Thailand is a popular budget-friendly destination, especially for solo travelers. You can easily get by on $30-50 a day, depending on your travel style. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are two of the most popular cities, offering beautiful temples, delicious street food, and opportunities to get outdoors. Head north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle to go hiking and see the borderlands of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Or make your way south to one of the idyllic islands like Koh Samui or Koh Chang to relax on the beach. With friendly locals, low costs of living and vibrant culture, Thailand is a perfect solo escape.
Vietnam is another wallet-friendly option in Southeast Asia. You can spend weeks exploring the scenic countryside, historic cities and pristine coastline. Head to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to experience the hustle and bustle of city life, then escape to the countryside. Sapa offers picturesque rice terraces and hiking, while Halong Bay provides a peaceful bay setting with limestone cliffs and caves. Hoi An is a favorite for its lantern-lit streets, beaches and tailor shops. The Vietnamese are incredibly hospitable, the cuisine is world-class, and the natural scenery will leave you in awe.
Costa Rica has become a top eco-destination in Central America, offering opportunities for solo travelers to connect with nature. You can go zip-lining through the cloud forest, hike around an active volcano or spot wildlife in a rainforest. The public bus system makes it easy to navigate between destinations, with budget-friendly lodging along the way. Head to La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano, to explore the hot springs. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park to spot exotic birds, sloths and monkeys. Finish your trip relaxing on the beaches of Samara or Tamarindo. The “pura vida” lifestyle and stunning natural scenery provide an ideal solo escape.
Peru is an adventurous destination where your budget will go far. Begin in Lima, enjoying the food scene and culture. Head to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. You can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or take a scenic train ride. Explore the Sacred Valley, with Inca ruins and colorful textile markets. Circle back to Lima, or continue to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Spot flamingos and other wildlife on a boat tour. Outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and sandboarding abound for solo thrill-seekers. The historic and cultural attractions will captivate you, all at a lower cost than you may expect.