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Solo travel allows for personal freedom and decision-making without the influence of others, making it a liberating and exciting experience. Traveling on a budget opens up a world of options and allows for more opportunities to explore lesser-known destinations. These 10 destinations, including Rishikesh, Buenos Aires, and Chiang Mai, offer great experiences for solo travelers on a budget, with affordable accommodations and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Solo Travel: Personal Freedom and Excitement
Solo travel is just that, traveling solo. Not with family and not with friends. Alone! Imagine the fun and the excitement. Every decision, every day, is personal and not subject to anybody else’s: where to go, what time to go, what to eat, how much to spend, etc. Traveling solo can be the most liberating and learning experience while having the best time in life.
The Beauty of Traveling on a Budget
While traveling on a budget can be limiting, it also opens up a world of options that otherwise might have been overlooked. As William Shakespeare so eloquently said, “The world is your Oyster,” indicating an Oyster that might have a beautiful Pearl inside. The reference is to explore unknown destinations and see what lies ahead.
10 Affordable Vacation Spots for Solo Travelers
The world has thousands of great travel destinations. Some are known for history, some for natural beauty, and some for other activities and attractions. These are 10 destinations that are great for solo travelers on a budget. Although many listed locations are deemed safe, solo travelers must stay vigilant of their environment and take all necessary travel precautions, starting with reading government travel advisories for any given region, city, or country.
1. Rishikesh, India
Only four hours drive from the capital city, New Delhi, Rishikesh is one of India’s most popular destinations at the foothills of the great Himalayas. Known for long as the world’s Yoga and meditation capital, Rishikesh has some of India’s most popular Yoga Ashrams. The holy river Ganges also flows through the town, allowing a vast range of water sports.
Rishikesh has many adrenaline-pumping activities, from white water river rafting and tubing to zip-lining and swimming in the Ganges to bungee jumping over the river. Many small and quiet cafés have live jamming sessions with beautiful river overlooks that offer delicious coffee and local snacks all over the northern part of Rishikesh. Tapovan is the most popular area in Rishikesh, and it is primarily vegetarian because of the Hindu faith here, but the local vegetarian dishes are finger-licking good.
While most activities in Rishikesh are free, some have nominal charges, and the U.S. Dollar buys a lot in India. Hotels and local food options are cheap, and all hotels offer free Wi-Fi connectivity. The city has a low nightlife as it is more inclined towards spirituality and daytime tourism.
Average Daily Expenses in Rishikesh
- Hotel: $10-20 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Rishikesh
- Peak Season: March – June
- Off Season: December – February
Jim Corbett National Park, the world’s most famous Wild Life Tiger Reserve, is a 4-hour drive from Rishikesh.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina, is another top destination for solo travelers on a budget. With attractive neighborhoods combining European and South American architectural styles, the city is well known for its popular café culture, grand boulevards, and incredible food. The city is also one of the most diverse cities in Latin America and a melting pot of different cultures worldwide.
From Markets to nature reserves and palaces to parks, there are many free activities in Buenos Aires for the budget-conscious traveler. There are a lot of sightseeing attractions in and around the city, many of which are free, and the others are accessible at a nominal charge.
The cost of living in Buenos Aires is generally 45% cheaper than in North America. Buenos Aires is a city that sleeps in and stays out late. Locals know how to party and tend to be out and about most nights of the week. Most clubs don’t open their doors until midnight or later, even on weeknights (with some exceptions), and the party usually lasts until well after sunrise. Safety ranks pretty high in Buenos Aires, and that’s always good for out-of-town solo travelers.
Average Daily Expenses in Buenos Aires
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $10-20
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Buenos Aires
- Peak Season: December – February
- Off Season: June – August
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
At the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain in Northern Thailand lies Chiang Mai, a destination loved by anyone who’s been here. It’s a superb alternative to the overcrowded Bangkok – the same culture and food but without the crowd.
Chiang Mai has many cafés and bars, including live Jazz, and is excellent for solo travelers because of the fun and adventurous activities. Some popular attractions here are the elephant sanctuary, hiking to one of the seven hill tribe villages of Northern Thailand (and possibly doing a homestay!).
Chiang Mai has lots of hostels that are not only inexpensive but also great places to meet and interact with fellow travelers and socialize. One of the top reasons for people to visit Chiang Mai is the Thai food here. The region is the culinary center of Northern Thai food, and the best places to eat are the small street shops in the old part of town selling fresh local food.
Average Daily Expenses In Chiang Mai
- Hotel: $10-20 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Chiang Mai
- Peak Season: October – April
- Off Season: July – October
4. Seville, Spain
Seville, Spain, has a Mediterranean climate and lovely sunshine throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for traveling solo. There are many things to do, from spectacular architecture and festive celebrations to flamenco shows and delicious tapas, and it almost needs a guide to explore Seville.
Once here, check out the Plaza de España, one of Seville’s main attractions, then head to the Roman city remains of Italica and explore the Pueblos Blancos (the enchanting white villages in Andalucia). Most of these attractions are free, and the costs to travel to them are pretty nominal. Hotels and hostels are plenty and are pretty inexpensive. Seville is generally a very safe city, even late at night when it’s typically still buzzing with plenty of people out and about.
No Seville winter break is complete without experiencing a Flamenco show like Casa de la Memoria and El Palacio Andaluz; both have different show options to choose the most budget-friendly show. Seville’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a leisurely lunch – or bar hop from place to place! – while sampling local foods, which are relatively inexpensive.
Average Daily Expenses In Seville
- Hotel: $30-50 (Budget)
- Meals: $10-20
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Seville
- Peak Season: April – June, September – October
- Off Season: June – August
5. Krakow, Poland
In Poland, Krakow is one place where solo travelers instantly feel welcomed and comfortable. It’s not a massive city, but it’s not a village either—a city that moves leisurely during the day and is comfortable at night. The bars and cafes come alive after dinner, but the scene is always relaxed and feels safe.
There are plenty of budget-friendly bars and cafes to please the traveling palate. They’re also a great place to meet with and interact with other solo travelers seen dotting the urban landscape. Krakow offers plenty of activities for solo travelers. Walking the main square and old town of Krakow is the best way to get to know the city.
Climbing St. Mary’s Basilica Tower allows a superb view of the city from above. For history buffs, the Galicia Jewish Museum is worth stopping by to learn about the history of Polish Jews.
September through October is the best time to visit with mild temperatures before the freezing winter. If the cold is inconsequential, December can be a fun time to visit since Krakow doesn’t hold back on Christmas festivities.
Average Daily Expenses In Krakow
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Krakow
- Peak Season: June – October
- Off Season: December – February
6. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary, has become a digital nomad hub with coffee shops full of people crouched over laptops for hours. One of Europe’s best travel destinations, Budapest attracts millions of visitors yearly, many of whom are solo travelers. Most Hungarians speak English, making it easy for Americans and Canadians to choose Budapest as a travel destination.
Most places in Budapest are walkable; otherwise, the public transport system (BBK) is easy to use. One of the best ways to experience Budapest is by walking along the Danube River.
Budapest is known as the world’s spa capital, and for good reason. The Hungarian capital has been offering relaxation through thermal baths and spas to travelers ever since the reign of the Romans, and it truly is a worthwhile experience. There are more than a few in the city, and they charge a nominal fee for access.
Hungarian cuisine is another favorite among many. Budapest has a lively restaurant and bar scene well suited to the single-life and solo traveler lifestyle.
Average Daily Expenses in Budapest
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Budapest
- Peak Season: May – September, December
- Off Season: January – March
7. Merida, Mexico
Named one of the two safest cities on the Americas Continent in 2019 by CEOWorld Magazine, Merida is a colorful, colonial city in Mexico. Merida combines rich history with being a fun tropical destination, as it is considered the Mayan Cultural Capital of the Yucatan.
From imposing monuments and historic buildings to lively streets and charming cafés, there’s a lot to do in Merida. The Monumento a la Patria is the most photographed Paseo Montejo monument, making for a popular Instagram memory. The number of Solo travelers to the city is increasing by large numbers each year. The Merida Downtown City Center is full of colorful homes, beautiful colonial architecture, street food stalls, pretty parks with bougainvillea bushes, and many more things to see, do, eat, and photograph. Within just two hours of the city, there are the pink lakes of Las Coloradas and incredible Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Uxmal Ruins. There’s no chance of getting bored in Merida.
When the sun goes down, Merida comes alive with outdoor festivals around Plaza Grande, the central plaza where you’ll see the Merida Cathedral and Paseo de Montejo. In addition, there are a lot of bars in the city, allowing another chance to meet and interact with new people.
Average Daily Expenses In Merida
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Merida
- Peak Season: December – April
- Off Season: May – June, September – November
8. Quebec City, Canada
Everything about Quebec City is special; It gives the feeling of being magically teleported to France, with the red shutters on stone homes, cobblestone streets, gold-adorned churches, and the fortress overlooking the city. The city has plenty to do and see that keeps a solo traveler happily engaged.
Being the only city north of Mexico that has its old fortification walls surrounding it, the Citadelle of Quebec is the largest British fort in North America and one the most popular attractions in the city. The Saint Lawrence River and the Montmorency Falls are unique attractions, and visitors can spend hours walking or relaxing along the river at no charge whatsoever. Quebec has plenty of small and affordable restaurants and cafes welcoming to a single traveler.
Quebec gets cold in the winter and comfortable in the summer, making it attractive to all solo travelers. For a city this beautiful, resourceful, and accessible, Quebec is comfortably affordable to most solo travelers all through the year.
Average Daily Expenses In Quebec City
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $10-20
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Quebec City
- Peak Season: July – August
- Off Season: April – June
9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia’s capital and largest city, with a population of 2.2 million, Phnom Penh, is considered one of Indochina’s most beautiful French-built cities. French and Khmer are the primary languages, although most people in the cosmopolitan and tourist areas understand English.
There are many hostels in Phnom Penh catering to the many budget-conscious and solo travelers that come here.
Three-wheeler Tuk Tuks are the city’s most popular and preferred medium of transportation and most likely the most efficient. Motorcycle taxis, called Motos, are also standard in Phnom Penh and are cheaper but less safe (two wheels vs. three). The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are two primary attractions for visitors to Phnom Penh. Of course, there is Angkor Wat, about 5 hours drive from Phnom Penh. There are many options for a day trip to Angkor Wat, and anyone visiting Cambodia should take advantage of this opportunity.
Nightlife is unregulated in Cambodia, with no official drinking age limit and bars open until sunrise. Solo travelers wanting some quiet time to introspect or reflect can walk down Sisowath Quay, a 3 km long promenade along the Tonlé Sap River.
Phnom Penh is generally very safe. Visitors must still be aware that beggars and touts (including child vendors) often populate the tourist-heavy areas. A simple “No, thank you” will deter most of them.
Average Daily Expenses in Phnom Penh
- Hotel: $15 (Hostel / Budget)
- Meals: $13
- Local Transport: $7.75
Best Time To Visit Phnom Penh
- Peak Season: January – March
- Off Season: May – September
10. Istanbul, Turkey
A traveler can spend the morning visiting a 15th-century mosque and the afternoon sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar. Istanbul is a city of contrasts! Historically, the world’s trading center, the city’s old name was Constantinople.
It is a popular destination for solo travelers because of the mix of experiences that Istanbul offers. Istanbul has everything From ancient buildings and historic landmarks to cute coffee shops (Turkish coffee is to die for) and vibrant shopping areas. In addition, it’s a relatively cheap city with friendly locals and a high tourist population. The neighboring areas outside the city have an ancient history and beautiful landscapes that attract thousands of visitors. Every destination is a worthy Instagram memory.
Visitors to this ancient city should spend some time exploring its monuments, such as the Palace Of The Porphyrogenitus, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and many more (there won’t be enough time to explore all of them on one trip).
Istanbul is generally very safe. Visitors should learn, respect, and follow cultural norms that might differ from the Western world.
Average Daily Expenses In Istanbul
- Hotel: $20-30 (Budget)
- Meals: $5-10
- Local Transport: $1-2
Best Time To Visit Istanbul
- Peak Season: April – June, September – October
- Off Season: November – March
Conclusion
Solo travel on a budget is an exciting and rewarding experience. These 10 destinations offer affordable accommodations, plenty of activities, and unique cultural experiences for solo travelers. Whether it’s exploring the spiritual capital of Rishikesh, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, or discovering the historical charm of Istanbul, these destinations provide the perfect balance of adventure and affordability. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and embark on an unforgettable solo adventure to one of these budget-friendly vacation spots.