How I Solo Travel on a Budget

*This is a collaborative guest post

As a solo traveller, a question I get asked regularly by many people is how do I manage to do so on a budget.

The truth is, travelling can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. However, over time, I’ve learnt how to keep costs down while still enjoying great food, memorable experiences, and the freedom that comes with life on the road.

In this post, I’ll reveal some of the various ways I make solo travelling on a budget work. Hopefully, it will inspire you to do the same.

Why I Choose to Travel Solo on a Budget

If you are new to my blog, you might be wondering why I choose to travel solo. Well, one of the main reasons is that it gives me full control over my journey.

Essentially, every choice is mine. This includes everything from where I visit and stay to what I eat and how I spend my days. Moreover, as a solo traveller, I don’t feel pressure to fit in with anyone else. Or for that matter, their budget or expectations.

Sure, there are some risks associated with being a solo traveller. But the benefits of doing so far outweigh them. (And I take sensible precautions).

How I Plan and Fund a Budget Solo Trip

For me, planning and funding my solo trips is just as much a part of the fun of travelling as sightseeing and trying new foods. This process starts well before I book anything.

Whenever I decide to go somewhere, the first thing I do is set a realistic budget for the adventure. This is usually based on several factors, including where I am going, how long I will be away, and what I would like to do while I am there.

I’ll go into the process of how I source cheap flights, accommodation, food, and transport next. However, one thing I will say now is that if I don’t have the full funds to cover my trip, I am not averse to taking out a fast loan from EBP Money.

How I Find Cheap Flights When Travelling Alone

Flights are often a big expense for any traveller, especially if you intend to visit somewhere like Los Angeles, London, or Tokyo, where demand often drives up the price. That is why I try to stay as flexible as possible when searching for a suitable one.

One way I do this is to always try to book a flight for outside the peak season and times. Doing this alone can save me a tidy sum of money. I also tend to search by flexible dates in any given month, rather than specific ones.

Crucially, I always book the cheapest available option, even if that entails multiple stopovers. I also try to travel as light as possible, as this helps to avoid extra baggage fees, which can be quite pricey.

How I Choose Accommodation

The cost of booking accommodation can take a massive chunk out of my travel budget. It is also very important because I always want to stay somewhere that feels safe and comfortable, and is well-located. Yet still keeps my overall travel costs under control.

When it comes to accommodation, my hot tip is to stay with family and friends where possible. However, if that is not an option, then I focus my search on hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels.

I love these options because they are cheap, generally pretty safe, and can be a great way to meet other travellers.

When researching options, I look for smaller, well-reviewed places with private rooms. Often, I find them on sites like TripAdvisor or Airbnb in guesthouses or simple budget hotels. If I plan them well enough in advance, I even go on a mass booking spree during the Black Friday sales for multiple trips.

How I Save Money on Food While Solo Travelling

Food is one of my favourite parts of travel, and it is always a balancing act. While I want to try to consume as much local food as I can, I also want to keep the cost down as much as possible.

I tend not to eat out at restaurants much, and when I do, it is usually to take advantage of cheaper lunch or “happy hour” specials. Instead, I regularly self-cater, sourcing local foods from markets, bakeries, and roadside trucks or stalls.

I find that eating this way goes a long way towards saving me money on my travels and keeps my daily expenses down.

Getting Around

Another significant cost associated with solo travelling is transportation. Often, many of the most notable attractions are spread out. Therefore, I constantly look for ways to keep this expense at a minimum.

One way I do this is by walking wherever possible. I like this option because it is free and helps me stay in shape. It is also a good way to get a “feel” for a destination. 

If walking is impractical, I try to take public transport as much as is feasible. Sometimes, I might rent a bike, and occasionally I have even clubbed together with a few other travellers I have met to hire a cheaper car or van to get to a particular destination.

When I need to move between cities, I generally take buses or trains. Depending on where I am going, I will even book overnight journeys because they are generally cheaper than daytime travel and eliminate the cost of accommodation for the duration of the journey.

Here are some other solo travel tips you might find useful.