20 Affordable Countries for Solo Travelers

Credit: Nicole Geri

Traveling somewhere amazing is on everybody’s bucket lists, but many times these destinations are only a dream due to the price. Fortunately, there are beautiful and affordable countries all over the world for solo travelers, and still have money in the bank.

North America

#1 Canada

Ranked as the second largest country in the world, Canada is a vast, rugged landscape that holds a small number of residents. There are plenty of different natural and manmade sights that you should go see while traveling in this northern country, home to both elk and bear. Some top places to visit include the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Jasper National Park, or the city of Vancouver.

Rooming Prices: Around $100-130
Food/drink Prices: Meal $15-20 / Drink $5-10
Safety “rating”: Very safe, ranked eighth Bounce’s list

#2 Guatemala

If you are a fan of the ancient Mayans, this Central American country is full of ruins along with volcanoes and rainforests. There are also long stretches of beach in the southern part of the country if you’re just looking to soak up the sun. Some top locations to see while in the country include the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Antigua which still has standing Spanish colonial buildings, or Lake Atitlán formed in a volcanic crater.

Rooming Prices: Around $40-80
Food/drink Prices: Meal $5-10 / Drink $2-8
Safety “rating”: Good destination for solo travelers, most crime happens away from tourist areas

Also Read: Top 15 Solo Female Vacations in the U.S.

#3 Nicaragua

Southeast of Guatemala lies Nicaragua, another country full of spectacular lakes, volcanoes, and beaches to explore. Take a trip down to Grenada and navigate an archipelago rich with various species of birds, or travel to the north and see Lake Managua or the stratovolcano Momotombo. If you are a nature lover, you should have no problem diving into the lakes and mountains of this country.

Rooming Prices: $30-70
Food/drink Prices: Meal $4-6 / Drink $7-10
Safety “rating”: Listed as one of the safest countries in Central America for solo travelers, you should still be cautious as there has been some civil unrest recently

South America

#4 Argentina

The eighth largest country in the world, Argentina, lies in South America and takes up most of the southern part of the continent. Though the country may be known for its forests, there is a diverse landscape of plains, deserts, mountains, and a large amount of ocean shoreline. Some other places to visit include Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, Parque Nacional Iberá, or the Mendoza Province.

Rooming Prices: $50-90
Food/drink Prices: Meal $4-6 / Drink $4-6
Safety “rating”: Generally a safe country, but there is usually catcalling that you just need to ignore

#5 Peru

If you’re looking for a large amount of Incan ruins, travel to Peru to not only see Machu Picchu but Sacred Valley, the region surrounding the peaks of Machu Picchu. Other archaeological sites include the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco. Or, head to the capital city of Lima on the Pacific coast, and see the preserved colonial center and collections of pre-Columbian art.

Rooming Prices: $20-50
Food/drink Prices: Meal $6-8 / Drink $3-4
Safety “rating”: Relatively a safe country for solo travelers, and rare for any situations to pop up that make you uncomfortable

Check Out: Booking an Airbnb – How to Get the Best Experience

#6 Colombia

Travel to the land of extremes in Columbia, home to the world’s second largest population of Spanish-speaking people. In the center of the country check out the expansive snow-covered mountains and volcanoes of the Andes region. If high elevations aren’t quite your thing, then head to either the north or west parts of the country and relax on the miles of tropical beaches.

Rooming Prices: $15-50
Food/drink Prices: Meal $10-12 / Drink $3-6
Safety “rating”: This country is safe, provided you stay in the right areas; rated thirty fourth in Bounce’s list

Europe

#7 Slovenia

Located in Central Europe, Slovenia has plenty of mountains, ski resorts, and lakes to keep you entertained for however long you decide to stay. Travel to Lake Bled, fed by hot springs and sporting a cliffside medieval castle and church-topped islet. Or, head to the nation’s capital Ljubljana and check out the mix of buildings, from baroque facades to 20th century architecture created by Jože Plečnik, a native of Slovenia.

Rooming Prices: $50-100
Food/drink Prices: Meal $9-11 / Drink $ 3-5
Safety “rating”: Having one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, Slovenia is a perfect spot for solo travelers, and is rated fourth on Bounce’s list of safest countries

#8 Portugal

Situated on the Iberian Peninsula and bordering Spain, Portugal’s location has influenced much of its culture and development as a country. National dishes include salt cod and grilled sardines right from the water of the Atlantic Ocean, while the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination for tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking for architecture, Portugal has numerous buildings that date back to the 1500s-1800s when the country was a maritime empire.

Rooming Prices: $50-100
Food/drink Prices: Meal $16-18 / Drink $5-7
Safety “rating”: Number seven on Bounce’s list is Portugal, offering a welcoming atmosphere as well as virtually nonexistent violent crime

Read More: Meandering In: Oslo, Norway

#9 Georgia

Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia used to be a Soviet Republic, but is now home to the Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. The most famous landmark of the country is Vardzia, a cave monastery from the 12th century. Or you could travel to the capital, Tbilisi which is known for diverse architecture and maze like cobblestone streets from its old towns.

Rooming Prices: $30-100
Food/drink Prices: Meal $3-6 / Drink $4-6
Safety “rating”: Though not on Bounce’s list, Georgia is highly rated as one of the safest countries according to the Crime Index rate, especially for solo travelers

#10 United Kingdom

Containing four countries – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – the United Kingdom is an island in northwestern Europe. Though there are many sites in each country, England specifically is home to the capital London, which is a global center of finance and culture. You can also visit the Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman spa, or universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Rooming Prices: $60-120
Food/drink Prices: Meal $18-20 / Drink $4-6
Safety “rating”: With London being one of the safest major cities in the world, the United Kingdom as a whole has a low crime rate and strong police presence that ranks it as number twenty six on Bounce’s list

Asia

#11 Taiwan

A small country located on the junction of the East and South China Seas, Taiwan is known for its diverse culture and natural landscapes. Specifically check out their bustling nightlife, strong indigenous heritage, large electronics industry, and the lakes and mountains.

Rooming Prices: $30-75
Food/drink Prices: Meal $6-8 / Drink $ 4-6
Safety “rating”: With a practically non-existent crime rate and the ability to walk around at night, Taiwan is an extremely safe country for solo travelers

#12 Armenia

To the South of Georgia is Armenia, once a Soviet republic and on the border of Asia and Europe. The country is known for its religious sites, including the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni or the 4th century Etchmiadzin Cathedral. If you’re looking for a pilgrimage, then head up to the Khor Virap Monastery near Mount Ararat, a dormant volcano right over the border in Turkey.

Rooming Prices: $20-80
Food/drink Prices: Meal $5-7 / Drink $4-6
Safety “rating”: Crime rates are low in this country, in addition to every foreigner being treated as a guest. Though you should be aware that there is a language barrier and men may come up to you in a non-aggressive way

#13 Malaysia

Malaysia occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo in southeast Asia. It is a blend of several different cultures including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European. Along with beaches and rainforests, the capital Kuala Lumpur is home to colonial buildings and the 451-meters-tall Petronas Twin Towers.

Rooming Prices: $10-30
Food/drink Prices: Meal $7-9 / Drink $3-5
Safety “rating”: Though safe for solo travelers, you should be aware of pickpocketing on busy streets and public transportation

#14 Sri Lanka

Formally known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island nation off the coast of India in South Asia. Take a trip down to the turquoise waters and pristine beaches on the coast, or travel inland and see the sprawling rainforests and mountain ranges that give this country immense natural beauty. Or if you’re looking for history, go to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Rooming Prices: $10-60
Food/drink Prices: Meal $2-4 / Drink $1-2
Safety “rating”: Since the culture is primarily Buddhist, the locals are very welcoming to tourists and create a safe environment for solo travelers, in order to boost their economy

Also Read: Meandering In: Bergen, Norway

Africa

#15 Morocco

This North African country borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European influences. Morocco has several older buildings, including Marrakesh’s medina, which is a maze-like medieval quarter that sells ceramics, jewelry, and metal lanterns. Or in the capital Rabat, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th century fort.

Rooming Prices: $30-80
Food/drink Prices: Meal $6-8 / Drink $3-4
Safety “rating”: Rarely having any violent crimes, especially not towards tourists, Morocco is a safe country for solo travelers, but has a small possibility of minor frustrations with the locals

#16 Namibia

Recognized by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast, Namibia is home to a large cheetah population along with several other species of wildlife. The capital Windhoek and coastal town of Swakopmund still have German colonial-era buildings that were built in the early 1900s. In the northern section of the country, take a trip to Etosha National Park’s salt pan which draws game like rhinos and giraffes, and a significant number of tourists.

Rooming Prices: $40-130
Food/drink Prices: Meal $3-5 / Drink $2-3
Safety “rating”: Known as a fairly safe space for solo travelers, Namibia’s biggest concern would be the watching out for wild animals, or running out of water in the desert

#17 Tanzania

Across the continent is Tanzania, known more for its natural landmarks than anything else. The Serengeti stretches across the country, containing the “big five” game – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. If you want a non-living attraction, visit Kilimanjaro National Park and see Africa’s highest mountain, or the islands of Zanzibar that are home to coral reefs and sharks.

Rooming Prices: $20-100
Food/drink Prices: Meal $9-11 / Drink $2-4
Safety “rating”: Often rated as the safest African country for tourists, this Tanzania in particular is a great choice for solo travelers

Check Out: What to Pack? A Complete Guide to the Right Clothes and Gear

#18 Egypt

Home of the pharaohs, Egypt connects northeast Africa and the Middle East and its land is full of structures from the past. Along the Nile River Valley, there are Giza’s Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, or Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of Kings tombs. Cairo, the capital, is home to Ottoman landmarks such as the Egyptian Museum or the Muhammad Ali Mosque.

Rooming Prices: $20-100
Food/drink Prices: Meal $3-5 / Drink $2-3
Safety “rating”: Though it is a relatively safe country, you should shy away from walking around late at night alone, or wearing too revealing clothing as it will attract more catcalls

Australia

#19 Australia

If you’ve ever heard of “The Bush” or “The Outback,” then you know the country of Australia and its sprawling fields that contain kangaroos and some of the world’s most dangerous animals. Also known as one of the world’s most urbanized countries, if you are not into exploring the wilderness, then visit cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth.

Rooming Prices: $70-130
Food/drink Prices: Meal $13-15 / Drink $3-5
Safety “rating”: Rated at twenty four on Bounce’s list, Australia is a welcoming country to tourists. It is safe for solo travelers due to great infrastructure and helpful locals

#20 New Zealand

Across the Tasman Sea and to the East of Australia is New Zealand, consisting of two main pieces of land – the North Island and the South Island, along with 700 other smaller islands. The country itself is known for its national rugby team, the indigenous Maori culture, and the picturesque landscape that 4.5 million people call home.

Rooming Prices: $50-120
Food/drink Prices: Meal $12-14 / Drink $3-5
Safety “rating”: Listed at number twenty two on Bounce’s list is New Zealand, generally a safe country and one of the most visited by solo travelers

Of course, there are many other countries safe for solo travelers that were not included on this list. But, now you have a jumping-off point for where to go in the world, and make your first, or tenth solo trip one to remember.