Introduction: Why Solo Travel is Booming
In recent years, solo travel has surged in popularity, especially among adventurous male and female travelers seeking independence, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories. But let’s be honest traveling alone can be thrilling and intimidating. Safety, affordability, and the overall experience matter more than ever.
So, whether you’re a woman backpacking through Asia or a man road-tripping across Europe, this guide to the top 20 cheap places to male and female solo travel will help you plan the trip of a lifetime without emptying your wallet.
Let’s explore the most budget-friendly and rewarding solo travel destinations across the globe.
Table of Contents
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why it’s great: Affordable, spiritual, and buzzing with solo travelers
Average Daily Budget: $25–$35
Positive Sentiment: Safe, welcoming locals, excellent street food
Negative Sentiment: Can feel too touristy during peak season
Chiang Mai is a solo travel haven. The city is laid-back with a strong spiritual vibe and endless cheap hostels. Female solo travelers feel particularly safe here, and the night markets are perfect for trying authentic Thai dishes for under $2.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Why it’s great: Stunning views, affordable accommodation, rich culture
Average Daily Budget: $30–$50
Positive Sentiment: Friendly locals, free walking tours, lively hostels
Negative Sentiment: Hilly terrain can be exhausting
Lisbon offers a European experience without the high price tag. It’s a hit with both male and female solo travelers due to its vibrant nightlife, colorful streets, and cozy cafés. The pastel de nata is a must-try!
3. Bali, Indonesia
Why it’s great: Beautiful beaches, spiritual retreats, digital nomad hub
Average Daily Budget: $20–$40
Positive Sentiment: Healing atmosphere, great yoga centers
Negative Sentiment: Crowded in tourist spots like Kuta
From surfing in Canggu to meditating in Ubud, Bali is one of the top cheap places to male and female solo travel. Many women come here for wellness retreats, while men enjoy the surf and social hostels.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Why it’s great: Fairy-tale architecture, affordable beer, walkable city
Average Daily Budget: $30–$45
Positive Sentiment: Safe, clean, great public transport
Negative Sentiment: Can be cold and gray in winter
Prague combines old-world charm with budget travel bliss. It’s easy to meet people in hostels, and a pint of beer costs less than $2. Both male and female solo travelers can explore comfortably.
5. Medellín, Colombia
Why it’s great: Vibrant culture, inexpensive food, improved safety
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Positive Sentiment: Warm locals, stunning views
Negative Sentiment: Some neighborhoods still require caution
Once infamous, Medellín is now a thriving solo travel spot with tons of coworking spaces and friendly locals. Spanish classes and paragliding adventures make it an exciting experience.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Why it’s great: Thermal baths, history, nightlife
Average Daily Budget: $25–$40
Positive Sentiment: Ruin bars, river cruises, youth-oriented
Negative Sentiment: Some areas feel run-down
Budapest offers something for everyone. From historic baths to river cruises, it’s one of the best cheap places to male and female solo travel in Europe. Be sure to try a goulash!
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Why it’s great: Cultural richness, low cost, endless street eats
Average Daily Budget: $15–$30
Positive Sentiment: Delicious food, walkable streets
Negative Sentiment: Traffic chaos, occasional scams
Hanoi is ideal for solo budget travelers. A bowl of pho costs just $1, and the Old Quarter offers endless things to explore. Many female travelers feel empowered navigating it alone.
8. Kraków, Poland
Why it’s great: Compact city, medieval charm, cheap eats
Average Daily Budget: $25–$35
Positive Sentiment: Friendly, English-speaking locals
Negative Sentiment: Tourist hotspots can be overpriced
Kraków is steeped in history, and it’s perfect for solo exploration. Visit castles, join group walking tours, or just relax in the cozy cafés.
9. Oaxaca, Mexico
Why it’s great: Culture, food, safety
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Positive Sentiment: Colorful markets, rich traditions
Negative Sentiment: Some areas may lack good transport
Oaxaca is culturally rich and known for its affordable gourmet food and handicrafts. Great for solo travelers looking for authenticity.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why it’s great: Unique culture, growing backpacker scene
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Positive Sentiment: Wine culture, ancient history
Negative Sentiment: Language barrier at times
Tbilisi is off the beaten path and extremely affordable. It’s one of the rising cheap places to male and female solo travel in Eurasia. Try the khachapuri!
11. Sri Lanka (Arugam Bay & Ella)
Why it’s great: Beaches, hills, wildlife
Average Daily Budget: $15–$30
Positive Sentiment: Peaceful, great surf and scenery
Negative Sentiment: Limited public transport in rural areas
Arugam Bay is a surfer’s paradise, while Ella offers breathtaking views and nature hikes. Both are safe and fun for solo travelers, especially those craving diversity in landscapes.
12. Sofia, Bulgaria
Why it’s great: Underrated gem, historic ruins, super cheap
Average Daily Budget: $20–$30
Positive Sentiment: Less crowded, great Wi-Fi
Negative Sentiment: Old infrastructure
Sofia flies under the radar, but it’s perfect for solo travel. Cafés, cheap eats, and beautiful nature hikes are all easily accessible.
13. La Paz, Bolivia
Why it’s great: High-altitude adventure, unique culture
Average Daily Budget: $15–$25
Positive Sentiment: Vibrant colors, interesting history
Negative Sentiment: Altitude sickness is real
La Paz offers a different world for solo travelers. The Death Road bike trip is a thrilling bucket-list adventure.
14. Belgrade, Serbia
Why it’s great: Budget nightlife, riverside views
Average Daily Budget: $25–$35
Positive Sentiment: Lively culture, friendly hostels
Negative Sentiment: Not many vegetarian options
Belgrade is known for nightlife and history. Solo travelers enjoy its youthful energy, especially during summer.
15. Nepal (Pokhara & Kathmandu)
Why it’s great: Mountains, spirituality, trekking culture
Average Daily Budget: $15–$25
Positive Sentiment: Peaceful, spiritual, awe-inspiring nature
Negative Sentiment: Infrastructure can be basic
Nepal is great for male and female solo adventurers. Many women travel here for spiritual awakening, while men enjoy the Himalayan hikes.
16. Guatemala (Antigua)
Why it’s great: Volcanoes, Spanish schools, colonial charm
Average Daily Budget: $20–$30
Positive Sentiment: Beautiful landscapes, fun backpacker culture
Negative Sentiment: Be cautious in urban areas
Antigua is picturesque and affordable. Spanish schools attract travelers, and day trips to volcanoes are unforgettable.
17. Philippines (Siargao & Cebu)
Why it’s great: Island hopping, diving, warm locals
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Positive Sentiment: Pristine beaches, vibrant hostel scenes
Negative Sentiment: Limited Wi-Fi in rural spots
The Philippines is paradise for budget solo travelers. Siargao is laid-back, and Cebu offers great diving and waterfalls.
18. Turkey (Istanbul & Cappadocia)
Why it’s great: East meets West, rich history
Average Daily Budget: $20–$35
Positive Sentiment: Unique architecture, friendly people
Negative Sentiment: Tourist pricing in Istanbul
Istanbul is perfect for culture lovers, and Cappadocia is a dream for solo adventurers who want to float in a hot air balloon.
19. India (Rishikesh & Goa)
Why it’s great: Budget heaven, deep culture
Average Daily Budget: $10–$25
Positive Sentiment: Affordable retreats, diverse experiences
Negative Sentiment: Overwhelming cities, safety in crowded areas
India offers incredible solo travel opportunities. Rishikesh is calm and spiritual, while Goa is lively and beachy.
20. Albania (Tirana & Saranda)
Why it’s great: Europe’s best-kept secret
Average Daily Budget: $20–$30
Positive Sentiment: Undiscovered beaches, low prices
Negative Sentiment: Less developed tourism
Albania is rising fast in the travel world. Saranda’s beaches rival Greece, and Tirana is full of character—without the European price tag.
Final Thoughts: How to Stay Safe and Happy
Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or a seasoned wanderer, these cheap places to male and female solo travel offer incredible value, memorable experiences, and the chance to meet like-minded explorers.
Top Tips:
- Always inform someone of your travel plans
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses with good reviews
- Trust your instincts
- Use local apps for transport and communication
- Blend in with local customs to avoid unwanted attention
What to Avoid:
- Overplanning every day—leave room for spontaneity
- Skimping on safety for cost
- Ignoring local advice
- Carrying too much cash or flashy gadgets
Conclusion: The World Awaits – Go Solo, Spend Less, Experience More
Embarking on a solo journey is one of the most transformative experiences you can give yourself. Whether you’re a woman seeking peace and empowerment or a man craving freedom and thrill, the world offers countless affordable destinations where you can travel safely, confidently, and meaningfully.
The beauty of solo travel lies in its simplicity—no compromise, no waiting, just you and the open road. And the best part? You don’t need a fortune to experience it. From the spiritual calm of Bali and the rugged landscapes of Nepal to the colorful charm of Oaxaca and the urban culture of Lisbon, each destination we’ve covered proves that cheap places to male and female solo travel aren’t just budget-friendly they’re incredibly enriching.
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Navigating foreign streets, managing costs, or even dealing with occasional loneliness is part of the package. But these moments also shape you. They build resilience, spark connections, and gift you with stories no one else can tell.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or your fifteenth, let this list be your compass. Choose a destination that resonates with your spirit and fits your wallet. The world is vast, welcoming, and more accessible than ever before.
Pack light, travel smart, and embrace the adventure—because solo doesn’t mean alone. It means freedom.
