Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers: the 2017 Shortlist

To be honest, I write this annual post for me as much as for you.

Unlike most posts on Solo Traveler which are based on personal experience this is a research post. I want to know the best budget destinations for solo travelers because I want to spend my travel dollar as efficiently as possible.

I’ve scoured the lists of budget destinations released by a wide variety of publications and created a shortlist with the objective of giving you options around the world that are not only affordable but also friendly and safe for solo travelers.

These are new destinations for me so it’s important to note that I have not stayed at the hotel examples below.

Here’s how this list was determined.

• Affordability. Naturally, how affordable a destination is depends on your home currency. I’m in Canada and our currency is very low against just about every other currency in the world right now. I’m hypersensitive about the affordability of a destination. Also, I’m giving the information below in US dollars as most of us know our exchange rates to the US dollar.
• Cost to get there. If the trip is short, the cost to get there is very important. If you’re planning a month or two in a destination, that cost is less significant for it is prorated over a longer period of time.
• Will it be interesting and fun? A great destination offers access to a new culture, fun things to do, or both. I’ve given you a very brief overview of both for each recommendation.
• Safety. I’ve checked the US and Canadian government advisories on all these suggestions and indicated any warnings below.

Note: In doing the research I wanted to offer apples-to-apples comparisons. So all the flights I checked leave on February 28th with a return date of March 14th. The room rates I found are for the 28th of February. All were checked during the week of this post’s publication. The hotels and hostels are NOT recommendations. They were chosen based on their price and review scores and are intended to give you an idea of what you can get for your money. Also, I’ve used Toronto and New York City as points of departure to keep the numbers consistent. Use your own home airport to see what rates you’d have to pay.

The Shortlist of Budget Solo Travel Destinations 2017

The price of flights has been falling year after year since 2013 and, according to a report in Forbes, this trend will continue in 2017. The same report points to American Express Global Business Travel predicting a rise in the prices for hotel rooms of about the same percentage as the decline in flight prices. I’d say that’s a wash. And as a consumer we have to plan carefully to get the most for our travel money.

To help you (and me) here is my shortlist of affordable destinations for solo travelers in 2017.

Belize

Belize is on a number of budget lists for 2017.  Let’s start with a Destination post written by Gemma, a reader from the UK. She recommends going off the beaten track just a bit to Hopkins, Belize. The most popular destinations in Belize are San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Affordability – You can buy 2 Belize dollars with one US dollar. It’s an easy calculation. While there are many luxury resorts in Belize there is no shortage of budget hotels. The price will vary according to where you are in Belize with the more popular spots being more expensive of course. I’m going to focus on Hopkins since it was recommended by Gemma and I’ve seen it described as the friendliest place in Belize – something that would recommend it to this solo traveler.

For hotels I usually look for something around the $100 mark but in Hopkins I found The Parrot Cove which looks significantly better than the US$100 hotels for US$127. I’d likely stretch my budget in this case.  However I’m also inclined towards hostels. In her post Gemma recommended The Funky Dodo with its tree top bar, a hostel that I’ve seen priced as low as US$13 per night. According to Expatistan, Belize City is 30% less expensive than my home of Toronto.

Cost to get there – Return flights to Belize in February from Toronto run at about US$530. Return flights to Belize from New York City for the same time period run about $440.

Safety –

• US Government: no warning.
• Canadian Government: Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and Zika Virus

Interesting and fun – Belize is both a Central American country and a Caribbean country giving it the culture of Central America with Mayan ruins and jungle as well as the beaches of a Caribbean island. It’s home to a 185-mile-long coral reef that is protected by the UNESCO World Heritage program making it a great destination for snorkelling and diving.

Crete, Greece

Europe is always a desirable destination but not always an affordable one. Greece, and Crete in particular, is the recommended European destination for 2017.

Affordability – The exchange rate for US$ to Euros is quite good right now. In fact, it’s a few cents stronger than the Euro which it was definitely not a couple of years ago. There are many options in affordable hotels in Crete. Here’s a sample of a highly-rated hotel you’d get for about $100. Here’s the Chiani hostel that starts at US$12. You may want to note that there is also a singles hotel called The Mistral which comes in at the $200/night mark. I couldn’t get a comparison for Crete but according to Expatistan Athens is about 30% less expensive than Toronto.

Cost to get there – Using Flightnetwork, the price of US$686 from New York and US$800 from Canada.  While Europeans may be able to fly directly to Crete, those of us from North America would have to fly into Athens and then get to Crete. You can fly if you want but I’d be inclined to stay in Athens two nights and take a ferry to Crete.

Safety –

• US Government: no warning.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal security precautions.

Interesting and fun – The island is rich in history, Minoan ruins, rugged mountains, beaches, traditional villages and food! You can do a bit of Greet island hopping from Crete. It’s easy to book a tour and given the island’s difficult economic situation it is not expensive. Rick Steves has an excellent post on the Greek Islands here.

New Orleans, USA

If you avoid Mardi Gras New Orleans is one of the least expensive and most culturally unique cities in the US. Ashley, an American reader, gave us an excellent post on budget travel to New Orleans here. If you do want to go during Mardi Gras read this post submitted by Guy from Australia: Solo at Mardi Gras

Affordability – For Americans the exchange rate is not an issue. For Canadians, every US$ costs us about Cdn$1.25 but as far as American cities go, this one is a good option. As mentioned above the Euro is worth just slightly less than the US$. Here is a sample of a hotel in the Garden district that is about $100 per night. Starting at US$31 you can book yourself into Site 61 Hostel. According to Expatistan New Orleans is about as expensive as Toronto when you consider the exchange rate.

Cost to get there – There are many budget airlines operating within the United States offering affordable domestic flights.  From Toronto, return flights start at US$550. From New York City return flights start at US$460.

Safety –

• US Government: no warning.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal security precautions

Interesting and fun – When I think of New Orleans I think of music! From street musicians to formal concerts the city is alive with music. Coffee and Beignets at Cafe du Monde are a must. The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are definitely important.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

I definitely have my sites set on Buenos Aires this year. It’s been too long since I’ve been to South America. It’s time to go again and Argentina is definitely a priority. You can read what Zenaida wrote about this Paris of South America here.

Affordability – There are 16 Argentine pesos to the US dollar. Here’s an example of a hotel in the historic center of Buenos Aires for about US$100. A bed in a hostel dorm starts at US$12.50. According to Expatistan, the city is 30% less expensive than Toronto.

Cost to get there – It’s likely best if you go to Argentina for a couple of weeks or more to make the expense of your flight worthwhile. From Toronto flights start at $US1,180. From New York City round-trip flights start at US$900.

Safety –

• US Government: no warning.
• Canadian Government: Exercise normal security precautions

Interesting and fun – The culture of Argentina, whether it’s in the Tango, art or food is well recognized. Take in the museums, go to the city parks, go on a Gaucho Day Trip, take in a concert and, of course, there’s the night life. Buenos Aires has lots to offer.

And, for the second year in a row, Quebec City makes the list.

Quebec City, Canada

The Canadian dollar is not strong making Canada a good deal for just about any western traveler. But for Canadians and Americans I’d recommend Quebec City in particular. It offers a bit of Europe without traveling across an ocean.

Affordability – The Canadian dollar runs between 70% and 75% of the US dollar making the city quite affordable for Canadians when compared to traveling the US or Europe and just about anyone traveling to Canada. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Quebec for the equivalent of US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for less than US$25 per night. According to Expatistan, Quebec City is generally a little less expensive than my home of Toronto.

Cost to get there – A flight from Toronto to Quebec City return is about US$200. You can also travel there from anywhere in North America by bus and train. Obviously, the cost jumps significantly from outside North America.

Interesting and fun – Old Quebec is a UNESCO-listed site and well worth a wander. The city has great restaurants with excellent food. If you go in the winter, take in their famous Winter Carnival, but go to Quebec City at just about any time of year and you’ll likely be able to take in a festival.

And here is last year’s list.

The Shortlist of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers 2016

Cambodia

Three different readers have recommended Cambodia for solo travelers. You can read their posts here. And here are more reasons Cambodia is on the list.

Affordability – Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Phnom Penh for the equivalent of US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for about US$7 per night. You can get a private room with ensuite for about US$25 per night. According to Expatistan Phnom Penh is about 30% less expensive than Toronto.

Cost to get there – Flights to Phnom Penh return are about $800. Getting to Asia is not cheap.

Interesting and fun – From fascinating markets to adventure travel to UNESCO sites, there’s lots to do. For specifics read the posts about Cambodia already on Solo Traveler.

Georgia

Affordability – $1 buys about 2.40 Georgian Lari. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Tbilisi for the equivalent of US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for less than US$10 per night. According to Expatistan Tbilisi is about half as expensive as Toronto.

Cost to get there – Flights to Tbilisi run at about US$800 return – not cheap but comparable to most European destinations and reasonable given that you will save when you’re there.

Interesting and fun – Mountains for skiing and hiking, beaches for taking it slow,  medieval architecture and old villages. According to CNN, visit between February and November. May 26 is Independence Day.

Estonia

I have an affinity for the north but it’s usually really expensive – even for me to go to the Canadian north. But here’s an option.

Affordability – Estonia uses the Euro so US$1 currently buys €0.92. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Tallinn for the equivalent of US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for less than US$20 per night. According to Expatistan Tallinn is significantly less expensive than Toronto.

Cost to get there – This was a huge surprise. The cost came in under US$500 return. What a deal!

Interesting and fun – In addition to being a northern country, there are events throughout the year, music festivals and Christmas markets – yes, Estonia is on my list.

Quebec City, Canada

For Canadians and Americans, Quebec City is a great destination to give you a taste of Europe within North America.

Affordability – The Canadian dollar is currently quite low (about 70% of the US dollar) making the city quite affordable for Canadians and just about anyone traveling to Canada. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Quebec for the equivalent of US$100. And here’s an example of ahostel you could book for less than US$25 per night. According to Expatistan, Quebec City is generally a little less expensive than my home of Toronto.

Cost to get there – A flight from Toronto to Quebec City return is about US$200. You can also travel there from anywhere in North America by bus and train. Obviously, the cost jumps significantly from outside North America.

Interesting and fun – Old Quebec is a UNESCO-listed site and well worth a wander. The city has great restaurants with excellent food. If you go in the winter, take in their famous Winter Carnival, but go to Quebec City at just about any time of year and you’ll likely be able to take in a festival.

Uruguay

Affordability – 1 US dollar buys about 30 Uruguayan pesos. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Montevideo for just over US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for about US$20 per night. According to Expatistan the cost of living in Mondevideo, the capital, is about 25% less than Toronto

Cost to get there – Flights to Montevideo from Toronto run at about US$800 return.

Interesting and fun – I’ve heard great things about Uruguay from other travel writers. Lonely Planet describes the country as “progressive, stable, safe and culturally sophisticated … [offering visitors] opportunities to experience everyday ‘not-made-for-tourists’ moments”. A side trip to Iguazú Falls in Argentina would be on my list as well.

Colombia

Affordability – The US$ buys about 3,100 Colombian pesos which is significantly more than a few years ago. Here’s an example of a hotel you could book in Bogota for just over US$100. And here’s an example of a hostel you could book for less than US$10 per night. According to Expatistan, the cost of living in Bogota is about half that of Toronto

Cost to get there – Flights to Bogota from Toronto can be as low as US$400 return. Amazing!

Interesting and fun – Cartagena on the coast, Bogota the capitol in the interior and stunning national parks and the Amazon mean that Colombia has a lot to offer. It is on a number of lists of recommended destinations but it’s worth noting that the US government has a travel warning for Colombia. The Canadian government has an advisory that is more geographically specific. A friend who lived there for a number of years and has been back in the US for two years and continues to return to Colombia considers the country safe.

So there you go – my shortlist of destinations for solo travelers on a budget. But, of course, this is personal. You may have your own budget destination list. Please share yours in the comments.