Solo travel is an adventure like no other. It offers you the freedom to choose your own itinerary, challenge yourself, and meet new people at your own pace. At the same time, it can also seem intimidating, especially if you’re concerned about the costs.
In this article, we share practical solo travel budgeting tips to explore the world without emptying your bank account. From smart flight bookings to finding free activities, we have everything you need for an affordable and unforgettable solo trip.
1. Understand Your Budget and Set a Daily Budget
A clear and well-thought-out budget is truly indispensable if you want to avoid running out of money halfway through your trip. Financial planning helps you make the most of every euro and stay in control of those annoying unexpected expenses.
When setting a daily budget, it’s important to think carefully about your destination and how long you’ll be away. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Research the cost of living in your destination. It can be surprising how different it can be!
- Calculate your fixed expenses, such as where you’ll be staying, how you’ll get from A to B, and what you’ll eat. A little preparation can save you a lot of hassle.
- Plan for variable expenses, such as fun activities, souvenirs, or just something unexpected that comes your way.
And don’t forget to keep a buffer for those unforeseen expenses. You never know what might happen!
Tips for Tracking Your Expenses While Traveling
Let’s make it fun and easy to track your expenses while traveling! Here are a few handy tips:
- Use apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend. These smart tools will help you effortlessly keep track of your daily expenses, so you don’t have to miss a penny.
- If you like a bit of structure, spreadsheets are a great way to keep everything organized. You can play around with them and even add formulas to track your total expenses!
- Keep receipts and invoices to easily look back on incurred costs later.
2. Savvy flight booking for solo travelers
Finding cheap flights can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but believe me, with the right tools and some smart strategies, you can go a long way. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak are your best friends when it comes to comparing rates. And don’t forget to sign up for price alerts! That way, you’ll get notified immediately when prices drop. How convenient is that?
Flexible travel dates can also make a world of difference. Do you have the opportunity to depart a few days earlier or later? Then try entering different dates on those comparison sites and see what it does to the prices. You might be pleasantly surprised!
And let’s not forget about the budget airlines! Names like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Norwegian Air are real winners when it comes to affordable flights within Europe. But there are also excellent options outside of Europe, such as AirAsia and Scoot in Asia, and for domestic travel in the US, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are often the best choice for a good deal.
Consider departing from smaller airports or flying to secondary airports; they often have lower fares than their larger counterparts. So what are you waiting for? Time to book that flight!
Tip: Consider paying a contribution for CO2 offset when booking your flight. These are often small amounts that help make your air travel carbon neutral. By doing so, you contribute to reducing the impact on the environment, and it can still remain affordable.
3. Choose affordable destinations and time your trip well
Opting for budget-friendly destinations for solo travelers can stretch your travel budget significantly. Think of countries in Southeast Asia like Thailand and Vietnam, or South American gems like Bolivia and Colombia. These regions not only offer breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures, but also affordable accommodations, food, and activities.
Tips for choosing the right time to go:
- Weather: Avoid the high season to take advantage of lower prices. For example, visit Europe in the spring or autumn when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds decrease.
- Crowds: Traveling outside of school holidays can save on costs and avoid crowds.
- Local events: Take into account national holidays and festivals that can drive up prices. Use websites like TimeAndDate.com to check these dates.
By planning smartly and being flexible with your destination and travel time, you can achieve significant savings without compromising on adventure. Consider, for example, traveling to one of these affordable destinations in December, when prices are often lower.
4. Avoid single supplements on accommodation bookings
Single supplements are additional costs that accommodation providers charge when you are traveling alone and want to book a room for yourself. These supplements can add up quickly and significantly impact your travel budget.
How you can avoid these costs:
- Opt for shared rooms in hostels: Hostels are perfect for solo travelers. They offer affordable shared dormitories where you don’t have to pay extra just because you’re alone. Moreover, it’s easy to meet other travelers there. And from my own experience, I can tell you that it’s truly an experience you must have at least once.
- Book through specialized platforms: Websites like Hostelworld and Couchsurfing focus on budget-friendly accommodations without single supplements. Also, platforms like Airbnb often have affordable options for solo travelers, such as private rooms in shared homes.
With these tips, you can avoid those annoying surcharges and spend more of your budget on exploring new adventures!
5. Eating on a Budget: Explore Local Markets and Street Food
Cooking for yourself while traveling is not only a smart way to save money, but it’s also a great way to truly experience the local culture (hey, that rhymes!). Let’s take a look at a few handy tips to get you started:
Start by visiting markets and supermarkets. Here you’ll find fresh and affordable products! Local vegetables, fruits, and meats are often not only cheaper but also much more flavorful. It’s a real delight to discover what the region has to offer.
Consider dishes like pasta, salads, or stir-fries. These are easy to prepare with a few basic ingredients, and you can customize them to your taste with local specialties. It’s fun to get creative in the kitchen!
And let’s not forget: street food is a must during your trip! It’s often not only cheap, but it also provides an authentic taste of the local cuisine. Think of those delicious tacos in Mexico, the steaming pho in Vietnam, or the delightful paella in Spain – it’s making me hungry already!
Look for popular food stalls; if the locals are waiting in long lines, you know it’s good! That’s usually a sign that the food is fresh and of high quality. So, go out there and treat your taste buds!
6. Make use of free experiences and activities in every city you visit
There are numerous free things to do while traveling that not only save your wallet, but also enrich your experience:
- Free walking tours: Many cities offer free walking tours, often led by enthusiastic locals who show you the hidden gems and unique stories of their city.
- Local greeter programs: These are programs where volunteers guide you through their city. It’s a great way to explore not only the place, but also make real connections with residents.
- Museums with free admission: Many museums have days or hours when admission is free. A little research in advance can save you a lot of money.
- Outdoor concerts and festivals: Especially in summer, you can often enjoy free concerts and cultural events in parks and squares.
- Parks and nature reserves: Perfect for a relaxing day of hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the scenery.
Connecting with the local population during your solo adventure can significantly enhance your travel experience. Local tips and stories add a personal touch to your adventure and can lead to unexpected discoveries and friendships.
7. Making smart transportation choices: public transportation versus taxis/Uber/Grab
Arranging affordable transportation is a must for every solo traveler who keeps an eye on their wallet. Public transportation often provides a convenient, budget-friendly way to navigate through cities. Think buses, trams, and metros – not only are they cheaper, but they also give you an authentic local experience.
Benefits of public transportation:
- Cost savings: A single bus or metro ride often costs only a fraction of what you would pay for a taxi. You can use those savings to treat yourself to an extra ice cream or a nice souvenir!
- Local connections: You have the opportunity to meet locals and truly experience what life in the city is like. Who knows, you might even have a friendly chat with someone who can recommend the best dining spots!
- Coverage: In many cities, the public transportation network is so extensive that you can effortlessly reach all the major attractions. No hassle, just hop on and go!
- Sustainable: By using public transportation, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. It reduces CO2 emissions and helps create a cleaner city.
Of course, there are situations where a taxi or rideshare app may be more convenient, such as late at night or when you have a lot of luggage. But in general, public transportation is a smart choice for solo travelers looking for cost savings, local connections, and sustainability.
Disadvantages of public transportation:
- Complexity: It may take some time to understand routes and schedules, especially if everything is in a foreign language. But hey, that also makes it exciting, right?
- Time-consuming: Sometimes it takes longer than with a taxi or ridesharing services, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Grab are convenient, especially when you’re short on time or carrying a lot of luggage. But be careful: these options usually come with higher costs.
Advantages of taxis/Uber/Grab:
- Convenience: Direct door-to-door service without the hassle of transfers. Perfect if you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing.
- Speed: Often faster than public transportation, especially outside of peak hours. Ideal when every minute counts!
- Flexibility: No fixed routes or schedules; go whenever you want. You are in control of your journey!
Disadvantages of taxis/Uber/Grab:
- Cost: Much more expensive than public transportation, especially for longer rides. Those extra euros can be better spent on fun experiences.
- Availability: Not always available in remote areas or during busy times. A good reason to occasionally use public transportation!
By consciously choosing the right mode of transportation, you can save a lot on your travel expenses while traveling smarter. So what are you waiting for? Hop on that bus or tram and explore the city like a true local!
8. Digital Nomad Opportunities: Freelancing While You Travel!
Freelancing while traveling as a digital nomad opens up a world of possibilities for adventurous souls who don’t want to give up their work to explore the world. But what does freelancing actually mean?
Freelancing means working as a self-employed individual, without a fixed employer. This gives you the freedom to choose your own clients and take on projects that align with your skills. Freelancers can work from any location with an internet connection, which is perfect for a nomadic lifestyle.
Location-Independent Work
Freelancers can leverage their location independence by:
- Working from co-working spaces: There are numerous co-working spaces worldwide where you can be productive and meet like-minded people.
- Utilizing online platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer countless opportunities to find projects and earn money while you travel.
- Smartly managing time zones: By adjusting your work schedule to different time zones, you can work efficiently while enjoying new destinations.
Tip: Make sure you always have a reliable internet connection and use tools like VPNs to stay safe while working on public networks and avoid any potential hacks.
Combining freelancing with travel can be not only financially beneficial but also enriching as you get to experience different cultures and meet new people during your work adventures.
9. Part-time work abroad
Arranging a part-time job abroad can be a great way to finance your travels while experiencing new cultures and meeting people. There are several popular forms of temporary employment available for travelers outside their home country:
- Becoming an Au Pair: As an au pair, you live with a host family and take care of their children. In return, you receive room and board, plus a small allowance. This is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture while saving some money.
- Seasonal work: This includes working on farms during harvest seasons, becoming a ski instructor in winter, or working in tourist hotspots during the peak season. These jobs usually offer short-term contracts, fitting perfectly with the flexibility that solo travelers often seek.
- Teaching English: Many countries have a high demand for English teachers. This can range from formal teaching positions to informal conversation classes. You don’t always need a teaching certificate; sometimes being a native speaker is sufficient.
By exploring these options, you can not only supplement your travel budget but also have unforgettable experiences and make deeper connections with the places you visit.
10. Make use of subscriptions
More and more companies are offering subscriptions, whether it’s streaming services, gyms, or meal delivery. If you travel frequently, you can greatly benefit from these options by looking into international subscriptions that are valid in the countries you visit.
When choosing a subscription, it is important to check if they are also internationally usable. Here are a few popular choices:
- Streaming services: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify often have a wide range of content that is accessible worldwide. Don’t forget to check the catalog in each country; sometimes you discover unique shows or music that you would otherwise miss.
- Fitness apps: Services like ClassPass give you access to various gyms and classes around the world. This way, you can stay active without being tied to local membership costs.
- Meal delivery: Look into services like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, which are available in many cities. Some providers even have special offers for loyal customers.
Tips for Subscriptions
To make the most out of your subscriptions while traveling:
- Do research: Find out which subscriptions are popular in the areas you are going to.
- Try free trial periods: Many services offer free trial periods so that you can try out what suits you best without having to spend money right away.
- Manage your subscriptions: Keep track of which subscriptions you have and when they renew, so that you can avoid unexpected costs.
Go out as a solo traveler without breaking the bank!
With these tips in mind, you don’t have to wait to plan your next adventure. Being creative with both your planning and execution can make a world of difference.
Go out and apply these tips during your next solo trip! Have fun and safe travels when searching for that bright life!
