15 Best Cheap Vacations for Solo Female Travelers

Solo female travel is on the rise—and for good reason. Traveling alone can be empowering, liberating, and a great way to build confidence.

However, for solo female travelers, safety and budget are often the two biggest challenges. Luckily, many budget-friendly destinations are also safe, culturally rich, and filled with adventure.

Whether it’s your first solo trip or your fifth, this guide outlines 15 cheap vacations perfect for solo female travellers who want to explore the world with confidence.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

A hub for solo travelers, Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s safest cities. This small city, surrounded by mountains and ancient temples, makes it an ideal destination for budget travel.

Affordable hotels, vibrant local markets, and a strong digital nomad community make it a good place for first-time solo female travellers. Street food here is legendary, and the city center is easy to navigate with minimal language barriers. Chiang Mai is a perfect place to start your solo adventures in Asia.

Highlights: Local culture, budget tours, friendly locals, and excellent public transportation options.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the best destinations in Europe for solo female travelers. It’s a beautiful, safe place with a rich history, warm weather, and scenic views.

The Portuguese capital is known for its affordable price tags, welcoming atmosphere, and low crime rates. It’s also a great city for street photography, local markets, and day trips to surrounding towns. Lisbon is a good idea for anyone seeking a European destination without breaking the bank.

Highlights: Historic buildings, cheap destinations in Europe, and great solo tours.

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America and is becoming a popular destination for solo female travellers. With beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and adventure sports, it’s a great destination for nature lovers. There’s a little bit of everything here—from small towns to surf spots to national parks. Solo travelers can enjoy budget travel experiences, including group activities and guided tours.

Highlights: Great way to explore nature, affordable hotels, and welcoming locals.

4. New Zealand

Regularly ranked on the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is among the safest destinations worldwide. Whether you’re exploring the North or South Island, you’ll find friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and great options for road trips. Although not the cheapest destination on this list, traveling off-peak or using hostels can help lower costs. It’s also a good place for those wanting to push their comfort zone in a controlled, safe environment.

Highlights: Gender equality, northern lights (in winter), and epic scenery.

5. South Korea

South Korea is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers who love modern cities mixed with traditional culture. Seoul, its largest city, is vibrant, tech-savvy, and safe. While it’s a large city, solo travellers will find it easy to get around thanks to excellent public transportation options. South Korea has a low crime rate and is filled with friendly locals and good food.

Highlights: Great time for street food lovers, a safe place, and easy travel for solo female travelers.

6. Slovenia

Slovenia is a small country in Europe with charming towns and breathtaking natural beauty. Its capital, Ljubljana, is one of the safest cities in Europe and perfect for first-time solo travelers. Despite its beauty, Slovenia remains under the radar compared to other European cities, making it a budget-friendly destination. The best part? Many of its best things to do—like hiking in the Julian Alps—are free.

Highlights: Small city charm, affordable price, and friendly atmosphere.

7. South Africa

While parts of South Africa have safety concerns, areas like Cape Town offer a unique blend of city life and nature. It’s a great place for those who want adventure with a side of affordability. Tour prices are lower than in many Western countries, and the local culture is rich and diverse. Just use common sense, stay in tourist areas, and consider a guided tour for certain excursions.

Highlights: Beautiful beaches, rich history, and great destinations for day trips.

8. Montreal, Canada

Montreal, in the United States’ northern neighbor, Canada, is a bilingual city with a European feel. It’s a safe place with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of budget travel opportunities. Whether you enjoy museums, festivals, or food markets, you’ll find great things to do here. Solo female travelers will appreciate the walkable city center and abundance of public transportation.

Highlights: Good idea for a first solo adventure, North America charm, and budget-friendly fun.

9. Medellín, Colombia

In recent years, Medellín has transformed from a city with a troubled past to one of South America’s best cities for solo female travelers. It’s a great place with a thriving digital nomad scene, affordable hotels, and a mild climate. Although it’s a large city, Medellín’s public transportation is excellent, and neighborhoods like El Poblado are known for being safe.

Highlights: South America’s hidden gem, guided tour options, and friendly locals.

10. Reykjavík, Iceland

Consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, Iceland is a top choice for female travel destinations. Reykjavík, its capital, is small, clean, and easy to navigate. Though Iceland can be pricey, traveling during the shoulder seasons (before or after peak season) can make it more affordable. You’ll enjoy natural wonders, like waterfalls and the northern lights, and you might even meet new friends on solo tours.

Highlights: Safest country, great destination for nature, and friendly atmosphere.

11. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a chaotic yet charming city that’s ideal for budget travel. With affordable hotels, cheap street food, and a fascinating local culture, it’s one of Southeast Asia’s best cheap places for solo travelers. While language barriers exist, locals are generally helpful, and you’ll often find other travelers exploring the same routes.

Highlights: Local culture, affordable prices, and a good place for street food lovers.

12. Budapest, Hungary

A favorite among solo female travelers, Budapest combines affordability with a rich history and thermal spas. The city center is safe and walkable, and you’ll find plenty of affordable hotels. The best time to visit is spring or fall when the crowds are fewer and prices drop. It’s also a great place to meet other travelers in hostels or on group activities.

Highlights: European destinations on a budget, historic buildings, and solo tours.

13. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum offers a mix of beach vibes, Mayan ruins, and budget-friendly accommodation. It’s one of Latin America’s most popular tourist destinations, especially for those seeking a relaxing vacation. While parts of Mexico face safety issues, Tulum’s tourist areas are generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Always use common sense and stay in well-reviewed places.

Highlights: Great options for beach lovers, affordable hotels, and cultural experiences.

14. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is among the best solo travel destinations in Europe for female travelers. It’s a safe, historic city with an impressive mix of old and new. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat offer hours of free or low-cost entertainment. Stay near the city center for easy access to attractions, and don’t miss the local food scene.

Highlights: Best things for solo travelers, rich history, and a great place for culture.

15. New York City, USA

Despite being a large city, New York is one of the safest cities in the United States for solo female travelers. With endless things to see and do—from museums to street performances—it’s an excellent spot for first-time solo travel. Stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn near the city center, and you’ll have access to fantastic public transportation. NYC is also a great way to ease into solo travel while still being close to familiar comforts.

Highlights: Great time in a major city, new friends, and unforgettable adventures.

Final Thoughts

Solo female travel doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. With the right destination, you can experience the world safely and affordably. Whether you’re looking for historic buildings in Europe, beautiful beaches in Central America, or rich culture in Southeast Asia, these 15 cheap vacations offer something for every solo traveler. Just pack your bags, trust your instincts, and get ready for your first solo adventure—or your next one!

Remember: Common sense goes a long way, and the best part of traveling solo is discovering how strong, capable, and adventurous you are.