How To Travel Solo On A Budget Without Giving Up Comfort

Travelling solo on a budget can sometimes feel like an impossible feat. Given that the pricing on accommodations is usually based on double occupancy, it often means that solo travellers have to pay double. But after several decades of travelling alone, I’ve discovered several ways to travel solo on a budget without sacrificing comfort or settling for second-hand experiences.

After spending so much time saving money to travel, the last thing you want is to get to your destination and not be able to enjoy it to the fullest. In this post, I’ll share the strategies that I’ve discovered which will enable you to enjoy high quality travel without breaking the bank.

Tips To Travel Solo On A Budget

Choose Off Peak Or Shoulder Season Travel

The best, and easiest, way to save money without compromising is to avoid travelling during peak times. The price during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall (in most destinations) is significantly cheaper. Not only can you save money by travelling during the shoulder season, there are also other benefits such as:

Prioritize Accommodation Where It Matters

Many people say that the accommodation doesn’t matter as you likely won’t be in your room much. As a solo traveller, I beg to differ. First, for safety reasons, the location of the accommodation you choose is extremely important when you’re travelling alone. Second, in order to save money, you will want to either be close to the attractions so that you’re able to walk, or you’ll want to have easy access to public transportation.

If you’re travelling solo on a budget, you don’t have to stay at the cheapest place. You just need to find good value. In order to do this, look for:

Just One Tip: Before booking accommodations, always check out recent reviews

Take Advantage Of Loyalty Programs And Travel Rewards

Using loyalty programs and travel rewards is a trick that frequent travellers often use. But even if you don’t travel often, points can add up quickly which opens up many benefits, such as:

What better way to get extra perks without adding extra cost?

Use Public Transportation To Travel Solo On A Budget

If you haven’t booked your accommodations in a convenient location, the money you put out for transportation can add up quickly. This is one reason why accommodations should be prioritized in order to travel on a budget.

If you do need transportation, it’s smart to avoid using private cars and even taxi’s, as these are quite expensive. Instead, I recommend the following:

These options will keep your budget in check, while still ensuring safe and reliable transportation.

Eat Like A Local And Save Big

Next to accommodations, food is the largest expense when travelling. One of the greatest joys when travelling is to experience the taste of new food. What better way to do this than by eating where the locals eat? When eating where the locals eat, you not only save money, you will also get more authentic food.

Over the years of travelling solo, the following are some ways that I’ve found to save money when it comes to food:

Just One Tip: Eat a larger lunch mid-afternoon and purchase a snack to have in your room in the evening

Book Tours Wisely

A tour is the only way to truly discover the attractions of a destination. Wrong! I agree that booking a tour for the attractions that truly benefit from local expertise, such as historical tours, wildlife excursions, or off-road adventures, is beneficial. However, there are several other ways you can take part in the local activities without booking a tour, and will allow you to travel solo on a budget:

Pack Light To Avoid Extra Fees

The majority of airlines now charge an extra fee when you check luggage. Travelling with a carry-on only is one of the best ways to save a few bucks. Not only that, it makes travelling solo more comfortable without having to lug around extra luggage.

For seniors, packing light is especially helpful. It will reduce physical strain and will make navigating new places much easier.

Look For Free Or Low Cost Activities

Many of the best travel experiences cost little to nothing. If you’re looking to cut costs when travelling, here are some free or low cost ideas to get the most out of your trip:

When you combine these activities with one or two paid tours, you will have a well-rounded itinerary that will save you a ton of money.

Use Apps That Help You Save

It’s easier to travel solo on a budget when everything is literally at your fingertips. There are several apps that can help you stretch your budget when you’re travelling alone:

Know When To Splurge When Travelling Solo On A Budget

Travelling solo on a budget isn’t about denying yourself everything. It’s about choosing what matters most to you. As previously stated, my priority has always been my accommodations. But maybe you prioritize attractions or visiting a spa.

There is no right or wrong. It’s all a matter of each individual’s preference. If you balance smart spending with experiences that matter most to you, you can travel solo comfortably without overspending.

Consider Using A Travel Agent

While it’s true that you don’t always need to use a travel agent, there are certain times that you might benefit – especially when travelling solo on a budget.

Travel agents have access to almost every accommodation around the world and many times are able to find an upscale hotel or resort that waives the singles supplement. In addition, often times travel agents can provide additional perks, such as:

Contact Kelly, a Licensed Travel Agent, to book your next dream vacation

How To Travel Solo On A Budget: Final Thoughts

Travelling solo on a budget doesn’t have to mean staying in dingy hotels or skipping the fun experiences. It’s all about prioritizing. When determining what’s important to you and using the right strategies, it’s possible to have a safe and unforgettable travel experience.

PIN TO TRAVEL SOLO ON A BUDGET