I didn’t think I could afford to travel. I didn’t even think it was possible. But look at me today: I’ve got trips booked every now and then, and hopping on a plane has become my favourite hobby. Travel has changed my life. It’s helped me explore the world, meet people, and learn so much about myself. The more you travel, the more you grow. And if you travel far enough, you truly find yourself.
But here’s what I hear all the time:
“Travel is expensive. You have to be rich to do that.”
Absolutely not.
So today, I’m going to share everything I do to travel the world without breaking the bank and how you can do it too. Because I want all my girls out there catching flights, not fears. 💕 Ever dreamed of packing your bags, booking that one-way ticket, and seeing the world on your own terms? but thought, “I can’t afford that”?
Let’s change that.
Travelling solo as a woman doesn’t have to mean draining your savings or surviving on instant noodles. It’s about being intentional, planning smart, spending wisely, and embracing the freedom that comes from knowing you can explore beautifully within your means.
After years of travelling solo, I’ve learned that budget travel isn’t about doing less.
It’s about doing more with less.
Here’s your ultimate guide to seeing the world affordably, safely, and joyfully. Plus a free printable Budget Planner Worksheet to help you get started.
Listen, girl; you can’t just dip into your savings every time you feel like travelling. If travel is important to you, treat it like any other goal.
You save for a new phone, a laptop, or even that new Alo outfit, so why not save for your next adventure?
Here’s what I do:
I create separate savings buckets, one for emergencies, one for general savings, and one for travel.
Then, I decide how much I can realistically put aside. Usually, 10–15% of your paycheck is a great place to start.
Even if it’s just £50 every week or every other week, it adds up! If you freelance or have side income, put a portion of that in your travel fund too.
And here’s a pro tip: Keep your travel fund in a high-interest savings account so your money grows while you plan.
The biggest money-saver in travel? Flexibility.
When you’re open with your dates, destination, and itinerary, you unlock cheaper flights, accommodation, and even food.
Avoid peak seasons like Christmas, spring break, and summer holidays. Instead, travel during the off-season, quieter cities, cheaper stays, and smaller crowds.
Try This:
Use Google Flights and click on the Date Grid tool. It shows you which days are cheaper to fly, often, leaving one day earlier or later can save you £50–£200.
The Explore tab on Google Flights is your best friend. Enter your home airport and see the cheapest destinations worldwide. Let your budget choose your adventure.
Be flexible: If you can move your travel dates by even a day or two, you can often save hundreds. Flying mid-week (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tends to be cheaper than weekends.
Use flight comparison tools: Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are brilliant for spotting deals. On Skyscanner, search “Everywhere” as your destination to see the cheapest countries to fly to from your city.
Set fare alerts: Don’t just check once , set alerts so you’re notified when prices drop.
Fly light: Budget airlines often look cheap until you add luggage. A well-packed carry-on saves you money and hassle (see our Packing List for Solo Female Travellers if you haven’t yet).
Accommodation can easily eat up your budget unless you plan smart.
Here’s how to do it like a pro:
Hostels (with style)
Today’s hostels aren’t the dingy backpacker spots you might imagine; they’re modern, safe, and full of community. Many now offer female-only dorms, private pods, and co-working areas, all at a fraction of hotel prices. Check Hostelworld or Booking.com for top-rated options with verified reviews.
Guesthouses & Homestays
Local stays give you the comfort of home, a real cultural connection, and often a kitchen to cook your own meals (hello, savings!). You’ll also find that hosts love to share insider tips on what to see and where to eat, which is priceless.
House Sitting & Volunteering
Want to stay somewhere beautiful for free? Try TrustedHousesitters or Workaway, where you can exchange simple help (like pet sitting, gardening, or social media support) for free accommodation. It’s perfect for slow travellers or digital nomads looking to stretch their trip.
And don’t forget...Joining travel groups.
Platforms like Females Flying Solo often share local recommendations and meetups, and you might even find a travel buddy to split costs with
💡 Pro Tips for Booking Smart
Mix things up: book an affordable Airbnb or apartment for your first few days, then treat yourself to a nice hotel stay at the end.
Always look for free cancellation policies; both Booking.com and Airbnb have flexible options.
If you find a better deal, book the new place before cancelling the old one to avoid price jumps or lost availability.
And if you’re truly watching your coins, try house sitting or couchsurfing, it’s a great way to meet locals and stay for free (just always prioritise your safety).
Safety Tip:
Always read the latest reviews from solo female travellers before booking.
Share your accommodation details with a trusted friend or family member, and always trust your intuition.
One of the most joyful parts of solo travel? The food. And the best part, eating local doesn’t just save money; it connects you to the soul of a place.
Forget overpriced restaurants in tourist zones. The real magic happens where the locals eat.
Explore Local Markets: Wander through morning markets or night bazaars and you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to sizzling snacks for a fraction of restaurant prices. It’s also a fun way to meet locals and taste homegrown flavours.
Street Food = Gold: Whether it’s pad thai from a street cart in Bangkok, tacos from a stand in Mexico City, or nasi goreng from a local warung in Bali, street food is fast, fresh, and full of culture. Just pick busy stalls (a crowd means fresher food and safer eats).
Cook Where You Can: If your hostel or Airbnb has a kitchen, grab groceries and prepare simple meals. Breakfasts are easy wins: oats, eggs, fruits, or smoothies. Save your splurge money for one meal a day that really excites you.
Pro Tip: Stick to two paid meals a day, brunch and dinner work best, and snack in between. You’ll keep your energy up and your budget happy.
When you eat smart, you realise travel doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to be intentional.
Here’s the truth: not all destinations cost the same, and choosing where to go is half the secret to making solo travel affordable.
Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America are all rich in culture, nature, and community, but at a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe or the U.S.
Budget Gems for Solo Women Travellers
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are unbeatable. Think beaches, temples, night markets, and delicious street food, all for under £30 a day.
Eastern Europe: Georgia, Albania, and Croatia offer stunning coastlines, cosy old towns, and safe, welcoming locals, still far cheaper than Paris or Rome.
Central & South America: Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru combine breathtaking landscapes with deep culture, and you’ll find vibrant solo travel communities everywhere you go.
Africa: Zanzibar, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda deliver authentic, soulful experiences, often more affordable for regional travellers than long-haul trips abroad.
Plan Smart Before You Go
You can’t just wake up and say, “I’m off to Thailand!” (Well, you can, but your bank account might faint.)
The key is planning. Ask yourself:
Where do I actually want to go?
How much will it cost, flights, food, accommodation, and experiences?
What is the best time to visit (and when are the off-season deals)?
How long will I need to save before I go?
Do your homework using YouTube, Instagram, and travel blogs; creators often share realistic cost breakdowns, travel tips, and itineraries you can adapt to your budget.
You don’t have to be a “hardcore budget traveller.” You can still travel comfortably, even luxuriously at times, as long as you plan smart and spend with intention.
Some of the best travel experiences don’t cost a dime; you just have to know where to look.
Try these:
Free walking tours, a great way to explore a city and meet other travellers.
Museum free-entry days or student discounts.
Local hikes, street festivals, art fairs, and community events.
Book directly with local guides instead of large tour companies. It’s cheaper, more authentic, and supports the local community.
Other budget-friendly ideas:
Walk everywhere, it’s free cardio and sightseeing rolled into one.
Explore public landmarks, street markets, and hidden alleys.
Check online for “free things to do in [city]” before you go; it’s amazing how many gems you’ll find.
Sometimes the best travel moments, sunsets, local conversations, and discovering tucked-away spots, cost absolutely nothing.
Managing money smartly can make or break your trip, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Travel Credit & Debit Cards:
Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees and free ATM withdrawals abroad.
Earn miles or cashback for everyday spending.
Enjoy travel perks like airport lounge access or trip insurance.
Stay Connected Affordably:
Skip expensive roaming plans from your home carrier.
Use eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly, cheap, easy to set up, and perfect for staying online.
Local SIM cards are also a good option if you prefer.
Apps to Track Spending:
Trail Wallet, Splitwise, or TravelSpend help monitor expenses in real time.
Keep cash and cards separate; a hidden money belt or under-clothing pouch is great for busy areas.
Avoid airport currency kiosks; ATMs usually give better rates.
Travel cards like Revolut or Wise help you spend globally without extra fees.
Remember, all this budgeting talk isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making your money go further, so you can travel longer and enjoy every experience fully.
Solo female travel doesn’t have to be a solo struggle; it can mean you're travelling with a group of amazing ladies you just met. Join online travel communities like us: Females Flying Solo 💗. Making such connections can save you money and open doors.
Our group trips for solo female travellers community offers insider tips, room swaps, travel buddies, and sometimes even local hosts, resources you won’t find on Google.
Group Trips = Shared Costs:
Travelling with friends or like-minded travellers helps split accommodation, transportation, and excursions, making your trip more affordable.
Use apps like Splitwise to divide expenses fairly, so everyone knows what they owe.
But here’s the key: travel with people you actually like. Friendship drama can turn a dream trip into a nightmare.
Solo Travel Is Totally Fine Too:
If your friends can’t join, don’t wait, your plane seat is waiting.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Women supporting women is a powerful way to learn, save, and travel smarter.
With these 8 strategies, travelling solo on a budget is completely achievable. Your dream destination isn’t just a dream; it’s within reach. It’s all about being intentional, flexible, and resourceful, not about missing out on the experiences that make travel magical.
So grab your free, printable Budget Planner Worksheet, plan your next adventure, and remember: the world is waiting for you, and you don’t need a fortune to explore it. 💕
⬇️Download your Budget Planner here
About the author
Gabi is a passionate solo female traveller in her 20s with over 3 years of experience exploring the world independently. She has organised and led multiple group trips for solo female travellers, helping women feel confident, safe, and empowered on their journeys. Through her community, Females Flying Solo, Gabi connects like-minded women and shares expert tips on destinations, safety, and meaningful travel experiences.
You can follow her adventures and get travel insights on Instagram, TikTok or join the Females Flying Solo community.
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