backpacker’s dream. There’s also interesting food to sample, and it’s safe to visit alone.
You could easily spend most of your time in the Tian Shan Mountains, hiking and relaxing.
- Meals: $4-$8 per day
- Accommodation: $8-$12 per night in a hostel or a local guesthouse
- Transportation: $0.20 for a local minus ride, or $4 for an intercity bus ride
- SIM card with data: $3 for 3GB with 30-day validity (it may not work in the mountains)
***
Traveling alone can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. But a little can go a long way on your future budget-friendly solo vacations, especially if you do your research and plan ahead. A good place to start is by checking flights to some of the above destinations that fit in your budget!
All flight costs aside though, where would you go?
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