Solo travel can, unfortunately, be pricier than traveling with a group because you don’t get to split the costs with others. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done on a budget!⁣⁣ That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my top budgeting practices to help you save more money when you’re traveling alone.

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Best Budgeting Practices to Travel Solo on a Budget

Here are some of the best budgeting practices that you can apply either during or before your solo trip to save a few bucks here and there.

P.S: Solo traveler or not, the following budgeting tips are GOLD and should help you save money anyway.

Best Budgeting Practices: Pre-Solo Trip

#1 Prioritize travel 

If travel is your #1 priority, you’ll find a way to cut down your living costs and save up. You’ll automatically compromise the gym subscription you never use or eat out less.⁣⁣

#2 Make a priorities list 

Speaking of priorities, you need to make a list of your priorities for each trip. Arrange the activities you’d like to do in order of priority because you don’t have to be on a super tight budget to do it right. For instance, I stay at hostels instead of hotels to save money but in return, I wouldn’t mind splurging on a ticket to go see Fergie perform (true story). See how that evens out?⁣⁣

#3 Up your research game 

Planning in advance can help you keep things on a budget, and good planning requires mad research skills. You can’t just rely on the basic information you’ll find with the help of a simple Google search. You need to dig deeper and learn the ins and outs of a destination that’ll help you save money there.

#4 Plan and book your trips in advance 

The later you book and the closer your travel dates are, the more expensive everything will be – be it flight tickets or accommodations, which are the two biggest bulks in any trip. If you plan and book everything early, you’ll save a lot more than you think.

#5 Join email lists that send out flight deals 

There are email lists that you can subscribe to that send out flight deals on a regular basis. My favorite two are Jack’s Flight Club and Going, which was formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights. I also send out a weekly newsletter, called Tuesday Tips & Trips, that doesn’t just include cheap flights but also travel tips, promo codes, hostel picks, and more.

#6 Create a separate savings account for travel

Think of it as your piggy bank. When you set aside money saved specifically for travel, it’s easier for you not to spend it. Be it in a separate savings account at your bank or in an actual piggy bank – or even a jar.⁣⁣

#7 Prep meals at home

You’d be surprised how much money you could save if you quit eating at restaurants or ordering takeouts. Both your bank account and health will thank you later. 

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Best Budgeting Practices: During Solo Trip

#1 Book night buses/trains to save on accommodations 

This is perfect for multi-city trips and long bus/train rides. One night at a hotel/hostel may not seem as much but if you save a bit here and there, you’ll thank me later.

#2 Walk… It’s FREE 

This could be broken down into 2 parts. First, walking to save on transportation. Not just that you’ll save money, but this is how you stumble upon hidden gems and get cool photos – also, it’s good for your body. Secondly, joining free walking tours can be a great way to explore the city AND make new friends. It’s a win-win either way!

#3 Split travel costs with other solo travelers 

Many hostels have boards where you can hang any fun plans for other travelers to tag along. This way solo travelers can split travel costs and meet other people easily.

#4 Travel off-season 

Less demand means cheaper prices AND fewer tourist crowds. For destinations where the weather can be a total turn-off during the off-season, opt for shoulder season instead.

#5 Travel locally more often  

Travel locally and explore your own backyard. It’s usually much cheaper to spend on staycations than to travel internationally. I bet there’s so much to see in your own country that you’ve been taking for granted.

#6 Track your expenses

Keeping track of your daily spending is very helpful and is now made easier thanks to the abundance of mobile apps specifically made there for that. I personally prefer TravelSpend because you can categorize your expenditure (transportation, food, activities, etc.); you can create a budget for each trip; and can even separate cash expenses from credit card ones

Found these budgeting practices and tips useful? Don’t forget to pin this for later and share it with your solo traveling friends.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.

This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

GET INSURED NOW – Nomad Insurance

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You might also like:

• 10+ Tested Safety Tips for Female Solo Travel Newbies
• 11 Avoidable Mistakes Every Solo Traveler Should Know About

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