You don’t need a big budget to enjoy a rewarding trip away on your own. With the tricky cost of living still weighing heavily on many people in the UK, more travellers are rethinking how and where they take their time off. Travelling somewhere new might seem expensive at first glance, but cheap holidays are well within reach if you plan smartly. Here are some of the ways you can stretch your budget and still have a wonderful experience solo travelling.
The Rise of Solo Travel
Solo travel is the new norm, with many heading out alone and shaping holidays around their own interests and pace. It lets you set your schedule, manage your own spending, and make decisions without compromise. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a fancy meal, you don’t have to!
It’s a freedom that appeals to people at different stages of life, whether you’re taking a break from work or easing into retirement.
Discover Alternative Destinations
Popular cities and beach resorts often come with inflated prices and unnecessary queues. It’s worth spending the time researching countries that don’t top every travel bucket list but provide plenty of value. For example, Albania has a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline that rivals its neighbours, but at a fraction of the cost.
Flights to these locations are also becoming more frequent and competitively priced, especially if you can avoid peak seasons.
Explore the UK
A good break from day-to-day life doesn’t have to be abroad, and the UK is full of places that cater well to solo travellers. The Scottish Highlands offer a peaceful escape where you can hike during the day and relax in a cosy pub at night. Depending on your start location, train or coach travel can be surprisingly affordable if you book in advance, and you won’t need to factor in passport checks or baggage restrictions. Staying local also allows for better flexibility and shorter journey times.
Join Group Tours
Perhaps the idea of going solo sounds appealing, but you don’t want to feel alone the whole time. If this is you, why not consider joining a group tour? Many companies specialise in adventures where everyone starts as a solo traveller, so you’re all in the same boat. You’ll meet people with a similar mindset, but still get space to be independent when you need it.
These trips can save money on transport and accommodation too, as you often avoid the “single supplement” that inflates hotel prices for individuals.
Practical Tips for Budget Solo Travel
Budgeting as a solo traveller is far from impossible. Keep costs down with transport by travelling midweek; this cuts trains and flight prices. You can also set price alerts on booking platforms, and it’s wise to try to stay flexible with your dates.
If you’re open to it, house-sitting is a clever way to stay somewhere without paying for a room and with homely amenities. When it comes to eating out, lunch menus tend to be cheaper than dinner, and shopping at local markets gives you fresh options at a lower cost.
