Top 10 Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo on your budget doesn’t have to limit your adventures! If you want to explore cultures, enjoy nature, or just escape daily life. There are many affordable places to wander worldwide. You can choose; the options are endless! They range from inexpensive solo travel spots to charming towns with budget lodging.

In this guidebook, I will show the top 10 best budget destinations for solo travelers. These destinations are safe and budget-friendly. They offer great experiences. These are perfect for solo travelers who want to have fun without spending much.

Key Takeaways

• Top Budget-Friendly Destinations: Vietnam, Portugal, and Thailand are standout options for solo travelers seeking affordability, safety, and rich cultural experiences.
• Cost-Saving Tips: Travel off-peak, book accommodations in advance, and use public transportation to significantly cut expenses.
• Key Attractions: Each destination offers unique experiences, such as Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, Portugal’s Lisbon beaches, and Thailand’s temples and local markets.
• Budget Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are widely available, with nightly rates starting as low as $5 in many destinations.
• Solo Travel Safety: Stick to well-lit areas, use trusted transport services, and stay in accommodations with positive reviews to ensure a secure travel experience.

Our Criteria for Budget-Friendly Solo Travel Destinations

When choosing the best places for a cheap solo vacation, we focus on a few key factors.

1. Affordability: We look at how affordable the destination is for everyday expenses, with prices listed in US dollars unless noted otherwise. Keep in mind, costs may vary depending on your home currency.

2. Travel Costs: For shorter trips, the price of getting there is a big factor. If you’re staying a month or more, the travel cost spreads out and becomes less important.

3. Safety: I’ve included safety advice from the US and Canadian governments as of January 2025. Safety is crucial, especially for solo travelers.

4. Fun and Culture: A good destination should be exciting, offer new cultural experiences, or have fun activities. I’ve added a quick summary of both for each destination.

The 2025 Shortlist of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

Flight prices listed here were found on Google Flights, based on departures from Toronto or New York during the last week of February 2024, with a two-week return date. Be sure to check flights from your own airport to see your costs.

Room rates are also for this same period and were found on Booking.com. Prices were checked the same week this post was published.

The hotels and hostels listed aren’t personal recommendations. They were selected for their affordability, good reviews, and central locations to give you an idea of what to expect for your budget.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the best affordable solo travel destinations. It offers budget-friendly hotels, street food, a rich culture and history, many tourist attractions, and outdoor activities. You can enjoy yourself on a trip to Vietnam.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

Vietnam offers economical travel for individuals. You can find cheap accommodation, food, and transportation. 

• There are many hostels and guesthouses at reasonable prices. You can stay there for $5 to $25 per night. 
• Street food in Vietnam is delicious and cheap. You can cover your daily meal costs for around $10–$20. 
• Furthermore, public transport, like buses and trains, is cheap. Overall, Vietnam is one of the cheapest and wallet-friendly destinations for single travelers.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers’ top attractions in Vietnam are:

• Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hai Van Pass, Hang Son Doong, and Hue Imperial City. 
• Also, temples in Hanoi, Hoi An’s streets, and the Mekong Delta are popular tourist spots. 
• However, you can explore customs and enjoy famous dishes. Moreover, you can explore pristine coastlines and verdant forests. The local community welcomes tourists eagerly.

Solo Travel Tips

You can book your hotel room and flight in advance. This gives you the best price with discounts. You can use Booking.com to book a hotel and Flight Expert to book a flight. Pack all your necessary things before making the trip.

2. Portugal

Portugal is one of the best budget destinations for solo travelers. It offers perfect cheap places to stay, great food, and a rich culture. You can experience an adventure with historic cities, like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. Also, there are some scenic beaches. You can enjoy solo travel on a budget in Portugal.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

Portugal is one of the best low-cost destinations for solo travelers. There are many cheap hotels, public transport, and food. Plus, its outdoor activities are affordable. 

• There are many hostels and guesthouses in Portugal that offer reasonable prices. You can stay there for around $15 to $50 per night.
• Their local eateries serve delicious, cheap meals. You can cover your daily food cost for around $15 to $30. 
• Their public transport, such as buses, trams, and trains, is cheap and efficient. It makes it easy to explore the country and cost-effective solo vacations.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in Portugal

There are many tourist attractions in Portugal. But you will find the most significant places are in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve Region. Where you can visit inexpensive solo travel spots.

1. Lisbon: Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries, National Tile Museum, Pena Palace, and Lisbon Cathedral are the top historical attractions of solo travelers.

• In Lisbon, you can do some outdoor activities like Cycling Tours and climbing Mountains, Cliffs, and Caves. You can also participate in Surfing and Windsurfing, which are the best water sports in Lisbon. 

2. Porto: Porto Cathedral, Porto São Bento, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Livraria Lello, Casa da Música, Church of Saint Francis, and Chapel of Souls are the best tourist attractions in Porto.

You can visit the Six Bridges Cruise very popular tourist activities.

3. Algarve Region: Algarve Region popular destination for scenic beaches. Their most popular attractions are Ponta da Piedade, Praia da Falésia, Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, Zoomarine Algarve, and Slide & Splash.

Solo Travel Tips

You can stay in hostels; it’s a great opportunity for solo travelers to meet with other travelers. In Portugal, hostels often host social events and offer communal spaces. They provide opportunities for group activities. Actually, it helps travelers connect and share experiences.

3. Mexico

Mexico is the sixth most visited country worldwide for tourism activities. There are many historical sites, architectural sites, and sea beaches. Its rich culture also makes it a popular destination for travelers. Mexico is one of the best places for solo travelers. You can experience budget-friendly solo trips in Mexico.

Why Mexico is Budget-Friendly for Solo Travelers

Affordable Accommodation: In Mexico, you will find many hotels and guesthouses that offer reasonable prices. You can spend a night there for $20 to $50. But if you choose a small town to stay in, you can find cheaper hotels.

Cheap Food Cost: Many restaurants offer budget food for their consumers. Your daily meal costs can be $15 to $25. 

Cost-Free Activities: You can find some places and beaches where you don’t need tickets and you can also do their free outdoor activities.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in Mexico

Many tourist attractions are in Mexico. But, you can find the most popular historical places and beaches in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Tulum.

Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Frida Kahlo Museum, Guadalajara, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral,  Isla Holbox, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Soumaya are the popular low-cost destinations for solo travelers in Mexico City.

My favorite is Balloon Flight is one of the best activities in Mexico City.

Oaxaca: Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Mercado Benito Juárez, Zócalo oaxaca, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Andador Turístico, Hierve el Agua are the best solo travelers destinations.

The best outdoor activities are Enjoying a street food tour, Sweat it out, and Visit a local market.

Tulum: Historical Landmark of Tulum, Chichén Itzá, Xel-Há Park, Aktun Chen, Two Eyes Cenote, Playa Paraíso, Gran Cenote, and sea beaches are their top attractions for solo travelers.

Solo Travel Tips

For safety in Mexico, you should use trusted transport services. You can use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber and DiDi.  Try to avoid traveling alone at night in Mexico. Stick to well-lit, and stay in busy areas. Always check the driver’s identity before getting into the car.

4. Poland

Poland is a popular tourist destination for solo travelers. Because of the rich history and culture, historical sites, and vibrant cities of Poland. You can explore their medieval architectural sites and natural atmosphere. Poland is one of the safe and affordable solo travel destinations.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

• Poland offers affordable living costs for solo travelers. You can stay in hostels or hotels for around $10 to $30.
• You can find the Poland local food is very reasonable for tourists. You can cover your meal for nearly $3 to $6.
•  Their public transport is very cheap, and you can explore many free tourist attractions.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in Poland

There are many tourist attractions in Poland. You can find them at attractions in Krakow, Warsaw, and the Tatra Mountains.

Krakow: Rynek Główny, St. Mary’s Basilica, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, MNK Sukiennice, Wawel Cathedral, Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego, Kościuszko Mound are the top attraction Of Karakow.

You can also enjoy their Beer tour, and Cruise the Vistula.

Warsaw: The Royal Castle in Warsaw, Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Royal Łazienki Park, Centrum Nauki Kopernik, Palace of Culture and Science, Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów are the popular places for solo travelers in Warsaw.

You can enjoy the Chopin Concert in the Old Town.

Tatra Mountains:  It is the Mountain part of Europe, the top mountain attraction are Tatra National Park, Vysoké Tatry – Hrebienok, Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza, Skok Waterfall, Vysoké Tatry — Hory zážitkov • Tatranská Lomnica etc. 

Best Budget Solo Travelers Tips for Poland

Poland offers many free walking tours. Kraków and Warsaw offer many free tourist destinations. To get a better experience, visit in winter or early spring. There will be fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.

5. Thailand

Nowadays, Thailand become the best budget destinations for solo travelers. There are many popular tourist attractions. You can see their old temple, rich culture, sea beaches, and wildlife. You get the bustle of local markets, delicious food, and warm hospitality service from the local people. 

Why Thailand is Budget-Friendly for Solo Travelers

1. There, you can find affordable accommodation. Most of the hotels offer cheap prices for tourists. You can stay there for around $10 to $25 per night.
2. The daily meal cost in Thailand is approximately $5 to $15 per person.
3. Their transportation is unique you find MRT, Buses, Tuk Tuks, and Sky trains all cheap in Thailand.
4. You can visit all of their tourist places at affordable prices.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in Thailand

Thailand has many tourist attractions for solo travelers. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are popular destinations to explore.

Bangkok: Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. You can explore Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan Temple, The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, Lumphini Park, Central World, Chatuchak Weekend Market.

You can also experience Cruise the Chao Phraya River, and Visit a floating market, and Get a Thai massage.

Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, The White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple are famous tourist places in Chiang Mai. 

Phuket Islands: Big Buddha of Phuket, Chaithararam Temple – Wat Chalong, Green Elephant Sanctuary Park,  Andamanda Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Freedom Beach, and Karon Beach are popular solo traveler destinations of Phuket.

Solo Travel Tips

Thailand’s vibrant culture can be experienced by attending local festivals and visiting local markets. These provide easy access to attractions and great experiences.

6. Greece

Greece is a southeastern European country. Greece is creating civilization and there are many ancient archeological sites. Which are popular all over the world. Greece is the witness of many historical sections.  If you visit Greece you can explore Greece’s ancient history, archaeological sites, and picturesque islands.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

• You will find affordable accommodations in Greece. You can live in a dorm for around $15 to $30. There are many cheap hotels you will find, especially in the off-season.
• The food cost is cheaper than in other European countries. You find their unique recipe and delicious food.
• Most of the tourist attractions you can explore for free.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in Greece

You can find many Archeological sites in Greece. There are many historical sites of civilization. You will find most tourist places in Athens, Santorini, and Crete.

Athens: Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Temple of Hephaestus are the most popular tourist attractions in Athens.

For a better experience, you can visit Witness the Changing of the Guard, and cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Santorini: Ancient Thera, Akrotiri, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and Red Beach are popular budget-friendly solo trips destinations.

Crete: Crete is popular for sea beaches, Old Venetian Port of Chania, Rocca a Mare Fortress, Balos Beach, Elafonissi Beach, Knossos Palace, Arkadi Monastery are best budget destinations for solo travelers.

Solo Travel Tips 

Greece’s island-hopping reveals hidden gems: Santorini and Crete. There, you can find secluded beaches, traditional villages, and authentic Greek culture. Avoid the tourist crowds. Enjoy the quiet beauty of lesser-known islands for a unique experience.

7. Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the best budget destinations for solo travelers. Many places are the main tourist attractions. Every year, many tourists come to the city and explore the historical sites. There are world-famous Hindu and Buddhist temples. So it’s popular for both religions. Local people are so friendly, and their hospitality is great.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

• Cambodia provides the lowest prices accommodation for tourists and you can find their food cost also cheap. You can cover your daily accommodation costs and food costs of around $30 to $50.
• Their transportation cost is very affordable. Furthermore, you can explore most of the tourist places free of cost.

Key Attractions of Cambodia

Angkor Wat: Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm Temple, Phnom Bakheng, Angkor National Museum, Tonlé Sap, and Phnom Kulen National Park are the top attractions of Angkor Wat. You can spend cost-effective solo vacations there.

Phnom Penh: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Phnom Daun Penh, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Russian Market, and ÆON Mall Phnom Penh are the best tourist destinations.

The beaches of Sihanoukville: Otres Beach,  Saracen Bay Beach, Independence Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, and Serendipity Beach, Lazy Beach.

Solo Travel Tips

You can use tuk-tuks for transport; it gives a fun and authentic experience of Cambodia. Their local guides will give you deep info about the country’s culture, history, and hidden gems. You can also enjoy its beaches and natural atmosphere.

8. India

India is one of the best budget destinations for solo travelers. If you visit India, you can explore India’s vibrant culture, history, historical places, and culinary diversity. India has a large area and many states with multi-culture. You can gain a unique experience on a trip to India.

Why India is a Budget-Friendly Destinations for Solo Travelers

• In India, you can get most cheapest accommodations facilities and get unique and popular dishes in your budget. If you spend $20 To $30 per day you can get the qualities of accommodations and meals.
• Especially I want to mention their street food is also tasty and world famous. And they serve their street food in very cheap cost.
• Their Public transport is also cheap. And most of the tourist places are free of cost. 
• There you can do free outdoor activities.

Key Attractions for Solo Travelers in India

Delhi: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham are popular destinations for solo travelers.

Especially Taj Mahal is the most visited place in Delhi. It is the sign of Love.

Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar – Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort, The City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, and Jaigarh Fort are the most popular places for tourists.

Goa: The most historical signs are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Shree Mangueshi Temple, Immaculate Conception Church, Aguada Fort, Shree Shantadurga Temple, etc.

And Palolem Beach, Baga Beach, and Calangute Beach are the most popular beaches in Goa.

Solo Travel Tips

My advice is that you can book train tickets in advance because it is difficult to get train tickets on time. If you are a woman, you can stay in accommodations designated for women (if applicable).

9. Indonesia

Indonesia became a popular destination for solo travelers. Indonesia has a rich history and culture. There are beautiful diverse landscapes, beaches, islands to jungles. Everything is enjoyable for solo travelers. Indonesia is a perfect cheap places to travel alone.

Why Indonesia is a Budget-Friendly Destinations for Solo Travelers

Affordable Accommodation: In Indonesia, You will find the cheapest hotels for your stay. They offer their tourist a reasonable price to live. You can stay a day to night for only around $5 to $20.

Cheap Food Cost:  Indonesian local foods are delicious. And you can taste their food at a cheap rate. Especially I prefer their street food also tasty and unique. You can manage your daily food costs around $8 to $15.

Free Activities: There are sea beaches and walking tour places which help to visit Indonesia on a budget.

Key Attractions of Indonesia for Solo Travelers

You can explore several places in Indonesia. They offer budget destinations for solo travelers. Bali, Yogyakarta, and Komodo Island are top favorite destinations for solo travelers.

Bali: Bali is Popular for its beaches and natural environment. Personally, I recommend you to visit- Kelingking Beach, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Uluwatu Temple, and Ceking Rice Terrace. 

But You can also visit, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Tanah Lot, Tegenungan Waterfall. Waterbom Bali, Besakih Great Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali Zoo, and Real Bali Swing, etc.

Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta has many historical and cultural places like, Taman Sari, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Vredeburg Museum, Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, and Beringharjo Market.

Komodo Island: Kombodo is the most popular tourist spot in Indonesia. You can find their biggest beaches with hill track views like- Pink Beach, Padar Island, Pulau Kalong Kanawa Island, Pulau Kelor, Lawa Darat Gili, etc.

Solo Travel Tips 

In Indonesia, you can rent motorbikes from services like Bali Bike Rental. Gogo Motorbike Rentals is another affordable option. You can connect with local communities through Facebook groups to join rides and events.

10. Hungary

Hungary is one of the budget destinations for solo travelers in Europe. Hungary is the heart of central Europe. You can find many archeological sites and historical places there. You can enjoy their several festivals, and local markets, that offer economical travel for individuals

Why Hungary is a Budget-Friendly Destinations for Solo Travelers

• You will get low-cost accommodation in Hungary. Their hotels rent comparatively cheaper than those in other European countries. You can stay there a day for around $15 to 35. 
• You can have nice dining service with delicious food at a cheap rate. You can manage your daily food costs around $10 to $20.
• The transportation and tourist areas are also cheap, especially outside Budapest.

Key Attractions of Hungary

Budapest: Budapest in Hungary is one of the best budget travel destinations in January. Tourists mainly want to see: Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Vajdahunyad Castle.

There I like most about the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. It is almost 100 years of history. You can get the unique spa service here, and it gives you a warm feeling in the winter seasons.

Lake Balaton: You can find pure natural beauty and archeological views. Such as Tihanyi Bencés Apátság, Municipal Beach, Festetics Palace, Szigliget, Siofok Water Tower, Tapolcai-tavasbarlang Látogatóközpont, Janus Xantos Lookout (Sphere Lookout).

Eger: Castle of Eger, Valley of the Beautiful Woman, Dobó István SquareCathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle, Eger, Beatles Museum, Egri Termál- és Strandfürdő, Turkish Bath are top wallet-friendly destinations for single travelers.

Solo Travel Tips

You can explore Hungary and enjoy its free attractions, such as parks, markets, and historic sites. In cities like Budapest, public transport is cheap and convenient for seeing the sights.

How to Maximize Your Solo Travel On Low Budget

You can follow some methods and tips to make your trip on a budget. Here I will show some ways, you can utilize the method to reduce your travel costs.

Travel Off-Peak Season

You can choose the off-peak season to make your solo trip. Winter is considered an off-peak season for travelers. You can find relatively fewer visitors in winter than in summer. In the off-peak season, you will get cheap hotels and flights to your destinations. which really reduces your travel costs.

You can also avoid the weekend time to make your travel. Weekends also have visitors and crowds. You can visit on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and avoid rush times like business hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM).

Use Budget Accommodation Options

You can stay in hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. However, You will find hostels are relatively low-cost accommodations everywhere. Moreover, you can find many cheap hotels and guest houses. But you should follow their page or website to get their discount information.

Besides, You can use Booking.com or Expedia to get your affordable hotels in your destinations.  

Embrace Public Transportation

 Local transportation plays a vital role In your travel budget. So, you must have an idea about local vehicle rent. Basically, Public transport like buses, trains, and metro are the cheaper vehicles for solo travelers. If you use this transport for your journey, you can save 60% on transportation costs.

Plan Ahead

You should make your travel plan at least a month in advance. It will help you find affordable destinations. Also, you can book your flights and hotels within your budget. So, you can get discounts for your advance booking. 

FAQ About Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

What are the safest budget destinations for solo travelers?

Vietnam, Portugal, and Thailand are safe and affordable for solo travelers.

How can I travel solo on a tight budget?

Travel off-peak, stay in hostels, and use public transportation.

What should I pack for solo budget travel?

Essentials like a money belt, lightweight luggage, and portable chargers.

Are budget destinations suitable for first-time solo travelers?

Yes, destinations like Portugal and Thailand are beginner-friendly.

How can I make friends while traveling solo?

Stay in hostels, join group tours, and attend local events.

Conclusion

Many young guys like to travel alone. However, they face difficulties in choosing an affordable solo travel destination. In this article, I try to show the best budget destinations for solo travelers. I suggested 10 wallet-friendly destinations for single travelers. Also, I mention the most famous tourist attractions of 10 countries. So, I hope this article will be helpful for every solo traveler to choose their best affordable destination.