Shortlist of Fun, Safe & Affordable

For the 7th year in a row, we’re pleased to present our list of the best budget destinations for solo travelers.

In many ways, travel is more expensive than ever this year. There is also a lot of uncertainty in the world. Traveling solo requires us to be both smart about how we spend our travel money and how we choose our destinations.

To create our budget destinations list, we:

• review our favorite trips to budget destinations.
• consult fellow travelers, including members of our Solo Travel Society on Facebook to get recommendations from passionate travelers.
• consider suggestions from other publications, eliminating those that do not meet our safety standards. We’re a lot more careful when it comes to safety than many other travel publications.
• deselect any on Fodor’s No Travel List to avoid contributing to the problems experienced by destinations which are already suffering from issues associated with too many visitors.

We then put every destination on the list through a solo travel filter to come up with our top 5 budget destinations of the year. 

More importantly, we provide a lot of detail with each of our cheap solo vacation destinations. You get:

• why it’s a great destination at any price
• the value of US and Canadian currency at the destination
• how expensive the destination is compared to Toronto and New York City
• what it costs to get there from the two cities above
• links to two affordable hotels/hostels
• the safety rating by the US and Canadian governments
• a short list of things to do

It should be noted that we haven’t visited all these destinations so they are not necessarily personal endorsements. Before you get too far in your planning process read How to Plan a Solo Trip 2025: Trends, Checklist, and Budget Spreadsheet. It will help in a variety of ways to make your planning easier and your trip more enjoyable.

The 2025 Shortlist of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

Note: For consistency, all flight prices listed were found on Google Flights and depart from Toronto or New York during the last week of March, 2025 with a return date two weeks later. Use your own home airport to see what you’d have to pay for flights. The room rates listed are for the same time period and were found on booking.com. All were checked during the week of this post’s publication. The hotels and hostels are not personal recommendations. They were chosen based on their price, review scores, and location and are intended to give you an idea of what you can get for your money.

Budget Destination for Africa: Rwanda

Also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda’s tropical highland climate offers an average daily temperature in Kigali of 21°C / 70°F, perfect traveling weather.

Affordability: CAD$1 buys 975 Rwandan Francs. USD$1 buys 1,410 Rwandan Francs. Kigali is 71% cheaper than Toronto and 84% cheaper than New York City.

Accommodation: There are many options in affordable hotels in Kigali. Here’s a junior suite in a small hotel with an overall rating of 9.3 by solo travelers on Booking.com for USD$18 +$3 for breakfast. Here’s a deluxe single room at a hotel with a rating of 8.8 for US$52, which includes free one-way airport transfer, a walking safari, early check-in and late check-out.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1584 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1398 with one stop.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda.
• United States Government: Exercise increased caution in Rwanda.

Interesting and fun: If you’re looking for an active trip, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, caving, golf, or cycling. Catch a cricket game, explore one (or all) of the 6 museums that makeup the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. Tour local plantations and taste the homegrown coffee and tea. Go on safari in Akagera National Park, watch for the 525 species of birds, track gorillas, chimpanzees or monkeys. Check out some contemporary art or attend a film or fashion festival. Sit back and enjoy the cafe culture.

Budget Destination for North America: New Brunswick, Canada

Cheap is relative, and Canada is not known for being an inexpensive place to live or travel. However, if your budget is based in US dollars, euros, or pounds, it will go a lot further in Canadian dollars at the moment.

Affordability: USD$1 buys CAD$1.45. Moncton is 39% cheaper than Toronto and 64% cheaper than New York City.

Accommodation: Here is a deluxe suite in an apartment-hotel in Moncton for USD$81.00 with a 9.2 rating. Here is a B&B in Fredericton with a private beach for $99.00, including a hot breakfast and free parking. And here is a king suite with kitchenette in a historic building in Saint John for $62.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$491 nonstop. From Newark, return flights start at USD$536 with one stop.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Come on over!
• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Interesting and fun: If you drive, New Brunswick is a perfect place to pick up a rental car and take a road trip. Or, you can base yourself in one city at a time and explore. Visit Fredericton, Atlantic Canada’s craft beer capital, admire historic architecture in Saint John, experience the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy, witness the wonder of Magnetic Hill firsthand in Moncton, hike in Fundy National Park, feast on lobster, stroll on the beach, and enjoy the hospitality of the local people.

Budget Destination for Asia: Uzbekistan

I have a friend traveling in Uzbekistan right now who is raving about the destination and urging people to visit now before it becomes too overrun with visitors.

Affordability: USD$1 buys 12,957 Uzbekistani Sums. CAD$1 buys 8,992 Uzbekistani Sums. Samarkand is 64% cheaper than Toronto and 80% cheaper than New York City.

Accommodation: There are a lot of hostels to choose from in Uzbekistan. Here’s one in Samarkand offering a bed in a 6-bed dorm for $7 or a private double room with bathroom for $23. Here’s a hotel with a double room for $36, including breakfast, with a 9.2 rating, located close to the center. Here’s one in Tashkent with a pool for $38, including breakfast.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$2,240 with one stop. From New York, return flights start at USD$1,031 with one stop.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Take normal security precautions in Uzbekistan.
• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan.

Interesting and fun: Explore the wonders of Uzbek cuisine and the wine-making traditions that are thousands of years old. For the adventurous, there’s hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Stay in a traditional yurt camp and visit a small village for a taste of local life, or spend some time working and learning on a farm. Explore Uzbekistan’s rich history, culture, architecture and art. Visit one of the more than 400 museums throughout the country. Don’t miss the local markets.

Budget Destination for Europe: Lithuania

Affordability: USD$1 buys €0.92. CAD$1 buys €0.64. Vilnius is 45% cheaper than Toronto and 70% cheaper than New York City.

Accommodation: Here’s a hostel in Vilnius Old Town for $17 in a 4-bed dorm or $24 in a single room with shared bath. Here’s a hotel with a double room for $40. Staying a while? Here’s a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and washing machine for $42/night.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,474 with one stop. From New York, return flights start at USD$627 with one stop.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Take normal security precautions in Lithuania.
• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Lithuania.

Interesting and fun: Vilnius has been named the European Green Capital for 2025. Also known as “the Sahara of Lithuania”, the Curonian Spit is a must-see. Admire the baroque architecture in Old Town Vilnius. Visit the museums, recharge in the parks, enjoy the cuisine. Vilnius is also a good base for day trips to other cities by bus or train. Visit the spa town of Druskininkai to drink or soak in the healing mineral waters.

Budget Destination for Central America: Panama

Janice just recently returned from Panama, so you can expect to see a new post about her trip soon.

Affordability: USD$1 buys 1 Panamanian Balboa (PAB). US dollar bills are used, along with US and Panamanian coins. Panama City is 40% cheaper than Toronto and 67% cheaper than New York City.

Accommodation: Here’s a hostel with a bed in a dorm for $13 or a private room with bath for $36. Here’s a hotel in Panama City for $53. Here’s where Janice stayed on her recent trip to Panama.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$705.00 with one stop. From New York, return flights start at USD$537.00 with one stop.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Take normal security precautions in Panama.
• United States Government: Exercise increased caution in Panama.

Interesting and fun: Discover diverse cultures, including seven indigenous communities, indulge your palate in a UNESCO Creative City in Gastronomy, and explore tropical rainforest. Travel across the country and dip your toes in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean in the space of two hours. Do some diving, snorkeling, surfing, or just enjoy the beaches. Visit a coffee farm, enjoy traditional music and dance, or go whale watching.

This list includes resources that help plan budget travel regardless of your budget. You might want to read How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal.

1. Skyscanner’s Everywhere Button

If you have a lot of time for your trip, the cost of the flight is not that signifiant a factor. However, if you only have a week or so, that flight could be the most significant cost. Using Skyscanner’s Everywhere Button, you can narrow down destinations that have reasonable airfare by country. Put in your home airport, choose Explore Everywhere in the destination field, add your dates and you’ll be served up options by country with the cheapest airfare showing first.

2. Rome2Rio

This site/app lets you learn how to get to anywhere from anywhere. Rome2Rio gives you all the options from car rental, flights, bus and train and let’s you know the approximate cost you can expect and how long each mode of transport will take. When it comes to planning a trip on the move, this is an indispensable resource.

3. HomeExchange.com

There are two ways to book accommodation on HomeExchange. You can trade your place for someone else’s or you can use points. You start earning points as soon as you sign up. I have booked 4 nights in New York City with points earned during the sign-up process which cost US$175. So, even if you don’t intend to have someone stay in your home, by signing up, you can earn enough points for some great accommodation.

4. House Sitters

There are a number of sites that will help you find house sitting gigs. There’s also a lot to learn to be truly successful at house sitting. Read this post on Successful Solo House Sitting Tips for Travelers and Homeowners.

Europe’s Cheap and Oh So Cheerful Destination is Porto, Portugal

It may be the second largest city in Portugal and also second to Lisbon in terms of fame but Porto surely deserves equal billing for its beauty and culture and as an entrance way to the wonderful Douro Valley.

The city’s historic center was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Porto is reputed to be the city from which Portugal got its name and is definitely the city from which Port wine got its name. The beautiful waterfront along the Douro river, the winding streets, and the tiles on the houses and public buildings make the city so amazing.

Cheap Caribbean Vacation Solo: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an affordable Caribbean destination with beaches and an interesting history. It’s a destination to enjoy and one that would benefit from your travel dollars.

Affordability: The local currency is the US dollar so we don’t have a conversion to consider with this destination. San Juan, Puerto Rico is 17% less expensive than Toronto and 38% less than New York City. 

Accommodation: There are many options in affordable hotels in San Juan. Here’s a guest house with a 9.2 rating about 10 km from the center of San Juan but only 200 meters from the beach for USD$122. Hostels are not that much cheaper in Puerto Rico but you could check them out for their social value.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$575 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$324 non-stop.

Safety:

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Puerto Rico.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Puerto Rico.

Interesting and fun: The island has enjoyed Spanish, African, Indian, and USA influence, which, according to Puerto Rico’s visitor bureau, is mirrored in the food, music, and architecture of the island. San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, has a free trolley that will take you around San Juan and its National Historic Sites but you could spend a full day exploring the walled city of Old San Juan alone. Beaches are the ultimate budget travel activity and Puerto Rico has many wonderful beaches to relax on or explore. Puerto Rico is on the migration path of humpback whales. January to the end of March is the best time for whale watching.

Georgia is the Affordable Solo Destination at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia

Georgia is likely the most popular country in the South Caucasus. Travelers enjoy Georgia for its culture, history, and stunningly diverse landscape. It’s for hikers, adventure seekers, and urban travelers as well. Tbilisi is the capital and known for its hipster culture, techno scene, and general air of cool.

Affordability: The local currency is the Lari. 1 Lari costs 50 cents Canadian or 37 cents USD. Tbilisi is 51% less expensive than Toronto and 73% less than New York City. 

Accommodation: USD$50 per night for hotels is common in Tbilisi. At the top end, you can find some hotels at $200/night. International chains typically run just over $100 per night. With a 9.5 average rating, this hotel is just $36 per night. The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi has an 8.5 rating and is $135 per night. Of course, it has many more amenities than the first hotel.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,653 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$885 with one stop.

Safety

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Georgia.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Georgia.

Interesting and Fun

Sea, mountains, and cities in one relatively small country. The big outdoors is truly on a grand scale offering skiing, hiking, rafting, and more. The cuisine combines eastern and western influences as well as unique cultural dishes like ajarian khachapuri. Their wine-making history dates back 8,000 years so a tasting is necessary.

Argentina Number 1 for Cheap Solo Travel Destination in South America

Argentina has spectacular natural wonders including Glaciers National Park, El Chalten, and Iguazu Falls (pictured above), all bucket list destinations for the adventure travelers. But, of course, there’s Buenos Aires and the tango! And then there are gauchos, Argentinian cowboys. Yes, there’s much to make Argentina an exciting destination for any traveler, budget or otherwise. While other countries in South America may be cheaper, Argentina is one that has the safety rating I was looking for.

Affordability: CAD$1 buys 609 Argentinian pesos. USD$1 buys 815 Argentinian pesos. Buenos Aires is 67% less expensive than Toronto and 75% less than New York City. 

Accommodation

There are many options in affordable hotels in Buenos Aires. Here’s a centrally located hotel on Booking.com with an overall rating of 8.1 for USD$90 including breakfast. Here’s a hostel with a rating of 8.9 for US$31, which also includes breakfast. If you’d like an apartment, I found this fabulous, 5-star unit on VRBO for USD$88/night.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1655 with one stop. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1144 non-stop.

Safety:

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in Argentina.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in Argentina.

Interesting and fun: There are lots of free and cheap things to do in Buenos Aires. There are, of course, free tours to enjoy but plenty more as well. Go to the Mataderos Fair, a gaucho market on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, and see the gauchos show off their skills; take a walk through the 80 hectare woods at the Bosques de Palermo; or explore the graffiti in the northern suburbs. If you’re in the neighborhood of Belgrano on a Sunday, go to the bandstand at Barrancas de Belgrano park for the free tango lessons from 7 pm. You can then watch the experts perform for a fee.

Budget Destination for South Korea

With the cost of flights having increased threefold for Seoul, this is an affordable destination as long as you stay in the region for a while. It’s a totally worthwhile destination but it’s best that you stay more than a week to get good value from your expensive flight.

Affordability: 1 US dollar is about 1,300 South Korean Won (SKW). 1 Canadian dollar is about 1,000 Won. According to Expatistan, Seoul is 31% less expensive than Toronto and 49% less than New York City. 

Accommodation: There are many options in affordable hotels in Seoul. Here’s a sample of a 8.4-rated hotel you’d get for about USD$88 that’s in the center of the city. Here’s the central hostel with an 8.3 rating for USD$30.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,972. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1,279.

Safety:

• United States Government: Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Interesting and fun: While I based the above information on Seoul, there is so much more to South Korea than its capital city. There are mountains and beaches, great diving, and hiking for outdoor enthusiasts. And, of course, there’s a fascinating history over many centuries to be found in modern cities and more traditional villages. A little bit of research and you’ll know why it’s a great destination.

The Shortlist of Destinations for Solo Travelers on a Budget 2023

Best Budget Solo Travel Destination for a European Experience: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a small city, rich with a wide range of architecture that reflects both its current state and its diverse past. It’s a city that is not yet inundated with tourists.

In Ljubljana I felt like I was in Italy 50 years ago. It has all the charm but few of the tourists. The historic center of Ljubljana includes a castle that dates back to the 11th century though the buildings you’ll see are more from the 16th century. In the city center is an extensive pedestrian zone that winds through buildings that are hundreds of years old. A walking tour of the city is a must.

There is also the Alternative District that has graffiti everywhere and people just hanging out or playing music. If you want a feel for how some of the youth of Ljubljana live, and where young travelers gravitate, Hostel Celica Art is worth a look, or a stay.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$3.15. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $10.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $13.00.

Accommodation: Here is a hotel for USD$58.00, very close to the center with a 9.4 rating. Here is a hostel, the Hostel Celica Art which I have stayed at. The rate for our dates is $29.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$901.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$590.00.

Safety:

• United States Government: Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions
• Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

Top Budget Solo Travel Destination North America: Savannah, Georgia

I always like to include one North American destination and this year it is Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah’s Historic District is famous, but there is also the architecture in the Victorian District and the hip Starland District, all within the downtown area. Venture a little further to Savannah’s quiet Lowcountry in the Moon River District.

In an exchange with members of the Solo Travel Society about travel inspiration, Christy said: “I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, set in Savannah, Georgia. I’ve always had an interest in the South. This book was full of eccentric characters. I was so intrigued, by both the people and the town of Savannah, that I went!”

Affordability: It’s the low cost of getting to Savannah and the low cost of hotels compared to other US cities that makes Savannah affordable as a destination for solo travelers on a budget. A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $22.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $18.00.

Accommodation: While the hotels/hostels are more expensive in Savannah than other destinations listed, the cost to get there is much lower for most readers. If you drive, you won’t need accommodation as central as I have chosen and can definitely save a lot per night. Here is a hotel in the historic district for USD$140.00. I did not find a hostel in Savannah.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$515.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$118.00.

Safety:

• Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions
• According to Travellers Worldwide, there are parts of the city to avoid.

Solo Travel Budget Destination for Adventure: Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a perfect launching point for travel in Morocco.

The city itself is both modern and very traditional. The walled medieval city dates to the Berber Empire. There are mosques, palaces, gardens, and, of course, the Medina which is where I bought both a painting and a wall hanging. Don’t miss the Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Once there, it is certainly worth exploring beyond Marrakech. There is an affordable train service to take you far beyond the city limits to the town and beaches of Essaouira as well as all the major cities along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$3.79. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $3.92. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $5.29.

Accommodation: In Marrakech you have a lot of options from affordable stays for golf to more cultural experiences in the city center. Here is a fairly central, modern hotel for USD$68.00 that has an 8.6 rating. Here is a hostel with an 8.8 rating, rooftop dining, and more.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,022.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$668.00.

Safety:

• United States Government: Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution
• Canadian Government: Level 2 Exercise a high degree of caution
• Both countries advise to avoid travel in border regions of Western Sahara.

Best Southeast Asia Budget Destination for History and Nature: Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the few countries in southeast Asia that is safe according to our governments as well as inexpensive. Singapore is actually less expensive than Taiwan and equally safe but does not offer travelers the same diversity of experiences. This is why I went with Taiwan.

A movie, I can’t remember which one, turned me on to Taiwan’s natural beauty. An article on BBC Travel increased my interest in this island nation. In fact, they wrote “Taiwan’s East Coast Highway is easily one of East Asia’s most beautiful spots for cycling.” That says a lot! The country also offers Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian temples, hot springs, and a cuisine influenced by the culinary traditions of Taiwan’s aboriginal people, Chinese settlers, and the Japanese who ruled the island for 50 years. The city of Taipei is your point of entry, offering dramatic buildings, amazing shopping, and night markets.

Affordability: A beer in a neighborhood pub will cost about USD$6.00. A 5-mile taxi ride will be roughly $8.00. A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district will run about $7.00.

Accommodation: Here is a hotel in Taipei city centre with an 8.6 rating for USD$54.00. Here is a hostel in the city center with a 7.3 rating for $29.00.

Cost to get there: From Toronto, return flights start at CAD$1,418.00. From New York City, return flights start at USD$1,023.00.

Safety:

• United States Government: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
• Canadian Government: Level 1 Take normal security precautions

Last updated: 13th March, 2025