10 Budget-Friendly Solo Getaways Worldwide

Denver, Colorado

Typical expense: $523 for both flight and hotel

With its stunning hiking trails and a vibrant craft beer scene, the Mile High City truly has something enjoyable for everyone. Vazquez points out, “Denver boasts an excellent airport, making it easily reachable from nearly any part of the country.” For solo adventurers, options abound, including hiking and biking. While hiking alone in national parks is usually discouraged, Denver's plethora of amazing trails and its active hiking community ensure you'll have company on your journey (in a positive way). Art lovers should definitely visit Meow Wolf, an interactive art installation that offers “an entirely immersive, mind-bending experience,” according to Vazquez. A smart tip: Maximize your budget by getting the Denver CityPass, which can save you up to 43 percent on entry to popular spots like the Downtown Aquarium and Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Calgary, Canada

Typical expense: $655 for flight and hotel

As the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and offers a diverse range of experiences. Immerse yourself in Calgary’s unique cowboy culture by timing your visit for the Calgary Stampede, a premier rodeo, music festival, and carnival held every summer. That said, the city is just as enjoyable year-round. The lively downtown is packed with dining spots and coffee shops like Monogram Coffee Co. and Rosso Coffee Roasters, along with vibrant arts and entertainment venues such as The Palace Theater for live performances and One Yellow Rabbit for theatrical shows. Don’t miss local gems like the Alberta Boot Company, where you can find handcrafted Western boots. Plus, Calgary features North America’s largest network of urban pathways and bikeways, making it easy to discover its neighborhoods, parks, and public art installations without needing a rental car.

Mexico City, Mexico

Typical expense: $660 for flight and hotel

“One of the delights of exploring Mexico City is wandering through its stunning neighborhoods like Polanco and Roma, soaking in the local architecture and culture,” shares Vazquez. “You can enjoy a leisurely pace and explore at your own leisure.” This vibrant capital is celebrated for its culinary scene, featuring acclaimed restaurants like Contramar and Meroma. Vazquez notes, “If you're dining solo, snagging a seat at the bar is a breeze—you could even plan your own food tour!” She also suggests joining a Context Travel tour to visit the Frida Kahlo house, emphasizing that “their small group tours are budget-friendly and the guides are excellent.” Additionally, there are plenty of free attractions, such as Bosque de Chapultepec and Palacio Nacional, to enjoy.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Typical expense: $678 for flight and hotel

San Juan, Puerto Rico is recognized as one of the most budget-friendly beach destinations, offering economical flight and accommodation choices for every traveler. The best part? No passport is required for entry. Solo adventurers can enjoy beach days or wander through San Juan’s stunning Old Town, where cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars—be sure to check out La Factoria for delicious craft cocktails! Capture moments at the Instagram-famous “Umbrella Street” (officially Calle de la Fortaleza) before visiting the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress, which boasts breathtaking ocean views. While Old San Juan serves as a fantastic base for exploration, the Condado area is another superb choice for beach enthusiasts due to its prime oceanfront setting.

Panama City, Panama

Typical expense: $730 for flight and hotel

“Panama City provides an experience akin to Mexico City, but it’s smaller and feels less daunting for solo travelers,” explains Vazquez. “It’s also relatively inexpensive to reach, and once you arrive, navigating the neighborhoods is a breeze.” She highlights the city’s “incredible” cuisine and rich history, urging all solo travelers to visit the Panama Canal. Mornings are best for sightseeing, with must-see spots like the Biomuseo, the Panama Canal Museum, and the lush Metropolitan Natural Park covering 573 acres. Afternoons and evenings can be spent bar-hopping in Casco Viejo, the city’s oldest district, known for its vibrant nightlife. Lastly, “The city also provides easy access to nature, so consider extending your trip for some exciting outdoor activities.”

Willemstad, Curaçao

Typical expense: $985 for flight and hotel

With its pristine beaches, colorful buildings, rich history, exceptional diving spots, and a lively arts scene, the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao has it all. Willemstad, the capital, showcases stunning architecture in soft pastel shades and serves as the gateway to gorgeous beaches like Blue Bay, a favored diving location. The island is also home to the 1732 Mikvé-Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest continuously used synagogue in the Americas. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided street art tour featuring vibrant murals throughout the city. A visit to Cast Away Beach Bar Restaurant at Playa Kalki for a meal and cocktail is highly recommended. Moreover, Curaçao is known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly vacation spots in the Caribbean.

Nassau, The Bahamas

Typical expense: $998 for flight and hotel

Similar to San Juan, Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, has been recognized as one of the best-value warm-weather vacation spots due to its many affordable flight options. Moreover, it’s only a short one- to three-hour flight from most East Coast cities, making it perfect for a long weekend escape. While nearby Paradise Island features some high-end hotels and attractions, exploring Nassau on a budget is entirely feasible. Travelers can enjoy beautiful (and free!) beaches like the 2.5-mile-long Cable Beach and the mile-long Junkanoo Beach, both within walking distance of the popular Straw Market. During a recent visit, I enjoyed numerous low-cost activities, such as touring the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and visiting John Watling's Distillery. The historic Queen's Staircase is part of the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex from the late 18th century. After climbing the 60-plus steps, make your way to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, which features vibrant local restaurants serving specialties like conch fritters and sky juice cocktails (a mix of coconut water, gin, and condensed milk over ice) at much lower prices than resort options.

Santiago, Chile

Typical expense: $1,049 for flight and hotel

With the current low value of the Chilean peso, now is an ideal time for budget-savvy solo travelers to explore Chile’s capital. “Santiago is stunning and provides access to the incredible natural beauty of Chile, including Patagonia and its renowned wine regions,” shares Vazquez. However, you don’t need to venture far to taste some of the country’s finest wines—just grab a spot at wine bars like Bocanáriz and Barrica 94 while sightseeing. Be sure to visit landmarks such as La Chascona, the former residence of famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre. Vazquez also notes, “One of the great things about traveling in Chile is that most lodges offer group activities and tours, so even solo travelers can connect with others each day.” She particularly recommends Tierra Atacama, which recently completed a $12 million renovation, and the Explora Lodge, known for its commitment to sustainability and its origins with North Face founder Douglas Tompkins.”

Reykjavik, Iceland

Typical expense: $1,053 for flight and hotel

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is celebrated for its safety, characterized by friendly locals and low crime rates, making it an excellent destination for solo adventurers and nature enthusiasts. You can fly into the city with Icelandair or PLAY, both offering budget-friendly flights from various U.S. locations. Once you arrive, dive into exploration: visit The National Gallery of Iceland, the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, or the National Museum of Iceland. After sightseeing, refuel at OTO for Italian-Asian fusion dishes or enjoy coffee at Kaffitar or Reykjavik Röst. Consider renting a car or joining a tour to visit nearby attractions like Mount Esja or the Fagradalsfjall volcano, both within an hour's drive, or venture a bit farther to see Gullfoss Falls, about an hour and 45 minutes away. Additionally, Sky Lagoon, just a 15-minute drive from the city, is a popular spot for wellness enthusiasts seeking geothermal baths.

George Town, Cayman Islands

Average expense: $1,204 for flight and hotel

“Sometimes, a solo beach getaway is all you need, and George Town is the ideal spot,” says Vazquez, referring to the capital of the Cayman Islands. “You can be lounging on the beach with a book just 30 minutes after you land!” Situated on Grand Cayman, famed for its gorgeous beaches and premier diving opportunities, this vibrant port city offers a variety of activities, from distillery tours to pickleball. Sun worshippers can head directly to the breathtaking Seven Mile Beach, while history and art aficionados will appreciate the Cayman Islands National Museum and The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Consider a visit during the summer or early fall, coinciding with the island's off-peak season, which means cheaper flights, reduced accommodation rates, and smaller crowds.