Solo travel doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best adventures happen when you're watching your wallet.
We’ve rounded up some amazing destinations that are perfect for women travelling alone on a budget. Each place on our list is safe, affordable, and social, where you can easily meet other travellers.
From the night markets of Chiang Mai to the cobblestone streets of Krakow, each destination on our list offers something unique. You'll find great food, friendly faces, and experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
Ready to plan your next solo trip? Let's explore ten cheap places to travel as a solo female. Your ideal getaway might be closer than you think!
At a Glance: Affordable Places to Solo Travel as a Woman
With so many options, choosing the perfect destination can feel overwhelming. We’ve narrowed it down to our top picks for solo female travellers, focusing on safety, adventure, and memorable experiences.
- Best for First-Time Solo Travelers: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Best for Culture and History: Krakow, Poland
- Top Pick for Adventure and Nature: Ella, Sri Lanka
- Best for Foodies: George Town, Malaysia
- Most Scenic: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Moonsand has you covered with unbeatable flight deals and flexible booking options, so you can focus on what matters most - choosing your next destination!
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
(Find cheap flights to Chang Mai)
Chiang Mai is a dream for solo female travellers, especially if you’re on a budget. This northern Thai city is safe, friendly, and perfect for wandering around at your own pace. The old town is full of charming temples and cafés where you can lose track of time.
One thing we love about Chiang Mai is the local food scene. For the best khao soi (trust us, you'll be dreaming about this curry soup!), head to Khao Soi Khun Yai. It's a tiny spot run by a sweet grandma who'll make you feel like family. The price for a bowl is only around £2.
For a relaxed stay, we’d recommend The Common Hostel, where a night costs around £10. If you're looking for a more social vibe, Mad Monkey is a great choice and is still affordable.
Before you leave, don’t miss the Sunday Walking Street Market. It’s a great place to find local crafts and cheap eats - the street food is delicious! With so much to explore for next to nothing, Chiang Mai is hands-down one of the most affordable places to solo travel as a female.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
(Find cheap flights to Tbilisi)
We're calling it - Tbilisi is Europe's best-kept secret for solo female travellers on a budget. The Georgian capital offers an incredible bang for your buck, with hostels starting at just £9 a night! We recommend Pushkin 10 Hostel for its central location and friendly atmosphere.
As a solo traveller, you'll feel right at home in Tbilisi. The locals are genuinely friendly, always ready with a smile or an impromptu toast (Georgians love their toast!). You might find yourself swapping stories with other travellers over ridiculously cheap and delicious wine - Georgia has been perfecting winemaking for 8,000 years, so they know a thing or two!
The city itself is a fascinating mix of old and new. One minute you're wandering through ancient thermal baths, the next you're sipping coffee in a converted Soviet factory. And the best part? You can do it all on a shoestring budget.
Tbilisi's the kind of place where your money goes far, but the memories you make go even further. It's safe, it's affordable, and it's ready to steal your heart. Just don't blame us when you "accidentally" extend your stay!
3. Hoi An, Vietnam
(Find cheap flights to Hoi An)
Picture this: lantern-lit streets, amazing street food, and a relaxed atmosphere that'll make you want to stay longer. Welcome to Hoi An, a laid-back town in Vietnam where you can eat well, explore, and still have cash left for a tailor-made outfit.
Getting around Hoi An couldn’t be simpler. We recommend renting a bike for £1 a day and pedalling your way through rice paddies and to the nearby beach. Or, just wander the car-free old town on foot! It's small enough that you won't get lost, but big enough to keep you exploring for days.
Let's talk affordability. You can find a comfy bed in a female-only dorm for about £5 a night. Food's a steal too. A bowl of cao lau (the local noodle speciality) will set you back less than £2.
Safety is rarely an issue here. The biggest danger is falling so in love with Hoi An that you blow your budget on tailor-made clothes. (No judgment - we've been there!).
If you're hunting for cheap places to solo travel female, Hoi An should be top of your list. Don't be surprised if you end up on an impromptu street food tour with your Airbnb host or learning Vietnamese from the lady at your favourite banh mi stand.
4. Oaxaca, Mexico
(Find cheap flights to Oaxaca)
Few cities feel as alive as Oaxaca, with its vibrant markets, stunning street art, and mouthwatering food everywhere you turn. It’s super affordable, so you can explore all day, eat like a queen, and still stay on a budget.
The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in Oaxaca is head to the zócalo (main square). Street vendors hawk tlayudas – massive tortillas loaded with beans and cheese. Grab one for a couple of bucks and people-watch to your heart's content.
Oaxaca's markets are a sensory overload in the best way. We recommend visiting Mercado 20 de Noviembre for its smoky hall of meat grills and endless food stalls. Don't leave without trying chapulines (grasshoppers). They're crunchy, salty, and weirdly addictive.
For a day trip, you’ll want to check out Monte Albán. The ancient ruins and killer views make it worth every penny (which, by the way, is not a lot). Oaxaca proves you don’t need to splurge to have an unforgettable adventure.
5. George Town, Malaysia
(Find cheap flights to Georgetown)
If food is your love language, George Town will steal your heart. This UNESCO World Heritage is safe, walkable, and packed with incredible food that’ll have you planning your next meal while still eating the current one.
Street art is everywhere in George Town. You'll spot murals, wrought-iron caricatures, and quirky installations everywhere you go. It's one of those cheap places to visit as a solo female traveller where your Instagram feed practically updates itself.
What we love most about George Town is the food. Head to any hawker centre and try dishes like char kway teow, assam laksa, or curry mee - all for less than the price of a coffee back home. We’d suggest hitting up Gurney Drive Hawker Centre for some of the best local eats.
George Town is pretty social, too. We recommend staying at House of Journey if you're looking to meet other travellers. They organise nightly events and food tours. For a scenic break, hop on the Penang Hill train for amazing views of the city. It's a must-do while you're there!
6. Krakow, Poland
(Find cheap flights to Krakow)
Krakow has it all: history, cool neighbourhoods, and a buzzing nightlife. The best part? You can enjoy it all without blowing your budget.
Start your day in the Main Square with a zapiekanka, a delicious open-faced sandwich that’ll fill you up for just a few coins. Then, wander through Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter. It's now a hipster haven full of quirky bars and vintage shops.
For a sobering but meaningful experience, we recommend a day trip to Auschwitz. Back in Krakow, you can lighten the mood with a stop at Wodka, a bar known for its flavoured vodka tastings.
When night falls, we highly recommend joining a pub crawl. You'll make friends faster than you can say "Na zdrowie!" (Cheers!). With hostels starting at £8 a night, Krakow proves you don't need deep pockets for a deep dive into culture.
7. Ubud, Indonesia
(Find cheap flights to Ubud, Bali)
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, and it won't break the bank. This town's perfect for solo travellers who want to mix relaxation with a bit of adventure.
You can start your day with yoga at Yoga Barn - drop-in classes are about £10. After that, grab breakfast at Warung Sopa. Their coconut pancakes are delicious and cost less than £3!
For sightseeing, don't miss the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. It's a bit touristy, but the views are worth it. The Sacred Monkey Forest is another must-visit, just keep an eye on your belongings around the cheeky monkeys!
When you need a break, Ubud's cafés are perfect for unwinding. With so many budget-friendly options, it's no surprise Ubud is one of the cheapest places to solo travel as a woman. Try Seniman Coffee for some of the best brews in town.
Hostels here start around £5 a night, so you can easily stay for a while. Between the affordable massages, great food, and friendly locals, Ubud's the kind of place that keeps drawing you back.
8. Ella, Sri Lanka
If you're sick of crowded beaches and want to see what the fuss is about Sri Lanka, head to Ella. This little mountain town is like nature's playground for travellers who still want their creature comforts.
Have you ever seen those dreamy shots of people on blue trains crossing huge bridges? That's the Nine Arch Bridge, and it's even cooler in person. Just try not to drop your phone while getting that perfect shot!
Hiking in Ella is incredible. Little Adam's Peak is a nice warm-up with views that'll make you forget you're out of shape. If you’re feeling gutsy, tackle Ella Rock. It's a tough climb, but the panorama at the top is worth every sweaty step.
Safety isn't a concern here. Ella's small-town feel means you can wander freely, even after dark. The main street comes alive in the evening with cosy cafes and restaurants, perfect for solo dining without feeling out of place.
For those wondering where to visit as a solo female traveller, Ella should top your list. In our opinion, it offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You might come for a couple of days, but don't be surprised if you end up staying for a week!
9. Koh Lanta, Thailand
(Find cheap flights to Koh Lanta)
Koh Lanta is that laid-back Thai island you've been dreaming of, minus the Full Moon Party chaos. Rent a scooter and explore hidden beaches like Long Beach for a swim, or catch the sunset at Kantiang Bay. It’s seriously worth the ride!
We’d suggest checking out the Old Town, where you’ll find stilted wooden houses and some of the freshest seafood on the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, snorkelling around Koh Rok is always a great choice, or you can try a Thai cooking class and impress your friends back home.
When night falls, Pangea Beach Bar is the spot for live music and fire shows, without the wild party crowd. Blanco Hostel is where we’d recommend staying if you’re after a relaxed, social spot to meet other travellers.
Koh Lanta gives you the best of both worlds: chilled days, exciting nights, and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that makes solo travel feel effortless.
10. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Find cheap flights to Mostar)
Last up on our list of cheap places to solo travel as a woman is Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and trust us, you won’t want to skip this one.
Mostar takes you back in time with its cobbled streets and the stunning Stari Most (Old Bridge) arching over the emerald Neretva River. Stroll the old town’s winding alleys, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch locals diving from the bridge - a tradition that’ll leave you speechless!
For a meal that’s both delicious and cheap, go for Cevapi. These grilled sausages with flatbread are full of flavour and perfect after a day of exploring. When you need a break, Kravice Waterfalls offers a peaceful spot to cool off, surrounded by lush greenery.
What makes Mostar one of the best places to solo travel in Europe is how easy it is on the wallet. Guesthouses start at just £10 a night, and everything is walkable, which makes it perfect for solo travellers. If you’re after history, nature, and affordability, Mostar ticks all the boxes.
Wrapping Up: Best Places to Solo Travel Female
These ten destinations show that solo female travel can be both affordable and rewarding. From savouring street food in George Town to dancing the night away in Krakow, adventure is calling your name.
Remember, travelling cheaply doesn't mean compromising on quality or safety. These locations allow you to stretch your money further while staying safe and meeting other travelers.
Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or planning your first trip, we hope this list inspires you. The world is more accessible than you might think, and solo travel can be a powerful way to challenge yourself and gain confidence.
So, which place has you itching to pack your bags? Will you be beach-hopping in Koh Lanta or exploring ancient ruins in Ella? Wherever you choose, you're in for the trip of a lifetime!
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