Traveling solo as a female has always been both empowering and liberating for me. The freedom to explore new places at my own pace, the opportunity to meet new people, and the chance to spend time reflecting and growing are just a few of the reasons why I love solo travel. However, I understand that safety and budget are significant concerns, especially for Cheap Places to Travel Solo Female. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find destinations that are not only affordable but also safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. In this article, I’ll share some of the best cheap places to travel solo as a female, along with my personal experiences and the emotions these places evoked. What I’ve learned is that solo travel doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating; some of the most fulfilling journeys I’ve taken have been in places that are affordable, safe, and incredibly rewarding.
Finding Safe and Affordable Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
When it comes to solo female travel, finding destinations that offer both safety and affordability is key. Whether you’re looking to explore a vibrant city, relax on a peaceful beach, or immerse yourself in nature, there are plenty of places around the world where you can do so without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite cheap places to travel solo as a female, along with tips on how to make the most of your solo adventure.
Lisbon, Portugal: A Warm Welcome in a Charming European City
One of the first destinations that comes to mind when I think of solo female travel is Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is a city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and warmth—all at an incredibly affordable price. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and welcomed in Lisbon, with its friendly locals, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning views.
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Lisbon was exploring the Alfama district, the city’s oldest neighborhood. As I wandered through the narrow, winding streets, with their colorful tiles and beautiful views of the Tagus River, I felt a deep sense of peace and contentment. Alfama is a place where you can get lost in the charm of old Lisbon, all while feeling completely safe and comfortable. The best part? Simply wandering through the streets of Alfama is free, allowing you to soak in the unique atmosphere without spending a dime.
Another highlight of my time in Lisbon was visiting the historic Belém district, home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. As I explored these stunning sites, with their intricate architecture and rich history, I felt a deep connection to the past. Entrance fees to many of Lisbon’s top attractions are very reasonable, making it easy to experience the city’s history and culture without overspending.
Lisbon is also known for its delicious food, and one of my favorite memories is of enjoying a pastel de nata (a traditional Portuguese custard tart) at a local café. Whether you’re dining at a traditional tasca or enjoying a coffee in a charming café, Lisbon offers plenty of affordable dining options for solo travelers. The city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home, and it’s a place I would recommend to any solo female traveler.
Bali, Indonesia: A Tropical Paradise with a Spiritual Heart
From the charming streets of Lisbon, my journey took me to Bali, Indonesia, a destination that has long been a favorite among solo female travelers. Bali is a place where you can find peace, adventure, and connection—all at a price that is perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Bali was visiting the town of Ubud, a place known for its lush rice terraces, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual atmosphere. As I explored the town’s many temples, art galleries, and yoga studios, I felt a deep sense of inner peace and connection to the world around me. Ubud is a place where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on your own well-being. The best part? Many of the experiences in Ubud, such as visiting temples or exploring the rice terraces, are either free or very affordable, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers on a budget.
Another highlight of my time in Bali was relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches. Bali is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, from the white sands of Nusa Dua to the vibrant surf scene of Canggu. As I lounged on the beach, with the sun shining down and the sound of the waves in my ears, I felt a deep sense of relaxation and contentment. Bali’s beaches are a place where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island, all while staying within your budget.
Bali is also known for its warm and welcoming people, and I found that the locals were always eager to help and make sure I felt safe and comfortable. Whether I was dining at a local warung or exploring the island’s many attractions, I always felt welcomed and cared for. Bali’s combination of natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and friendly locals makes it a perfect destination for solo female travelers.
Budapest, Hungary: A Historic City with Affordable Delights
From the tropical paradise of Bali, my journey took me to Budapest, Hungary, a city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation—all at an incredibly affordable price. Budapest is a place where you can explore grand palaces, soak in thermal baths, and enjoy world-class cuisine without breaking the bank, making it an ideal destination for solo female travelers.
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Budapest was exploring the historic Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers stunning views of the city and the Danube River. As I wandered through the castle’s grand halls and courtyards, with their intricate architecture and rich history, I felt a deep connection to the past. The best part? Entrance fees to many of Budapest’s top attractions are incredibly reasonable, making it easy to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture without spending a fortune.
Another highlight of my time in Budapest was visiting the city’s famous thermal baths. Budapest is known as the “City of Spas” for good reason, with its many thermal baths offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. One of my favorite memories is of soaking in the warm waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, with its grand neo-baroque architecture and soothing mineral-rich waters. As I relaxed in the outdoor pools, with the steam rising around me and the sounds of the city fading away, I felt a deep sense of peace and contentment. Budapest’s thermal baths are a place where you can unwind and enjoy a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost of a spa day in other European cities.
Budapest is also known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the highlights of my time in the city was enjoying a meal at a traditional Hungarian restaurant. From hearty goulash to delicious chimney cakes, Budapest’s cuisine is both satisfying and affordable, making it easy to eat well without blowing your budget. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a local eatery or sampling street food from a market, Budapest offers plenty of options for solo female travelers.
Edinburgh, Scotland: A Cultural Haven with a Rich History
From the grand streets of Budapest, my journey took me to Edinburgh, Scotland, a city that is rich in history, culture, and charm—all at an incredibly affordable price. Edinburgh is a place where you can explore historic castles, wander through beautiful gardens, and enjoy world-class festivals, all while feeling safe and welcomed as a solo female traveler.
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Edinburgh was exploring the city’s famous Royal Mile, a historic street that runs through the heart of the Old Town. As I wandered along the cobblestone streets, with the sound of bagpipes in the air and the stunning architecture of Edinburgh Castle in the distance, I felt a deep connection to the history and culture of Scotland. The best part? Many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden, are free to enter, making it easy to experience the city’s rich heritage without overspending.
Another highlight of my time in Edinburgh was hiking up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. As I climbed to the summit, with the wind in my hair and the sun setting over the city, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to the natural beauty of Scotland. Arthur’s Seat is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature, all while staying within your budget.
Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, and one of the highlights of my time in the city was attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. The festival offers a wide range of performances, from theater and comedy to music and dance, many of which are free or low-cost. As I watched the performances, with the excitement of the festival in the air and the city’s beautiful architecture as my backdrop, I felt a deep appreciation for the arts and culture of Edinburgh.
Which is the Best Cheap Place to Travel as a Solo Female?
As my journey through these affordable and safe destinations came to an end, I found myself reflecting on the question that had guided my travels: What is the best cheap place to travel as a solo female? The truth is, there is no single answer. Each of the destinations I visited—Lisbon, Bali, Budapest, and Edinburgh—offered its own unique experiences and charm, all at a price that didn’t strain my budget.
For me, the best cheap place to travel as a solo female wasn’t just about finding the most affordable destination—it was about discovering the experiences that resonated with my heart and created lasting memories. It was about the warm welcome I received in Lisbon , the spiritual connection I felt in Bali, the historic richness of Budapest, and the cultural vibrancy of Edinburgh. Each of these places offered me something special—whether it was a sense of peace, a connection to history, or the simple joy of exploring a new city on my own terms.
Traveling solo as a female doesn’t mean you have to compromise on safety or experiences, nor does it mean you have to spend a fortune. In fact, some of the most fulfilling and enriching moments of my travels were in places where I could enjoy the simple pleasures of life—wandering through historic streets, soaking in thermal baths, hiking up to breathtaking viewpoints, or savoring a delicious meal at a local eatery.
In the end, the best cheap place to travel as a solo female is the place that makes you feel safe, welcomed, and connected—the place where you can explore freely, without worrying about your budget or your safety. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Lisbon, the spiritual haven of Bali, the architectural beauty of Budapest, or the cultural richness of Edinburgh, there’s a destination out there that’s perfect for you.
This journey was more than just a series of affordable trips; it was a testament to the idea that solo travel can be empowering, liberating, and incredibly rewarding—regardless of your budget. It was a celebration of the diverse and welcoming world we live in, and a reminder that the best travel experiences come from the heart, not the wallet. These destinations are proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to have a rich and fulfilling solo travel experience, and they offer the perfect opportunity to explore, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
