Solo Travel Budget: How to Plan and Save Money

Why solo travel can cost more

Solo travel is not always more expensive, but a few types of cost do not divide when you travel alone. Knowing which ones helps you plan around them.

Costs that are higher for one

Accommodation: a double or twin room often costs almost the same whether one or two people stay in it. This is usually the biggest extra cost.
Private transport: taxis, private transfers and car hire cost the same for one as for a small group.
Private guides and drivers: the full fee falls on you.
Single supplements on package holidays, tours and cruises, where prices are often based on two people sharing a room.

Costs that are the same or lower

Food: you pay for what you eat, and you can choose cheaper options freely.
Public transport, entry tickets and most activities are priced per person.
Flights are per person, and travelling alone can make it easier to grab a good fare because you only need one seat.

Solo travellers also have more flexibility. You can travel on cheaper days, take the last seat on a bus, or change plans to follow a deal. Many people find that, with a bit of planning, the overall cost of a solo trip is close to what they would spend travelling with someone else.

The key is to know in advance which parts of your trip will cost more because you are alone, so they do not come as a surprise. Once you have identified them, you can decide where to accept the extra cost and where to look for a cheaper alternative.

How to build a daily solo travel budget

A daily budget is the simplest way to plan. Work out roughly what you will spend each day on the basics, then add one-off costs such as flights, insurance, visas and tours.

Step by step

Accommodation: check real prices for your dates on booking platforms. This is usually the biggest daily cost.
Food and drink: estimate three meals, snacks and drinks a day. Local cafes, markets and street food are usually much cheaper than tourist restaurants.
Local transport: public transport, taxis or ride-hailing within cities.
Activities: entry fees, tours and experiences you plan to do.
Extras: phone data, laundry, tips, toiletries and small purchases.

Approximate daily ranges

These are rough 2026 examples in EUR for one person, excluding flights. They vary a lot by country, city and season, so check before you go.

Lower-cost destinations (for example parts of South-East Asia, South Asia, North Africa or Central America): often around €30–60 a day on a tight budget, or €70–130 a day for mid-range comfort.
Mid-cost destinations (for example parts of Southern and Eastern Europe or South America): often around €50–90 a day on a budget, or €100–180 for mid-range.
Higher-cost destinations (for example Northern and Western Europe, North America, Australia, Japan): often around €80–130 a day on a budget, or €150–300 for mid-range.

Add a buffer of 10–20% for surprises. It is much easier to come home with money left over than to cut back halfway through a trip.

Single supplements: what they are and how to reduce them

A single supplement is an extra charge for having a room to yourself on a tour, package holiday or cruise. Prices for these trips are often quoted per person based on two people sharing, so a solo traveller who wants their own room pays an extra amount to cover the empty half.

The size of a single supplement varies widely. On some trips it is a modest extra; on others it can come close to doubling the accommodation part of the price. It depends on the operator, the destination, the type of accommodation and the season. Always look at the total price for a solo traveller, not just the headline price per person.

Ways to reduce or avoid it

Room sharing: many group trip operators offer to pair you with another solo traveller of the same gender, so you pay the shared rate. Check what happens if no roommate is found.
Trips with no or reduced supplements: some operators offer a limited number of single rooms without a supplement, or reduce it on certain departures. Read the terms carefully.
Solo-focused trips: some trips are designed for solo travellers and price single rooms differently.
Travel in low season, when operators and hotels may be more flexible.
Book early or ask: single rooms are often limited, and asking directly sometimes reveals options not shown online.

There is a separate guide on this site that explains single supplements and room sharing in more detail.

Saving money on accommodation

Because accommodation is usually the largest daily cost for solo travellers, it is also where you can save the most.

Options to consider

Hostels: dorm beds are often the cheapest option, and many hostels also have private single or double rooms that cost less than a hotel. They are not just for young travellers; many attract a mix of ages.
Guesthouses and small family-run places: often good value, with local advice included.
Single rooms in hotels: some hotels, particularly in Europe, have smaller single rooms that are cheaper than doubles. They can be hard to find online, so it can be worth searching specifically or contacting hotels directly.
Private rooms in shared homes: booking a room rather than a whole apartment is usually much cheaper for one person.
Overnight transport: a night train or bus can save one night's accommodation, though you may be tired the next day.

Booking tips

Compare the location as well as the price. A cheap room far from the centre may cost more in transport and time.
Look for free cancellation where possible, so you can change plans.
Staying longer in one place sometimes brings a lower nightly rate.
Check what is included, such as breakfast or kitchen access, which can lower food costs.

Remember that a slightly higher price for a safe, central location is often worth it when you are travelling alone.

Saving on food, transport and activities

Small daily savings add up over a trip, and many of them also make your travel experience more local and more interesting.

Food

Eat your main meal at lunchtime, when many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices.
Try markets, street food and local cafes away from the main sights.
Use a kitchen in your accommodation for some breakfasts or dinners.
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it where tap water is safe, or use a filter bottle.

Transport

Use public transport, and check for day passes or travel cards in cities.
Book long-distance trains and buses in advance where prices rise closer to the date.
Walk when you can; it is free and the best way to see a place.
Use reputable ride-hailing apps where they work, which often show the price upfront.

Activities

Many cities have free or tip-based walking tours. Tipping the guide at the end is expected.
Look for free entry days at museums and free public spaces such as parks, beaches and viewpoints.
City passes can be good value if you plan to visit many paid sights, but add up the costs first.

Money management

Use a bank card with low or no foreign transaction fees, and always choose to pay in the local currency. Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce cash machine fees, as long as you can keep the cash safe.

Are group trips good value for solo travellers?

Group trips can be good value for solo travellers, but it depends on what you would otherwise spend and what you value. Because transport, guides and sometimes meals are shared across the group, the cost per person for these items is lower than if you paid for them alone.

Where group trips can save money

Shared transport to places that are hard or expensive to reach alone, such as remote parks, deserts or mountain areas.
Guides and drivers shared among the group instead of hired privately.
Room sharing with another solo traveller, avoiding a single supplement.
Fewer hidden costs, as much is included in the price.

Where they can cost more

You pay for included services you might not have chosen.
A single supplement can add significantly to the price if you want your own room.
Extra costs such as optional activities, tips and some meals may not be included.

To compare fairly, add up what the same route would cost you independently, including transport, accommodation, guides and entry fees, then compare it with the total group trip price for a solo traveller. Include the value of time saved and the company of the group, which matters more to some travellers than others.

Read what is and is not included carefully, and ask about the single supplement and deposit before you book.

Questions people ask

Is solo travel more expensive?

It can be, mainly because accommodation and private transport cost the same for one person as for two. Food, public transport and activities are usually priced per person. With careful choices, many solo trips cost close to what you would spend travelling with someone else.

How much should I budget per day for solo travel?

It depends on the destination. As a rough 2026 guide, lower-cost countries can work on around €30–60 a day on a tight budget, while expensive countries may need around €80–130 a day or more. Always check current prices and add a buffer.

What is a single supplement?

It is an extra charge for having a room to yourself on a tour, package holiday or cruise priced for two people sharing. The amount varies widely between operators and trips, so always check the total price for one person.

How can I avoid paying a single supplement?

Choose trips that offer room sharing with another solo traveller of the same gender, look for departures with no or reduced supplements, or travel in low season. Always read the terms, including what happens if no roommate is found.

What is the cheapest accommodation for solo travellers?

Hostel dorm beds are usually the cheapest, followed by private rooms in hostels, guesthouses and shared homes. Some hotels also offer smaller single rooms at lower prices.

Are group tours worth it for solo travellers on a budget?

They can be, especially for places that are hard or expensive to reach alone, because transport and guides are shared. Compare the total price for one person, including any single supplement and extras, with what the same route would cost independently.

How much does solo travel cost per day?

As a rough 2026 guide in EUR, excluding flights, lower-cost destinations often work on around €30–60 a day on a tight budget, mid-cost destinations around €50–90, and higher-cost destinations around €80–130. Mid-range comfort costs roughly double that. These are approximate figures, so check current prices and add a 10–20% buffer.

Why do solo travellers pay more for hotels?

A double or twin room often costs almost the same whether one or two people stay in it, so the full price falls on one person. Accommodation is usually the biggest extra cost of travelling alone. Hostel private rooms, guesthouses and hotel single rooms can reduce it.

Are solo group tours worth the money?

They can be, especially for places that are expensive or hard to reach alone, because transport, guides and sometimes meals are shared. They cost more if you pay for included services you would not have chosen or a large single supplement. Compare the total price for one person with what the same route would cost independently.

How can a woman travel solo on a budget safely?

Save on food, transport and activities rather than on location – a slightly more expensive room in a central, well-lit area is often worth it when you travel alone. Female-only hostel dorms or floors, guesthouses and booking well-reviewed places with free cancellation are good options. Use reputable ride-hailing apps that show prices upfront.

What are the cheapest ways to travel solo?

Stay in hostels or guesthouses, eat your main meal at lunchtime or at markets, use public transport and day passes, and join free or tip-based walking tours. Travelling in low season and choosing lower-cost destinations makes the biggest difference. A card with low foreign fees saves money on every payment.

How do I make a travel budget for a solo trip?

Estimate a daily figure for accommodation, food, local transport, activities and extras such as data and laundry. Then add one-off costs like flights, insurance, visas and tours. Check real prices for your dates and add a buffer of 10–20% for surprises.

Is it cheaper to travel alone or with a tour group?

Independent travel is often cheaper if you are happy to plan and use budget options. A tour group can work out better value for remote or complex routes where shared transport and guides cut costs. The single supplement often decides it, so check room-sharing options.

How much spending money do I need on a group tour?

It depends on what the trip includes. Budget for meals not included, drinks, optional activities, tips for guides and drivers, and small costs such as laundry and snacks. Many operators can suggest a rough spending figure if you ask.

Do hotels have single rooms for solo travellers?

Some do, particularly in Europe, where smaller single rooms can cost less than a double. They can be hard to find on booking platforms, so search specifically for single rooms or contact hotels directly. Hostels and guesthouses also often have private single rooms.

How do I avoid bank fees when travelling solo?

Use a card with low or no foreign transaction fees and always choose to pay in the local currency. Withdrawing larger amounts less often reduces cash machine fees, as long as you can keep the cash safe. Carry two cards from different providers in case one stops working.

Which destinations are cheapest for solo travellers?

Parts of South-East Asia, South Asia, North Africa and Central America are often among the lower-cost options, with budget days of roughly €30–60. Northern and Western Europe, North America, Australia and Japan usually cost much more. Prices vary by city and season, so check current costs.

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Solo travel budget – how to plan costs and save money travelling alone