Traveling alone can be a great option for people looking for an adventure. It allows you to do whatever you want without any obligations or responsibilities to others. Also solo travelers can move around quickly without any stress, making travel a very satisfying way. Additionally, travelling alone can help you learn more about yourself as you spend time alone and discover your true nature.
Whether you like to relax on a beach or visit a busy city, the decision is entirely up to you. Nonetheless, it’s important to prioritize your safety and security when traveling alone, as solo travelers can be more susceptible to being taken advantage of.
Are you searching for an exciting and affordable destination to travel alone to in 2023? You’re in luck! There are many budget-friendly places worldwide that are perfect for solo travelers with various interests and tastes. Whether you want to explore historical landmarks or relax on beautiful beaches, these destinations have something for everyone.
In this article, we will share some great destinations for solo travelers on a budget. These countries, including Guatemala and Mexico, offer exciting experiences without breaking the bank. Get ready to pack your bags and start on an unforgettable solo adventure in 2023!
- Mexico
Mexico is a lively and culturally diverse country that provides many low-cost options for solo travelers. Whether you want to bask in the beauty of Cancun’s beaches or experience the exciting nightlife of Mexico City, this country has it all. Mexico has a relatively low cost of living compared to other popular travel destinations, making it an excellent option for travelers on a budget. Furthermore, the locals are welcoming and hospitable, which is particularly helpful when traveling alone.
- Thailand
Thailand is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers because it has a lot to offer. You can explore historic temples or relax on picturesque beaches. Accommodations are reasonably priced, and you can find hostels or guesthouses for as low as $5 per night. The street food is tasty and inexpensive, with local dishes like pad Thai and green curry available for just a few dollars. Transportation is also cheap, with buses and trains connecting major cities at a much lower cost than a flight.
A great advantage of solo travel in Thailand is the chance to connect with other travelers. Thailand is a well-known backpacker destination, and hostels and guesthouses provide great opportunities for socializing and meeting people with similar interests. Solo travelers can also participate in organized tours and activities, such as jungle trekking or cooking classes, to meet new people and form friendships.
- Philippines
If you want a tropical vacation that won’t cost you a lot, consider visiting the Philippines. This country has beautiful turquoise waters, lively backpacking spots, picturesque palm-lined roads, and delicious dishes like halo-halo, kare-kare, and sisig. The cost of living is very reasonable, making it hard to understand why anyone would spend a lot of money on overwater bungalows in the Maldives when they can experience the same stunning views in the Philippines for much less.
If you’re traveling alone, the Philippines is a great place to meet friendly and welcoming locals, so you’ll have no trouble making new friends. Additionally, the Philippines is known for its stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts looking to capture beautiful moments to share on social media.
- Bulgaria
Even though Eastern Europe is becoming more popular, there are still many undiscovered destinations that are worth exploring. If you want to venture off the beaten path, you might want to consider Bulgaria, which is easily accessible from nearby popular countries such as Hungary, Turkey, and Greece. Flixbus is a great transportation option for traveling between Eastern European countries, and you can find buses from nearby cities to Sofia, Bulgaria for as low as $7.
When you’re in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, you can enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant for as little as $5-7. Join a free walking tour to learn about the country’s communist history. To save money, you can stay at a hostel for as low as $12 per night. While Bulgaria has a low crime rate, it’s still important to be attentive and mindful of your surroundings.
- Guatemala
Many people believe that traveling to Central America is dangerous and not worth it. However, this is a misconception, as Central America has many amazing things to offer, especially for budget travelers. Guatemala, a small country in Central America, is often overlooked but is one of the most affordable destinations in the region. Even if you have limited time, you can explore the country in just a few days, and if you have more time, you can visit even more places.
The old town of Antigua has charming neighborhoods with Spanish colonial architecture that are perfect for strolling around. Lake Atitlán is another must-see attraction with breathtaking views of Volcan Atitlán, a volcano. The lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and you can explore it by taking a boat tour or visiting the nearby villages. Guatemala is a safe place for travelers, and there’s no reason to believe the false stories about Central America being unsafe.
- Colombia
Colombia used to have a bad reputation and was thought to be dangerous, but that is not the case anymore. Nowadays, Colombia is a popular tourist destination, and in 2019, it had a record high of 4.5 million visitors before the pandemic. One of the reasons why people come to Colombia is because it has stunning scenery, such as the hills of Medellín and the colorful streets of Cartagena, as well as tasty food, like arepas sold by street vendors. Moreover, Colombia has good safety measures in place, and even female solo travelers have said that it’s a safe destination and one of their favorites.
- Malaysia
If you want to experience luxury without spending too much money, Malaysia is the perfect Southeast Asian country to visit. It has a mix of modern cities and tropical beaches, and the food is amazing too. Solo travelers will love the affordable hotel options in Kuala Lumpur, where you can stay in a hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and a view of the famous Petronas Towers for only $35 a night. If you’re looking for a beach getaway, Langkawi, an island off the coast of Malaysia, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and great diving spots.
To experience the taste of Malaysia, you should definitely try their street food which includes dishes like curry mee, nasi lemak, and Mee Goreng Mamak. The food is so delicious that you’ll want to have more, and the best part is that it’s quite affordable, costing only around $2-3. Malaysia is generally safe, but women may receive unwanted attention and stares. While there is no need to fully cover up, dressing modestly may help to minimize this attention.
