Introduction

Are you champing at the bit? I am. I’m ready to do a lot more travel this year. Doing a lot means being careful with my budget. So, for you and for me, I have researched the best budget destinations for solo travelers.

To come up with our budget lists, we have reviewed recommendations from other publications (and eliminated many that did not meet our safety standards), consulted fellow travelers, including members of the Solo Travel Society, and put it all through a solo travel filter to come up with our top 5 budget destinations each year. We’re a lot more careful when it comes to safety than many travel publications.

It should be noted that our suggestions are based primarily on research. We haven’t visited all these destinations so they are not personal endorsements.

Before you get too far in your planning process read Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips. It will help in a variety of ways to make your planning easier and your trip more enjoyable.

How We Determine Our Shortlist of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

We look at the following four criteria.

1. Affordability: Naturally, the affordability of a destination depends upon your home currency. We’re based in Canada and our currency is low against just about every other western currency right now. However, most of the information below is given in US dollars, unless it says otherwise, as most of us know our exchange rates in relation to the US dollar.

2. Cost of transportation: If the trip is short, the cost to get there is very important. If you’re planning a month or two in a destination, that cost is less significant as it will be prorated over a longer period of time.

3. Safety: I’ve listed the US and Canadian government advice as of January 2023 for each destination. Most of the budget travel destination lists I’ve reviewed have not included this information. While it needs to be placed in context, we’ve decided to share it here. At the time this list was created, I chose destinations with a maximum rating of “exercise a high degree of caution.” Please read the section on understanding government ratings for more on what this means.

4. Will it be interesting and fun? A great destination offers access to a new culture, fun things to do, or both. I’ve given you a very brief overview of both for each recommendation.

Check out our recommendations for budget destinations for solo travelers from previous years below. A number of them are still good bets.

Fundamentals for Finding a Budget Destination

Here are two fundamentals for finding a budget destination.

1. Go where the crowds are not. I wrote about overtourism in How and Where to Travel to Avoid the Crowds. You’ll save money if you don’t travel to hotspots or choose to go in the shoulder or low season. It’s basic supply and demand. The more tourists, the higher demand, the higher the prices are. Go to places that have endured hard times. Destinations that have endured financial or natural disasters such as hurricanes are usually less traveled and welcome tourist dollars. This pushes prices down and makes your tourist dollar all the more appreciated. It might be a rare chance to visit an overcrowded destination when it’s not crowded at all.

Understanding Government Travel Advice and Advisories

Governments create travel advice and advisory alerts for the sake of their citizens who are planning to travel to other countries. Both Canada and the US have a 4-tier rating system. While a country may receive one overall rating, specific areas within it may receive a different rating to indicate regionally specific concerns. These may be related to natural disasters, safety and security, health hazards, etc. This allows you to avoid areas that may pose a higher risk.

While the language varies slightly between the two countries, basically, the four levels are:

1. Exercise normal security precautions. There is some inherent risk in any international travel, but there are no significant safety and security concerns here.
2. Exercise a high degree of caution. There are identifiable safety and security concerns, or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. (To put this in perspective, Canada currently rates 92 countries as Level 2, and both countries rate the United Kingdom as Level 2.)
3. Avoid non-essential travel. There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk.
4. Avoid all travel. There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security.

Levels 1 and 2 are considered travel advice while levels 3 and 4 are considered travel advisories.

This distinction is important as there is a possibility that the validity of your travel insurance could be impacted if your country issues a travel advisory for the country to which you are traveling. Always read the fine print of your insurance policy and check your government’s advice before leaving home. You can easily find this by searching “government of (your home country) travel advice” then searching within that site for your destination country. Also read A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers: Video

None of the destinations on this year’s shortlist have travel advisories at time of writing.

The Shortlist of Destinations for Solo Travelers on a Budget 2023

Note: For consistency, all flight prices listed were found on Google Flights and depart from Toronto or New York during the last week of February with a return date two weeks later. Use your own home airport to see what you’d have to pay for flights. The room rates listed are for the same time period and were found on booking.com. All were checked during the week of this post’s publication. The hotels and hostels are not personal recommendations. They were chosen based on their price, review scores, and central location and are intended to give you an idea of what you can get for your money. Unless otherwise indicated, all prices are in US dollars.

Best Budget Solo Travel Destination for a European Experience: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a small city, rich with a wide range of architecture that reflects both its current state and its diverse past. It’s a city that is not yet inundated with tourists.

In Ljubljana I felt like I was in Italy 50 years ago. It has all the charm but few of the tourists. The historic center of Ljubljana includes a castle that dates back to the 11th century though the buildings you’ll see are more from the 16th century. In the city center is an extensive pedestrian zone that winds through buildings that are hundreds of years old. A walking tour of the city is a must.

There is also the Alternative District that has graffiti everywhere and people just hanging out or playing music. If you want a feel for how some of the youth of Ljubljana live, and where young travelers gravitate, Hostel Celica Art is worth a look, or a stay.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about US$3.15. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly US$10.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about US$13.00.

Accommodation: Here is a hotel for US$58.00, very close to the center with a 9.4 rating. Here is a hostel, the Hostel Celica Art which I have stayed at. The rate for our dates is US$29.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CA$901.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$590.00.

Safety:

US Government: Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions

Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

The 2023 Budget Destination for Fun in South America: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is another top destination for solo travelers on a budget. One of our readers loved Buenos Aires so much that she moved there. It’s known as the Paris of the South with interesting neighborhoods that combine European and South American style. And then, there’s the tango. That’s what got our reader hooked on Argentina. She took lessons at home, went a few times to experience the origins of the dance, and then moved.

The cost of living in Buenos Aires is, generally, 45% cheaper than North America yet it is expensive when compared to other cities in Argentina. A good bet is to take their affordable train system and enjoy the country including heading south to amazing Patagonia.

Affordability: In Buenos Aires, a beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about $3.18. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $9.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $22.00.

Accommodation: Here is a hotel for US$73.00, very close to the center with an 8.1 rating. Here is a hostel that will run you US$20.00 in a dorm.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CA$1,139.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$985.00.

Safety:

US Government: Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions

Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

The Historic Center of Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s Historic District is famous, but there is also the architecture in the Victorian District and the hip Starland District, all within the downtown area. Venture a little further to Savannah’s quiet Lowcountry in the Moon River District.

In an exchange with members of the Solo Travel Society about travel inspiration, Christy said: “I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, set in Savannah, Georgia. I’ve always had an interest in the South. This book was full of eccentric characters. I was so intrigued, by both the people and the town of Savannah, that I went!”

Affordability: It’s the low cost of getting to Savannah and the low cost of hotels compared to other US cities that makes Savannah affordable as a destination for solo travelers on a budget. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about US$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly US$22.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about US$18.00.

Accommodation: While the hotels/hostels are more expensive in Savannah than other destinations listed, the cost to get there is much lower for most readers. If you drive, you won’t need accommodation as central as I have chosen and can definitely save a lot per night. Here is a hotel in the historic district for US$140.00. I did not find a hostel in Savannah.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CA$515.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$118.00.

Safety:

Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

According to Travellers Worldwide, there are parts of the city to avoid.

The 2023 Solo Travel Budget Destination for Adventure: Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a perfect launching point for travel in Morocco.

The city itself is both modern and very traditional. The walled medieval city dates to the Berber Empire. There are mosques, palaces, gardens, and, of course, the Medina which is where I bought both a painting and a wall hanging. Don’t miss the Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Once there, it is certainly worth exploring beyond Marrakech. There is an affordable train service to take you far beyond the city limits to the town and beaches of Essaouira as well as all the major cities along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about US$3.79. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly US$3.92. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $5.29.

Accommodation: In Marrakech you have a lot of options from affordable stays for golf to more cultural experiences in the city center. Here is a fairly central, modern hotel for US$68.00 that has an 8.6 rating. Here is a hostel with an 8.8 rating, rooftop dining, and more.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at $1,022.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$668.00.

Safety:

US Government: Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution

Canadian Government: Level 2 Exercise a high degree of caution

Both countries advise to avoid travel in border regions of Western Sahara.

Best Southeast Asia Budget Destination for History and Nature: Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the few countries in southeast Asia that is safe according to our governments as well as inexpensive. Singapore is actually less expensive than Taiwan and equally safe but does not offer travelers the same diversity of experiences. This is why I went with Taiwan.

A movie, I can’t remember which one, turned me on to Taiwan’s natural beauty. An article on BBC Travel increased my interest in this island nation. In fact, they wrote “Taiwan’s East Coast Highway is easily one of East Asia’s most beautiful spots for cycling.” That says a lot! The country also offers Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temples, hot springs, and a cuisine influenced by the culinary traditions of Taiwan’s aboriginal people, Chinese settlers, and the Japanese who ruled the island for 50 years. The city of Taipei is your point of entry, offering dramatic buildings, amazing shopping, and night markets.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about US$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $8.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $7.00.

Accommodation: Here is a hotel in Taipei city centre with an 8.6 rating for US$54.00. Here is a hostel in the city center with a 7.3 rating for US$29.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CA$1,418.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$1,023.00.

Safety:

US Government: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

The Shortlist of Destinations for Solo Travelers on a Budget 2021/22

Top Budget Destination for Solo Travelers Africa: Windhoek, Namibia

I have friends who have fallen so in love with Namibia that they return again and again and now lead tours there for friends and acquaintances.

When asked if Namibia would qualify as a safe, interesting, inexpensive (once you get there) destination for a solo traveler, Jan said, “Absolutely! It has been a democratic country for almost three decades. With high unemployment, there is petty crime in Windhoek and one should exercise caution after dark, take taxis, etc., as in any large city. The country is safe for driving holidays; has a good infrastructure, water as well as roads; and one can drink water from the faucet.”

Affordability: One US dollar will buy you about 11.70 Namibian Dollars. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost approximately $13.00. A beer in a neighborhood pub will set you back roughly $2.25. A 5-mile taxi ride runs about $8.50.

Here is a hotel for US$99.00, including breakfast, with a terrace and swimming pool, located in the former Austrian embassy. Here is a hostel for $24.00 in a 4-bed dorm or $47.00 for a private room.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at C$1,247.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$1,074.00.

Safety:

US Government: Exercise normal precautions in Namibia.

Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Namibia.

Top Budget Destination Asia: Yerevan, Armenia

I have wanted to travel to Armenia for a very long time, ever since falling in love with the films of Atom Egoyan. Armenia has a lengthy, interesting history, incredible landscapes, and delicious cuisine – not to mention being home to the world’s oldest known winery.

Take a walking tour of the city to see and hear about the history, architecture, art and culture of Yerevan, including Republic Square, the Blue Mosque, the Opera House, the National Gallery and the History Museum of Armenia. Climb the stairs of the Cascade for sweeping views of the city. Picnic in Lover’s Park; tour the Ararat distillery and taste the famous brandy; visit the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute; take a day tour to Geghard to see the medieval monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site; and in warm weather, take a seat on an outdoor patio to enjoy the atmosphere and a delicious dinner.

Affordability: One US dollar will buy you about 470 Armenian Drams. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about $1.83. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $3.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $3.87.

Here is a centrally located boutique hotel for US$43.00, with breakfast included. Here is a hostel with a 9.8/10 rating for $8.00 in an 8-bed dorm or $16.00 for a private room, with breakfast available for $3.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at C$1,135.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$904.00

Safety:

US Government: Exercise normal precautions in Armenia.

Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Armenia.

Top Budget Destination North America: St. John’s, Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s most easterly province is home to friendly people, rugged coastline, and gorgeous scenery. The capital of St. John’s, one of the oldest cities in North America, is colorful, with its jellybean houses, vibrant arts community, tasty culinary scene, and personality to spare.

Affordability: One US dollar will buy you about $1.27 Canadian Dollars. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about $5.50. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $10.20. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $15.00.

Here is a hotel for US$70.00, including breakfast, within walking distance of downtown. Here is a guest house for $48.00, including breakfast in a centrally located restored mansion.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at C$782.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$623.00. Note: these prices are almost double last year.

Safety:

US Government: Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Canadian Government: Sit yourself down while I make you a cup of tea.

La Paz, Bolivia from South America Tourism Office

Top Budget Destination South America: La Paz, Bolivia

This description from The Guardian sealed the deal for me in terms of placing La Paz on this year’s shortlist of destinations for solo travelers on a budget.

An amalgam of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, it has everything from offerings to the goddess Pachamama to incense-filled colonial churches, food stalls to trendy cafes, bowler-hatted cholitas to hipsters among its theatrical street life. It’s frenetic, chaotic, often frustrating but never dull. More than ever, it’s championing its culture, from local artists to age-old crafts. There’s a gastronomic revolution under way, with restaurants that use only Bolivian produce and bars that mix homegrown spirits. And Mi Teleférico, the world’s longest and highest urban cable car network, is making it easier to get around the city.

Affordability: One US dollar will buy you about 5.41 Bolivian Bolivianos. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost about $12.75. A beer in a neighborhood pub will be roughly $3.88, and a 5-mile taxi ride, $17.37.

Here is a centrally located boutique hotel for US$37.00, including breakfast. Here is a hostel for $9.00 in a 4-bed mixed dorm or female-only dorm, with breakfast included.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at C$1100.00. From New York City, return flights start at US$845.00.

Safety:

US Government: Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest.

Canadian Government: Exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia due to the continuing political and social tensions and frequent illegal roadblocks throughout the country.