Solo travel can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures. Not only is it an inspiring way to see the world (while pushing you out of your comfort zone), but it also offers the ultimate freedom. You can move around on a whim, follow your own path, discover cultures that interest you, and eat whatever you like.
While solo travel can work out more expensive because you’re not splitting costs, there are still plenty of places where you can see the sights, eat well, and stay in comfortable places without breaking the bank.
Safety is also a key factor, particularly for solo female travellers. An affordable, beautiful, and intriguing destination won’t be truly enjoyable if you don’t feel at ease. So, if you’re thinking about a solo trip but aren’t sure where to go, we’ve got you covered.
Here are nine of the cheapest travel destinations for solo travellers.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
If you’d rather explore Western Europe, there’s one obvious choice. Portugal has one of the continent’s lowest crime rates and is considerably cheaper than neighbouring Spain. Winter is especially affordable and, with temperatures rarely falling below 15C, it’s not too cold to explore. Many of Portugal’s best attractions are free, from gorgeous hiking trails and golden beaches to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
However, the capital, Lisbon, is arguably the best spot for solo travellers. English is widely spoken, the locals are friendly and open-minded, and the extensive transport system (trains, trams, and funiculars) is good value. The city is easy to explore, and there are excellent beaches within easy reach. Second-city Porto is also popular, though especially with couples, which might feel a bit isolating for solo travellers.
2. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Southeast Asia has long been popular with solo travellers, and Vietnam is a particularly good choice. There’s an established ‘tourist trail’ between the two main cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, so this is a great way to meet other travellers. Getting around couldn’t be easier or cheaper either; internal flights are inexpensive, and buses are regular and reliable. Accommodation is cheap, too, with hostels costing as little as $15.
The street food scene is arguably the best in the world, and you can feast on crisp spring rolls, steaming bowls of pho, and flavoursome banh mi sandwiches for just a few pounds. As Vietnam’s former capital, Hue is packed with historical attractions, like the Imperial Citadel and Kings’ Mausoleums, while in Ho Chi Minh City, you can tour the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi Tunnels. If you want to travel further, Hoi An and the capital Hanoi are also great for solo travel.
3. Albania
Closed off from the rest of Europe for much of the 20th century, Albania has recently been making a name for itself as one the continent’s best-kept secrets. But more tourists are trickling in, lured by the country’s dreamy coastline, historic fortress towns, rugged mountains, and ancient ruins. The warm locals make Albania a great choice for solo travellers, and whether you’re looking to make friends or ask for directions, it won’t be difficult to find someone to chat to.
The capital, Tirana, was recently heralded by the New York Times as the ‘city poised to become Europe’s next affordable creative haven’, and foodies will be spoiled for choice. It’s one of the most affordable places in Europe to eat out, and a burek pastry, the quintessential Albanian street food, costs less than a pound. For a budget beach break, Albania is also unrivalled; the coastal towns of Himarë, Dhërmi, Ksamil, and Shëngjin boast blissful beaches and shimmering turquoise waters.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Beloved by backpackers worldwide, Thailand is cheap, friendly, beautiful, and safe. And, because it’s also beloved by solo travellers, you’re sure to meet lots of people here. The frenetic capital, Bangkok, is packed with culture, history, and excitable tourists, while the islands are ideal for a relaxed singles holiday. But if you only head to one spot, you might want to make sure it’s Chiang Mai.
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai may be the country’s second city, but the cost of living is very low. You can easily get by on $50 without compromising your experience. Known for being a gastronomic hotspot, there are dozens of night markets where you can eat like a king for a couple of quid. Taxis to out-of-town attractions, like the elephant sanctuaries, are cheap, and the city is a digital nomad haven.
5. Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina may be one of South America’s most expensive countries, but compared to Western Europe it’s still affordable. And, as the continent’s safest country, it’s an obvious choice. It is big, however, so to get the most out of your experience, you may want to stick to Buenos Aires and Mendoza, the gateway to the country’s famous wine region. Internal flights between the cities are cheap, or a bus (and sensational mountain views) is even cheaper.
Wine fans will be in heaven in Mendoza. Choose one of the many bars and cafés lining the leafy streets, and order a glass of world-famous malbec and a plate of empanadas for the equivalent of a couple of pounds. There are many wine-tasting excursions just outside the city, although head further out, to Aconcagua National Park, for more intrepid hiking. On multi-day hikes, you can meet like-minded travellers and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia has long been a top spot for solo travellers – but Bali is particularly great. The affordable cost of living, welcoming attitude to foreigners, and thriving nomad community make it an obvious choice – and its sense of spirituality is ideal if you’re looking to get away from it all. If you’re thrifty, you can spend as little as $30 per day on both food and accommodation. Double that, and you can live very well.
Bali’s focus on health and wellness is another draw, and Ubud, Bali’s spiritual centre, is popular with tourists looking to relax. It’s so touristy, in fact, that you’re sure to meet lots of other travellers on your journey. If you’re interested in a yoga retreat, this is one of the best, and most affordable, places to do it. The food is also cheap, healthy, and delicious – and fantastic for plant-based travellers.
7. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most fascinating countries in Europe, a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures with a Slavic influence. While it struggled to shake off its association with the civil war of the 1990s, today it’s a very different place, and travellers are fast discovering its diverse charm. Home to sun-drenched beaches and snow-swathed mountains, it’s ideal for both summer and winter breaks.
The capital city, Sarajevo, is very affordable, with buzzing bars, characterful cafes, Moorish architecture, and a booming arts scene. If you want to meet other travellers, head to the scenic city of Mostar. Restaurants are cheap, especially local haunts, and residents are happy to chat. The city is also known for its excellent farmer’s markets, where you can pick up plenty of filling, delicious food on the cheap.
8. Kandy, Sri Lanka
If you’re interested in Indian history, cuisine, and culture, you might like to consider visiting neighbouring Sri Lanka. Unless you’re a well-seasoned solo traveller, India can be overwhelming; it’s huge, English isn’t widely spoken outside cities, harassment of female travellers is common, and the transport system can be unfathomable. But things are very different in Sri Lanka, just off the Indian mainland.
The cultural capital, Kandy, is hugely popular with backpackers, so it’s usually easy to meet people, and the city is packed with temples, pagodas, gardens, and museums, so there’s lots to do. Getting around is easy, and you can do most of your exploring on foot or by tuk-tuk. Accommodation is cheap, and foodies are spoiled for choice; curries and rotis from street food stalls are affordable and delicious.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia
Regularly ranked as one of the world’s most underrated countries, Georgia offers a truly unique travel experience, and while its charms remained a tightly-protected secret for years, it’s fast making a name for itself on the travel circuit. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has an unusually rich cultural heritage, with Byzantine, Arab, Persian, Mongol, Turkish, and Russian influences.
There’s so much to see and do, particularly in the capital Tbilisi. A beautiful juxtaposition of ancient and modern, Tbilisi is surprisingly affordable, and much of the best sightseeing, like the characterful Old Town, is free. You can get by on $60 per day while still making the most of the captivating culture. Outside the capital, the towering Caucasus Mountains and scenic Black Sea coastline await.
Final thoughts…
If you’re new to solo travel, some destinations may be more suitable than others. Countries with low crime rates, good transport systems, and friendly, welcoming locals make independent travel much more enjoyable – and the more affordable a destination is, the better you can explore.
From Southeast Asian countries to European capital cities, there’s plenty of variety in our list – but each destination affords a cheap, safe, and diverse experience for solo travellers.
For more on travelling by yourself, you might want to read our guide to solo travel. To find out more about cheap travel destinations, why not check out our article: 12 of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe?
Are you a fan of solo travel – or are you thinking about travelling by yourself? Do you have any other recommendations for the best places to travel solo? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.