Are you looking for an exotic vacation but don’t want to break the bank? Are you looking for cheap places to travel solo but don’t know where to start?

Traveling the world by yourself on a budget is not only possible but more attainable than you think. I have often traveled to over 15 countries and am always looking for a deal, and I’m here to share what I have learned. 

Traveling by yourself is life-changing. Solo travelers do not have to worry about pleasing a group. They are free to explore and make their timeline. You will feel a fantastic sense of accomplishment and independence. However, solo travel can be scary, especially for Black women. Make sure to keep your eyes open when traveling solo. 

When planning a vacation, I think about the population, diversity, ease of travel, and the overall safety and accessibility of a country. Some so many countries and territories satisfy the criteria that it was hard to narrow it down.

This post is about how to travel the world on a budget. Here is my list of cheap places to travel solo, around $60 per day. So get ready to pack a bag, just one, to save on luggage costs, book your hostels, and get ready to explore cheap places to travel solo across the globe.

Cheap Places to Travel Solo for Women Internationally

1. The cheapest place to travel solo in Asia: Cambodia

If you want something completely different from what you are used to, head across the world to Cambodia. Considering safety, Cambodia is the cheapest place to travel in the world, in my experience.

This nation in Southeast Asia has some of the cheapest daily costs and accommodation in the world. The average meal at a restaurant ranges from $3-4, and lodging at a hostel can go as low as $4 a night.  

Cambodia has so much beauty, from The white sand beaches of the island of Koh Rong to the ancient temples near Siem Reap. There are over 72 temples in the area surrounding the famous Angkor Wat. Travelers can visit as many temples as they want for $37 for a one-day pass. They will also need to hire a driver, which costs about $10-15 daily. The hotel or hostel will be able to arrange transportation for you.

Be prepared to unplug and carry cash with you. When I was there a few years ago, ATMs were few and far between, and wifi was often not offered. Luckily, most merchants take USD.

Cambodia is generally safe. Pickpocketing and theft do occur. Most of the crime in this country is due to opportunity. Make sure to keep track of your valuables.

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2. The most accessible and Cheap place to travel in Asia: Thailand

Thailand is one of the most comfortable countries to travel in solo. Most hotels range from $15-30 per night. There are all the usual amenities Americans are used to, such as 711s on every corner. Thai locals are very welcoming and helpful.

The capital city of Bangkok is loud and vibrant and has very efficient public transportation—an all-day Skytrain ticket costs just under $4. 

Leaving Bangkok is easy. There are buses and vans that travel to all reaches of Thailand from Bangkok. From Bangkok to Phuket, domestic flights are also cheap, around $30. 

The southern region of Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Hotels have concierges that can recommend affordable excursions and travel packages, such as all-day or half-day snorkeling trips and jungle treks for around $50, often including a meal. 

Thailand is also famous for its nightlife. From modern clubs to all-night beach parties, there is much to do in this beautiful place. However, I wouldn’t recommend wandering off away from the tourist areas. Just like anywhere, you don’t want to behave recklessly.

3. cheap places to travel solo in Western Europe: Portugal

Do you have dreams of visiting Paris or Rome? Have you looked at the hotel prices?  Don’t worry. You can get the Western European experience in Portugal without the sticker shock. 

Portugal is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, with one of the lowest crime rates. Portugal is one of the most diverse nations in Europe.

If you book in advance and try for Portugal’s off-season, from November to March, hotels, and hostels are very affordable, $20-25 per night. Travel is made more accessible because of the high level of English spoken in the country.

Portugal has an extensive public transportation system. You can get just about anywhere for cheap. Take a train from Lisbon to the coast to Porto for $15 and sip some of the best and cheapest wine you’ll ever taste. Portugal is perfect for those with a Rome appetite but a Jackson budget.

4. cheap places to travel solo in Eastern Europe: Bulgaria

Are you more of a rolling hills and castles kind of girl? Check out the country of Bulgaria. Get the Old Europe vibe without the massive price tag. Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe. It is still part of the EU, making it one of the safest places for women to travel solo.

Bulgaria is an old country. It has been inhabited for thousands of years and sits on the border of Europe and Turkey. This country boasts impressive diversity and a friendly and welcoming population. 

Bulgaria has so much history, from its capital of Sophia to its 4th-century ruins. And if history isn’t your thing, there are affordable spas with beach views and vineyard tours. 

Bulgaria’s stable, easily acceptable, and affordable nature make it one of the best places to travel alone in Europe.

5. The safest place to travel in Europe: Iceland

Iceland is on this list because it is one of the safest places to travel alone as a woman. Though food and accommodation are pricy in this country, US residents will save big on flights. Many airlines use Reykjavík, the capital, as a connecting point for North American and continental European flights. You can get a round-trip ticket from BWI to Reykjavík for under $300.

What to do when you get there? Reykjavík has a quaint downtown and a vibrant nightlife. There are also over 20 active volcanoes, some right outside the capital. If you’re brave, you can visit Ice caves and go hiking over ice and lava flows.

As for comfortability, Iceland is a homogenous culture. Meaning there isn’t a lot of melanin going around. However, Icelanders are some of the most educated people on the planet, and they are used to and accommodating to tourists.

6. cheap places to travel solo in the us: US Virgin Islands

If you are looking for a white sand beach paradise that feels far away but has most of the comforts of home, look no further than the US Virgin Islands. These islands are some of the best for first time black solo female travelers. St. Thomas, St John, and St Croix islands have a majority black population, so you won’t feel out of place. St. Thomas is also one of the cheapest places to fly from the US if you go during the off-season. 

Since The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the US, no passport is needed. They use the US dollar, so you won’t have to worry about losing money in exchange rates. Additionally, your cell phone should still work. There is no need to mess with SIM cards or worry about being stuck without wifi. The US Virgin Islands is at the top of the list of best first time female solo traveler destinations.

Places to Avoid as a Single Female Traveler

It may be a saying that is overused, but don’t judge a book by its cover. I’m sure you know you should avoid economically or socially unstable countries with a bad track record for violence against women or recent civil unrest. But those aren’t the only things that make a country unsafe. 

Places that seem lovely might not be once you see their true face. For example, Paris, France, is often romanticized in movies and TV.  A Parisian friend said it was unsafe for women to travel alone on the subway, let alone a street at night. Just because a place looks nice doesn’t mean it is.

If you are concerned about safety, consider booking solo travel packages. The places included in travel packages have usually been vetted. I personally prefer to book things myself instead of using travel packages. It is generally cheaper, and I have more flexibility. Once you land, you will discover so much is missing from your travel itinerary. 

That being said, get out there and explore! These places I’ve talked about are some of the best places to visit globally, especially if you are on a budget.

In Conclusion

I say a solo trip is a good idea for a girl, a woman, and all stages in between. If you are nervous, check out these black women travel groups for advice and potential travel partners. 

Do you want to relax by a beach and connect with people with similar life experiences, or do you want to traverse the jungle on an Elephant? These things are possible with a bit of planning. 

The best places to travel alone are places that have lots of well-lit modern public transportation. If you are not a linguist, opt for a destination like the US Virgin Islands, Iceland, or Portugal, where the English level of the general population is high. These countries are excellent for first-timers or seasoned travelers. Which country will you choose?

This post was all about cheap places to travel solo as a girl on the move.

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